Doing Business in Poland Guide Will Help UK Businesses to Take a Look at This Growing European Market

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CONTENTS

9 Poland overview

Welcome from Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) – Director General, Institute of Export

Foreword from Mr Jonathan Knott, British Ambassador to Poland

15 Introduction from the British Polish Chamber of Commerce, by Antoni F. Reczek, Chairman of the Board, and Paweł Siwecki, CEO

25 Why Poland?

17 About the Department for International Trade (DIT)

18 UK Export Finance: clearing your path to trade

23 About this Guide

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 3 37

25 Why Poland?

Help available 26 • Summary 27 • Geography for you • Government overview - political situation • Business environment 28 • Resources • Business and human rights • Economic overview 29 • Benefits to UK businesses 30 • Growth potential • EU funds • Emerging Europe • Trade agreements 31 • Trade between the UK and Poland • Future outlook

37 Help available for you

38 • Overview • Support from the Department for International Trade (DIT) 41 • Support from the British Polish Chamber of Commerce (BPCC)

45 Getting here and advice about your stay

46 • Entry requirements • Local laws and customs 47 • Safety and security 49 • Business risk 52 • FCO travel advice

55 Sector-specific opportunities

56 • Aerospace • Agriculture • Automotive • Aviation • Chemicals • Communications and PR • Construction services • Creative industries 57 • Cybersecurity • Defence • E-commerce • Economy of Warsaw • Education and training CONTENTS

59 • Energy 25 • Financial and business services 60 • Food and drink • Healthcare 61 • Information technology (IT) • Manufacturing • Marine (shipping) 63 • Real estate investment 64 • Retail 65 • Security • Telecommunications • Tourism and leisure • Urban revitalisation • White goods 45

67 Preparing to export

68 • Start-up considerations • Consultation and bespoke research

71 How to do business in Poland

73 • Legal considerations • Tax and customs considerations

75 Business etiquette, language 55 & culture

76 • Language • Meeting and greeting • Business etiquette 79 • Poland public holidays 2017

85 What are the challenges?

67 71 75

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 5 Yes, it´s possible! CONTENTS

89 Resources

89 Resources 96 Market experts contact details

90 What does membership of the 98 British Embassy Warsaw Institute of Export mean? 101 Useful links 92 Focusing on qualifications. Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx 105 Trade shows (Grad) - Director General, The Institute of Export 109 Map of Poland

94 Supporting organisations 111 Quick Facts contact details

SUPPORTIN Gb ORGANsISATIONS e t

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www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 7 Your Leadership Partner

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By listening, examining and understanding Our local Warsaw office is managed by business our Client’s strategy and culture, we are able leaders with deep roots and local insights into to motivate “fit-for-purpose” leaders for your their communities and we have the capability to Executive Board of Directors, CEO’s, Managing find and attract the best talent who are in tune Directors, Plant Managers and business leaders with the market and organisational culture. across functional areas, always with an eye for diversity. We help find the best talent, build We are proud of our widespread executive search successful teams, and generate value for share - team: our Global Industry Specialisation Groups holders through excellence. feature members with expertise in every major industry while our Functional Specialty Practice Unlike most executive recruiters and search Groups provide extraordinary competencies in consultants, we develop close, effective and long- our leadership consultation services. Stanton term working partnerships with Clients to ensure Chase is continuously ranked among the top full knowledge and understanding of their search 10 executive search firms. As a member of the requirements. Return business from existing Association of Executive Search Consultants Clients represents over 70% of our fee revenues. (AESC), our adherence to an international Code of Ethics and Professional Practice Guidelines is ensured.

www.stantonchase.com Poland overview

Poland has enjoyed uninterrupted growth since 1992. Key growth drivers include corporate investment, private consumption and exports, with a historic trade surplus. Longer term, Poland has catch-up growth potential remaining to developed economies. According to PwC, the economy is forecast to grow around 3% per annum until 2030 and 2.5% per annum until 2050.

th In their latest report (2015-16), the World Bank ranked Poland as the 24 easiest country in which to do business. There are clearly many historical, political and emotional reasons why there are such strong ties between Poland and the UK – but there are many economic reasons too why investing in Poland makes sense. Benefits for UK businesses exporting to Poland include a huge domestic market with over 38 million consumers, English is increasingly spoken – particularly by the younger generation, Poland is a strong, dynamic economy and a gateway to emerging markets of Eastern Europe, and there are over 300 flights a week between UK and Poland.

The EU has allocated €82.5 billion to Poland through the structural and cohesion fund programme. This will help maintain Poland as a market offering growth, stability and good prospects for UK business.

MARKET EXPERTS

Thank you to our Market Experts

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 9 I

The Sky’s the limit

Choosing a great export training partner can really help your company take off in the export trade! We can help develop new ideas and find ways to drive down costs and produce sustainable improvements in your export business. Our main aim is to help you achieve your export and international trade goals. Exporting great ideas to you.

Join us today t: +44(0)1733 404 400 e: [email protected] w: www.export.org.uk Welcome from Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) – Director General, Institute of Export

The Doing Business in Poland guide will help UK businesses to take a look at this growing European market. Poland is the largest market among the former Eastern Bloc countries of Central Europe and can be a gateway to the emerging markets of Eastern Europe.

Poland is also the largest recipient of EU structural and cohesion funds, with €82.5 billion budgeted during 2014-2020. This represents a great opportunity for UK businesses. Current plans are to use funds to support continued infrastructure development, including improving internet access and developing smart cities. The funds are also being used to encourage businesses to conduct research and development in Poland.

Further important growth sectors include cybersecurity and software for mobile applications, consumer goods, and automotive products. The wide availability of flights between all parts of the UK and Poland make it easy for UK companies to visit and meet with prospective customers. Personal contact with the customer is critical in the Polish market as final purchasing decisions typically require a face-to- face meeting. Success in this market often requires an in-country presence, such as an agent, distributor, or representative office – although the Institute of Export is always ready to help you meet any exporting challenges you may come across!

You can be sure that you will be received warmly as Poles make every effort to be good hosts, Polish people are very open and friendly and take a great deal of pride in providing hospitality to their visitors. They have a saying: “A guest at home is God at home”.

Good luck or "Powodzenia!" as they say in Poland – but note that according to an old Polish superstition, answering "thanks" will bring bad luck. Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) Director General – Institute of Export www.export.org.uk

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 11

Foreword from Mr Jonathan Knott, British Ambassador to Poland

Poland is a major European player and strategic ally for the UK. Our partnership is vibrant, deep rooted and diverse. The first UK-Poland Intergovernmental Consultations in London this year confirmed the importance we both attach to our relationship and to our shared determination and ambition to build even stronger ties, including in trade & investment.

rd Our bilateral trade exchange is dynamic. The UK is currently Poland’s 3 largest export destination and is one of the top 10 exporters to Poland.

Poland has enjoyed uninterrupted economic growth since 1992 and the country has been developing faster than any other European economy. The economic fundamentals remain strong and positive GDP growth is forecast in the coming years.

There are massive business opportunities for UK companies in Poland, as the country continues forward with transformation into a hi-tech, higher-added value, and export driven economy. This is supported by €82.5 billion of EU cohesion funds from which Poland benefits. The UK, as a leader in innovation is well placed to take advantage of this opportunity and many UK companies with world class expertise and experience across the board are already supporting Poland in achieving its goals.

Our countries are committed to collaboration and to forging partnerships for innovation. Strong UK-Polish partnerships already exist in strategic areas such as defence, cyber security, energy, life sciences and advanced manufacturing and contribute to our countries’ economic success, but we can and should do more.

Whether for small, medium sized or large UK companies, Poland is an exciting and underexploited market. I look forward to welcoming you and your company here in Warsaw and to helping you find the market or partner you need. Mr Jonathan Knott British Ambassador to Poland www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-warsaw

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 13 Digital Media BPCC Trade Media Centre Trade

We're very proud of our BPCC mobile We are helping British companies to export which app! The BPCC is the first international supports UK government’s ambitious export target of chamber of commerce in Poland that a trillion pounds by 2020. gives its members access to crucial information via their smartphones. It BPCC Trade services include; research, analysis, lets you stay up to date with the latest logistics, sales & marketing support to events, alerts and information from the help British companies enter or grow their sales in the BPCC, make contact with fellow mem- Polish market. Our top clients confidently forecast bers and with BPCC staff at the touch sales of over £50m in the next five years, thanks to of your phone screen. our support.

Our team possess a wide variety of business experience in both countries and are well positioned to help British and Polish companies to connect and do business.

Membership Benefits

Join us and we will make sureO you get the best out of your membership:

 Direct access to around 400 member companies and several thousand cooperating businesses  Investor advice and business data from market experts and sector specialists  Best practice and unique business development through 12 Policy Groups  Informative business media: Contact Magazine Online and www.bpcc.org.pl  Active promotion through social media: LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook  Access to board-level business and government decision-makers  First-class networking, certiﬁed training and VIP events  Support for importers and exporters from the UK and Poland  Up-to-the minute economic information and market sector intelligence  Customised products, on-demand services and individual oﬀerings Ask our relationship management team about how we can promote your business. [email protected] www.bpcc.org.pl Introduction from the British Polish Chamber of Commerce, by Antoni F. Reczek, Chairman of the Board, and Paweł Siwecki, CEO

Poland is a GREAT market. We can help you enter it.

For 25 years, the BPCC has been supporting British firms doing business in Poland. Since Poland’s transformation into a market democracy, trade and investment flows between our two countries have been growing at pace – accelerating even more dynamically after Poland’s accession to the EU in 2004.

Since 2013, the BPCC has been supporting British exporters as a part of the Overseas Business Network Initiative. A dedicated team, located in our Warsaw office, looks for importers, distributors or agents for UK products. Our trade team is focused exclusively on finding the best routes to Poland’s 38 million increasingly prosperous consumers.

This has led to some great successes for British exporters such as Triumph Motorcycles, LG Harris paintbrushes and AHDB (British lamb) to name but a few, where the trade team has found Polish partners who have opened new markets for them.

The time is right. Since Poland joined the EU, disposable income has risen five-fold; consumers are richer than ever before and keen to try new premium products. Poland’s GDP continues to grow faster than most Western European markets, and yet it is only two hours flying time away from most UK airports.

If you are selling your products to established markets across continental Europe but have not yet tried Poland, we are geared up to help you define your market-entry strategy and find the local partner you need to successfully win new business in Poland. Antoni F. Reczek / Paweł Siwecki Chairman of the Board / CEO www.bpcc.org.pl/en

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 15

Department for International Trade (DIT) (formerly UK Trade & Investment - UKTI)

DIT is the British Government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in an increasingly global economy. DIT also helps overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy. DIT’s range of expert services are tailored to the needs of individual businesses to maximise their international success. DIT provides companies with knowledge, advice and practical support.

Through a range of unique services, including participation at selected tradeshows, outward trade missions and providing bespoke market intelligence, DIT can help you crack foreign markets and get to grips quickly with overseas regulations and business practice.

With headquarters in London, DIT have professional advisers around the UK and staff across more than 100 countries.

Contact DIT

Contact your local International Trade Team or Scottish Development International (SDI), Welsh Government (WG) or Invest Northern Ireland (INI) offices to find out more about the range of services available to you.

You can find your nearest International Trade Team at: www.gov.uk/dit

General enquiry number: +44 (0) 207 215 5000 Department for International Trade 1 Victoria Street London, SW1H 0ET United Kingdom

Email: [email protected] www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 17 UK Export Finance: clearing your Specific issues you may need to manage path to trade can include:

Export finance and insurance can increase • having to wait for payment, restricting your capacity for growth. It can mean cashflow higher levels of finance compared to conventional lending. You can give your • exposure to the risk that the buyer overseas buyers time to pay, while cannot (or will not) pay for the exports protecting your cash flow. – for example, if the buyer goes bankrupt

There are many ways to arrange this. • being asked by the buyer to provide The right one for you will depend on a performance bond in return for an your circumstances but you could: advance payment. The bond needs to be issued by the exporter’s bank, • manage your working capital without which is likely to ask for cash security, using finance another potential cashflow restriction

• work with your existing bank finance arrangements HM Government support

• seek more support by shopping Exporters can talk to their bank or approach around for export finance and other specialist financial organisations to insurance try to secure working capital, and speak to insurers or brokers to source insurance Support is available, for example, to help against the risk of not being paid. you secure additional working capital, to insure against non-payment by customers Where exporters are unable to find the buyers, or to fulfil requirements to obtain working capital they need, UK Export performance bonds. Finance (UKEF) may be able to help by sharing some of the risk with their bank. Most exports to EU countries are sold on short credit terms of typically up to six We can consider support for all exporters, months. However sales of capital goods or large and small, across a wide range construction projects are usually arranged of sectors. In recent years we have on longer terms, and very large capital supported UK exports to the EU in most goods such as aircraft can be supplied sectors, including the agricultural, on payment terms of 10 years or more. construction, creative & media sectors, energy, food & drink, IT, leisure & tourism, medical, scientific equipment and water sectors.

We provide guarantees with the resulting obligations carrying the full faith and credit of HM Government – the most powerful partner a UK exporter can hope to find. A wide range of support wins an overseas contract that is larger than it is used to handling, or manages Types of assistance UKEF is able to offer, to win a number of contracts at the same in the right circumstances, include: time, but may struggle to finance them all at once Bond support – Under our Bond Support Scheme we can offer guarantees to banks Both the bond support and export working issuing performance or other contract capital products are accessed through bonds in relation to UK exports to China. participating banks. If your bank This often means the bank can issue the representative is unfamiliar with the bond and also expand working capital products, they can be referred to our facilities for exporters, as the extra credit ‘Bank toolkit’, which can accessed at is guaranteed by UKEF. www.gov.uk/uk-export-finance.

