Enjoy the country and make money!

Chris Garlick came to Logica in 1988 from Cellnet, the British mobile operator. He served several years as financial controller for ther UK company and since 1999 has been financial director in the Czech Republic. As he represents an ideal combination of a British manager having many years experience living in the Czech Republic, and as his position at Logica also corresponds to the sector focus on business support services in this first volume of our magazine, we asked him for a brief interview.

The first and most obvious question: Could you reveal to us the main reasons Logica decided to locate one of its branches in the Czech Republic of all places?

We came to the Cyech Republic in 1995 and followed this up with a large acquisition in 1999. We saw a country with good potential, able staff, central to serve our Western European and potential East European customers.

In your opinion, what makes our country so attractive for FDI in general?

In general the country is still attractive for these reasons. In addition the grants, future reductions in company taxation, the need to service both Czech and increasingly foreign owned business should encourage more FDI. Is is also remarkable that Czech telecommunications infrastructure is excellent.

At present, what would you change or improve in order for the Czech Republic to become even more investment friendly?

The Health and Social Security payment for employers are 35% and for employees 12%. There is no cap on these amounts and employment of more senior staff is expensive. Registering companies should be made easier and quicker. Resorting to litigation is often not an option because of the uncertainty and length of time it takes to get judgement.

As for the forthcoming EU enlargement, what will be the major change(s), in terms of the CR’s investment climate, to be anticipated on the occasion of the 1st of May?

I think that there will be little change because the laws generally have already been changed to reflect EU norms. The ease of getting work permits and visas for citizens of certain EU countries will improve the climate. Paying dividends to other EU countries will be easier after accession.

What do you think about the offshoring trend?

Nearshore outsourcing is still attractive to a number of organisations. They have decided to have outsourcing facilities geographically close and in the same time zone. This trend will continue and be helped by EU accession.

What is your impression of dealing with the agency CzechInvest?

Professional, helpful, supportive and motivated to making investment in the Czech Republic easier.

Does your company use any Czech suppliers? If yes, which ones and what would you tell us about their services? In addition, who are the most significant customers of your company?

Yes, we use Czech suppliers. We import nothing directly although some of our computer hardware has only been assembled here. The general level of service and quality is now equal or better than in Western Europe.

What do you find interesting about Czech people and culture?

The atmosphere can be described as Bohemian by the British. So, people have fun without always following the rules. People have been friendly to me particularly in the countryside.

Do you find that Czech and British people have any things in common?

We have a common sense of humour with perhaps the Czech ’s being more black than the English but less than the Norwegians.

Have you found a good home in the Czech Republic?  Do you have anything favourite (cuisine, music, films,…whatever) that is specifically Czech?

I enjoy living in Prague 6. It took me a year to acclimatise to the food but now I really enjoy the fried chicken with blue cheese. A colleague who worked in Paris believes that the quality of the food in Prague is much better. And I like Czech country music.

Have you taken a fancy to any cities, regions, sights or other Czech jewels which you could recommend visiting?

My favourite place is Český Krumlov followed by Karlovy Vary.

What message would you leave to potential British investors about our country?

Enjoy the country and make money!

 

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND WILLINGNESS TO ANSWER OUR QUESTIONS.

 Czech Focus, květen 2004