On 20th March, Paella Fella was privileged to be invited by Mims Davies MP to showcase our traditional Spanish catering at the ‘A Taste from Across Mid Sussex’ food and drink event at the Houses of Parliament.
The aim of the event was to showcase the breadth of incredible, hard-working small businesses across Mid Sussex and to highlight the importance of shopping locally and supporting these businesses.
Paella Fella has been cooking up traditional Spanish food since 2009 and can certainly testify to the importance of having a loyal customer base. Furthermore, we source many of our ingredients from local farms and suppliers, alongside the traditional Spanish ingredients used in our menu, to pass forward this ethos of supporting other small businesses in our area. We believe that we can thrive together!
But on to the serious business of the food… we served a selection of our tasty tapas bites including chicken pinchos, mackerel profiteroles, goat’s cheese & beetroot picatostes, romesco picatostes, our own artisan rosemary & rock salt focaccia and Spanish olives.
It was a truly fantastic experience, and a real honour to be invited to attend.
These past few years have seen some turbulent times for caterers as we have navigated coming out of the pandemic, and we’re not out of the woods yet. Events such as these are so important to promote small businesses and remind people of the value of shopping locally. We can’t wait for the next one!
This year marks the ninth edition of the SRUK/CERU Emerging Talent Award, a prize that recognizes the career of a young Spanish researcher working in the United Kingdom.
This initiative, led by the Society of Spanish Researchers in the United Kingdom (SRUK/CERU) with the support of Fundación Banco Santander, aims to support research talent and promote the commitment of institutions and companies to Spanish science both within and outside our borders.
Applications are open until 21st April.
London, April 16th 2024.
The Society of Spanish Researchers in the United Kingdom (SRUK/CERU) and Fundación Banco Santander present the ninth edition of the SRUK/CERU Emerging Talent Award. This award aims to promote the talent of early-career Spanish researchers beyond our borders while contributing to the career development of the awardee. The application period is open until April 21, 2024. In addition to a monetary award of £14,000, the awardee will receive the traditional commemorative sculpture made by Spanish artist Cristina Iglesias.
This initiative recognises and supports the careers of young Spanish researchers based in the United Kingdom. The SRUK/CERU Emerging Talent Award is pioneering in recognizing the valuable work of Spanish researchers abroad. Previous editions have awarded researchers such as Prof Eva Hevia (University of Strathclyde – University of Bern), Prof Xavier Moya (University of Cambridge), Prof David Fairén (University of Cambridge), Prof Marc Vendrell (University of Edinburgh), Prof Susana García López (Research Centre for Carbon Solutions, Heriot-Watt University), Dr Rodrigo Ledesma Amaro (Imperial College London), Dr
Nuria Tapia Ruiz (Imperial College London), and Dr Roser Vento Tormo (Wellcome Sanger Institute, University of Cambridge). Mr Borja Baselga, director of the Santander Bank Foundation, remarked “At Fundación Banco Santander, we are pleased to collaborate on this project that will help strengthen scientific collaborations between the United Kingdom and the European Union, promoting the development of policies that support research, development and innovation, and giving visibility to the research of European scientists in the United Kingdom, both in the scientific community and in the general population”.
Ms Irene Echeverria Altuna, President of SRUK/CERU, points out that “this award highlights the importance of international and interinstitutional collaborations in science and innovation. We are very proud to be able to recognise and support the outstanding career of Spanish researchers in the United Kingdom and thereby bring their research closer to the citizens of both countries”.
Among the main requirements for candidates to the award are holding Spanish citizenship, being a member of SRUK/CERU, being under 40 years old, having obtained a doctoral degree in the last 10 years, and having developed their research career for at least the last three years in the United Kingdom. The award´s guidelines aim to reward the most talented researchers, but also recognise the importance of not penalizing candidates for professional interruptions, such as maternity leave, illness, or caregiving.
