Finnish Business & Culture in Poland 2024

spondeo
2024
FINNISH
BUSINESS
& CULTURE
in Poland
Żurawie Project in Gdańsk

spondeo
Growth support from Poland
Spondeo is a Finnish-Polish family company
that was established in 2014 in Poznań, Poland,
to help others enter and conduct business on the
Polish market. In early 2022, we expanded to Lviv,
Ukraine and currently we have 11 team members
able to carry out projects on a pan-European scale.
Our core values include transparency, flexibility,
and openness to various people and ideas.
Our clients range from manufacturing and
engineering to IT and startups to the
TOP companies.
In 2023 we had nearly 50 clients from eight countries,
including nine companies listed on the stock
exchange. At the end of 2023, we also expanded
to the Czech Republic.
+250
Customers
From
11
countries
+20
Project done
in
countries
Team of
11
recruitment & headhunting
• Full cycle recruitment
• Headhunting and direct search
• Recruiter team as a Service
• HR consulting
sales boost & lead generation
• New client & RFQ acquisition
• Sales partner network building
• Events, fairs and study trips
• Sales Manager leasing
go-to-market projects & advisory
• Market research & analysis
• Business partner search
• Early phase kick-off & study trips
• Project Management, Subcontracting projects
• Ad hoc requests, from labor law to finance
• Acquisition screening & real estate search
Please visit www.spondeo.pl and our LinkedIn pages for more
information, references and business news from Poland

Introduction.............................................................................................................5
Finnish-Polish News 2023...........................................................................6
Economic Indicators in Poland...............................................................8
Greetings from the Embassy of Finland in Poland............. 10
Business Finland - Calendar 2023 ..................................................... 11
Finnish Trade Guild.........................................................................................12
Finnish Business Succss Stories & New
Companies in the Polish Market ..................................................13
Agileday - Interview with Mikko Virtanen ......................14
Efecte - Synergy of Tech & Teams ....................................15
Geobear - Blending Finnish Values with
Polish Business Know-How.........................................................16
ISKU - Inspiring Spaces with Timeless Design .........17
Kemira Świecie & Gdańsk -
Celebrating Milestones in the Polish Market ................18
Kempower - Shaping E-Mobility in Poland...................19
Koskisen - From the Forest to the Van ...........................20
Miilux - A Decade of Success ................................................. 21
Noli Studios - A Finnish Concept
Redefining Co-Living in Warsaw.............................................22
Oddlygood - Oddlygood’s Recipe
for Polish Market Entry ....................................................................23
Orion Pharma - Interview with Wojciech
Szwedziński...............................................................................................24
Orkla - Orkla’s Expansion to Poland .................................. 25
Purmo - 30 Years of Purmo Radiator
Production in Poland........................................................................26
Rex Nordic - Market Entry Done Right ........................... 27
Scanfil - Trusted Manufacturing Partner ...................... 28
Salpomec - Conveyor Systems from
Lahti for Europe’s Largest Online
Shopping Return Center in Poland ...................................... 29
Teknikum - Teknikum’s GREEN
& SMART Material Handling Solution
Now in Poland........................................................................................ 29
Tietoevry - Growth and Diversity in
the Polish IT Landscape................................................................30
Unikie - Unikie’s New Chapter in Poland .......................31
Peikko - Insights Into Peikko’s Expansion ......................32
Rebuild Ukraine - Rebuild Ukraine 2.0
and an Interview with Henri Riihimäki .................................33
Uponor - From a Carpenter’s
production to a Leader in Plumbing,
Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems............................. 34
Pagero - Pagero in Poland. Facilitating
E-Invoicing and Digital Transformation .............................42
Polar Night Software - A Finnish
Software House in the Heart of Poland........................... 43
BPO and Shared Services Centers
hiring Finnish speakers in Poland.......................................... 44
UPM - Where actions match words .................................. 45
Spondeo - Building your Dream Team
in 2023. Recruitment Trends Explained
by Top Spondeo Headhunter...................................................46
Sand Valley Golf Resort - Summer 2023 .................... 47
Direct Flight Routes from Finland to Poland................ 47
YIT - Quality Urban Developments
in Warsaw, Gdańsk and Kraków.............................................48
Finnish Culture & Sport in Poland .............................................49
Discover Finnish Places in Poland .......................................50
Exploring Polish Architecture with
Rainer Mahlamäki ............................................................................... 52
Santa From Rovaniemi Visits Poland ................................. 53
Backstage with Blind Channel ................................................ 54
The First Moomin Shop in Poland ....................................... 55
Levi: The New Hotspot for Winter Adventures ........ 55
Behind The Lens In Poland -
Conversations with Jukka Male...............................................56
Following Mannerheim’s Footsteps in Poland ..........58
Finland in the Nordic Magazine “Zew Północy” .......59
Exploring Kalevala - A Finnish Oasis
in the Polish Mountains ..................................................................60
Finnish Project in Ukraine - Joy of Play Initiative ......61
Finnish Athletes in Polish Sport Clubs ..............................62
Mölkky in Poland - From Local Clubs
to World Championship.................................................................63
From Poland to Finland - Julia
Zielińska’s Journey as a Rising Ice Hockey ...................64
Language Schools Offering Finnish Courses ............66
The Finnish School of Warsaw -
Varsovan Suomi-Koulu...................................................................67
Books Translated from Finnish to Polish in 2023 ....68
Where Two Toms Meet - On the
Importance of Reading ..................................................................70
Finnish Author Writing About Belarus,
Poland, and East Europe. Interview with
Toni Stenström ...................................................................................... 72
Task of The Translator - An Interview
with a Finnish Translator of Polish Literature............... 73
Meet our Team..................................................................................................74
Finnish Companies in Poland by Industry .................................76
Contents
Business Support Companies in the Polish Market ......35
Ecovis Legal Poland - 15 Years of
Legal Support for Finnish Businesses in Poland ......36
Expense Reduction Analysts - From
Corporate Challenges to Cost Optimization .................37
Fazer - Fazer in Poland. Making Life
Sweeter for More Than 30 Years...........................................38
HT Laser - Quality, Passion & Common Sense.........39
Leinonen - A Very Finnish accounting
office in Poland......................................................................................40
Next Step - Developing Industrial Real
Estate in Poland. Interview with Marcin Janicki...........41
TOP25 Finnish Companies in Poland .............................................78
TOP10 Finnish Fast Growers ..................................................................79

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Introduction
Dear Reader,
You are now holding the third edition of our “Finnish Business & Culture in Poland” and
I sincerely hope it is visible that we have tried to raise the bar yet again. As publishing is
not our main business, this publication will probably never be perfect, but we believe it is
always possible to do things a bit better.
"Networking is a business student’s lifeblood," said the dean during the first day of my
studies at university. I could have stopped my academic life at that point, as that has
undoubtedly been the most important advice for my future career.
Networking is a crucial part of our business and we are happy to share again plenty
of valuable stories, tips and experiences in our publication. You can find success stories,
ways to overcome barriers, and hints from companies that are providing business
support on the Polish market. We hope that you will discover some inspiration for
your business!
Of course, our aim is not only to focus on business. In fact, we love exploring all aspects
of how Finland is being presented in Poland, from heavy metal to art and books.
Every year, we end up finding new projects and are fascinated by the many varied
occasions when we see Finnish culture and sport being highlighted. I'm sure you will be
surprised a few times!
Introduction
I would like to especially thank Anna and Julia from our team for making this great piece
of publication happen – great job!
I hope to hear from you,
Tuomas Asunmaa
Co-Founder & CEO of Spondeo
PS If you have any hints for the future content, please send us an email.
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Driada | Ecovis | Expense Reduction Analysts | Fazer | Finnlines | HT Laser
Kalevala | Leinonen | Neste | Next Step | Orion Pharma | Pagero | Peikko
Polar Night Software | ReBuild Ukraine | UPM | YIT
And our fantastic Clients and the whole Spondeo Team.
Copyright © 2023
Spondeo Consulting Asunmaa.
All rights reserved.
Editor-in-chief: Tuomas Asunmaa
Content manager: Julia Morta
Graphic design: Anna Jędrzejewska
Website: www.spondeo.pl
Email address: office@spondeo.fi
tuomas@spondeo.fi | +48 514 615 048

Finnish-Polish News 2023
MAY
Gdańsk/Turku
Polish company Baltic Operator signs a contract with Meyer
Turku for the construction of the hulls for two patrol vessels
The vessels will be built for Finnish Border Guard
Katowice
Finnish composer and conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen directs
the NPRSO at the inauguration of Europe's biggest new
concert hall organ
Poland
Poznań, Warsaw
Tommi Kinnunen meets Polish readers in Zamek Culture Centre
and at the Embassy of Finland
Toruń
FEBRUARY
Gorzów Wielkopolski
Stal Gorzów team, speedway vice-champions of Poland,
prepares for the next season in Finland
Reetta Hurske sets a new Finnish record in the 60m hurdles
Poznań
Reka Rubber starts construction of a new warehouse
Warsaw
Tietoevery opens a new office
Warsaw
JANUARY
Telko acquires Polish distribution company Eltrex
ISKU Showroom opening event in Warsaw.
Photo by ISKU
Wolt becomes the official partner of Legia Warszawa
Insomnium concert in Poznań.
Photo by Tuomas Asunmaa
Gdańsk
Sebastian Musielak nominated for the Award of the Mayor
of Gdańsk for the translation of the book "Hunting for
the Little Pike" by Juhani Karila
Kielce
Sampo Rosenlew and Valtra present their machines
at agricultural technology fair
Kraków
Teknikum introduces a new offer through Polish
company PIOMET
Poland
Marimekko and IKEA create a new collection for
the Polish market
Świebodzice
Uponor announced closing down its assembly factory in
Germany and moving it to the company's facility in Poland
Rybnik
Purmo increases production capacity of Polish plant
Warsaw
Tuomas Asunmaa re-elected Finnish Trade Guild Chairman
Warsaw
Opening of ISKU showroom
Zawiercie
MARCH
Fortum begins construction of installation for RDF fuel
Warsaw
APRIL
Metsä Group opens a new service center
Toruń
The city of Toruń announces the construction of Finland
theme pocket park
Warsaw
Busines Breakfast by Finnish Trade Guild
Photo by Marta Szewczyk
Business Breakfast organized by Finnish Trade Guild and
the Embassy of Finland
Poland
"Sisu", Finnish historical action film, in Polish cinemas
Poland
Käärija's "Cha Cha Cha" in TOP 5 on Polish Spotify
Szczecin
Finnish representatives at International Day at NATO
Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast
Szczecin
Scandinavian Days in Szczecin
Warsaw
Finnish Day in Jazdów
Warsaw
ResultElf event at the Embassy of Finland
Gniew
JUNE
30th anniversary of Kemira in Poland
Poland
“Mannerheim – Polish years” by Jukka and Anna
Soisalon-Soininen published in Polish
Warsaw
7th Outdoor European Mölkky Championship
Warsaw
Art by Finnish Jósefina Alanko at the exhibition organized
by Flow Art House
Warsaw
Finnish Summer Picnic organized by FTG
Warsaw
Sofigate establishes a competence centre in Poland
to strengthen its Salesforce business
Poland
JULY
Flixbus launches new bus route from Vaasa, Finland,
to Warsaw, Poland
Poland
Oddlygood products introduced at Kaufland and Carrefour
in Poland
Poland
YIT Poland receives 5 awards in the European Property Awards
Wrocław
Aki Kaurismäki’s "Fallen Leaves" at mBank New Horizons
International Film Competition
Sand Valley Golf Resort. Photo by
Juha Tuukkanen, JT Golf Photography
6

Ostrów Wielkopolski
Posters by Finnish artists Pekka Loiri and Kari Piippo displayed
at the exhibition
Poland
RexNordic expans to the Polish market
Sieradz
Scanfil invests EUR 20M in a new factory in Poland
Warsaw
Warsaw & Kraków
New YIT investments
EVerywoman Race 2023
Photo by PSPA
AUGUST
Sleeping pods produced by Finnish company GoSleep
available at Warsaw Chopin Airport
First Official Moomin Shop in Poland opened
in Kraków. Photo by Artur Halik
SEPTEMBER
Kraków
The first Moomin Shop opens in Poland
Pasłęk
Sand Valley Golf Resort distinguished with 69th place
in TOP100 Ranking of the Best Courses in Europe
Płock/Kuopio
Polish company Budmat Bogdan Więcek acquires
Finnish Samesor Oy
Poland
Jacek Pastuszka appointed new CEO of Finnish Anora
Poznań
IT Breakfast from Efecte's Digitalize&Automate series
Żary
Valmet Automotive expands its Polish plant and will create
350 new jobs between the years 2025 and 2027
Warsaw
OCTOBER
EVerywoman: New Mobility Race Woman's Race - electric
car rally on the Warsaw-Riga-Lahti route
Platform for education and support in the fight against
breast cancer
Warsaw
Premiere of Tactic Games' board game Mother Earth
at the Finnish Embassy
Warsaw
Noli Studios expands to Poland
NOVEMBER
Poznań
IT Breakfast from Efecte's Digitalize&Automate series
Warsaw
Lending Talks Hub 2023 with panel discussions led
by Jukka Suuronen, CEO of ResultElf
Warsaw
Meeting with the authors of "Mannerheim - Polish years"
Warsaw
Rebuild Ukraine - participation of nearly 60 companies
from Finland
Warsaw
President of Finland Sauli Niinistö meets with President
of Poland Andrzej Duda
Finnish-Polish News 2023
Gdynia
Työvene builds a dredger for Maritime Office in Gdynia
Warsaw
Business Breakfast at the Embassy hosted by Ambassador
of Finland Päivi Laine and Finnish Trade Guild
Warsaw
Efecte organizes Digitalize and Automate event
at the Embassy of Finland
Warsaw
Rapujuhlat - Crayfish Party of Swedish
& Finnish Sections
Wrocław
Unikie opens a new office
Meeting with Santa in Poznań, 2022
Photo by Anna Jędrzejewska
DECEMBER
Poland
Santa Claus from Ravaniemi visits Polish cities
Warsaw
Indepenence Day of Finland organized by FTG
7

Economic Indicators | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Economic Indicators in Poland
ECONOMIC INDICATORS IN POLAND
GENERAL INDICATORS
VAT
Tax rates
Source: www.podatki.gov.pl/en/
CIT
38,400
1,700
35,200 2,900
28,000
3,000
8%
23%
19%
5% 9%
0%
Reduced rates, i.a.
Standard rate Reduced rates Standard rate for small taxpayers
Purchase Power
(adjusted GDP per
capita) (EUR, 2022)
in relation to 2021
Source: EUROSTAT
EU avg
Finland
Poland
7.5
Annual percentage change in GDP (%)
Source: Central Statistical Office
5.0
2.5
0.0
-2.5
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024*
*Estimation by International Monetary Fund
Purchasing Managers'
Index (PMI)
Source: IHS Markit
43.1 40.9
Sep 2023 Sep 2022
Annual inflation (CPI)(%)
15.0
Source: National Bank of Poland
10.0
5.0
0.0
-5.0
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024
General
government debt
in relation to GDP
in 2022
Source: IHS Markit
49.1%
4,000
3,000
Average price per m 2 (EUR)
Source: otodom.pl, 1 EUR = 4,36, October 2023
Euro (EUR) to Polish zloty (PLN) exchange rate
Source: European Central Bank
5.00
4.75
2,000
1,000
4.50
4.25
4,36
0.0
Warszawa
Kraków
Gdynia
Gdańsk
Wrocław
Poznań
Katowice
Szczecin
Łódź
4.00
Jan 2018 Jan 2020 Jan 2022
8.0
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0
Reference rate (%)
Source: National Bank of Poland
Jan 2022 Jul 2022 Jan 2023 Jul 2023
Enterprises by size (2021)
Source: PARP
48,700 small
14,600 medium
2,288,800 micro
3,800 large
8

billion EUR
billion EUR
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Economic Indicators
FOREIGN TRADE
& INVESTMENTS
UNEMPLOYMENT
& SALARIES
Leading export partners (bn EUR, 2022)
95.6
100
75
50
0
billion EUR 25
13.7
22.7 19.7
3.4
2.3
16.8
2.6
15.8
3.1
5.9
Germany Czechia France UK Italy Finland
Leading import partners (bn EUR, 2022)
80
60
40
20
0
13.5
73.4
11.1
53.6
Germany China Italy US Russia Finland
Exports of goods
and services
in 2022 (% ofGDP)
Source: Central Statistical Office
16.8 15.6 15.5
2.5 5.1 1.5
61%
0.5
0
2.4
Source: Central Statistical Office
Source: Central Statistical
Office
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0
Annual unemployment rate (%)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Unemployment rate in main Polish cities (%)
4.0
2.0
0
Poznań
Warsaw
Kraków
Gdańsk
Wrocław
Łódź
Szczecin
Bydgoszcz
Lublin
Białystok
Katowice
Olsztyn
Number of selfemployed
people
in 2022
Source: EUROSTAT
Source: EUROSTAT
Source: Central Statistical Office, Sep 2023
Zielona Góra
Rzeszów
Kielce
Gorów Wlkp.
Opole
3.12 m
8,000
Minimum & Average salary (PLN)
Source: Central Statistical Office
PLN 7,824.00*
Foreign Direct
Investment in
2022 (FDI)(EUR)
Source: National Bank of Poland
34.6 bn
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
PLN 4,242.00
2024
PLN (avg salary)
PLN (min. salary)
*Forecast of average salary 2024,
based on the Budget Law
Foreign direct investments in Poland (bn EUR)
Source: National Bank of Poland
Average & minimum salary (EUR)
Source: Central Statistical Office, 1 EUR = 4,36 PLN, November 2023
40
30
20
1,694€
294 974€
234
10
0
2016 2018 2020 2022
Average salary
Sep 2023
Minimum salary
from 1.1.2024
9

Embassy of Finland | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Greetings from the Embassy of Finland in
Poland
GREETINGS FROM THE EMBASSY
OF FINLAND IN POLAND
Mysłowice factory, photography by Wojciech Mateusiak
Meeting with Marshal of Silesia Jakub
Chełstowski. Photo by Marshal's office
Finland in the eyes of pupils
Photo by Społeczna Szkoła Podstawowa
STO 11 in Warsaw
Embassy team after Nordic walking training
Photo by the Embassy
Website and contact information
@FinlandAbroad
@SuomenSuurlahetystoVarsova
@FinEmbWarsaw @PLpaivi
@FinlandinPoland
The year 2023 was remarkable for
Finland. Suomi joined NATO, once
again became the happiest country
in the world and almost won the
Eurovision song contest, turning
Europe into a Chachacha-land
for a while. Not bad for a small
nation of 5.5 million people!
How did this year look at Finland’s mission
in Poland? Life at the Embassy of Finland
is never boring, but the year 2023 has
truly been full of inspirational events and
meetings. This year we visited Grodzisk
Mazowiecki, Gdańsk, Białystok, Szczecin,
Borowice, Łódź, Wrocław, Katowice and
Zabrze. We promoted Finland’s image
and Finnish companies during Polish
Bicycle Summit, ITTF Warsaw International
Travel & Tourism Fair, National Energy
Summit OSE Gdańsk, Circular Thursday,
Szczecin Scandinavian Days, New Mobility
Congress, DISE Energy Congress, Warsaw
Security Forum, Circular Week, EVerywoman
Race and many more. The highlight of
the year and a great honor was the visit
of President of Finland Sauli Niinistö with
his spouse Dr Jenni Haukio to Warsaw
at the end of November.
In 2023, we organized around twenty
business events at the Residence
of the Ambassador of Finland related
to the topics of health, green transition,
digitalization, circular economy and food.
We closely cooperated with other Nordic
Embassies and organized together
a Nordic art exhibition at the National
Ambassador opening New Mobility Congress
Photo by the Embassy
Museum in Warsaw and a Nordic Day
Mysłowice conference factory, on photography the topicby of Wojciech decarbonizing Mateusiak
cities. We supported Finnish values by
taking part in “Ring the bell for gender
equality” conference, women rights
seminar and equality parade in Warsaw.
We had a pleasure to host a meeting with
a fantastic Finnish writer Tommi Kinnunen
and organize a Finnish Day in Jazdów –
a whole day full of cultural and sport
events dedicated to Finland. Last but not
least, we supported the event promoting
the book “Mannerheim – polskie lata”
by Anna and Jukka Soisalon-Soininen.
We encourage you to read it!
This year again proved to us that small
embassies with limited resources can
make an impact. What’s more, when you
meet the right people, small efforts can
flourish into something exceptional.
In September, we shared our knowledge
and some materials with one of the primary
schools in Warsaw and they transferred
their class into Finnish fairytale land.
People like them and people like authors
and readers of this publication inspire us
to keep up our work and reach for more.
Thank you for everything you do
to promote Finland in Poland!
We hope that next year will be full of even
more interesting activities than this year.
Stay tuned and follow our social media
to find out our plans for 2024!
Kiitos ja nähdään ensi vuonna!
10

Business Finland - Calendar 2023
BUSINESS FINLAND
Calendar 2023
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Business Finland
Business Finland is the Finnish government organization for innovation funding and
trade, travel and investment promotion. It is an integral part of the Team Finland
network, closely collaborating with Finnish embassies, consulates, and other public
stakeholders to support the internationalization of Finnish companies and facilitate
their entry into foreign markets. Business Finland’s Warsaw office plays a significant role
in supporting Finnish companies, as it not only covers Poland, but also broader Central
and Eastern Europe (CEE), and the Baltic regions.
Finnish Automotive Trade Mission to the
Czech Republic. Photo by Business Finland
Low-carbon Built Environment Trade Mission to Poland
Photo by Tomasz Puchalski, Wizerunek Profesjonalisty
Low-carbon Built Environment B2B meetings
at the Finnish Embassy in Warsaw.
Photo by Tomasz Puchalski, Wizerunek Profesjonalisty
Presenting the Finnish offer at the CEE Automotive
Supply Chain conference in the Czech Republic.
Photo by Business Finland
Opening RRF healthcare networking event in Vilnius.
Photo by Embassy of Finland in Vilnius
2.02
Low-Carbon Built Environment
Finnish Trade Mission to Warsaw.
Business Finland organized the event
to present high-level Finnish solutions
for decarbonization to key players in the
Polish construction market and organized
numerous individual meetings.
16.03
Opportunities in Healthcare RRF
Projects in Lithuania: A successful event
focusing on planned healthcare investment
projects. Finnish companies had
an opportunity to establish direct contacts
with Lithuanian hospitals and clinics.
20.04
Business Finland arranged the Polish-
Finnish Airport Technology Workshops
together with the CPK (Centralny Port
Komunikacyjny) company.
24.04
Business Finland hosted and organised a
Polish e-health delegation at Team
Finland’s house in Helsinki. The visit
aimed to establish closer cooperation
between Finland and Poland in improving
health data and European projects.
2.05
Battery & Smart Manufacturing
Workshop for Finnish companies
at Team Finland house in Helsinki
presenting business opportunities for
Finnish companies in prioritized markets,
including Poland and the CEE region.
11.05
In close cooperation with the Embassy
of Finland in Warsaw, Business Finland
organized a presentation for Polish
medical professionals to promote the
Planmed XFI, the world's first full-body
weight-bearing CT device.
12.06
The Embassy of Finland in Warsaw
together with Business Finland, supported
the Integrated Hospital Design Alliance
in organizing a Finnish-Polish workshop
to discuss the requirements and
possibilities for modern, functional,
sustainable, and safe hospitals.
23.08
Export Day "Together to Global Growth
– HealthTech Export Day" in Helsinki,
organized by Business Finland and
Healthtech Finland, focused on knowledge
sharing, networking, and collaboration
in exports.
29.08
Poland Maritime Market Update:
A webinar for Finnish companies interested
in business opportunities in the Polish
ports sector.
25.09
Finnish Mobile Machinery Electrification
Trade Mission to Poland. 12 Finnish
companies had the unique opportunity
to present their solutions to key market
players from the mining, machinery,
battery, and transport sectors in Poland.
The Trade Mission program also included
participation in the New Mobility
Congress in Łódź.
4.10
The 2nd edition of Trade Mission to
Poland for Low Carbon Built Environment
Companies, bringing Finnish companies
and Polish professionals together
to explore #sustainableconstruction.
23.10
Finnish Automotive Trade Mission to
the Czech Republic, positioning Finnish
suppliers of technologies for improving
operational efficiency at automotive
factories.
We actively encourage Polish and Finnish enterprises to explore and create business opportunities with us:
www.businessfinland.fi/en/locations/europe/poland
11

Business Finland | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
FINNISH
TRADE
GUILD
Network
of Finnish
Companies
in Poland
Finnish Trade Guild
Independence Day | 6 December 2022, Hotel Bristol in Warsaw
Annual General Meeting | 1 March 2023, Embassy of Finland in Warsaw
Photos by Piotr Dziubak
The Finnish Trade Guild (FTG)
was established in the early
nineties as an informal
organization integrating and
supporting companies with
Finnish share capital operating
on the Polish market. Since
March 2004, FTG has been
an integrated National Section
of the SPCC - Scandinavian-
Polish Chamber of Commerce.
Today, the FTG has almost
70 corporate members.
Photos by SPCC and the Embassy
Finnish Summer Picnic | 3 June 2023, Józefów near Warsaw
Scandinavian-Polish Chamber
of Commerce is a non-profit
organisation created by business
people. For nearly 20 years, it has
supported the development of
economic relations between Poland,
Scandinavia, and the Baltic States.
SPCC integrates and inspires the
Polish-Scandinavian business
community. As Poland's third largest
international chamber, it has 430
members representing the most
important economic sectors.
SPCC cooperates closely with the
embassies of the Nordic countries
in jointly supporting investors and
working to develop Polish-
Scandinavian business relations.
Membership in SPCC gives access
to knowledge and information,
a wide range of business meetings
and the opportunity to establish
contacts and build long-term
relationships, which play a crucial
role in Scandinavian business culture.
Photos by Ewa Chojnowska
Crayfish Party co-organized by Finnish & Swedish Sections of SPCC
15 September 2023, Golf Park Wilanów, Warsaw
www.spcc.pl
Photos by Ewa Chojnowska
12

Finnish Business Succss Stories & New
Companies in the Polish Market
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Business Finland
Finnish Business Success
Stories & New Companies
in the Polish Market
This section features success stories of Finnish companies that
have thrived in Poland for decades, along with news articles
covering recent market entries or other significant investments
in the Polish market. While every case is unique, in all of these
stories there are valuable lessons that can prove useful in your
own business endeavors. Delve into the experiences of other
Finnish companies and discover key takeaways to guide
you on the path to success.
New ISKU showroom in Warsaw. Photo by ISKU
New &
Expanding
companies
in Poland
Kick-off event in Lublin
Kick-off event in Lublin
13

