Businesses: the figure remains positive, with 33,000 more businesses in the second quarter

In absolute terms, however, the largest contribution comes from the construction sector, with a net increase of 5,369 businesses. This is closely followed by the accommodation and catering sector, with 4,851 more businesses, and the property sector, which added 3,191.

Manufacturing remains virtually unchanged: the net increase is just 483 firms, equivalent to 0.10 per cent. Agriculture, forestry and fishing also saw only modest growth, with 1,549 more firms and an increase of 0.23 per cent. The retail sector, which remains the largest with over 1.2 million businesses, gained 2,130 firms.

Crafts are making a comeback, but thanks to the construction industry

The clearest indication comes from the craft sector. During the quarter, 21,542 new craft businesses were registered, compared with 16,341 closures. The net increase stands at 5,201, up from 4,606 in the same period of 2025.

Here too, however, it is the construction sector that is driving almost all of the growth. The number of small construction firms rose by 2,660: more than half of the total increase.

On the other hand, the manufacturing sector continues to lose ground, ending the quarter with 289 fewer businesses. The sector’s recovery therefore masks a shift in its composition, as the share of traditional manufacturing activities is declining.

Uneven growth

Growth has been seen across all regions of the country, but the south and the islands top the rankings in absolute terms, with 11,129 more businesses – around a third of the national increase.

However, in terms of growth rate, the centre takes the lead, rising by 0.64 per cent, driven by Lazio’s performance (+0.73 per cent), whilst the South stands at 0.56 per cent.

Growth is being driven primarily by limited companies. During the quarter, 30,189 were established and 10,328 were wound up, resulting in a net increase of 19,861 and a growth rate of 1 per cent.

Sole traders, on the other hand, increased by 13,120, whilst the decline in partnerships continued. With 611 fewer businesses and a fall of 0.08 per cent, they are the only legal form to end the quarter in negative territory.