Bank Goes from Pole to Polish

Bank Goes from Pole to Polish

Country:
UK

Source:
Opportunity Knocks
Peter Day
BBC-Radio 4
In Business (podcast) 11 May 2006
British Broadcasting Corporation © 2002-2005
Podcast Link
Web Page

Story:
Local Barclays Bank branch has had growth of 60 – 80% by attracting Polish clients living in London. It started when the branch recruited a Polish member of staff who attracted business though word of mouth. Polish clients found it convenient dealing in their own language.

The bank is now embarked on a recruitment drive for Polish employees. The bank expects to attract 2,000 Polish businesses from the catchment area.

Facts:
- local branch business growth of 60 – 80%.
- the bank has 10 Polish employees working in the area and recruiting more.
- estimated Polish settlers in the UK in 2005 is 132,000.
- estimated Polish settlers since opening borders 350,000 – 750,000.

Language Issues:
- Polish employees can communicate in both English and Polish. So, in a way, the bank is recruiting language efficient employees with the necessary professional skills already in place.
- it seems that a certain critical mass is required in business to make any investment in languages worth while.

Comments:
- a seamless integration of language skills and professional skills is probably necessary to maintain any competitive edge. Presumably, the competition is watching and would want part of the action.

Bottom-Line:
Are there cultural requirements which clients expect from the bank?