Business

Belgian firm Sparkx is set to launch Europe’s largest indoor sports amusement park in Nieuwegein next autumn. Covering over 7,500 square metres at De Beursfabriek, the site will offer visitors the chance to try fifty different sports, from basketball to wingsuit simulators. This expansion into the Dutch market follows Sparkx’s rapid success in Belgium and is expected to create 125 new jobs.

European markets rallied on Wednesday as UK inflation hit a near one-year low, boosting hopes for future interest rate cuts. While tech and steel stocks drove gains in Amsterdam, chemical and retail sectors faced pressure from geopolitical uncertainty and disappointing earnings reports. ——————————

Europe is relying more on domestic demand as global trade conditions become less certain, according to KPMG. The firm warns of slower growth in the eurozone this year but sees signs of improvement ahead. Falling inflation and the rise of artificial intelligence may help support the outlook.

The Dutch credit bureau BKR reports a 30 per cent increase in record checks following a massive data breach at telecom provider Odido. Concerned customers are currently monitoring their files to prevent identity fraudsters from taking out loans in their names.

The European Commission is investigating Shein over allegations of selling illegal goods and using addictive web design. Officials are also scrutinising the platform's recommendation algorithms to ensure they comply with regional transparency laws.

The outgoing head of the Netherlands' largest employers' organisation warns that artificial intelligence will trigger a structural wave of layoffs. While some sectors face staff shortages, experts argue that the country must improve its retraining programmes to help workers adapt to an AI-driven economy.

Plans for a 300-home development in Best have met with strong opposition from local residents. Neighbours fear the loss of green space and increased traffic will harm the area's village-like atmosphere and safety.

Extensive engineering works starting this weekend are set to cause delays and cancellations across the Dutch rail network. Passengers travelling through Utrecht or North Holland should check for replacement bus services and revised timetables before starting their journeys.