Applications will be evaluated by a committee of renowned researchers appointed for this purpose. Once the evaluations are received, the awarding of the 2024 SRUK/CERU Emerging Talent Award will be ratified by an honorary jury formed by the SRUK/ CERU President, representatives of the Fundación Banco Santander, and members of other collaborating entities.
The call for applications and more information about the SRUK/CERU Emerging Talent Award can be found here.
BLOG POST WRITTEN BY CHAMBER MEMBER NIEVES RODRÍGUEZ
Imagine life as a car journey towards fulfillment, but not everyone reaches their destination. The reasons are diverse and include four main obstacles that prevent many people from living fully:
Lack of Direction: Just like a driver who doesn’t know where they are going, many people do not have a clear idea of what they really want in life. This lack of vision or purpose prevents them from setting goals and moving towards them.
Lack of Knowledge of the Way: There are those who know where they want to go, but do not know the way to get there. Not knowing the strategies and steps needed to achieve their goals can be a major obstacle.
Blockages and Handbrake Engaged: Even when the destination and the way are known, emotional blockages and limiting beliefs act like a handbrake that keeps people stuck in the same place, preventing them from moving forward.
Lack of Energy – The Empty Fuel Tank: Finally, without energy, it is impossible to undertake and sustain the journey. Lack of motivation, physical or emotional vigor can leave people without the necessary impulse to start or continue their path to fulfillment.
Following the success of its first meeting in January, EVOLUTION returns with high-impact techniques and immersive experiences, setting a milestone as the first and only personal development event that combines both. This event is not only designed to help participants find their direction and overcome their blockages, but it also provides them with the necessary tools and vital energy to carry out their personal transformation.
EVOLUTION invites you to embark on a transformative journey where you can explore and maximize your potential. With guidance from experts in personal development, attendees will learn to unlock their true power and direct their energy towards achieving their most ambitious goals. Additionally, the event reaffirms its social commitment by donating 5% of each ticket to the Aladina Foundation, supporting children in their fight against cancer.
This unique journey will not only change lives but will also contribute to a greater cause, creating a positive impact both on attendees and the community. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this unique experience: EVOLUTION, where every step of the way is designed to lead you to the life you dream of and deserve. Are you ready to take the wheel and steer towards your dreams?
A few weeks ago, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom attended a webinar organised by the Spanish Directors Association on the macroeconomic trends and perspectives for 2024. The panel of experts, moderated by Xavier Brossa, vice-president of the AED, was comprised of José Manuel González-Páramo, current professor at IESE and member of the Executive Committee of the European Central Bank from 2004 to 2012 (among other notable positions), and Sofía Rodríguez, Chief Economist of Banco Sabadell. The academic and professional background of the speakers undoubtedly promised a very instructive and insightful session.
Firstly, both experts agreed that 2024 will be a «year of transition»: positive, albeit modest, growth rates are expected, and inflation will tend to decrease due to the «monetary tightening» caused by high interest rates since mid-2022. However, they also emphasised that these relatively optimistic expectations should not overshadow other increasingly growing risks. On the one hand, both speakers pointed out that the main vulnerability of the Spanish economy is the fragile political stability in the country, which has a considerable impact on fiscal stability. Therefore, special attention must be paid to political crises at an internal level, as well as to relations and negotiations between Madrid and Brussels. On the other hand, the consulted experts also mentioned that geopolitical uncertainty and tension are increasingly having a greater impact on national economies, mainly due to disruptions in global trade flows and supply chains. However, the experts did not agree on the extent to which geopolitics will affect the battle of central banks against inflation.
