The latest data from the Statistical Archive of Active Businesses (Asia) reveals a noteworthy shift in the private economy of the Piacenza area, Italy, comparing the pre and post-COVID periods. Excluding the agricultural sector, the analysis spans the years 2019-2021, offering insights into the recovery and overall economic dynamics. In the post-pandemic scenario of 2021, the province of Piacenza experienced a substantial recovery with an increase of 2.0% in business units (475 units) and a 2.2% growth in employment (2,139 employees). These figures surpass regional and national averages, reflecting the resilience and positive trajectory of the local economy. The data also underscores the expansion observed between the end of 2019 and 2020, a period marked by a 2.5% growth in local units (587 units) and a 1.0% increase in employment (990 employees), defying the contraction experienced in Emilia-Romagna and Italy.
From a sectoral perspective, the construction sector and business support services notably contributed to the employment surge, recording increases of 11.8% and 13.1%, respectively. However, industries like real estate activities and other service activities faced declines of 5.2% and 7.0%. Comparing 2020 with 2019, the impact of COVID on the Piacenza economy becomes evident. Sectors heavily affected by lockdowns, such as hotels, restaurants, and entertainment, witnessed negative changes in employment. Conversely, healthcare, social assistance, logistics, and business support services experienced positive shifts. The analysis emphasizes that Piacenza showcased superior development capabilities, particularly in employment, compared to other regions. Despite challenges, the province demonstrated stability in industrial activities, contributing to a substantial overall gain of a thousand employees during the year of COVID. Examining company sizes, the report notes a positive change in employment for very small and small companies, while medium-sized businesses experienced a decline. Large companies in Piacenza marked a remarkable 21.3% increase in employment, surpassing regional and national trends. This development trend among large Piacenza factories, maintaining a steady pace from 2020, underscores the territory's uniqueness. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, large companies in Piacenza contributed significantly to employment gains, standing out compared to Emilia-Romagna and Italy in 2021.