In 2016 UKEF helped a builder of bespoke Export Finance Advisers – catamarans, Blyth Workcats of Essex your free resource obtain the performance bond it needed to secure a German contract. Without a UK Export Finance’s regional network UKEF guarantee for its bank, the need to of Export Finance Advisers (EFAs) stand set aside its own cash cover against this ready to offer free trade finance information bond would have made it impossible to to UK companies who are exporting or fulfil the contract. UKEF guaranteed a considering exporting to Europe proportion of the bond helping release cash to fund its work on the catamaran, The EFAs act as local points of contact a new scientific survey vessel for a to introduce exporters and prospective German university. exporters to finance providers, credit insurers, insurance brokers, trade support “UKEF support was paramount for this bodies and sources of government project” said Stuart Davidsen, the support. They can also help explain UK production and design manager at Blyth. Export Finance’s own product range, “Our bank couldn’t cover 100% of the risk complementing what is available in the for the bond. Thankfully UKEF was able to private market. take on 50% of the risk. We couldn’t have gone ahead without it.” For more information and to book a meeting with an EFA, visit: Working capital support – UKEF’s Export Working Capital Scheme can enhance www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk/finance- your bank’s ability to lend you working and-insurance capital to support export-related activity. Under the scheme, we provide partial Note: more detailed UKEF contact (typically 80%) guarantees to lenders information can be found on page 94 to cover the credit risks associated of this guide. with export working capital facilities. The scheme is particularly useful in circumstances where a UK exporter www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 19 www.Poland.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

View this guide online

Website and Mobile App features include:

• Latest business news • Up-to-date travel advice • Interactive ‘Supporting Organisations’ and ‘Market Experts’ proﬁles • Essential contact details • Listings with links to up-and-coming trade shows • Links to the Department for International Trade (DIT) support services.

International Market Advisor (IMA) works The guides’ contents focus on the market with British and foreign government in question, how to approach that market departments, Embassies, High and the help and support available, and Commissions and international Chambers include informative market overviews, plus of Commerce throughout the world. Our details of business opportunities, listings work helps to identify the most efficient with website links to British and Foreign ways for British companies to trade with Government support services and essential and invest in opportunity-rich overseas private sector service-provider profiles. markets. Sponsoring a ‘Doing Business Guide’ During the last ten years IMA has therefore offers a unique opportunity to worked with the British Government's positively promote your products and overseas trade and investment services to high-profile business leaders, department, the Department for specific exporters, investors and effective International Trade (DIT) [formerly business travellers who will be actively UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)], and has seeking out service providers to assist written, designed, produced, launched them in developing their business interests and distributed over one million copies of in the targeted markets. more than 100 country-specific print and multi-media based reports, guides and For more information on IMA publications, including the internationally- please visit our website: recognised ‘Doing Business Guide’ series www.DoingBusinessGuides.com of trade publications. These are composed of market and industry sector-specific, Contact IMA multi-format print and digital trade reports, together with some of the internet’s most Office address visited international trade websites - all of which are designed to advise and assist International Market Advisor UK companies looking to trade with and 1 Clough Street invest in overseas markets. These reports Buxton and guides are then distributed free-of- SK17 6LJ charge through the IMA and DIT global United Kingdom networks - over 500 distribution outlets in Email total. Further distribution takes place at global exhibitions, roadshows, conferences [email protected] and trade missions, and IMA receives daily requests for additional copies of the guides General enquiries switchboard from these networks and from businesses +44 (0) 1298 79562 considering exporting. Media enquiries Each of IMA’s 'Doing Business Guides’ is produced in three formats: a full colour, Newsdesk & out of hours glossy, paper-based brochure; a supporting +44 (0) 1298 79562 fully-interactive and updatable multi-media based website; and the website contents available as a free-of-charge downloadable smartphone/tablet app. www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 21 I

www.export.org.uk

We can help develop new ideas and find ways to drive down costs and produce sustainable improvements in your export business. • Membership supports all aspects of your international trade • Leading UK authority on trading globally • Tailored training to support your business needs • Expert solutions for international trade

Exporting great ideas to you. Join us today Call: +44(0)1733 404 400 email: [email protected]

D N A L O

P Doing Business in Poland

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This guide aims to provide a route map of the way ahead, together with signposts to other sources of help.

The main objective of this Doing Business in Poland Guide is to provide you with basic knowledge about Poland; an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities and to identify the main issues associated with initial research, market entry, risk management and culture and language.

We do not pretend to provide all the answers in the guide, but novice exporters in particular will find it a useful starting point. Further assistance is available from the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Poland. Full contact details are available in this guide.

To help your business succeed in Poland we have carefully selected a variety of essential service providers as ‘Market Experts’.

This guide is available in four formats:

• website (www. Poland .DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk)

• a ‘free’ downloadable 'mobile device-friendly’ app

• this full colour hard-copy brochure • PDF download/e-flipbook (please see the website for more details) Doing Business in Poland Guide Team;

Project Director: Craig Smith Managing Editors: Olivia Taylor / Brian Underwood Sponsorship Manager: James Clowes Creative Manager: Paul King / Claire King Creative Consultants: Twistedgifted www.twistedgifted.co.uk

Printed using materials from sustainable sources www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk ‘Doing Business in Poland Guide’ published in the UK by International Market Advisor Ltd. © 2017 International Market Advisor Ltd (unless otherwise stated). All rights reserved. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. 23 POLAND

Benefits for UK businesses exporting to Poland in - clude a huge domestic market with over 38 million consumers, English is increasingly spoken – particu - larly by the younger generation, it has a strong dy - namic economy, it can act as a gateway to emerging markets of Eastern Europe and there are over 300 flights a week between the UK and Poland. t c i r t s i D s s e n i s u B w a s r a W w w w . P o l a n d . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 2 5 WHY POLAND D N A L O

P Doing Business in Poland

Summary General government gross debt: 51.3% of GDP Area: 312,679 km 2 (120,726 mi²) Fiscal balance (of GDP): -2.6% of GCDP Population: 38 million Current account balance (of GDP): -0.2% of GDP Population growth rate (change): -0.1% Current account balance: US $-1.1 biliion Population density: 124.1 people per km² Exports of goods to UK: £8,251 million (2015) Urban population: 60.5% Imports of goods from UK: £3,637 million (2015) Capital city: Warsaw Inward direct investment flow: US $13.9 billion Official language: Polish Exports & imports as share of GDP: 95.9% Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN) [Source: mostly FCO Economics Unit]

Nominal GDP: US $474.8 billion (World Bank 2105)

Real annual GDP growth: 3.9% (Last revision October 2016)

GDP per capita: US $12,492.2

Annual inflation rate: CPI 0.0% ( November 2016)

Unemployment rate: GUS: claimant rate 8.2% (November 2016); Eurostat economically inactive 6.0% (November 2016)

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Why Poland? Bilateral relations between Poland and the UK are strong. Poland is an ally on the Background Better Regulation agenda, which aims to improve business conditions in the EU by reducing the regulatory burden on Geography firms. Poland and the UK also share best practice on improving regulations at a Situated in north-central Europe, between domestic level. Both countries would like latitudes 49° and 55° N, and longitudes to see a fully functioning and effective 14° and 25° E, and bordering Germany to digital single market. the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the [Source: Overseas Business Risk/gov.uk] east and Lithuania, Russia and the Baltic Sea to the north, Poland straddles three main areas – the coastal lakes and dunes Business environment along the Baltic coast in the north; the low-lying flat North European Plain across the centre; and to the south, high mountain The key takeaways for companies wanting ranges culminating in the rugged Tatra to visit the market are: Mountains, the highest part of the Carpathians along Poland’s southern • just two hours from the UK by plane border with Slovakia. • low-risk market with same EU market Government overview - political regulatory framework as the UK situation • significant opportunities for UK Poland has pursued a policy of economic companies in a number of key sectors liberalisation since 1990 and Poland’s economy was the only one in the EU to • Poland is the largest beneficiary of EU avoid a recession through the 2008-09 funds (over €105.8 billion in 2014- economic downturn. Short-term, the key 2020) policy challenge is to consolidate debt and spending without stifling economic • resilient economy which has seen growth. Over the longer term, Poland’s growth throughout the global economic economic performance should improve crisis, with catch-up growth potential if the country addresses some of the remaining remaining deficiencies in its road and rail infrastructure, business environment, rigid • largest consumer market in newly- labour code, commercial court system, joined EU countries – a springboard government red tape, and burdensome for regional expansion tax system.

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 27 D N A L O

P Doing Business in Poland

• wealthier consumers clustered in Poland has a published government seven high-growth agglomerations strategy to combat the problems of human (Warsaw, Poznan, Wroclaw, Krakow, trafficking and labour exploitation. Poland Gdansk/Tri-City, Katowice/Upper is one of the main source countries for Silesia, Lodz) revealed victims of labour exploitation in the UK. This issue is being addressed both • greatly improved transport by Poland and the UK. infrastructure in recent years, with hundreds of kilometres of new Sexual orientation remains an issue in motorways, faster inter-city trains, Poland. Poland does not allow or better logistics. recognise civil partnerships or same-sex marriages.

Resources [Source: FCO Overseas Business Risk/gov.uk] PAHiI Polish Agency for Trade and Economic overview Investment covers a wide range of economic and business areas, including information on doing business in Poland, Poland has enjoyed uninterrupted growth economic statistics, trends, foreign trade since 1992. GDP per capita went up from details, inter-EU trade and a breakdown 49% of the €25 average in 2004 to 68% by industry and sector. See: of the €28 average in 2014. In 2008, GDP www.paiz.gov.pl/en?lang_id=17 grew by 5% and, despite the global economic crisis, Poland was the only EU [Source: FCO Overseas Business Risk/gov.uk] country to record positive growth in 2009. GDP growth in 2015 was at 3.9%, despite external headwinds such as the Russia- Business and human rights Ukraine conflict. Key growth drivers Poland has ratified most of the European include corporate investment, private and international human rights treaties and consumption and exports, with a historic considers fostering human rights as an trade surplus. Longer term, Poland has important policy . catch-up growth potential remaining to developed economies. According to PwC, Poland has ratified 81 ILO conventions the economy is forecast to grow around including eight of the most important 3% per annum until 2030 and 2.5% per conventions. Domestic labour law is annum until 2050. compliant with EU regulations, including th those on anti-discrimination. Poland Poland is ranked 36 in The has developed a network of labour World Economic Forum’s Global inspectorates. Trade unions are legal, Competitiveness report for 2016-17. See: employees are allowed to strike but only www.weforum.org/reports/the-global- under the conditions set out in the relevant competitiveness-report-2016-2017-1 domestic legal act.

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Poland is the largest of the newer Strengths of the Polish market include: European Union (EU) member states. It has been one of the fastest developing • strategic location at the crossroads of countries in the EU in recent years. Its European trade and transport routes GDP growth is currently 3.7%, (October 2016), for 2015 it was 3.9%, well above • entry point to other Central and the EU average. Eastern European (CEE) countries and emerging markets further east €82.5 billion from EU structural and cohesion funds for the years 2014 to 2020 • €105.8 billion of EU funds will be is being invested in a range of projects allocated to Poland between 2014 and in Poland. See: www.eurlex.europa.eu/ 2020 summary/glossary/structural_cohesion_ fund.html?locale=en • young, well-educated workforce

In its latest report (2015-16), the World • vast experience in trade with eastern th Bank ranked Poland as the 24 easiest Europe country in which to do business. • investment incentives in Special The largest UK investors in Poland include Economic Zones (SEZ), business and Tesco Plc, Glaxo SmithKline, AVIVA Plc, technology parks BP, Shell Overseas Holdings Ltd, HSBC, BUPA and Unilever. • availability of foreign lawyers, accountants and consultants in Poland Benefits to UK businesses to help foreign investors There are clearly many historical, political and emotional reasons why there are such Read the EU’s practical guide to doing strong ties between Poland and the UK – business in Europe at: www.europa.eu/ but there are many economic reasons too youreurope/business/index_en.htm why investing in Poland makes sense. Contact a Department for International Benefits for UK businesses exporting to Trade (DIT) Poland export adviser at: Poland include: www.greatbusiness.gov.uk/ukti for a free consultation if you are interested in • huge domestic market with over 38 exporting to Poland. million consumers Contact UK Export Finance (UKEF) at: • English increasingly spoken, www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ particularly by the younger generation uk-export-finance for trade finance and (10 th place globally in EF’s Global insurance cover for UK companies. You English Proficiency Index) can also check the current UKEF cover position for Poland at: www.gov.uk/ • strong, dynamic economy guidance/country-cover-policy-and- indicators#poland • gateway to emerging markets of Eastern Europe [Source: FCO Overseas Business Risk/ DIT/UKEF/gov.uk/BPCC] • over 300 flights a week between UK and Poland

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 29 D N A L O P

Growth potential Economic forecasts for CEE are very positive. GDP growth is expected to reach Further growth is expected as a result of: 4 to 5% per annum over the next 20 years. Poland can act as a gateway into the other • increased exports CEE markets.

