Author: Spanish Chamber

Blog post written by Chamber Member, Brandlond.

At brandlond®, we believe that the best way to understand branding, customer experience, and retail excellence is to experience it firsthand. This philosophy was at the core of our third Retail Tour Experience in Chelsea, an exclusive event in collaboration with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom, designed to offer businesses valuable insights into the power of brand experiences in the UK market.  

Retail is evolving rapidly, and brands that prioritise storytelling, sensorial retail, and immersive experiences stand out in today’s competitive landscape. Our Retail Tour Experience provided participants with key insights into brand differentiation, understanding how top brands create meaningful customer journeys that go beyond just selling products. We explored how brands build emotional connections through consumer engagement strategies and examined retail innovation through cutting-edge store designs, brand activations, and digital integrations. This experience also provided international brands with a strategic perspective on competitive positioning in the UK market.

For this third edition, we immersed ourselves in Chelsea, one of London’s most dynamic neighbourhoods for luxury, wellness, beauty, healthcare, and food & beverage. The tour was carefully curated to showcase how iconic brands design unforgettable retail experiences and establish strong emotional connections. The journey began at the iconic Harrods, where we explored its latest store refurbishments, luxury retail concepts, and exclusive pop-up activations. We then visited select flagship stores and boutiques in Knightsbridge and Chelsea, showcasing the art of brand storytelling, experiential retail, and innovation in service design. The experience concluded at the spectacular Battersea Power Station, one of London’s newest and most exciting retail destinations. This historic location, seamlessly blending heritage with modern retail, provided fascinating insights into how brands adapt to unique spaces while delivering cutting-edge experiences.  

To wrap up the tour, we gathered at Brindisa, where our guests enjoyed light refreshments and engaged in insightful discussions on retail trends, brand positioning, and consumer behaviour. To maximise the impact of this immersive knowledge experience, we provided personalised brand consultancies to the participating companies, offering tailored insights drawn from our extensive expertise as brand consultants and university academics.

We are deeply grateful to all the companies that joined us for this knowledge-driven experience. A special thank you to Stevens & Bolton, Buckles, Acció, Brindisa, Diversitas Institute, IKI Technologies, Oliver Wyman, Aser IT, Dragados, Mahou, and of course, to the incredible Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom team for their impeccable organisation. Looking forward to more inspiring brand experiences ahead!

Check out the highlights of the tour here.

 

• YELLOWERS Project: Brandlond was born seven years ago as a continuation of Brandcelona, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary. The Creative Teams of both Brandlond and Brandcelona have envisioned a lifestyle-driven production, defining a narrative of discernment, poise, and quiet refinement. You can view the ‘YELLOWERS’ video and project here.

Did you know that EU nationals will soon need authorisation to travel to the UK?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), introduced by the UK Government, is a new travel requirement for non-visa nationals who are visiting, transiting through, or seeking entry to the UK. This applies European nationals, including Spaniards, who will need to apply for an ETA before travelling. 

When Does It Come Into Effect? 

The ETA will take effect from 2nd April 2025, with applications opening on 5th March 2025. 

How Much Does It Cost? 

The ETA costs £10 per person. To apply, it is recommended to use the ‘UK ETA’ app, available on the Apple Store and Google Play Store. 

Want to Learn More? 

In collaboration with our Benefactor, Irwin Mitchell, we have put together a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about the ETA. 

📌 Read the full document by the link below:  

Electronic Travel Authorisation

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK shares the interview with Mr Antonio Arenas, Managing Partner at our Member Scornik Gerstein LLP.

Could you describe your company’s activities in the UK? How long have you been operating in the country and which services do you offer?

We are a full-service law firm established in London since 1984. We strive to be a firm of first choice for clients seeking legal advice of high standard, from solicitors with extensive experience involving cross-border matters, particularly between the United Kingdom and Spain.

We are a multidisciplinary practice with expertise in Civil, Corporate, Litigation, Real Estate, Probate, Family, Employment, Taxation, Immigration and Criminal Law.

What advice would you give to Spanish businesses looking to expand or invest in the UK, and vice versa? Are there specific legal or regulatory considerations they should be aware of? What are some common legal misconceptions that businesses have when operating between Spain and the UK?

