Case Studies   Vilnius Old Town: Užupis – Paupys Area Case study

1.3. Enterprise sector

There are about 150 economic subjects (organisations, institutions, public enterprises and individual enterprises) in Užupis/Paupys area. Their concentration is approximately the same like the average concentration in Vilnius: 29 economic subjects for 1000 residents. It shows that the enterprising level in Užupis corresponds to the average Vilnius City level.

Small enterprises predominate in Užupis/Paupys, the same predominate in Vilnius, and in Lithuania in general. Limited stock companies and individual enterprises consist majority of all enterprises. The average number of employees is 16. There are only 5 large enterprises or public institutions (scools and factories) with more than 60 employees. Largest factories in Užupis/Paupys area are knitwear factory "Vilija", Fur coats' factory "Vilniaus kailiai” and electric meters' factory "Skaiteks". All those factories are medium size, there are no large factories in Užupis. "Vilija" and "Vilniaus kailiai" are quiet successful, but "Skaiteks" volume of production is decreasing and the enterprise may be bankrupted.

Inner yard “Sakiteks” factory

Turnover of Užupis enterprises is comparatively not big. Annual turnover of two thirds of enterprises is less than a half of million Litas. Turnover of 5% of enterprises is 5 10 million Litas or more. Average size of enterprise useful area is 1126 sq. m, but half of enterprises have less than 112 sq. m area. Two third of enterprises rent their premises, one third of enterprises have their own premises. Each tenth enterprise rent premises from Vilnius City municipality according special rent agreement.

According type of activity one third of Užupis enterprises occupation is retail and wholesale trade. Each tenth enterprise occupation is production and construction. Majority of enterprises works in service sector. Feeding, health care, public relations, education services predominate.

Development of business in Užupis during the last decade, especially during the last years, is quite dynamic. 60% of enterprises were established recently - during the last three years period. 22% of enterprises were established 4 - 7 years before, 17% were established 8 - 13 years before. There is only 1% of enterprises that operate longer than 14 years. Usually enterprises select Užupis location because it is near the city centre, it is perspective area, and because of the prestige image of the area. Majority of enterprises (75%) do not plan to change their location. Important fact is that 18% employees live in the same district.

1.2. Socio-demographic characteristics    1.4. Employment figures