Success stories | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Agileday - Interview with Mikko Virtanen
Photo by Agileday
Photo by Agileday
INTERVIEW
WITH MIKKO VIRTANEN
Co-CEO and One of the Founders
of Agileday
Agileday, founded in Finland in
2022, provides a SaaS-platform
for the knowledge work industry
that connects sales, projects,
people, and strategies into one
single source of truth, providing
a connected systems view of
the entire operation. Tuomas
Asunmaa talked with Mikko
Virtanen about entering
the Polish IT market.
*SoDA - Software Development
Association Poland - which helps
promote, support, grow and
integrate Polish software
companies.
Mikko Virtanen
+358 50 5583 777
mikko.virtanen@agileday.io
www.agileday.io
You are a relatively young company and
have already entered the Polish market –
how did it come about?
We launched last March, and from day
one our company has been focused on
international growth. We were considering
both Sweden and Poland as our first export
markets, but things started to happen in
Poland much faster and we gained our
first Polish client in May.
And then you stepped up a gear?
We then investigated the Polish market
more closely and began meeting people
there. During our visits, we held around 15
meetings a week and received a positive
overall reception. We also joined SoDA*
and their event. Our target is now to focus
more on the Polish market.
Why Poland exactly?
Well, I can give you four reasons. First, it's
a large market with high volumes. Secondly,
it's a growing market. Third, the IT market
is already mature and ready; companies
are engaged in numerous international
projects and successfully compete in
tough markets, especially in the UK and
USA. Other CEE countries have not yet
reached that level. Finally, all of that means
that Polish companies are very focused,
hungry for growth, and eager to expand
rapidly. The energy level is great and we
are helping them reach the next level.
Yes, the Polish IT market is experiencing
lots of top-level startups nowadays.
Exactly, and it's also fun to work with
Polish companies!
Have you encountered any surprises?
At times, Polish business culture is still quite
hierarchical, with managers overseeing
even the small details. But the IT companies
are challenging these norms and leading
the change big time now. However, there
has been nothing too significant overall.
What would you advise other foreigners
looking to enter the Polish market?
First, meet people face to face. Online
meetings followed by demos and followups
won't suffice; you have to establish
a local presence. If we weren’t physically
present here, we would have failed.
Secondly, be curious and creative and
meet with everyone who is willing to
connect with you. Don't exclude them
if you don't see an exact match. You will
gain something from every meeting. Last
but not least – if you come from Finland,
a small gift like Fazer chocolate always
works wonders!
14

Efecte - Synergy of Tech & Teams
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Success stories
www.efecte.com
info.pl@efecte.com
+48 227 656 000
Kick-off event in Lublin. Photo by Efecte
Kick-off event in Lublin.
Kick-off event Photo byLublin
Efecte
SYNERGY
OF TECH & TEAMS
Efecte's CEO on Acquisition
Journey in Poland
Efecte, a growing Finnish SaaS
company, helps service organizations
digitalize and automate
their operations. In 2022, Efecte
entered the Polish market by
acquiring conversational AI company
InteliWISE to strengthen its
position as a leading European
service management platform.
Tuomas Asunmaa talked with
Niilo Fredrikson, CEO of Efecte,
to explore the motivations behind
this move into Poland, challenges
and benefits of the integration,
and lessons learned during
the process.
Was investing in Poland part of your
strategic plan or did it happen somewhat
unexpectedly?
Many things just fell into place during the
process. Of course, we were already
familiar with the market due to our
ongoing R&D cooperation with Polish
subcontractors. We conducted a comprehensive
analysis of European markets,
and Poland emerged as one of the most
promising destinations. What's most
important, in this case, the technology
and team matched really well.
What do you consider the key benefit
of this acquisition?
The main advantages lie in the technology
- conversational AI, and the highly skilled
team behind it. We can also see now
that our timing was lucky. Thanks to
the acquisition, we got ahead of the
competition right when the generative
AI revolution started.
How did the integration process unfold?
Did you put a lot of effort into aligning
the teams?
Yes, we focused a lot on culture
integration because our distinctive,
positive culture serves as a competitive
advantage. Right from the beginning,
integrating teams was our top priority,
and I am very satisfied with how it went.
Following your journey on LinkedIn,
it seemed that you had a lot of fun.
Is there any special memory?
I think one culmination point was our
kick-off event in Lublin at the end
of January. It brought together the
entire team from all countries, making
it a special occasion. It was also the first
face-to-face kick-off after the pandemic,
and now with the new Polish team
on board.
Was there something that surprised you?
We knew that financial integration would
be a lengthy process, but it proved to be
even more time-consuming than we
initially thought. This was due to a lot
of differing practices and regulations.
How would you compare Polish
and Finnish cultures?
In our case, we noticed the same spirit to
take action and get things done, aligning
well with Efecte's core value of make it
happen. Sometimes, we observed a bit
more hierarchy in Polish culture. Poles are
also hard negotiators, although we knew
about it before. Overall, there are certainly
more similarities than differences.
What advice would you give to other
CEOs considering Polish market entry?
It definitely makes sense! However, it is
crucial to invest in strong company culture,
and reserve time and resources for the
financial integration process. It can be
a positive experience and beneficial
strategic move if managed effectively.
What does the future hold for Efecte
in Poland?
We want to achieve growth from Poland,
and expand our talent hub further.
15

Success stories | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Geobear - Blending Finnish Values with Polish
Business Know-How
Oskar Nojszewski
oskar.nojszewski@geobear.com
www.geobear.pl
Photo by Geobear
GEOBEAR
Blending Finnish Values with
Polish Business Know-How
Geobear, founded in Finland in 1983, is an international ground engineering
organization that provides subsidence solutions and treatment for ground
experiencing subsidence or instability. In 2016, Geobear opened a branch
in Poland. Julia Morta talked with Oskar Nojszewski, commercial director
at Geobear Poland, about his experience in managing a company with
Finnish roots and the current situation on the Polish market.
Geobear Global recently turned 40.
Did you also celebrate in Poland?
Of course, we did! Even though
the Polish branch is relatively
young, it is very important that
we are supported by 40 years of experience
and technological development of
the company. We emphasize this because
it is a significant competitive advantage
that sets us apart on the market.
What elements of Finnish culture have
been integrated in Geobear Poland?
We value openness, foster partnership
relations, and minimize hierarchical
structures. Regardless of one’s position,
we all feel like a part of one team working
towards a common goal.
What are the main elements of your
management style?
Trust and partnership within team are
crucial to me. I think that without them we
couldn't operate very well. Our Finnish work
culture also plays a very important role.
Among the projects executed under
your management, which was
the most memorable?
I think infrastructure projects are especially
interesting for us because they are the
most challenging in terms of technology
and quality. One very memorable recent
project, LK257 railway line, involved
strengthening a rail embankment for one
of the main railroads in Poland. The most
important thing was to ensure the highest
possible safety standards. There were
also engineering and logistical challenges
due to difficult geotechnical conditions.
Nevertheless, the project turned out to be
very successful.
What are the biggest challenges on the
Polish market at the moment?
I think that a complicated business environment
remains a big challenge, mainly legal
and tax issues. Big challenge is the difficulty
in finding the right professionals to work
with. Currently there is also some uncertainty
in the Polish construction sector related
to the suspension of national recovery
funds, which has led to delays in many
investments. This situation contributes
to lower prices in the market, a significant
increase in price-based competition, and
greater contractual risks when working
with different partners.
And what are currently the most
promising opportunities for Geobear?
It’s worth remembering that the Polish
economy continues to grow. The facility
maintenance industry, in which Geobear
operates, is also experiencing significant
growth now. During times like this, when
funds for new investments are limited,
there is often an increase in budgets for
repair and maintenance. This is a great
opportunity for Geobear.
What are Geobear's plans for the Polish
market in the coming years?
We aim to increase our presence in
Poland as much as possible by expanding
intensively to penetrate the B2B, B2C,
and infrastructure markets. Of course,
the company's growth is impossible
without the development of our team,
so we are constantly recruiting new
specialists. We want to develop both our
sales as well as engineering & technology
departments, while also increasing
execution capacity.
What advice would you give to a Finnish
company interested in entering the Polish
construction market?
First of all, it is essential to be aware of
the different business cultures in Poland
and Finland. It can sometimes be problematic
for Finnish managers to understand
the nuances of interpersonal relations in
and between Polish companies. It’s also
important to remember that conditions
on the Polish market are very different to
what they may be used to in the Nordics.
16

ISKU - Inspiring Spaces with Timeless Design
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Success stories
ISKU Showroom, Warsaw, Poland. Photo by ISKU
ISKU Showroom
Ul. Marcina Kasprzaka 4/ C.U.01
Lixa Office Building
01-211 Warszawa
Izabela Świtek
Head of ISKU Poland
+48 513 786 615
ISKU
Inspiring Spaces
with Timeless Design
ISKU Showroom, Warsaw, Poland
Photo by ISKU
ISKU’s history began in 1928
in Lahti, Finland. The company
is soon to celebrate 100 years
of operations while still remaining
family-owned, now by the third
generation of the Vikström family.
New Horizons
In March 2023, ISKU inaugurated its showroom
on Kasprzaka Street in the bustling
Wola district of Warsaw. This grand event
gathered numerous esteemed guests
from the business world, including prominent
figures from the furniture industry,
as well as enthusiastic designers and
architects. Notably, the presence
of the Finnish Ambassador, Päivi Laine,
alongside Elise Tarvainen, ISKU’s Vice
President of International Business,
made the occasion even more special.
“Polands rich history, vibrant culture, and
exceptional craftsmanship align perfectly
with ISKU’s values as a design and furniture
company. We believe in creating
spaces that blend functionality with
artistry, and Polands design tradition
is a testament to that philosophy.
By strengthening our presence here,
we aim to embrace the local talent,
collaborate with skilled architects, and
weave the essence of Polish design into
our creations. This strategic move is not
just about expanding our business, but
about celebrating the beauty of design
that transcends borders and enriches
lives”, says Elise Tarvainen.
The showroom opening in Warsaw was
just one of four worldwide openings
in 2023. Alongside Poland, ISKU has
recently expanded by opening
showrooms in Dubai (UAE), Almaty
(Kazakhstan), and Oslo (Norway).
Always Responsible
Finland’s largest furniture manufacturer is
currently focusing on growth and expanding
into new markets. Today, Finnish design
and ecological, sustainable production are
at the heart of its core value proposition.
ISKU represents more than just furniture;
it embodies a production philosophy that
seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship
with cutting-edge technology, all
while minimizing its carbon footprint.
The company has always prioritized
responsible action and endeavours that
create a positive impact. A remarkable
milestone stands as a testament to this
commitment: 100% of ISKU’s production
in Lahti, Finland, is powered by solar
electricity. Building upon this achievement,
ISKU aspires to push boundaries even
further, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality
in its production by the end of 2023. ISKU’s
dedication to environmental consciousness
is mirrored in many of its products, which
have garnered recognition and awards
for their innovative utilization of green
solutions and incorporation
of recycled components.
Naturally from Finland
What characterizes ISKU is its simple design,
often drawing inspiration from the beautiful
nature that shapes Finland. The country’s
harsh weather conditions have an impact
on the mentality and resilience of its people.
As a result, Finland is gravitated towards
timeless products that are crafted with
quality and, most importantly, durability.
The ISKU collections showcase elements
reminis-cent of Finland’s windswept cliffs,
enchanting forests, and picturesque lakes.
When you visit the ISKU showroom
in Warsaw, you can experience Finnish
design firsthand. Feel the softness and
buoyancy of the sofas, appreciate the craftsmanship
and wooden details. All of this is
complemented by vibrant, positive pastel
colors, as well as original lamps and paintings.
Izabela Świtek, Head of ISKU Poland,
proudly states, “We take pride in creating
a space where Finnish design intertwines
with art, fostering discussions not only
about interiors and furniture but also about
the values that our brand holds dear”.
17

Success stories | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Kemira Świecie & Gdańsk - Celebrating Milestones
in the Polish Market
30th anniversary celebration of Kemira in Poland.
Photo by Kemira
Visit us at www.kemira.com.
KEMIRA ŚWIECIE & GDAŃSK
Celebrating Milestones
in the Polish Market
Photo by Kemira
Mysłowice factory, photography by Wojciech Mateusiak
Kemira globally – over 100 years
of history
Kemira is a global leader in sustainable
chemical solutions for water-intensive
industries. Kemira provides the best-suited
products and expertise to enhance
customers' product quality, processes,
and resource efficiency. The primary
focus areas include pulp & paper, water
treatment, and the energy industry.
Kemira Świecie – 30 years on the market
In 2023, Kemira Świecie proudly celebrates
three decades of excellence in the Polish
market. As a key player in the Pulp & Paper
segment, the journey has been defined
by innovation, commitment, and a team
of nearly 60 highly skilled specialists
dedicated to serving clients across Poland,
Ukraine, Lithuania, and the Caspian Region.
Throughout these years, Kemira Świecie's
production plant has consistently delivered
high quality products, contributing to the
success of clients across the entire EMEA
region. Our growth and achievements
wouldn't have been possible without the
unwavering support of our valued clients
and dedicated partners.
To express our gratitude and celebrate
this significant milestone, we recently
gathered in the enchanting surroundings
of Gniew Castle. The occasion fostered
a warm and friendly atmosphere, bringing
together clients and collaborating
companies for meaningful interactions
and mutual appreciation.
Kemira Gdańsk – 10 years on the market
Meanwhile, Kemira Gdańsk marked its
10th anniversary in Poland. Over the past
10 years, the Business Services Center
in Gdańsk has evolved from a transitional
phase with centralized management
to a value-adding hub seamlessly aligned
with the global business strategy.
A dedicated team of 250 professionals
from 12 nationalities powers the Gdańsk
center, handling customer order management,
finance & administration, IT, and
orders for goods and services. In the last
few years, a transformation towards
knowledge-based roles has been observed.
This is possible thanks to prioritization
of internal recruitments, work-shadowing
programs and the unwavering pursuit
of excellence. Gdańsk employees have
therefore undertaken positions in logistics,
trade operations, sourcing, payments, VAT
& intrastat, talent development, digital
solutions, operational excellence, regional
planning, and many more.
Striving for excellence and great knowhow
cannot be enough in today’s world.
Kemira is a very egalitarian company,
diverse and inclusive. That is why the center
got nominated to the ABSL Diamonds
Award in the category of Vibrant Workplace
with Kemira Wellness 360 program.
Recognitions such as "The Most BeLOVEd
BSC in Tricity", "Most Foreigner Friendly
Employer" and also “Social Responsible
Employer” underscore the center's
commitment to social responsibility.
Kemira has taken bold steps by establishing
employee networks such as KemPride
(LGBTQIA+) and Woman Network, emphasizing
ethics, sustainable development,
diversity, and inclusion. Marta Gołubowicz,
Managing Director of Kemira Gdańsk,
encapsulates this commitment, stating,
We have launched two
employee networks and are
open for more. Topics such as
ethics, sustainable development,
diversity, and inclusion are treated
with the greatest attention”.
In summary, Kemira's journey is not just
about operational tasks; it's a narrative
of resilience, transformation, and a relentless
pursuit of excellence in a world that
demands more than just know-how.
Any questions?
Write to gdansk.office@kemira.com
18

Kempower - Shaping E-Mobility in Poland
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Success stories
www.kempower.com
Grzegorz Kujawa
grzegorz.kujawa@kempower.com
Justyna Masztakowska
justyna.masztakowska@kempower.com
Photo by Kempower
KEMPOWER
Shaping E-Mobility in Poland
Kempower, founded in Finland in 2017, designs and manufactures fastcharging
DC solutions for electric vehicles and machines. The company
is listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange. In 2023, Kempower expanded to
Warsaw, Poland. Julia Morta talked with Grzegorz Kujawa, who is a manager
for CEE Commercial Vehicles, and Justyna Masztakowska, responsible for
CEE Private Vehicle Charging, about Kempower’s expansion in Poland.
Kick-off event in Lublin
Kick-off Kick-off event event in Lublin
Lublin
What is the potential of the Polish market
for Kempower?
Grzegorz Kujawa:
When it comes to e-mobility
infrastructure development,
Poland is just starting its journey to reach
even the level that Western Europe is
at now. There is tremendous potential
because of the size of the market, as well
as the fact that Kempower is entering
Poland now and we are able to offer very
modern solutions. We begin right at the
top – instead of starting with small 50 kW
installations, and we provide fast charging
models with multiple plugs.
How does Poland differ from other
e-mobility markets, and how does it
influence Kempower’s strategy here?
Justyna Masztakowska:
Poland has taken a different
approach to planning and
implementation of the infrastructure.
As a result, there are currently mainly
freestanding chargers with a single CCS2
connector. However, this trend has started
to change. It is becoming more important
to build multi-station charging hubs, which
are already present in many other European
countries. This is the direction Kempower
is heading in as well, and it is the best
model to accommodate the increasing
number of electric vehicles on the roads.
GK: Yes, our company's vision is
to create the most desirable electric
vehicle charging infrastructure for
everyone everywhere. We are very
focused on the user experience.
Both of us drive electric cars and
it can be frustrating when you pull up
to a charging station and the device
doesn't work. Therefore, we really
appreciate Kempower devices because
they are convenient, aesthetically
pleasing, and above all reliable.
What is Kempower’s sales strategy?
GK: At Kempower, we focus on the
design and production of devices
and software. When it comes to sales,
we rely on our network of installation
and service partners who distribute our
devices and have direct contact with
end users.
Are there any elements of Finnish
culture in the Polish team?
JM: Yes, there are quite a few!
We all share the values promoted in
the company, appreciate teamwork,
care about the environment, and have
courageous attitudes.
GK: And we love saunas!
How would you compare Polish and
Finnish cultures?
GK: I believe we have more similarities
than differences. Perhaps the Poles
could still learn something about
environmental awareness and work-life
balance from Finns.
Kick-off event in Lublin
JM: I think both cultures also share
a practical approach and unpretentiousness.
What tips would you give to a Finnish
company considering entering the
Polish market?
GK: First of all, it’s important to know that
Poles have a very positive attitude towards
companies from the Nordic countries.
Secondly, I would advise putting trust in
Polish people. The younger generation is
well-acquainted with European business
practices and is capable of running things
smoothly. There used to be a belief that
people needed constant supervision,
but Poles truly know how to take initiative
and find their way.
What are Kempower’s goals for the next
few years?
GK: We aim to establish a significant
presence in all forms of transportation,
including cars, trucks, buses, heavy
equipment, and various types of boats.
19

Success stories | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
KOSKISEN
From the Forest to the Van
Koskisen - From the Forest to the Van
www.kore.koskisen.com
Przemysław Dąbrowski
Factory Manager
przemyslaw.dabrowski@koskisen.com
Photo by Koskisen
Koskisen Sp. z o.o is a subsidiary of the
international wood-processing specialist
Koskisen Corporation, located in Järvelä,
Finland. In Toporów, Poland, Koskisen
started operations under the brand name
Kore® some 16 years ago with a handful
of employees. Today it all looks
a lot different.
Kore’s daily business is all about high
quality van protection kits and accessories,
delivered to the customers often single
packed, all the way to their doorstep.
There is a diverse team of 76 experts
in Topórow who take care of everything
from production and customer service
to front office sales, CAD-work, item
creation, quality management,
and maintenance.
The company is responsible for its own
material, harvesting logs in Finland and
processing them to plywood panels.
In the machining center in Poland, they
use top-tier CNC-machines to cut the
plywood into tailored, protective panel
shapes for professional van owners,
meaning that their van’s chassis is
protected throughout the years of use.
The company sees a bright future and
has a strong growth strategy that aims
high. Kore is currently evolving from
a small unit to a market leader,
though this needs effort in the
background operations.
Sustainability is one of the key values
in the company. Koskisen and Kore live
of the forests and is passionate about
keeping the carbon footprint low.
However, the average employment
length at Koskisen is 14 years, showing
that the company truly cares about its
employees and provides an international
environment to grow and develop.
20

Miilux - A Decade of Success
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Success stories
A DECADE
OF SUCCESS
Miilux's Journey
on the Polish
Market
Miilux manufactures and sells
wear-resistant and personal
protection solutions, utilizing
its own brands and innovations.
In 2014, the company expanded
to the Polish market and has been
growing here ever since. Tuomas
Asunmaa asked Pekka Miilukangas
– the Owner & CEO of Miilux Group
– as well as Tomasz Fedoryszyn –
Managing Director at Miilux Poland
– about the company’s successful
journey in Poland.
www.miilux.pl
Photo by Jacek Bulski
Photo by Marcin Markiefka
Pekka Miilukangas
What influenced your decision to expand
to Poland?
Poland was one of Miilux's first
export countries and we had
a very important customer there.
Poland is also attractively located at the
center of the European market.
Were there any surprises during the
market entry process?
Maybe not big surprises right away, but
the crisis in the Polish coal mining industry
in 2016 was a big setback and threatened
the continuation of our business in Poland.
How did you plan market entry to Poland?
We started with a short preliminary study
made by a Polish consultant. After that,
we conducted a more extensive analysis,
and finally a third study aimed
at establishing ourselves.
What are the key values you apply when
leading the Polish team?
The values of the Miilukangas family
business date back to the foundation
of Miilukangas in 1967. The most
important is honesty, which is reflected
in the careful fulfillment of our social
obligations. Continuous improvement and
profitable growth have also guided the
Polish operations.
How significant is the Polish market
within Miilux's global strategy?
The importance of the Polish business
has been increasing every year. Miilux
Poland currently accounts for about 20%
of the Miilux Group's turnover. The Polish
business is growing significantly, as is the
Miilux Group as a whole.
What advice would you give to Finnish
CEOs considering expansion to Poland?
One of the most important tasks is to find
a reliable president, member(s) of the board,
and manager in Poland. They should
have experience in working with Finnish
companies. You can’t run your business
from Finland, so you must carefully
recruit a very reliable team in Poland.
And finally, how are you planning to celebrate
Miilux's 10 years journey in Poland?
Miilux Poland will celebrate its 10th anniversary
on 14-15 June 2024 in Tarnowskie
Góry. The anniversary is shaping up to be
a year of significant investment and growth.
Tomasz Fedoryszyn
What is your favorite thing about working
at Miilux?
Miilux, as a company, always
appreciates initiative and
responsibility. This is what
I expect from my employees and what
the Finnish owners expect from me.
It is really exciting for me to work like
an entrepreneur, shaping the business
according to my vision. In 2023, we will
break another record as Miilux Poland
had already doubled last year’s revenues
by the end of September.
What are the key elements of your
management style?
Support, responsibility, critical thinking,
rationality and entrepreneurship guide
me in managing the Polish production
branch of Miilux. I think that Finnish
people have a similar approach to
business, which is what makes our
cooperation so fruitful.
What is the most memorable project you
have managed in Miilux?
I started working in Miilux in 2017, and just
two years later we decided to double the
area of our production facility. Since then,
we have also increased our revenues 10
times and tripled our staff. It is all a result
of many projects, some easy, some very
complex, that have contributed to the
development of the company. Next year
we celebrate the 10th anniversary of
Miilux Poland and I am convinced that
we have good reason to be proud.
What are the main opportunities
and challenges currently facing
the Polish market?
There are challenges related to the
current slowdown of the Polish and
European economy. At the same time,
we see a big opportunity for Miilux in the
defense sector. Our business is structured
in such a way that it allows us to achieve
our goals even in difficult times.
What advice would you give to a Finn
considering entering the Polish market?
Business culture in Poland has changed
over the years and generations. Nowadays,
it is increasingly transparent and based
on mutual trust. Therefore, I would
suggest having local, reliable support
at least at the beginning of market
entry to overcome potential cultural
differences and better adapt the
product to the situation in Poland.
21

Success stories | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Noli Studios - A Finnish Concept Redefining Co-Living in Warsaw
www.nolistudios.pl
Noli Mokotow. Photo by Noli Studios
NOLI STUDIOS
NOLI STUDIOS
A Finnish Concept Redefining
Co-Living in Warsaw
Noli Mokotow. Photo by Noli Studios
Noli Studios, a concept created
in 2019 in Helsinki by NREP, is
dedicated to young home-seekers
and travelers looking for the
comforts of home and the
amenities of a hotel.
In October 2023, 280 studios
in Noli Mokotow were opened
in Warsaw. Tuomas Asunmaa and
Julia Morta talked with Head of
Commercial for Noli Studios Ilkka
Kaakinen about the company’s
entry to the Polish market.
Why did you decide to expand to Poland?
NREP identified significant
potential in the residential
market in Poland. It seemed that
the Finnish concept of Noli Studios would
fit well into the Polish market. We started
the collaboration together with YIT.
Were there any surprises from the
Polish market?
When it comes to real estate, everything
is different in every country. The biggest
surprise in Poland was the legislation, such
as fiscal policies and construction development
processes. What positively surprised
me was this optimistic, can-do attitude of
Polish people. I love that it feels like the
whole nation is actively moving forward.
Why do you think that Noli Studios will be
interesting for Polish customers?
In the Nordic countries, around 50%
people live alone. The percentage is
slightly lower in Poland, but it’s increasing
as well. We created this co-living concept,
Noli Studios, to offer a home-like, flexible
solution for any length of stay. We provide
things that people need to live full lives,
for example, by creating activities for
our tenants that help them connect.
What is your target group?
The main target group are young urban
professionals looking for home. Other than
that, we host people with temporary
housing needs as well as for those who
look for regular hotel accommodation.
Noli Studios are also great for expats or
international students who have difficulties
finding proper housing in a new country.
What is included in your offer?
The prices start from PLN 3 400 per month
and include a furnished studio with a balcony,
utilities, and access to 580 sqm of
common area, such as a gym, meeting
rooms, co-working spaces, movie and
game rooms, and a rooftop terrace.
Do you also plan to move to other Polish
cities in the next few years?
We entered the Polish market very recently,
but of course we are planning to expand as
rapidly as sensibly possible to other major
cities in Poland as well. The first impression
we got from the market is that we are very
welcomed here. The Polish people seem
very fond of our Concept already.
Are there any Finnish elements in the
design of Noli Mokotow?
Yes, we have integrated a lot of Finnish
design ideas there. For instance, we have
small Moomin characters on the shelves
and other little hints to our Finnish roots.
We also always make sure that our site
fits into the neighborhood. That’s why we
used the help of Iliard, a renowned Polish
company for interior design.
What advice would you give to someone
planning to enter the Polish market?
It's very important to get to know the local
legal regulations and taxation procedures,
because they are quite complicated.
I believe that good research takes you
a long way. Don't underestimate the
importance of knowledge and data
when going into business in Poland.
And of course, remember to put effort
in sourcing good local partners.
22

