Whereas the need for emergency aid created by the coronavirus pandemic was highlighted in the statistics of Keski-Uudenmaan Kehittämiskeskus Oy (Keuke) the year before, in 2021 businesses seem to have become widely enthusiastic about developing their activities further. Coronavirus-related restrictions continued to hamper the activities of many businesses last year, but the situation can no longer described as an actual crisis.

– The enthusiasm toward development in the business sector has been striking. A large number of businesses have realized that further development is needed for growth, along with the development of new products, services, and approaches, says Keuke CEO Elina Pekkarinen. 

Development enthusiasm can be seen in Keuke's 2021 consultation service statistics as business assessments and strategy sparring. These were sought out by a third of Keuke's customers. The number of various development reports was also doubled from the previous year to reach more than 2,500. 

– These figures show that businesses have felt a real need to review their activities as a whole and possibly change directions. However, funding needs have not reached as high as the previous year, when coronavirus assistance was in high demand, Pekkarinen says.
 
 In 2021, Keuke provided services to a total of 2,252 customers. Customer numbers returned to the normal level from the pandemic-related figures from 2020. The number of new customers was 957, and the number of return customers was 1,295. Most new customers had established a new business. 

In fact, the number of new businesses established in Keuke's operating area reached a record-high of 1,442. The business boom was also seen as brisk demand for Keuke's new business consultation services.

Marketing and services moving increasingly to digital platforms

The need of businesses to have a presence and the ability to offer their services in digital channels is increasingly emerging in Keuke's consultation. The time of the coronavirus has accelerated the changed and transformed the behavior of many customers.

– Digitalization challenges small and medium-sized enterprises to develop themselves, while also offering amazing opportunities to grow your customer base and market reach. With our customers, we have discussed digital processes, distribution channels, and e-commerce solutions. Businesses are also increasingly interested in digital marketing, Elina Pekkarinen sums up. 

Keuke offers a sparring service for growth-oriented businesses, which is intended to boost innovation. The service has been a success, and it has been used to produce entirely new product families and launches in new markets. 

– We are delighted to see that the number of internationalization projects is also on the rise after a quieter period. These projects mainly relate to product and service exports, as well as new digital solutions with clear international potential.

The development and growth enthusiasm of businesses is discouraged by the lack of skilled employees. Elina Pekkarinen believes that success in recruitment has a significant impact on growth in the future.

Keuke's business development statistics for 2021 have been published. You can find them here.

Keuke is a local development company that supports the founding, development and growth of companies in Central Uusimaa, in the areas of Järvenpää, Karkkila, Kerava, Nurmijärvi, Pornainen, Sipoo and Tuusula. We can advise you on all aspects of business-related matters, such as activating your company’s sales and marketing, solving financial and funding issues, planning investments, finding partners, internationalization and ownership changes.

More information: Keuke’s CEO Elina Pekkarinen, telephone +358 50 549 2213. www.keuke.fi. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.