Category: Events

BLOG POST BY OUR MEMBER VECTOR ITC 

Vector ITC, an international technological and digital group, understands that in view of the situation we are in at a global level due to Coronavirus, many companies have bet on continuing their activities remotely through teleworking, without having previously implemented it among their employees. All this change is easier if companies have a culture of “Business Agility”, a fundamental skill that allows an organization to react and respond to changes in an innovative and creative way, in order to generate benefits by quickly adapting its system to the environment.

Before the start of the pandemic, Spain was one of the countries in Europe with one of the lowest telework rates. According to INE data, only 7.5% of employed people work from home at least occasionally, in contrast to countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland or Iceland where almost 30% of workers do so regularly. This reflects the fact that Spaniards do not have this modality incorporated, so it is necessary to provide workers with tools that help them with their productivity.

As an initial step to evolve agility, companies must first adopt an “Agile” mentality. Thanks to this approach, the business and development areas work together, reducing the gap that may exist between the two and that affects the product or solution. 91% of software companies worldwide have already adopted this type of mentality, due to the benefits it brings in terms of speed of execution, productivity and profitability.

What can we do to work remotely effectively at this time? Vector ITC recommends to follow these 5 guidelines:

1- Turn the camera on when you can so as not to lose non-verbal communication with your teammates and avoid the feeling of isolation and the diminished sense of belonging.

2- It is very important to choose the most appropriate communication channel depending on three factors: amount and complexity of the information, urgency of the response and interruptions generated.

3- Avoid having many tabs open during virtual meetings and try to have the microphone muted when you are not talking.

4- Keep a daily routine, take a shower and dress as if you were going to the office. Remember that if you have a meeting on camera you also have to look presentable. It is also important to keep work and leisure separate.

5- Create an exclusive space to work and if possible always the same one. Pay attention to your body posture just like you would at the office.

Thanks to technology there are many tools that we can make available to our teams to work efficiently and collaboratively remotely. For example, today 99% of the 1800 professionals in Vector ITC’s group, in EMEA are teleworking. The main benefit of the Agile method is that it allows working in short and incremental cycles, improving learning times.

“Classic hierarchies are an obstacle to the adoption of business agility as a methodology of the future, which transcends the technology sector. In this way, highly effective teams do not emerge spontaneously, but are built”, says David Alejano, Head of Digital Culture & Enterprise Agility Enabler at Vector ITC.

About Vector ITC

Vector ITC is an international digital and technology group. Founded in 2002 and consolidated as Vector ITC in 2014, it has more than 2,500 professionals who offer services in Spain (Madrid, Coruña, Albacete, Córdoba, Segovia, Palma de Mallorca and Ávila) and internationally at locations in Peru, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, USA, Costa Rica, Paraguay, United Kingdom and Germany.

In 2019 Softtek enters the share capital of Vector ITC acquiring 75%

Vector designs and develops initiatives based on cutting-edge technology to drive digital change and generate the greatest value for companies, sectors of the economy and society. Its disruptive DNA coupled with its technical, business and sector experience, helps companies in their technological challenges and strategies, developing innovative projects, implementing exclusive digital products and solutions, and always based on a culture focused on innovation and new digital age.

Also part of Vector ITC: Keyland, specialist in the implementation of technology for the industry; Management Consulting, focused on strategic consulting services; Ágora, experts in technological solutions for the supply chain; and La Moderna, a marketing and communication agency.

www.vectoritcgroup.com

@Vector-itc

Earlier this month we held our first webinar in collaboration with the Department for International Trade (DIT) of the British Government. Approximately 150 participants tuned in to hear the Rt. Hon. Greg Hands MP, Minister of State of the department, speak about investment, international trade, the commercial relationship between the UK and Spain and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This first online edition of the Meliá Business Breakfasts series also saw the participation of Mr. Michael Charlton, Managing Director & Chief Investment Officer at the DIT, who answered some of the questions that participants had both sent in advance and during the session.

At a time when thoughts are dominated by the impact of COVID-19 in all areas of life, the Minister began by addressing the current situation and expressing his sympathy for Spain, and the impact that the crisis is having on the country:

The Minister went on to speak about the UK-Spain trading relationship, stating that “Spain is the UK’s 7^th largest trading partner: a vibrant trading relationship ranging from the automotive sector to food and drink, finance to telecommunications” and said that with regard to services, “the UK is Spain’s number one trading partner, eclipsing the huge revenue generated by British tourism”.

Listen what the Minister had to say about trade between the two countries:

Upon addressing the topic of investment, the Minister highlighted the importance of Spanish companies in the UK such as Ferrovial, Iberdrola, Inditex, Santander, Cellnex, Repsol, Talgo or Dragados, which all have significant operations in the British market.