Oddlygood - Oddlygood’s Recipe for Polish Market Entry
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Success stories
Lev Rubinstein
Lev@oddlygood.com
www.oddlygood.com
Lev Rubinstein. Photo by Oddlygood
ODDLYGOOD'S
RECIPE FOR POLISH
MARKET ENTRY
A Conversation with
Lev Rubinstein
Oddlygood, founded in 2018 in Finland, offers plantbased
products with exceptional taste. The company
entered the Polish market in 2021 and has been
expanding there ever since. Lev Rubinstein, Head
of European Sales at Oddlygood, talked with Julia
from Spondeo about the company’s journey on the
Polish market, Finnish and Polish business cultures,
and main trends in the food industry.
Why did Oddlygood choose Poland
as a direction for expansion?
Our parent company, Valio, was already
successfully operating on the Polish
market with PROfeel protein products.
I was responsible for this project from
Valio’s side, so it was a natural step to also
bring Oddlygood to Poland. We pay close
attention to the desires of local consumers
and we have observed a growing interest
in plant-based products, especially among
young Polish consumers. This has made
Poland an appealing market for us to enter.
It is also true that Finnish quality is appreciated
in Poland, both by consumers and
professional society.
What challenges did you encounter
when entering the Polish market?
The Polish market is known to have some
of the lowest retail prices in Europe, which
was one of the major difficulties given
that Oddlygood products are in the
everyday premium category. However,
prices have been increasing in recent
years and are now nearly at the same
level as in Western Europe. A second
challenge is that the plant-based sector in
Poland is also fiercely competitive, with
well-established local companies like
Inka and Sante. Despite that, we are
confident that Oddlygood, with its great
taste, will be a success on the Polish market.
You have seven years of experience in
doing business in Poland. What surprised
you the most when you first came here?
During my first negotiations on the Polish
market, I was surprised by how straightforward
the managers and buyers are.
However, I appreciate this direct approach
because it challenges me and makes the
sense of achievement after successful
negotiations even more satisfying.
What are currently the main trends
in the food industry?
Major trends in both countries include
sustainability, reducing sugar content, and
increasing nutritional value. Plant-based
products have also been gaining popularity
among flexitarians, who incorporate them
into their diets because of the health
benefits and superior taste.
What are the main differences between
Polish and Finnish markets?
One significant difference is that Finland
only has three modern retailers, while
Poland has over fifty, including both
modern and traditional ones. The practices
also differ. In Finland there are specific
trade windows for product reviews and
adjustments to the product list, whereas
on the Polish market things are more
flexible. The strategic approach in Poland
can vary depending on what retail you are
targeting. For example, discounters like
Biedronka, Dino, and Lidl play a major role
in the retail landscape, and significantly
impact product performance
and distribution.
What advice would you give to a Finnish
company considering expansion
to Poland?
It may be surprising for newcomers
to discover that starting a business
in Poland is a very personal thing.
Everything depends on relationships,
and it is crucial to establish them right
from the start. Your success depends
on both product quality and the person
leading the expansion. Therefore,
I recommend choosing the project leader
carefully. Of course, it is also important
to ensure that the product fits well with
market conditions and to have someone
on the ground in Poland.
What are Oddlygood’s further plans
for Poland?
We are continuously working to expand
our presence on the Polish market,
including retail, food service, cafes,
and gas stations. We consider Poland
a strategic market and have plans to
introduce more 'Oddlygood' products
in the near future. Stay tuned!
23

Success stories | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Orion Pharma - Interview with Wojciech Szwedziński
INTERVIEWWITH WOJCIECH SZWEDZIŃSKI
Insights from Managing a Finnish Pharmaceutical
Giant in Poland for 20+ Years
Wojciech Szwedziński.
Photo by Orion Pharma
Orion Pharma is a globally
operating, Finnish pharmaceutical
company that expanded
to Poland in 2002. Currently,
the Polish team consists
of over 100 professionals.
Tuomas Asunmaa interviewed
Head of the EE Region Wojciech
Szwedziński, who has been
managing Orion Pharma in Poland
for more than 20 years.
What is the history of Orion Pharma
in Poland, and when did you join
the company?
I have the honor of being the first
Orion Pharma employee in Poland and
I established Orion Pharma’s operations
in Poland. However, the history of Orion
Pharma products in Poland is far longer,
as some of them were already
authorized back before the political
changes of 1989.
What market entry strategies did
you use when first establishing
the Polish branch?
Orion started operations in Poland
with a relatively short product portfolio.
From the beginning, we agreed to
expand operations through portfolio
development directed to a selected
customer group – the CNS segment
of the pharma market.
How important is the Polish market
in the CEE Region?
Poland is the largest and the most
important country in the region and one
of key countries for Orion Pharma globally.
Do you use Finnish roots in your marketing?
Finnish quality and sticking to regulations
is well known in Poland and we use it a lot
in our marketing communication. Quality
is key for medicines and Finnish quality
makes a difference.
What sets Orion Pharma apart from its
competitors in Poland?
People we have in our organization are
the most important, given that advertising
prescribed medicines to the public
domain is not permitted.
What was the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on Orion, and the pharma
market in general in Poland?
As COVID-19 is a disease, it did not
impact the pharma market negatively
itself. There was much higher consumption
of products directly or indirectly linked
to COVID-19. However, some market
segments were declining. For Orion Pharma
in Poland, 2020 was a challenging year
as the consumption of certain products
decreased. Despite that, we managed
and are back on the growth path now.
With over two decades at this company,
what major changes have you observed
in the industry?
The Polish pharma market is very dynamic.
The industry is highly regulated, much
more than other sectors. Changes
in regulations (such as price or reimbursement)
trigger changes that affect the
entire market and have a huge impact
on our business. Over the last 20 years,
I’ve noticed an increase in innovative
treatments available to Polish patients,
thanks to coverage by the reimbursement
system. That was not the case during
the first 10 years after 1989.
What lessons have you learned during
that time?
I have learnt so many lessons that it’s
hard to list them all. The most valuable
for me was the importance of good
communication and collaboration with
HQ to secure the growth of local
operations in Poland.
What achievements are you particularly
proud of?
I’m most proud of the talented colleagues
I have been able to gather around me
at Orion Pharma Poland, and who have
been a massive support for company
growth in the past and securing its
growth in the future.
How would you compare Finnish and
Polish cultures?
In my opinion, Finns and Poles share
many similarities. I would say that Finns
are more patient.
What are your top 3 rules of
effective management?
Listening, asking the question “why?”, and
delegating/empowering team members.
What advice would you give to Finnish
companies considering expansion
to Poland?
Do it, as soon as possible! Poland is
a great country and there are still many
great business opportunities. The most
critical thing is to find a committed and
trustworthy individual to start operations.
An entrepreneur ready to build your
success in Poland. This is not easy,
but possible.
What are your next plans on
the Polish market?
To develop Orion Pharma’s business
further. We plan to introduce more
products in the CNS segment, but
also to enter new therapeutic areas.
We would also like to continue to
introduce to Poland more and more
self-care products, available through
pharmacy channels. These products
are very popular in Finland. It would be
beneficial for Poles if they were able
to purchase and use them as well.
www.orionpharma.info.pl
24

Orkla - Orkla’s Expansion to Poland
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Success stories
www.dagrasso.pl
Photo by Orkla
Photo by Orkla
ORKLA'S EXPANSION
TO POLAND
Acquiring a Large Slice
of the Polish Pizza Market
Founded over 360 years ago
in Oslo, Orkla is a leading supplier
of branded products and concept
solutions in Norway, Finland,
Benelux and Germany. Orkla
also owns The European Pizza
Company, one of the top pizza
franchise chains in Europe, with
a network of 860 outlets. In 2022,
Orkla acquired 74% of the shares
in the Polish franchise chain
Da Grasso.
The CEO of The European Pizza
Company is Finn Tommi Tervanen,
the former CEO of the Finnish
Kotipizza chain, which Orkla
acquired in 2019. Tuomas
Asunmaa had a chance to sit
down with Tommi and exchange
a few words about the company’s
expansion to the Polish market.
How was Da Grasso selected? Did you
specifically look for targets on the Polish
market, or simply attractive companies
on a European scale?
We actively scan the European
market and focus on out-of-home
spending and market size.
Poland checked a lot of boxes in our view
and Da Grasso, being a market leader
in Poland with a well-established
operation since 1996, convinced
us to take a closer look.
Did anything surprise you during the
acquisition or integration process?
The acquisition went smoothly, largely
because we are an industrial buyer
who knows this business inside out,
from dough to toppings. We also
selected great local advisors to ensure
a swift due diligence process and
effective work.
How does the Polish pizza market look
from a Finnish perspective?
The Polish and Finnish pizza markets
have many similarities. In both countries
there are national hero brands like
Da Grasso and Kotipizza, as well as
international competition and artisanal
Neapolitan-style pizzerias. Da Grasso
has tailored their pizza taste to satisfy
Polish taste buds, much like Kotipizza is
made specifically for Finnish consumers.
We have a fantastic franchise chain
in both Poland and Finland, operating
a total of 480 restaurants. Da Grasso
currently has 180 restaurants in Poland,
and the potential for further growth is
very promising.
Have you implemented any good lessons
or practices from Poland in your work?
Yes, I have spent one and a half years
working with Da Grasso management,
and we have shared best practices
regarding franchisee culture and
product development.
What's your favorite place and restaurant
in Poland? Do you also enjoy Polish cuisine?
Before this acquisition, I had never been
to Poland. The last 18 months have
made me fall in love with this country.
I love spending time in Warsaw's Old
Town, Manufaktura in Łódź, and in the
City Walls in Kraków. Polish cuisine has
also taken me by storm. It’s difficult to
say no to tartare, pierogi, or delicious
kiełbasa. Warsaw and Lodz have many
great restaurants. In Warsaw, my
favorites are Alewino, Bar Rascal,
and Epoka. In Łódź, I usually hang out
in Manufaktura, checking out various
casual restaurants.
What would be your advice to someone
who is thinking about entering the Polish
consumer market?
A strong brand is everything. That's my
philosophy with Da Grasso. A strong
brand provides you with security and
also experimental flexibility.
25

Success stories | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Purmo - 30 Years of Purmo Radiator Production
in Poland
Purmo Group Poland sp. z o. o.
+48 22 544 10 00
purmow@purmo.pl
www.purmo.com/pl-pl
Purmo factory in Rybnik. Photo by Purmo
30 YEARS OF PURMO
RADIATOR PRODUCTION
IN POLAND
Photo by Purmo
When the Purmo brand of panel
radiators appeared on the Polish
market in 1992, it completely
changed the market for heating
solutions in the country. How
did this company, belonging
to an international concern with
Finnish roots, sell a record
number of over 17 million panel
radiators in Poland over 30 years?
Statistically, this means that there
is at least one Purmo brand
radiator in every Polish home.
Most of them come from the
largest factory of the concern,
located in Rybnik, which is
celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Expanding in Rybnik
Poland is one of the most important and
developed markets for the Purmo concern.
Therefore, already after the first year of
activity in the country, a strategic decision
was made to build a new Purmo factory
in Rybnik. It started production of panel
radiators in 1993 and quickly became
the largest and most modern production
plant of the concern. Currently, more than
2 million radiators are delivered from Rybnik
to customers worldwide every year.
The factory's management is constantly
working on increasing the efficiency
of production. Currently, the factory
employs almost 500 people and is
one of the largest employers in Rybnik.
In March 2023, a new production hall
was officially opened, where a so-called
hybrid line - capable of producing both
vertical and horizontal radiator models -
will be installed.
Effective team, extraordinary results
In 2017, the management of the Rybnik
factory was taken over by a new director
- Barbara Katychów, who has been
associated with the plant for 20 years.
In just one year production reached
a record level - 2.7 million radiators!
"In any process, the most important
thing for me is the people. The success
we achieve in the production plant in
Rybnik is possible primarily thanks to
the team of specialists who work with
full commitment for the success of the
Purmo brand. The building of the new
production line was possible thanks to
extremely effective teamwork between
all departments of our factory. Some
of the people who symbolically cut the
ribbon have been working in our factory
since the very beginning - that is, for 30
years! Thanks to a team of top-notch
specialists in the Rybnik factory, we are
constantly improving our processes,
keeping in mind the ecology of the
entire production cycle, which has
become our passion." - concludes
Barbara Katychów.
Green production
Already at the production stage, Purmo
searches for solutions that optimize
energy consumption and reduce
negative impact on the environment.
All steel radiators are durable and 100
percent recyclable after use. In the future,
the company intends to use so-called
green steel - made using hydrogen
instead of coal and coke. Such steel is
already being produced in Scandinavia.
In addition, Purmo uses recycled brass
with low lead content in its products.
Comfort delivered
In recent years, Purmo has also been
strengthening its position as a supplier
of complex heating systems, which include
pipe systems, surface heating, radiators
(panel, bathroom, decorative, duct) and
control mechanisms. The company's
philosophy is briefly and accurately
conveyed by the slogan "comfort
delivered", which means that Purmo
solutions combine various elements
in one goal - the most effective heating
corresponding to the needs of the house
and its inhabitants.
26

Rex Nordic - Market Entry Done Right
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Success stories
MARKET ENTRY DONE RIGHT
Rex Nordic Storms Into the Polish market
Rex Nordic Group is the market leader
in mobile heaters and coolers in Europe.
The company is rapidly growing with
a turnover of over 20 million euros and
has unique high quality products and the
best customer service and after sales.
Two main product groups of Rex Nordic
are: the most efficient mobile heaters
& coolers for professionals for different
sized spaces, and handcrafted premium
hot tubs with the fastest heating time.
”We strive for market leadership for our
product groups on all markets that we
enter: now we are market leader in mobile
heaters and coolers in Scandinavia,
the Netherlands and UK, soon in rest of
Europe. In hot tubs we’re growing fast
with the same target. At present we have
+1200 retailers and our own operations in 9
countries. We believe in excellent customer
service and strive for that in everything
we do. Our head office and hot tub
production facilities of 3500 m 2 are
located in Askola, Finland, about 50 km
east of the capital Helsinki. And our new
central warehouse is in Gerbershausen in
Thüringen, Germany”, says Caspar Berntzen,
the CEO of Rex Nordic Group.
During 2023 Rex Nordic entered the Polish
market by establishing a local company
and hiring 4 sales representatives and sales
support to grow the Polish sales network.
Poland was on our roadmap
for 2023 and we have managed
to create an efficient & skilled
sales team to cover the market.
We think that the market in Poland
is ripe with opportunities, and
our top-quality products are wellpositioned
to capitalize on this
growth. With a focus on excellent
customer support and reliable
after-sales service, we aim to
build trust and deliver the best
possible experience for our Polish
customers. We are committed
to delivering superior products
and services to contribute to
a more sustainable and
comfortable future for all.”
Photo by Rex Nordic
The CEO of Rex Nordic, Caspar Berntzen, is excited to be able to bring new top productsto the Polish
market and promises to offer innovative solutions for all kinds of spaces. This is a picture from last fall,
when Rex Nordic Group did charity work and sent heaters to Ukraine worth almost 90,000 euros.
Photo by Rex Nordic
Photo by Rex Nordic
Photo by Rex Nordic
Rex Nordic coolers are environmentally
friendly cooling solutions for larger spaces like
factories, garages, warehouses, greenhouses,
restaurants, shops and for industries like
manufacturing, aviation, horticulture, animal
farming, etc. They are natural and effective
cooling solution with GWP 0 – only using
water to cool, no refrigerant!
Rexener Bio Water Heater is the most
affordable and fastest heating system for
whirlpools, swimming pools and hot tubs.
It can heat 1500l of water in two hours from
+7 degrees to +38 degrees, including the time
spent adding water. Rexener Bioheater also
has the power to heat up a really large
50,000 liter swimming pool – all year round.
Airrex (est. 1986) is the market leader in infrared
mobile heaters. The bioheaters work with
biodiesel or diesel. With Airrex heaters you
can save money on heating costs.
Example of consumption: 2,5L / day, when
heating a space of 500m³ with 15°C inside
temperature and -0°C outside (the consumption
is affected by the insulation of the space).
27

Success stories | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Scanfil - Trusted Manufacturing Partner
Scanfil Poland
+48 32 746 79 00
info.myslowice@scanfil.com
Brzezińska 59, 41-404 Mysłowice, Poland
Mysłowice factory. Photo by Wojciech Mateusiak
Mysłowice factory.
Photo by Wojciech Mateusiak
TRUSTED
MANUFACTURING PARTNER
Scanfil Invests Significantly
in its Growth in Poland
Scanfil is an international manufacturing
partner and system
supplier for the most demanding
customers in the electronic industry.
The history of Scanfil dates back
to 1976 when Jorma J. Takanen,
an entrepreneur from North Ostrobothnia,
established Scanfil Oy,
a manufacturer of sheet metal
mechanics for the electronics
industry, in Sievi, Finland. The first
production facility was a garage
but the plans for a Scanfil factory
soon became a reality. Today,
Scanfil is a trusted manufacturing
partner that provides its customers
with an extensive array of services,
ranging from product design
to product manufacturing, material
procurement and logistics
solutions. Its network of factories
consists of 9 production units in
Europe, Asia and North America.
Poland is one of the key growth areas
for Scanfil
In 2015, Scanfil acquired its Swedish
competitor, PartnerTech AB, a globally
operating contract manufacturer and
supplier of after-sales market services,
and through the transaction, doubled its
size in terms of turnover, personnel, and
number of production facilities. As a result
of the acquisition, Scanfil also gained two
factories in Poland, located in Mysłowice
and Sieradz.
From the very early on, it was clear that
Poland would be one of the primary growth
markets for Scanfil. As stated by the former
CEO Petteri Jokitalo in 2017, when Scanfil
announced that: it will double the size of
its Sieradz factory:
We believe that growth will
continue at our plant in Poland,
and the objective of this
investment is to secure our
services and competitiveness,
also in the future. For our
customers, this investment
means that we are better able
to respond to their growing
demand in Europe and globally”.
Scanfil to invest EUR 20 million in a new
factory building in Sieradz, Poland
In August 2023, Scanfil announced that
it decided to invest in a new factory
building of 14,000 m² in Sieradz, Poland.
With the expansion, the factory floor area
will increase by over 70%, making Scanfil
Sieradz the largest Scanfil factory in terms
of floor space. The investment of EUR 20
million covers the construction of the new
building and associated building technology.
In addition, the expansion will require
investments in production and warehouse
technology. The project was started in August
2023, and the new building is estimated
to be ready for production in 2025.
This marked the second large investment
in less than a year in Sieradz. In January
2023, Scanfil decided to invest EUR 6 million
in electronics manufacturing capacity that
came into use in August 2023. Moreover,
in the past years, Scanfil has invested significantly
in automation in its Mysłowice factory.
The future of Scanfil Poland looks bright
In September 2023, Scanfil appointed
Christophe Sut as the new CEO of Scanfil.
According to Sut, Poland offers interesting
investment opportunities for Scanfil also
in the future. “Both Sieradz and Mysłowice
factories are important close-to-customermarket
facilities that enable us to serve
the growing manufacturing needs of our
existing and new customers in Europe”,
says Sut, and continues: “In addition, we
could not be happier with our dedicated
employees in Poland that continuously
work to develop our operations and
practices to meet and exceed
customer expectations”.
28

Teknikum - Teknikum’s GREEN & SMART Material Handling
Solution Now in Poland
Salpomec - Conveyor Systems from Lahti for Europe’s
Largest Online Shopping Return Center in Poland
Teknikum’s
GREEN & SMART
Material Handling
Solution Now
in Poland
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Success stories
Piotr Świeżawski
Business Development Manager
PIOMET
sales@piomet-cnc.pl
Photo by Teknikum
Teknikum’s GREEN & SMART
abrasive material handling solution
became available in Poland in
March 2023. The comprehensive
pipeline solution, including abrasive
hoses and rubber lined steel pipes,
is represented by local sales
company PIOMET based
in Kraków.
Teknikum is a forerunner in wear-resistant
solutions for highly abrasive environments.
Known for its long experience and
innovative material development,
the Finnish company introduced new
products utilizing renewable and recycled
rubber in 2022. The solution includes
a new line of ceramic hoses and bends
that have proven exceptional for over
a decade in transferring boiler sand
and slurry, including coal and iron ore.
Completed with expert field-services
and engineering know-how, Teknikum
has now set foot on the Polish market,
offering the best possible customer
experience for its industrial customers.
“Power plants and other industrial
operators who handle abrasive materials
in their process are looking more and
more into innovative and cost-efficient
solutions. Additionally, the use of sustainable
linings and recycled materials
increases operational and environmental
safety”, says Mr. Piotr Świeźawski, business
development manager in PIOMET.
www.teknikum.com
Conveyor Systems from Lahti for Europe's Largest
Online Shopping Return Center in Poland
Salpomec conveyor systems
Photo by Salpomec
Tripoint Oy, a Lahti-based supplier
of hanging garment systems, has been
delivering products manufactured under
the Salpomec brand all over the world for
three decades, focusing on companies
in the clothing industry. On the domestic
market, Tripoint also provides businesses
from other sectors with mezzanine floors
and storage solutions.
Tripoint maintains close cooperation
with Polish logistics operator Spedimex
(since June 2023: ID Logistics) and
recently delivered a large conveyor
system to its facility in Stryków, which
is Europe's largest online returns center.
"Our products are well suited to the
logistic needs of the growing e-commerce
market. They enable efficient processing
of deliveries and returns," says Tripoint
CEO, Jarkko Kuusisto. The delivered
system is almost completely automatic
and developed specifically for processing
returns. "The goal is to process considerable
amounts of clothing returns as efficiently
and quickly as possible."
”Poland is one of the main logistics hubs
in Europe for the e-commerce sector
and the market is experiencing very
dynamic growth. We are constantly
in negotiations for more installations
and hope to release more news soon.
Meanwhile, we have recently delivered
our systems to markets such as Turkey,
France, Germany, the Netherlands
and Spain.”
www.salpomec.fi
29

Success stories | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Tietoevry - Growth and Diversity in the Polish
IT Landscape
www.tietoevry.com/pl
Photo by Tietoevry
TIETOEVRY?
TIETOEVRY
Growth and Diversity in the
Polish IT Landscape
The new office opening, Warsaw.
Photo by Anna Jędrzejewska
Tietoevry is a leading technology
company specializing in cloud,
data, and software, and serving
thousands of enterprise and
public-sector customers in more
than 90 countries. The company
entered the Polish market in 2002
and currently has more than 1000
employees in six cities: Szczecin,
Wrocław, Kraków, Warsaw,
Gliwice and Poznań.
Tietoevry Poland in 2023
This year Tietoevry opened a new office
in Warsaw. The teams are responsible
for building search engines and creating
corporate searches, for example for
the e-commerce industry. The official
opening of the new office was combined
with a panel focused on the female
perspective in IT.
Tietoevry believes that diversity significantly
increases the innovativeness of its projects.
At the moment, 23% of the company’s
staff in Poland are women, while the
national average in IT is about 15.5%.
Tietoevry aims to achieve equal
representation of men and women by
2030. To reach this goal, in 2023 the
company carried out the “Being an IT Girl”
campaign. It began with lectures in
schools to encourage young people,
especially girls, to develop an inte rest in
IT. The objective was to show that this
industry is for everyone, with many
different job opportunities, not only for
programmers but also in areas like project
management. The culmination of the
campaign was a conference in June
in Szczecin.
In September, Tietoevry Poland signed
the Diversity Charter, an international
initiative promoted by the European
Commission. The signatories declare
their intent to ban discrimination and
create diversity in the workplace.
Where do your customers come from?
Most of Tietoevry Poland’s projects are for
foreign companies operating in automotive
and telecommunications sectors. We have
an increasing number of projects for public
healthcare in Nordic countries. Tietoevry
also conducts business in Poland for
domestic customers, especially in the
area of search and information findability.
What distinguishes Tietoevry from other
IT companies in Poland?
I would say that our Nordic origins and
values are what make us different. We look
at every employee as a human being first.
We are also heavily investing in diversity.
By taking into account the points of view
of various social groups, we are able to
implement our projects in a more innovative
and effective way. We also pay attention
to sustainability.
What is the overall growth potential
of the IT market in Poland?
The potential is still huge. Even though
many companies have been affected by
the ongoing difficult economic situation
in Poland, there is a demand for good
specialists and a shortage of them on the
market. While it is currently much more
difficult for juniors to enter the industry,
the demand for high-end specialists
remains high.
What advice would you give to a Finnish
tech company interested in entering the
Polish market?
I can say that they will certainly find many
great experts in Poland who approach
work in a very conscientious way. Countries
from all over the world are now remotely
recruiting in Poland because they know
that the level of education here is very
high. Just by looking at the example
of Tietoevry, you can see the massive
potential of the Polish market – we keep
opening new offices and our teams are
constantly growing.
30

Unikie - Unikie’s New Chapter in Poland
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Success stories
www.unikie.com/pl/
New office in Wrocław. Photo by CitySpace
New office in Wrocław.
New office Photo by inCitySpace
Wrocław
UNIKIE’S NEW CHAPTER
IN POLAND
Combining Finnish Expertise
with Polish Innovation
Unikie, a Finnish software
company known for its innovative
solutions, opened its Polish branch
in early 2020 with just three people
on-board. By the end of 2022,
the team consisted of 60 members
and the company has continued
to grow. In July 2023, Unikie made
a strategic decision to expand its
operations by opening a new
office in Wrocław.
New office in Wrocław.
Photo by CitySpace
Office opening celebration
Photo by Unikie
New office in Wrocław
The new office represents more than just
physical expansion – it signals Unikie's
commitment to harnessing the abundant
IT talent pool in Lower Silesia. Situated
in a prime location near Germany and the
Czech Republic, Wrocław has emerged
as a leading IT hub in Central Europe.
Recognizing this, Unikie's decision to set
up an office here serves a dual purpose:
bringing the company closer to its
expanding clientele in the automotive
sector and tapping into the city's vibrant
tech community.
Wrocław office, although starting
with just 10 members, is a powerhouse.
The team is deeply involved in automotive
services, playing a pivotal role in Unikie's
automotive R&D. Their focus on Automated
Vehicle Marshaling and product
development shows the company's
dedication to pushing the boundaries
in the automotive tech realm.
"Diversification in both business and
technology is the key to our success,"
emphasizes Piotr Januszko, the country
manager for Poland. Under his guidance,
Unikie Poland has ventured into domains
such as Industry 4.0 and Automotive.
In terms of technology, Januszko has
focused on expanding in cloud computing,
Embedded C++, Golang, QA, and Python.
Unikie’s ambitious plans in Poland
The company has set its sights high,
targeting a growth rate of 20-40% in the
next six months. This ambitious goal is
rooted in a strategy that focuses on two
main areas: strengthening its foothold
in the automotive sector and making
significant inroads into the field
of secure communication.
Beyond service offerings, Unikie is
investing heavily in product development.
Their Automated Vehicle Marshaling
solution, which has already garnered
interest, is set to undergo further
enhancements. The vision is to adapt
this technology for broader applications,
including buses and autonomous
parcel transport.
Unikie's journey in Poland, especially with
its new office in Wrocław, is a testament
to the company's forward-thinking approach
and commitment to innovation. As the line
between software and automotive tech
continues to blur, Unikie stands ready to
lead the way, combining Finnish expertise
with Polish innovation.
Piotr Januszko
Country Manager
+48 880 266 992
piotr.januszko@unikie.com
31