• improved economic outlook in the The CEE region: eurozone • is easily accessible from the UK • growing demand from emerging markets • offers a market of over 100 million consumers • domestic consumption • has widespread use of English as the EU funds business language The EU has allocated €82.5 billion to Poland through the structural and cohesion • is making major investments in energy, fund programme. This will help maintain transport and other infrastructure as a Poland as a market offering growth, result of billions in EU funding stability and good prospects for UK business. The EU funds will contribute • is an entry point into Eastern Europe to investment in Polish: Watch the DIT YouTube videos on growing • infrastructure your business in CEE markets, at: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW9Q9i8 • environmental and technology projects L1YhX_C48FICre2JAefWEJF_cP.

• human development Trade agreements Poland is a member of the EU, the World • regional development Trade Organization (WTO) and other international bodies. Goods manufactured Find out more at: in the UK are exempt from import duties. www.eurlex.europa.eu/summary/ Poland is also a member of the Schengen glossary/structural_cohesion_fund.html? area. locale=en Contact the UK Single Market Centre, at: Emerging Europe www.gov.uk/government/groups/uk-single- The Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) market-centre bringing together all the region offers considerable potential to practical support available to UK British business. UK exports are worth over businesses and consumers to help £16 billion, with goods exports doubling them benefit from the EU single market. over the past decade, and services exports – over £4 billion – trebling.

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Doing Business in Poland

Trade between the UK and Poland fallen, and chemical and pharmaceutical products risen from 12.7% in 1996 to 25% During the 1990s, Poland adopted in 2014, but some other highly-processed international trading rules and norms – categories have lost importance, such entering CEFTA and EFTA in 1993, signing as machine, mechanical and electrical the EU association agreement in 1994, equipment falling from 30% to 20%. The and entering the WTO in 1995. Finally, EU categories with highest growth in value accession in 2004 ended all import duties since 1996 are the chemical industry between EU member states. The impact (£0.7 billion), a rise of 403%; transport of these events, especially EU accession, equipment (£0.4 billion), a rise of 376%; has left a clear mark on the value of and machine, mechanical and electrical Poland’s imports and exports. In just the equipment (£0.3 billion), a rise of 90%. first eight years after joining the EU, UK imports to Poland quadrupled. [Source: British Polish Chamber of Commerce] Four main phases can be discerned in the UK/Poland’s trade relationship. The first phase, between 1990 and 1997, when Future outlook Poland first opened-up to international Poland’s international trade continues to markets, is characterised by very fast develop. The EU now accounts for 77.1% growth in trade in both directions. Poland’s of Polish exports, but by 2020 is projected imports from the UK grew by an annual to fall to 72.7% as Poland opens more average of 27%, significantly faster than towards markets in Africa and South Polish exports to the UK (17%). Between America. An early example of this 1997 and 2003 growth of imports from diversification is the recent rise of food the UK slowed down markedly (to 2%), exports to Africa after Russia’s embargo while Polish exports to the UK continued in 2014. to rise rapidly (by 29%). The third phase, following Poland’s accession to the Poland’s economic relationship with the EU through to 2008, again shows high UK also continues to develop in other acceleration in trade in both directions, ways, with significant FDI inflows, with Polish imports from the UK growing movement of Polish entrepreneurs to by 22% annually, while Polish exports to the UK, and sizeable trade in services – the UK grew at an impressive 45%. The which somewhat improves the UK’s fourth phase, (2008 to 2016) covers the trading balance with Poland from minus crisis and post-crisis years, and shows £5 billion in goods to minus £4.6 billion another slowdown in growth of imports considering goods and services. The role from the UK (2%), while Polish exports to of closer connections between enterprises, the UK grew by 10% annually. such as direct sourcing and contract manufacturing, is also rising. Looking at UK exports to Poland, the main categories traded are highly-processed, high value-added goods – the proportion of primary resources such as fuels has

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 31 D N A L O

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One of the stated policy goals of Poland’s UK exporters in the CEE region (with new conservative government is to raise ODPs in six countries, soon to be ex - the role of exports from companies owned tended to ten) and worldwide (40 ODPs). by domestic capital, who at present As the ODP in Poland, the BPCC provides account for around 50% of the value export support services for UK companies of Poland’s exports (estimates range looking to enter the market. from ~40% to ~60%). [Source: British Polish Chamber of Commerce] The remainder is FDI-owned firms – brands such as Fiat, VW, GM, Ikea, th Samsung, which base their production in • Poland is ranked 30 out of 168 Poland, as well as direct sourcing by for - countries in Transparency eign investors, such as the £300 million a International's latest corruption perception index, 2015 (the UK year of food exports by Tesco. th ranked 10 ): www.transparency.org/ Planned measures to support Polish firms cpi2015/#results-table include the creation of an Export Support th Agency, and strengthening of the SME • Poland is ranked 24 out of 190 in the World Bank’s 2016-17 Ease of Doing sector. Finally, one of the main limiting th factors for UK imports to Poland, Business Index (the UK ranks 7 ): especially in consumer products, has www.doingbusiness.org/rankings been high prices and low levels of disposable income. As Poland’s economic • The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness report 2016-17 ranks growth continues and incomes rise, the th Poland 36 out of 138 (the UK is attractiveness of UK products will only th improve. Its GDP growth for 2015 was ranked 7 ), five places higher than the 3.9%, (last revision October 2016), well previous year: www3.weforum.org/ above the EU average. docs/GCR2016-2017/05FullReport/ TheGlobalCompetitiveness UK enterprises were slower to react to Report2016-2017_FINAL.pdf opportunities in the CEE region than their European counterparts because of a Contact a DIT export adviser at: perception that English-speaking markets www.greatbusiness.gov.uk/ukti for a worldwide held more promise, considering free consultation if you are interested fewer practical barriers to entry. Correct or in exporting to Poland. not, this perception is now changing and the CEE region is becoming a higher- Contact UK Export Finance (UKEF) about priority destination for UK exporters. trade finance and insurance cover for UK companies. You can also check the current In response to this change in approach, UKEF cover position for Poland. See: the UK Government, as part of its strategy www.gov.uk/guidance/country-cover- to encourage 100,000 new exporters by policy-and-indicators#poland 2020, has established a network of Over - [Source: Department for International Trade seas Delivery Partners (ODP) to support (DIT)/gov.uk]

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

k s n a d G t n e m k n a b m e l a r t n e C

POLAND

Taking part in overseas exhibitions is an effective way for you to test markets, attract customers, appoint agents or distributors and make sales. DIT's Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) provides grant support for eligible SMEs to attend trade shows overseas. w w w . P o l a n d . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 3 7 HELP AVAILABLE FOR YOU D N A L O

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Support from the Department Help available for you for International Trade (DIT) Overview GREAT.gov.uk The UK Department for International Trade www.GREAT.gov.uk is the government’s (DIT) provides tailored support packages single destination for information on UK for companies who are: trade, investment, tourism and education. It has tailored support and advice for you • first time exporters (FTEs) on how to start exporting or increase the • small and medium-sized enterprises amount of goods and services you sell (SMEs) overseas. • medium-sized businesses (MSBs) You can: See: www.gov.uk/government/ • read guidance for new, occasional and organisations/department-for-international- frequent exporters trade/about/about-our-services for further • find out about services offered by information. GREAT partners • use the Selling Online Overseas tool In addition, the British Polish Chamber of to find the best marketplaces to Commerce (BPCC) is the official Delivery showcase your products online – Partner for DIT in Poland and as such can taking advantage of special deals assist with market entry support for small negotiated by the government for UK and medium businesses, networking, businesses and find out more about information, advocacy and marketing. the government’s E-exporting See: www.trade.bpcc.org.pl Programme • apply for overseas export opportunities The Institute of Export – the professional for your products or services membership body representing and • sign up to the Find a Buyer service, supporting the interests of everyone which launches fully in early 2017 and involved in importing, exporting and will allow you to showcase your international trade – offers a unique range products to overseas buyers of individual and business membership benefits and a world-renowned suite of You can also: qualifications and training. The Institute • search for events, trade fairs, missions is the leading authority in best practice and webinars relevant to your sector and competence for businesses trading or overseas markets globally. See: www.export.org.uk • apply for a trade show access grant to attend an overseas event The following details are a selection • contact a trade adviser in your area of support services for you: Selling online overseas Use this service to help choose a suitable online marketplace to sell your products overseas.

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App You can: • set up on e-marketplaces quickly and • find major online marketplaces in other also identify new e-marketplaces countries around the world • see whether these online market • access better than commercial rates to places are suitable to sell your list on some e-marketplaces, including products lower commission fees and ‘try for • discover how to list your products on free’ periods. See: www.gov.uk/ an online marketplace guidance/e-exporting#preferentialrates • get information about costs of listing • access the ‘E-Expertise Bank’, on the marketplace and how logistics a community of over 175 B2B/B2C are fulfilled service providers offering free advice. • access special terms negotiated by the See: www.gov.uk/guidance/e-exporting UK Government #eexpertise • join DIT’s mailing list for opportunities to hear from industry experts, network E-Exporting Programme with like-minded individuals and find DIT’s E-Exporting Programme aims to help out about e-commerce trends UK companies get their brands to millions of global consumers and grow their Find a buyer service business through online exports. DIT’s Launching early in 2017, this is the place E-Exporting Programme helps UK to let international buyers know all about companies who are: your business – highlight the vital facts about your company to give buyers • new to selling online confidence to get in touch; show off your • already selling online, but need help company's experience and outstanding with specific issues projects to give potential buyers more • experienced in online sales, but are insight; get emails from international looking to sell on multiple platforms buyers straight to your sales or business globally development teams; see relevant government-supported export The programme enables you to: development events where overseas buyers will be attending. • arrange a free meeting through your local DIT office to get expert Events and missions international trade advice and support, Taking part in overseas exhibitions is and access to DIT’s global network of an effective way for you to test markets, contacts. See: www.contactus.trade. attract customers, appoint agents or gov.uk distributors and make sales. DIT's • meet a Digital Trade Adviser where Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) relevant, to help you develop and provides grant support for eligible SMEs implement an international online to attend trade shows overseas. strategy

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 39 D N A L O

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The grants are based around the information on each event in order to help Tradeshow Access Programme Calendar them decide on the most appropriate event of Supported Events 2016-2017, with an to attend. The calendar can be filtered and appropriate accredited Trade Challenge searched by sector and/or market. Partner leading the UK’s involvement at each event. Businesses usually take There are also detailed events websites part as a group – a great advantage for which include more information about the inexperienced businesses – and usually event and also allow users to register for led by the Trade Challenge Partner for an event. that trade show. The DIT events portal is your central hub DIT can offer grants to eligible businesses for business and networking opportunities. taking part in the programme. The grants Search for future events and missions, must be matched by the business’s own register online and network with fellow expenditure on direct exhibiting costs, for delegates. See: www.events.trade.gov.uk example: DIT webinars • exhibition space costs The DIT webinar service runs hundreds • stand costs – including design, of free hour-long internet events covering construction and stand dressing topics, sectors and countries around the world, helping you shape your export plan. In some cases grants may also be agreed These events allow you to interact with the to match against direct conference costs experts in specific sectors and countries where the purpose of attending is to and allow you to ask questions to enhance promote the business, for example: your knowledge.

• conference fees To see upcoming DIT webinars, please • cost of preparing conference visit: www.events.trade.gov.uk and search promotional material for webinars.

Grant levels may be subject to change. DIT Overseas Market Introduction The trade challenge partner will confirm Service the level of grant available and inform you You can also commission a DIT Overseas about any service or management fee Market Introduction Service (OMIS) to charges before you sign up. Contact your help you enter or expand your business local DIT international trade advisor for in Poland. Under this service, the British further information about the programme, Embassy’s trade and investment advisers, at: www.contact-us.export.great.gov.uk/ who have wide local experience and selling_online_overseas knowledge, can identify business partners and provide the support and advice most DIT events portal relevant to your company's specific needs The DIT events portal provides a single in Poland. Contact the DIT team at the calendar view of all DIT events and British Embassy in Warsaw for more missions, and has been developed to information (see the ‘Resources’ provide companies with more detailed section later in this guide). Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Open to Export small and medium businesses. BPCC Open to Export is DIT’s free, online advice trade team can help you with researching service for UK companies looking to grow the market and finding potential partners internationally. It offers free information in Poland. Furthermore, through our exten - and support on anything to do with sive membership network, they can assist exporting and hosts online discussions with providing PR and marketing support via its forum, webinars and social media and assisting in reaching the full marketing where businesses can ask any export potential and raising the brand awareness question, and learn from each other. of their products, attending meetings with Open to Export can be accessed at: the target market and providing follow up www.opentoexport.com support; translation of marketing materials, legal and financial advice, logistical, In-market support accounting, delivered by BPCC trade or If you already export, and have decided via our network partners. The BPCC also Poland is part of your business strategy, offer potential support in finding other you are advised to contact the DIT team suitable partners in markets – such as at the British Embassy in Warsaw prior distributors or agents. to your visit to discuss your objectives and what help you may need (see the Exporting is GREAT ‘Resources’ section of this guide). They Exporting is GREAT programme is a can provide a range of Poland-specific chance for UK companies to source services for you, including the provision potential partners on foreign markets. of market information, validated lists of The idea is that you “match” supply from agents/potential partners, key market the UK with a “demand” from, Polish players or potential customers; establishing market based companies. The programme interest from such contacts; and arranging kicked off in late 2014. The process of in-market appointments for you. In ‘matching’ starts with selecting companies addition, they can also organise events interested in participating in the initiative for you to meet contacts in Poland, or and contacting them via a direct phone to promote your company and your call. The company then points out a products/services. specific product or service that they want to import from the UK. On this basis, a [Source: DIT/gov.uk] post for the Exporting is GREAT website is being created, where British companies Support from the British Polish may apply for a particular opportunity. Chamber of Commerce (BPCC) Each response is carefully analysed to be matched with a Polish company; passing on Polish contact details is the start of an The BPCC is a bilateral chamber export journey. dedicated to increasing two-way trade and investment between Poland and the UK. The BPCC strives to see Poland become It exists to further the business interests an increasingly significant economic of its members across both countries. partner for the UK, as an export market, It provides a platform for members to as in import source and as an investment engage in a dialogue with the public destination, and vice versa. sector, with the goal of improving the business environment in Poland through Contact: www.bpcc.org.pl/en/home to the better functioning of its institutions. find out more, or to become a member.

Further to the offer of membership, BPCC [Source: BPCC] as an official Overseas Delivery Partner can assist with market entry support for

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 41 DMB Law operates in 21 countries across Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and Africa.

Our international expertise has been built up over more than 20 years. David Buckle, our founder and Senior Partner has lived and worked in many of the countries in which we operate. David is the head of the team advising our clients on business structures and operating systems in Poland; he is also a director on the board of the British Polish Chamber of Commerce and visits Poland regularly in this capacity.

We work closely with two law firms in Poland. The association with these firms allows us to gain immediate access to advice and assistance on local issues particularly those in a legal context where Polish law and compliance have an impact. We have a network of advisers who we can call on to assist with technical issues. Many of these advisers are experts in their own fields.

Whether the issues that concern you require advice on English, Polish or EU matters, we can help you. We are equipped to deliver services equally well in the UK and Poland where a number of our associates are bi-lingual. Areas of practice with which we can assist include:

Corporate and Commercial issues that might arise so that you do not commit We can advise and assist you with setting up to a business agreement without fully appreciating a legal entity in Poland. Alternatively, you may the legal issues involved. wish to limit your presence in Poland to a branch In the IT sector there are often potentially or representative office. There are advantages complex issues that need to be addressed in order and disadvantages of each option. We can guide to safeguard intellectual property rights. We have you through the process of deciding which option access to the necessary expertise to advise on is best for you in order that you can establish an cross border intellectual property issues. Not effective business presence in Poland. just in the IT sector but in many other sectors, With the assistance of the British Polish the creation, protection and employment of Chamber of Commerce and our network of intellectual property is essential to the success professional advisers in Poland, we can help you of the business. We can advise on how best to to identify suitable business partners in Poland protect you intellectual property including your who will work with you to mutual advantage. confidential business information. Agreements which set out clearly how your Further, we can advise on the impact on business will operate with suppliers, customers, your business of cross border data protection agents, distributors and partners are key to your and privacy laws. risk management strategy. We will help you to assess the risks of doing business in Poland and Joint Ventures, Mergers and Acquisitions provide you with advice on how those risks Whether you establish your joint venture through might be mitigated. a separate legal entity or by way of a strategic Whether the agreements you make are alliance, there are many issues that need to be subject to English law, or subject to Polish law, thought through and captured in the joint venture we can provide you with the appropriate help and agreement. We have many years of experience in assistance. Should you wish to operate through developing international joint venture agreements a franchise (as franchisor or as a franchisee) or and the associated documents necessary to ensure under some other form of licence agreement, it that the rights and obligations of each participator will be necessary to identify the cross border are clearly set out. If you are looking to acquire a business find that there are significant challenges when in Poland, or in the UK, or merge with a UK operating in Poland which will need to be or Polish business, we can provide you with identified and managed. Using our advisors the necessary due diligence and risk assessments in the UK and in Poland, we can assist you to before and during the negotiations. We can also identify the relevant regulations and advise act for you in the drafting of the required you on your compliance programmes. agreements. Employment Corporate Finance You will need to decide how best establish the Financial structuring for the acquisition of assets status of those people who will work with and for abroad, and for financing working capital are key you in Poland. Depending on how you set up the to ensuring that your business can take advantage employment relationship the Polish Labour Code of the opportunities that will be presented. Whether may apply to UK employees working in Poland you rely on private or institutional investors, it is and to employees from Poland working in the UK. essential that you fully understand the terms under Establishing clear contractual arrangements which finance will be made available to you in which govern the employment relationship are the UK or in Poland. essential. Further, you may need to be aware of, We can help you to understand the terms and comply with, important facets of the Polish of what are sometimes quite complex documents Labour Code such as the rights to minimum pay, which should not be entered into without a full holiday and notice periods as well regulations appreciation of the risks for your business. which impact on working time or overtime work. Ensuring that you have an effective labour relations Corporate Governance policy is essential to both the protection and Your board of directors and/or senior management promotion of your business. team will need to be familiar with cross border implications of conducting business in Poland. Real Estate We provide board briefings, legal and compliance If you are looking to secure premises in Poland risk assessments, and evaluations to equip your from which to run your business you will need board and senior management teams to deal with local advisers to assist you. If you are looking the challenges of operating across international to develop property in Poland local advice is borders. essential before committing to any property We can help you put in place governance development project. We can help you to identify policies and procedures and design and deliver suitably qualified professional advisers in the real training for staff who need to comply with those estate sector. policies and procedures. Dispute Resolution Regulatory and Compliance If a dispute arises, you will want to be in the If you operate in the financial services you best negotiating position to resolve that dispute. will already be familiar with the challenges Not all disputes end up in court. Where it is of satisfying the myriad of regulatory and possible to achieve a solution through mediation, compliance issues which your business. arbitration or some other form of alternative If you are operating in the construction dispute resolution, we can advise and assist you industry, in transport, or defence and security, through the process of achieving a settlement. you will be familiar with the UK regulatory If a settlement is not possible without going environment and how it impacts on your business to court, then our litigation teams in the UK and model. Whilst many of the current regulations in Poland can represent you in the proceedings. have a common origin in the EU, you may

www.dmblaw.co.uk POLAND

Poland is a major east-west transit route for heavy vehicles. The road network is being constantly upgraded, and roadworks are frequent, particularly in summer. 4 5 GETTING HERE AND ADVICE ABOUT YOUR STAY D N A L O

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Getting here and advice about your stay Money The currency in Poland is the Zloty – Entry requirements available from UK foreign currency exchange providers.

Passport validity It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Your passport should be valid for the Northern Irish bank notes in Poland. proposed duration of your stay; you do not need any additional period of validity on [Source: FCO Travel Advice/gov.uk] your passport beyond this.

UK emergency travel documents Local laws and customs UK emergency travel documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit Polish police take a strict approach to public from Poland. drunkenness. You are not allowed to consume alcohol in public places and fines Visas may be imposed. If you are found to be If you are a British citizen visiting Poland, drunk in a public place you may be taken you do not need a visa. If you hold a to a drying-out clinic where a doctor or different type of British nationality you nurse will medically assess you. You will not should check entry requirements with be released until you have sobered up and the Polish Embassy in London. this may require an overnight stay. You will have to pay for the cost of the stay. For stays of longer than three months, see the Polish Embassy website at: The drink-drive limit in Poland is 20 www.london.mfa.gov.pl/en milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood – which is lower than in England, Dual nationals Wales and Northern Ireland (80 milligrams) Under Polish law, a Polish passport holder and Scotland (50 milligrams). Driving a car must be treated as a Polish national while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is in Poland, even if he or she holds another strictly prohibited and is punishable by up country’s passport. The Polish authorities to two years in prison. Likewise cycling on therefore require dual Polish-British public roads under the influence of alcohol nationals to enter and exit Poland on or drugs can result in prosecution. a Polish passport. Check with the Polish Embassy in London if in doubt. If you are a Jay-walking is an offence. You should cross dual Polish-British national and are arrested only at recognised crossing points. If caught or detained in Poland, you will be deemed by the police you will be fined. to be Polish by the Polish authorities. You will have the same rights as any other [Source: FCO Travel Advice/gov.uk] Polish citizen in these circumstances (including the right to legal representation).

[Source: Foreign Travel Advice/gov.uk]

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Safety and security If you think you may qualify for a discounted fare (e.g. student or older person) always Crime double-check the rules as some cheaper Most visitors to Poland experience no fares may only be available to Polish difficulties, but you should be alert to the nationals. You will be fined if you travel possibility of street crime and petty theft, with a reduced fare ticket that you are not and that foreigners may appear to be entitled to. lucrative targets. Keep valuables and cash out of sight, especially in crowded areas Road travel and tourist spots where pickpockets and If you drive and have been drinking (even a bag snatchers operate. single unit of alcohol) you can be charged. If you break Polish driving laws you should Only use official taxis, which have the name be prepared to pay an on the spot fine in and telephone number of the taxi company cash in Polish currency to the police. on the side of the door and on the top of the Foreigners who are settled in Poland and taxi. They will usually also show a rate card have a permanent address may be fined on the window of the vehicle, although with a credit ticket that can be paid later. not in all cities, for example Wroclaw. Taxis with a crest but no company name are not Pedestrians and cyclists must wear a officially registered taxis. reflective item between dusk and dawn when outside a built-up area, regardless Do not leave drinks or food unattended of the weather. Anyone hit by a car or a bike and beware of accepting drinks from casual when not wearing a reflective item is liable acquaintances. There have been a small to be held responsible for the accident. number of reports of drinks being spiked Police may impose fines on those not and visitors having their valuables stolen. wearing reflective items.

Local travel A system of toll collection is in place Public transport tickets must be validated on selected sections of motorways, at the start of a journey. You will be fined on expressways and national roads. Detailed the spot if you are travelling with an invalid information on the system is available on ticket, usually 180 Polish zloty (around £36). the toll operator website: www.viatoll.pl/en You can buy tickets at most newspaper stands and kiosks with a sign reading Poland ranks high among European Union ‘Bilety’ or ticket machines distributed in countries for road fatalities. In 2015 there cities. were 2,938 road deaths in Poland (source: UK Department for Transport ). This equates to 7.7 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in the same year.

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l r h u d - K i s s i r s t Doing Business in Poland

Business risk The Polish Anti-Corruption Bureau has been set up and reports of corruption are Bribery and corruption now far less common. Public willingness Bribery is illegal. It is an offence for British to confront the problem has also led to a nationals or someone who is ordinarily reduction in opportunities for corruption. resident in the UK, a body incorporated in The law gives the person in receipt of a the UK or a Scottish partnership, to bribe bribe, immunity from prosecution if they anywhere in the world. report it to the authorities and assist in the prosecution of the bribe giver. In addition, a commercial organisation carrying on a business in the UK can be However, in the 2013 Special Eurobarometer liable for the conduct of a person who is on Corruption, 82% of Polish respondents neither a UK national or resident in the UK stated that corruption was a widespread or a body incorporated or formed in the problem in their country (EU average 76%) UK. In this case, it does not matter and 27% said that corruption affected their whether the acts or omissions which form daily lives (EU average 26%). 15% of Polish part of the offence take place in the UK or respondents were asked or expected to elsewhere. pay a bribe over the previous 12 months (EU average 4%), mostly in relation to The UK Government takes a very serious healthcare. 32 % of entrepreneurs (EU view on bribery and corruption, and any average 43 %) reported corruption was UK company considered to be involved in a problem when doing business in Poland. corrupt practices will feel the full weight of the law under the UK Bribery Act 2010. It is recommended you read the UK The UK Department for Business, Energy Government’s Anti-Bribery Policy advice & Industrial Strategy (BEIS, formerly at: www.gov.uk/anti-bribery-policy and also Department for Business, Innovation and see the Business Anti-Corruption portal at: Skills – BIS) has published a number of www.business-anti-corruption.com/ documents on their website. See: country-profiles/poland for more advice www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ and guidance about corruption in Poland department-for-business-energy-and- and some basic effective procedures you industrial-strategy for assistance in this can establish to protect your company area. from them.

th Poland is ranked 30 out of 168 countries in Transparency International's latest corruption perception index (2015): www.transparency.org/cpi2015/#results- table

Corruption has significantly reduced in recent years through a combination of law enforcement action and political will.

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 49 D N A L O P

Intellectual Property (IP) Useful information can also be found at Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), as the following: intangible assets, are a key factor in the competitiveness of your business in the UK Intellectual Property Office – the UK global economy. IPR can protect your Government agency providing free and innovation from competitors and can also impartial advice on protecting and be an important source of cash flow registering your IP in the UK and abroad. through licensing deals or selling IP. IPR See: www.gov.uk/government/organisations / infringement can lead to loss of business, intellectual-property-office revenue, reputation and competitive advantage unless you take steps to Organised crime protect your IP both in the UK and abroad. Levels of organised crime in Poland do not exceed those in other former accession Poland adheres to all EU laws regarding states and most businesses will be copyright and intellectual property and the unaffected. Corruption, fraud and theft do local branches of international watchdogs exist, though Poland benefits from a robust monitor breaches that may occur, including Anti-Corruption Bureau and a professional downloading of illegal software which and capable police force. In previous years mostly concerns the music/film industry. it was common to have to pay a crime Nevertheless, “piracy” of intellectual group to run a business, but such practices property remains an important issue the are now rare. If you encounter any issues Polish government needs to deal with. in this area you should, as with instances Poland has not signed the Agreement of bribery and corruption, contact the on a Unified Patent Court. police, prosecutor’s office or Polish Anti-Corruption Bureau. For further information on IP: As in the UK, businesses should be • the Agreement on Trade-Related cautious when shipping goods through Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Poland as hijacking of heavy goods (TRIPS) sets international standards vehicles can take place, especially where for various aspects of IP (see: high-value goods are being shipped. www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/trips_ Caution should also be taken in securing e/t_agm0_e.htm) ; premises where goods of value are stored. Businesses in Poland make extensive • the Paris Convention for the Protection use of security guards – in such cases, of Industrial Property (see: a reputable company should be used. www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/paris/ ); Organised crime groups also engage in smuggling of commodities, illicit goods • the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and people trafficking. Poland has a large provides for a common patent filing logistics industry and a history of producing system (see: www.wipo.int/pct/en/ innovative smugglers. Tobacco and alcohol texts/articles/atoc.htm ). are some of the most commonly smuggled goods. Cigarettes are the commodity being smuggled in the largest quantities and the

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Doing Business in Poland

UK is the destination where the profit is Polish doctors and nurses are well highest due to high tax rates. Counterfeit qualified but English is not always widely cigarettes also make up a significant spoken and you may face communication proportion of the goods seized by customs difficulties. at national borders, some produced within Poland and some manufactured outside If you are visiting Poland you should get the EU. a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC Protective security advice is not a substitute for medical and travel The UK Centre for the Protection of insurance, but it entitles you to state National Infrastructure (CPNI) also provided medical treatment that may provides protective security advice to become necessary during your trip. Any businesses. See: w ww.cpni.gov.uk treatment provided is on the same terms as Polish nationals. If you do not have your [Source: FCO Overseas Business Risk/gov.uk] EHIC with you or you have lost it, you can call the Department of Health Overseas Healthcare Team (+44 191 218 1999) to Health get a Provisional Replacement Certificate. Visit your health professional at least four The EHIC will not cover medical repatriation, to six weeks before your trip to check ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent whether you need any vaccinations or treatment, so you should make sure you other preventive measures. Country- have adequate travel insurance and specific information and advice is accessible funds to cover the cost of published by the National Travel Health any medical treatment and repatriation. Network and Centre on the TravelHealth- Pro website: w ww.travelhealthpro.org.uk/ Tick-borne encephalitis is common, country/180/poland a nd by NHS (Scotland) especially in forested areas during the on the FitForTravel website: w ww.fitfor- summer. travel.nhs.uk/destinations/europe-- russia/poland.aspx If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an Useful information and advice about ambulance. If you are referred to a medical healthcare abroad is also available on facility for treatment you should contact the NHS Choices website: your insurance/medical assistance www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Health- company immediately. careabroad/Pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx [Source: FCO Travel Advice/gov.uk] In general, medical facilities in Poland are comparable to those in the UK. Private medical facilities are comparatively inexpensive and of a good standard.

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 51 D N A L O

P Doing Business in Poland

FCO travel advice If you are travelling to Poland for business, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has travel advice to help you prepare for your visits overseas and to stay safe and secure while you are there. For advice please visit the FCO Travel section pages on the gov.uk website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/poland

Travel insurance Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. See FCO Foreign Travel Insurance: www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel- insurance

Contact FCO travel advice team This email service only offers information and advice for British nationals planning to travel abroad.

If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the consular assistance team on 020 7008 1500 (24 hours).

If you are abroad and need emergency help, please contact the nearest British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. See: www.gov.uk/government/world /organisations

[Source: FCO Travel Advice/gov.uk]

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Your Leadership Partner in Poland

Stanton Chase Warsaw has a successful track record of over 23 years in the executive search business, delivering executive service at the top, senior and mid-levels in various business sectors in every region of the country as well in the Baltics.

We offer Poland’s highest qualified team of executive search consultants and researchers, with over 1000 successfully completed projects. These include CEO’s, Country Managers, Managing Directors, CFOs, Sales and Marketing, Directors, HRDs, Procurement and Supply Chain Directors, Operations and Plant Managers, Engineering Directors, IT and many others. Our Warsaw Office is extremely experienced in the following Beata Sokołowska-Pęk business sectors: Industry, Consumer Goods and Retail, Life Managing Director, Global Sciences, Technology, BPO/SCC, Real Estate, Professional and Co-Chair Diversity Consumer Services including Finance, Logistics and Transportation [email protected] and Private Equity. Our reputation as the most prominent executive search team on our Polish market is largely due to the passion, enthusiasm and true love we have for our job. Our profound expertise of the Polish market has allowed us to deliver a variety of projects covering a wide geographical span within the CEE. Jan Duniec Stanton Chase International Sp. z.o.o | Warsaw Office Partner Al. Niepodległości 124, 02-577 Warsaw, Poland [email protected] Phone: +48 22 401 80 30 | Email:[email protected]

www.stantonchase.com POLAND

The healthcare sector is one of the fastest growing in Poland and private healthcare services are particularly dynamic. This comes with rapid development of huge number of private clinics, higher spending on medical equipment, rehabilitation services and diagnostics tests. w a l c o r W

, d n a l s I l a r d e h t a C w w w . P o l a n d . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 5 5 SECTOR-SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES D N A L O

P Doing Business in Poland

Sector-specific opportunities Automotive

For details on automotive production and Background aftermarket, contact Paweł Skorupski: [email protected] at the British The UK Department for International Polish Chamber of Commerce. Trade (DIT) publishes over 1,000 business opportunities per month across all sectors Aviation and over 100 markets. Sign up to receive regular free international export For details on the aviation sector and the opportunities alerts from its worldwide Polish Space Agency, contact Paweł network, at: www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk Skorupski: [email protected] at the British Polish Chamber of Commerce. Access high-value public procurement notices via Tenders Electronic Daily Chemicals (TED) at: www.ted.europa.eu/TED/main/ HomePage.do. TED contains all For details on the chemicals sector, procurement notices above a certain contact Paweł Skorupski: pawel.skorupski threshold from the EU and European @bpcc.org.pl at the British Polish Economic Area (EEA). Chamber of Commerce. UK companies bidding for Polish tenders Communications and PR are usually required to submit certain certificates along with their tender bid. For details on the communications and These certificates do not exist in the UK, PR sector, including online and video but there are equivalent UK documents or marketing, contact Łukasz Lemke: substitutes that are acceptable. [email protected] at the British Polish Chamber of Commerce. Aerospace Construction services For further details contact Łukasz Lemke: [email protected] at the British For information on the Polish construction Polish Chamber of Commerce. services sector, contact: [email protected] at the British Polish Agriculture Chamber of Commerce.

For details on farm structure, agricultural Creative industries employment, top production categories and Poland’s Rural Development For information on the Polish creative Programme, contact Konrad Kubacki: industries sector, contact Łukasz Lemke: [email protected] at the British [email protected] at the British Polish Chamber of Commerce. Polish Chamber of Commerce.

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Cybersecurity • R&D initiatives in training and simulations For information on the Polish cybersecurity • modern individual soldier equipment sector, including electronic document se- such as uniform, helmets and IT curity and EZD, see: w ww.ezd.gov.pc (in Polish only), or contact the British Polish • supply chain for aircrafts, helicopters Chamber of Commerce. • R&D and technology transfer Defence Contact Export Control Organisation In December 2012 the Polish Government (ECO) to check your goods meet legal adopted a modernisation plan for the requirements for export: w ww.gov.uk/ Polish armed forces for the period 2013- government/organisations/export-control- 2022. The major opportunities for UK organisation. C ontact DIT Poland Key companies are within 14 key operational Account Manager – Defence and programmes and focus mainly on air force, Aerospace: m [email protected] naval upgrade and land carriers. for more information on opportunities in the defence sect or. Opportunities include: [Source: DIT/gov.uk] • planned tender for 30-plus combat helicopters (Raven programme) E-commerce • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles For information on the e-commerce (UUVs) and related equipment sector contact Magdalena Kałach: [email protected] a t the • new submarines, Offshore Patrol British Polish Chamber of Commerce. Vehicles (OPVs) and Coastal Defence Vehicles (CDVs ) Economy of Warsaw

• heavy armour programme which For information on the economy of includes tanks and wheeled armour Warsaw and the Mazovian region, contact: vehicles [email protected] at the British Polish Chamber of Commerce. • supply chain for anti-missile shield programme Education and training

• electronic command support systems For information on the education and and battlefield management systems training sector, contact Monika Samuś: [email protected] at the British • logistics equipment Polish Chamber of Commerce.

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 57 InternationalInternational businessbusiness cancan bebe difficultdifffffiicult

For 49 years we’ve helped British companies succeed in global markets. Let us help you.

JoinJoin us.us.

VVisitisit wwww.britishexpertise.orgww.britishexpertise.org EEmailmail [email protected]@britishexpertise.org TTelephoneelephone ++4444 ((0)0) 2200 77824824 11920920 Doing Business in Poland

Energy There are opportunities in:

Poland announced plans to build two new • FinTech, specifically digital banking, 3-gigawatt (GW) nuclear plants in 2009. Big Data, mobile payments and Nuclear is expected to make up around cybersecurity 17% of Poland’s future energy mix. The first plant is scheduled to open in 2024, at • legal and financial consultancy as an estimated cost of £7-11 billion. Delivery Public Private Partnership (PPP) / EU is being managed by the state-owned funds hybrid projects are used more company PGE S.A. widely

There are opportunities for: • private health insurance with less than 800,000 Poles currently paying for • regulatory capacity building private healthcare policies

• research and development (R&D) Contact DIT Poland Key Account Managers transfer – Financial and Business Services: [email protected] and • supply of all elements of the fuel cycle [email protected] for more information on opportunities in the financial • consultancy and project management and business services sector.

Contact the Director of DIT Poland Energy [Source: DIT/gov.uk] Unit [email protected] for more information on opportunities in the energy sector. Savings and investment preferences According to National Bank of Poland data [Source: DIT/gov.uk] from the first quarter of 2015, financial assets held by Polish households rose to £280 billion – a 4.7% year-on-year Financial and business services increase (and an increase from £115 billion in 2005). Poland has developed a well-regulated, stable financial market, overseen by the Net household financial assets amount National Bank of Poland (NBP) and the to 97.6% of annual household income. Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF). 70% of all the banks in Poland Financial assets per capita – at £5,800 – are owned by foreign parent companies. are only 19% of the EU average. However, IT expenditure in the financial services they continue to grow (9.9% annually sector has grown considerably in the in 2003-2013). Savings are also CEE region. concentrated, with 48% of assets held by the top 10% of savers.

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EU funds 2014-2020 will be mainly spent Information technology (IT) on healthcare infrastructure. Public hospitals were obliged to modernise their premises For information on the Polish IT sector, and upgrade equipment to EU standards contact Łukasz Lemke: by the end of 2016. [email protected] at the British Polish Chamber of Commerce. High annual growth rates are expected for: Manufacturing • over-the-counter (OTC) products and food supplements (market value of For information on the Polish £160 million in 2014) at 6% manufacturing sector, contact Łukasz Lemke: [email protected] at the • image diagnostics (market value of British Polish Chamber of Commerce. £400 million in 2014) at 15% Marine (shipping) • in-vitro diagnostics (market value of £215 million in 2014) at 9% Characteristics There are also opportunities for: In the last few years, the shipbuilding sector has undergone a revival, with • specialised medical equipment, employment close to previous high particularly for hospitals levels (31k, peak of 35k), but with higher revenue, and rates of profitability. • telemedicine solutions and diagnostic Shipyards now concentrate on highly equipment specialised vessels, also vessels servicing offshore constructions. For Polish • e-health as part of a new Digital shipyards, repair and servicing are Poland 2014-2020 Programme also important activities.

• clinical trials A considerable number of successful yacht and superyacht companies emerged in • building new or buying existing private the last few years, for example Galeon, centres Sunreef, and Delphia.

• small Public Private Partnership (PPP) Polish shipyards benefit from the large projects number of existing capital assets, low wages, and internationally recognised Contact DIT Poland Key Account Manager brands (e.g. Crist, Gdańsk Stocznia – Healthcare and Life Sciences: Remontowa, Nauta, Gryfia). [email protected] for more information on opportunities in the healthcare sector.

[Source: DIT/gov.uk]

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There are opportunities for: Considering the overall real estate market in Poland, data from the National Bank of • planning and development Poland (September 2015) shows strong sector performance, and an improving • development of technical standards financial situation of developers (driven in and regulation part by a new government programme of mortgage subsidies for young families). • supply of rail technologies The two most popular forms of real estate investment in Poland are: residential • supply of rolling stock, including properties as a long-term investment and subcomponents residential properties for refurbishment and resale. • operational maintenance • project and commercial management Other popular forms include commercial properties for rent, investment in Contact the Department for International agricultural land (in 2004-2014 land value Trade (DIT) Poland Key Account Manager increased by 380%) and ‘condohotels’ and for Infrastructure: sylwia.piwowar@fco. ‘aparthotels’. Forms such as speculative gov.uk for more information on opportunities leveraged investment in residential in the railways sector. properties under development and foreign real estate are less popular. [Source: DIT/gov.uk] Investment in foreign real estate Although investment in foreign real estate Real estate investment is a small portion of the Polish real estate market, some clear trends can be identified: Among the most affluent, over 60% of respondents indicated they invest in real • Apartments and houses in tourist estate, making it the most popular form of areas are the main targets investment in this income group. 12-15% indicated they plan to invest in luxury real • Coastal regions are the most popular estate in the coming year. The segment of luxury real estate amounts to 8% of • EU countries are the most popular the total value of real estate in Poland destinations, especially Spain, Greece, (although this number does not cover all Bulgaria and Croatia. Egypt is a popular privately built properties). In response to destination outside the EU. Prices of rising demand, Sotheby’s International real estate in these countries are Realty opened an office in Warsaw in comparable to prices in Poland’s 2014. Recently, most luxury real estate tourist areas projects consist of luxury residential skyscrapers and revitalization of historical • Popularity of such investments rises buildings. around the summer holiday period

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 63 i • • l C [ • • C a i a F l p P I r r I e n n u o S n n i i s s s r r a o o o o v f k w o v v e i o k k

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Security • Information Technology (IT) security solutions for public administration, Public security and crime reduction is of businesses and individuals major importance to the Polish Government. New security strategies and programmes • cyber security solutions including are already in place or are being created in those for critical infrastructure areas Poland. These include: Contact the DIT Poland Director and Key • a new national security strategy Account Manager for Security: [email protected] for more • a national critical infrastructure information on opportunities in the security protection programme sector.

• digital Poland 2014-2020 programme [Source: DIT/gov.uk]

Cyber security is regarded as one of the most important issues due to: Telecommunications

• rapid development of mobile internet For information on the Polish telecoms and e-services sector, contact: [email protected] at the British Polish Chamber of Commerce. • insufficient cyberspace protection Tourism and leisure Polish businesses are looking for solutions to secure access to critical data in the For information on the tourism and leisure areas of cloud computing and mobile sector, contact Łukasz Lemke: devices. [email protected] at the British Polish Chamber of Commerce. The best opportunities for UK companies are in the area of sophisticated electronic Urban revitalisation security equipment, as it is mainly imported to Poland. There are opportunities for: For information on the Polish urban revitalisation sector, contact: • CCTV monitoring systems for cities, [email protected] at the British Polish transport systems and intelligent Chamber of Commerce. buildings White goods • access control solutions For information on the Polish white goods • cutting-edge solutions for homeland sector, contact: [email protected] at the security services, including British Polish Chamber of Commerce. surveillance, security and communications equipment

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 65 e r a u q S t e k r a M n i a M w o k a r K

POLAND

Direct sales into the Polish market can be difficult. It is often more effective to approach the market through local business partners with the ability to distribute and provide technical support. w w w . P o l a n d . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 6 7 PREPARING TO EXPORT D N A L O

P Doing Business in Poland

Preparing to export Consultation and bespoke research

Start-up considerations Taking a strategic approach British companies are advised to The main routes to market include: undertake as much market research and planning as possible. As with any market, • distributor doing business with Poland can be challenging, but taking a strategic • importer approach is the key to making the process manageable. The first step is to spend • direct sales some time thinking about your company's Poland objectives. • partnership The questions listed below should help • joint venture you to focus your thoughts. Your answers to them will highlight areas for further • agent or commission agent research and also suggest a way forward that is right for your company. You may Direct sales into the Polish market can then want to use this as a basis for be difficult. It is often more effective to developing a formal Poland strategy, approach the market through local although this may not be necessary or business partners with the ability to appropriate for all companies: distribute and provide technical support.

Licensing and franchising are increasingly Your Aims popular. • Do you wish to buy from Poland, sell Invest in Poland provides information on to Poland or both? setting up a company or a branch office in Poland. See: www.paiz.gov.pl/polish_ • Do you wish to establish your own law/forms_of_doing_business company presence in Poland (for example through direct sales, partnership, joint venture, agent or commission agent?

• Do you need to be involved in Poland at all?

• Do you see Poland as part of a wider plan including e.g. other Central or Eastern European markets?

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Your Company It is unlikely that you will have the answers to all these questions at the outset and • What are the unique selling points for these ‘knowledge gaps’ should form the your product or service? basis for further research and investigation. Some of these questions will require • Do you know if there is a market for quantitative research in your sector, while your product in Poland? others involve more contextual and cultural considerations. Talking to other people in • Do you know if you can be competitive your industry and regularly visiting Poland in Poland? will give you access to the most current advice, and such experience can often • Are your competitors already in lead to new insights and form the basis for Poland? If so, what are they doing? further research. You will be able to find out some free information from carrying • Do you have the time and resources to out desk research. handle the demands of communication, travel, product delivery and after-sales The DIT website: www.great.gov.uk/uk has service? further good marketing content on helping first-time and experienced exporters to Your Knowledge develop their marketing and business strategies and sell abroad. • Do you know how to secure payment for your products or service?

• Do you know where in Poland you should start?

• Do you know how to locate and screen potential partners, agents or distributors?

• Have you carried out any Poland- specific customer segmentation, and do you know how to best reach potential customers in-market?

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 69 POLAND

The basic VAT rate is 23%, which is applied to the majority of goods and services. VAT at 8% is applied to certain goods and services such as fire protection, specific groceries, hotel services, social housing programme modernisation. 5% VAT applies to some (basic) food products. e p a c s y t i C w a l c o r W w w w . P o l a n d . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 7 1 HOW TO DO BUSINESS IN POLAND

How to do business in Poland Tax and customs considerations

Legal considerations Poland has a double taxation agreement with the UK. See: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ Polish legislation, although harmonised poland-tax-treaties to download the 26- with EU requirements, is complex. page document ‘2006 Poland-UK Double Taxation Convention – In Force’. Poland Contact the DIT team in Poland at: also has an investment promotion and www.gov.uk/government/world/ protection (IPPA) treaty with the UK. organisations/ department-for-international -trade-poland#contact-us to help find tax Value Added Tax (VAT) and legal advisers before entering into The basic VAT rate is 23%, which is agreements. applied to the majority of goods and services. VAT at 8% is applied to certain Standards and technical regulations goods and services such as fire protection, Products and packaging should meet specific groceries, hotel services, social EU standards. See: www.europa.eu/ housing programme modernisation. 5% youreurope/business/product/ce-mark/ VAT applies to certain (basic) food index_en.htm for more information. products. Local product law may vary. The Polish Check with HM Revenue and Customs Norms Committee (PKN) is responsible for (HMRC) regarding VAT refund of business issuing standards and certification. See: expenses incurred in Poland. See: www.pkn.pl/en# for more information. www.gov.uk/government/publications/ Labels should be in Polish. vat-notice-723a-refunds-of-vat-in-the- european-community-for-ec-and-non- Intellectual property (IP) ec-businesses?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel Trademarks, designs, patents and =pageVAT_ShowContent&id=HMCE_PRO copyright are the principal forms of IP D1_029943&propertyType=document protection available to companies and individuals. IP law, especially for patent Company tax protection, is not totally harmonised within Corporate income tax is 19%. Find more the EU. Poland is a member of the main information about corporate taxation on international conventions protecting the Invest in Poland website: intellectual property. www.paiz.gov.pl/polish_law/taxation/cit The Polish Patent Office has responsibility Income tax for intellectual property. See: www.uprp.pl/ Income tax is in two bands at 18% and strona-glowna/Menu01,9,0, index,pl 32%. Find more information on income tax on the Invest in Poland website: More information on IP can be found in www.paiz.gov.pl/polish_law/taxation/pit the ‘Getting here and advice about your stay’ section of this guide. The Intellectual Customs Property Office (IPO), the official UK The internal market of the European Union Government body responsible for intellec - is a single market which allows the free tual property (IP) rights including patents, movement of goods and services. There - designs, trademarks and copyright, can fore, no import duties apply at the moment. also provide further information and advice. See: www.gov.uk/government/ [Source: DIT /BCCK/UKEF/gov.uk] organisations/intellectual-property-office

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 73 t e s n u s t a y t i C w a s r a W

POLAND

Polish, the official language of Poland, is a west Slavic language spoken by over 38 million people in Poland, and as a second language in parts of Belarus, Lithuania and Ukraine. English is the most common foreign language spoken in Poland. w w w . P o l a n d . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 7 5 BUSINESS ETIQUETTE, LANGUAGE & CULTURE D N A L O

P Doing Business in Poland

Business etiquette, language & culture Business etiquette

Language (By Łukasz Lemke, business consultant, BPCC Trade) Overall, Polish business culture is similar Polish, the official language of Poland, is a to Western European norms. Some west Slavic language spoken by around 38 differences arise from cultural and million people in Poland, and as a second historical factors e.g. a higher degree of language in parts of Belarus, Lithuania and formality, more direct communication, a Ukraine. focus on concrete and measurable concepts. However, in line with wider cultural norms The Polish alphabet has a number of in Poland, the business culture is changing additional letters to those of our Latin and there are considerable gaps. These alphabet, formed using diacritics. It is the are generational, regional, but also some second most-spoken Slavic language after that are harder to classify. What follows is Russian, and shares some of its vocabulary a quick overview of the main specificities with other neighbouring Slavic countries of Polish business culture, as well as some such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, practical tips for presentations and meetings. Ukraine and Belarus. English is the most common foreign language spoken in Formal business atmosphere Poland. The first thing you will notice in interacting Meeting and greeting with potential Polish business partners is that Polish business culture is more formal. The mandatory use of handshakes, titles- A firm handshake and direct eye-contact first-and last-names, the importance of is important, greeting each person in turn. hierarchy and adherence to protocol make However, men should wait for a woman to business meetings in Poland a more extend their hand, and some Polish men solemn affair. Poles will likely maintain a may kiss a woman’s hand as a sign of direct and focused professionalism, and respect. Unless invited to do so, first the topic of discussion will quickly move to names are rarely used in business, but substantive issues. professional titles can be used, or the prefix ‘Pan’ (Mr) and ‘Pani’ (Mrs or Ms) Not limited to meetings, this approach followed by their surname. Business cards is accompanied by a traditionally very should be translated into Polish on one hierarchical management style. Seniority side – do not use an internet translation, is acknowledged, in negotiations, for but the services of an official translator. example, it may be advisable to send See AST Language Services: delegates of an equivalent status to that of www.astlanguage.com Polish colleagues attending. Business may be conducted slowly, with adherence to rules and formalities. Trust and honesty are valued.

It is difficult to build a rapport by being too friendly, too soon and informal use of first names (before being explicitly invited to do so) will be seen as impolite and too forward, and will be met with distrust. Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Direct communication style fall, and economic transformation in the The second difference that quickly becomes 1990s are very strong. A post-communist apparent is the direct style in which Poles mentality is common i.e. bureaucratic, communicate. Poles say what they think legalistic, hierarchical, traditional and in and address matters directly – especially some, strongly entrepreneurial with a when saying no. This ‘low-context propensity for improvisation. Similar communication’ is very different in style to attitudes can be expected not only in the more indirect communication in the UK. older generation but also in smaller towns Especially if irritated, frustrated, or angry, and rural areas, closed-off industries and Poles would probably not hide their sectors, and small, older SMEs. This is of emotions. course a generalisation because business culture in Poland is quickly changing, and The style of expressing opinions is also it is not always obvious what attitude to different. Criticism comes before expect from your interlocutors. appreciation. Poles will have an attitude of ‘if something is working, why should we One point to keep in mind is not to refer talk about it’, and will not feel under an to Poland as part of ‘Eastern Europe’ obligation to give positive feedback. They because it’s a politically-charged term, use are unlikely to show insincere enthusiasm. ‘Central Europe’. Many Poles may interpret However, they will feel obliged to act on referring to ‘Eastern Europe’ as associat - feedback given. ing the country only with its Russian-domi - nated past following World War II, ignoring Combined with a certain slowness in more recent achievements as well as more replying to emails and following up, Poles distant history and traditions. can come across as brusque, showing a lack of interest and concentrating on the Emphasis on concrete, measurable negatives to someone used to British results business culture. Polish attitudes are likely to be down-to- earth, realistic and somewhat cynical. The issue of language can also be a Poles dislike motivational speeches complication. While the level of English is and excessive displays of enthusiasm likely to be good among decision-makers (somewhat as a response to memories of in internationally-active companies, widespread use of propaganda). With an English-speaking Poles might miss out attitude of ‘expect the worst, and then you on flowery metaphors, slang, or UK pop will be pleasantly surprised’, Poles prefer culture references. They may have less to focus on concrete, realistic actions with sense of political correctness and have achievable, measurable results. While limited awareness of connotations of having big visions, high expectations, and specific words in British English. promising a huge impact at the planning stage in the UK is understood as Variety in business culture – genera - motivational, in Poland, this would be tional gap, post-communist attitude received as unrealistic wishful thinking. Another key fact of Polish business culture is its variety. Younger generations are more familiar and at ease with Western European and American styles of conducting business, but for a large part of the older population memories of communism, its www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 77 D N A L O P

Cross-cultural skills theory Presentations • Poland ranks very highly in uncertainty • Presentations should be clear and avoidance and people prefer to avoid readily understood – specific, detailed, ambiguity, are more expressive, show backed-up with facts rather than emotions to release anxiety, freely fanciful and referring to intangible criticise and correct things they effects. They should not be disagree with. This may appear to be excessively enthusiastic. confrontational and aggressive to those from the other end of the • Presentations should clearly describe uncertainty avoidance spectrum (e.g. and delineate the scope of the from the UK). proposed relationship, outlining the mode of cooperation and the proposed • Poland ranks medium-low in roles. individualism, while the UK is very individualistic. • Samples can be a useful way of backing-up your points. • Poland displays a high power distance. Here, authority matters, • A formal follow-up letter should be sent workers are dependent on their after the presentation. bosses, and are reluctant to offer contrary opinions. • The tone and approach may need to vary depending on your audience. • The cultural landscape of Poland is dynamically evolving. • Questions on prices and other specifics should be expected. Other considerations Overall, Poles have a very positive Meetings perception of the UK and British products, • The initial meeting is likely to be short which are associated with high quality, and to the point, questions regarding innovation, design and brand, but also, prices may arise. The Polish bringing us to the final and key point, high participants will want to clearly know price. In many cases, British products are the purpose of the visit and the scope more expensive than those from competitor markets such as Germany. Polish of the eventual relationship. consumers and enterprises are very price-sensitive. Quite simply, disposable • In a negotiation process, do not be income and purchasing power in Poland condescending or offer an ultimatum are much lower than in the UK, still far as stubbornness will be received badly below the EU average, and Polish and bargaining is not the Polish style. consumers and enterprises often cannot Friendly and pointed arguments will afford UK products and settle for work best, never angry ones. lower-quality alternatives. Combined with Polish direct communication styles, this • All important issues will ultimately be can lead to the issue of prices being decided by the senior executive or discussed early and forthrightly. owner due to the hierarchical nature of the business, if decision-makers are Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Doing Business in Poland

not present at a meeting, it is likely to first name, and last name, even in later be informational only, with no parts of a longer conversation. decisions likely to be taken. • Poles will feel less obliged to respond Emails to emails quickly, or send confirmation • The Polish emailing style may appear after receiving a message. less refined compared to UK norms, coming mostly from a wish to save • There is less of a strict custom of time. For example, it is common not to copying all involved in the previous sign with your name except as part of correspondence when replying to the automated signature. emails.

• All business correspondence will most [Source: British Polish Chamber of Commerce] likely be addressed using a full title,

Poland public holidays 2017

Date: Day: Holiday: 16 April Sunday Easter Sunday 17 April Monday Easter Monday 1 May Monday State Holiday 3 May Wednesday Constitution Day 4 June Sunday Pentecost Sunday 15 June Thursday Corpus Christi 15 August Tuesday Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1 November Wednesday All Saints' Day 11 November Saturday Independence Day 25 December Monday Christmas Day

nd 26 December Tuesday 2 Day of Christmas

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 79 > Clear, consistent content is vital to making your business understood overseas. So don't leave it to chance.

> Well-known companies we already work with include: Serco, Experian, Intertek, IKEA and Caterpillar

> For a structured approach to translation, please read the article that follows

T: 0115 9705633 | E: [email protected] | www.astlanguage.com If you're reading this guide, the chances are you're either a seasoned exporter, or you're committed to investigating new export opportunities for your business. Whichever category you fall into, you'll have a good idea of the huge investment in time, effort and resources which is required for export success.

Your priority will be to get your product or service to market, and it's a fact of life that procurement of peripheral resources such as translation is often left to the last minute. In this article we'd like to demonstrate to you how building translation into the early planning stages of your export campaigns can pay dividends.

The internet, mobile connectivity and social media mean that now more than ever before customers, be they B2B or B2C, are buying goods and services within the context of a connected world of instant communication.

Buying decisions carried out in In non English-speaking markets, isolation of wider and constantly all of the above can be achieved changing sector, economic or by working with a reliable and social contexts are a thing of the professional translation partner. past. This means that increasingly any product or service has to be So how can really good translation supported with professional help build your export success: technical, marketing or other contextual content. • clear and accurate foreign- language branding and As examples of this, exporters need content will motivate foreign their technical documentation to customers to buy from you be easily assimilated, their marketing content to be compelling, and • consistent and harmonised their website to be informative messaging helps to convey and and memorable. Human resources reinforce your company's values departments on the other hand and ethos need sensitive localisation of policies & procedures in line • corporate and operational with local legislation, corporate risk through poor quality guidelines and house style. After all communication and an international expansion strategy misunderstanding is eliminated or company restructuring could easily be undermined by insensitive • overall brand integrity and internal communication. reputation are enhanced The following components are cost savings – with company key to a successful translation wordings for products, processes, project, and show how AST titles and descriptions translated can make the process of consistently. internationalising outward-facing and internal communications Terminology management simpler, more professional and more cost-effective: The key words used to describe your company’s products, Rigorous selection of translators services and processes support your brand and identity. This is AST’s ISO9001 certified and equally true in your foreign ISO17100 compliant processes language communications. mean that the company has Unfortunately, once translated it approved sector-specialist is often easy to lose control of key translators whatever the terms, leading to uncertainty as language and deadline to whether the translations are requirements, with experienced having the desired impact. proofreaders to give the text AST’s terminology management precision and professionalism to prevents this. Glossaries are really focus the reader’s attention. maintained in multiple languages and client terminology is checked Translation memory technology in each language by industry sector experts. As the glossary Client-facing documents grows it can be reused with each produced periodically often new project, so client content is contain sections which stay the always on-message and brand same and sections which need integrity consistent. updating. Similarly company websites and technical data or So there’s really no need for you manuals can contain identical to leave the “softer” aspects of paragraphs and sections. your export campaign to chance. Translation Memory technology Using a professional translation is used in this situation to identify company like AST provides a duplicate and legacy text. guarantee that your international The duplicates are logged and content will be clear, consistent reused – leading to reduced and effective. Whatever the turnaround times and resulting language. > YOU NEED YOUR SALES, TECHNICAL AND WEBSITE CONTENT TO BE TRANSLATED BY EXPERTS!

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T: 0115 9705633 | E: [email protected] | www.astlanguage.com n a n z o P n i e r a u q S e c a l p t e k r a M d l O

, k e n y R y r a t S

POLAND

Doing business in Poland is very similar to doing business in the UK. If your product or service is successful in the UK, there is a good chance you will be successful in Poland. w w w . P o l a n d . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 8 5 WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES? Diversity Recruitment

The high performance driver Organisations improve their chances of finding the right talent when they are fishing in a larger, more diverse talent pool.

Clients expect their search partner to Our track record and commitment to address their diversity needs. Stanton Chase diversity has strengthened our partnership listens. Our local team is experienced in with our Clients. Stanton Chase is a diverse the histories, trends and cultures. We work organisation. Over 35% of Stanton Chase’s closely together to deliver diversity in global team members are women, and their candidates, ensuring that not only quality, representation on management and partner but also cultural fit are fully covered. teams is a priority. In 2015, Stanton Chase was recognized as the “The Best Global Stanton Chase have taken a leadership Executive Search Firm & Innovator of position by acknowledging that diversity Diversity Recruitment” by Corporate Vision positively influences corporate innovation, Magazine, for our “dedication for innovation consumer centricity, employee job and moving their industry forward, while satisfaction and ultimately, financial simultaneously providing the very best for performance. their costumers, allowing them to take their rightful place at Diversity Recruitment

www.stantonchase.com What are the challenges? You should ensure you take the necessary steps to comply with the requirements of Overview the UK Bribery Act. See: www.gov.uk/ government/publications/bribery-act-2010- guidance Doing business in Poland is very similar to doing business in the UK. If your product See the Business Risk section in this or service is successful in the UK, there is guide, and check the latest Overseas a good chance you will be successful in Business Risk report for Poland at: Poland. www.gov.uk/government/publications/ overseas-business-risk-poland. However, there are challenges. These include: The DIT team in Warsaw and the British Polish Chamber of Commerce (BPCC) • bureaucracy can help provide further advice and information. • competitive market [Source: Department for InternationalTrade/ • lack of clarity and transparency in tax UKEF/gov.uk/BPCC] administration

• tax burden

• corruption

• slow judicial system

• poor infrastructure, though improving

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 87 POLAND

Poland has enjoyed uninterrupted growth since 1992. Key growth drivers include corporate investment, private consumption and exports, with a historic trade surplus. w w w . P o l a n d . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 8 9 RESOURCES

What does membership of the Institute of Export mean?

To most the Institute of Export simp ly plods away providing much needed qualifications to professionalise the industry however, did you realise that our helpline is one of the busiest and be st in the i nd ustry? It’s all part of membership and, if you need more than a pho ne call, w e can put together a project to fulfil your needs. 2015 saw the launch o f our Tech nica l Help for Exporters that recognises the volume of legislation and regulation that covers our industry and gives you the comfort of knowing that if you don’t know, you know someone who does!

Innov atio n is key to the success of the Groups, and those who attend our Institute an d ne w idea s i nclude our training courses or study with us,

Ne w Export er package. This allows a enables us to represent the industry at business to enter a ne w marke t secure government levels in both the process in the knowledge that they have an and delivery of policy for international und erstanding of how t hey will op era te trade. These views also help us to and comply with any specific ensure that the training programmes regulations and s tan dards . Practical are effective and pertinent to the help and assistance is always industry needs. Our Diploma in World available from the Inst itute so a n y C usto ms Compliance and Regulation additional training can be tailored is testament to the way we listen to our to the business and the te am t hat members’ needs. This was driven by needs the knowledge. Nis san, Adidas, John Lewis and many others and will neatly dovetail into any The work of the IOE also e xten ds AEO work ensuring that quality to representing membe rship views. standards are met at manager and Knowledge gained from our members’ junior staffing levels. feedback, those who get involved with the forums and Special Interest

www.export.org.uk

Starting in 1935, the Institute commit - We need to engage the next genera - ted itself to bu i lding co m pete nce and tion in thinking about how world trade growing confidence for businesses works and how it will be great for trading in goods and services, which British businesses. They need to know at the time, was a far reaching remit. how items arrive in the shops which, in Over the years this remit has seen us turn, will begin to spark ideas. As these develop from simply providing training young people join companies they will in short course format over a day, or bring a fresh outlook that all things are perhaps two, into a fully-fledged Ofqual possible especially if you operate Awarding Organisation that operates globally. specifically to deliver international trade education.

This status allows our individual Why not call us and get involved? members and corporates alike to be It has never been more important that sure that they are part of a quality we act as an industry to help – we organisation with plans for growth need experts and commitment to integrated with a sustainable future for professionalising international trade the global prosperity of UKPlc. from businesses large and small – help your institute to stay ahead of Part of our work includes mapping the curve. existing qualifications to roles and produc ing tr aining needs analyses to ensu re staffing progression and con tinuity. The need to upskill our w orkfor ce to match those of our The Institute of Export competitors is a key element vital for Export House growth. Our focus is on recognising Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, that Intern atio nal trade needs specific Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, kn owledge, coup led with a strong PE2 6FT, UK belief that we must start to talk to our Telephone: +44(0)1733 - 404400 young people at an earlier stage. Fax: +44(0)1733 - 404444

Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) - Director General, The Institute of Export

Focusing on qualifications. A focus on qualifications - but why do we need them?

I’d like to tell you about my story, it’s ok it won’t take too long but I think it’s similar to a lot of people that work in international trade.

I left school with no ambition to do anything other than help my mum make ends meet. I wanted to be a seamstress but we couldn’t afford the material for the interview so I went into an accounts department at a large pharmaceutical company. Luckily for me they recognised a hard worker and asked me to work in various departments. After a year they asked me which one I like the best and without even thinking I said “international”, and that was my career set out for me.

Working in international trade I found that So I spent the next two years, two nights a I needed to understand so many different week at night school honing my skills and things - from how trade agreements building a knowledge and understanding of impacted a sale to the legal aspects of all aspects of the trade I had entered “by trade and how different systems worked in the back door”. Finally, exhausted but with terms of contract and disputes. Getting paid a full understanding of how planning and brought about a whole new set of issues control worked, I passed and became a and this really made me learn and think Graduate Member of the Institute of Export, about the implications of offering credit and suffix MIEx (Grad) in 1991. how it can be used to your advantage. Well, many things have changed since Things I learnt about logistics and the then, as after many years of working in paperwork that was needed to support a international trade, I took over at the helm, trade were empirical and slowly I became steering the qualifications and the Institute sure of my knowledge. The problem was, towards a better place. We have now that when I wanted to move on to the next gained Ofqual Awarding Organisation status company, I had nothing to show I had that for the qualifications and have worked hard knowledge. It was frustrating to find that the on ensuring we are ready for the next 80 knowledge that I had accumulated over 11 years of representing the industry and years wasn’t evidenced in any way and that standing as guardian of professional no-one knew exactly what I knew. I was standards in international trade. lucky enough to get my next job with a well-known Japanese computer company OFQUAL* awarding status is hard but it made me realise that if I wanted a earned and we are proud to be the only career, I needed to get qualified. professional body operating in this international trade environment. IOE Qualifications in brief a. International Physical Distribution www.export.org.uk/professional-qualifications b. Selling Services, Skills and Software Overseas Level 1 Young International Trader c. Or one of: (Available electronically) Level 2 International Trade Logistic i. Doing business & communicating Operations ** in Arabic speaking markets Level 3 Certificate of International Trade ii. Doing business & communicating Certified International Trade in Spanish speaking markets Adviser iii. Doing business & communicating Level 4 Advanced Certificate in in German markets International Trade iv. Doing business & communicating Level 5 Diploma in International Trade in Chinese markets Diploma in World Customs v. Doing business & communicating Compliance and Regulations in Russian markets Level 6 Foundation Degree jointly delivered with ***Anglia Ruskin The series of modules above carry University language skills training, the focus being Higher Apprenticeship in on basic business language needed and International Trade - the first business culture so far. Finally, eBusiness internationally will be Our courses at level 3 onwards are launched summer 2016. delivered online using a blended learning technique which involves the support of an The Diploma in International Trade - expert tutor for each topic. The IOE online level 5 is equivalent to the second year of campus offers a range of learning tools, a degree and is accepted as entry level for:- from power-point presentations and videos to online chats and forums for the students. BSc (Hons) in Management Practice - The Institute has a success rate of 95% International Trade with Plymouth University in helping our students through these -Online 24 months academic programmes. MSc International Trade, Strategy and The Advanced Certificate in International Operations with Warwick University - 36 Trade - Elective modules have been added months part residential to the level 4 Advanced Certificate syllabus. In addition to the three core modules of Business Environment, Market Research & Marketing and Finance of International www.export.org.uk/professional-qualifications Trade, students can now choose a fourth will give you more detail and a contact who elective module from: will talk you through your options.

