Keeping an eye on Poznań. Business summary of the year
Poznań, one of Poland's most dynamically developing cities, has become a strategic centre for investment, business and scientific development. Thanks to the systematic efforts of the city authorities, the capital of Wielkopolska has gained recognition among investors, creating an attractive space for new projects even in times of global economic uncertainty. Many years of investment in infrastructure, a business-friendly environment and well-developed educational facilities provide a strong foundation for further development. Let's take a look at how 2024 went in Poznań!
New investments in Poznań
The year 2024 brought to Poznań several new investors and further development of companies already present in the local market. The modern services sector recorded steady growth, with the number of people working in the sector exceeding 30,000. Among the largest investments in the city for last year were global brands such as VML, BPX, and Teleperformance.
Merged with Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R, global agency VML was established in early 2024 as one of the largest marketing agencies in the world, with more than 800 employees in Poland. In its new office in Poznań, VML delivers advanced projects in the areas of brand experience, customer experience and commerce for clients such as Ford, Unilever, GSK and Shell. VML also supports the development of a local technology talent pool, attracting IT professionals and strengthening business relationships through transparent management and high working culture.
BPX is one of the leading providers of ERP solutions and implementation services for management systems. BPX's new office in Poznań, located in the city centre, creates a friendly working environment and fosters collaboration with local partners. The company has a long-standing commitment to CSR and sustainable business practices. Further specialist recruitments are planned to support dynamic growth and meet the expectations of customers in Poland and internationally. The Poznań branch is key to increasing the company's reach in the modern business services sector.
Teleperformance, a leader in outsourcing and customer experience management, has also entered the local market. Teleperformance has expanded its operations in Poznań through the acquisition of Majorel. As a result, the company offers extensive customer service, digital marketing and data management solutions, strengthening its presence in the Polish market and attracting more brands. Teleperformance implements state-of-the-art technology and employee training to provide the highest level of service and maintain its leading position in the outsourcing industry.
Among new infrastructure investments, Raben Polska is the one worth mentioning. The company has opened a 44,000 sq m warehouse in Poznań, the largest facility of its kind in Poland. Cooperation with Mars Wrigley on this investment is an important step towards a sustainable supply chain and decarbonisation.
Volkswagen has decided to further invest in the Poznań Development Department with plans to double the number of engineers and constructors. This is of key importance for the local economy and the growth of technological competence in the region.
Rich investment offer
Poznań actively promoted its investment offer during international real estate fairs such as EXPO REAL in Munich and MIPIM in Cannes. The fair presented a wide range of offers aimed at both private investors and institutions. The city focused on a variety of proposals, including office, industrial and logistics space and service centres. The offer also included land for future investment in developing areas.
One of the key strengths of Poznań's offer is its investor-friendly environment, which includes administrative support and local partnerships to facilitate the project implementation process. The city actively cooperates with the private and public sectors and provides potential investors with an extensive catalogue of services, including advice and information on infrastructure and available land.
Poznań CityLab and innovative solutions
Moving with the times, Poznań is not afraid to bet on innovation and forward-looking solutions. We are talking about the Smart City unit and the Poznań CityLab initiative, which are making a significant contribution to improving the quality of life for residents and developing innovative urban technologies.
Poznań CityLab is an initiative resulting from the evolution of the Smart City Poznań idea. It includes projects such as smart benches with USB chargers and solar panels, which provide residents not only with convenience but also access to green energy sources. CityLab also supports mobile applications that facilitate the daily communication of residents with the city authorities, for example by reporting needs or failures in the city infrastructure. The project also aims to engage local startups and technology companies, which can propose and test their innovative solutions in urban spaces
Through access to cutting-edge technology and data, CityLab makes it possible not only to test new solutions but also to promote Poznań as an innovative and business-friendly centre that invests in sustainable development and the future of urban communities. All on the road to a better, modern metropolis.
Best city to live and do business in
The past year has brought Poznań many successes in prestigious rankings both on the European and national stage, strengthening its position as a dynamic and business-friendly city.
Poznań has been recognised as the most dynamically developing city in Poland according to the CEE Business Services Summit & Awards ranking. This is an important distinction in the business services sector for Central and Eastern Europe. The ranking evaluates cities in terms of the rate of development of new investments, innovative projects and the support they offer to companies in the modern services sector. In the case of Poznań, its effectiveness in attracting international investors and creating a friendly environment for outsourcing and shared service centres was singled out above all.
In the business category, Poznań can also be proud of the title of 'City of the Year' from EuropaProperty. This prestigious award was granted for the city's exceptional achievements in attracting investment and supporting economic development. The jury assessed above all the intensive development of the modern business services sector, the dynamics of the real estate market and the numerous infrastructure projects implemented by the capital of Wielkopolska.
Poznań has also climbed twice on the podium of the ranking of the best cities to live in Poland according to Business Insider Polska, returning to last year's first place. The ranking takes into account six key indicators that have a direct impact on residents' quality of life. These are the employment rate, safety, infrastructure, quality of education, level of city services and access to public healthcare. Poznań proved to be the leader in the category of low unemployment, which demonstrates economic stability and attractive labour market conditions.
Most deserving of Poznań's business community
The symbolic closing of the year was the traditional presentation of awards from the Investor Relations Department to particularly deserving individuals and companies. The honoured group included: the SOFTSWISS for its special activity in the area of CSR; ROCKWOOL GBS branch for its continuous, systematic development; Garvest company for the highest quality in co-creating the landscape of Poznań; Beyond.pl company for the creation in Poznań of low-carbon and traffic-neutral data centres that serve global customers and provide an innovative global showcase.. Awards were also given to Alicja Wybicka (Sennheiser) and Michał Mikucki (Capgemini) for promoting Poznań's economic potential, and Dariusz Stasik (WPIP Group) for innovative and pro-ecological solutions.
The future in Poznań
The city is continually developing its infrastructure. The near completion of projects to revitalise the city centre has given Poznań's landmarks a new flair that attracts tourists' attention. Meanwhile, the new Berdychowskie Bridges have linked the banks of the Warta River. This is a key element in revitalising the riverside area, fostering the integration of recreational space into the city centre.
Despite global economic challenges, the past year has shown that Poznań is not only not slowing down, but is consistently building its position as one of the key cities in Central and Eastern Europe. Stability, a diverse investment offer and a friendly business environment attract successive companies' attention, which are investing here. Each new project is not only a boost for the local economy, but also a confirmation that the city's development strategy, which will soon be updated, is having the desired effect.
Poznań is entering 2025 ambitiously, ready for further challenges and successes that will strengthen its position as a city of the future.