Some clients contact us with the misconception that establishing business relationships between the United Kingdom and Spain has become risky after Brexit, this idea however does not match reality. Fortunately, the period of uncertainty while the UK negotiated its withdrawal from the EU came to an end on 24 December 2020, when the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement came into force on 1 January 2021. Interestingly, perhaps due to business and commercial reasons, the UK has copied European legislation almost word for word. As an example, the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

What are some of the key legal challenges or opportunities you see in the current UK-Spain business landscape, and how do you help businesses navigate them?

The economic and legal UK landscape provides a very supportive environment for foreign investors and businesses. It is worth noting that the UK has consolidated its place as one of the best places in the world to do business according to the World Bank’s report, which assesses how easy it is for companies and investors to operate in each market according to the country’s regulations. On the other hand, Spain’s dynamic and diverse economy offers a wealth of opportunities for British companies across various sectors. Spain is the fourth largest economy in the EU and currently one of the fastest growing in the euro area. Those facts provide a perfect scenario for a best friends business relationship.

We have the capability to advice across the full spectrum of business, commercial and investment operations, designing a strategy-driven plan seeking growth while identifying potential adverse risks. As to the challenges, I would say that both share the challenge of lacking regulation dealing with new technologies. Unfortunately, technological innovation outpaces both countries’ capability to produce laws and regulations to keep up with. Accordingly, we advise companies on finding ways to adapt their tech business to the current legal landscape, while keeping an eye on any new regulation from which their business can benefit.

Looking forward, what are the emerging trends in your sector for the coming years?

Regarding the M&A sector, the Spanish market experienced significant growth in 2024, with a cumulative value of €95.971 billion, representing an increase of 8% of transactions compared to 2023. This has been translated into an increase of demand for legal advice at our firm from UK companies seeking to acquire Spanish companies to expand their business within the EU market.

The Spanish Government has recently announced the end of the Golden Visa programme, a scheme that has allowed non-EU nationals, including British citizens, to obtain Spanish residency through investment since 2013. Over the past decade, this visa has been a popular route for those seeking to relocate, retire, or invest in Spain, particularly in real estate, financial assets, and business ventures.

However, while the programme is coming to an end, applications are still being accepted until 2 April 2025. This means that British citizens considering applying for a Golden Visa still have time to do so under the current regulations.

Blog post written by Chamber Member, Klev & Vera Law Firm.

What does this mean for British citizens?

Following Brexit, British nationals are no longer EU citizens and therefore must apply for a visa to reside in Spain for more than 90 days within a 180-day period. The Golden Visa has been one of the most attractive options, as it provides Spanish residency through investment without requiring applicants to spend more than 183 days per year in the country—thus allowing the posibility to maintain the tax residence in the UK.

With the recent changes, the final deadline to apply is 2 April 2025. Those who successfully submit their applications before this date will still be processed under the existing rules. After this deadline, the opportunity to apply for a Golden Visa will no longer be available.

Can I renew my Golden Visa?

For those who already hold a Golden Visa, renewals will only be allowed for investors in real estate. This means that if your visa was granted based on investments in financial assets, company shares, or business projects of general interest, renewal will not be possible. If you are in this situation, we strongly advise consulting an immigration lawyer to explore alternative residency options.

What should I do next?

If you are considering applying for a Golden Visa before the deadline, now is the time to act. The process involves preparing documentation, investment transfers, and legal procedures that require careful planning. Seeking professional legal advice can help ensure a smooth application process within the short remaining timeframe.

This article has been written by Anna Klevtsova, Managing Partner at Klev & Vera International Law Firm. She has more than 20 years of legal practice in International Law, and is a Certified Lawyer with the Bar Association of Barcelona. She holds a LLM in International Law from England, and in Abogacía Internacional from Spain. 

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), passed on 26 October 2023, involves significant changes to UK law. This legislation, introduced by the UK Government, aims to combat economic crime and enhance transparency around corporate entities.  

These changes will impact companies of all sizes, introducing new responsibilities for a range of individuals, including both new and existing company directors, people with significant control of a company (PSCs), and those who file on behalf of a company with Companies House. This blog post highlights some of the key changes introduced by this new legislation, though it’s worth noting that there are additional provisions in place. 

Blog post written by Chamber Member, Preiskel & Co LLP.  

Firstly, there will be significant reforms to the role of Companies House, broadening its powers to become a more active gatekeeper of corporate information. These reforms include enhancing its ability to check, remove, or decline information submitted to the register. A new ID verification process will be implemented for all company directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and those who file on behalf of companies. Additionally, the requirement for certain statutory registers to be kept by companies will be repealed. Companies House will also gain the power to amend fees related to incorporation and annual charges.  

All companies will be required to maintain a registered office address that qualifies as an “appropriate address”. This means the address must allow for the receipt and acknowledgment of delivered documents by someone acting on behalf of the company (i.e., PO Boxes will no longer be acceptable). Non-compliance will be punishable by fines and/or strike-off. Similarly, companies must maintain an appropriate email address that will come to the attention of a responsible individual acting on behalf of the company, although this email address will not be made public.  

As part of the transition to digital processes, Companies House will no longer accept paper filings for annual accounts. All accounts must instead be filed online using approved software. Reforms will also address partnerships to prevent the abuse of limited partnerships by tightening registration requirements and mandating the submission of more detailed information about the partners. 

Law enforcement agencies will be granted expanded powers to seize and recover suspected criminal cryptoassets linked to illicit activities, such as money laundering, fraud, and ransomware attacks, or deemed to be proceeds of crime. Additional intelligence-gathering powers will also be introduced to aid investigations while removing nugatory burdens on businesses. 

New measures will require all companies, upon incorporation, to include an express statement affirming that the company’s business purposes will be lawful. This statement must also be reasserted in each confirmation statement. Finally, a new “Failure to Prevent Fraud” offence will be introduced. Under this provision, an organisation will be held liable if an employee or agent commits a specified fraud offence and the organisation did not have reasonable fraud prevention procedures in place. 

Which companies will be impacted? 

ECCTA generally applies to all entities registered with Companies House, including private limited companies, public limited companies (PLCs), limited liability partnerships (LLPs), limited partnerships (LPs), community interest companies (CICs) and overseas companies. 

Which are the timings and next steps regarding this? 

The first set of changes under the ECCTA came into effect on 4 March 2024, with the remaining changes scheduled to be implemented throughout 2024 and 2025. 

For more information on the changes, please see the Government website here.  

Please contact Ronnie Preiskel or Karthyaeni Vittala on any questions on the above or how to prepare.  

The material in this article is only for general review of the topics covered and does not constitute legal advice. No legal or business decision should be based on its content. 

This article is written in English language. Preiskel & Co LLP is not responsible for any translation of all or part of its content into any language. 

Internships are a gateway to unlocking new skills, exploring career paths, and building professional networks. At the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK, the opportunities are truly unique. Offering a dynamic and supportive environment, our internship programme empowers young professionals to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of international business and cross-cultural collaboration. 

Interns are typically assigned to a specific department (Communications, Foreign Trade, or Events), but they are also encouraged to explore a variety of tasks. As a small Team, we prioritise collaboration and flexibility. Additionally, the Chamber’s permanent staff provide consistent guidance and support to interns, carefully teaching and explaining tasks from the very basics. 

These internships are designed as learning periods where interns rotate through various functions, gaining practical experience and exposure to different areas of the organisation. We welcome individuals from all sectors and backgrounds who have a genuine interest in both Spain and the UK. Throughout the programme, interns contribute to our mission of fostering connections and bilateral relationships between the two countries. Whether assisting with high-profile events, engaging with Members, or developing essential professional skills, the programme is designed to leave a lasting impact on both the Chamber and its interns. 

The internship lasts for a maximum of six months and is primarily office-based at our central London location. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Communications Department 

As an intern in the Communications Department, individuals gain invaluable experience in the fast-paced and dynamic field of communications, engaging in a wide range of responsibilities, including content creation, social media management, and strategic communication initiatives. 

Interns play a key role in developing and refining high-quality content, including writing and proofreading to ensure accuracy, clarity, and professionalism. They create engaging materials for social media and newsletters, ensuring alignment with the Chamber’s and Members’ brand voice and strategic objectives. Managing the Chamber’s blog is another responsibility, where interns produce interesting and newsworthy content to share with Chamber Members and the internal Team. 

Interns in this role also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events organised by the Chamber, ranging from smaller networking sessions like the Elevator Pitch! Speed Networking event to large corporate gatherings such as the prestigious XIII Annual Gala Dinner and the Barometer Presentation. These events offer valuable learning experiences, where interns contribute to planning, executing communication strategies, and supporting the delivery of key initiatives. 

