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Sir Nigel held up a hand and called the meeting to order. The audience fell silent, and Sir Nigel said, “Good morning, everyone. I understand there is a lot of speculation as to why you have been summoned to the U.K. today, and although I can’t reveal the answer as to why, there are a couple of things I can say. Firstly, it is not bad news, the speculation that we are about to be taken over is extremely wide of the mark. Secondly, our Group Managing Director, Dame Jinnie de Luca, will be explaining everything to you right now.”
Jinnie stood up and walked to the lectern on the raised dais and pressed a button on her laptop. The company logo on the room’s large screen dissolved and reformed into a slide saying, “The Company’s Future”. Jinnie smiled at the audience and said, “Good morning, and thank you all for coming at such short notice. As you can now see, the briefing today is to reveal to you all our strategic thinking on the future of TT SuperBurger. Well, the first thing I can tell you is that we have no intention of stopping anything you are currently planning to accomplish. For example, we will continue to expand the Aunty JoJo’s brand into all those areas we long planned, Canada, Latin America, and the U.K. SuperBurger, and we will continue to push into Florida, and we will continue to open new Ennios Hotels, dark kitchens, Trattoria Trevi and continental restaurants, and take Bearcat Catering contracts wherever the opportunity appears.”
“But as a group,” Jinnie continued, “it has become clear that we are growing fast, and this growth is almost completely funded internally within the group. Even so, the group’s divisions are all paying substantial dividends to the group, and the group has built up a large cash reserve. The question is what to do with this cash. We could, of course, pay out a special dividend, but not a single director is in favour of this course of action. We could sit on the cash pile and just let it grow, but that would almost certainly attract a takeover bid from an asset stripper. So, your directors have identified two regions we are proposing to invest in to generate even more and faster growth.”
“We will use group funds to set up the core infrastructure to enable divisions to move into these two regions. I’m sure you are asking where we are pushing you to expand into. Well, I’m certain that you have all identified the first region.” Jinnie hit the button again, and the display changed to a map of the West Coast of America. She continued, “As many of you will be aware, we have already dipped a toe into California, where Ennios Hotels have taken over a small group of three hotels. But with this purchase came a bonus, a winery in the Sonoma Valley. When Rick Earle and I flew out to have a look at these purchases, we realised that the winery was only cultivating a tiny amount of the massive acreage it owned.”
“We transferred the winery to TT Wineries, the group company that already has wineries in France and England, and we will be expanding California vines by nearly 900%. We have sunk several boreholes and now have more than enough water for irrigation and bottling. We have commissioned all the machinery and equipment to process the grapes, and we will have it all ready by the time the vines are mature in a few years.”
“The group has foreseen that now that a couple of divisions are active in California, others will follow, particularly if we supply core services such as a computer centre, HR, warehousing and distribution, and office space. So, if your division is thinking about California, please talk to Sir Nigel. Our Development Director will be looking after the expansion into the West Coast, and I can assure you that group funds will be available for all viable projects, and we will not interfere with your internally funded projects.”
“Moving on,” said Jinnie, hitting the button again and changing the screen to a map of Poland, “this is the second area we have identified, Poland.” This came as more of a surprise, and there was a rumble from the audience. “I hear expressions of surprise, so I’ll explain the thinking. At the moment, Poland is looking for investment from the free nations, and particularly the U.K. I understand that the U.K. government is fully behind this move. Poland has only recently driven the Germans out of about 95% of the country. An uneasy truce exists in the remainder, which is a corridor along the Polish border with Czechoslovakia into Ukraine, which Berlin is using to supply its forces fighting Russia in the east.”
“Poland has had little investment under German occupation. The Germans were only interested in what they could take, coal, timber, manpower, agriculture, and electricity from coal-fired power stations. Poland is a nation in a similar state to England when we ejected the Germans. We were flooded by American chains, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks, etc. As you are aware, despite our best efforts, they still coexist with us in the U.K. and make an excellent living. Your directors’ aim is to do to Poland what the Americans did to us, flood the country with our chains, SuperBurger, Aunty JoJo’s, Trattoria Trevi, Artisan Sandwiches, Ennios Hotels, Bearcat Catering, Artisan Donuts, Frank’s Original. You name it, we will back it.”
“At this very moment, Rick Earle is out in Poland, and he has already shaken hands on our first hotel in Gdańsk. Belinda and Andrew are on the first flight out in the morning to assess what work is necessary to turn it into an Ennios business offering. Belinda will also be looking at Polish companies capable of carrying out our refurbishments. Poland will soon be full of British companies eyeing infrastructure projects, building roads, railways, bridges, shopping centres, factories, and everything else you can think of.”