*The OFQUAL Register of Regulated Qualifications contains details of Recognised Awarding Organisations and Regulated Qualifications in England (Ofqual), Wales (Welsh Government) and Northern Ireland (Ofqual for vocational qualifications and CCEA Accreditation for all other qualifications). ** International Trade Logistic Operations is delivered through our approved centres *** Anglia Ruskin University is Entrepreneurial University of the Year S N O I

T The Institute of Export

A Export House S

I Minerva Business Park

N Lynch Wood

A Peterborough

G PE2 6FT, UK R O

Tel: +44 (0) 1733 404400 G

N Website: www.export.org.uk I T R O P P

U In the past five years, we have provided: S • £14 billion worth of support for UK exports; • direct support for more than 300 customers supported directly, with many thousands more benefiting through export supply chains; • nearly 2000 individual guarantees, loans or insurance policies.

UK Export Finance is the operating name b s of the Export Credits Guarantee Department e t (ECGD). UK Export Finance s the UK’s export For more information and to arrange a credit agency, serving UK companies of free consultation with an Export Finance all sizes. We help by providing insurance Adviser, visit: to exporters and guarantees to banks www.gov.uk/making-exports-happen to share the risks of providi ng export finance. In addition, we can make loans New business enquiries: to overseas buyers of goods and services Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7271 8010 from the UK. e . Email: [email protected]

British Expertise 23 Grafton Street, London W1S 4EY

Tel: +44 (0)20 7824 1920 Fax: +44 (0)20 7824 1929

www.britishexpertise.org

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SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS S

T Translation / Language Services R E P

X AST Language Services E

T AST Language Services Ltd

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Bibby Financial Services

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Logistics T R E P

Greencarrier Freight Services X

Poland Sp z o.o. E

Aleje Jerozolimskie 56C, 00-803 Warszawa E

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Greencarrier Freight Services (UK) Ltd 8-10 Cliff Rd, Ipswich IP3 0AY Phone: 01473 282600 Email: [email protected] Contact: Daryl Oswick www.greencarrier.com

Accountants / Professional Business Services

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Recruitment / Executive Search

Stanton Chase International Sp z o.o.

Warsaw Office Al. Niepodległości 124 02-577 Warsaw Poland

Phone: +48 22 401 80 30

E-mail: [email protected] www.stantonchase.com If you are due to travel in the next 24 hours, contact us as soon as possible. Please note that the Polish police do not issue police reports when a passport is reported lost.

Please be informed that there is a photo booth available at the consular reception inside the embassy. It produces the required size and format photos for the The British Embassy in Warsaw develop charge of 30 PLN. and maintain relations between the UK and Poland. Their work covers a range Apply online for an emergency travel of issues including political, commercial, document if you: security and economic questions of interest to both countries. • are over 16 years old and

The Embassy also provides consular • are a British citizen and assistance to British nationals in Poland. The visa section processes applications for • have previously owned a British entry clearance to the UK made within the passport Central and Eastern European region, including the Ukraine, Kosovo, Moldova Contact the Embassy to apply for an and eight EU countries. emergency travel document if you are:

Services for British nationals • over 16 years old but have not owned a British passport before or Urgent assistance If you are in Poland and you urgently • not a British citizen or need help (e.g. if you have been attacked, arrested or there has been a death), call • applying for a child under 16 years old +48 22 311 00 00. If you are in the UK and concerned about a British national in Once you have contacted the Embassy, Poland, call 020 7008 1500. you will be advised to make an appointment to apply for an emergency Get or renew a passport or an emergency travel document at the British Embassy travel document Warsaw. The British Embassy can not help with passport enquiries. Contact Her Majesty’s Notarial and documentary services Passport Office if you need help: We may be able to offer notarial services, www.gov.uk/government/organisations/h including administer an oath, affirmation m-passport-office or affidavit; make a certified copy of a British passport. See the full list of notarial If you cannot get a new or replacement and documentary services we provide: passport in time to travel, you may www.gov.uk/guidance/notarial-and- be able to get an emergency travel documentary-services-guide-for-poland--2 document. See: www.gov.uk/emergency- travel-document. You can apply for an Legalisation services emergency travel document if you are Warsaw provides legalisation services. abroad and your passport has been lost Read our notarial and documentary or stolen, damaged or expired, and services page for more information on you cannot get a new or replacement legalisation: www.gov.uk/guidance/notar - passport in time to travel. ial-and-documentary-services-guide-for- poland--2 Ask the UK Government to get a UK Consular fees document legalised (certified as genuine): The Embassy charges fees for some of www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised their services. See the full list of consular fees in Poland: www.gov.uk/government/ Local service providers publications/poland-consular-fees Use our lists of local suppliers and services if you need help in Poland. Please note that inclusion in these lists Contact us: does not constitute official endorsement by the British Embassy or the UK British Embassy Warsaw Government. ul. Kawalerii 12 00-468 Warsaw • medical facilities and practitioners: mazowieckie www.gov.uk/government/publications/ Poland poland-list-of-medical-facilities Telephone: +48 22 311 00 00 How else we can help Fax: +48 22 311 03 13 In addition to the services listed above we Consular enquiries: can also: [email protected] • provide information about transferring funds General enquiries: [email protected] • provide appropriate help if you have suffered rape or serious assault, are a Website: victim of other crime, or are in hospital www.gov.uk/government/world/ organisations/british-embassy-warsaw • help people with mental illness Opening hours: • offer support and help in a range of www.gov.uk/government/world/ other cases, such as child abductions, organisations/british-embassy- missing peopleand kidnapping warsaw#contact-us

• contact family or friends for you if you want

• make special arrangements in cases of terrorism, civil disturbances or natural disasters or other crises abroad

For more information on the services we can provide, see 'Support for British nationals abroad: A guide': www.gov.uk/government/publications/ support-for-british-nationals-abroad-a- guide.

General information on living in Poland: www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-poland

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 99 Getting UK businesses ready to sell overseas

What is Open to Export?

Open to Export is the online community helping UK businesses get ready to sell overseas. Backed by Government and business, we are a not for profit social enterprise dedicated to helping UK companies grow through export.

For more information visit opentoexport.com Useful Links Intellectual Property: Intellectual Property Office: Country information: www.ipo.gov.uk BBC Website: www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/country_ Market access: profiles/default.stm Market access database for tariffs: www.madb.europa.eu/madb/indexPubli.htm FCO Country Profile: www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living- Standards and technical regulations: abroad/travel-advice-by-country/country- British Standards Institution (BSI): profile/ www.bsigroup.com/en/sectorsandservices / Disciplines/ImportExport Culture and communications: CILT – National Centre for Languages – Intellectual Property Office: Regional Language Network in your area: www.ipo.gov.uk www.cilt.org.uk/workplace/employer_ support/in_your_area.aspx National Physical Laboratory: www.npl.co.uk Customs & regulations: HM Revenue & Customs: Trade statistics: www.hmrc.gov.uk HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC): www.uktradeinfo.com/statistics/ Economic information: buildyourowntables/pages/table.aspx The Economist: www.economist.com/countries National Statistics Information: www.statistics.gov.uk/hub/index.html Trading Economics: www.tradingeconomics.com Trade shows: British Expertise Events: Export control: www.britishexpertise.org Export Control Organisation: www.gov.uk/beginners-guide-to-export- Travel advice: controls FCO Travel: www.gov.uk/browse/abroad Export finance and insurance: British Insurance Brokers Association FCO Foreign Travel Insurance: (BIBA): www.biba.org.uk www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel- insurance UK Export Finance (formerly ECGD): www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ uk-export-finance

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t / o Doing Business in Poland

UK Single Market Centre: Polish Office of Electronic www.gov.uk/government/groups/ Communications (UKE): uk-single-market-centre www.en.uke.gov.pl

UK Visas: Polish Patent Office: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ www.uprp.pl/strona-glowna/ uk-visas-and-immigration Menu01,9,0,index,pl

World Bank Group economy rankings: Viatoll motorway operator: www.doingbusiness.org/rankings www.viatoll.pl/en

World Economic Forum Global Warsaw Statistical Office: Competitiveness report: www.warszawa.stat.gov.pl/en www.weforum.org/reports/the-global- competitiveness-report-2016-2017-1

Your Europe: www.europa.eu/youreurope/business/ index_en.htm

Polish websites:

British Polish Chamber of Commerce (BPCC): www.bpcc.org.pl/en

Embassy of the Republic of Poland: www.london.mfa.gov.pl/en

Invest in Poland: www.paiz.gov.pl/en?lang_id=17

National Bank of Poland (NBP): www.nbp.pl/homen.aspx?f=/srodeken.htm

Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF): www.knf.gov.pl/en/index.html

Polish Norms Committee (PKN): www.pkn.pl/en#

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 103 I

Moving in the right direction • The leading UK authority on all aspects of international trade • Exporting excellence through education • Expert solutions to your export needs • Maximising your profit from International Trade

Our main aim is to help you achieve your export and international trade goals. If you do well, we do well. Join us today Call: +44(0)1733 404 400 email: [email protected] www.export.org.uk Doing Business in Poland

Trade Shows

A trade show is a method of promoting a business through the exhibition of goods and services, an organised exhibition of products, based on a central theme, where manufacturers meet to show their products to potential buyers.

Participation is usually as part of a group, a great advantage for inexperienced businesses, and is usually led by one of DIT's Accredited Trade Association (ATOs). ATOs work with DIT to raise the profile of UK groups and sectors at key exhibitions.

IOE’s events: www.export.org.uk/latest-news/ international-trade-events

10 Times (formerly BizTradeShows.com): www.10times.com/poland

British Expertise Events: www.britishexpertise.org

EventsEye.com online database: www.eventseye.com

DIT online events search facility: www.events.trade.gov.uk

www. Poland .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 105 Simon Chicken – Event Director of Going Global Live: Europe’s leading event for expanding your business overseas

Hi Simon, can you tell us about how Going Global Live started? The Prysm Group had been running The Business Show for 10 years. The Business show is Europe’s largest event helping UK based companies grow domestically. It became apparent that many of our 20,000+ visitors were looking to expand internationally. There was a need, and there was a gap in the market, so we launched Going Global Live at Why is it important for SMEs to ExCeL in November 2014. We’ve done attend the event? 4 events so far and currently (as of May Research has shown businesses are 11% 2016) working on the next show which more likely to survive if they export their takes place on 17th & 18th November at products, Great Britain is currently in a Olympia. fantastic position where we have good trade deals in place and British products What can people expect to find at are in high demand. At Going Global Live Going Global Live? we put all the suppliers and services Think of it as a trade show and conference. companies will need to meet in order for Visitors who come to the event will get up them to achieve international expansion, to date advice from world leading experts all under one roof. Trying to meet with all on the most attractive markets and over - of these people would take years to seas opportunities, and be able to speak arrange and do, at the event you can do it to suppliers & service providers who can in 2 days! If you are serious about taking help with the challenging project of your business to the next level, the event international expansion. is a must attend. If you were to start trading in a new market, which country would that be and why? Iran. This is a massive market which is just opening up, and I would want to get there before my competitors. More importantly, I need an excuse to put a trip to Shiraz on business expenses. A city that is famous for poetry, roses and wine needs to be visited. I’m guessing the food is unbelievable too.

Finally, what are you aims going forward? We’ve reached a point where the event has firmly established itself. Visitors leave our events with advice and knowledge they need to grow their company’s further, however we still feel the event can reach a whole new height. So we’re expanding the team and increasing the size of the exhibition. The show has the potential to be four times the size it is now, in terms number of exhibitors, seminars, and visitors at the event.

D N A L O P

Disclaimer

Whereas every effort has been made to In particular, none of the report's contents ensure that the information given in this should be construed as advice or Guide is accurate, neither International solicitation to purchase or sell securities, Market Advisor (IMA), the Institute of commodities or any other form of financial Export (IOE), the British Embassy Warsaw, instrument. No liability is accepted by IMA, the British Polish Chamber of Commerce IOE, the British Embassy Warsaw, the (BPCC), UK Export Finance (UKEF), British Polish Chamber of Commerce Department for International Trade (DIT), (BPCC), UKEF, DIT, or the FCO for any or the Foreign & Commonwealth Office loss or damage (whether consequential (FCO), accept liability for any errors, or otherwise) which may arise out of or in omissions or misleading statements and connection with the report. No warranty is no warranty is given or responsibility given, or responsibility accepted as to the accepted as to the standing of any standing of any individual, firm, company or individual, firm, company or other other organisation mentioned. organisation mentioned. Contains public sector information licensed The purpose of the Doing Business Guides, under the Open Government Licence v3.0. prepared by International Market Advisor (IMA) is to provide information to help recipients form their own judgments about making business decisions as to whether to invest or operate in a particular country.

The report's contents were believed (at the time that the report was prepared) to be reliable, but no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made or given by IMA, the IOE, the British Embassy Warsaw, the British Polish Chamber of Commerce (BPCC), UKEF, DIT or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as to the accuracy of the report, its completeness or its suitability for any purpose.

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