According to Statistics Finland, the number of enterprise openings decreased by 3% in the first quarter of 2019 from the respective quarter of the year before. The number of enterprise openings decreased most in the industry of trade and increased most in the industry of transport and storage from one year ago.
The figures published by the Finnish statistical office show that there were 10,363 enterprise openings in January to March 2019. This amount was 323 fewer enterprises openings than in the corresponding period in 2018.
Examined by industry, the number of enterprise openings was highest in professional, scientific and technical activities. Altogether 1,833 enterprises were opened in this industry, which was 18% of all enterprise openings in the first quarter.
There was second most enterprise openings in the industry of trade, 1,218 enterprises and third most in the construction industry, 1,129 enterprises.
Compared with the first quarter in 2018 the highest drop in enterprise openings was recorded in the industry of trade and the highest increase in the industry of transport and storage.
Image source: Statistics Finland.
The openings, by region
Examined by region, most enterprise openings were recorded in Uusimaa, 3,988 enterprises. The number of enterprise openings was next highest in Southwest Finland, 945 enterprises and in Pirkanmaa, 927 enterprises.
Compared with the first quarter in 2018, the number of enterprise openings increased most in relative terms in Åland (41%) and in Kainuu (21%). The number of enterprise openings decreased most in relative terms in South Karelia (-25%).
Among municipalities, most enterprise openings were recorded in Helsinki (1,980). The number of enterprise openings was second highest in Espoo (620), Tampere (498), Vantaa (446) and Turku (406). Compared with the first quarter of 2018, the number of enterprise openings increased most in Vantaa (+60).
Examined by legal form, in the first quarter of 2019, enterprise openings of the form of natural person numbered 6,205 and those of the form of limited company 3,708. Enterprise openings of the form of natural person accounted for 60% and those of the form of limited company for 36% of all enterprise openings.
Enterprise closures, 4th quarter 2018
According to Statistics Finland, there were 6,171 enterprise closures in October to December 2018.
Examined by industry, most enterprise closures were recorded in the industry of trade, 1,071 enterprises. This was 17% of all enterprise closures in the first quarter. The enterprise closures in professional, scientific and technological activities represented 15% of all closures and 13% in the construction industry.
Image source: Statistics Finland.
Among regions, most enterprise closures occurred in Uusimaa, 2,251. The numbers of enterprise closures were next highest in Pirkanmaa, 599 and in Southwest Finland, 566. The number of enterprise closures exceeded that of enterprise openings in Satakunta and South Savo in the last quarter of 2018.
Among municipalities, most enterprises closed in Helsinki, where the number of enterprise closures was 1,113. There were 359 enterprise closures in Espoo, 278 in Tampere, 231 in Vantaa and 212 in Turku.
Examined by legal form, in the fourth quarter of 2018, enterprise closures of the form of natural person numbered 3,298 and those of the form of limited company 2,198. Enterprise closures of the form of natural person accounted for 53 per cent and those of the form of limited company for 36 per cent of all enterprise closures.
