Businesses in Boden continue to give high ratings to the municipality’s efforts to foster a strong business climate. In this year’s survey from the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise (Svenskt Näringsliv), Boden ranks second in Norrbotten – just behind Älvsbyn, which now takes over the top spot.
Each year, the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise measures how business owners perceive the conditions for running a company in their local municipality. For Boden, the 2025 results show an overall rating of 4.0 – a strong level that places the municipality well above the county average. However, Älvsbyn takes the lead in Norrbotten this year with a score of 4.1.
“Of course, we would have liked to keep the top spot, but it’s also great to see that Älvsbyn’s hard work is paying off. We know how much dedication it takes. The business climate is something we build together – when it works in one municipality, it strengthens all of us in the region,” says Mats Berg, Head of Business Development in the Municipality of Boden.
A need for more housing
This year’s survey shows that 82 percent of companies in Boden had contact with the municipality over the past year – mainly regarding permits, supervision, advisory services, and procurement. The dialogue with the municipality receives improved ratings compared to last year, as do perceptions of safety and the school system’s cooperation with local businesses.
At the same time, some areas saw a slight decline, including procurement, service attitude, and access to skilled labor.
The companies also clearly identified what they see as the most important issues going forward: more housing, better road infrastructure, more vocationally trained professionals, lower municipal fees, and simpler procurement processes.
“This provides us with valuable input. We see that many things are working well, but we also take on board what can be improved. A strong business climate is shaped through dialogue – and we will continue to move forward together,” says Mats Berg.
Boden held the title for the best business climate in the county for four consecutive years: 2021–2024. 2021-2024. In a previously published article, Mats Berg explains some of the key factors behind this success and how Boden climbed from rank 274 to 44. Read the article here:
