The Netherlands has made itself more attractive as a location for foreign companies, according to a new report by accountancy group KPMG.

The report, produced every two years, looks at the cost of running a business in the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Britain, France, Italy, Germany and Mexico as well as the Netherlands. In total, 27 costs, ranging from wage costs to power and telecommunications are analysed.
The report concludes the Netherlands is the cheapest of the five European countries, despite having among the highest wage costs. Japan and Germany are the most expensive places to do business, the report shows.
The Netherlands is particularly attractive to firms involved in research and development because of the generous tax breaks and other subsidies.
‘Compared with two years ago, the Dutch position within Europe has improved considerably,’ said KPMG’s Elbert Waller. ‘Two years ago France and Britain had a cost advantage on the Netherlands. This year we beat them all.’