The second section of the webinar covered the cyclical and structural challenges and opportunities for the Spanish economy. José Manuel González-Páramo indicated that the optimisation of NextGeneration funds will be key to post-pandemic economic recovery. He also highlighted that both the economic and social progress of Spaniards largely depends on finding solutions to one of their major burdens for almost three decades: the stagnation of productivity. To resolve this, structural reforms in areas like education and labour regulation are strictly necessary, as they would help the average worker increase their per capita income and, consequently, their well-being. Sofía Rodríguez, on the other hand, reiterated her great concern about certain geopolitical and inflationary issues. She warned that the behaviour of the Chinese economy, and its real estate market in particular, will have a considerable effect on the evolution of the world economy, which Spain is inextricably linked to. Furthermore, she attributed her concerns about combating «the last mile» against inflation to the continuous rise in wages and commercial and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the latter especially in relation to the energy market. However, one aspect that both José Manuel and Sofía coincided in was the importance of fiscal discipline: adopting new rules to address the structural deficit will be a «central issue» in 2024.
Other relevant topics that were discussed in the webinar were the labour market and artificial intelligence (AI). Both experts indicated that a slowdown in job creation is expected in 2024 after a notable resilience of the labour market up to now. However, it was also highlighted that the turnover rate in this market remains relatively high, around 3%, and that proposed public policies, such as reducing the maximum working hours per week to 37.5, must be accompanied by compensatory measures to avoid job destruction. Regarding artificial intelligence, Sofía Rodríguez called for caution and indicated that it is still too early to have a qualified opinion on it with respect to the Spanish economy. However, she did underline that the economists’ consensus points to AI being a tool that will have a positive impact on productivity, albeit in an asymmetric way depending on sector or income, among other factors. Sofía also took the opportunity to remind the audience of the non-economic impacts of this new technology; more specifically, she commented that «it seems that AI will produce plausibility, but it will not necessarily bring us closer to the truth.» José Manuel González-Páramo focused more on the «human inputs» that will be required to control the advancement of AI, from intellectual property laws that allow algorithms to be properly trained to regulations that allow sustained economic growth in our societies.
In general, the insights provided by both speakers were of no surprise to the audience, although their explanations were substantially valuable to reach a deeper understanding of both the current economic trends that influence us and the economic situation that awaits us. It is therefore necessary to highlight and appraise the great educational work that both economists carried out on 11th January, which we at the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom greatly appreciate.
Are you the child or grandchild of a Spanish national? If you are, you may be entitled to reclaim Spanish nationality without the need of residing in Spain and without the need of successfully passing any exam. But beware of the impending deadline to apply!
The Ley de Memoria Democrática, also known as the Spanish Grandchildren law, provides for the children and grandchildren of originally Spanish nationals to apply for Spanish nationality on the back of their Spanish ancestors.
The process involves making an application before the Spanish Consulate corresponding to the applicant’s place of residence but only if submitted by the 21st of October 2024 when the window period provided by the regulation will elapse and the right to apply disappear unless such period is extended by the Spanish Government.
Therefore, it is essential to file applications before the deadline to benefit from this opportunity to acquire Spanish nationality without residing in Spain and without renouncing to the nationality the applicant currently holds.
WHO IS ELEGIBLE TO APPLY FOR SPANISH NATIONALITY UNDER THE GRANDCHILDREN LAW?
1. Children and grandchildren of Spanish mother, father or grandparent who are considered, under Spanish law, originally Spanish.
2. The daughters and sons of Spaniards whose nationality of origin was recognised by virtue of the right of option in accordance with the Historical Memory Law (Seventh Additional Provision of Law 52/2007 of December 26) or of the present Democratic Memory Law.
3. Spaniards born outside of Spain to Spanish women who lost their Spanish nationality by marrying a foreign citizen before the entry into force of the Spanish Constitution of 1978.
Scornik Gerstein LLP has successfully assisted Spanish descendants in the process to reclaim their Spanish nationality under this law. If you would like us to assess your circumstances to confirm whether you can apply, please contact us at your earliest convenience:
In an ever-evolving world, mindful leadership and adaptive mindset are critical to meet the challenges of the artificial intelligence era. Digital transformation is profoundly impacting how we work and live, and in this context, the mindfulness approach has become invaluable for leaders. In this article, we will explore the importance of mindful leadership and how the mindfulness approach, supported by the best-selling book «Mindfulness for Leaders in the Digital Age», written by Nieves Rodriguez, can help leaders successfully navigate this new era.
