Archive: the Polish article was published on 31 December 2024 and describes a discussion connected with Forbes Diamonds 2024.

Piotr Engelbrecht at the Forbes debate The editorial offices of Forbes Polska hosted a debate on the condition of Polish companies and the challenges facing business over the next decade. The meeting preceded the regional events associated with the 2024 Forbes Diamonds ranking, which included more than 16,000 of Poland’s fastest-growing companies.

The discussion was led by Forbes Polska editor-in-chief Paweł Zielewski. Participants represented different sectors of the economy: Piotr Engelbrecht, CEO of SteelProfil; Marcin Kościński, Managing Director of Business Banking at ING Bank Śląski; Marcin Tadeusiak, President of JT S.A.; Jacek Kostrzewa, President of 21 Stopni ADD; and Krzysztof Ogorzałek, Vice-President of JMK Computerate.

They discussed the resilience of Polish companies through successive crises, declining investment relative to GDP and barriers to entrepreneurship, including regulatory instability and growing administrative burdens. They also noted signs of a gradual investment recovery and opportunities arising from Poland’s geopolitical position and changes in global supply chains.

An important theme was the role of entrepreneurs in shaping the economy. In the view of Piotr Engelbrecht, business success had sometimes been undervalued in society in recent years, while ambition and development should be recognised as strengths of the economy. He also highlighted the advantages of Polish companies: a large domestic market, hard-working teams, growth ambitions and the ability to innovate despite limited access to capital.

Piotr Engelbrecht noted that the Forbes Diamonds ranking is more than a list of financial results. It also recognises long-term growth strategies and the stability of companies operating in competitive markets. In his assessment, Polish businesses remain attractive partners for foreign capital, which may play an important role in financing further development.

The discussion repeatedly emphasised innovation, digital transformation and investment in employees’ skills. Participants agreed that the years ahead would require flexibility, decisive action and the ability to anticipate market changes rather than merely respond to them.

The meeting at the Forbes editorial offices introduced the programme of Forbes Diamonds 2024 galas planned in twelve Polish cities. Their purpose was to present companies distinguished by dynamic development and create a forum for discussing the future of the Polish economy in a changing economic and regulatory environment.