I’ve just come back from Warmia Mazury and you know it was one of the best visits I have ever done to any region in Poland. It also happens to have broken a number of well institutionalised records – 30 visits across 3 days – a real powerhouse of opportunity.
What was so striking about this visit and what’s all the opportunity about:
Top of the list is GREAT people and GREAT hospitality. Without exception The Ambassador, Malgosia (our head of comms) and I were welcomed with open arms excellent hospitality and a real willingness to make the British Polish relationship not only work but excel.
We had a GREAT time. Amongst traditional bread and salt receptions, a visit to a dairy to stock up on the latest yoghurts and a fireman’s BBQ in the forest we focused on some really important business opportunities:
- Poland is the 3rd largest exporter of furniture in the world – Warmia Mazury one of the top regions in Poland – GREAT oaks and pines – a number of pieces already making their way to the UK but a massive opportunity for growth for UK retailers – we’re talking about designer kitchens and solid oak tables – I can see us joining the furniture cluster up there and really building on the contacts made
- There’s some GREAT business in Warmia Mazury – they really should be thinking strategically about expanding in the UK as a route to international growth – our new Emerging Europe Invest in the UK programme will take care of that – lots of good companies to assist
- Promoting Warmia Mazury as a GREAT place for Britain to do business with – here we need to do two things – Take a bit of Warmia Mazury to the UK to promote opportunity – identify partners in the region who can really help sell British products and services in the region
A GREAT trip. Three actions to make it happen. EcoParowki go nicely with Sarna and cottage cheese on a big solid oak table. Thanks to Robert, Tomek and all the regional government people. You were GREAT. The opportunity is immense.
Let’s make it happen – let’s just do it!