The Paradigm Shift with Artificial Intelligence in Leadership
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, automating routine tasks and allowing leaders to focus on strategic tasks. However, this change requires an open and adaptive mindset on the part of leaders. The ability to collaborate effectively with artificial intelligence, harness its potential and develop new skills is crucial to leading in this new era.
The Development of an Open and Adaptive Mindset in Leadership
In the context of artificial intelligence, an open and adaptive mindset becomes even more relevant. Leaders must be willing to learn and unlearn, embrace new technologies and foster a culture of innovation in their organisations. This requires a growth mindset, the ability to embrace change and adapt quickly to new circumstances.
The Role of Conscious Leadership in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Conscious leadership becomes essential to maintain balance in an AI-driven environment. Conscious leaders develop greater mental clarity and make informed decisions. They also focus on the well-being of their teams, promoting resilience, work-life balance, and establishing an organisational culture based on strong values.
The Mindfulness Approach for Leaders in the Digital Age
In her bestselling book «Mindfulness for Leaders in the Digital Age», Nieves Rodriguez explores how mindfulness can be applied by leaders in their daily lives to improve calmness, focus and achieve mindfulness. This approach helps leaders cultivate greater mental clarity, manage stress and distractions, and foster more effective communication and decision-making.
Transforming Organisations from Within: Leading with Mindfulness
The mindfulness approach enables leaders to lead from a place of greater awareness and presence. By practising mindfulness, leaders can develop greater self-awareness, better understand their teams and cultivate stronger relationships. In addition, mindfulness fosters creativity, empathy and conflict resolution, which contributes to a more collaborative and successful work environment.
Conclusion: Mindful Leadership and Adaptive Mindset Supported by Mindfulness
In the age of artificial intelligence, conscious leadership, adaptive mindset and mindfulness approach become fundamental to lead successfully. By combining the skills of mindful leadership, open-mindedness and mindfulness, leaders can meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the digital age. The book «Mindfulness for Leaders in the Digital Age» by Nieves Rodriguez offers tools and practices to help leaders develop their leadership from a place of calm, focus and mindfulness.
To learn more about how mindful leadership, adaptive mindset and mindfulness can positively impact your leadership and organisation, we invite you to explore the book «Mindfulness for Leaders in the Digital Age» and Nieves Rodríguez’s presentations and trainings and to contact us at https://FastrackCoachingAppointment.as.me/INFORMACION.
On Monday 9th October, the SRUK Emerging Talent Award 2023 was presented to Dr. Roser Vento-Tormo. The organisers kindly invited the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom to attend the ceremony, held at the incredible venue of the Spanish Embassy in London.
We spent the afternoon with Spanish scientists, and heard from them directly about the important role they play in the University and research systems of the United Kingdom.
The ceremony was attended by numerous notable figures, such as H.E. Mr. José Pascual Marco, Ambassador of Spain to the United Kingdom, as well as Rodrigo Echenique Gordillo, President of the Banco Santander Foundation, an institution that finances the award as part of its talent attraction program. This was made known by its president, who emphasised that Banco Santander truly wants to «follow the trajectory of good Spanish scientists, and help promote knowledge and research.»
This highly coveted award supports and provides visibility to Spanish scientists in their early career who carry out research in the United Kingdom. Carmen Galán, Professor at Bristol University and part of the jury, made it known that this year there was a great talent among the scientists who applied for the award and she praised these people and their efforts when doing research abroad.
Irene Echeverría, president of SRUK, also highlighted the importance of such awards, and how proud the institution is of being able to support young researchers, particularly the «excellent career of Dr. Roser Vento-Tormo, which exemplifies the enormous value of the work carried out by Spanish researchers in the United Kingdom».
We at the Chamber would also like to convey our sincere congratulations to the winner, Dr. Vento-Tormo, for her excellent explanatory speech of her research, as well as for her outstanding contribution to the field of genomics and bioinformatics with a particular interest in reproductive tissues.