“I want to be there first with our outlets,” said Jinnie. “We have a few huge advantages over other groups. We have the Polish president as a friend. Not only does he have a love of the U.K. for training and supporting Free Polish forces, but he is my friend, and we have the internal funds available immediately. We don’t have to negotiate borrowing or government grants. Nigel is heading to Poland in the next few days to look at a computer centre, and I will be joining him to look for spaces to set up core infrastructure, as in California. Oh, I nearly forgot, if any of you want to tag along to start looking at setting up your division, you are welcome. Speak to me after this briefing.”
“Before I call for any questions, I have one last thing to tell you. It is something that I was only told I could make public just before the briefing started, and I will not be taking any questions on the subject. I must announce that our chairman has told me that he will officially be announcing his retirement from the company at the December board meeting. He wants his last official day to be his seventy-fifth birthday in February. All I can add to that is, Alberto, I will personally miss you greatly, and I would be forever grateful if you could make yourself available for the occasional bit of advice. Of course, you will be welcome in the office for a cup of Janet’s coffee and a chat, anytime. Now, are there any questions?”
***
As Jinnie drove back to Maple House, she said to her passengers, “Well, that went down a lot better than I expected. I thought I would have a load of questions as to why we are betting the company on Poland.” “I don’t think anyone at all asked that question,” said Belinda. “The announcement about Alberto took the wind out of everyone’s sails. They all wanted to ask who was lined up as his successor. I was collared by Sir Oliver Dawson over the buffet lunch, and it was the one thing he wanted to know. I think he was making a play for the job, but I had to tell him it came as a shock to me, and I didn’t know anything.”
Jinnie said, “That’s because only four people knew of Alberto’s plans. Alberto, me, and our nominee for the job of chairman.” “That’s only three,” said Brian. Jinnie chuckled and said, “Trust the numbers man to pick me up on that. The fourth person is obvious really, it’s Alberto’s wife.” “So, tell me, who will you be nominating?” asked Brian. Jinnie said, “I know I can trust you not to leak the information, but it’s obvious really. We both wanted the same person, and he has already agreed.” “If I was nominating someone for the job of group chairman, I would want someone whom the board knows and who has the expertise and gravitas,” said Brian. “I can only hope your nomination matches mine. I would have gone for Sir Nigel.” “And me,” said Belinda. “Well, that’s four votes for him,” said Jinnie. “Are you going to walk this election, Mr Chairman?” said Brian.
***
Jinnie looked around the BA business class cabin at all the TT SuperBurger management occupants and thought, “I hope nothing happens to this flight, it would be a disaster for the company.” Thank goodness travel had been alert to the problem and had spread the TT SuperBurger staff over five flights and three days. Jinnie said to Ro, who had the seat next to her, “I bet when Monica invited you on a ‘jolly’ back to England, you didn’t for a moment think you would be flying to Poland to investigate setting up a new chain of Aunty JoJo’s.”
“No, I didn’t,” said Ro. “I was looking forward to seeing you and the twins again, going to a Toby Carvery, having a giant roast dinner, and stocking up on Bisto gravy granules, Cadbury Fruit and Nut, and Colman’s Mustard. Jed has an order for Wagon Wheels, and I was looking forward to having a proper cider in a country pub. Mind you, that hotel we stayed in was good. If I was in charge, I would be talking to Rick about adding it to the chain.” “I mentioned it to Rick on the phone yesterday,” replied Jinnie, “and he said I was preaching to the converted.”
“I hadn’t been to Maple House before,” continued Ro, “and I was impressed. The computer room is enormous. I thought the one in Tampa was big, but it must be four times the size.” “And about to get bigger,” said Jinnie. “We are taking another floor, and all the executives will be moving in the New Year, with the IT department taking over the old floor, with the computer room growing to accommodate the planned expansions. We are already growing so fast, I was wondering about taking two floors. We were offered the ground floor, but it’s only about half the size of any other floor. I have been thinking that it would be ideal for HR and publicity. They have lots of visitors, and it would keep them separate from the main offices. If we did take it, I think we would have to implement a clear desk and clean whiteboard at night policy. People can see in through the ground floor windows.”
The seatbelt sign illuminated, and the head steward announced that they would be landing in ten minutes and that seats should be returned to the upright position, tables stowed, and seat backs fastened. When the plane came to a halt at the gate, Jinnie and Ro grabbed their travel bags from the overhead locker and were among the first across the airbridge and into arrivals.
The pair were quickly through immigration, baggage reclaim, and customs, and out into the arrivals hall, where, among the uniformed drivers holding up printed signs with names and companies on them, she spotted Simone waving furiously. Jinnie said to Ro, “Come with me,” and headed to Simone, who kissed her on the cheeks and said, “Hi, boss, the car is downstairs in the VIP parking. We are getting special treatment from the Polish government. They are anxious to do everything right. They have a huge job to do rebuilding the country, and British aid is very important.”
