Rhein-Kreis Neuss: Mittelstand is fighting against economic downward trend

Rhein-Kreis Neuss: Mittelstand is fighting against economic downward trend

In 2024, the economy in the Rhein-Kreis Neuss shows signs of slight weakening. The satisfaction of medium -sized companies has further deteriorated compared to the last survey in the summer of 2023. While the business climate index experienced a high flight in the first year after the pandemic, it has now fallen to 132 points, which means a decrease in four points. Such tendencies are not surprising, since the current survey is based on a telephone survey of 500 companies, which was carried out by Creditreform Düsseldorf/Neuss, the Rhein-Kreis Neuss, Sparkasse Neuss and the Middle Lower Rhine Chamber of Commerce.

Despite these challenges, some aspects of the regional economy show positive developments. This is particularly visible in the order climate, which remains above average with 160 points, even if it records a decrease of 7 points. Sales also decreased, but only declined slightly. Interestingly, the personal climate shows a slight increase, which indicates that companies may expect certain positive changes in their employee structure.

Incorrect trends in the municipalities

The developments vary greatly between the eight municipalities of the Rhein-Kreis Neuss. While some smaller cities such as Dormagen and Jüchen have even recorded progress, the larger city of Neuss shows a decline in its business climate. The same applies to Korschenbroich as well as the cities of Kaarst and Grevenbroich. Only Meerbusch can stay at an above -average level, which indicates more stable economic conditions.

The main economic branches are affected by the general downward trend, but show different resistance. The construction sector in particular did well and was able to regain compared to the previous year, while the processing business and trade had to accept again.

Investment readiness shows positive tendencies

A ray of hope in the current situation is the increased willingness to invest in the regional company. With 59 percent, an increase of 7 points is shown compared to the previous year, which means that trust in future development increases. This number is particularly relevant because it is above the German average and the highest value has been reached since 2019. Companies are increasingly focusing on sustainable and future -proof jobs, such as Dominikus Penners, board member of Sparkasse Neuss. He explains that investments include more than just financial commitment and can turn into a positive perspective for the region.

Despite the challenges of structural change, such as the exit from lignite use, fewer companies seem to emphasize the risks of these changes. This uniform perception could be important for future developments, since 88 percent of companies nevertheless emphasize the relevance of structural change. Jürgen Steinmetz, general manager of the Middle Lower Rhine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasizes the importance of stable energy prices and detoxifying approval processes. "We have to accelerate the process if we want to guarantee the necessary security of supply by 2030," says Steinmetz.

Overall, it can be found that the companies in the Rhein-Kreis Neuss recognize a variety of opportunities in structural change despite the current challenges. The focus on investments and sustainable development shows that the entrepreneur structure in the region remains adaptable. A comprehensive overview of the results of this survey can be found rp-online.de .