BECOSAN® is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the UK’s largest strip out, demolition, and refit project at the former GAP Warehouse, encompassing an impressive 661,000 sq. ft. (60,000 m2). This milestone accomplishment culminated with the property being leased by retail giant Sainsbury’s, marking one of the most substantial single property deals of the year.
In a remarkable collaboration with Sunrise Real Estate Limited and Total Project Integration, BECOSAN® played a pivotal role in delivering this monumental project. Sunrise Real Estate, the owner of the industrial building, orchestrated a comprehensive refurbishment of the property, which has now been officially handed over to Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited.
Before BECOSAN® intervention…
Sunrise Real Estate’s strategic acquisition of the property from Gap Inc. in September 2022 marked the beginning of an ambitious revitalisation initiative. The successful completion of the project within a two-month timeframe showcases the dedicated efforts of all involved stakeholders.
See the property before its transformation:
We would like to introduce you to two members of our team who have been involved in this monumental project:
Martin Kerrigan, the accomplished project director of BECOSAN®, provided visionary leadership throughout the refurbishment process. His expertise and guidance were instrumental in the successful execution of this complex project.
Oliver Sanz Wittrowski, serving as the coordinator of the BECOSAN® treatment, ensured the seamless integration of this innovative solution into the project. His meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach significantly contributed to the project’s success.
From left to right: Martin Kerrigan, Project director UK. Kenneth Olsen, CEO and Founder. Oliver Sanz Wittrowski, Project manager Europe.
After BECOSAN® treatment: see the impressive results!
This transformational endeavour involved a complete renovation of the Rugby 661 site, situated in Rugby, UK. The renovation project, overseen by Total Project Integration (TPI), included innovative pavement enhancements through the application of the cutting-edge BECOSAN® treatment. This treatment not only revitalises the pavement’s aesthetics but also ensures enhanced durability and sustainability.
After the property had been transformed:
For more information about BECOSAN ‘s revolutionary concrete treatment solutions, please contact BECOSAN UK at www.becosan.com/contact/ or call +44 (0)203 1296424.
BLOG POST WRITTEN BY IGNACIO PERINAT AND LAUREN MCAULEY
The 8th of August, a long-awaited day for all of us at the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK. Our very own Croqueta Tour was back for its second edition, and we could not hide our excitement when we gathered in Soho for a midday start to our gastronomic journey.
The Chamber is fortunate to count some of the finest Spanish restaurants in London among the Members of our institution. As both a token of our appreciation and an opportunity to enjoy a classic Spanish dish, last year, the Chamber decided to launch the annual Croqueta Tour: a day-long expedition across London to taste the most mouth-watering croquetas in town.
For those unfamiliar with the origin of the term ‘croqueta’, it comes (to the disappointment of many Spaniards) from the French word ‘croquette’, which is a diminutive of the onomatopoeia ‘croq’, in reference to the food’s characteristic crispiness. Despite the linguistic origin of the word, it is common knowledge that the Spanish (as with most things) make croquetas better. Don’t just take our word for it, though. All the restaurants we visited are excellent representatives of Spanish cuisine, so do not hesitate to visit each and every one of them for an authentic croquetas experience.
RESTAURANT 1: BAR KROKETA
The clock strikes twelve and the Chamber team gathers in Bar Kroketa in the heart of Soho. This bar has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and an interior that reminded us of being back in Spain.
The establishment aims to bring Spanish tapas culture to London, which can be immediately observed in the flavours of the croquetas; Iberian ham, mushroom, prawn and sobrasada, all prepared in their open kitchen. The croquetas of this first stop did not disappoint, and certainly set a very high bar (pun intended).
RESTAURANT 2: IBÉRICA MARYLEBONE
After a brisk walk through the cobbled Westminster streets, we reached our second stop of the tour: the Ibérica restaurant in Marylebone. Under the guidance of Michelin-starred Chef Director Nacho Manzano, this restaurant has rapidly garnered a reputation as one of the finest Spanish eateries in the city. The elegant interior, designed by award-winning Spanish architect Lázaro Rosa Violán, includes stunning Andalusian tiles and glass hanging lanterns.
