Near on 50,000 new businesses in Belgium in first quarter

In the first quarter of 2016, 48,863 new businesses were created in Belgium, which amounts to an increase of 4.5% compared to the same period last year. This emerges today (Friday) from a study by the Syndicat Neutre pour Indépendants (SNI – which represents the self-employed). It is based upon figures from the business information provider Roularta Business Information. The number of business creations increased in every region but most particularly in Flanders.

This year, 2016, is on the right road to beat the record instituted in 2015 as regards new businesses, the SNI notes. Roularta Business Information is expecting an additional increase of 1,000 businesses for the first half of the year, given that all of the information has not yet been interpreted. The actual percentage increase may amount to 6.7%.

The highest increase was achieved in Flanders (of +5%), but increases were also seen in Wallonia (of +2%) and Brussels (of +1,4%). The highest represented sectors were the construction industry (7.7% of start-ups), the retail trade (7.4%), management consultancy services (5.2%), the hotel and catering trade (5.1%) and the wholesale sector (4.3%). “Unfortunately, we are forced to note that 30% of start-up businesses close down in their first five years,” stresses the SNI.


The Brussels Times


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