Crisis and a GREAT British Summer

Anyone who has experienced one knows that British Summers are GREAT. Not necessarily the weather but the programme – Ascot, Wimbledon, the British Grand Prix, Henley….and this year the Greatest, Biggest, Best, global sporting icon which starts today the Olympic Games – London 2012. We know the opening ceremony this evening is going to be a superb event, a kaleidoscopic celebration of sport, culture and friendship.

Set against a backdrop of the Olympic games it is worth spending a few moments considering how we should be approaching the maelstroem of daily negativity around the world’s economic development. My context is Poland, a country which I have known since the early 90’s and which I have consistently affirmed as an attractive business destination. We were hit yesterday by a barrage of crisis focused media – seemingly a pendulum swing from the confidence which has been exuded for the last 12 months. Fickle or frantic? There are opportunities and challenges. What are they and what can we learn from the Olympic spirit? Here’s ten thoughts for the day:

(i) Poland remains the single largest growth market in Emerging Europe, a market where the UK is currently only scratching the surface

(ii) The country is on a growth trajectory for which we do not have a natural frame of reference – the economy is 20 years old, entering adulthood and aspiring to be on a par with its rightful EU partners – there is significant strategic potential

(iii) In the short-term we can expect bumps – 70% of the Poland’s trade is with Europe; much of the export is supply chain based, reliant on other countries’ market demand which will weaken – this will cause a shake-up and create opportunity – it’s a good time for those not here to start thinking about being here

(iv) There has to be an orientation of Poland’s industrial economic drivers towards added value – a swim up the value stream – this brings opportunity for the UK

(v) There continue to be massive ongoing infrastructure modernisation programmes – come and see. The UK has superb competency in energy, oil and gas, healthcare and advanced manufacturing

(vi) Poland is a resilient country with comparatively few engaged in the corporate maze – yes unemployment will increase in the short-term; however Poland’s outstanding adaptability will shine through and in hardship will turn to something new. Well find some new piece of cheese to eat is the mentality

(vii) Poland’s services sector is embryonic compared with the UK, German or France – services are a key to trade and investment engagement – expect to see growth; are you getting on the bus before it goes?

(viii) The country is right at the heart of a much bigger region. Manufacturing costs can be up to 3 times less than the UK as can disposable income out in the regions. That creates massive market volume opportunity with the right strategic approach

(ix) The Olympics provide an acute focus – confidence; grit; determination; ambition; achieving the unachievable; sporting excellence; doing what it takes to be the best; achieving peak performance – UK business can learn a lot here, especially in the context of export

(x) More than anything the Olympics is about people; giving people a chance; healthy competition and bringing nations together to celebrate – in today’s rapidly shifting world the Olympics inspire confidence – we’ve seen with the Olympic torch during the build up to tonight – make the most of this

My message is very simple. Do not let the media scare you. Believe in what you are doing. Focus on opportunity and growth. Keep motivated. For the next two weeks take time to seek inspiration from the world’s sporting icon in a global iconic city – London 2012.

Opportunity in Poland is GREAT. Now is the time to be here. If you are not don’t leave it too late.