Dutch more and  more enterprising

In the Netherlands, enterprises setting up business outnumber those that are closing down. In 2011 the number of enterprises grew by nearly 7 percent. The number of consultancies, in particular, rose last year. Construction is the most dynamic sector.

More companies

The 7 percent net increase in the number of companies in 2011 was comparable with that in 2007. In 2010 the number rose by 3.5 percent.

Net growth in enterprises, 2007-2011

Construction most dynamic

The construction industry has been the most dynamic sector since 2007. In 2007 and 2008 the number of companies in this sector grew by around 12 percent, while two years later growth had almost come to a standstill. Last year, the number of businesses in construction activities rose by 5 percent. The increase in the number of companies is above average in business services, and information and communication. In manufacturing and trade, transport, and the hotel and restaurant sector the number grew by less than average.

Most new companies in consultancy sector

The sector with the largest number of new businesses was consultancy: 14 thousand. These new companies account for 20 percent of the total number of companies in this sector. For most sectors in the top 10, the low starting up costs are an advantage for new businesses.

Top 10 sectors with new companies, 2011

Webshops on the rise

Six thousand new companies in 2011 were online retail outlets, over 35 percent of the number of companies in this sector. In 2007 this was still 22 percent. More and more businesses starting out in retail are opting to sell their products via the internet.

More one-man businesses

Over two-thirds of new companies in 2011 were one-man  enterprises. Five years ago this share was still only 55 percent. In business services, and information and communication in particular the percentage of one-man businesses has increased. 

Difficult starting years

Nearly 20 percent of all the companies that started business in 2007 closed down within one year; 55 percent are still in business today. Companies active in construction or manufacturing have the greatest chance of surviving. Those in the trade and the hotel and restaurant sectors have the smallest chance of staying in business.

Survival rate of companies starting business in 2007

Ralph Wijnen en Noortje Pouwels-Urlings