The car was a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Jinnie looked at it for a moment and said, “I remember when all the important German officials in Britain had a Mercedes.” Simone replied, “I understand that is where this one came from. It was the Governor General’s car and was one of many left behind when the Germans retreated. The Poles now have something like the British Government Car Service.”
The uniformed chauffeur put the bags in the boot and spoke to Simone in Polish. Simone answered, and the car eased out of the car park and into the traffic. Simone said, “The driver asked which hotel you are staying at, and I told him the Podewils in the Old Town, it is where Rick and I are staying.” “Is that the one he has shaken hands on?” asked Jinnie. “Oh no,” said Simone, “this is a small boutique hotel in the middle of the old town, with wonderful views over the river and a magnificent restaurant. We have spread the directors over half a dozen hotels, but we have saved the best for you.”
“The one he has shaken hands on is much bigger than this and needs a lot of work, hence the request for Belinda and Andrew. But this was a special hotel kept for high-ranking party officials. All the staff are fluent in German, so it should be easier for you. Very few Poles speak English, so I have organised a group of translators. However, like in Britain, they were teaching German in all the schools, and nearly all those under forty speak it as a second language.”
Simone continued, “Rick has been talking about creating a chain of boutique hotels, this and the West Park Lodge could be the first, but he says money could be a problem. He is pouring money into California and using company money to move into Poland.” Jinnie didn’t say anything, but she was busy thinking, “I wonder if he would be interested in a joint venture with De Luca Holdings.”
The car pulled up outside a lovely old building on a cobbled square close to the marina, and a doorman was instantly out to open the car’s rear door for Jinnie. Simone led them to reception and spoke to the pretty receptionist in Polish, who spoke to Jinnie in German, saying, “Good afternoon, Dame Jinnie. Please excuse me for speaking in German, I understand we have it as a common language. I do speak a little English, but only a little, and I am taking lessons.”
Jinnie replied in her fluent German, and the receptionist looked surprised. Jinnie added, “Like you Poles, we British had to learn German when we were occupied. Admittedly, we have been liberated a bit longer than you, but many Britons speak German.” “It was not that you knew German, Dame Jinnie,” said the receptionist, “but that I could easily have taken you for a German.” Jinnie just said, “I spent some time at university in Berlin before the war of liberation.” As she was handed a large, ornate brass room key, another Mercedes arrived, bringing Brian, Andrew, and Monica to check in.
A bellboy was called. Just before he arrived, a second receptionist appeared with an envelope addressed to “Dame Jinnie de Luca” and handed it to her. Slitting it open with her finger, Jinnie found a note from President Dobiecki inviting her to tea in the presidential residence that afternoon at four o’clock. The handwritten note said it was informal and that the President was looking forward to meeting her again. Simone explained that she, Rick, and Belinda had already been invited, and there were similar invitations for Brian, Monica, Ro, and Andrew.
Simone explained that they were the only TT SuperBurger executives staying at the Podewils Hotel, as it only had twelve rooms, and between them they were occupying half of them. She further explained that she had taken the liberty of booking them all into the hotel’s restaurant for dinner that evening, as it only seated twenty people and, because of its reputation for excellent food, was invariably full. If residents did not wish to make a reservation in the hotel’s restaurant, there was a waiting list from which it was rapidly filled.
***
Jinnie joined the other seven executives in reception just before 3:30 and headed out to the fleet of Mercedes waiting for them. The line of cars drove to the presidential residence on the outskirts of the city, where the armed guards checked the passports of the six against their list of visitors and ensured the photos matched the faces. Everyone, apart from Monica, had a U.K. passport, and these were quickly handed back, but Monica’s Bajan passport was put through a scanner before being cleared.
The small convoy halted outside what Jinnie thought looked like a country house, and there at the door stood a beaming President Dobiecki. The chauffeur was quickly out of the car and opened her door. Jinnie stepped out of the car and crunched over the gravel to the President, who first offered his hand before kissing her on both cheeks and saying, “Good afternoon, Jinnie, it’s lovely to meet you again in much nicer circumstances.” “Hello, Mr President,” replied Jinnie. “May I congratulate you on being promoted to General and becoming President?” “Thank you,” said President Dobiecki, “but please call me Thomaz. This meeting is informal, I just wanted to see you again and thank you for your help against the Germans. No one can confirm to me it was you, but my intelligence service assures me that the loss of that Berlin communications tower helped shorten our occupation.”
Thomaz led Jinnie and the others into the house, saying, “This is my temporary residence. The presidential palace in Warsaw was badly damaged in the city’s liberation, and it is being rebuilt. The Germans put up a bit of resistance in the capital, and a lot of buildings were wrecked. But once we pushed them out of the city centre, they crumbled, and resistance collapsed, as you saw. The fighting here in Gdańsk was very different. We had been secretly planning and training with your military for years. We had forces in rural Wales, Scotland, and North Yorkshire, and after their liberation, in southern France.”