This role provides an excellent foundation for those pursuing a career in communications, offering practical exposure and a deeper understanding of how to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business communications in a cross-cultural setting. The skills gained through this internship often prove invaluable for successfully transitioning into the professional world. 

The Events Department 

Events interns play a pivotal role in supporting the Chamber’s event operations and communications. Their responsibilities include drafting and managing professional invitations, ensuring timely follow-ups with attendees, and maintaining accurate and detailed guest lists to facilitate seamless attendee management. 

Interns are also involved in the meticulous planning and execution of a wide range of events. From high-profile, large-scale corporate gatherings to smaller networking sessions, seminars, and business forums, they contribute to every stage of event coordination, from logistical planning to on-the-day execution. Throughout these events, interns meet a variety of professionals and gain valuable, hands-on experience, ensuring that all aspects run smoothly and meet client expectations. 

This involvement offers insights into event management and provides a fantastic opportunity to develop organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills in a professional setting. 

The Foreign Trade Department 

In the Foreign Trade Department, interns can expect to be involved in a wide range of tasks focused on fostering international business relationships, supporting trade initiatives, and gaining experience in cross-border market research and collaboration. The primary responsibility of a Foreign Trade intern at the Chamber is supporting Trade Agendas. This involves assisting Spanish or British companies in identifying suitable markets in the other country. The process includes conducting in-depth research to understand the client company’s needs and finding potential businesses for collaboration. Trade Agendas require consistent communication with companies through emails and phone calls to establish connections. While the process can be time-intensive, it is highly rewarding to facilitate opportunities for businesses to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships. 

In addition to Trade Agendas, interns play a key role in supporting the Chamber’s ongoing projects. These projects can vary widely, offering exposure to different facets of international trade and fostering a comprehensive understanding of cross-border business dynamics. Foreign Trade interns also have the opportunity to participate in meetings with prospective clients and attend various industry fairs throughout the year, offering exposure to a diverse range of sectors. 

This position provides invaluable experience in market research, business matchmaking, and cross-cultural communication, making it an excellent opportunity for anyone aspiring to work in international trade or business development. 

 

 

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce greatly values the hard work and dedication of its interns, who play an integral role in supporting the Chamber’s activities. Through practical experience and meaningful contributions, interns gain invaluable skills and insights that prepare them for their professional futures, while also becoming an essential part of the Chamber’s Spanish-British community. 

Blog post written by Sophie Ziliukas

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK was delighted to welcome Citi Commercial Bank as a Patron this year. Citi provides global banking solutions tailored to companies seeking rapid growth and international expansion. With its vast global network, comprehensive solutions, and industry expertise, Citi supports businesses across diverse industries and at most stages of growth. We interviewed James Morris, Head of UK Citi Commercial Bank, to learn more about Citi’s operations in the UK and their experience as a Patron of the Chamber. 

Could you provide a brief overview of Citi and its presence in the UK market? 

Companies these days are either born global or are going global at record speed. Macro factors are constantly reshaping the market and business environment, and clients now expect their banks to offer them a seamless service that emphasises connectivity, efficiency, speed and ease of use. Citi is uniquely positioned for companies that are looking to go global and navigate the complexities of today’s world. Through our vast global network and our on-the-ground expertise, Citi can connect the dots, anticipate change and empathise with the needs of our clients in ways that other banks simply cannot. Our global network has nearly $5 trillion of financial flows each day across borders, currencies and asset classes; the bank has more than 19,000 institutional clients, including 85% of Fortune 500 companies and we serve our clients in more than 180 countries worldwide. 

The UK is critical to Citi’s global network and operations; in the UK provide global financial services across all of our products – Markets, Banking, Services and Wealth – to clients based in the UK but also those looking to enter the market. Citi’s presence in the UK is sizable and is again crucial to Citi’s overall operations as we employ around 14,000 people across the UK, with around 10,000 in London, over 4,000 in Belfast, and hundreds more in Edinburgh. 

As for Citi’s Commercial Bank in the UK, we provide global banking solutions to mid-sized companies in the UK that are looking to grow rapidly and expand internationally and non-UK companies that are looking to come into this promising, burgeoning market. 

As a new Patron of the Chamber, what benefits do you hope to gain from our collaboration?  

We’re very much looking forward to working with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK and furthering the existing deep ties between the UK and Spain as European economic powers and key markets in the region.”  Both the UK and Spain are hubs for innovation in Western Europe with many digital and technology companies founded in both markets, as well as consistent trade taking place across industries. 