Success stories | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Peikko - Insights Into Peikko’s Expansion
www.peikko.com
New office in Wrocław. Photo by Peikko
INSIGHTS INTO
PEIKKO'S EXPANSION
Interview with the CEO
Topi Paananen. Photo by Peikko
Peikko, headquartered in
Lahti, Finland, operates in the
construction field, specializing
in steel components related to
concrete structures and frames.
In October 2023, Peikko
established an office in Kyiv,
the capital of Ukraine. Topi
Paananen, the CEO of Peikko,
shared with us the story of expansion
to the Ukrainian market.
Peikko's international expansion has been
quite impressive. Can you share more
about the company's journey?
Peikko has come a long way since its
inception. Our innovative solutions offer
a faster, safer, and more sustainable way
to design and build. We've expanded
to as many as 34 countries. Our largest
factory is located in Finland, but our
Central and Eastern European locations
are supplied by plants in Lithuania,
Slovakia, and Romania. With 12 factories
globally, we ensure fast and efficient
deliveries to our markets. Office opening celebration
You've recently made the decision
to open a branch in Ukraine.
What is the current situation
on the Ukrainian market?
Based on information from our
customers, there is a shortage of labor
due to war-related demands. To stimulate
the construction industry, it's crucial
to have a workforce. While it is just the
beginning of the rebuilding process,
we are already committed to being
a part of the revitalization process
– not just because our products help
optimize labor costs, which is essential
in a market with limited labor resources,
but also because we want to do business
ethically. We aim to create jobs and
contribute to Ukrainian society.
Could you share any other insights about
the rebuilding efforts in Ukraine?
It's important to approach it with the right
perspective. For example, there has been
ongoing construction in Lviv due to a rapid
increase in population since the start
of the war. However, the situation in the
eastern part of Ukraine is quite different.
What advice would you offer to a
company considering entering the
Ukrainian market now?
I would emphasize the importance
of taking a long-term view. In these
challenging times, there are no quick
solutions. Commit to actions that make
sense in the long run. Being present
on the market from the very beginning
can be a huge advantage. It will be
remembered and may result in real
business opportunities. If you decide
to work with consultants promising
miracles, be cautious in selecting them.
How do you see Poland's role in the
rebuilding efforts in Ukraine?
I think Poland has a crucial role to play.
Poland’s support will be remembered
and I’m sure it will have a significant
impact on mutual business in the future.
The recently elected democratic
government further enhances the
prospects for collaboration. Additionally,
Poland's geographical proximity is a great
advantage.
What areas do you think Ukraine should
focus on improving in the near future?
Ukraine, like Poland in the early '90s,
is at a stage where the financial resources
are flowing. The challenge is to control
and direct it effectively. Addressing issues
related to Russia, corruption, and oligarchs
is paramount. Ukraine needs to ensure
that funds are allocated efficiently and
that economic growth is sustainable.
Topi Paananen, CEO
+358 50 384 3001
topi.paananen@peikko.com
32

Rebuild Ukraine - Rebuild Ukraine 2.0 and
an Interview with Henri Riihimäki
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Success stories
REBUILD UKRAINE 2.0 IN WARSAW
and an Interview with Henri Riihimäki
from Foreign Ministry of Finland
What surprised you about the fair?
The ReBuild Ukraine exhibition
and conference took place on
14-15 November 2023 in Warsaw.
The event gathered over 5000
attendees from various global
organizations. 26 Ukrainian
communities were represented
at the Ukraine Pavilion. All participants
were able to visit a unique
exposition of construction technologies,
equipment and materials,
green technologies and showcased
global achievements of construction
and energy industries introduced
by the leading 557 manufacturers
from 21 countries.
Finland had the second largest
delegation after Germany,
comprising almost 60 companies
as exhibitors and plenty of other
visitors. Business Finland attracted
over 40 companies to their
delegation, together with the
Minister of Foreign Trade, Ville Tavio.
Business Finland also organized
a networking meeting before the
fair officially started. The event
organizer Premier Expo team
would like to sincerely thank
Business Finland and all
participants from Finland for
being a part of ReBuild Ukraine
powered by Energy.
Weronika and Tuomas from
Spondeo spoke to Henri Riihimäki
from the Ukraine team of the
Foreign Ministry of Finland about
the fair and opportunities.
www.rebuildukraine.in.ua/en
There was a large crowd, but we would
have liked more Ukrainians to attend.
Especially Ukrainian companies that
could be partners for Finns. Overall,
we are satisfied by the fair and the Finns'
understanding of the reconstruction
of Ukraine certainly increased a lot.
Will delegations from Finland also come
to the next ReBuild Ukraine fairs in 2024?
This will be decided according to the
situation. Business Finland does not
usually organize such extensive
delegations for fair events, but if we
find interested participants then future
fairs must be seriously considered.
Our goal is to support Ukraine and
Ukrainians in their efforts during
Russia's aggression and long after.
Do you think Finnish companies have
also become more interested in the
Polish market?
Yes, there were quite a few Polish
companies at the fair and Finnish
participants had a chance to get to
know them. Some companies see
Poland as a natural stopover destination
for Ukraine. As a market, Poland is
generally considerably larger than
Ukraine. I think that all these factors
will encourage Finnish companies
to be more interested in Poland.
Do you have any tips for Finns who are
thinking about possibilities in Ukraine?
Finnish companies have to learn a new
way of doing business, especially when
the buyer's financing comes from a third
party and the buying company may not
have it directly. Establishing yourself
in Ukraine requires at least the same
amount of work as establishing yourself
in any other country. However, Ukraine
is a more unfamiliar market for us Finns,
so some homework was required to get
to know it better. That’s what the fair
was about. In the future, Finns will have
a better understanding of what is needed
in order to do business in Ukraine.
Photos by Tuomas Asunmaa & Weronika Gidel-Asunmaa
33

Success stories | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Uponor - From a Carpenter’s production to a Leader
in Plumbing, Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems
Uponor Sp. z o. o.
www.uponor.com/pl-pl/instalacje
obslugaklienta.bld@uponor.com
Photo by Uponor
Uponor Thermal Active Building System
(TABS) - an innovative solution for
modern buildings. Photo by Uponor
UPONOR’S HISTORY
From a Carpenter’s Production
to a Leader in Plumbing, Radiant
Heating and Cooling Systems
Initially confined to its local area
of operations, Uponor has grown
into a global player that is
revolutionizing the construction
industry with top-quality solutions
for water piping, radiant heating
and cooling systems, control
automation and pre-insulated
networks. For more than half
a century, the company has been
successfully winning the trust
of global customers with
innovative products, continuous
improvement, and superior
quality. Today, Uponor is focusing
on its growth strategy in Poland
and the rest of Europe.
Historical outline
It's hard to say that the 1920s was
a favorable time to open a business.
However, this was the decision made
by Aukusti Asko-Avonius, who in 1918
established a factory in Lahti, Finland,
to mass-produce furniture. Great success
led to the opening of Upo Oy in 1938, which
was dedicated to the manufacture of cast
iron products and household goods and
was headed by Asko-Avonius' son.
Since then, production has expanded, first
Uponor solutions
for multifamily and
commercial buildings
focusing on the manufacture of sewer
pipes, to the production of plastic pipes
and fittings. After 1990, the company has
began to expand internationally, entering
the European market and the US. In Poland,
Uponor's operations are conducted by two
separate companies: Uponor Sp. z o. o.
(since 1995) - solutions for construction
and Uponor Infra Sp. z o. o. (since 1993) -
infrastructure solutions for external networks.
Growth in Poland in the spirit
of sustainability
Today, Uponor products are used
in a wide variety of construction projects
in Poland and around the world, from
luxury residential complexes to schools,
hospitals, industrial facilities or playing
fields and airports. The company not only
provides technical solutions and top-quality
customer support but is also committed
to the development of sustainable
construction, focusing on energy
efficiency, and minimizing environmental
impact both in its operations and
encouraging its customers to do the same.
“Sustainability is very important to us.
As part of Uponor's operations, we take
several measures to reduce CO2 emissions,
protect water resources or support local
communities. We also encourage our
customers and partners to do the same.
We believe that only systemic change
makes sense. We want to change the face
of the construction industry, which is why
more and more products containing
renewable or recycled raw materials
are appearing in our portfolio like Uponor
PEX Pipe Blue - world’s first bio-based PEX
pipes, and Environmental Product Declarations
(EPDs), ensuring full transparency
of the environmental impact of our solutions,
have an increasing number of items in our
portfolio. We aim to cover 90% of our
product portfolio EPDs by 2027, and
the entire product portfolio latest
by 2030”, explains Sylwia Palasz-Talarek,
Manager, Marketing Communications
Poland, Ukraine & Baltics at Uponor.
In addition, Uponor has completed
the integration process with Polish
manufacturer Capricorn in 2023.
After intensive months of preparation,
customers were presented with a new
harmonized portfolio and even more
efficient technical support. The expansion
of operations in Poland also made
it possible to move production from
the factory in Ehingen, Germany,
to Świebodzice in Lower Silesia.
34

Business Support Companies in the Polish Market
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Success stories
Business Support
Companies
in the Polish Market
When Spondeo asked for advice for Finnish companies that
might be thinking about entering the Polish market, several
managers of Finnish-Polish businesses emphasized the
importance of having a strong support network in Poland.
This section comprises articles and interviews with experts
boasting years of experience in helping Nordic companies
to enter and expand in the Polish market. The provided
insights cover a wide array of industries, including
production, real estate, food, software
development, law, and accounting.
Andrzej & Piotr from Spondeo
Photo by Anna Jędrzejewska
35

Business Support | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Photo by Ecovis
Ecovis Legal Poland - 15 Years of Legal Support for
Finnish Businesses in Poland
ECOVIS LEGAL POLAND
15 Years of Legal Support for Finnish
Businesses in Poland
Ecovis Legal Poland Multan,
Pruś & Partners Law and Tax
Firm is a well-established law firm
with more than 20 years of history.
We have assisted more than
60 Finnish companies starting
to conduct business in Poland.
Ecovis has 15 years of experience
in serving Finnish companies
investing in Poland and actively
participates in the Finnish business
community in Poland, supporting
it and performing several functions
at the Finnish Trade Guild (FTG)
and the Scandinavian-Polish
Chamber of Commerce (SPCC).
We provide comprehensive
assistance for businesses in the
following areas: company law
and contracts; foreign companies
entry support; investments,
mergers and acquisitions;
tax advice on domestic and
international taxes; litigation;
negotiations and mediation; legal
due diligence on projects and
companies; labor law.
What is Ecovis? Ecovis is a global
consulting firm with its origins in
Continental Europe. It has almost
11,100 people operating in more
than 90 countries. Its consulting
focus and core competencies lie
in the areas of tax consultation,
legal advice, accounting,
auditing as well as M&A
deals making.
Ecovis Legal Poland Multan, Pruś
& Partners Law and Tax Firm
+48 22 400 45 85
warsaw-law@ecovis.com
www.ecovis.com/poland
How did you start working with Finnish
businesses?
Our company has enjoyed more than
15 years of successful cooperation with
dozens of companies from Finland that
are now our clients in Poland. We serve
a range of clients, mainly in the manufacturing
and industrial sectors, but also
IT and service companies. I think our
success is due to the fact that we avoid
excessive legal jargon, we are transparent
and open – all aspects that are highly
appreciated by our clients.
What are the basic differences in the
main areas of law between Poland
and Finland?
In our legal systems some key differences
stand out. One notable distinction is the
involvement of notaries in setting up
limited liability companies in Poland,
a step not required in Finland. Foreigners
face a number of complexities and
certain simplified procedures, such as
establishing limited liability companies
online, are not available to foreigners.
Tax and statutory reporting obligations
require EIDAS e-signatures, but inconsistent
standards across governmental
portals complicate the process.
In addition, Poland doesn’t really have
the position of CEO, with management
boards handling company management.
And in litigation, winning parties receive
legal fees capped by the law, often
falling short of actual expenses.
How about labor law? Is it stricter or more
flexible in Poland than in Finland?
Polish labor regulations offer more
flexibility, but also come with more
bureaucratic hurdles in critical areas
as well as more bureaucracy in basic
compliance requirements. Employment
can only be terminated for valid reasons
in both countries, but Poland caps
compensation for wrongful termination
at three months' salary, whereas Finland
often awards higher compensation. Polish
law strictly outlines contract types, whereby
a trial period lasts for three months and
employees can’t have more than three
consecutive fixed-term contracts lasting
a total period longer than 33 months.
Compliance paperwork is comparable
as both jurisdictions are subject to EU law.
If Finns wanted to open a new company
in Poland, what would be the basic process?
Opening a company in Poland is
straightforward, but foreign investors
should certainly use a Polish lawyer.
The foreign company can grant a power
of attorney enabling remote setup
without requiring a visit to Poland.
The lawyer drafts the documents and
files for electronic registration and it
should take just a few weeks. However,
setting up a bank account is timeconsuming
due to strict AML rules.
Very few banks allow remote signing,
and certain Finnish banks, such as
Nordea and Handelsbanken, do not
operate in Poland.
What advice would you give to Finnish
companies wanting to enter the
market now?
Over the years, we have assisted in
a number of Finnish investments in
Poland, some of which have been
successful, while others have faced
challenges. Poland is a Kick-off developed, event in Lublin
highly competitive market in many areas,
so successful development in Poland
requires trust and scale from the outset.
It is essential to create a strong local
organization with the right internal tools
to ensure compliance and oversight of
the local unit. Challenges arising from
cultural differences can be overcome
with effective solutions.
Would you recommend entering
by acquisition?
Poland's mature market offers
opportunities through acquisitions,
especially as aging entrepreneurs are
now thinking about exiting. Entering via
acquisitions can be high risk and high
reward. Investors must adhere to best
practices, including proper documentation,
exclusivity agreements, thorough
due diligence, and be prepared for tough
negotiations, particularly when dealing
with family-owned businesses.
36
Sponsored article

Expense Reduction Analysts - From Corporate
Challenges to Cost Optimization
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Business Support
FROM CORPORATE CHALLENGES
TO COST OPTIMIZATION
A Journey to Business Success in Poland
Henri Fagerstrom, a Finnish
entrepreneur based in Poland,
works with companies to increase
their profitability and cash flow
by optimizing costs. As a partner
in Expense Reduction Analysts
(ERA), Henri has access to a global
network of experts and resources
to help clients in setting up,
leaning and moving processes
across Europe. The savings
obtained are the result of his
in-depth knowledge of the sector,
professional negotiations with
suppliers, and qualitative
assessment of performance.
As someone who has been working in Poland
for over a decade, I'm here to help others
navigate this dynamic business landscape.
Poland is a land of opportunity, and if you're
considering making your mark here, don't
hesitate to reach out – I'm just a message away.
Henri Fagerstrom
+ 48 782 309 089
hfagerstrom@expensereduction.com
Photo by SPCC
Photo by SPCC
You lived in Poland for nine years before
starting your own business in the ERA
network, how did you end up there?
Before joining ERA, I worked in
the IT industry, leading regional
and global teams on designing
and re-engineering the finance processes
and systems. However, my true passion
has always been process and cost
optimization – from strategy to execution.
Unfortunately, in a corporate environment,
there were always more pressing
priorities than continuous improvement
work. While working on the third global
transformation and restructuring program,
I started to explore alternatives to the 9
to 5 work. I always wanted to set up my
own consulting practice where I could
fully dedicate my time to process
optimization. I tumbled into ERA and
noticed that their operating model
was strongly aligned with my values
of transparency, efficiency,
and results orientation.
What is your typical case in Poland?
My typical client is an international
corporation running a manufacturing site
in Poland for 5+ years. Once the company
has established its operations and operates
independently, we step in and support
the management by optimizing their
spend and leaning their processes
to facilitate their growth.
What do you typically find when you start
crunching the numbers?
There are no typical findings. Each
project starts with a detailed analysis of
the client’s spend and it always surprises
me how much we can learn about the
company and its operations just by
looking at the spending. The experts
can even quantify the company’s CO2
emissions just from invoices. What makes
our work so interesting is that you never
know what solution you will need to fix
the issues identified from the numbers.
Although the companies already know
their costs, by grouping and categorizing
we can bring a new point of view to the
data. The alternative view starts to bring
ideas about how to optimize the cost.
Can you name a few projects that you are
most proud of?
Certainly. We have just completed a cost
optimization program that resulted in PLN
4M in annual cost savings for my client.
The project was challenging but also very
rewarding. My biggest achievement on
a single project was savings of PLN 2M
(43%). I believe we will be able to outperform
this result within ERA Poland still this
year. On average, the savings on my projects
exceed 15%. I am particularly proud of
projects related to decarbonization, which
are great not only from the financial
standpoint but also environmentally.
Where are your clients from?
My client base is truly global, but I am
happy to share that Finnish companies
have been the top 36% of the total clients
in Poland since 2021, followed by Polish
and American companies.
What advice would you give to Finns
running a factory in Poland?
Whether you have just established your
factory or you have already been operating
in Poland for years, the truth is that you will
need help to manage the operations. Do not
hesitate to ask for external support. Poland
is a big market where you can find the right
solutions to meet your needs, you just need
to know where to find them – and that’s
where my clients turn to ERA for help.
Why does Poland continue to attract
production investments?
Its geographical location makes Poland
an ideal place to establish a manufacturing
site. Germany, with 83M consumers, is
justaround the corner and, combined
with Poland’s population of 38M, that
gives direct access to 120M consumers
(27% of the EU population). Based on my
experience, the Polish workforce is well
educated, multilingual (nearly all millennials
speak English) and hard-working. There
are also attractive government initiatives
supporting the manufacturing sector.
I believe Poland is a very attractive market,
in particular for Finns because of the core
values shared by both nations – humbleness,
strong work ethic, and diligence.
Sponsored article
37

Business Support | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Fazer - Fazer in Poland. Making Life Sweeter
for More Than 30 Years
FAZER IN POLAND
Making Life Sweeter
for More Than 30 Years
www.fazer.com
Photo by Fazer
Everyone knows that Fazer chocolates are the
favorite treat of Finns. What you might not know
is that the brand has also been known and loved
by Poles for decades. If you ever wondered about
the perfect business gift from Finland, Fazer
sweets are a choice that is always appreciated
by Polish partners.
The Finnish food giant first appeared in Poland
in the early 1990s. Right from the beginning,
the Dumle brand has gained massive popularity
on the Polish market. In 2021, Fazer set up its own
company in Poland. Director CU International
Michał Wójcik talked with Julia Morta about
Fazer and the confectionery industry in Poland.
What brands do you offer in Poland?
We used to offer mainly Dumle, but we
recently expanded our product portfolio
to include Geisha products and sweets
under the Moomin license. In addition,
we offer healthy oat milks (Aito and
Willja brands) and 100% fruit smoothies.
Are the preferences of Polish and Finnish
customers similar?
In Poland, Dumle remains a well-known
and beloved brand that we also actively
promote on our social media. In Finland,
our umbrella brand is Karl Fazer, currently
not available in Poland. Karl Fazer bars
sell in large quantities and noticeably
dominate the market.
Apart from sweets, Fazer also offers
bakery products in Finland, such as rye
bread. Since most Poles prefer white
bread, we haven't yet introduced any
bakery products in Poland, but who
knows, perhaps we will in the future.
And what's your favorite candy?
My favorite is the premium Fazer brand
Geisha. It is based on a Japanese dessert
recipe featuring a delicious combination
of chocolate and hazelnuts.
What have been the main challenges
in the food sector in recent years?
Everyone has faced significant challenges
due to the sharp increases in raw material
prices. Over the last three years, sugar,
packaging, and milk have all become
more expensive. Next year, chocolate
mass is expected to reach its highest
price ever. In Poland, the cost of all
products on the shelves has risen, and
the confectionery industry has not been
immune to that.
How would you compare Finnish and
Polish cultures?
I was quite surprised to discover that
Poles and Finns have a lot of similarities.
Finnish people are honest, keep their
word, and approach work seriously.
We also share a somewhat dark sense
of humor. There are also some parallels
in both nations’ history and their fight
for independence.
What trends are likely to shape the
industry in the upcoming years?
We'll have to wait and see what happens
with raw material prices, as a great deal
depends on that. There are many
interesting developments in the industry.
For instance, Fazer has been researching
the potential of cellular agriculture for
future sustainable cocoa raw material
production. Fazer, along with other
companies, also makes an effort not to
waste food and production waste, but to
recycle them entirely. Last but not least,
there is an increasing focus on obtaining
and using energy efficiently.
What advice would you give to Finnish
food companies considering expansion
to Poland?
I think it’s important to have the market
entry handled by Poles, or people who
have lived in Poland for a while, because
the reality of Polish trade can be shocking
for those new to it. The market is very
complicated and differentiated, with
numerous customers. There are various
chains, such as French, German, Portuguese
and Lithuanian, and negotiations with
retailers can be very demanding, so it’s
helpful to find someone who knows
how it all works.
What are Fazer’s further plans for
the Polish market?
We aim to present ourselves as a strong
premium brand in the minds of Polish
customers. Fazer is committed to
delivering authentic chocolate.
We ensure that our recipes remain
unchanged, consistently maintaining
the highest quality.
38
Sponsored article

HT Laser - Quality, Passion & Common Sense
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Business Support
HT LASER
Quality, Passion
& Common Sense
Photo by HT Laser
HT Laser is a system and
component supplier for global
machine building companies and
a flexible subcontracting partner
for forest, paper, energy, marine,
mining, and other industries.
The company expanded to
Poznań in 2011, with the Polish
branch being run by Juha
Savolainen, who is one of just
a few Finnish factory managers
in Poland. Juha shared with us
what helps HT Laser to thrive
on the Polish market, even
during an economic slowdown.
It seems like your production is running
at full speed?
We cannot complain at all. Let’s
put it this way – we are not seeing
any signs of a market slowdown.
Of course we know that it is happening, but
the trend is not having any influence on
us. At least not yet. We have quite a good
backlog of orders, at least until June 2024.
Due to increasing demand, we will continue
to invest strongly in 2024. We plan to double
our cutting capacity with a new Bystronic
10 kW fiber laser in January 2024. In this
way, we are able to ensure enough capacity
for our current and future customers.
What are the main drivers of such a good
order situation at HT Laser in Poland?
Quality. Our goal is to keep it at the top
level. That is our obsession. We have
a really low number of claims from
customers and that’s how we want to
keep it. Quality comes first, everything
else follows from that. As Henry Ford
used to say: "Quality means doing it right
when no one is looking.”
You must have a fantastic crew?
Correct, our staff is well qualified and very
responsible. We employ 70 people here,
with 20 of those from Ukraine. They feel
the same passion for quality as I do.
We are constantly looking for new
well-qualified professionals to elevate
our performance to the next level.
We offer fair salaries and, from 2022,
also private medical care.
Where are your customers from?
About 80% of our production is exported
outside Poland, mainly to Finland, Sweden,
and Germany. Our main focus is in the
railway, mining and machine building
industry. We also specialize in stainless
steel and aluminum structures.
This includes various kinds of fuel,
water, and oil tanks.
We will have a new government in
Poland soon. What do you expect from
the political situation?
I try to avoid politics. Maybe if the tax
system was easier it would be good for
everyone. I hope that the new government
will at least not make it more complicated.
What do you think about a 4-day
working week?
I don’t think it will work. At least not in the
subcontracting business. It could be an
option for office businesses and hybrid
work models, but not in production
companies for now.
Do you work according to lean
manufacturing principles?
All our operations are managed by certified
quality and environmental systems built
according to ISO:9001 and ISO:14001
standards. In addition, we have the
following certificates: EN 1090-1,
EN 3834-2 and EN 15085-2 CL1.
We follow the principles of lean manufacturing,
but I like to call it lean manufacturing
with a common-sense twist.
Juha Savolainen
juha.savolainen@htlaser.fi
www.htlaser.fi/pl
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39

Business Support | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Leinonen - A Very Finnish accounting office
in Poland
Maria Onikki-Górski
maria.onikki-gorski@leinonen.pl
www.leinonen.eu/pol/pl
Photo by Leinonen
LEINONEN
A Very Finnish Accounting Office in Poland
Leinonen Poland, a subdivision of the Leinonen Group, provides expert
accounting, tax, payroll management and other services to foreign-owned
businesses to help facilitate their integration into the Polish market.
The team consists of around 30 employees. This year Leinonen Poland
celebrates its 15-year anniversary!
Tuomas Asunmaa talked with Maria
Onikki-Górski – Managing Director
at Leinonen Poland – about Finnish
connections in Leinonen and the
accounting system in Poland. Maria
is fluent in both Polish and Finnish
and has over 20 years of experience
in working for various Finnish
companies in Poland.
Leinonen is the only Finnish accounting
firm, how do you use that to position
yourself on the market?
Our roots are very precious
to us; we call ourselves a very
Finnish accounting office.
We apply Finnish management style and
leadership principles in our daily work.
Our team is straightforward, transparent
and has a can-do attitude, which leads
to quick decision-making. It is also valued
by our clients that I can relate to those
entering the Polish market; I understand
their expectations and assumptions well.
Where are your clients from?
Approximately 60% of our clients are Finnish
companies, while the remaining 40%
includes mainly companies from other
Nordic countries, the Baltics, and, more
recently, also from Germany and Spain.
What keeps surprising your clients
in Poland?
One thing that is always hard to
understand, not only for Finns, is the
complicated payroll system in Poland,
with its many variables. Foreign clients
sometimes also forget that Poland does
not use the euro, so you need to take
the exchange rates from the Polish
National Bank, not from the European
Central Bank.
What are the most common complaints
that Finns have about the Polish
accounting system?
They get overwhelmed by all the details.
The clients want to see only the executive
summary because the deeper you go,
there are too many complicated details
and exceptions.
What do you expect could change
in the accounting world in Poland after
the elections?
We expect that one change for
businesses will be the restoration of
flat rate health insurance contributions.
In general, I hope that there won't be
too many changes introduced in a very
short time period, like it was during 2022
in the Polish Deal program.
Do you think that national e-invoicing
mandate will be postponed again?
No, our guess is that this time it will go
live because it was already postponed
twice. In the beginning, it will result in
a lot of work and challenges for many
companies, but at the end of the day,
I think it’s great that it will finally happen.
The system is very transparent and safe
from a tax perspective and it will reduce
the amount of manual work.
What advice would you give to Finnish
companies that are thinking about
entering the Polish market?
It is important to plan well before starting
operations, for example by considering
things like the legal form of the business
and financing options. I believe that “well
planned is half done.” The second thing
I would recommend is to network and
find local partners to support you, because
Polish regulations can be challenging
even for the locals. It is a waste of time
and money to do something based on
incorrect assumptions, if you can find
someone who can propose solutions that
have been shown to work. I think it is also
useful to just be open-minded, because
Poland is a huge and advanced market
with many technical opportunities. In my
experience, Finns can quite easily find
a common business language with Poles.
40
Sponsored article

