British Polish Chamber of Commerce

In the new year, it's a BPCC tradition to invite a panel of CEOs to discuss prospects for the year ahead for business in Poland. This year – the BPCC’s 30th anniversary – will be no exception. Like last year, the event will be held online; this year's expert panel consists of PwC's chief economic advisor and four CEOs representing different business sectors. Join us, then, to hear how the Polish economy is expected to fare in terms of new investments, prospects for key macroeconomic indicators, green transformation, recovery from the pandemic and its aftermath, and how foreign perceptions of the Polish government may be swaying investment decisions.

Despite the pandemic triumph of e-commerce, customers are not giving up on shopping in brick-and-mortar shops. Brands wanting to benefit from the synergy of these channels implement innovative formats and compete for customers' attention with technology and environmentally friendly products. However, retail parks and convenience centres[1] continue to enjoy popularity among investors and developers.

An increasing number of value-add investment opportunities will emerge in 2022, said Savills, as decarbonising buildings and ESG-requirements create redevelopment opportunities across Europe.

ESG (Environmental, Social, Corporate Governance) was undoubtedly one of the most discussed topics in 2021. We observe the growing expectations regarding ESG from regulators, investors, financiers and business partners. Every market player should be aware of how to prepare the business for the ESG era - join us for the webinar. Free on-line seminar: 19 January 2022, 11:00 - 12:00

Dr. Christian Schnell, a dual-qualified lawyer in Poland (radca prawny) and Germany (Rechtsanwalt), has joined Dentons as a partner in the Energy and Natural Resources practice.  Based in Warsaw, he will also practice in the Munich office. He joins together with his team, including Piotr Dziwniel (counsel), Olga Wasilewska (senior associate) and Ewa Gołąbek (associate).

Dentons advised PKO Bank Polski on a financing granted to VSB Group for the construction of an onshore Baranów–Rychtal wind farm in southern Poland, with a total capacity of 42.6 MW. Construction of the project – consisting of 11 wind turbines – started in November 2021. The turbines are scheduled to go online in 2023.

Castorama, Poland's largest chain of Home Improvement stores, selling construction and finishing products online and in 90 brick and mortar stores across the country, has chosen a modern logistics facility at 7R Park Łódź East I. The total area that the tenant will occupy is more than 36,000 sqm. In the lease process Castorama was advised by JLL.

11 January 2022 Toyota UK last week announced a scheme to take back used cars and put them through its factory to “add value to vehicles throughout their life cycles”. The scheme is intended mainly for the fleet market, where high mileages and over-supply have typically hurt resale prices.  

Global law firm Dentons advised EBRD, DNB Bank ASA and EKF, Denmark’s Export Credit Agency, in relation to financing granted to Polish subsidiaries of DIF Capital Partners for the acquisition, development and operation of Grajewo and Sulmierzyce wind farms located in Poland with a total capacity of 63.1 MW. EBRD’s share in the financing totals PLN 175 million (€38.9 million) and is matched 50-50 by DNB, with EKF providing guarantee for 70 percent of the long term loan granted by the bank.