Successful Ukrainian businesses in Poland and the UK

Since the start of the war in several parts of Ukraine in 2014 and then the full-scale invasion by the russians in 2022, the Ukrainian economy has suffered enormous disruptions and damages. Despite the turmoil, Ukrainian businesses have shown remarkable resilience. Many companies started exporting or opened offices in geographically and culturally close Poland. Some enterprises extended far beyond into other European Union countries, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We selected some success stories of Ukrainian businesses of different sizes that have not only survived the crisis over the years but are also thriving in foreign markets.

Piana Vyshnia: Distinctive Taste From Ukraine

Piana Vyshnia is more than just a brand; it’s a taste of old Lviv, steeped in tradition and history. This beloved cherry liqueur has been integral to Lviv culture for generations. Every household in Lviv once crafted its own version of this liqueur. Today, Piana Vyshnia continues this legacy, offering a drink that is easy to enjoy and quickly brings a warm buzz. Moderately sweet and infused with the finest cognac spirit and cherries, it’s the perfect companion for gatherings.

Piana Vyshnia has expanded far beyond Lviv, with 39 cities across nine countries, Poland being a particularly successful market. In cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław, it has become a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike, who are drawn to its cosy atmosphere and unique product offering. The bar serves only one drink, its cherry liqueur. The bar’s decor usually features a unique ceiling covered with liqueur bottles. The company has maintained the authentic taste of its liqueur by continuing production in Ukraine and shipping it abroad.

This year, the first UK Piana Vyshnia bar was opened in London; however, it closed due to licensing issues. It was the brand’s 63rd location and 24th outside Ukraine, with more plans for future growth.

Lviv Croissants: From a Simple Idea to International Success

Over the past nine years, Lviv Croissants has grown from a small bakery into a national franchise network, offering a wide range of freshly baked large croissants with various fillings. The idea for the business came about during a food-tasting session when a mishap in the baking process led to the creation of unusually large and delicious croissants.

Breaking the traditional idea of croissants as sweet breakfast pastries, they created the first signature sandwich croissant, “Lvivsky,” filled with salami, eggs, cheese, fresh vegetables, and lettuce. This bold move set the foundation for Lviv Croissants, which quickly became known for its innovative flavours, such as herring with mozzarella and pork with onions and pickles.

Lviv Croissants expanded internationally in 2022, opening four bakeries in Poland, and in 2024, they opened their first locations in Slovakia and the United States. Today, the company operates over 178 bakeries in Ukraine, 11 in Poland, one in Slovakia, and one in the United States.

Lviv Croissants offers a diverse menu of both savoury and sweet croissants, allowing customers to create their own combinations from a range of fillings. The company is also committed to staying ahead of trends, recently opening a bakery with charging stations for electric cars.

With further plans for growth, Lviv Croissants continues to build its presence, demonstrating that Ukrainian businesses can successfully cross borders and find new markets.

Nova Post: Connecting Ukraine with the World

Nova Post, Ukraine’s leading postal and logistics company, has taken bold steps to establish a presence in Europe and beyond. With its operations disrupted by the war, the company pivoted to serve both Ukrainians abroad and international customers. In 2022, Nova Post opened its first branch in Warsaw, followed by rapid expansion across Poland, with 19 operational locations.

Expanding even further, Nova Global, the international arm of Nova Post, offers global services that facilitate easy export and import in 213 countries worldwide. Nova Global operates successfully globally with offices in major cities like New York, Toronto, London, Kyiv, and Warsaw. This global reach connects Ukraine with the world, ensuring that individuals and businesses can continue sending and receiving parcels internationally.

Nova Post’s strategy focuses on connecting Ukraine with the global market, providing vital services for those separated by conflict. Nova Post also aims to develop its cargo airline, Supernova Airlines, to facilitate faster and more efficient logistics between Europe and Ukraine.

UBWIS Club: Empowering Ukrainian Women Entrepreneurs in Scotland

Another inspiring example of Ukrainian entrepreneurship abroad is Anna Andriievska, the founder of the UBWIS Club (Ukrainian Business Women in Scotland Club). Since 2022, Anna has been dedicated to creating a space where Ukrainian women entrepreneurs in Scotland can grow their businesses, receive support, and share experiences.

In just two years, UBWIS Club has organised over 150 events, including business meetings, cultural events, networking sessions, and online workshops. Through a strategic approach, the club has become a hub for exchanging experiences, developing partnerships, and supporting women’s leadership.

Anna’s efforts in growing UBWIS Club were recognised when she received the prestigious Women Visa Payoneer Awards 2024 in London. In the same year, UBWIS Club was featured in local newspapers and on Scotland’s main television channel, STV News. The club is now expanding with new branches in England, and Anna remains open to new ideas and passionate about helping others achieve success.

In addition to her work with UBWIS Club, Anna runs a small candle-making business, Anna Candles, and a charitable project, Ukrainian Candles for Charity. She is also a facilitator and mentor for Ukrainian refugee entrepreneurs in the UK’s TERN programme and is actively involved in several Scottish business organisations—all while being a mother.

Anna believes that the unstoppable drive of women can inspire others to be brave, strong, and successful on their own journeys.

Translators Family: Facilitating Global Communication

Global expansion is an opportunity not only for medium or large businesses. Small businesses like Translators Family are examples of successful Ukrainian entrepreneurship that not only grows internationally but also helps other businesses to go global.

Translators Family began its journey in Ukraine in 2006 when a freelance translator organised a team of linguists to support international clients with Ukrainian localisation. The team quickly grew into a reputable translation agency. In 2015, the company opened its office in Poland, and added Polish as one of its main languages.

As demand for its services grew, Translators Family expanded its language offerings and services, completing numerous multilingual projects. In 2022, the company opened a representative office in the UK, further solidifying its presence in Europe. Today, Translators Family offers services in over 50 languages with its teams of native speakers in 30 countries.

Translators Family’s mission is to facilitate cross-cultural communication by providing expertise and multilingual solutions. The company’s clients include prominent organisations such as the European Parliament, the United Nations, and companies like BorgWarner and Havas. With a team of professionals from the UK, Poland, Ukraine, and beyond, Translators Family continues to empower businesses and organisations worldwide to communicate effectively and expand into new markets.

Resilience and Growth

These stories are just several examples of the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Ukrainian businesses and communities. Despite the adversity brought on by war, many companies and organisations have successfully expanded into new markets, bringing Ukraine’s taste and level of service to Poland, the UK, and beyond. Poland and the UK, in particular, have become thriving hubs for these businesses, offering them the opportunity to not only survive but flourish. As these ventures continue to grow and adapt, they pave the way for more Ukrainian enterprises to follow suit, further strengthening the ties between Ukraine and the global market.