Malmö, Sweden – The annual ranking by Svenskt Näringsliv just drop some bombshell as our beloved Malmö land on 193rd place, that’s 18 places down from last year (no be small wah!). Last year’s sweet spot was 175, but apparently, the vibes no dey too correct this time.
The overall rating fell from 3.2 to 3.1, which na jive below the Skåne and Sweden averages that both sit pretty at 3.5. So, where does that put Malmö? Right in the middle of the 25 biggest municipalities, under Stockholm and just above Göteborg. (Talk about a tight squeeze, na real market for space be dis!)
Now, the survey highlighted some areas where Malmö still dey jam small. For example, competition from local government businesses got a -0.1, and crime/unsafety issues also took a -0.1 hit (like seriously, who go want take that kind negativity?). Politician attitude took a -0.2, plus procurement also went down -0.2. E be like say dem no dey feel am for grassroots level, abi?
On the flip side, some areas dey shine bright like diamond! The dialogue with the municipality in crucial matters for businesses, local schools’ collaboration with local firms, and guidance on permits and inspections all got a little shine (+0.1 for all of dem). Plus, processing times are getting better and hit the highest rating in six years (small miracle!).
About 61% of respondents had contact with Malmö City in the past year. Their customer service rating rose steadily over the years, now hitting a respectable 3.04, which is still short of the national average at 3.3. (How e go be if we get that 3.5? Na gold star territory we dey talk about!).
Sveriges kommuner och regioner (SKR) also dey do their own hustle to check on municipalities’ services to businesses. According to them, things dey move, even if small. Sebastian Drott, our business development guru, say dem don work together with other municipalities in MalmöLundregionen (MLR) on a digital training package to better the relationship between the city and businesses.
When it come to needed improvements, businesses dey cry for the same things: reduced crime, better understanding of entrepreneurship among decision-makers, stable electricity supply, improved dialogue, and shorter processing times. Like na wah o, make dem just gree small!
A good 37% of respondents noted crime and insecurity dey affect their businesses negatively. Since last year, Malmö City don dey work systematically with federal authorities to reduce crime and the black economy. Over 300 inspections dey planned for 2024 to keep things in check (talk about keeping an eye on the street!).
On procurement, Malmö City dey tough, maintaining high standards and ensuring compliance with those contracts through ongoing follow-ups and special checks. As we dey head into 2025, a new business program dey on the way to boost knowledge of businesses’ needs among city officials.
Energy supply matters too, as it affects plans for housing, industrial development, and ambitious climate goals. Local energy production only covers a small part of demand. So, Malmö City dey cook something big to boost energy management and collaborate with other energy firms (let’s hope dem cook am well, no be only pepper!).
Meanwhile, ratings for building permits and serving licenses dey higher among those surveyed by SKR. Environmental and health protection also dey on the rise. For land lease, the rating sit higher than in other big cities and even higher than national averages.
In summary, while the rankings musa no smile for Malmö dis year, the city still dey push hard to create a better environment for businesses. The goal be to achieve the best business climate in Sweden by 2035. Na big ambition, but who no go aim high for the stars?
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