The number of new enterprises grew by 18% in the last quarter of 2018

The number of enterprise openings increased by 18 per cent in the last quarter of 2018 from the respective period of the year before, according to the latest figures published by Statistics Finland.

In total, the Finnish Tax Administration registered 7,745 enterprise openings in October to December, this is 1,776 openings more than in the corresponding period of 2017.

Examined by industry, the number of enterprise openings was highest in professional, scientific and technical activities, 1,235 enterprises. This is 16 per cent of all enterprise openings in the fourth quarter. The corresponding percentage in the industry of trade was 12 per cent, as in construction.

By region, most enterprise openings were recorded in the capital area (Uusimaa), 3,132 enterprises. The number of enterprise openings was next highest in Southwest Finland, 688 enterprises, and Pirkanmaa, 682 enterprises. In relative terms, the number of enterprise openings increased most in Kainuu, North Karelia, South Savo and Kymenlaakso compared to the previous year.

Source: Statistics Finland

Examined by sub-regional unit, the number of enterprise openings was highest in the sub-regional unit of Helsinki, 2,972 enterprises, the sub-regional unit of Tampere, 548 enterprises, and the sub-regional unit of Turku, 505 enterprises. Relative to the enterprise stock of the sub-regional unit, most enterprise openings were recorded in the sub-regional units of Rovaniemi, Helsinki and Oulu, around 2.5 per cent in each.

Examined by municipality, the number of enterprise openings was highest in Helsinki (1,573 enterprise openings), followed by Espoo (469), Vantaa (377), Tampere (339) and Turku (331).

Examined by legal form, in the last quarter of 2018, enterprise openings of the form of natural person numbered 4,265 and those of the form of limited company 3,001. Enterprise openings of the form of natural person accounted for 55 per cent and those of the form of limited company for 39 per cent of all enterprise openings, says Statistics Finland.

Enterprise closures, 3rd quarter of 2018

According to Statistics Finland, there were 3,956 enterprise closures in July to September 2018. Enterprise closures accounted for good one per cent of the total stock of enterprises in the third quarter of 2018.

Examined by industry, most enterprise closures were recorded in trade, 713 enterprises. This is 18 per cent of all enterprise closures in the third quarter. Enterprise closures in professional, scientific and technical activities accounted for 14 per cent of all enterprise closures and in construction for 12 per cent.

Examined by region, most enterprise closures were recorded in Uusimaa, 1,428 enterprises. The number of enterprise closures was next highest in Southwest Finland, 339 enterprises and Pirkanmaa, 336 enterprises. Relative to the enterprise stock of the region, Kymenlaakso, Central Finland and Kanta-Häme had the highest share of enterprise closures, 1.2 per cent in each.

Examined by sub-regional unit, the number of enterprise closures was highest in the sub-regional unit of Helsinki, 1,352 enterprises, the sub-regional unit of Tampere, 274 enterprises, and the sub-regional unit of Turku, 246 enterprises. Relative to the enterprise stock of the sub-regional unit, the share of enterprise closures was highest in the sub-regional unit of Kehys-Kainuu, 1.5 per cent.

Examined by municipality, the highest numbers of enterprise closures were recorded in Helsinki (736 enterprise closures), followed by Espoo (194), Tampere (163), Turku (150) and Vantaa (150).

Examined by legal form, in the third quarter of 2018, enterprise closures of the form of natural person numbered 1,851 and those of the form of limited company 1,616. Enterprise closures of the form of natural person accounted for 47 per cent and those of the form of limited company for 41 per cent of all enterprise closures.