On Thursday 27th November we held our VI Annual Gala Dinner, which took place at the ME London Hotel, member of the Spanish Chamber. This corporate event is the most important activity that the Spanish Chamber organises during the year and it is attended by leading representatives from a wide range of British and Spanish companies with business interests in both countries.
This black-tie dinner was presided by the Ambassador of Spain, H.E. Mr. Federico Trillo-Figueroa and we counted on the attendance of Mr. César Alierta, Executive Chairman and CEO of Telefónica, as our Guest of Honour.
The event began at 7.00pm with a drinks reception at the hotel bar, allowing guests to interact with each other while enjoying a glass of wine and cava, provided respectively by the D.O Almansa and Codorníu.
After the reception, guests were ushered to the dining room and went on to take their seats. The proceedings of the dinner started with H.E. the Ambassador of Spain leading the traditional loyal toasts in honour of the Queen of Great Britain and the King of Spain.
Speeches began after the main course was cleared with the President of the Spanish Chamber, Mr. Javier Fernández Hidalgo, welcoming guests on behalf of the institution and thanking Mr. César Alierta for his presence at such an important occasion.
In his speech, the President also announced three new Benefactor members: the law firm Cuatrecasas, Gonçalves, Pereira, the beer producer Estrella de Galicia and the British law firm Lewis Silkin. They have been the first companies to join this new membership category at the Spanish Chamber. The President also highlighted the importance for the Chamber to receive the support of its existing members and Patrons, which contribute to the success of our activities.
After our President, H.E. the Ambassador took to the floor and addressed attendees. At the end of his speech he introduced our Guest of Honour, Mr. Cesar Alierta, Executive Chairman and CEO of Telefónica, who made clear that the UK is a key market for the company, which currently has 24 million customers in the country. In fact, he explained that the trade flow between the two countries amounted to 8,800 million euros, with the UK being the fifth highest customer of Telefónica with regard to exports.
After speeches ended, attendees were invited to enjoy some after-dinner drinks in the Radio rooftop bar, which boasts a superb outdoor terrace and spectacular panoramic views of London. The atmosphere was vibrant and relaxed as our Patrons, members and their guests mingled and exchanged their impressions of the evening.
We would very much like to thank all attendees for joining us on such a unique and successful evening for our institution. We are truly grateful to our kind sponsors D. O. Almansa and Codorníu for their contribution with the wines and cava that were served throughout the event.
Please click here to access the complete gallery of pictures for this event.
On the other hand, do not hesitate to browse our Upcoming events section in order to keep up to date with the Spanish Chamber events.