Next Step - Developing Industrial Real Estate
in Poland. Interview with Marcin Janicki
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Business Support
Photo by Next Step
DEVELOPING
INDUSTRIAL REAL
ESTATE IN POLAND
An Interview with
Marcin Janicki,
the CEO of Next Step
Next Step is a development and investment company
that implements designs of warehouse, logistics and
LEINONEN
production facilities in Western Poland. Next Step
builds facilities in the BTS (Built to Suit) formula
A very Finnish accounting office according in to Poland
the individual requirements of the
tenants. In addition, the company introduces its clients
Leinonen Poland, a subdivision of Leinonen Group, provides expert
to local communities, authorities, and recruitment
accounting, tax, payroll management and other services to foreign-owned
experts. Julia Morta talked with Marcin Janicki about
businesses to help facilitate their integration into the Polish market. During
the industrial real estate market in Poland.
15 years in the Polish market, the team has grown to around 30 employees.
What is the current state of the industrial
real estate market in Poland?
Due to a decrease in sales,
the interest in large warehouses
for e-commerce has dropped.
On the other hand, European manufacturers
are realizing the importance
of being closer to their sub-suppliers
and customers. As a result, nearshoring
is gaining popularity and new production
projects are emerging, particularly from
companies transferring from Asia.
What are the main trends in the industry
at the moment?
At the moment, the market is waiting
for the cost of raising money to stabilize.
In the next 15-20 years, Poland will remain
an attractive destination for investors due
to its geographic location, labor force, and
the size of the country. However, the growth
is unlikely to match the intensity of the
past few years, when several million
square meters were developed.
What types of projects has Next Step
been involved in?
Before the pandemic, and for some time
after, we were co-investing in large
warehouses for the e-commerce industry.
Over the past 20 years, we have also
been involved in building production
facilities ranging from 5 to 20 thousand
square meters. Currently, our primary
focus is to be the fastest and the best
in this field in our region.
What was your most significant project
to date?
An e-commerce facility that we built with
our investor near Gorzów Wielkopolski.
Although it was our biggest project
(120,000 sqm), we managed to complete
it very quickly.
Where do your investors come from?
Most of the investors are from Germany.
The Scandinavian markets also show
potential due to rapidly rising prices.
We have also noticed increasing interest
from Korean companies. Depending on
policy changes, Chinese businesses
may also want to establish a presence
in Poland to shorten their supply chains.
What are Next Step's unique selling points?
First of all, our local presence. We are
strongly focused on our region, and
I think there are few large companies
as responsive as we are. For instance,
we can agree on a 30-million-euro
investment in two days, and finish it
in just five months. Another crucial
aspect is our focus on people.
We select places where local governments
have a pro-investment attitude.
Unlike a fund, we don't prioritize scale
– instead, what matters to us are
long-term relationships, reliability,
and delivering the best solutions
in our buildings.
What would you advise companies who
are considering locating their warehouse
or factory in Poland?
Choose the location thoughtfully.
There is a common misconception that
businesses should be located in major
cities. As a result, many companies in
Poznań or Wrocław have to transport
workers from smaller towns up to 150
kilometers away. Instead, consider
placing your factory where people live,
and offer them competitive wages.
This is the approach we promote.
By locating your business within
a community and engaging in local
projects, you gain respect and loyalty
among employees.
Marcin Janicki
mj@nextstepinvests.com
www.nextstepinvests.com
Sponsored article
41

Business Support | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Pagero - Pagero in Poland. Facilitating E-Invoicing
and Digital Transformation
Andrzej Pijanowski during his speech at the CFO Forum 2023.
Photo by Pagero
Pagero Poland
www.pagero.com
Andrzej Pijanowski
Country Manager
andrzej.pijanowski@pagero.com
PAGERO IN POLAND
Facilitating E-invoicing and Digital Transformation
Pagero provides a global network connecting buyers and sellers for the
automated, compliant and secure exchange of orders, invoices and other
business documents. Pagero started operating in Poland in early 2022, to meet
growing demand as the National System of e-Invoices (KSeF) is set to be
implemented in July 2024. Tuomas Asunmaa talked with Andrzej Pijanowski,
Country Manager at Pagero, about e-invoicing and digitalization in Poland.
What can you tell us about KSeF that
foreign companies in Poland should be
aware of?
It is important to know that KSeF
does not support the distribution
of invoices or the inclusion
of attachments. At Pagero, we provide
a solution that facilitates the domestic
and international distribution and receipt
of invoices. We ensure full compliance
with KSeF regulations and guarantee the
secure electronic delivery of documents,
invoices and attachments. In addition,
our extensive network reaches 14 million
recipients across 140 countries.
How are Polish companies preparing for
e-invoicing? How would you compare it
to Finland?
In Finland, more than 99% of invoices are
submitted electronically, while in Poland
that figure is significantly lower. While
some sectors in Poland are highly digitized,
such as banking, there is great dispersion
in digital adoption. For example, many
SMEs and construction firms still rely on
paper-based processes. Moreover, some
Polish businesses tend to underestimate
the complexity of e-invoicing. There are
also still many companies that have not
heard about KSeF, which poses a significant
business risk for them. That's why it's
important to talk about it.
Do you plan to support companies in their
digitalization journey beyond e-invoicing?
With KSeF set to launch next year, our
primary focus right now is e-invoicing, but
that is only one part of the larger process.
We want to help Polish and international
companies to go fully digital. E-invoicing
is a solid first step, but without going
further, you will not be able to grow.
How many companies use Pagero
services in Poland?
We have around 200 customers in Poland,
and a team of 10 professionals assigned
to the Polish market. In addition, we rely
on the global support of 1,000 people
from four support centers worldwide.
What could surprise a Nordic company
about the Polish market?
Tax law is very different in Poland.
The Nordic approach is somewhat more
flexible and trust-based, while in Poland
you must be meticulous in reporting
everything accurately. However, this
challenge can be managed by using the
support of one of the top companies like
Pagero. For example, you probably have
your ERP system in place, which we can
help connect and align with upcoming
Polish regulations, adapting your invoice
framework to Polish e-invoicing law.
There are several key reasons why we
make it work: prior experience, global
approach, cooperation with the Big Four,
and local presence.
You’ve been working with a Finnish-Polish
team, and you also used to live in Denmark.
What are the differences and similarities
between the cultures of these countries?
Finland is quite unique compared to
other Nordic countries. I think Finns have
their own way of doing things and their
mentality resonates the most with my
Slavic soul. Poles and Finns can cry and
laugh together on the same topics.
At times, we may be a bit grumpy, but
in the end, we manage to find positivity
even in difficult situations. We also share
a similar work attitude – we focus on
getting things done.
What three tips would you give to Scandinavian
companies coming to Poland?
First, don’t reinvent the wheel, but take
advantage of the best practices that
already work in Scandinavia. Second,
don't resort to half-measures. You can
focus on building an MVP, but it's also
crucial to establish a solid foundation
that will allow you to expand into other
areas. Last but not least, remember that
you can have hygge in Poland too!
42
Sponsored article

Polar Night Software - A Finnish Software House in
the Heart of Poland
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Business Support
POLAR NIGHT SOFTWARE
A Finnish Software House in the Heart of Poland
Polar Night Software, a software
development house in Łódź, Poland,
delivers a broad range of services
related to the development
of digital products and services
for companies across multiple
industrial domains. Tuomas
Asunmaa talked with Henri
Jääskeläinen, founder & CEO
of Polar Night Software, about
changes in the company and
the Polish IT market in 2023.
Henri Jääskeläinen
henri@polarnightsoftware.com
www.polarnightsoftware.com
Photo by Polar Night Software
How has the IT market changed over
the last year?
I would say the market is tougher,
probably for all software development
houses in Europe. Most
companies are struggling with
new sales.
What sectors are generating the most
demand at the moment?
Health tech seems to be running a bit
better than the market on average,
at least based on our experience.
We have worked with some health
tech companies and have more potential
customers on the table. Recently, we also
hosted visitors from Renta. Renta has been
our customer for quite a while and we
have built up strong cooperation with this
company. It’s interesting, because they
are in the construction business indirectly,
but at least this year they've been investing
heavily in future development.
What’s the situation on the labor market?
Last year, when we published an ad
looking for a developer with a certain
profile, we received roughly the same
number of applications in a week as we
get in an hour or two this year. Plenty
of candidates are juniors, which tells me
that when tough times come, juniors are
the ones who are out first. Seniors may
have to look a bit longer for a new job
now, but they will still be able to find one.
Another thing we’ve noticed is that some
product companies from our target
market have been doing more in-house
recruitments than earlier. However, not
everybody wants to do that and many
decide to have a core team in-house and
also use the help of external consultants.
What about salary expectations?
Not surprisingly, seniors expect senior
salaries. The salaries haven’t gone up
as significantly as before, but they also
haven't dropped. However, I’d say there's
a bit more room for negotiation.
You started Polar Night as a software firm
serving strictly Finnish companies from
Poland. Do you also have customers
from other countries?
Yes, our customers still mainly come from
Finland, but we also have projects for
companies in Estonia and Poland.
We have been checking out possibilities
on other markets.
Have you had any especially cool projects
this year?
One of our interesting new customers is
ValueMatcher, one of the Slush TOP 100
2023. It's an early-stage startup that uses
AI to match the right candidates for
leadership roles.
What makes Polar Night Software
different from other IT companies in
Poland?
I think it’s helpful that I’m a Finn with
years of experience on the Polish market,
so I understand the perspective of Finnish
customers very well. Other than that, we
don’t use any special tricks; we simply
make sure that we actually deliver and
that our customers are happy with our
work. We have around 20 developers
in our team, all at mid to senior level with
5+ years of coding experience. We hire
people we can trust, and give them
a lot of both freedom and responsibility.
From January 2024, our average hourly
rates will be 55-65 euros. We believe
that with reasonable salaries comes
the highest quality.
Do you use trendy AI technologies
like ChatGPT?
Yes, we have used ChatGPT in our
projects. We enter certain data and allow
the system to process it, for example,
to create summaries. What ChatGPT
also does well is create these chat-style
interactions that make it seem as if you
were actually talking with a human.
For internal practice, we developed
a bot named Rokko, who is the Polar Bear
mascot that comments in discussions
on our Slack channels. Generally speaking,
in the short term the market expectations
regarding AI are probably a bit too high.
However, I think that over time people will
begin to find more practical applications
for it. For instance, in the case of image
recognition, technology has existed for
years, yet it took time for it to gain
widespread attention.
Sponsored article
43

Business Support | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
spondeo
BPO and Shared Services Centers Hiring
Finnish Speakers in Poland
On the basis of own research
BPO and Shared Services Centers hiring Finnish
speakers in Poland
GDAŃSK
Arla Foods
Kemira
Metsa
Nordea
WARSAW
Genpact
Lionbridge
Nordea
Schneider
Tata
Wipro
POZNAŃ
Carlsberg
Ikea
Miele
WROCŁAW
Hewlett-Packard
UPM
KATOWICE
Barona IT Services
ŁÓDŹ
Nordea
KRAKÓW
Amer Sports
Capgemini
UPM Global HR Service Center
OVER
30
JOB OFFERS FOR FINNISH
SPEAKERS IN NOVEMBER 2023
OVER
200
FINNISH SPEAKERS
EMPLOYED IN POLAND
44

UPM - Where actions match words
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Business Support
Learn more about UPM!
www.upm.com/careers/upm-in-poland
Photo by UPM
UPM
Where Actions Match Words
UPM Business HUB in Wrocław.
Photo by UPM
With a history dating back over
150 years, UPM has a long-held
reputation as a leading employer
in the global forest industry.
The key to its continued success
lies in the responsible work culture
and values, which guide the way
the company operates, both
in its native Finland and across
the world, including Poland.
Global presence
HR Service Center in Kraków.
Photo by UPM
UPM is a global forest industry company
focusing on offering renewable, sustainable
and recyclable alternatives to fossilbased
materials. Headquartered in Finland,
UPM employs more than 17,000 people
across its operations around the world.
In Poland, the company runs two factories
and two business locations – UPM HR
Service Center and UPM Business Hub.
UPM in Poland
The HR Service Center in Kraków,
in operation since 2012, employs around
100 human resources professionals, who
support UPM globally, delivering employee
life-cycle administration, learning and
recruitment processes to over 40 countries.
The company's second office in Poland,
UPM Business Hub, was opened in 2020
in the heart of Wrocław. It brings together
more than 500 professionals providing
a wide range of advanced services in the
areas of finance, customer service, sales,
marketing, stakeholder relations,
procurement and many more.
Welcoming environment
Both teams take pride in their diverse and
inclusive environments, welcoming people
of all ages, genders, sexual orientations or
ethnic origins. Although representing varied
backgrounds, cultures or perspectives,
they are all valued, respected and united
by a common vision: to build a more
sustainable world for future generations.
UPM’s vision reflects its deep sense of
responsibility – towards the environment
and people – which lies at the heart
of everything the company does.
A culture of trust
UPM’s social responsibility begins with its
own people. The company’s core values
– trust and be trusted, achieve together,
renew with courage – are not just empty
phrases but key elements of the work
culture UPM-ers strive to live by every day.
How do the words translate into practice?
UPM fosters a leadership culture where
employees are trusted to do their jobs
well and given the chance to learn from
their mistakes. Allowed to thrive in a supportive,
feedback-based culture, they are
encouraged to continuously learn and
grow. All that adds up to a truly positive
company culture:
“What I like most about my job is that when
I wake up on Monday, I smile. I never feel
stressed about having to go to work,” says
Marcela Przerwa, who works at UPM’s Hub.
“For me, Finnish culture means trust, respect
for people, care for the natural environment.
I identify with the same values, which is
why UPM is the perfect place to work for
me,” she adds. A similar view is shared by
Petra Kukonlehto, her Finnish colleague
from UPM HR Service Center: “Working
for a Finnish company in Poland has been
a very positive experience. I appreciate
our fun and trusting atmosphere. I have
gained lifelong friends here and I feel
cared for at work.” Clearly, for employees,
UPM’s values go beyond mere statements.
Sponsored article
45

Business Support | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Spondeo - Building your Dream Team
in 2023. Recruitment Trends Explained
by Top Spondeo Headhunter
spondeo
Building your Dream Team in 2023
Recruitment Trends Explained by Top Spondeo Headhunter
Weronika Gidel-Asunmaa.
Photo by Anna Jędrzejewska
This year has been quite
challenging when it comes
to recruitment, in particular with
finding special skilled workers.
Several trends are currently
shaping the market and affecting
the way you build your team.
Weronika Gidel-Asunmaa,
co-founder and headhunter
at Spondeo, has more than 10
years of experience in connecting
Finnish, Polish, and other
international companies with top
talents. She shared an honest
overview of recruitment in Poland
from a headhunter’s perspective.
We understand that navigating through all those
and other rules of hiring talent in Poland might
seem overwhelming - but it does not have to be.
Reach out to us, we are here to help you build
your ideal team!
If you would like to talk more about the Polish
market or your recruitment needs, feel free to send
an email to Weronika at weronika@spondeo.fi
Understanding the Market Dynamics
First of all, it’s helpful to take a look at
the key statistics from the labor market.
Unemployment in Poland is currently the
second-lowest in Europe (2.7% according
to Eurostat). In major cities, the rate is
below 1%, indicating near full employment.
Salaries have been rising in double digits
for several years, with over 7% annual
increases since 2017. However, high
inflation in 2022-2023 resulted in lower
real income growth. The average remuneration
now hovers around €1700 gross
per month, with a significant salary gap—
the minimum wage is approximately €820,
while top specialists and managers earn
more than their counterparts in Finland.
Top Recruitment Trends in 2023
At the beginning of a recruitment project,
it is essential to conduct a reality check.
Consider factors like the size and quality
of the labor pool in your area, expected
salary levels, and your employer brand
positioning in comparison to local and
multinational players who are fighting
fo rthe same talents.
According to a recent study by Manpower
Group, 7 out of 10 organizations in Poland
are currently facing a shortage of suitable
candidates, which is leading to fierce
competition for skilled talent. At the same
time, more and more employees are
testing their market value by entering
multiple recruitment processes and using
potential job offers to negotiate better
terms with their current employers. In
many cases, this strategy works as their
companies agree to raise the salaries
significantly, usually by 10-20%. This year,
the highest counter-offer by the current
employer was a 60% salary increase and
company shares. As you can see, the businesses
are well aware of how difficult it
is to find the right replacement workers.
It is worth noting that hiring general
specialists remains relatively easy in areas
like sales, marketing, finance, or even IT.
However, when it comes to positions that
require specific skills, experience levels,
or education, recruitment presents much
greater challenges. The number of available
candidates is small and the job ads often
bring inadequate applicants. As a result,
nearly all projects must include active
headhunting. Some of the most complex
recruitment cycles can take up to 6 months,
in some cases with only one or two
suitable candidates.
Best Practices in Recruitment
In such a competitive market, there is
no room for mistakes in the recruitment
process. Communication with candidates
must be fast, professional, and friendly.
It is better to avoid a hierarchical or overly
formal tone. Candidates often have other
attractive options on the table. It is also
worth remembering that resignations
are effective from the end of the month,
which means that most of the deals
are made around that time.
From the candidates’ perspective, higher
pay usually remains the top motivation,
but there are other aspects that can make
a difference. Many people pay attention
to career improvement, strong leadership,
positive work atmosphere, and
hybrid/remote work options.
Advice for New Finnish Companies
in Poland
If you represent a new international business
in Poland, here are a few tips that
will help you find the best candidates
on the Polish labor market:
Sell your story and provide clear
targets for what you aim to achieve in
Poland. Remember that you are competing
with big and well-known names that are
already considered attractive and
stable employers.
Listen to the small wishes, such as
private healthcare or the possibility to
occasionally work from home.
Invest in your initial hires by offering
favorable conditions and you will gain
more in return.
Prepare well before talking with
candidates, as they may use the interview
to evaluate the professionalism and
stability of your company.
46

Direct Flight Routes from Finland to Poland
Sand Valley Golf Resort - Summer 2023
spondeo
Direct Flight Routes
from Finland to Poland
On the basis of own research
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Business Support
Turku
Helsinki
FINNAIR
Helsinki (HEL) - Gdańsk (GDN)
Helsinki (HEL) - Kraków (KRK)
Helsinki (HEL) - Warsaw (WAW)
Helsinki (HEL) - Wrocław (WRO) (starting in April 2024)
RYANAIR
Helsinki (HEL) - Warsaw/Modlin (WMI)
WIZZAIR
Turku (TKU) - Gdańsk (GDN)
Gdańsk
Modlin
Warsaw
Wrocław
Kraków
SUMMER 2023
ATSANDVALLEY
GOLF RESORT
www.sandvalley.pl
Sand Valley Golf Resort, run by Finnish
CEO Antti Pohjonen, is the place where
Polish Dream Golf exists. Located close
to Gdańsk airport, the Resort is ideally
connected to the whole of Europe.
Sand Valley’s Championship Course
extends over 80 hectares of picturesque
Polish country side. In 2023, the course
was ranked 69th by Golf World UK in
their listing of the Best 100 Golf Courses
in Continental Europe.
The onsite accommodation and extras
are designed to offer the perfect
relaxation after your round: Sit back in
your private jacuzzi, re-charge your body
in your own sauna and take a swim in
your private pool – in Sand Valley, you
can do it all. Once ready for dinner, the
staff will pamper you with freshly cooked
international cuisine and legendary
customer service.
Every year, golf enthusiasts from around
the world make their way to Sand Valley
to participate in a variety of tournaments.
This season started in April, when Sand
Valley had the honor to host the ECCO
Tour series, with a total prize fund of
€150,000. The tournament primarily
comprised Nordic golfers, with the
top performers in the series earning
qualification for the Challenge Tour.
This marked the first time the ECCO
Tour was organized in Poland.
From June 30 to July 4, Sand Valley
and Mazury GC hosted the XXIII ESGA
Super Senior Team 65+ Championship
Photo by Juha Tuukkanen, JT Golf Photography
and the VI ESGA Masters 75+ cup.
This tournament was followed by the
Heikki Kovalainen Open. On August 19,
more than 100 players competed in
the thirteenth edition of the competition,
with guests from ten different countries
arriving to enjoy the amazing Polish
summer. For those who missed out this
year, there's no need to worry – it has
already been announced that the next
ECCO Tour Spring Series in 2024 will also
be hosted at Sand Valley Golf Resort
in Poland, jointly with Camiral in Spain.
47

Business Support | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
YIT - Quality Urban Developments
in Warsaw, Gdańsk and Kraków
Żurawie Project in Gdańsk by YIT
YIT IN POLAND
Quality Urban Developments
in Warsaw, Gdańsk and Kraków
This year YIT became the first Polish (Finnish) housing developer in history
to win 5 prestigious awards in the European Property Awards competition.
In 2024, the company is set to engage in multiple new and ongoing
developments in as many as three Polish cities. Tuomas Asunmaa
talked with Andrzej Gorgoń, marketing director at YIT, about the real
estate market in Poland and YIT’s further plans for the market.
Topi Paananen. Photo by Peikko
Mysłowice factory, photography by Wojciech Mateusiak
What have been the main trends on
the Polish real estate market recently?
The situation has been very dynamic
recently, which was influenced by many
factors. The Covid-19 pandemic initially
brought a period of uncertainty, followed
by a surge in demand due to low interest
rates. However, the outbreak of the war
in Ukraine combined with the increase
in inflation resulted in a series of interest
rate increases by the National Bank of
Poland. This move, while intended to
curb inflation, also limited consumers'
creditworthiness. Currently, we are again
observing very high customer activity and
a dynamic increase in apartment prices,
which is partly driven by the government
programs. However, the good news is
that after a period of uncertainty and
lower demand, developers are launching
more new projects, which should lead
to an increase in the demand-supply
balance on the market in the near future.
Has the government’s 2% program
changed the situation?
The program had a significant impact
on the housing market in Poland. In the
first months since its introduction, banks
received over 57,000 applications for
loans under the program, and almost
21,000 contracts were signed.
The program caused an increase
in demand for apartments, which led
to an increase in prices. According
to data, prices of apartments on the
primary market in Poland increased
by 18% in October 2023 compared to
December last year. The program also
had a positive impact on the availability
of mortgage loans for young people.
Thanks to the reduction in interest rates,
loans were more accessible to people
with lower incomes.
What are YIT’s current projects and plans
for 2024?
We currently have three investments
in Warsaw - Nordic Bemowo, Spokojny
Mokotów and Aroma Park. We are also
building two stages of the Żurawie project
in Gdańsk. In 2024, we have two new
projects in Kraków, which is a new city
for us. It is both exciting and challenging
as we need to set up a whole new team,
gain brand recognition and build
a reputation. Our goal is to show new
customers that we focus on delivering
quality developments. The first investment
in Kraków will be Portowa Zabłocie
- we strongly believe that this will be our
hallmark in the capital of Lesser Poland.
The second investment will start in the
second half of 2024. It will be a multi-stage
and first fully prefabricated project in
Kraków. In total, over 700 apartments
will be built here. Also, next year we are
Mysłowice planning factory, start photography a new development by Wojciech Mateusiak in
the north of Warsaw in Białołęka and
the next stage of Nordic Bemowo.
You have been to Finland many times -
what’s your favorite word in Finnish?
The first one that comes to my mind is
kippis (cheers). Another very interesting
word is kalsarikännit, which means
drinking alone in your underwear
with no intention of going out.
Are there any Finnish connections
in your projects?
Definitely, there are many! For example,
in Gdańsk, we have a project called
Żurawie (Cranes) because the cranes
are the symbol of shipyards in the city.
Interestingly, they are the KONE cranes
that arrived in Gdańsk in 70s from Finland.
What’s more, it was Rainer Mahlamäki
who designed this project.
Do you use any Finnish materials in your
buildings in Poland?
Yes! Our elevators are from KONE, and
in some locations the balcony glass was
provided by Lumon. We have also been
considering some other solutions,
such as locks and saunas.
www.yit.pl
48
Sponsored article

Finnish Culture & Sport in Poland
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Business Support
Finnish Culture & Sport
Music, Business, and the Road Ahead
in Poland
Finnish influences in Poland reach far beyond the world of
business. If you look closely, you will find a touch of Finland
in literature, photography, sport, heavy metal, Mölkky and,
of course, Santa Claus. In this section, you can explore how
shared cultural interests contribute to strengthening
Finnish-Polish relations.
Sand Valley Golf Resort.
Photo by Juha Tuukkanen, JT Golf Photography
Tuomas Asunmaa & the Blind Channel
49

Culture & Sport | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
On the basis of own research
Discover Finnish Places in Poland
spondeo
Discover Finnish Places in Poland
SŁUPSK
SZCZECIN
KLINY
Sibelius Street
Honorary Consulate
of Finland
Scandinavian House
Finhome
POZNAŃ
Honorary Consulate
of Finland
Finnish studies at Adam
Mickiewicz University
Padel Court
WROCŁAW
Honorary Consulate of Finland
BOROWICE
Kalevala
Finnish influences can be
discovered all throughout Poland.
They include holiday destinations,
saunas, cultural institutions,
universities teaching Finnish culture
and language, the embassy and
consulates, Finnish wooden houses,
and even Sibelius, Fińska and
Finlandzka Streets. Some of these
places were founded or designed
by Finns, while others were inspired
by the essence of Finland.
KRAKÓW
Honorary Consulate of Finland
KIELCE
Honorary Consulate of Finland
50

Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Culture & Sport
GDYNIA
Honorary Consulate of Finland
Sibelius Street
GDAŃSK
Finnish studies at University
of Gdansk
PASŁĘK
Sand Valley Golf Resort
OLSZTYN
Honorary Consulate
of Finland
BIAŁYSTOK
Honorary Consulate
of Finland
TORUŃ
Honorary Consulate
of Finland
Finnish Park
WARSAW
Embassy of Finland
in Poland
Open Jazdów
POLIN Museum
of the History of Polish Jews
designed by Lahdelma
& Mahlamäki
Finnish studies at University
of Warsaw
Finhome
This Finnish-Polish family business is truly a Finnish place
in Poland. The complex of Finnish wooden log-buildings
situated in a large garden and run by Finhome is called
“Finlandia SPOT”. It was built in collaboration with almost
30 Finnish business partners.
Finnish Pocket Park
“Finnish relax” is a theme park with references to the colors
of the Finnish flag, Santa Claus, the Northern Lights, and
more. There is also an outdoor reading room "Moominvalley"
for kids and a rest area with a gazebo and hammocks.
Finnish School of Warsaw
Finnish School of Warsaw. The school promotes Finnish
culture and language among children with Finnish background.
It is part of a global network of Finnish schools. Suomi-koulu
provides children with an opportunity to connect with each
other and communicate in Finnish.
Kalevala
A Finnish village located in Borowice near Karpacz. Visitors
can find accommodation in a comfortable Lapland tent
or Moominhouse, meet friendly huskies and reindeer, taste
Finnish cuisine, and experience a traditional Finnish sauna
with feasting.
Open Jazdów
An intimate, green settlement of wooden Finnish houses.
It was built right after the end of World War II on Jazdow
Street, near the Polish parliament. Now it is also a community
of NGOs, open to cooperation with Finnish companies.
Padel court
Founded in 2022 by Tuomas Asunmaa and Juha Karjalainen,
it was the first padel court in the city of Poznań. The facility
quickly gained immense popularity among locals and visiting
enthusiasts of the racket sport.
POLIN Museum
The Museum of the History of Polish Jews was designed
by Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects. Distinguished with
numerous international awards, the museum building is
a multifunctional center for research, exhibition, education
and culture.
SAUNA
Finnish School of Warsaw
Finlandzka Street and
Sibelius Street
Obelisk in memory of
Marshal Carly Mannerheim
Vistula Sauna
Sand Valley Golf Resort
A TOP100 course in Europe and the best in Poland, Sand
Valley is where Polish Dream Golf exists. The project was
started by Finnish entrepreneurs in the early 2000s and
is currently run by Antti Pohjonen.
Scandinavian House
Scandinavian Meeting Point promotes the Nordic lifestyle and
integrates the local, intercultural community. It also serves
as a venue for industry, educational and cultural gatherings,
as well as workshops and conferences focused on Scandinavia.
Vistula Sauna
The hottest place by the River Vistula, this floating sauna,
moored at the picturesque Czerniakowski Port, is a unique
place where you can regenerate your body and relax. It was
opened in 2021 and is operated by Miami Wars.
51

