Part of Svalner Atlas Group
Joël a year later
Joël, you’ve been working now for Atlas for about one year. What do you think so far?
It is going really well. I started at the beginning of 2016 and my first year exceeded my expectations. Time flew by. I expected to need some time to get used to the new environment, but it went really well. Altas is a young and dynamic company that hires new team members regularly. It allows you to hit the ground running. The fact that Atlas already had a solid VAT practice helped of course, and allowed me to start working on the first day.
What do you like and dislike?
Let me emphasize that there is nothing I dislike. I did have to get used to Atlas being a smaller organisation than my previous employer (Loyens & Loeff). In the past all I had to do was call the help desk if I had computer problems. With Atlas you first have look for a solution yourself. It is a huge advantage at the same time. They expect more initiative of the team, which is actively stimulated. I definitely see this as Atlas’ charm.
What are the biggest differences when compared to working in a large office?
I don’t see too many differences when it comes to the content of work. As is the case with Loyens & Loeff, specialists with various specialities work for Atlas. As a VAT specialist I value working with colleagues of different teams. We do not have our own corporate lawyers at Atlas, which we did at my previous firm. Fortunately we have good relationships with various law firms, and we work with them a lot. I run into former colleagues in all those firms with whom I worked in the past with Loyens & Loeff. I love reviving those relationships.
Do you expect any exciting things for VAT in 2017?
I do not expect any fundamental law changes in 2017 for VAT. At the end of 2016 the Supreme Court ruled on the VAT exemption for the management of pension funds and other investment funds. I expect we will be busy with the consequences of those rulings in 2017. Our VAT team experienced strong growth in 2016. In 2017, we trust that clients will value our continued focus on real estate, international transactions, M&A, investment funds, and national companies. We hope 2017 will be as successful as 2016!
