Entrepreneurship amongst Polish migrants in the West Midlands, United Kingdom

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Harris, Catherine (2012). Entrepreneurship amongst Polish migrants in the West Midlands, United Kingdom. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Many studies have focused on ethnic entrepreneurship and Polish migration to the UK, but very little is known about Polish immigrant enterprises and established businesses in Western Europe in the post EU enlargement era. This thesis addresses this gap and contributes to the debate about Polish entrepreneurs by examining the trajectories of Polish immigrant entrepreneurs starting their own business in the West Midlands region of the UK. This research is based on the results of forty-eight in depth interviews with Polish entrepreneurs in the West Midlands, who migrated around the time of EU enlargement in May 2004.
The analysis concludes that Polish entrepreneurs in the West Midlands made carefully constructed decisions regarding the timing of their migration in order to establish successful businesses. This is achieved through the use of translocal relationships, which become increasingly localised by adopting business adaptation strategies. There are some notable differences in the experiences of pre-accession and post-accession entrepreneurs. Since the research highlights the local element of Polish entrepreneurs in the UK, it provides the foundation for research into the local lives of these entrepreneurs in Poland, before they migrated to the UK.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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