Brexit, once perceived as a point of rupture between the United Kingdom and continental Europe, has unexpectedly become a catalyst for a new wave of entrepreneurial migration. And one of the most attractive destinations for British business turned out to be… Poland. A country long associated with a stream of labor migrants heading to the UK is now experiencing a “reverse Brexit effect,” offering British entrepreneurs not just an alternative, but often more favorable and promising conditions for development.
Why has the Polish market become such a magnet? The answer lies in a combination of several factors, including steady economic growth, relatively low operating costs, EU membership (providing access to the pan-European market), and growing consumer demand. However, beyond the capital city glamour of Warsaw lies another, equally appealing Poland — a country with diverse regional economies, each offering unique opportunities for foreign investors.
Brexit as a Catalyst: New Horizons for British Business
After the UK’s exit from the EU, many British entrepreneurs faced new trade barriers, more complex logistics, and regulatory uncertainty. In search of stability and access to the European market, Poland offered them an attractive alternative.
Firstly, geographic proximity and well-developed transport infrastructure make Poland a logistically convenient hub for doing business with the EU. Secondly, Poland’s EU membership ensures relatively unhindered access for British companies to the European market, offsetting many of Brexit’s negative consequences. Thirdly, Poland’s economy is demonstrating steady growth, offering a stable and predictable environment for investment.
The most attractive niches for British entrepreneurs in Poland have turned out to be:
• Technology sector: Poland boasts a fast-growing IT sector with skilled professionals and relatively low development costs. British tech companies seeking to retain access to the European talent and investment market find fertile ground in Poland.
• Financial services: Warsaw aims to strengthen its position as a regional financial center. British fintech startups and companies specializing in financial technologies can take advantage of this momentum.
• E-commerce and logistics: The growth of online trade in Poland creates favorable conditions for British companies with experience in e-commerce, logistics, and warehousing.
• Education and consulting: British expertise in education and consulting is highly valued in Poland, opening opportunities for educational projects, language schools, and business consulting.
• Green technologies and renewable energy: Poland is actively investing in the “green” economy, creating demand for innovative solutions and technologies in which British companies may have a competitive edge.
Success stories of British entrepreneurs who opened businesses in Poland after Brexit are multiplying, confirming the appeal of this direction. They note not only economic advantages but also Polish hospitality, the relatively simple business registration process, and a favorable business environment.
Beyond Warsaw: Regional Treasures of the Polish Economy
However, it would be a mistake to view Poland solely through the prism of its capital. Warsaw is undoubtedly the economic and business center of the country, but other regions offer equally interesting and sometimes even more beneficial opportunities for foreign investors, especially in certain sectors.
- Kraków and the Małopolskie Voivodeship: This region is known for its strong IT cluster, developed service sector, and tourism. Proximity to universities ensures a constant influx of qualified professionals, making Kraków attractive for tech companies and startups.
• Łódź and the Łódzkie Voivodeship: With a rich industrial past, Łódź is now undergoing a renaissance, becoming a center for logistics, the textile industry, and creative industries. Low operating costs and the availability of skilled labor make this region attractive for manufacturing and logistics companies.
• Wrocław and the Lower Silesian Voivodeship: This rapidly developing region is a key industrial and technology hub. A strong automotive cluster, and developed electrical engineering and mechanical industries attract foreign investors focused on manufacturing and engineering.
• Poznań and the Greater Poland Voivodeship: Known for its agri-food complex and developed trade sector, this region offers opportunities for companies working in food production, logistics, and agriculture.
• The Tricity (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot) and the Pomeranian Voivodeship: This coastal region is a major transport and logistics hub with a developed maritime economy, tourism, and service sectors. Investment opportunities exist in shipbuilding, marine logistics, tourism, and renewable energy (especially wind energy in the Baltic Sea).
• Katowice and the Silesian Voivodeship: A historically industrial region that is now transforming by developing the IT sector, logistics, and services. The presence of a large number of qualified workers and relatively low costs make it attractive for manufacturing and service companies.
• Lublin and the Lublin Voivodeship: A region with a strong agricultural sector and a growing IT cluster. Proximity to eastern markets may appeal to companies focused on export.
Choosing a region for doing business in Poland should depend on the specifics of the industry, target audience, and strategic goals of the company. While Warsaw offers developed infrastructure and access to a large market, regional centers may provide lower operational costs, specialized labor, and less competition in certain niches.
Breaking Stereotypes and Unlocking New Opportunities
The “reverse Brexit effect” and the diversity of Poland’s regional economies open new and unexpected opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs. Poland is no longer just a country of cheap labor but a promising market for investment and business development across various sectors.
For British entrepreneurs facing new post-Brexit realities, Poland offers not just a “backup airfield” but a dynamically developing economy with access to the European market and a welcoming business environment. And for investors from other countries who overlook Poland’s regional opportunities in favor of its capital’s glamour, a whole world of unexplored niches and promising markets awaits.
Poland today is not a monolithic market but a mosaic of regional economies, each with its strengths and unique opportunities for those ready to go beyond the usual and see the potential of this rapidly developing European country. It’s time to discover the new Poland — a land of opportunities at the crossroads of East and West.
