Every entrepreneur has a story worth telling. For Maciej Klinowski, Chartered Safety Professional and founder of Practipol, that story began with a suitcase, £200 in his pocket, and an open mind about what the future in the UK could bring.
Fast forward ten years and Maciej is one of the most recognised Polish-speaking health and safety professionals in the UK, running a thriving consultancy that combines deep expertise with a very human touch. His journey, shared recently on The Polish Business Podcast hosted by Bart Kowalczyk, is a masterclass in resilience, learning, and building a business with purpose.
From Immigrant Worker to Professional Expert
Like many Polish immigrants, Maciej’s early days in London were far from glamorous. He took on basic jobs, worked long hours, and gradually moved into management roles. But something was missing.
The turning point came almost by chance:
“One day there was a need for someone to step into a health and safety project. I thought, why not? I never looked back.”
That moment of saying yes to opportunity sparked a career shift that would change everything.
Health and Safety with Heart
For Maciej, health and safety isn’t just compliance, paperwork, or “red tape.” It’s about people.
“If you’re in health and safety only for the money, it will be very dry. Like doctors or firefighters, you need to do it from the heart.”
This perspective quickly set him apart. His bilingual consultancy, Practipol, offers practical, tailored solutions for businesses—helping leaders move beyond “tick-box exercises” to create safer, more resilient organisations.
Founding Practipol: Lessons in Growth
In 2015, Maciej took another leap: founding his own consultancy. His first steps as a self-employed consultant coincided with attending his first Polish Business Link networking event—a fitting beginning for someone who values community as much as expertise.
But the road wasn’t always smooth.
“I’m a perfectionist. That can be both a strength and a challenge. The past 10 years have been as much about personal growth as business growth.”
One of his biggest lessons? Learning to trust and delegate, moving beyond the belief that “nobody can do it as well as me.”
Changing Perceptions: From “Necessary Evil” to Business Advantage
Many small business owners see health and safety as a burden. Maciej sees it differently—and works tirelessly to change that perception.
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Morally: Every employer has a duty of care to their people.
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Legally: UK directors can face serious consequences for negligence.
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Financially: Poor safety can invalidate insurance and cause devastating costs.
For Maciej, education is key. Through conferences, research, and hands-on consultancy, he helps businesses see health and safety as a strategic advantage, not just a legal requirement.
A Polish Perspective on Business
Being Polish in the UK business world brings both strengths and challenges.
“We’re known for hard work, determination, and adaptability. But I’ve also battled imposter syndrome—working twice as hard to prove myself. That experience shaped how I treat others: always with respect and fairness.”
This cultural background has become part of Practipol’s DNA: practical, people-first, and resilient.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Safety
Health and safety is constantly evolving. Maciej highlights big shifts shaping the UK landscape:
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Remote and hybrid work reshaping workplace risks.
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Mental health and wellbeing becoming central to safety culture.
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Generational differences changing employee expectations.
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New legislation like Martyn’s Law adding responsibilities for event organizers.
“It’s a dynamic field. We must always stay on our toes, learning and adapting.”
Advice for Fellow Entrepreneurs
As Practipol celebrates 10 years, Maciej leaves listeners with timeless advice:
“Understand what truly drives you. Entrepreneurship is an adventure—it’s about fulfillment, not just income. And don’t avoid risk. Learn to navigate it, manage it, and make it your friend.”
Learn More
Maciej continues to grow Practipol as a trusted consultancy helping UK businesses manage health and safety practically and effectively.
🔗 Explore his work at practipol.com
🔗 Connect with Maciej on LinkedIn