“It is vital that we work together to keep our markets open and global supply chains intact” stated the Rt Hon Greg Hands MP when speaking about the DIT and how they can support Spanish companies that want to operate in the UK: “we have DIT experts spread across the world working with potential investors to help them invest and grow in the UK. We provide expert advice on everything from opening bank accounts to paying taxes, financial modelling to visas, research and accessing finance”

Last but not least, the Minister addressed the topic of Brexit, asserting that “the EU exit does not mean the UK is closing itself off from Europe – far from it”. He went on to substantiate the British government’s value of the contribution that EU citizens make to life in the UK by saying that “this is why we have made it a priority to safeguard the rights of EU citizens living in the UK, and those of UK nationals living in the EU”

Thank you very much to all of those who joined us for our first Business Breakfast webinar, and especially to Minister Greg Hands for sharing his insight with us! If you missed the session, you can now watch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3448wEJ

Keep an eye on the Events section of our website to find out about the next editions of our online Meliá Business Breakfasts, as well as many other insightful webinars!

On 14th November the Spanish Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Gala Dinner, presided by H.E. Ambassador of Spain Carlos Bastarreche at the elegant Plaisterers’ Hall in the City of London.

On this occasion we were honoured to welcome Mr. José Antonio Álvarez, CEO of Banco Santander Group, as our Guest of Honour.

The event was an absolute success that gathered together almost 300 guests, who enjoyed a memorable evening of networking and meeting other Chamber members over some delicious food and drinks.

As the elegantly dressed guests arrived on the evening they were welcomed by the Chamber’s team as well as the Toast Master who guided them to the drinks reception, where they were able to enjoy an exquisite selection of sushi, prepared freshly in front of them by our sponsors ZELA London; as well as a cold glass of smooth cava provided by Chamber Patron Raventos Codorniú.

After the drinks reception had been an hour underway, our Master of Ceremonies called for the guests to start moving to their tables in the expansive and impressive Great Hall. After everyone had found and taken their seats, the Ambassador stood to give a toast to both the King of Spain and the Queen of England.

Following the toast, the guests proceeded to enjoy a fine three courses feast which was perfectly complemented by the top quality wines from our Patron Marqués de Cáceres. To begin, guests enjoyed crab meat croquette served with a piquillo pepper puree followed by the main course of neck of lamb with a Spanish red wine reduction. The banquet was perfectly concluded with a spiced plum & Spanish almond tart, served alongside a decadent and irresistible cheese selection which was generously provided by our member Hispania.

Following the dessert and once the coffees and petits fours had been served, the speeches were able to begin which were introduced by the toast master.

“This Chamber is a faithful reflection of the excellent bilateral relations between our two countries in economic, cultural, commercial, educational and financial aspects” highlighted the CEO, adding that “I’m optimistic about the future of both countries. I am confident our citizens, companies and even our governments will embrace change, adapting to the quickly evolving world to better face our global challenges”.

The President of our Chamber, Mr. Eduardo Barrachina went on to comment on Santander’s journey in the UK: “very few companies have changed British life as much as Santander. It remains one of the most profitable and efficient banks in the world employing more than 25,000 people and providing financial services to more than 25 million”.

Following the dinner guests were able to continue the festivities over drinks at the bar, resulting in a late finish but a pleasant time being had by all. We would like to warmly thank our members and their guests for joining us on this special 10th edition of our annual Gala Dinner.

Once again, we would moreover like to express our gratitude for the generosity of our sponsors Raventós Codorníu, Marqués de Cáceres, Hispania Restaurant and ZELA London for their contribution to the resounding success of this event. We are already looking forward to next year’s edition!

Did you miss the X Gala dinner? You can find here the full photo album from this event.

To find out about upcoming events organised by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK, click here.

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK celebrated its Annual Golden Award on the 14th October at the Spanish Embassy in London. This is one of the main corporate events that the Chamber organises each year and acknowledges the significant commercial activity of a Spanish company in the United Kingdom during the previous year.

This year the company receiving the award was Grupo Antolín, one of the largest players in the car interiors market internationally and top worldwide supplier of headliner substrates. Ms. María Helena Antolín Raybaud, Vice-Chair of the company, received the award and expressed her gratitude for this recognition.

The event began with H.E. Mr. Carlos Bastarreche, Spanish Ambassador in the UK, who is also the Honorary President of the Spanish Chamber, welcoming the attendees and congratulating Grupo Antolín for their outstanding activity in the UK.

Following his speech the President of the Chamber, Mr. Eduardo Barrachina, introduced the awarded company and provided further information about the achievements of Grupo Antolín, which has a global presence in 26 countries, 155 production plants and Just-in-Time centres and 25 technical-commercial offices.

Ms. Antolín shared with the attendees her feelings of gratitude for receiving such an important recognition for the outstanding work of Grupo Antolín and its international strategy, which has led up to them reaching annual sales of 5,425 million euros (2018), while employing 30,000 individuals.

More than 200 guests were present at the event, representing member companies from both Spain and the UK. This was a great opportunity for all of them to expand their networks and meet new professionals from the Anglo-Spanish business community in an impressive place like the Embassy.

We take this opportunity to thank our kind sponsors on this special occasion. We are grateful to our patron Raventós Codorníu for providing the cava and the Viña Pomal red wine, our corporate member Villarta for their delicious wine, and our corporate member Brindisa for their tasteful Ibérico ham. Finally we would also like to thank our members for joining us.

We encourage you to browse the Upcoming Events section of our website in order to keep up to date with future Spanish Chamber corporate events, seminars and other activities. We look forward to seeing you soon!