By being a Patron of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK, we hope we’re able to enrich the existing activity across mid-sized corporates in both countries and empower, through a simplified and efficient banking experience, Spanish companies that are seeking to do business in the UK. 

What key values define Citi, and how are these values integrated into your daily operations and customer interactions?  

Citi’s mission is to serve as a trusted banking partner to our clients by responsibly providing financial services that enable growth and economic progress. We have set expectations for how we must act to bring our mission to life. These expectations are at the heart of our Leadership Principles – we take ownership, we deliver with pride, and we succeed together. 

Taking Ownership, Delivering with Pride and Succeeding together are our values and each and every business activity or client interaction is defined by these values. Whether that’s in relation to safeguarding assets, lending money, making payments or accessing the capital markets on behalf of our clients – every action we take as a bank, we strive to embody these values and embrace the opportunities that come to us and our clients. 

What opportunities and challenges has the banking industry encountered in the British market, and how have these impacted Citi’s operations? 

London is, and will continue to be, a financial services powerhouse – it is a gateway to the world and a key player on the global stage. The UK remains one of the largest economies globally – ranking sixth in terms of GDP – and yet it is the third largest country in terms of total equity capital raised on its markets, so far, in 2024 according to the London Stock Exchange Group. The UK’s deep markets and global connectivity sets it apart and companies are able to access pockets of investment, funding and liquidity that are perhaps shallower than other markets in this part of the world. The strong rule of law and the large pool of talent in the UK also makes it a very attractive market to expand into in terms of presence and operations. It’s important gateway status also feeds into it being a good market to start with in Europe to test the viability of a product or service. 

With every market there are opportunities and there are challenges – the goal in the UK is to ensure the market remains globally competitive and that it continues to attract and retain and enhance or augment the flow of capital and business activity. As with other markets worldwide, growth slowed in 2024, given the macro-economic backdrop, however, this is increasingly more positive for 2025 and we’re cautiously optimistic about the outlook for business, trade and deal activity for the medium term as economic indicators begin to improve. We find that both domestic and international clients value political stability, which we now have post the UK General Election. The political stability fosters greater planning ability and should allow for additional investment into long-term opportunities and projects. 

How does Citi differentiate itself from competitors in the UK banking sector, and what specific strategies do you employ to enhance your market position? 

As a leading global bank, we continue to play an important role for clients amidst unprecedented global challenges. Our global network and mindset uniquely position us to help clients, customers and communities around the world. With a physical presence in over 90 markets, no other bank has the vantage point we do or the ability to connect dots in the same way. Our fundamental globality is a unique strength in the UK. The UK is a springboard for us to utilise our global network, insights and capabilities to drive opportunities for clients. 

What is Citi’s vision for the future, and what specific strategies or actions are you implementing to achieve it? 

Our vision is for Citi to be the preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in our home market of the United States. We are achieving this through a clear strategy and structure that align with: 

• Being truly global – leveraging the insights and local knowledge to benefit our clients everywhere they are and everywhere they want to be. 

• Simplification and a digital approach – we know that our clients, no matter who they are – a mid-sized corporate, a large corporate, a wealth client – operate in a digital world, so do we, and it is important that our business model is streamlined and that we evolve with the trends that shape how people want to bank: simply and efficiently. 

• Increasing connectivity – our five core businesses – Banking, Wealth, Markets, US Personal Banking and Services – are working more closely than ever to deliver the full range of our expertise and services to our clients and customers. 

• Emphasising and investing in our people – Citi is filled with talented individuals bringing their diverse experiences and perspectives to work. Together, we are building a high-performing culture that’s passionate about our clients’ success. 

For Citi’s Commercial Bank, our vision is to simplify global banking for mid-sized corporates and connect those clients to the same products and solutions that a large corporate would expect of a bank like Citi, while also doing this across our entire global network. We want to support mid-sized corporates, in the UK and globally, with improving their finances – their trade and working capital, capital or fund raising, maximizing returns on the cash and investments, innovating to solve for their financing needs to support their growth. By doing so we support this client segment with achieving efficiencies, resilience in their treasury or financial operations and processes. 

 

Marked Improvement, Member of the Chamber, has written a post on learning and development (L&D) across borders for the Chamber’s blog. In this piece, they explore why cross-border L&D matters, the challenges involved, and how e-learning and localisation can make a big difference. 

