Last year, 1,345 new companies were established in the operating area of Keski-Uudenmaan Kehittämiskeskus (Keuke). Increase in entrepreneurship has been a long-term trend in Keuke’s operating area.

– Attitudes toward entrepreneurship are becoming increasingly positive. Entrepreneurship is seen as a good opportunity to utilize personal skills, says Elina Pekkarinen, the CEO of Keuke.

According to her, the service industry has the highest number of companies, with health and welfare taking the lead. Various manual skills are also highlighted among the established companies.

– I do not consider the change to be merely structural or related to the manner in which work is carried out, but also a question of climate. A climate that encourages entrepreneurship, positive approach to entrepreneurs by the municipalities, and versatile business services provide a solid platform for growth to new, relocating, and growing companies, Pekkarinen continues.

More processing than the average

The distribution of primary production, processing, and services in Keuke's operating area largely corresponds to the national average. However, the share of processing in the operating area of Keuke is significantly higher than in the rest of the country. Whereas the share of processing of all companies in the whole country is 21.5 percent, the corresponding figure in Keuke’s operating area is 27 percent.

– This means that the number of industrial and construction enterprises is relatively high here. According to the statistics, there are 841 industrial plant and 2,579 places of business in the construction industry, says Elina Pekkarinen.

Of the approximately 13.500 companies in the operating area of Keuke, a significant majority of 11,150 are small companies that employ less than five people. The number of companies in the next category, which is companies that employ 5–9 people is 840. 

– There are 91 large companies that employ 49–250 people and 9 companies with more than 250 employees. These numbers show that the region's vitality does not rely solely on large employers. The future often lies with small service industry companies and groups of such companies.

The vitality indicators for Keuke’s operating area can be easily accessed on the Keuke website. The regularly updated statistics can be found at keuke.fi/elinvoimatilastot.

Follow in the footsteps of Altia, Valmet, and Teknos

The municipalities in the Central Uusimaa region offer variously sized plots for businesses in a number of enterprise areas. New sites offer businesses competitive locations along solid connections in all the municipalities in the region.

 – We can reach the world and the world can reach us: Some of the largest logistics operators in Finland, such as DB Schenker, Lidl Finland, Stockmann, and S-Group, have located their operations within our region, says Pekkarinen.

 Differently sized enterprise areas provide opportunities for versatile activities. The logistics enterprise areas offer plenty of space for warehousing.

 – We also have a long industrial tradition. Many industrial enterprises, such as Altia, Valmet, Rocla, and Teknos, have been able to revamp their operations in Central Uusimaa. This group offers plenty of opportunities for networking partners or subcontractors, for example.

 – Suitable plots and premises can be found on the websites of each municipality and you can also contact the relevant municipal personnel directly. Links to all these sites can be found on the Keuke website. Link to the website is included at the end of this article.

Vital Central Uusimaa

The operating area of Keuke comprises the seven municipalities around the metropolitan area. Järvenpää, Karkkila, Kerava, Nurmijärvi, Pornainen, Sipoo, and Tuusula.

 The area is part of Greater Helsinki and it is excellently located in terms of logistics. Operation around the region is easy. The national roads from Helsinki to Pori, Tampere, Tuusula, Lahti, and Porvoo, as well as the ring road from Hanko to Porvoo comprise the trunk routes for road transport.

 The main railway line is used by thousands of passengers each day for commuting and other errands. The Helsinki Airport is just 20–30 minutes away and the ports of Helsinki can be reached in 30–40 minutes.

 – Our region is an area of significant net migration and growth: nearly 200,000 residents have found their growth opportunity in the region. The growing population increases purchasing power and offers new business opportunities, Elina Pekkarinen says.

 Central Uusimaa is part of the Greater Helsinki employment area. Approximately two thirds of the places of work in the region are part of the service industry. Strong sectors include the metalworking and food sectors, construction, logistics, and transport.

We can advise you with relocation and offer a versatile sparring service to businesses in our area for growth and development. Do not hesitate to contact us: keuke(@)keuke.fi / tel. 050 341 3210

Link to the plots offered by the municipalities to companies