When opportunity becomes reality

The unknown country

"I suppose everybody must be always just a little homesick." -- Joseph Conrad

I decided to move to Poland in the late nineties. After studying in the north of England, I had been working and living in Japan for some time before making the bold move to what was then called Eastern Europe. As my face burned from the minus 27ºC (minus 17ºF) blistering cold, I earnestly second-guessed my life choices. The grey streets, coupled with the extreme weather conditions, were taking great big bites out of my confidence and my mental health.

My original thinking was that Poland would surely be a land of opportunity. Closed for business since 1939 due to the Nazi invasion and subsequent massacre of a large portion of the nation, followed by fifty years of torturous Soviet Union communism, this seemed to be the chance for Poland to open up. 

Without exception, every Polish person I met questioned my decision: “You came from the UK to Poland? To live?” 

Several years later, in the nineties, Europe’s great post-war exodus saw thousands of Polish people going the other way, from Poland to the UK, exacerbating the confusion in my colleagues’ eyes.

Patience is a virtue

"Facing it, always facing it, that’s the way to get through. Face it." -- Joseph Conrad

I stood firm in my decision, and although I was tempted to leave the gloom, I began to see green shoots of economic and social revival emerging across the country. The grey streets gradually took on flecks of colour, and new businesses started opening on the high street.

The energy and positivity were palpable, and the groundwork for a strong economy was being laid down. A host of innovative and expansive businesses, like the retailer LPP (with its brands Reserved, House, Cropp, Mohito, and Sinsay), Solaris Bus & Coach, and gaming giant CD Projekt (of The Witcher fame), were all established within a few years of each other.

This positive momentum culminated in Poland joining NATO in 1999, followed by accession to the European Union in 2004. I had witnessed a small, grey country in Eastern Europe turn into a flourishing, innovative, and vibrant nation located in the very centre of Europe – Central Europe. 

Pivoting into opportunity

"For history is made with tools, not with ideas; and everything is changed by economic conditions – art, philosophy, love, virtue – truth itself!" -- Joseph Conrad

The world has seen dramatic changes over the last five years, yet Poland remains economically robust, stable in investment, and optimistic about its future. From a GDP of just USD 110 billion in 1994 to USD 845 billion in 2024, Poland’s growth is nothing short of remarkable.

I continue to be impressed by the resilience and ingenuity of the Polish people time and time again, from weathering economic and political storms to welcoming millions of Ukrainian refugees amidst a cost-of-living crisis. Despite the challenges facing Europe today – war, inflation, and political turmoil – Poland stands as a beacon of progress and opportunity.

Today, Poland is no longer seen as a subordinate market but as a dynamic hub attracting giants such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, as well as stalwarts like IBM, Visa, and Mercedes. Poland is now recognised as a prime destination for growth and expansion.

Poland’s transformation from a struggling post-communist state to a vibrant economic power is an extraordinary success story against all odds, and it owes much to the strength of its people. As global challenges continue, Poland’s steady rise offers a model of resilience and vision for the future. With an OECD forecast of 3.4% growth by 2025 – one of the highest in the developed world – Poland’s journey is just beginning.

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Raf focuses on the continuing improvement of firm-wide performance, strategy, and culture. He is a member of the UK's CIPD and CIM and supports the team at Penteris in his role as Head of Marketing, Communication and Development.