Blog post written by Chamber Member Marked Improvement 

 

Learning and Development Across Borders: Co-ordinated Strategies for Companies in Spain and the UK 

Businesses with significant operations in both Spain and the UK need to think strategically about learning and development (L&D). It’s no longer just about training people for their roles—it’s about building a shared culture, streamlining ways of working, and meeting different regulatory requirements. This blog explores why cross-border L&D matters, the challenges involved, and how e-learning and localisation can make a big difference. 

 

Why Cross-Border L&D Matters 

For UK and Spanish companies operating in both countries, having a joined-up approach to L&D brings plenty of benefits: 

1. A Shared Culture: Consistent training helps employees align with company values, goals, and expectations, no matter where they’re based. 
2. Smoother Processes: When everyone is trained in the same way, it cuts down on misunderstandings and inefficiencies. 
3. Better Compliance: Different countries have different rules, and good training makes sure employees know how to stick to them. 

When done well, cross-border L&D can help businesses bring their people together, increase productivity, and even drive innovation. 

 

Challenges of Cross-Border L&D 

But let’s not pretend it’s easy. Cross-border L&D comes with its fair share of challenges: 

1. Cultural Differences: What works in the UK might not land the same way in Spain. Training needs to reflect cultural nuances to make it relevant. 
2. Language Barriers: Miscommunication can cause inefficiencies and lower productivity. 
3. Different Regulations: Health and safety rules, for example, vary between countries, so training must be adapted accordingly. 
4. Tech Differences: Teams in different places might have access to different tools or be less familiar with e-learning platforms. 

And then there’s the “Not Invented Here” problem, where employees resist training that hasn’t been developed locally. If people don’t feel involved in the process, they’re less likely to engage with the content. 

To take a real example, many UK companies are currently trying to respond to the new Worker Protection Act 2024 which came into effect on October 26th. This, as readers may well be aware, places a new duty on employers to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. 

As a result, many of our UK clients are publishing new policies and procedures, as well as rolling out online courses. 

Clearly, with such a sensitive topic, recognition of both the legislative and cultural differences between countries makes a co-ordinated approach to L&D more challenging, but that’s not to say it can’t be done. 

 

E-Learning: A Smart Solution 

E-learning has been a game-changer for cross-border L&D. Why? Because it’s scalable, flexible, and cost-effective. 

1. Scalable: You can roll out training to teams of any size, anywhere in the world. 
2. Flexible: Employees can access training whenever it suits them, even if they’re in different time zones. 
3. Cost-Effective: No need for expensive travel or venues. 

Perhaps most importantly, e-learning can balance consistency with adaptability. You can create a standard framework and then tweak it for local needs, making it a perfect fit for companies with operations in both Spain and the UK. 

And although the carbon savings associated with increased use of e-learning are subject to debate, there is little doubt that it does make a contribution towards Net Zero, particularly where providers make a commitment to switching to greener data centres. 

 

The Importance of Translation and Localisation 

Translation and localisation are key to making e-learning work across borders. Training delivered in an employee’s native language is much easier to understand—and more effective. 

Take safety training as an example. Research by the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR – https://www.cpwr.com/) found that Spanish-speaking construction workers who took a safety course in Spanish became more aware of workplace hazards and improved their use of protective equipment. 

It goes without saying that AI has a role to play in translation now. However, it’s important to recognise that if your content is either very technical, or nuanced, or safety-related, ‘real’ translation is still essential to get it right and avoid mistakes with potentially costly consequences. 

It’s not just about making training easier to follow. Localisation also shows employees that their backgrounds and needs are valued, which can boost engagement and outcomes. 

Imagine your UK operation is commissioning a new bespoke e-learning course on Information Security. If you also have a significant operation in Spain, it could well make financial sense to consider a localised / translated version of the same course for the Spanish workforce. This will certainly be cheaper than developing courses separately. 

As an international or global business, your offices in the UK, Spain or elsewhere may have different learning platforms (Learning Management Systems, or LMSs) in place, but that needn’t prevent you from commissioning parallel versions of the same course. As long as the course is produced to one of the recognised technical standards (of which SCORM is almost universally adopted), your new courses should work on every platform. 

