Poland's global playbook: which Polish companies in the UK are making waves in the British market?

For years, Poland was seen as a rising star in the European economy. Today, it’s making power moves on the global stage - starting with the UK. In a series of recent strategic, high-impact acquisitions, Polish companies in the UK have stepped into Britain’s key industries and, unsurprisingly, they have reshaped their business landscape.

A famous Big Ben stands tall and with a charm, while facing typical cloudy British weather.

These bold moves reflect more than just expansion - they represent a confident, forward-thinking Poland ready to lead in sectors starting from logistics to food, engineering and even tourism sector!

The post-Brexit opening: Polish companies in the UK and their move in

Brexit changed the rules. For many EU companies, it meant new red tape and fewer reasons to stay in the UK market. But for Poland, it opened a door.

With the UK government easing tender procedures and making loans more accessible for international investors, Polish businesses moved quickly. They saw not barriers, but openings.

According to the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, Polish exports to the UK rose 14% year-on-year in 2023 - outpacing many traditional European trade partners. As smaller Western European exporters backed out, Polish firms filled the gap with quality, agility and ambition.

Engineering strength: Emtech acquires Andover Trailers

Poland’s industrial might was on full display when Emtech, a specialist engineering firm, acquired Andover Trailers - a UK manufacturer known for military transport platforms.

Backed by Emtech’s 50,000-square-metre production facility in Poland, the deal places the company at the center of a global surge in demand for defense and heavy-duty transport solutions. It’s a smart, strategic step - and one that reflects Poland’s growing edge in advanced engineering.

Emtech, an engineering company acquires the British company, Andover Trailers

From sea to shelf: Suempol expands in the UK

In the food industry, Suempol, a leading Polish seafood brand, made waves by acquiring Copernus, a major fish supplier in the UK with a portfolio of over 600 products and £30 million in annual revenue.

While other European countries saw a drop in food exports to Britain, Polish seafood exports rose 2.6% this year. Suempol’s move strengthens its European market position and highlights Poland’s growing reputation for premium food products.

Retail ambition: Pepco and the Poundland effect

Poland’s retail presence in the UK is also growing. Several years ago, Pepco Group acquired Poundland, a well-known British discount chain. Since then, Pepco has expanded across Europe, now operating thousands of stores and posting a 17.7% revenue increase in 2023 - reaching nearly £4.9 billion.

Pepco’s story isn’t just one of growth - it’s a case study in how Polish retail strategy translates across borders.

Pepco Group is no longer about the Polish retail sector!

Wielton’s Bold Bet

In logistics and manufacturing, Wielton - Poland’s largest trailer producer - secured full ownership of UK-based Lawrence David in a £26 million acquisition.

Already ranked among the world’s top ten trailer manufacturers, Wielton’s move further expands its footprint in the British market and strengthens its position as a pan-European logistics leader!

Wielton has succesfully expanded its footprint in the UK

Tourism and tech: Thomas Cook

The iconic British travel brand Thomas Cook is now part of Poland’s digital economy. Its acquisition by eSky Group, a Polish travel-tech firm, marks a turning point in Poland’s rise as a global player in tourism and digital services. With a trusted name and global customer base under its belt, eSky is poised to scale internationally - and Thomas Cook’s revival could be its ticket.

Sky Group acquired Thomas Cook in a milestone negotiations.

Delivery revolution: InPost acquires Menzies

In the final days of 2024, InPost, one of Poland’s fastest-growing logistics companies, made another strategic strike - acquiring the remaining 70% of Menzies Distribution in a deal worth £60.4 million.

This gives InPost an unparalleled ability to scale in the UK’s massive e-commerce market, where fast, efficient delivery is everything. It’s a textbook case of strategic timing and smart capital deployment.

Polish InPost, as always - another strategic move in its pan-European e-commerce expansion!

Poland’s moment on the world stage

What do all these moves have in common? Vision. Execution. Confidence.

From engineering to e-commerce, Polish companies entering the UK are no longer just participating - they are leading, acquiring and redefining what global expansion looks like.

With political shifts reshaping alliances and economies, Poland has positioned itself not just as a resilient economy - but as a bold and proactive one. And for investors looking at Europe’s next wave of business leaders, Poland definitely deserves a closer look.

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