Paul Fox, the newly-arrived Commercial Counselor at the British Embassy in Warsaw, talks to Leslie Sheldon.

"British embassies around the world have moved on from the days when trade was about the movement of widgets," said Fox when asked how he saw the embassy promoting opportunities with and in Poland. "Today we pay close attention to forging effective and efficient partnerships with business and government. In Poland, the interaction between UK Trade & Investment (the commercial section of the Embassy), the Polish government and the British-Polish Chamber of Commerce is very strong.

"Collectively and in partnership," continued Fox, "we are an effective source of information, a support network and a provider of commercial services, all of which helps British companies with an interest in Poland to understand the country and business climate and eventually, to enter the market.

"We also look out for British companies that can add value to the Polish economy. The UKTI team at the embassy comprises 16 people with knowledge and experience of Poland, who move around the country and meet British companies to discuss opportunities.

"But we must be selective and focus on areas where there are clear opportunities for British companies."

Opportunities to attract
Asked why British companies should invest in Poland, Fox highlighted Poland's location in Europe, its influence in the region, its educated workforce and the low cost base. The economy is vibrant and there is a strong "can do" attitude among the workforce. Perhaps what is most attractive however, according to Fox, is the 60 billion euros of EU funding set aside for Poland, which is to be spent over the next six years. "This EU funding represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Poland and for British companies that want to play a part in building a modern country."

In particular, Fox made reference to Poland's infrastructure, which requires substantial investment. "The infrastructure is a double-edged sword in that it is often highlighted by investors as a negative factor, but on the other hand offers tremendous opportunities to companies that have the experience and skills to improve it. The road and rail network especially requires major upgrading and British companies are ready and able to help, using the experience they have gained over many years."

Bureaucracy barrier
As well as the state of Poland's infrastructure, Fox identified other well-known deterrents to potential investors. "According to many companies I talk to, there is a recognized lack of transparency in the Polish market and still far too much bureaucracy. Furthermore, more needs to be done to ensure that there is a consistent application of legislation.

"There is no question in my mind though, that Poland has one major advantage over its neighbors. Its huge market of 38 million people makes Poland stand out in the region".

Success stories
"British companies have enjoyed real success in Poland. Tesco has invested over $1 billion and is the largest retail chain in the country. Cadbury entered the market in 1993, purchased Wedel in 1998, has factories in Warsaw and Wrocław and recently began building a facility in Opole, an investment of over 100 million euros creating more than 300 jobs. Other big investors include HSBC Bank and GlaxoSmithKline, as well as many smaller companies. We are only at the beginning; I believe there is much more to come."

The facts would appear to confirm Fox's assessment. The UKTI team in Poland is the fourth busiest such operation in the world with only the United States, Germany and Japan fielding more inquiries about investment and trade. In 2005 British exports to Poland amounted to £2.4 billion and by the end of 2004 British companies had invested over £2.3 billion in the country, making Britain the sixth largest investor in Poland.


Paul Fox:
EU & Commercial Counselor and Consul General at the British Embassy in Warsaw

Born: 1962
Education: History at Sussex University and Russian and East European Studies at St. Antony's College, Oxford University

Career: Joined Britain's Foreign Office in 1987, starting as a research analyst in the East European section before moving on to be desk officer for Yugoslavia in the East European Department. Posted to New Delhi in 1990 and then to Baku, Azerbaijan, in 1994, where he was deputy head of mission. From 1996-99 he worked as a commercial officer in Bangkok. He served in Britain from 1999. He was deputy head of the department responsible for Britain's relations with the countries of the Western Balkans and, most recently, as head of the Foreign Office's Iraq Policy Unit. He arrived in Warsaw in August this year.

Interests: Football (supports Tottenham Hotspur), history
Marital status: Married, three children