 

Best Practices for Localised E-Learning 

If you want your e-learning to work well across Spain and the UK, here are some tips: 

1. Map Your Languages: Find out which languages your employees speak and focus on those with the highest concentration. This might differ between departments. 
2. Respect Cultural Differences: Think about how cultural nuances could affect the way your training is received. Getting advice from a localisation expert at the start can save time and money later. 
3. Follow Local Rules: Make sure your training meets local compliance requirements. For example, health and safety regulations are likely to differ between Spain and the UK. 
4. Use a Glossary: Companies often have specific terms for their products, processes, and services. Make sure these are translated consistently to avoid confusion. A professional translation provider can help manage this. 

With these steps, you can create e-learning that’s both standardised and tailored to local needs. 

 

Next steps 

For companies operating in both Spain and the UK, cross-border L&D is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s essential. Well-designed and localised e-learning helps bring teams together, boosts productivity, and ensures everyone works safely and efficiently. 

If your business is ready to take its L&D – and e-learning in particular – to the next level, join us at our upcoming seminar at the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. We’ll dive deeper into the topic and share more insights on how to make cross-border training work. 

 

Post written by:  

Charles Shields, co-Founder and Director of SCCUK Member Marked Improvement E-learning Ltd, a specialist e-learning development company based in Derby and Barcelona. He has almost 30 years’ experience in the sector. 

Andrew Schlich, Founder and Managing Director of Nottingham-based AST Language Services, a long-established provider of translation services to SMEs and large organisations across Europe. 

Chamber Member, ECIJA has written a post for our blog on the recent changes to Spain’s residency options for foreign investors, including the elimination of the Golden Visa programme. This post outlines the implications of the new law, its expected timeline, and alternative routes to invest in Spain and obtain residency. 

Blog post written by ECIJA, Member of the Chamber 

 

The elimination of the Golden Visa programme in Spain 

On the 14th of November 2024, the Spanish Congress approved the elimination of the Golden Visa programme through a final provision included in the new Law on Measures of Efficiency in Justice. 

The elimination of Articles 63-67 of Law 14/2013 on Support for Entrepreneurs and their Internationalisation will result in the removal of visas and residency authorisations linked to the acquisition of real estate. In addition, visas and residency authorisations for investments in Spanish public debt, company shares, investment funds, bank deposits, and entrepreneurial projects will also be discontinued. 

The new law still requires ratification by the Senate. Once it is published in the State Official Gazette, there will be a three-month transition period before the law takes effect, likely around February or March 2025. While the Senate may propose amendments or reject certain provisions, the law is expected to be enacted as planned. 

Key points of the current approval 

If no further amendments are introduced: 

1. Applications submitted before the law comes into force will be processed under the regulations in effect at the time of application. 
2. Existing visas and residency authorisations for real estate investors, valid at the time the law comes into force, will remain valid. 
3. No new applications will be accepted after the law comes into force. 
4. Renewals of existing investor visas and residency authorisations will continue to be granted under the regulations in effect at the time of application. Existing visas and authorisations may be renewed for successive five-year periods, provided the conditions in place at the time of the original investment continue to be met. 

The Golden Visa programme has been a key mechanism allowing non-EU foreign investors to obtain residency and work permits in Spain without the requirement to become tax residents or live permanently in the country. By contrast, other types of visas and residency permits require effective residence in Spain to qualify for renewal. 

Reform of Immigration Regulations 

Separately, on the 20th of November 2024, the Reform of Immigration Regulations was approved. This reform is designed to streamline the process of obtaining residency and work permits by reducing both the time required and the number of steps involved. 

Alternative routes to Spanish residency 

For those seeking alternative ways to invest in Spain and secure residency, there are several options available, including: 

1. Digital Nomad Visa 
2. Entrepreneurs Visa 
3. Highly Qualified Workers Visa 

We encourage you to contact our Member, ECIJA, for advice on these options or other tailored solutions to meet your needs. 

Additionally, Spain offers several favourable tax regimes for foreign citizens wishing to relocate, such as the Beckham Law regime and the proposed Mbappé Law regime, which is currently in draft form. 

Spain: a hub for business and investment 

Despite these changes, Spain remains an attractive destination for highly qualified professionals, top-tier investors, and innovative international start-ups. 

If you are considering applying for a Golden Visa, there is still a small window of opportunity before the new law takes effect. If you wish to act now, please don’t hesitate to contact our Member, ECIJA, and they will be able to assist you with the process.