Service Sector Industries
Private service industries have a broad range of different sectors. They include transport and logistics services, technical services, entertainment, digital services, media and communications, security services, consulting, culture and sports.
Services are used by both individuals and businesses. Many other sectors, such as manufacturing and construction, also rely on services in their operations. The service sector is Finland’s largest employer.
Services keep everyday life running smoothly for businesses and people
- Public transport: Buses, trains, metros and other forms of public transport enable people to travel to work, school and other destinations.
- Telecommunications services: Internet and mobile networks are essential for staying connected, sharing information and communicating.
- E-commerce and delivery services: Online ordering and delivery services make it possible to shop online and have goods delivered directly to your doorstep.
- Postal services: Postal services are used to send and receive letters and parcels.
- Banking services: Banking services, such as bank accounts, online banking and financial advice, are essential for managing personal finances.
Explore the industries Palta represents
Transport and logistics are vital to the smooth functioning of everyday life for individuals, businesses and society as a whole. Daily mobility and efficient transportation depend on well-functioning transport and logistics services. The transport and logistics sector plays also a key role in ensuring security of supply.
Transport and logistics services comprise a diverse range of activities that operate almost unnoticed in the background, keeping society running smoothly.
The Transport and Logistics services represented by Palta include:
- Passenger and freight transport by rail, water and air, as well as freight transport by road
- Freight forwarding and value-added logistics services
- Support activities for air transport, air traffic control, traffic management and ground handling services
- Cargo handling and warehousing
- Postal and courier services
In a country of long distances, smooth and cost-efficient transport connections are essential for keeping all parts of Finland accessible and inhabited and for maintaining the competitiveness of Finnish businesses.
Information and communications services are used by all sectors that are essential to the functioning of society, including banking and insurance, health and social services, and retail. Companies in the sector also provide cybersecurity, software and other ICT services. The sector is also essential to Finland’s security of supply.
Palta’s Information and Communications sector encompasses the production and distribution of information and cultural products, the transmission and distribution of these products as well as data and communications, IT services, data processing and other information services. These include, for example:
- Publishing
- Film and television programme production
- Radio and television broadcasting
- Telecommunications
- Software-related activities
- Other ICT services
Business and specialist services are highly specialised services provided primarily to other businesses. They generate significant added value for the economy and are an important part of Finland’s service exports.
Business and specialist services include specialised professional, scientific and technical activities that require a high level of expertise and provide clients with specialised knowledge and skills.
Palta’s Business and Specialist Services sector includes, among others:
- Accounting services
- Management consulting
- Architectural services
- Scientific research and development
- Advertising and market research
Companies providing administrative and support services take care of a wide range of activities that keep everyday life running smoothly behind the scenes. For example, they provide rental and leasing services, connect businesses with workers and people with jobs, maintain residential and commercial properties, and provide workplace cleaning services. They are an essential part of a well-functioning society.
Palta’s Administrative and Support Services sector includes a variety of business support services, which are generally routine in nature and provided on a short-term basis. These include:
- Rental and leasing activities
- Employment services
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Security and guarding services
- Property services
Entertainment and leisure services provide experiences ranging from music and sports to theatre and the arts. Life without them would be much less enjoyable. These services promote well-being and bring together people with shared interests. They also create brands and other forms of intellectual property. Cultural, entertainment and recreation services are also important for security of supply.
Palta’s Entertainment and Leisure sector encompasses a variety of cultural, entertainment and recreational services, including:
- Music and theatre performances
- Museum activities
- Betting
- Sports
- Other recreational activities
The technical services sector plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of industry and construction, as well as the uninterrupted functioning of society. Companies in the sector also play an important role in areas such as the construction of energy networks.
Palta’s Technical Services sector comprises a range of service activities closely linked to industry and construction. The sector is not included as a separate category in the official industry classification. It includes companies operating in areas such as:
- Technical servicing and maintenance
- Energy network construction
- Civil and hydraulic engineering
Pharmacies are an important part of Finland’s healthcare system and employ a wide range of pharmacy professionals, including pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians.
The role of pharmacies is to ensure the retail distribution of medicines and their appropriate and safe use. Pharmacies provide customers with advice on medicines, guidance on the use of medicines and other products sold in pharmacies, and advice on a variety of health-related matters. Pharmacy operations are subject to licensing, and pharmacies operate as part of Finland’s public healthcare system.
Palta is responsible for representing pharmacies in labour market matters and for the activities of Apta.
Services are increasingly important industry for Finnish economy
The service sector impacts the lives of everyone in Finland and is a cornerstone of the Finnish economy. The importance of services will continue to grow as the economy becomes increasingly service-based. In everyday life, using services is also increasingly replacing the purchase and ownership of goods.