Ukrainian Entrepreneurs launching business in the UK. With the Homes for Ukraine program bringing nearly 160,000 Ukrainians to the United Kingdom, a wave of entrepreneurial spirit has emerged. Ukrainian migrants have proven adept at establishing and managing successful businesses, highlighting their resilience and flexibility.
Successful Ukrainian Entrepreneurs
The journey of Alex and Ivanna Malik to the Berkshire village, spanning five countries, symbolizes the determination of Ukrainian migrants. With their car loaded with belongings and two children, they crossed Moldova. After – Romania, and briefly halted in Germany, optimistic about the war’s brevity. A British volunteer they connected with on Facebook played a crucial role in helping them find shelter in the United Kingdom.
While Alex struggles with English proficiency, Ivanna’s fluency underscores the significance of language skills for their prospects in the UK. The Malik family has founded RepairServiceUK, their own IT business, with a solid client base. Joining them, more than 157,000 Ukrainian migrants under the Homes for Ukraine program enjoy immediate work rights upon arrival, setting them apart from typical refugees.
In Mykolaiv, Ukraine, Alex Malik previously managed a substantial IT business with 20,000 clients. Launching a new business in the UK proved to be a formidable challenge for the family. Despite facing rejection from job centers for small assistance like printing business materials, they received support from random individuals. RepairServiceUK is rapidly gaining traction through strategic advertising in their village.
The emotional toll of clients back in Ukraine facing adversity weighs heavily on the couple. Despite these challenges, they remain focused on their present work and life.
Not all Ukrainian migrants in the UK experience the same success as the Malik family. Some, like their friend, who was a company director in Ukraine, now work as an economist in a London hotel due to language barriers. A survey by the National Statistical Office in November revealed that 65% of working adults found jobs in different sectors, with half citing language barriers as a hurdle in employment.
Ukrainians in London
Natalia Gorbenko, who moved from Kyiv to London last year, aims to contribute to Ukraine’s economic growth. With a background as a logistics manager, she established a logistics firm in the UK, exploring the import of Ukrainian products such as sunflower oil, bakery goods, and furniture. Passionate about design and clothing, Gorbenko also started a fashion business, collaborating with a film producer to create a documentary showcasing Ukrainian entrepreneurs as bold, resilient individuals speaking passionately about their ventures.