Sector analysis: how feasible is your idea?
- Edited 12 October 2026
- 2 min
- Marketing
- Managing and growing
- Esther Riphagen
Test the feasibility of your idea and discover trends with sector research. All businesses operating in a particular category are referred to as a sector. For example, construction is a sector and so is childcare. Researching what is happening at businesses that are active in the same sector as yours will give you a lot of insight.
You can use the results of a sector analysis, also known as a sector survey, to test the feasibility of your idea. Ask yourself these 5 questions to get a clear uderstanding of the sector in which you work.
1. How many starters and stoppers are there in my sector?
This will show you hpw healthy your sector is. If, for example, many companies in your sector go bankrup you may want to adjust or postpone your plans.You can find this information in the KVK and the KVK Press overview.
2. What is the average turnover in my sector?
If most of the companies in your sector are making a profit, this could be a good sign. If you see that the average turnover is decreasing, then it may be wise to readjust your ideas.
Financial statements and extracts will give you a general idea. Request financial statements and extracts from comparable companies within your sector if you want to be sure.
If you still do not have a clear picture of turnover in your sector, sector organisations can often help with this.
3. Who are the main providers in my sector?
Find out who your main competitors are and then ask yourself these questions:
- What is their target group?
- What products or services do they offer?
- What is the price of their products or services?
- What is their position within the sector?
Include these results in a competitor analysis.
4. How do products and services reach the customer?
Research through which channels products and services are distributed. Who delivers to whom? For example, if you see that many companies in your industry are switching to an , it may be wise to follow. If you are a retailer, check wether your competitors have an online shop as well as a physical shop and how many physical shops there are in your sector.
5. What are the developments and expectations in the sector?
Be aware of developments in your sector so you can be prepared. Are there any significant developments affecting your industry? Is your sector experiencing either staff shortages or a surplus of skilled workers? Is competition increasing and putting pressure on prices? Consider whether your business has a chance of success in light of these developments.
Where do I find reliable information?
- Sector (in Dutch): here you find relevant information concerning your industry, such as laws and regulations, developments, and turnover.
- KVK Business Register: request annual accounts and extracts from companies in your sector.
- KVK Company Counter: find out how many other entrepreneurs in your industry are located nearby.
- KVK Regional scan (in Dutch): check the state of the economy in the region where you want to do business.
- Market scan (in Dutch): discover as a (starting) entrepreneur what your market area looks like.
- : here you will find research statistics per sector.
