Fewer enterprises open, more enterprises close

The number of enterprise openings fell by seven per cent in July to September 2020 compared with the respective quarter in 2019, according to Statistics Finland.

In April to June 2020, the number of enterprise closures was 13 per cent higher than twelve months earlier.

There were 9,320 enterprise openings in July to September 2020. In numbers, enterprise openings decreased by around 700.

Examined by main industry, the number of enterprise openings was highest in professional, scientific and technical activities. In that industry, the number of enterprise openings was 1,576. The number of enterprise openings was next highest in trade (1,133) and construction (1,129).

Compared to the third quarter of 2019, enterprise openings decreased by 25 per cent in transportation and storage.

There were 5,531 enterprise closures in April to June 2020. The number is about 630 more closures in absolute numbers.

Examined by main industry, the number of enterprise closures was highest in numbers in professional, scientific and technical activities (895) and trade (894). The number of enterprise closures was next highest in construction (658).

The change in the number of enterprise closures was clearly biggest in other service activities. In this industry, enterprise closures numbered 481, which was up by 143 from twelve months back.