Slagelse Municipality

Slagelse Municipality is part of the Greater Copenhagen area only one hour away from central Copenhagen.

In Slagelse municipality we are just over 80,000 people living in the midst of a magnificent and truly fantastic landscape with a 180 km long Westcoast of sandy beaches unfolding on both sides of the Great Belt Bridge.

We have 3 lively market towns – Slagelse, Korsør and Skælskør and a wealth of charming villages where You will find communities and opportunities for everyone.

Slagelse is the biggest of our towns. With around 34.000 inhabitants Slagelse provides a lively city centre with good shopping opportunities, cultural experiences and leisure activities. Slagelse is also a university city with more than 100 exciting educations. The study city offers a vibrant student environment, where the collaboration between the educational institutions and the local business community give students the possibility of an education close to the real job market and first job opportunity.

The two smaller martek towns Skælskør and Korsør is situated by the sea. Skælskør is known for its artists and artisans in ceramics, glass, textiles and jewelry while Korsør is a maritime market town with water on all sides, and you do not have to move far away from the city centre to find family-friendly sandy beaches. 

We have room for living the good life and welcome You to become part of our community.

More about our Business Development

Key Findings

• Local-oriented Businesses Dominate The business structure in Slagelse Municipality is characterized by sectors that traditionally focus on the local economy. The construction sector, retail trade, and operational services account for a significant portion of employment.
• The three largest sectors—measured by employment—in Slagelse Municipality are construction, retail, and wholesale trade. Together, these three sectors employ approximately 5,700 full-time equivalents.
• Growth in Private Employment Slagelse Municipality has experienced positive economic developments in recent years, with a notable increase in private sector employment. From 2016 to 2021, employment in construction, operational services, consulting, and insurance and development grew by just over 900 full-time jobs.
• Entrepreneurship The rate of new business formation in Slagelse has been above the regional average for the past five years and has been rising over the last two years. Entrepreneurs in Slagelse typically come from locally oriented sectors, such as construction and operational services.
• Growth Sectors Slagelse has a significant number of growth companies, particularly in the retail sector. These companies have demonstrated sustained performance improvements in terms of revenue and employment. The proportion of growth companies has remained stable, comparable to neighboring municipalities and the national average.
• Education Levels 44% of the workforce in Slagelse Municipality have vocational training, while 35% have higher education.

Private Employment

• Growth in Private Sector Jobs
  Private employment in Slagelse Municipality increased from 14,676 in 2016 to 15,195 in 2021, reflecting a growth of 4%. Private sector jobs make up around 52% of the total employment in the municipality.
• Public Employment
  Public sector employment has remained relatively stable over the years, representing a significant portion of the job market in Slagelse. The public sector's role is essential, particularly in healthcare, education, and municipal services.

Sector Specialization

• Construction Industry
  Slagelse is highly specialized in the construction sector, which has seen the most significant job growth between 2016 and 2021. The municipality’s construction sector has a higher share of employment compared to the national average, highlighting its importance to the local economy.
• Retail Trade
  Retail is another key sector in Slagelse, representing a large share of jobs. The municipality’s central location in the region supports a robust retail environment, with both large chains and local shops playing vital roles.
• Food and Beverage Industry
  The food and beverage industry in Slagelse is well-developed, with a significant number of jobs compared to other municipalities. This sector benefits from the municipality’s agricultural surroundings and strong local consumer base.

Entrepreneurship

• New Business Formation Slagelse Municipality has a dynamic entrepreneurial environment, with the rate of new business formations consistently above the regional average over the past five years. This upward trend is a positive indicator of the local economy's vitality and adaptability. Most new businesses in Slagelse are established in locally-oriented sectors such as construction, retail, and operational services, reflecting the municipality's economic structure.

Education Levels in the Workforce

• Vocational Education
  In Slagelse Municipality, 44% of the workforce has completed vocational education. This is a significant proportion and reflects the municipality's strong tradition in trades and technical fields. The presence of vocational education institutions in the area supports this trend, providing skilled workers for key local industries such as construction, manufacturing, and services.
• Higher Education
  35% of the workforce in Slagelse Municipality holds a higher education degree, including bachelor's, master's, or equivalent qualifications. This level of educational attainment is vital for sectors that require specialized knowledge, such as healthcare, education, and certain areas of business services. The proximity to universities and colleges within and outside the municipality plays a crucial role in maintaining this educational standard.

Continuing Education and Skills Development

• Lifelong Learning
  Lifelong learning and continuing education are important priorities in Slagelse Municipality. Various local institutions offer opportunities for adults to upgrade their skills, whether through formal education programs or more targeted courses aimed at enhancing specific competencies. This focus on continuous skills development helps the local workforce remain competitive and adaptable in an ever-changing job market.
• Collaboration with Businesses
  There is a strong tradition of collaboration between educational institutions and local businesses in Slagelse. This partnership ensures that the educational programs offered are closely aligned with the needs of the local economy, helping to create a workforce that is well-equipped to meet current and future demands. Apprenticeships, internships, and industry-specific training programs are key components of this collaboration.