Culture & Sport | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Exploring Polish Architecture with Rainer Mahlamäki
POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw.
Photo by L&M Architects
Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects
www.lma.fi
EXPLORING POLISH
ARCHITECTURE WITH
RAINER MAHLAMÄKI
Żurawie Project in Gdańsk by L&M Architects
Professor Rainer Mahlamäki, along
with Ilmari Lahdelma, co-founded
Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects
in 1997. The architectural firm was
responsible for designing POLIN,
the Warsaw Museum for the
History of Polish Jews, which
opened in 2013. More recently,
Professor Mahlamäki designed
the Żurawie mixed-use block
in the Gdańsk Shipyard area,
currently under construction
by the Finnish company YIT.
During his visit to Warsaw,
Professor Mahlamäki met with
Tuomas Asunmaa to reflect on
his Polish projects and the
architecture scene in Poland.
Do you travel to Poland often?
Yes, I come here regularly,
about 5 to 10 times a year.
I receive a lot of invitations
to various conferences and events.
Currently, I am also involved in a small
renovation project at POLIN.
POLIN is now celebrating its 10th
anniversary. How did that project start?
I think the Jewish association had the idea
for it back in the 90s, though the official
competition was held in 2005. It attracted
almost 200 applicants, and 11 were selected
to the competition. We made it to the finals
and ultimately won. The beginning of the
project is also memorable as there were
various delays in reaching an agreement.
Finally, it was signed unexpectedly when
Lech Kaczyński, at that time the president
of Poland, was visiting Israel. I had to fly
over from the Venice Biennale in order
to sign the papers.
Can we see any Finnish influences in the
architecture of POLIN?
Every architect infuses a part of his home
into every project. To me, for better or
worse, POLIN does have a "Finnish" look.
It is modest from the outside, evoking
a sense of tranquility, without any showy
elements or overwhelming technological
features. We Finns know how to design
something impressive with minimalistic
methods. Some of the copper parts also
come from Finland.
Did anything surprise you during the project?
Polish contract culture is quite something.
Every detail had to be exactly like in the
contract, meaning that small issues normally
resolved on-site in Finland became grounds
for contract amendments. This required
a lot of involvement from lawyers and
a considerable amount of paperwork.
On the flipside, it ensured that the builders
didn't take any independent actions.
It's worth knowing that Poles are tough
negotiators. I don’t speak Polish, but there
were times when I thought every fifth word
was "problem".
You also designed YIT's new project
in Gdańsk. How did that come about?
The initiative originally came from Finland,
and I got along really well with YIT.
I appreciated the fact that the architects
were involved in the discussions.
The location is wonderful and YIT prioritizes
quality. Their marketing efforts are also
impressive, from 3D models to the way
they arranged the fences.
How do you see Polish architects
and architecture?
There are a lot of young and brave architects
in Poland. I would compare it to Spain after
the Franco era, and now Spanish architecture
is highly recognizable. What I admire about
Poland is that the architect's word carries
more weight than it does in Finland. What’s
also important is Poland’s long cultural and
artistic tradition. I'm particularly impressed
by Polish poster art and cinema. As for the
POLIN project, it has left a significant
mark on my life and career.
52

Santa From Rovaniemi Visits Poland
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Culture & Sport
Meeting with Santa in Poznań, 2022.
Photos by Anna Jędrzejewska
SANTA FROM ROVANIEMI
VISITS POLAND
The Secret and Public
Life of Joulupukki
Meeting with Santa in Poznań, 2022.
Photos by Anna Jędrzejewska
Even children know that Santa Claus
has existed since forever. He is very old,
so old that not even he can remember his
exact age. For children in Poland, things
are obvious: Santa comes from Rovaniemi,
which means – from Finland. What’s more,
they know that every year he visits them
in Poland, not only in his magical sleigh
on Christmas Eve, but at other times
he appears here and there to chat with
children and get to know their dreams
and wishes. In Finland, Santa is known
as Joulupukki.
The tradition of Joulupukki's personal visits
to Poland began in the 1990s. Initially, he
visited Olsztyn, the twin city of Rovaniemi.
Soon, other Polish cities also extended
invitations to Santa. People wanted to
host him as an honorary guest during
the festive event of lighting up the city's
main Christmas tree. First, it was Warsaw,
followed by Kraków, Łódź, Poznań,
Wrocław, Białystok, Mińsk Mazowiecki,
and Kalevala Village in Borowice. Thanks
to these visits, the overall interest in Finland
among both children and adults in Poland
has grown. Joulupukki has effectively
become an ambassador of goodwill.
Every year, an increasing number of
people have been gathering at these
events, knowing that Joulupukki will
be present. In 2017, the Christmas light
illumination in Warsaw drew such a large
crowd to the stage in Plac Zamkowy that
all the adjacent streets were completely
blocked. Then the COVID years froze all
possibilities for people to gather. Of course,
Joulupukki couldn't disappoint children,
but during that time, he had to limit his
visits to just the magical ride across the
skies of the world. However, in 2022, as
soon as it became safe for kids and their
parents to meet Santa again, he returned
to Poland.
This year, in accordance with tradition,
Joulupukki has once again arrived in
person. Invitations from various places
keep pouring into his mailbox, but he can
already share a little secret. If you are
wondering where you can meet Santa in
your city, take a look at his calendar below.
It is important to mention that Joulupukki's
visits are not limited to grand parades and
gatherings in town centers. Santa also
eagerly travels to meet children who are
unable to come to him, such as those in
orphanages, hospitals, integration schools,
and kindergartens. He frequently engages
with kids in libraries and sports centers,
where they enjoy spending their leisure
time. Every opportunity to meet with
children is very important for Joulupukki,
as long as it can bring a smile and the
sparkle of happiness to children's eyes.
Singing Christmas songs with them
makes Joulupukki happy.
Santa’s Calendar for 2023
1 December | Friday
The Embassy of Finland in Poland,
Warsaw
3-4 December | Sunday
Białystok
6 December | Wednesday
Mińsk Mazowiecki
10 December | Sunday
Termy Warmińskie, Lidzbark
11-13 December | Monday
Poznań
15 December | Friday
Łomża
17 December | Sunday
Kalisz
20 December | Wednesday
Białystok
26 December | Tuesday
Kalevala village
53

Culture & Sport | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Backstage with Blind Channel
BACKSTAGE WITH BLIND CHANNEL
Music, Business, and the Road Ahead
Blind Channel is a Finnish nu metal band who gained wider recognition
after representing Finland in Eurovision 2021 with the song "Dark Side".
Tuomas Asunmaa interviewed Joonas Porko (guitar) and Olli Matela
(bass) backstage, right before their concert in Poznań. They talked
about the music business, expansion plan, and shared roots
in the grand Kello village.
Tuomas Asunmaa & Blind Channel.
Photo by Spondeo
Blind Channel concert in Poznań.
Photo by Tuomas Asunmaa
How’s your tour so far? You have 9 gigs
on this one?
Yeah, we have done three, yesterday we
were in Dresden and tomorrow we have
Gdańsk. Last autumn we also played
in Warsaw and Kraków.
So you have seen some of Poland already,
any thoughts?
There are always big parties. People
at gigs clearly come to have fun and
enjoy the music, and everyone is really
nice and friendly. You can even compare
Poles to Spaniards a bit, there is always
enormous energy and people come close.
You’re saying that Poles are mid-Europe
Latinos then?
You could say so, yes! And our bus driver
is from Poland, we definitely wanted him
back again as he is so great.
When it comes to revenue streams for
the band, how do ticket sales differ from
merch sales?
Gigs provide us with a guaranteed income
that we share with the promoter. If ticket
sales exceed the breakeven point,
we start earning a commission.
As for t-shirts, it depends on the venue's
rate of commission. It can be as much
as 25%, leaving us with minimal profit.
The guaranteed income essentially
covers our expenses, as touring
is very expensive.
Yeah, you have a big crew with you.
That’s right and it means the merchandise
income is really important to the band.
With 25% commission, it's hard to make
a profit while maintaining good quality
and reasonable prices. In some venues,
especially in the UK, merch can’t even be
sold by people from our crew. Many fans
prefer to buy online to ensure the money
goes directly to the band.
I must admit your merchandise is very
nicely done.
We wanted to have products that you can
wear and that don’t necessarily look like
a band shirt!
You have six guys in the band - how
do you make decisions if it’s 3 vs 3?
We can consult managers and others
but... very rarely, if ever, has it been 3 vs 3.
We have been together for 10 years, so
we discuss a lot and have quite similar
opinions. We may disagree while
composing new songs, but we usually
find a solution easily.
Considering industry trends, how do you
see the next five years? What will be the
biggest changes and innovations, Blind
Channel as a Service?
Platforms like TikTok are a hot topic now
but we're still exploring how they can fit
into the band/music context. Things have
gotten more difficult – album sales have
largely vanished and for bands that don't
have radio or TV presence, it's basically
touring and merchandise. Perhaps some
other angle will come along, social media
or corporate partnerships.
Then you need to tour all the time?
When you reach a point when you're
selling out large venues consistently, you
also make gig income. For us, the Finnish
market is important for revenue, Europe
is also pretty good. The more audiences
we reach, the more streams we have,
it’s investing.
In Poland you have 20 cities the size
of Oulu, so if you make it here,
it’s a big market.
Yes, definitely. We are also focusing
on the German market now.
If all goes well, who would you like
to support you on tour in five years?
Hmmm... my first thought would be the
bands we have now as "special guests" –
Electric Callboy and I Prevail. They are
arena-level bands. It’s been very nice
to tour with them! Realistically, our target
is stable growth to the top.
What would you say to your 15-year-old
selves going to Kello junior high?
Go on and be faithful to your passion.
Practice a bit more! And remember,
you don’t need a plan B, you just need
to have a really good plan A.
54

Levi: The New Hotspot for Winter Adventures
The First Moomin Shop in Poland
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Culture & Sport
BACKSTAGE LEVI: THE NEWWITH BLIND CHANNEL
HOTSPOT
FOR WINTER
ADVENTURES
Scan the QR code to watch a video
blog from Jacek’s stay in Levi
Levi, Finland. Photo by Jacek Ciszak
I was surprised to learn that in the 21/22
season, one of the world's most dynamically
growing ski markets, along with Australia,
China, and the USA, was... Finland!
I decided to find out why.
The answer was simple, as I learned after
my first visit to Levi. Finnish resorts offer
much more than just skiing. There are
unique attractions there that can hardly
be found even in the most popular Alpine
resorts. In the Alps, nothing surprises
skiers anymore, while in Finland, they feel
the freshness, taste the adventure, and
experience sensations like nowhere else.
THE FIRST
MOOMIN SHOP
IN POLAND
www.moomin.pl
Dive into the enchanting world of Moomin
Valley, a timeless tale crafted by the Finnish
author Tove Jansson. Beyond the pages
of books and the screens of animations,
Moomin characters have now come to life
in a physical space. As of October 12th,
enthusiasts can immerse themselves in
the first Moomin Shop in Poland, situated
within the lively Galeria Kazimierz in Kraków.
For almost 80 years, Moomins have been
an integral part of Scandinavian culture,
capturing the hearts not only of Scandinavians
but also generations of Poles.
The values depicted in Moomin stories
are believed to be timeless, offering
profound insights for both the young and
the old. Magdalena Biernat-Heikinnen,
the International Sales & Licensing
Director at Rights & Brands agency,
expressed excitement about their strong
presence in Poland in the coming
months. Plans include supporting local
and global licensees and contributing
to public benefit foundations.
Jacek Ciszak
Jacek Ciszak is a Polish ski vlogger and editor-in-chief of the Skionline.pl portal.
He recently visited Levi in Finland and shared with us the reasons behind
the resort's growing popularity among Polish and other European skiers.
I have had the opportunity to visit most
European resorts, but after visiting Levi,
I became convinced that this is a very
attractive direction for visitors from
Poland. I was right. Many of my friends
listened to me going on about it and
The Moomin Shop license has been granted
to individuals with e-commerce expertise,
particularly in Scandinavian products.
Małgorzata Piszczek, the co-owner of
the store, emphasized the significance of
bringing Moomin characters into people's
daily lives. The Galeria Kazimierz store
marks a new chapter in introducing licensed
Moomin products to the Polish market.
Step inside the Moomin Shop, located
on the first floor of Galeria Kazimierz,
and explore an 11-square-meter haven of
Moomin-themed treasures. From enamel
decided to visit Finland – more importantly,
they said they would go back there. I hope
that winter holidays in Finland will soon
become a permanent offering in the
catalogs of Polish travel agencies.
Moomin Shop in Kazimierz Shopping Center in Kraków, Poland
.Photo by Artur Halik
Soon, the official Polish online store will also be launched. Sign up for the opening at www.moomin.pl
mugs, take-away containers, and aprons
to clothing, accessories, school supplies,
wallets, towels, keychains, and even pet
products – the store offers a delightful
array of everyday items and
collector's pieces.
Open every day during Galeria Kazimierz's
operating hours, the Moomin Shop invites
patrons to experience the joy and
reflection that Moomin characters bring to
life. It's not just a store; it's a celebration of
the enduring magic of Moomins in the
hearts of both young and old alike.
55

Culture & Sport | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Behind The Lens In Poland - Conversations
with Jukka Male
Staszek & Czarna, 1981 by Jukka Male
Maria & her daughter Basia, 1979 by Jukka Male
BEHIND THE LENS IN POLAND
Conversations with Jukka Male
Jukka Male is a Finnish photographer
who spends most of his time in
Poland. He has produced four
long-term collections of photos –
in Barcelona, Greenland, the former
Yugoslavia and Średnia Wieś,
a small village in the Polish
Bieszczady Mountains. He took
his first photo there in 1979 and
the last one in 2015. Julia Morta
talked with Jukka about his
experiences in Poland.
How did you end up documenting life
in a small Polish village in Bieszczady?
Before I first came to Poland, I had often
traveled to German-speaking countries
and I felt like I needed a change. I chose
the lower part of the Bieszczady Mountains
in Poland because they were the farthest
away from Finland and not so high that
it would be inconvenient to travel there.
My project in Średnia Wieś unfolded over
two phases. The first phase, which I find
particularly interesting, began in 1979 and
lasted until the introduction of martial law
in Poland (1981). As I did not have a residence
permit, I had to leave Poland within
a week. However, after 1983 I kept going
back – sometimes just to see the friends
I had made. Later, I continued with my
project, this time in color, in order to show
a different era in the development
of the region.
How did your relationships with the
people in the village evolve over time?
Many photographers choose not to build
personal relationships with people they
photograph, but I am different. I made
regular visits to Średnia Wieś, staying for up
to two weeks at a time, and I started to feel
like a member of the community. I will always
remember it as one of my favorite projects.
Even to this day, I maintain contact with more
then 150 friends from Średnia Wieś on
Facebook, including a lot of young people.
However, there was one incident that had
a long-lasting impact on some of my relationships
there. Normally, I write articles
related to my photos myself, but on this
occasion, I felt I was too close to the village.
As a result, I asked the German magazine
GEO to send over a journalist to write the
article instead. In the end, the local people
did not really appreciate how they were
presented in the story and some of them
believed that I was responsible for the
content, which regrettably damaged our
relations a bit. As a result, I stayed away
for about ten years, finally going back in
2013. This experience shows that journalists
and photographers can have a very significant
influence on local communities.
While documenting the lives of others, it
is essential that we take responsibility for
our work, show respect and honesty, and
be mindful of any boundaries we may cross.
Gryziecki's yard, 2002 by Jukka Male
What was your first impression of Poland?
The main thing that struck me was that
the people in Poland seemed more
welcoming to me than in other places.
They were also curious about me,
especially since not many foreigners
visited their village at that time. Poland
also has a unique aesthetic charm that
made the country more interesting to me
than Germany or Switzerland. While those
countries may have been wealthier, the
downside was that many buildings, both
inside and outside, ended up looking
quite similar and lacking in character.
It was as if they were all taken out of
the same upscale store’s brochure.
By contrast, Poland intrigued me with
its individuality and creative expression
in architecture. Every home seemed
to reflect the distinct preferences
and ingenuity of its inhabitants.
How many photos did you take
in Średnia Wieś?
I have never counted the exact number of
photos I took, but there were quite a lot.
Sometimes I took as many as twenty
56

Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Culture & Sport
photos of the same situation so that later
I could choose the perfect one. It was
almost as if I was recording a movie
because my camera was almost always on.
This method also proves helpful when
photographing people who are initially
shy. As time goes by, they grow more
at ease and start to forget about the
presence of a photographer.
Were there any aspects of life in the
village that you focused on capturing?
I rarely photographed people working.
Work tends to be something in which
everyone acts the same way. Instead,
I was drawn to capturing the things that
happen outside the daily routine. In those
in-between moments when people
usually engage in non-typical activities.
That is when you can glimpse into their
individual personalities and experience
the magic of life. I do not stage any
photographs. I prefer to wait for those
spontaneous and genuine moments
to unfold. Waiting is hard work, even
if it seems like you’re doing nothing.
What was the biggest lesson you learned
during that project?
In Średnia Wieś I learned that it is not
possible to show everything through
photographs. I was not aware of the difficult
history between Poles and Ukrainians.
Średnia Wieś belongs to the historically
problematic area. Despite the highest
level discussions between the Ukrainian
president Volodymyr Zelensky and his
Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda the
relations struggle from time to time.
The ongoing war in Ukraine adds to its
problems. Another thing I learned was
patience. I approached this project with
specific visions of the photos I wanted to
capture. However, every time the actual
moments turned out to be far better than
I could have imagined. These constant
surprises taught me the importance of
waiting for days, not knowing if or when
something extraordinary would happen.
In the end, the wait was always worth it.
While many photographers travel all the
time in pursuit of extraordinary moments,
I chose to return to the same place – like
a lurking predatory fish, I was waiting for
the small fish to come to me, rather than
chasing after them. This approach allowed
me to immerse myself in the community,
to truly get to know local people and their
way of life.
What photograph taken in Poland are you
the most proud of?
First, I must say that if I could do it all
over again, I would probably not want to
become a photographer again. The reality
of this profession is far more challenging
than the romantic idea I had as a young
man in Finland. I often felt anxious and
disconnected as an outsider, constantly
observing and documenting the lives
of others without ever truly being a part
of them. As a result, I was seldom overly
enthusiastic about my photographs,
though there were a couple of times
when I felt genuine pride. I am quite
critical when it comes to photography,
though I definitely see the value of my
projects grows over time. I have had
a unique perspective, which is why my
photos will always retain their worth,
even in the era of countless billions
of available photos.
When did you learn Polish?
Language played a vital role in my photography
projects. I believe in the significance
of understanding local people in their own
language. I began studying Polish in 1978
and I am still learning to this day. Before
my first visit to Poland, I took a month-long
Polish language course at a summer
university in Finland, which proved to be
very helpful. Even with just three words,
you can already crack a joke. Knowing
a bit of the language made me more
likable when I arrived in Poland. During
the initial years, I kept my dictionary
always at hand and actively used it.
What is it about Poland that makes you
enjoy spending time here?
I now have permanent residence in both
Finland and Poland and I spend a lot of
time here. While some Poles complain
about their country, I really cherish the
spirit of community that thrives here.
In Finland, there seems to be a strong
emphasis on somewhat forced individualism,
where everyone feels like they
must show their uniqueness in order
to be accepted. Every person wants to
stand out and build their life based on
this premise. In Poland, there is a natural
sense of community, but one that does
not hinder individuality. Here, I always feel
accepted for who I am when I am in
a gathering, without having to make
an effort. Whether people know me well
or not, there is never pressure to prove
myself in any way. The Polish world feels
more comprehensible, authentic, and open
to me. I have never felt as at ease and
accepted in the Finnish community
as I do in Poland.
What are your plans for the next years?
I stopped being an active photographer
about ten years ago, but I am seeking
opportunities to publish a book and share
my photos. Additionally, I have ventured
into filmmaking. In a way, a movie is lots
of photographs enriched with sound and
dialogue. I recently completed a movie
in Poland titled "Takamowa – Talking
about," which explores the dynamics
between men and women. I wrote
the script, shot the film and edited it.
Recently, I have also rekindled my
passion for music, and I even created
original compositions for my movie.
Jukka Male
jukka@jukkamale.com
www.jukkamale.com
Władek with horses, XII 1981 by Jukka Male
Kazio in 1979, 2002 and 2013
by Jukka Male
57

Culture & Sport | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Following Mannerheim’s Footsteps in Poland
Jukka and Anna Soisalon-Soininen
jukka.soisalonsoininen@gmail.com
+358 50 501 54 50
Kozłówka palace of Zamoyski family near Lublin.
Photo by Anna Soisalon-Soininen
Jukka with The Ambassador Paivi Laine
Viipurilainen duringOsakunta the Finnish anniversary Army reception.
celebration.
From the Photo collection by Anna of Anna Soisalon-Soininen
FOLLOWING MANNERHEIM'S
FOOTSTEPS IN POLAND
A Journey through His Life
in the Book and on Trips
Mannerheim - the Polish years
After the success of their book "Mannerheim
– Puolan vuodet" in Finland, the time came
for the authors, Jukka and Anna Soisalon-
Soininen to publish the Polish version of
the book. They were constantly being
asked when "Mannerheim – Polskie lata"
would be available. However, it was no
easy task, with the big publishers asking
why they should publish this book when
Mannerheim is so little-known in Poland.
The authors’ response to them was simple:
"To make him better known here."
Suddenly, Leszek Celej, the director of the
Muzeum Ziemi Mińskiej, came up with an idea.
Since Mannerheim was closely tied to Mińsk
Mazowiecki, he agreed to publish the book
in Polish. Financing was also a significant
challenge, but they gratefully received
support from several Finnish foundations,
the Embassy of Finland, as well as the Finnish
Trade Guild and its member companies.
Through hard work and
good fortune, Jukka and
Anna managed to get the
book printed just in time for
its first presentation on
Mannerheim's birthday,
June 4, during the Finnish Army Day reception
at the Finnish Embassy. An eager
audience awaited the release of the Polish
edition and initial sales were quite dynamic.
Now the book requires more promotional
efforts to reach a wider range of readers.
Mannerheim-inspired trips: Warsaw
and Helsinki
Mannerheim's years in Poland are relatively
unknown. Traveling in his footsteps makes
it possible to discover his fascinating time
in Poland and the relationships he made
here. There is a lot to explore. Since 2015,
over half a dozen trips have been organized
for Finnish groups by Jukka Soisalon-
Soininen, and more are being prepared
for September 2024. Groups are guided
around Warsaw, visiting Łazienki Park, where
Mannerheim's unit was stationed, along
with his favorite hunting club, and the
former garrison church, in front of which
a Mannerheim memorial stone has
been placed. The trips continue on to
Mińsk Mazowiecki, formerly known as
Nowomińsk, where Mannerheim served
from 1909 to 1911. From there, the journey
proceeds to Kozłówka Palace, which
belonged to Mannerheim's best friend,
Adam Zamoyski. While visiting this exceptionally
beautiful and well-maintained
place, visitors often remark that they can
almost feel the presence of Mannerheim
and Zamoyski, as if the friends were
chatting on the terrace or enjoying cigars
and cognac in the library after lunch.
Hopefully, the book will also inspire
travelers to explore places related to
Mannerheim in Finland. They can visit his
birthplace in Askainen or his residence in
Kaivopuisto, Helsinki, furnished with the
same furniture he used in his Warsaw
apartment. Numerous other interesting
places associated with Mannerheim are
still waiting to be explored, such as
a hospital built at his initiative. He wrote
about it to Countess Lubomirska, saying
that in ancient times, people used to erect
churches, but now they build hospitals to
be forgiven for their sins.
Other places worth visiting include Mikkeli,
the headquarters of the Winter War, or
Hanko's "4 Winds Café," which Mannerheim
ran during his years of retreat from public
activities. And, of course, a must-see is his
monument in the heart of Helsinki, as well
as his grave in Hietaniemi Cemetery, where
he rests alongside his soldiers and other
distinguished Finnish individuals.
58

Finland in the Nordic Magazine “Zew Północy”
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Culture & Sport
FINLAND IN THE NORDIC
MAGAZINE “ZEW PÓŁNOCY”
The only Nordic-focused magazine on the Polish press market is "Zew
Północy" (English: “Call of the North”), published in Szczecin. Finland has
a permanent place in it and the number of articles devoted to this
country is constantly increasing.
What is the story behind the creation
of the magazine?
Marcin Jakubowski, founder of
PCIT TRAMP and editor-in-chief:
As a fan of cycling, in 1992,
I took one of the first ferries to Bornholm,
which I had heard was well-suited for
this type of activity. I fell in love with
the island. Since there was not much
information about it in Poland, I decided
to write a guidebook, which was published
in 1994. Observing the growing interest in
Scandinavia, in 1999 I founded a publishing
house specializing in the Nordic countries
– PCIT TRAMP. We published several
guidebooks, some of which were
pioneering publications in Poland, such
as a guide to the Åland Islands or the
Faroe Islands. In 2004, in cooperation
with the ferry company Polferries, I began
publishing a free magazine "Bałtyckie
Podróże" (“Baltic Travels”), which was
available on ferries and at information
points. In 2009, "Bałtyckie Podróże"
was replaced by "Zew Północy," which
appeared in press distribution. Additionally,
we started cooperating in promotional
activities for Visit Denmark, Visit Norway,
Fjord Line, and Scandlines. I have to boast
that the new and expanded guide to the
Faroe Islands won the Magellan Award
at the International Book Fair in Warsaw
as the best travel guide of the year 2022.
What are your favorite places
in the Nordic countries?
My number one still is Bornholm,
which I consider to be a complete island.
In Finland, I was fascinated by Lapland
and the archipelagos, such as the
Åland Islands.
What has surprised you the most
about Finland?
The Finns' love of tango and crazy sports
like swamp football or Wife-Carrying
Championship. We wrote about this
in "Zew Północy".
What would you bring to Poland
from Finland?
We are quite different in temperament,
but I would like Poles to be more sporty
and to take better care of the environment
– in the simplest, everyday form.
The Finns are an excellent example here.
What articles about Finland have you
published in “Zew Północy”?
That’s a tough question – there have been
many. To mention just a few recent ones:
articles about the Finnish Trade Guild,
crazy Bonk Business, Kotka, Helsinki,
Rauma, Rovaniemi, suopursu, and the
history of the Brewster fighter. In the
forthcoming 43rd issue, there will be
articles on skiing in Lapland, the Laestadian
movement, urban national parks, Forest
Finns, and Marshal Mannerheim.
Do you have any other Nordic-related plans?
A new project is a special free version
of "Zew Północy" in cooperation with
Scandlines, which will be available on
all their ferries. We are also working with
with partners who organize trips for small
groups of our readers. This year, for
example, there was an expedition to
Spitsbergen. Hopefully, we will be
going to Finland in the future.
Do you have any special interests
in Finland?
Photos by Zew Północy
Apart from nature, I am interested in
Finnish history, especially the Winter
and Continuation Wars. Therefore,
I would like to visit Mikkeli, the Raate
Road, and the museums in Kuhmo
and Tikkakoski.
Marcin Jakubowski
PCIT TRAMP / Nordic Magazine „Zew Północy”
Iwaszkiewicza 67/8, 70-786 Szczecin
+48 606 890 860
mj@pcit-tramp.pl
www.zewpolnocy.pl
59

