The vast majority of SME mold owners – 95% – believe that the war in Ukraine has or will have an impact on the Polish economy. 61% believe that the conflict will have negative consequences for the Polish economy, according to the “Business and Ukraine” study commissioned by the National Debt Register (KRD). In turn, 70% of entrepreneurs believe that Poles will have a significant share in the reconstruction of Ukraine after the end of the war.
Among the negative factors, entrepreneurs mention primarily: an increase in the prices of energy (electricity, gas, fuel) – 75.8%, an increase in the prices of raw materials, semi-finished products or products – 71.4%, as well as an increase in inflation (65.7%) or an increase in interest rates. percentages (55%). Almost every second respondent (48.8%) estimates that the financial situation of companies will deteriorate as a result of the war, and almost every third (31.2%) points out that planned investments will be abandoned, it was reported.
At the same time, 8% of companies see positive consequences for the Polish economy, and over a quarter of respondents claim that the effects can be both good and bad (26%). The larger the company, the more opportunities it is able to perceive, and every twentieth entrepreneur was unable to provide any answer. In turn, 31% of entrepreneurs are unable to answer the question about the impact of the war on their own business.
“When analyzing the impact of the conflict on their own business, fewer companies indicate negative consequences for their businesses (38%). The most positive factors are mentioned by entrepreneurs from Mazovia (15%) and the trade industry (15%). They see the advantages in the increase in consumption caused by the inflow of people from Ukraine and in the increased demand for products for women and children (both indications above 50%). In turn, the most negative impact on their business is felt by micro-companies from the south-western region (Dolnośląskie, Opolskie) and the construction industry (56%). the consequences are, in their opinion: an increase in inflation (99%) and an increase in energy prices (73.5%), “the press release reads.
To minimize the negative impact of the war on the company, their owners intend to take specific steps: reduce expenses (43.6%) and increase the prices of products and services (42.9%), as well as look for new markets (28.5%) or new markets. suppliers (27%). Every fifth plans to increase the effectiveness of recovering debts from contractors (20.5%), and every sixth will benefit from external financial support such as credit, factoring or a loan (17.8%), it was underlined.
“In its study, the National Debt Register also asked entrepreneurs whether in their opinion Polish companies will have a significant share in the reconstruction of Ukraine after the end of the war. Nearly 70% of them believe that this will be the case. , flows from transport companies (96.7%) and production companies (91.1%). The least, surprisingly, from construction companies (43.8%). Pomorskie, Pomorskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie) – 80.9%, and the most pessimists in the eastern region (Lubelskie, Podkarpackie, Podlaskie), where 29.1% had a different opinion “- finished.
The nationwide survey “Business and Ukraine” commissioned by the KRD in March 2022 by TGM Research on a group of 320 companies from the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise sector, using the CAWI method.