Thomaz continued, “Before the invasion, we slipped special forces into the invasion area and linked up with the resistance, just as the SAS did in Italy, France, and Slovenia. It was not announced, but the British special forces were with us. It had to remain secret, as it would have been a breach of the ceasefire between the two countries. But on invasion day, the Germans were effectively blinded. We took out their radar, both marine and ground-based early warning. As you know, they do not have spy satellites. We knocked out the microwave towers and radio transmitters, and we blew up telephone exchanges. They just did not know we were coming.”
“Then we grabbed Gdańsk and Gdynia and poured troops and armour ashore so fast the Germans did not know what was happening to them and were blind to what had hit them and where,” said Thomaz. “We held Gdańsk and Gdynia by the first afternoon and had linked them by the next morning. We pushed armour west, south, and east, and the Germans folded. The only place the Germans put up any real resistance was Warsaw, we just rolled over them everywhere else. We had superior training, superior equipment, and motivation. So, the administration of Free Poland started here, as it was mostly undamaged and the centre we were radiating out from. This property was the residence of a regional governor.”
“That’s all fascinating stuff,” said Jinnie, “but we are here to help you recover and return to the standards of the free world.” “Yes, and I appreciate it,” said Thomaz, “but we have so much we need before luxury restaurants like Trattoria Trevi. We need to rebuild so much infrastructure, railways, roads, bridges. We need to build factories, refineries, chemical works, cars, and ships. We need to grow and process food. We have so much to do, my head spins.”
“Well,” said Jinnie, “we can’t help you build factories, but I know that in a couple of weeks Rolls-Royce has a team coming over to talk about building a fleet of small modular reactors. In the short term, where are their people going to stay during discussions? I want it to be in an Ennios Hotel. The same applies to the people who come from Babcock to talk about building those warships your PM is loaning you the money to build. Then there is INEOS to talk about refineries, chemicals, polymers, and even oil and gas exploration. Over the coming years, you will have a stream of people talking to you, and they will all need somewhere to stay.”
Jinnie continued, “Then their construction executives will need accommodation, they won’t want to be in the construction camps the workers are in. And who will feed these armies of workers while they build a cluster of SMRs over seven years? I want it to be our contract catering division. The same applies to the shipyards and refineries. Then we will be employing thousands and thousands of your people in hotels, catering, refineries, and so on, and those people will have money in their pockets. I want them and all the other workers in the supply chain to be able to enjoy a meal in an Aunty JoJo’s Chicken Shack, or a SuperBurger joint, which is owned by Poles under a franchise, so they become rich and employ more Poles.”
“When the people of Gdańsk and Gdynia have money, where do they go on holiday? Hel Beach, of course,” added Jinnie. “I want Ennios tourist hotels on the peninsula for them to stay in, and more Aunty JoJo’s and SuperBurgers to eat in. And maybe they eat at a mid-range Polish restaurant. There isn’t a chain yet, but it can happen very quickly. Think how we could offer pierogi, bigos, kotlet schabowy, kielbasa, żurek, śledź, pączki, and sernik, all traditional dishes. I bet if I set up a chain of franchise restaurants, let’s call them something homely like ‘Mamuhska’, they would fly. Then all of that needs infrastructure, we would need suppliers, warehouses, a distribution network, offices and office staff, and a computer centre. And I haven’t even started on our own vineyards or even ice cream yet.”
“My, you have been thinking this through,” said Thomaz. “It sort of interlocks with the plans I discussed with your PM for infrastructure, but goes further. It addresses some of the gaps that were in our main plan. But it looks like you had inside knowledge of our plans to come up with such a vision.” “I keep my ear to the ground,” replied Jinnie. “I have an ex-PM on my board who is a close friend of the current PM. I have a Polish friend, Jan, and his wife, Simone. I would be lying if I said we hadn’t spent time together hatching this plan.”
“Well, I love it,” said Thomaz. “You have my backing to put it into action. I will do everything I possibly can to help. To start with, I will ensure that the Rolls-Royce delegation stays in your Ennios Hotel in Gdańsk.” “But we have only shaken hands on the hotel purchase,” replied Jinnie. “No, I think you will find that Rick signed the contract this afternoon, and the refurbishment starts tomorrow, and the contractor will be working three eight-hour shifts, seven days a week. Rick tells me the plan is to keep the hotel open the whole time and do the work in stages. When the Rolls-Royce delegation arrives in three weeks, stages one and two will be complete, and there will be sufficient decent accommodation for them. One last thing, if you ever go ahead with Mamuhska, please come to me first, I want to own some franchises. They will make money.”
Chapter 31, New Businesses Emerge
© WorthingGooner 2026