We were warmly welcomed by the restaurant staff and immediately served some traditional ham croquetas, cooked and flavoured to perfection, washed down with a selection of Spanish wines and beers. The elegance of the restaurant and the taste of its food lend Ibérica Marylebone a strong sense of authenticity and make it an excellent choice for a Spanish-inspired meal.
RESTAURANT 3: BIBO SHOREDITCH
It was then time to hop onto the tube and travel across London to BiBo Shoreditch, a stylish restaurant located in the Mondrian hotel that prides itself on bringing its distinct Andalusian style of cooking to London.
There, we indulged in two types of croqueta, a smooth and rich mushroom and a classic jamón, made slightly differently with a simple béchamel filling with a portion of jamón on the top; a novel take on a variation that has been done so often before. The mushroom flavour also was a delight, with a flavour that packed a punch without being overpowering.
RESTAURANT 4: BARRAFINA COAL DROPS YARD
Another short walk later and we had arrived at Barrafina, one of five restaurants across the city, this one being in the newly-developed Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross.
With an open kitchen and relaxed bar-top seating, the vibe of this restaurant was immediately lively and energetic. We sat and watched the chefs at work, enjoying a crisp glass of pinot in the meantime. The croquetas here did not disappoint either; we thoroughly enjoyed the jamón flavour, and many of us were pleasantly surprised by the rich creaminess of the restaurant’s signature blue cheese croqueta.
RESTAURANT 5: BAR RIOJA
None of us wanted this tour to come to an end, and the final restaurant of the day made the prospect of leaving all the more difficult.
Bar Rioja in King’s Cross is a popular choice for both locals and tourists. Tucked away in a rustic style courtyard off a busy main street, this bar promises, and delivers, an intimate dining experience accompanied by an extensive wine list from the Rioja region.
The croquetas were on point, and their classic ham and cheese flavour was served with a twist; grated manchego on top, a welcome addition for all the cheese lovers in the room, which was only improved by the delicious rioja they were paired with.
With a full stomach and a smile on our faces, we sadly had to draw the Croqueta Tour to a close until next year. The Chamber team thoroughly enjoyed this gastronomic experience and made us especially proud of our Members who so warmly welcomed us into their restaurants. It is safe to say that each and every one of them is an excellent ambassador for Spanish cuisine in London and without them the city would feel less flavourful.
Chamber Member Moore Kingston Smith invites you to attend the next webinar in their Enterprise Series, on how to effectively negotiate the salary review process.
Fair and motivating remuneration can improve employee retention, productivity, and engagement. Effective salary reviews are key to ensuring that your people feel valued and continue to perform. With the review period fast approaching, are you equipped to run the process effectively?
In this webinar, our reward and people advisory experts will discuss navigating the salary review landscape, including how a robust salary review process can enhance your employee value proposition.
This seminar will cover:
What a salary review process looks like, and the must-have considerations to making sure the end-to-end process is a success.
The key stakeholders to include for the delivery of a successful salary review process.
Budget considerations, and how market data can positively impact and support decisions.
The importance of competitive salaries and the link to a stand-out Employee Value Proposition.
Why all roles should be reviewed, and not just the high-potential ones.
How reviewing job levels and your career framework benefits succession planning.
Sense checking job titles; do they really match their roles?
Why a ‘lessons learned’ post-review exercise is always a must-have.
Date: Thursday 14 September
Time: 10:00am – 10:45am
Location: Online (zoom)
Chair: Esther Carder, Partner
Panel: Sally Elcome, Head of Reward Services, Joe Regan, People Director
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RESTAURANT 1: BAR KROKETA
RESTAURANT 3: BIBO SHOREDITCH
RESTAURANT 4: BARRAFINA COAL DROPS YARD
RESTAURANT 5: BAR RIOJA