Culture & Sport | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Exploring Kalevala - A Finnish Oasis
in the Polish Mountains
EXPLORING
KALEVALA
A Finnish Oasis
in the Polish
Mountains
Kalevala is a Finnish village
located in Borowice, in the
Polish Karkonosze Mountains.
The destination was nominated
as one of Europe's Leading Tourist
Attractions at the World Travel
Awards in both 2022 and 2023.
Julia Morta interviewed Michał
Makowski, who co-founded
Kalevala with his wife Magda.
www.kalevala.pl
Lapońska 1, 58-564 Borowice
How did the idea to create Kalevala
come about?
It was the result of many factors.
We visited Finland for the first time
in March 2010, even before Magda's high
school graduation. Since that time, Finland
has stayed somewhere in our heads.
While doing my PhD, I delved into the
study of “Kalevala”. As we became aware
of Finland's approaching centennial,
it inspired us to do something more than
just open a sauna, as we initially planned.
I liked the notion of establishing a place
resembling Finland, where I could enjoy
time with friends.
What are some of the favorite attractions
among Kalevala guests?
Our guests love walking the huskies,
which is also a popular activity in Lapland.
The reindeer also generate a lot
of enthusiasm. Another interesting
experience includes spending long
evenings in a traditional Finnish barbecue
hut (grillkota) connected to a sauna.
Of course, our visitors also enjoy spending
time outside in nature, for example going
on long walks in the mountains.
Do you also organize any Finnish events?
Yes, our goal is to organize four events
annually. The first is the Kalevala Spirit
Festival. Last year, it was the concert
of Apocalyptica, who flew in straight from
Wembley, London. The second event is
a meeting with the real Santa Claus from
Rovaniemi. This year, our guests will be
able to meet Joulupukki from 26 to 29
December. We also plan an event related
to the Moomins, which will be held
periodically in August, the birth month
of Tove Jansson. The fourth event is not
yet specified, but it could be connected
with Angry Birds.
Where do most visitors come from?
Most of our visitors come from western
Poland, while around 20% are from the
Czech Republic. We typically host around
ten guests from Finland every month,
and we sometimes welcome Norwegians
and Swedes. Regardless of nationality,
our typical guest is a conscious tourist
who is looking for deeper experiences
than a luxurious resort with a pool.
What are the similarities and differences
between Finnish and Polish cultures?
In terms of common traits, both nations
are courageous, hard-working, and
individualistic. In Finland, individualism
in collaborative projects is very valuable,
because it means that everyone
contributes something to the project.
Meanwhile, in Poland, individuals are often
more focused on persuading others to join
their own side. The Finns also impress me
with their honesty and sincerity; there are
no gimmicks or excessive negotiations.
Socially, the most significant difference
lies in the issue of trust. I love the trust
culture in Finland, where everyone is
given an opportunity, regardless of their
appearance or history. In Poland, people
trust each other and the state much less.
What could surprise Finns about
Polish culture?
I would say our inability to learn from
certain historical events. On a more
positive note, Finns could be surprised
by our openness to helping each other.
In Finland, the state and various associations
have organized life so perfectly
that the Finns have practically stopped
seeking support from each other.
For them, it feels a bit embarrassing.
In Poland, it's very common to turn
to friends or family for help.
What is your favorite place in Finland?
Lapland and its vast spaces never cease
to fascinate me. I fell in love there with
a small Lappish town called Kuhmo,
which is similar to Kalevala. However,
I would say I feel best in Helsinki.
Despite being the capital, it is such
an intimate city, very green and peaceful.
If you were able to bring only one thing
from Finland to Poland, what would it be?
Fazer candy, preferably with licorice.
Are there any special projects in store
for Kalevala?
We have a project we call Kalevala 2.0,
which will serve as a hub bringing
together the most interesting companies
from Finland. After experiencing a sauna
and meeting dogs and reindeer, tourists
often conclude that Finland is quite wild
and primarily nature-oriented. We aim
to challenge this perception by inviting
them to a hall where they will suddenly
encounter Angry Birds, Moomins, Fiskars,
Nokia and other hyper-modern Finnish
solutions. We have already started plans
to build such a facility and we are in talks
with numerous major companies from
Finland to invite them here and show
our guests the innovative things they do.
60 Sponsored article

Finnish Project in Ukraine - Joy of Play Initiative
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Culture & Sport
FINNISH PROJECT
IN UKRAINE
Joy of Play Initiative
After: Safe playground.
Photo by Leopolis
Opening event. Photo by Leopolis
Before: Abandoned courtyard.
Photo by Leopolis
Since February 2022, a generation of
children in Ukraine has been experiencing
violence, fear, loss, and tragedy across
the whole country. The war has had
a devastating impact on their mental
health and well-being.
Leopolis Hotel Lviv, owned by the Hartwall
family from Finland, was approached by
the principal of neighboring Public School
62, who asked for financial help. The hotel
has been financially supporting the school
for many years, but this time the task was
to turn an abandoned courtyard into a safe
place for kids to play, run, climb, and hang
outdoors close to the underground shelter.
The discussion turned into a whole project
on building a playground, which needed
reliable partners, local management,
professional expertise, and substantial
investments - not an easy task for a small
business operating in a country at war.
First, Leopolis Advisory Board connected
local management with Lappset – a wellknown
family company with Finnish roots
and global presence, whose expertise is
creating playgrounds for people of all ages.
Erkki Ikäheimo, Lappset’s Vice President
of Design & Innovation, committed to
provide the equipment free of charge
and created playground design based
on school requirements. The next step
was to find money for all other tasks.
In autumn 2022 Leopolis Board Member
Ursula Blässar shared the idea with Elina
Björklund, CEO of Reima Oy, who right
away got on board offering financial
contribution to the project not only in Lviv,
but also in Kyiv. The rest of funds had
been raised at Ukrainaid charity event
in Helsinki in January 2023. That's how
Joy of Play initiative was born, with
a mission to give Ukrainian children
hope for the future. At least 20 Finnish
companies and individuals donated
money to the project. The main partners
of Joy of Play became Reima and
Lappset - the best experts in happy
childhood and kids’ outdoor activities.
The preparation started very soon and
other companies got engaged in the
project: DSV Road offered to deliver the
equipment from Rovaniemi to Lviv free
of charge. Leopolis Hotel provided
project management and coordination.
August Ludvig Hartwall Foundation
in Finland and Institute Respublica in
Ukraine took care about financial matters
and reporting transparency.
New Horizons Ukraine installed
equipment in compliance with Lappset
safety standards. School management
assisted by all means.
The works were kicked off in March 2023
and everything was completed in just
2.5 months. Many things had been taken
care of: water drainage system, hydro
isolation, façade restoration, logistics and
customs nuances, playground safety and
sustainability, lessons timing etc. All key
partners received regular project updates
and real-time photos and videos.
The brand new playground was officially
opened on 7 June 2023. Erkki Ikäheimo,
Elina Björklund, Ursula Blässar and Pia
Hartwall attended the event and tested
the playground themselves. They also
expressed their support to kids and
commitment to the project.
Joy of Play initiative proves that businesses
with foreign capital in Ukraine not only pay
taxes, create jobs, and drive the economy,
but also support local community and unite
efforts to take care about well-being of
Ukrainian children.
www.joyofplay.org
joyofplay@khw-invest.fi
Pia Hartwall +358 40 5127902
Ursula Blässar +358 400 623560
61

Culture & Sport | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
spondeo
Finnish Athletes in Polish Sports Clubs
On the basis of own research
Finnish Athletes in Polish Sport Clubs
TORUŃ
GORZÓW WLKP.
ŁÓDŹ
Juha Nurminen
KH Energa Toruń
2023 -
Konsta Jaakola
KH Energa Toruń
2023 -
Riku Tiainen
KH Energa Toruń
2023 -
POZNAŃ
Niilo Mäenpää
Warta Poznań
2022 -
Timi Salonen
Stal Gorzów Wielkopolski
2022 -
Timo Lahti
Orzeł Łódź
2022 -
SOSNOWIEC
Olli Valtola
Zaglębie Sosnowiec
2023 -
ZABRZE
Richard Olav Jensen
Górnik Zabrze
2022 - 2023
KĘDZIERZYN-KOŹLE
Tuomas Sammelvuo
ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle (Coach)
2022 -
JASTRZĘBIE-ZDRÓJ
Eemi Tervaportti
Jastrzębski Węgiel
2020 - 2023
Lauri Huhdanpää
JKH GKS Jastrzebie
2022 -
Olli-Petteri Viinikainen
JKH GKS Jastrzębie
2022 -
KATOWICE
Joona Monto
GKS Katowice
2021 -
Matias Lehtonen
GKS Katowice
2021 -
TYCHY
Olli Kaskinen
GKS Tychy
2022 -
62

Mölkky in Poland - From Local Clubs
to World Championship
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Culture & Sport
Mölkky in Poland
From Local Clubs to
World Championships
Mölkky Championship in Warsaw. Photo by Małgorzata Maniecka
KRAKÓW
Benjamin Källman
KS Cracovia
2022 -
TARNÓW
Tero Aarnio
Unia Tarnów
2022 -
SANOK
Aatu Luusuaniemi
STS Sanok
2023 -
Dominik Salama
STS Sanok
2022 -
Jere Karlsson
STS Sanok
2022 -
Juho Mäkelä
STS Sanok
2022 -
Niko Ahoniemi
STS Sanok
2022 -
Sami Tamminen
STS Sanok
2021 -
Mölkky is a Finnish throwing game similar to bowling or pétanque.
It requires skill, precision, as well as strategic thinking.
The Polish Mölkky Federation associates over a dozen Mölkky
clubs and coordinates Polish Championships and a Grand Prix
series. Local clubs often organize regional competitions as well.
Representatives of Polish clubs also take part in international
tournaments. In 2023, we organized the European Championships
in Warsaw. Over 60 teams from 10 countries competed for
medals and prizes. In August 2023, six Polish teams took part
in the World Championships in Hyvinkaa, Finland.
Looking ahead, we are committed to playing and promoting
Mölkky. In 2024, the World Championships will be held in
Japan. It will be the largest Mölkky tournament in history,
with over 500 teams of four to six players. We hope that
Polish teams will be among them.
Translator name
OŚWIĘCIM
Erik Ahopelto
Unia Oświęcim
2022 -
Kalle Valtola
Unia Oświęcim
2023 -
Tommi Laakso
Unia Oświęcim
2022 -
Ville Heikkinen
Unia Oświęcim
2023 -
Polish Mölkky Federation
www.molkky.pl
Rafal Wesolowski
r.wesolowski@molkky.pl
Mölkky Championship in Warsaw. Photos by Małgorzata Maniecka
63

Culture & Sport | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
From Poland to Finland - Julia Zielińska’s Journey as
a Rising Ice Hockey
FROM
POLAND
TO FINLAND
Julia Zielińska's
Journey as
a Rising Ice
Hockey Star
Julia Zielińska is a 19-year-old Polish
ice hockey player who moved to
Finland in 2017 to join Kiekko Espoo.
Together with this club, she has
won the Finnish Championship
twice, been runner-up once and
has won the Finnish U20 Championship.
Julia has also won Slovakian
Championship with Popradske
Lisky. Moreover, she is a strong
asset of the Polish women’s national
ice hockey team. For the 2024/25
season, she has signed with the
Beavers in the United States, where
she will become the first Polish
hockey player to compete in the
NCAA Division 1. Julia Morta asked
Julia Zielińska about her career
and life in Finland.
At what age did you realize that you
wanted to play ice hockey professionally?
From the very beginning I had high
ambitions and was motivated to work
hard for my future. I knew I wanted to
achieve something connected with ice
hockey. I started playing when I was
around 9, which is relatively late.
Compared to the boys I played with,
I was just a beginner and had to develop
much faster than they did. That made me
realize that I had to work harder than the
others because I wanted hockey to be
a significant part of my life.
You trained with boys for several years.
How did this experience contribute
to your development as a player?
Being able to practice with boys from
the beginning had a huge impact on my
development as a player and as a person.
Being in a team with boys and girls is
completely different. At a young age,
the physical differences between girls
and boys are not as big, but due to my
late start it was very challenging for me
to play as well as they did. I probably
would not have developed as quickly
in girls teams. Playing with boys taught
me a lot about physicality and the speed
of the game.
You moved to Finland as a 14-year-old.
What was your initial impression of the
country?
I was just a young girl who wanted to live
her dream and play ice hockey at a higher
level. I came to Finland because I wanted
to develop. I knew that I would be here
without my parents, but that didn’t bother
me. However, I would not have been able
to live a peaceful life without the people
I met here who helped me a lot. Of course,
I was a bit nervous before I arrived and
during the first few weeks, but soon
everything started working out very well.
What are your favorite things about Finns
and Finland?
I love the Finnish mentality and how calm
and peaceful life is in Finland. People do
not rush, they simply live and enjoy their
lives. I had heard the stereotype before,
that Finns are very rude and closed off
people but, as I said before, without their
support I would not have been able
to thrive and enjoy my time here.
Have you learned the Finnish language?
Finnish is super hard, especially because
there are two separate spoken and
official languages. Since I came to
Finland, I have been studying only in
English, both in vocational school and the
64

Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Culture & Sport
What are the main differences between
ice hockey in Finland, Poland, and Slovakia?
Where did you feel most at home?
There is a huge difference between ice
hockey in Poland and Slovakia, and an even
greater difference between Slovakia and
Finland. The speed, the skills, and the way
players are treated and prepared for the
season are the most visible differences.
In Poland and Slovakia, I only played for
one year in each team. In Finland, I have
already played for four years, which has
created a familiar environment for me here.
I have also spent an important period of
my life in Espoo when I was growing up,
so this culture will probably stay with me
for a long time.
What was your proudest moment on
the rink so far?
It was probably winning the championship
two seasons ago, in 2021/22. That was my
first season actively playing with the women's
team in Naisten Liiga. It was my first
medal when I actually felt that I helped the
team and was a valuable member of it.
What was the most valuable advice you
received from coaches or teammates
over the years?
The most valuable advice I received was
to be myself, both on and off the ice, and
to enjoy every minute of it. I have also been
told quite a few times that ice hockey
should be fun and there is no need to
overthink. In Finland, my coach told me
to play with my heart and not think too
much out on the ice.
What makes an ice hockey player
exceptional?
Each ice hockey player is unique, with
different styles and ways of thinking
on the ice. Personally, I think what
distinguishes exceptional players is that
they deeply enjoy playing and are able
to have fun during the game.
What is your favorite thing about
ice hockey?
One of my favorite aspects is the
opportunity to meet many new people
and explore different places. I love having
people around me and, even though they
are not my biological family, it does not
take long for me to feel very close to
them. Ice hockey creates bonds between
people, not only within one team but
sometimes also between fans and
players, and I think that that is beautiful.
What do you hope to achieve in the next
few years?
At the moment, I am focusing hard on the
upcoming season. I am trying to prepare
as best as I can, because I know this
season is going to be very important for
me. It is my last year before I leave for
the United States to play in the NCAA.
I am the first Polish female ice hockey
player to play in America. I would really
like to show other young girls in Poland
that this is nothing to be scared of and
they should chase their dreams. That is
why my main goal for the next few years
is to be the best version of myself, both
as a person and a player.
Finnish high school, where I recently
graduated from the International
Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is
taught entirely in English. I understand
a lot of Finnish, but I have
difficulty speaking.
What would you bring from Finland
to Poland?
First, I would bring the mentality of the
people. Second, in terms of ice hockey,
the way people treat this sport and how
much they love it.
What do you miss about Poland?
I definitely miss my family and friends
the most. I also miss playing with the
boys a lot, though I know that at my age,
I wouldn’t be able to play with them
anymore anyway. The other thing I miss
is my mom’s and grandma’s food.
65

Culture & Sport | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
spondeo
Language Schools Offering
Finnish courses
On the basis of own research
Language Schools Offering Finnish Courses
GDAŃSK
SZCZECIN
British School
Online individual course
szczecin@britishschool.pl
+48 505 845 104
POZNAŃ
Edual House
Online/On-site
individual courses
szczecin@britishschool.pl
+48 505 845 104
TORUŃ
ŁÓDŹ
Wave Centrum Językowe
Online/Individual courses
wave@wave.edu.pl
+48 609 087 301
UMK Uniwersyteckie
Centrum Języków Obcych
Group/Individual
courses online
ucjo@umk.pl
+48 566 114 212
Leader School
Online individual course
zamowienia@leaderschool.pl
+48 607 770 999
KATOWICE
LinguaCity - Centrum Obsługi Językowej
Online/Group/Individual courses
biuro@lingua-city.com
+48 696 434 142
66

The Finnish School of Warsaw - Varsovan Suomi-Koulu
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Culture & Sport
The Finnish School of Warsaw
- Varsovan Suomi-Koulu
WARSAW
Centrum Europy
Online/On-site
Individual/Group courses
ce@ce.edu.pl
+48 226 294 588
- Szkoła Języków
Skandynawskich
Group course online
szkola@driada.pl
+48 605 436 073
SKRIVANEK
Individual course online
szkola@skrivanek.pl
+48 601 721 999
Towarzystwo
Polska - Finlandia
Online/On-site
Individual/Group courses
seura@seura.eu
+48 606 290 008
Summer Picnic finalizing the 2022-23 school year.
Photo by Varsovan Suomi-koulu
Varsovan Suomi-koulu promotes Finnish culture and
language among children with Finnish background.
It is part of a global network of Finnish schools.
Suomi-koulu provides children with an opportunity to connect
with each other and communicate in Finnish. The teaching
is complementary to regular schooling - lessons take place
twice a month on Sundays.
During the classes, children are encouraged to work together
and engage in various activities, including handcrafts, written
assignments, various games, and learning Finnish songs and
traditions. Additionally, students participate in special events
such as a visit from Santa Claus and Summer Picnic at the end
of the year.
New school year, new location
Currently, due to the renovation of the Embassy of Finland,
Suomi-koulu is organized in an alternative location in Mokotów.
The school continues to run smoothly thanks to dedicated
teachers and active parents from the local Finnish community.
We like to say that Suomi-koulu is a state of mind, not a place!
New volunteers and children are warmly welcomed.
Finnish for employees? Why not! Nothing helps you
to get familiar with a country and its business culture
better than knowing its language.
Translator name
Driada School of Scandinavian Languages offers
Finnish courses for companies on beginner,
intermediate and advanced levels.
Learning can take place online or at your company
(if you are based in Warsaw).
Help your employees and business grow with Driada!
szkola@driada.pl
+48 605 436 073
www.szkolajezykowskandynawskich.pl
Class in session! A new school year
starting in a children's cafeteria
in Mokotów. Photo by
Varsovan Suomi-koulu
Children learning about kantele
instrument in Kalevala, the Finnish
National Epic. Photo by
Varsovan Suomi-koulu
Lassi Vainio, Chairman
suomikoulu.varsova@gmail.com
Facebook: Varsovan Suomi-koulu
67

Culture & Sport | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Books Translated from Finnish
to Polish in 2023
Books Translated from Finnish to Polish in 2023
Children
Ella at Night-School
“Ella yökoulussa” Parvela, Timo | “Ella w nocnej szkole” transl. Kiuru, Iwona | Publisher: Dwukropek
A new adventure of the energetic girl, Ella. Now she's already in the second grade, and her cool teacher
is even better than she previously thought. He promised to organize a Night-School. Kind of. The teacher
said it'll happen under a ridiculous condition. But he probably didn't expect that the kids would do anything
to make that promise come true.
Grumblebelly Cat
“Kurnivamahainen kissa” Hai, Magdalena | “Kot o burczącym brzuchu” transl. Kiuru, Iwona | Publisher: Widnokrąg
A children's book about a little girl who, thanks to her cleverness, avoids being devoured by a gigantic cat.
The Grumblebelly Cat is a fairytale-like story about greed, which can destroy the world, and strength that
can be hidden even inside a small child.
Little Mouse and the Birthday Present
“Pikku hiiri ja syntymäpäivälahja” Jäntti, Riikka | “Myszonek i urodzinowy prezent” transl. Kiuru, Iwona | Publisher: Frajda
"It's Little Mouse's birthday and he opens the door for the guests coming to celebrate together. There
will be a lot of lovely presents, delicious birthday cake and some games and quizzes to keep everybody
entertained. Warm, realistic and humorous story about Little Mouse and his Mom that shares many
similarities with its readers' lives."
Little Mouse Goes Camping
“Pikku hiiri telttaretkellä” Jäntti, Riikka | “Myszonek pod namiotem” transl. Kiuru, Iwona | Publisher: Frajda
In the seventh book from this lovely series, Little Mouse and his Mom go camping. After arriving at their
destination, they set up the tent and grill some food. In the evening, Little Mouse listens to sounds of
nature and tries to recognize them. Next morning, both Little Mouse and Mom are extremely hungry,
but fortunately, the nearby restaurant is open.
Mur and the Raindrop
“Pisara kuonolla, Mur ” Happonen, Kaisa | “Mru Mru i kropla deszczu” transl. Nordling, Natalia | Publisher: Widnokrąg
Continuation of the series telling the story of a little bear cub. This time, Mur tries to understand what
it means to be together and apart. Is it possible to be close, even though there is a long distance
in between? And how is it possible that the raindrop and the sea are made of the same material?
Penny Peanutheart and the Curse of the Brute Bug
“Penni Pähkinäsydän ja mörkökuumeen kirous” Snow, Cristal | “Pati Miłorzeszek i klątwa upiornej gorączki” transl. Homanowska, Anna. Publisher: Nasza księgarnia
Second book about the thumb-sized fairy, Penny Peanutheart. In Windnest Woods, a brute bug spreads.
One of its victims is Hilda, Penny's classmate who's been making fun of her. However, the small fairy can't
turn her back even on her bully and decides to help. A heart-warming story about growth, friendship,
honesty, and inner beauty.
Penny Peanutheart and the Wretched Banishment Cake
“Penni Pähkinäsydän ja kauhea kadotuskakku” Snow, Cristal |“Pati Miłorzeszek i paskudne ciasto zguby” transl. Homanowska,
The first book in the series about adventures of a thumb-sized fairy. This time Penny meets Sean, a know-it-all
fairy boy. His company for the whole summer seems unbearable, so Penny and her friends declare a war to
get rid of the intruder. The story shows that first impressions can be deceitful, and some friendships take time.
Radio Popov
“Radio Popov” Portin, Anja | “Radio zapomnianych dzieci” transl.Aniszewska, Katarzyna | Publisher: Widnokrąg
Fascinating story about friendship and loneliness. Nine-year-old Alfred is basically alone. One night he
follows a mysterious character, who provides unexpected items through letter holes. The boy discovers
the existence of the Sharp Ears, an organization supporting kids similar to him. When he finds an old radio
transmitter, Alfred starts his nightly broadcast to help all forgotten children.
Shadows: Book 1. The Jingle
“Varjot 1. Helähdys” Parvela, Timo; Pitkänen, Pasi | “Dzwoneczek. Seria cienie” transl. Musielak, Sebastian | Publisher: Dwukropek
Pete's best friend, Sara, suffers from an incurable illness, and he's ready to give anything, even his own
shadow, for her to be healthy again. But together with his shadow, something else disappears - he can’t
feel any emotions. Soon he learns that he's not the only shadowless person, and even Santa Claus is
in danger of losing his shadow. If that happens, the whole world could be in danger.
Tatu and Patu at the Kindergarten
“Tatu ja Patu päiväkodissa” Havukainen, Aino; Toivonen, Sami | “Tatu i Patu w przedszkolu” transl. Kiuru,
Another bizarre adventure of Tatu and Patu. The boys have won a lottery prize - a free day at a spa.
However, when they arrive, instead of cucumber face masks, they find storytelling and singing. The boys
have mistaken two similar buildings and ended up at the kindergarten. Luckily, the day in the Under Fives
Club kinder-garten turns out to be much more fun than any spa could be.
68

Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Culture & Sport
In 2023, as many as twenty books from five different genres were translated from Finnish to Polish.
Justyna Robak from Literary Translators’ Collective KIRJA prepared a complete list available below.
KIRJA consists of nine Polish professionals who actively promote Finnish literature through
its social media channels and webpage www.kolektywtlumaczykirja.com
Crime
Fiction
Non-fiction
Short
stories
The Woodland Night
“Mur ja metsän ilta” Happonen, Kaisa | “Mru Mru i leśny wieczór. Opowiadania na dobranoc dla dużych i małych” transl. Kiuru, Iwona. Publisher:
Compilation of ten charming bedtime stories in which woodland animals are the main characters.
In the evenings, woods are full of life and little critters that hide during the day carefully explore their
surroundings. The emotions these forest inhabitants experience and the discoveries they make surely
would be familiar to Mur's young readers.
Follow the Butterfly
“Terapiassa” Kaukonen, Martta | “Podążaj za motylem” transl. Kojro, Bożena | Publisher: Czarna Owca
Clarissa, a famous psychotherapist, is convinced that only she can save her patients. However, she feels
responsible for the suicide of a teenager and is haunted by it. Now, a young serial killer named Ira
becomes her new patient. These two women are connected by a secret, but only one of them knows
about it. This leads to a cat-and-mouse game, which won't have a happy ending.
Swing
“Kiikku” Ollikainen, A. M. | “Huśtawka” transl. Kojro, Bożena | Publisher: Czarna Owca
The body of elderly woman is found hanging in the forest. Her death is labeled a suicide, but inspector
Paula Pihlaja feels that something doesn't add up. Soon a second body appears. It seems that both victims
had to balance on the seesaw just before they died. After a third murder, it is clear this is a case of a serial
killer, who needs to be caught immediately.
The Rabbit Factor
“Jäniskerroin” Tuomainen, Antti | “Czynnik królika” transl. Praski, Łukasz | Publisher: Albatros
Henri Koskinen, an insurance mathematician, calculates everything in life. Nothing unexpected should
happen, but of course, that's not how the universe works. He suddenly loses his job and inherits
an amusement park, a place with strange employees and huge debt owed to some shady people.
He also meets Laura, an artist, whose chaotic lifestyle is incomprehensible for him.
Defiance
“Ei kertonut katuvansa” Kinnunen, Tommi | “Powiedziała, że nie żałuje” transl. Musielak, Sebastian | Publisher: Wydawnictwo Poznańskie
In 1945, five women found themselves on the way home from the prison camp in Norway. But is there
a home to go back to? The decision to follow German troops put them together on a shameful journey
through war-destroyed Lapland. The novel shows that the war doesn't have an end date and the choices
made during the diicult times have far-reaching consequences.
The Colonel´s Wife
“Everstinna” Liksom, Rosa | “Pułkownikowa” transl. Bobotek, Artur | Publisher:
This book is an internal monologue of a woman recounting her life story. Her destiny was determined
by the men closest to her - first her father and then her husband. This novel portrays the rise of fascism
in Finland and Europe as a background for the fate of a woman bound by love and circumstances.
Nevertheless, she survives difficulties and finds her own peace.
The Woman Who Borrowed Memories
Jansson, Tove | “Kobieta, która pożyczała wspomnienia” transl. Czechowska,
A selection of stories from Travelling Light, Letters from Klara and Fair Play. Although Tove Jansson is
mostly known for her Moomin series, she also wrote several novels and short stories. Her characters are
realistic, often older, wise, and courageous. Stories from Fair Play contain references to Jansson's
friendship with Tuulikki Pietilä.
Mannerheim: Polish years
“Mannerheim: Puolan vuodet” Anna & Jukka Soisalon-Soininen | “Mannerheim: polskie lata” transl. Bator, Ewelina;
Gąsiorowska-Siudzińska, Mariola; Kulicka-Soisalon-Soininen, Anna; Mączka, Beata; Zipper, Małgorzata. Publisher: Muzeum Ziemi Minskiej
The book is a compilation of articles written by Finnish and Polish historians and journalists. It describes the
years that Marshal Carl Gustav Mannerheim spent in Poland and the influence they had on his worldview.
Previously unpublished documents provide a perspective on Polish-Finnish relations and diplomacy of that time.
How to Raise the World’s Happiest Children
“Näin kasvatat lapsestasi mukavan aikuisen” Puura, Kaija | “Jak wychować dziecko na fajnego człowieka” transl. Aniszewska, Katarzyna. Publisher: Luna
Kaija Puura is a Child Psychiatry professor at Tampere University and Chief Physician at the Department
of Child Psychiatry at Tampere University Hospital. In the book, she presents examples from everyday
life to provide parents with insight how their behavior can positively impact their child's growth.
Master storytellers - Scandinavian winter
Ivalo, Santeri; Siekkinen, Raija; Raevaara, Tiina; Canth, Minna; Koskinen, Juha-Pekka; Kivelä, Malin | “Mistrzowie opowieści. Skandynawska zima” transl.
Matysek, Ida; Musielak, Sebastian; Wojciechowska, Karolina; Szalst, Agata; Kyntäjä, Dorota; Czechowska, Justyna; Kiuru, Iwona. Publisher: Wielka Litera
Short stories in this tome of the Master Storytellers series are centered around winter. Among the Nordic
authors whose writing was selected for this compilation, six come from Finland. The collection presents
a northern perspective on the season, which, for Nordics, is the longest.
69

Culture & Sport | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Where Two Toms Meet - On the Importance
of Reading
Author meeting with Tommi Kinnunen in Poznań.
Photo by Tomasz Wnuk
WHERE TWO TOMS MEET
On the Importance of Reading
Tommi Kinnunen is a Finnish
writer and a teacher of Finnish
literature and language. His debut
novel, “Where Four Roads Meet”,
became a bestseller and received
several nominations and awards.
Subsequent books achieved
similar success.
In February, Tommi met with his
readers in Warsaw and Poznań
to talk about his fourth novel,
"Defiance", which was recently
published in Poland. The book
presents a unique, historically
forgotten portrait of Finnish
women who return home from
Norway after World War II.
It was translated to Polish
by Sebastian Musielak.
You are in Poland for the first time, right?
How do you like the country so far?
Yes, this is my first time here. I must say
that I really enjoy Poland. Especially here
in Poznań, I am having a great time.
I walked this little promenade here
today. God, how beautiful this city is.
Yesterday, you had the first meeting with
your readers in Warsaw. Do you see any
differences between Polish readers and
Finnish readers?
Well, actually, yes. I must say that Polish
readers seem to be more intelligent than
Finnish ones. For example, when I had an
interview in Warsaw, it was about themes
and methods. In Finland, I was asked
questions like: how do you feel when you
write? It was more like an interview about
my person.
It is an important topic for me because
I am not only an author but also a teacher.
I teach Finnish language and literature.
I wish I could teach my Finnish students
to be the same as Polish readers. I would
be happy. How do you do that? You must
read a lot in school.
In my case, school killed off my desire
to read. That was because I was forced
to read classical books that were difficult
for a young person. I asked the previous
question because your book is partly
about the Finnish nation. I think Polish
readers will approach it with more
distance. If you are Finnish, you might
feel a little frustrated and angry when
you learn how Finns treated the women
returning from Norway after World War II.
This is a rather difficult topic, because
these women who walked back do not
officially exist. They really do not exist
in the history books. When I was a young
child, I heard stories about these ladies
who walked back more than 600 kilometers
without food. When I started working on
this book, I tried to find some information,
reports and documents. And I could not
find anything. I remember my teacher
in upper secondary school once talking
70

Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Culture & Sport
about these ladies. I contacted her and
asked if she had interviewed any of them.
She replied that she had tried to do this
in the 80s and 90s, but no-one was willing
to talk, and so far they have remained silent.
So after I finished writing the book, I was
somewhat amazed to receive several
contacts from older people who said
they had actually seen women marching
in a square in the city of Kuopio. I find it
quite horrible that we have lost this piece
of women’s history. We lost 50% of our
country's history because we did not want
to admit what happened at that time.
Your book opened up some public debate
about this lost history.
Yes, because history usually includes only
men's history. It is all about battles, wars,
peace treaties, and so on. But where is
the history of women? It is totally lost and
now is the last moment to get it back.
At the beginning of the book, you wrote
that it is not your goal to write a history
book. But even as a fiction book, it still
has an impact on history.
I have a role model, the Finnish writer
Kaari Utrio, who is very strict with all
the details. We used to say that if Kaari
Utrio told us that something happened,
we would have to believe her. I try to do
the same. I live in the art archives and
conduct interviews. So I wanted to be real.
As real as possible. I wanted it to be true.
I would also like to ask about your cooperation
with translator Sebastian Musielak.
How did that work and are you happy
with how it went?
Yes, Sebastian is very skillful and professional.
There is one thing that I found
interesting. Sebastian writes to me quite
often. Sometimes he asked about things
I did not have the slightest clue about.
In Finnish, we do not use two pronouns:
he and she. We only have one. And he
sent me questions like "on page x.... is this
person a he or a she?" or "is the cat a he
or a she?" And for me, as a Finn, we do not
care about genders at all. It was a horrible
thing. Now I have to make up my mind
if it is a male or a female.
Are you afraid that your book will lose
a bit of its meaning after translation into
different languages?
No. I write a book once and the translator
writes it another time, so the book is actually
written twice. Maybe something is
lost, but who really cares. There are some
things that the translator must work out,
for example, in order for a Polish person
to understand it. It is the same book, but
at the same time it is a bit different. And
I like it. It is starting to live its own life.
Do you read any Polish literature? Or do
you know any Polish authors?
Well, at the moment I am not. I am not
so sure what Polish books have recently
been translated into Finnish. I remember
reading several Polish books while I was
studying. For example, those by Nobel
Prize winner Olga Tokarczuk.
I know that you are a teacher in Turku.
I visited Turku last summer – it is
a beautiful city, very different from
Helsinki. I wanted to ask about your role
as a teacher. Do you think it is also
necessary to teach how to read books?
Kind of, yes. I used to work in an upper
secondary school attended by children
from 13 to 16 years old. We have a completely
different system compared
to yours. For example, we used to go
to the library quite often and I would
decide what genre we were reading.
I would say “now we are reading horror
books,” or “now we are reading sci-fi
books," and the students decided which
book they wanted. Perhaps that could be
considered teaching how to read books.
In my opinion, there are no people who
hate reading, there are only people who
have not yet found the right book.
Autograph signing by Tommi Kinnunen in Poznań.
Photo by Tomasz Wnuk
I asked this because I have a lot of
intelligent friends who do not like to read
books. They do not find it entertaining
enough to read. I think it is a problem
that these people do not know how
to read in order to gain pleasure from it.
Reading is slow. When we use mobile
phones, we are used to everything happening
so fast. After opening the book,
you have to read it for two weeks to find
out who the murderer is. Of course, it is
a long process but it also teaches you
concentration. I think the most important
thing to teach students at school is how
to find the book they want to read.
The point is not to read poems, but
to find useful reading and enjoy it.
I have one last question. I am a big fan
of David Foster Wallace. In one interview,
someone asked him: what can literature
do that other forms of art cannot?
I have not thought about it before, but
I would say that literature gives us the
possibility to fully see other people,
understand what they think and feel, and
how they see the world. When we watch
movies, we only see what people do.
We observe their reactions, but we cannot
go inside, while literature allows us to
do that. Through reading books, you can
become someone else for a short time.
Literature teaches us empathy, we learn
to understand why someone else makes
different kinds of choices than we would.
71

Culture & Sport | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
FINNISH AUTHOR
WRITING ABOUT
BELARUS,
POLAND, AND
EAST EUROPE
Interview with
Toni Stenström
Finnish Author Writing About Belarus, Poland,
and East Europe. Interview with Toni Stenström
Photo by Toni Stenström
Toni Stenström is the author of "Valko-Venäjä
- vaiettu historia" (Belarus – a Silenced History),
the first chronological history book about
Belarus in the Finnish language. Tuomas
Asunmaa talked with Toni about the book,
which covers Belarusian history from the
early Middle Ages to the war in Ukraine in
2022. Naturally, it also features many events
from Polish history, especially from the times
of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and
the Second Polish Republic. Toni is currently
working on an updated English version,
which will be published in 2024.
Toni started writing the book after his
exchange semester in Minsk, where he
took courses at Belarusian State University,
specializing in international relations and
East European history. During his extensive
travels in Belarus and its neighboring
countries, he formed long-lasting friendships
with many locals. Afterward, he also
worked as a tour guide in Belarus, Poland,
Ukraine, and other nearby countries.
Since the book is about Belarussian history,
it must include a lot about Poland as well.
Do you think there could be something
new also for Polish readers?
The western half of Belarus was a part of
Poland during the interwar years. My book
illustrates how the old border is still very
visible inside contemporary Belarus, not only
in the architecture of the cities, but also in
the mentality and political orientation of the
locals. The book also raises questions about
the essence of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
– what exactly was the Lithuania that
Mickiewicz referred to in his poetry, and to
what extent can historical figures like Tadeusz
Kościuszko be celebrated as shared heroes
ofcontemporaryPoland, Belarus, and Lithuania?
Is there some connection to Finland
in your book?
Since the Finnish version of the book was
written primarily with the Finnish audience
in mind, I included details about the early
diplomatic contacts between Finland and
Belarus in 1918, as well as the role of the
Belarusians in the Winter War of 1939-1940.
I also described how the Karelian lands, which
the USSR had conquered from Finland,
were resettled with Belarusian peasants,
many of whom came from land seized
from Poland just a few months earlier.
What lessons from Poland’s history should
we keep in mind when considering the
future prospects of Belarus?
Belarus has now been a totalitarian
dictatorship for almost 30 years and many
have lost hope for a democratic transition
in the country. There are also Huntingtonian
theories that the East Slavs are somewhat
predestined to remain under a corrupt
dictatorship. One should remember that
many felt the same about Poland during
Jaruzelski's rule, yet the Poland of 1991
turned out to be very different from the
Poland of 1981. Nowadays, the Poland
of 2023 is a thriving and highly developed
country, successfully integrated into all
Western political and economic structures
and playing a significant role in European
politics. Some day, Belarus may be the
Poland of today.
Are there any similarities between Poland
and Belarus that we might not be aware of?
Having studied Polish and Belarusian,
I sometimes feel that the Belarusian
language is Polish in a Cyrillic disguise.
In fact, the Belarusian vocabulary has
many more similarities with Polish and
Ukrainian than with Russian. However,
Belarus has been Russified to the extent
that most of its population speaks Russian
at home. Pure Belarusian can nowadays
be heard in certain villages in East Poland.
If you want a closer look, just take a car
and drive from Białystok to Białowieża
along the border.
Photo by Toni Stenström
72

Task of The Translator - An Interview with a Finnish
Translator of Polish Literature
Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Culture & Sport
Meeting with Tapani Kärkkäinen in Helsinki, Finland.
Photo by Tomasz Wnuk
TASK OF THE TRANSLATOR
An Interview with a Finnish
Translator of Polish Literature
Tapani Kärkkäinen and Tomasz Wnuk
Tapani Kärkkäinen is a Finnish
translator of Polish literature.
He has translated the works of
such writers as Olga Tokarczuk,
Ryszard Kapuściński and Andrzej
Sapkowski. Tomasz Wnuk talked
with Tapani about the task of
a translator.
Which Polish author means the most
to you?
I have such a specific relationship with
Hanna Krall because she was probably
the first Polish author I read. Her "Shielding
the flame" was translated into Finnish in
1983, around the same time that I traveled
to Poland for the first time. Maybe that's
why I have such a fondness for her.
Later I had the opportunity to translate
her collection of reportage.
In his essay, The Task of the Translator,
Walter Benjamin writes that the
translator's task is to translate what
lies between the text, the reading
experience and cultural understanding.
He also points out that translators
are often writers or poets themselves.
What do you think about this?
The role of a translator is fascinating to
me, but also still rather unclear. There are
translators who can talk a lot about their
profession and their translation strategies.
I am not one of those. My strategy is
intuition combined with a philological
approach. To be a good translator, I must
be in some sense a philologist who is
well-read and who recognises different
styles, intertextual references and so on.
What are the challenges of translating
works by Polish writers like Nobel Prize
winner Olga Tokarczuk?
In recent years, I have worked mainly
with Tokarczuk and Sapkowski. What
I was doing was translating one book by
Tokarczuk and one book by Sapkowski,
and then some smaller things. Every time
I translated Sapkowski, I felt a huge relief
when I handed the book back and started
translating Tokarczuk. Sapkowski is so
linguistically, culturally and historically
rich. His prose is dense with cold and
old Slavic vocabulary. It is so incredibly
complex and extensive. Before I could
translate one sentence of Sapkowski,
I had to research the vocabulary for
a long time and do a lot of philological
work. In The Hussite Trilogy, there is a lot
of such old vocabulary from the Polish-
Czech or Polish-German borderlands.
I was very relieved that the prose of
Tokarczuk is so clear that I can translate
one sentence and only then dive
in deeper and explore more.
With Sapkowski, I couldn't do anything
before I did a tremendous amount of
philological work. This does not mean that
translating Tokarczuk is somehow easier.
In Tokarczuk's language, there are
a great many small breaks or gaps,
and she leaves a lot of things unsaid,
so the reader has to fill in some gaps
and holes that are there. In my opinion,
the task of the translator is to leave these
gaps and ellipses, and not to elaborate
and explain more than is there. This is
difficult in the case of Olga Tokarczuk.
And so we're back to that previous
question related to the translator's task!
When translation is not done expertly,
then the reader will feel some kind of
discomfort that something is not quite
right there. Maybe it is the fault of the
translator who did not translate this
passage well. The reader must have
the illusion that the text was written in
Finnish. It's such an agreement between
the reader and the translator whereby
the reader knows it wasn't written in
Finnish, but believes it for the reading
pleasure. I see my role as maintaining
that illusion. It's a strange contract
between the reader and the translator.
73

Meet our Team | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
Meet our Team
Meet our Team
Tuomas Asunmaa
Co-Founder & CEO of Spondeo
Tuomas is a Co-Founder and captain of
Spondeo but also a headhunter, advisor,
event organizer, salesman, controller and
business developer. Tuomas started his
journey in Poland in 2005, and has lived
in Wrocław, Warsaw and now in Poznań
since 2015. He likes Polish pragmatism
and never stopping dynamics and enjoys
making some "funny" observations.
In free time he is passionate about music,
books, sports and art and is fighting
against the world by ordering 5 Finnish
newspapers in a paper format to Poznań.
His biggest accomplishment is that their
8-year old daughter speaks fluent
Finnish and the fact that 85% of Spondeo
sales comes from via network
and recommendations.
Weronika Gidel-Asunmaa
Co-Founder & Headhunter
Weronika is Spondeo's Co-Founder and
an HR manager with broad experience
in a multinational environment.
With 13 years of experience in the
industry, she is an expert who excels
in connecting top talents with Spondeo's
clients across various businesses.
Committed to her core values, which
include a strong focus on development,
a belief in independence, and
a dedication to promoting work-life
balance. Beyond her professional
pursuits, Weronika is an enthusiast
of the arts - currently a big fan of Polish
artist - Lukasz Patelczyk and Finnish
painter - Jaakko Mattila. Proud mum
of Maria, in love with Lapland's frosty
winters and the northern simplicity of life.
Andrzej Wiśniewski
Go-to markets: CEE & Nordics
Andrzej joined Spondeo in 2016 with little
more than a general understanding
of Finns and Finland. Since then, he has
lauded the people of Finland for their
moral character, originality, and dry sense
of humor. He genuinely enjoys his work,
which is frequently related to cross-border
business development and market entry
projects. He perceives it not only as a way
of growth for companies but also as
an opportunity for fostering intercultural
understanding and cooperation.
Regarding his working style: actionoriented,
seeks out the best solutions,
has an agile attitude and thinks outside
the box. After work, he enjoys doing
sports, walking the Polish mountains,
and taking the Finnish sauna.
Piotr Worsztynowicz
Business & Sales Consultant
Piotr joined Spondeo in 2018 and ever
since has been engaged in sales projects
for our industrial and IT customers.
He is a graduate of European Studies
at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań
and MBA of Georgia State University
program at University of Economics
in Poznań. He is a big fan of his family and
Lech Poznań football club. He loves
to play football, tennis and chess with his
14 years old son. Piotr’s goal is to beat
him one day.
Tomasz Wnuk
Business Navigator
Tomasz graduated from International
Economic Relations at the Poznan University
of Economics and Business and is currently
pursuing a master’s degree in Marketing.
Tomasz joined Spondeo in February 2021
as a business consultant and has been
working on several international projects
since then. Professionally and academically,
he is interested in sustainable development.
In this regard he is active in the Student Club
at his university, serving as vice president.
Privately, he is passionate about fitness,
and all kinds of good literature. His favorite
author is David Foster Wallace, whose
works have inspired him to think critically
and creatively.
Anna Jędrzejewska
Recruitment & Design
Anna is a graduate of Poznań University
of Economics and Business and joined
Spondeo in June 2021. She has an analytical
and creative mind - totally into the
aesthetics of graphics, photography,
design, and, oddly enough, the order of
Excel sheets. She finds herself well in any
projects, especially the ones involving
recruiting and making graphics.
She enjoys reading psychological books
and learning Spanish. Painting, DIY,
and plants are her chill-out zone from
the everyday hustle. She can’t wait to go
to Lapland this winter to see northern
lights for the first time.
74

Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Meet our Team
Julia Morta
Market research & Copywriting
Julia holds a Bachelor's degree in
Economics and has recently graduated
summa cum laude with a Master’s
degree in Management from Poznań
University of Economics and Business.
At Spondeo, she is responsible for
various consulting projects, conducting
market research, managing business
newsletters and overseeing LinkedIn
communication. In her spare time,
she enjoys reading, making amateur
movies and exploring different
European cities.
Natalie Kachmar
Talent Sourcer
Natalia has graduated from Lviv and Kyiv
universities. Joined Spondeo right before
the Russian-Ukrainian war and continuing
working from Lviv now. Natalia is mostly
involved into recruitment projects, but
also into sales and marketing ones.
In her free time she explores little-known
places in Ukraine and show travel stories
in her Instagram. Natalia also shoots
short cinematic videos and always say
“yes” to everything new.
Tania Sen
Talent Sourcer
Tania holds a bachelor's degree in
English Language. She has a background
as a language tutor and has contributed
to creative projects at the Lviv Regional
Youth Center. Her passion for helping
individuals discover their ideal career
paths led her to the role of Talent
Acquisition Specialist at Spondeo.
Tania indulges in clay sculpting, film
photography, and watercolor painting.
Her favorite show is "How To With John
Wilson" because it resonates with her
passion for creative writing, street
photography and wholesome
human nature.
Viktoriia Sviata
Market research & Website
Mariia-Viktoriia (Vika) has worked in
Spondeo for a year now and is focused on
sales & market research projects, graphics
and website management. Vika holds
a Bachelor’s degree in Communication
from Lithuania, and currently is pursuing
her Master’s in Multimedia in Portugal.
In free time, she practices digital
illustration and graphic design.
Vika is passionate about street and people
photography, as she likes to travel and
explore different cultures. At the moment,
she also practices videography and is
exploring documentary films as her hobby.
Piotr Gidel
Consultant
Piotr joined Spondeo in 2022. He is
a graduate of the Department of Law
at the University of Wrocław. Most of his
professional career Piotr has worked in
broadly understood HR, from recruitment
and retention to human resources
management - with each and every
project closely related to Finnish market.
At work always goal-oriented and
scrupulous yet not headstrong to the
limits. Loves to travel and meet new
people. Big fan of Finnish sauna, northern
lights and rye chips.
Joonas Mäkilä
Partner for the Czech Market
Joonas, a seasoned business
professional situated in Prague, boasts
two decades of expertise in the FMCG
and hospitality sectors, spanning local
and international markets. His career
encompasses roles within multinational
corporations, as well as contributions to
private equity-backed and entrepreneurial
ventures. Presently, Joonas serves as
the founder of the Bohemian Growth
Company, dedicated to assisting
companies in unlocking their
full growth potential.
75

Maps | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
spondeo
Finnish Companies in Poland by Industry
On the basis of own research
Factories
LĘBORK
Alteams | Fiskars
BIAŁOGARD
Termex Fiber
SZCZECIN
FSP Steel Painting | HK Scan
Hydroline | Cargotec
CZARNKÓW
Seaking
GNIEZNO
Scanclimber
TOPORÓW
Koskisen
POZNAŃ
| Kera Awak | Nordec
Prevex | Reka Rubber | Ruukki | Stofix
ŻARY
Valmet Automotive
WROCŁAW
Finnish Companies in Poland by Industry
Fortaco | Fortum | Teknoware |
| Walki
OPOLE
Eltete | Metsa Tissue | ORAS Olesno | Wipak
GÓRNY ŚLĄSK
Fortum | Heatmasters | Huhtamaki | Lammi Fundament | Miilux | Purmo | Scanfil
CZĘSTOCHOWA
Fortum
KRAKÓW
Nordkalk | U-Cont
STARACHOWICE
PKC Group
76

Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Maps
IT
Siili Solutions
Tieto
Unikie
Bitcomp
Etteplan
Withsecure
Nordcloud
Vincit
Nokia
Nokia
Avaus Marketing Innovations
In4Mo
Frosmo
Iceye
Nokia
Nordea (IT)
Rive
Sofigate
Swappie
Teleste
Tieto
Trójmiasto Wolt
TRÓJMIASTO
Arnon | Darekon | Gebwell
Promeco | Wartsila
AUGUSTÓW
Axopar Boats | Saxdor Yachts
VA Varuste | Xo Boats
Szczecin
Bydgoszcz
Toruń
Poznań
Łódź
Wrocław
Warsaw
Lublin
ŚWIECIE
Kemira
OSTROŁĘKA
Stora Enso
Etteplan
Dunning Kruger & Associates
Nokia
Siili Solutions
Solteq
Tieto
Unikie
Górny Śląsk
Barona ICT
Kraków
Nokia
Tieto
Digital Workforce
Eficode
ePassi
Efecte
WARSZAWA
Amerplast | Teknos |
ŁÓDŹ
Pyroll | Stalatube |
Scanfil | Uponor Infra
Other
Ramirent
Allstars Engineering
Beweship
Deltamarin Ahlstrom-Munksjo
Telecom Ahola Transport
Ensto
Norian Accounting
Kipina
Kemira
Konecranes
Lago Logistics
Metsa
Ductor
Europress
Spondeo
Ukkone
Trójmiasto
Geobear
Greencarrier
Halton
HRX
ISKU
Kemppi
Kiilto
Kone
Lindstrom
Martela
Metso
Neles
Nokian Tyres
Nowa Era (SANOMA)
Onninen
Pellon
Raisio
Rex Nordic
Telko
Valkea Media
RZESZÓW
Tikkurila
AROUND
250
Szczecin
Toruń
Poznań
Łódź
Wrocław
Opole
Warsaw
FINNISH DAUGHTER
COMPANIES IN POLAND
AROUND
300
FINNISH COMPANIES
OPERATING THROUGH
SALES PARTNERS
BMH Technology
Comatec
Molok
UPM
Vilpe
Signal Solutions
Cavieron
Lago Logistics
Outokumpu
Distribution
Renta
Tamtron
Górny Śląsk
Kraków
AFRY
Elomatic
Nordea
Valmet
Amer Sports
Tactic Games
77

Top Lists | Finnish Business & Culture in Poland
TOP25 Finnish Companies in Poland
spondeo
TOP25 Finnish Companies in Poland
in terms of sales (m EUR) in 2022
Headcount
Company name
Sales (m EUR)
1,963
Stora Enso
894
1,358
Cargotec
739
6,597
Nokia
570
559
UPM Raflatac
541
891
Onninen
353
1,332
793
1,844
635
Scanfil
Paroc
PKC Group
Fortum Power
274
271
268
231
4,903
Nordea Bank
228
736
Purmo
185
409
Ruukki
155
71
Outokumpu Distribution
151
500
Tikkurila
126
328
Metsa Tissue
116
113
Axopar Boats
200
622
Huhtamaki Foodservice
112
522
Nowa Era
108
442
Fiskars
107
379
Valmet Automotive
102
488
Kone
92
272
Nordkalk
74
412
Fortaco
71
293
Valmet Technologies
& Services
70
425
Ramirent
67
6,000
4,000
2,000 0
Data source: EMIS & Krajowy
Rejestr Sądowy
0 EUR 250 m EUR 500 m EUR 750 m EUR
78

Finnish Business & Culture in Poland | Top Lists
TOP10 Finnish Fast Growers
spondeo
TOP10 Finnish Fast Growers
with sales over 3 m EUR in Poland in 2022
Sales growth multiplier 2021-2022 (%)
Company name
Sales (m EUR)
90
FSP Steel Painting
9
75
Europress
3
70
UCont
5
70
70
Kemira Świecie
Hydroline
12
15
62
Miilux
10
58
YIT Development
61
57
Promeco
22
56
Kera Awak
9
54
Amerplast
63
100%
75%
50%
25% 0%
Data source: EMIS & Krajowy
Rejestr Sądowy
20 m EUR
0 EUR 40 m EUR 60 m EUR
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