Business situation remains stable in February

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Business situation remains stable in February

(13.03.2024) The business situation in Switzerland has seen little change since autumn 2023. In February 2024, the Business Situation Indicator from the KOF Swiss Economic Institute stood at 14.0, which is 0.4 points higher than the previous month and 0.3 points higher than in October 2023.

Historic record of overnight stays in 2023

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Historic record of overnight stays in 2023

(06.03.2024) The year 2023 proved to be exceptionally prosperous for Switzerland's hotel industry. According to reports from Switzerland Tourism and the Federal Statistical Office (OFS), the sector recorded nearly 41.8 million overnight stays, marking the highest total since record-keeping began in 1934.

Record of Swiss mergers and acquisitions abroad

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Record of Swiss mergers and acquisitions abroad

(28.02.2024) Swiss SMEs took advantage of the strong franc to increase their investments in mergers and acquisitions of foreign companies. The total number of transactions reached 76 (+1.3%), a record figure since the beginning the consulting firm Deloitte began its study in 2013.

Contraction of foreign trade, despite good results in watchmaking

A forklift next to wooden pallets.

Contraction of foreign trade, despite good results in watchmaking

(21.02.2024) In 2023, according to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS), exports declined by 1.2% and imports by 3.8%. However, the trade surplus – the second-largest ever recorded – reached 48.5 billion Swiss francs, compared to 42.8 billion in 2022.

Pratical knowledge

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Setting up

Checklists and detailed information about setting up a business: choosing the right legal structure, steps to follow for market analysis, business plans and registration in the trade register.
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Management

Practical tips for running a business successfully: innovation methods, marketing tools, product certification and social media presence using e-commerce.
Praktische Informationen zur Firmenübergabe und Firmenübernahme

Transferring

Tips for transferring and taking over a business: the various scenarios, the business valuation methods and setting the purchase price. The procedure to follow in the event of liquidation.
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Finances

All you need to know about loans, leasing and factoring, traditional and alternative financing plans, economic promotion, tax relief and risk management.
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Foreign trade

Useful information for SMEs on foreign trade: federal customs administration and formalities for import-export, opening an establishment or a subsidiary abroad, risk control.
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Personnel

Here you will find legal provisions, relevant facts and information on staff management: recruitment, staff development, partial unemployment and social insurance, labor law, occupational safety.

Facts and Trends

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SME facts figures Swiss Growth Policy

Facts and figures on SMEs in Switzerland

The Confederation actively supports SMEs, major players in the economy. Explanations and statistics.
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Digitalization of SMEs in Switzerland: A key factor

Companies must adapt their operations and digitalize to remain competitive. Definitions and examples.
Tips for making one's SME 'greener' and optimising its production

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Turning to corporate social responsibility is a way for SMEs to become greener and more socially conscious and therefore optimize their production.
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