Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom

Tag: Event

  • BREAKFAST SEMINAR “FRAUD: MANAGING THE RISK TO YOUR BUSINESS”

    On Tuesday 2nd February, the Spanish Chamber held the seminar “Fraud: Managing the Risk to your Business” in collaboration with Haymarket Risk Management, member of the Chamber.

    On this occasion, our Secretary General, Igor Urra, received attendees on behalf of our institution and introduced the speakers from Haymarket: Brian Mearns, Managing Director, Richard Kusnierz, Divisional Director Advanced Investigative Data Analytics and Geoff Chalder, Divisional Director International Crime.

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    From left to right, the speakers from Haymarket Risk Management: Richard Kusnierz, Divisional Director Advanced Investigative Data Analytics, Brian Mearns, Managing Director and Geoff Chalder, Divisional Director International Crime.

    To kick off, Brian Mearns talked about the role played by Haymarket in order to help other companies to fight against fraud and revealed the three main aspects that compose a proper Fraud Response Plan, which would be covered during the session: prevention, detection and response and  investigation .

    After this brief introduction, Geoff Chalder went on to show attendees the size of the problem in the UK in terms of business losses and number of fraud incidents, as well as undetected fraud cases. Moreover, he explained the impact and damage caused in business reputation due to these practices and mentioned some of the main existing threats, such as payroll fraud, procurement fraud, theft of goods or money and bribery and corruption.

    Regarding these threats, Brian Mearns discussed real cases where internal employees and known relationships were involved; demonstrating how difficult is for companies to be aware of fraud existence.

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    The organizers of the seminar: Haymarket Risk Management and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain.

    After that, Richard Kusnierz explained the two first stages of the Fraud Response Plan: prevention and detection. In this sense, he emphasized that it is essential to understand the data and evidence available by having a pre-screening of employees and business partners as well as an internal audit and controls.

    To conclude the seminar, Haymarket’s Managing Director Brian Mearns focused on the response and investigation stage after the existence of fraud has been detected. He also commented on the relevant aspects about data protection in both the United Kingdom and the European Union before summing up the main topics the different speakers had covered.

    The event then moved on to the Q&A session, where the representatives of Haymarket responded to all the questions from the attendees. Once the session finished, participants could enjoy an interactive networking breakfast while sharing thoughts and discussing further all the ideas covered in the talk.

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    Once the talk had finished, attendees had the opportunity to network and exchange their opinions about the session.

    If you want to find out other activities that the Spanish Chamber of Commerce is organising, we encourage you to keep an eye on our UPCOMING EVENTS section within our website. In addition to this, you can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter in order to receive updates with our events.

  • WOULD YOU LIKE TO PREVENT FRAUD IN YOUR BUSINESS?

    Even with the continuous measures carried out by companies to prevent it, fraud continues being one of the main threats for companies all around the world, regardless of size, sector or country.

    It is an increasing risk to businesses.  This risk is especially high for new businesses, or when entering into new markets or new ventures with untested associates. In addition, fraud can destroy your business, damage your reputation, cause huge financial loss, and have a negative impact on staff and client confidence.

    At the same time, according to the former National Fraud Authority, fraudsters are incredibly inventive. They use a wide variety of means to target their victims and their single ambition is to deprive their victims of money without any concern for their well-being. In fact, according to the same source, the annual loss to the UK economy from fraud has reached £52 billion.

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    Managing the risk of fraud contributes to succeed in your business.

    In order to help our members to prevent these kind of practices in their relationships with another companies, we are joining forces with Haymarket Risk Management Ltd, member of the Spanish Chamber, with which we will be organising the seminar “Fraud: Managing the Risk to your Business” on Tuesday 2nd February at our premises on Wigmore Street.

    This seminar is aimed at anyone who wants to reduce the possibilities of being a victim of fraudsters or, at least, to know further information about some key types of fraudulent attack, common methodologies, and actions that business managers may consider to prevent fraud and mitigate the risk to their business.

    Places are very limited and they will be offered free of charge for members. The full details of this activity, along with the registration form, can be accessed by clicking here.

    Don’t miss the opportunity to fight against fraud!

  • London City Airport Tour “Behind the Scenes Tour”

    On Thursday 22nd May the Spanish Chamber of Commerce organised an exclusive “Behind the Scenes Tour” in collaboration with London City Airport (LCY), Patron of the Chamber. This activity was organised uniquely for the Patrons’ Club of our institution.

    London City Airport is the UK’s leading business airport serving over 40 destinations across the UK, Europe and the USA. It is actually the only airport in London, and its location, on the doorstep of London’s financial district, has a relevant impact on the growth of the UK’s economy.

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    Welcome to London City Airport

    On this occasion, our Patrons were welcomed by Anne Doyere, London City Airport’s Sales Manager for UK and Ireland. Anne led the tour that took our Patrons around the main areas of the airport. As she explained during the visit, one of the objectives of LCY is that passengers do not spend more than seven minutes from the airport’s entrance to the security checkpoint, an objective that is currently achieved.

    Then, she also informed attendees of a brand new service offered in LCY which allows passengers to have their luggage delivered to or from the airport, to their office, hotel or serviced apartment, so they avoid the burden of bulky luggage.

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    The attendees during the tour

    This commitment to improve the passenger experience has led London City Airport to win the Airport of the year award in the category of “best airport serving under 10 million passengers a year”

    After the tour, Patrons got through the security check-point to enjoy a wonderful meal in the The City & Grill restaurant. Before the visit was over, they also had time to have a look around the shopping area.

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    The views from The City & Grill restaurant

    We would like to thank LCY for providing our Patrons with this exclusive experience; a fascinating morning tour at their premises and for the care and attention given to our Patrons.  Should you wish to learn more about the Spanish Chamber exclusive “Patrons’ Club” and the rest of the advantages this membership category brings to companies, do not hesitate to contact us.

    Finally, we are pleased to inform that on Thursday 26th June we will be hosting a breakfast seminar in collaboration with LCY on “Smarter Airport Experience.” The event is open to all members free of charge. Please click here for further information.

    You can also keep posted of future activities by subscribing to our newsletter or browsing our Upcoming Events section on our website www.spanishchamber.co.uk

  • First international conference of businesswomen in rural areas

    The Spanish Chamber of Commerce has helped bringing together 60 entrepreneurial and businesswomen from several rural areas in Spain and the UK in what it has been an unprecedented event that took place in Edgmond last Wednesday 5th June, at The Regional Food Academy of Harper Adams University .

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    Participants of the first international conference of businesswomen in rural areas

    The core of this event is the European Women in Rural Business Association that was developed amongst some Chambers of Commerce in Spain and leaded by the Soria Chamber of Commerce.  The whole project is supported by the Consejo Superior de Cámaras.

    European Women in Rural Business Association is an innovative project financed by the European Union and the Spanish Government, aimed to foster businesses run by women in rural areas. It was launched in July 2011 and it will be running activities until November 2013. The aim of this initiative is to create an interactive platform to support entrepreneurs, directives and businesswomen and address them throughout the use of technology and the tools to ease the internationalisation processes.  As part of their scheduled activities they planned this conference in Great Britain so as to get to meet the situation of their British colleagues and discuss some best practices together.

    The event was introduced by Mr. Rubén Fernández, Head of International Trade & Business Development, followed by a welcoming speech delivered by Mr. Igor Urra, Secretary General of the Chamber. Ms. Polly Gibb, Director at WiRE, the association for Women in Rural Entreprise in the UK, continued pointing out the importance of this sort of organisations for the development of their businesses potential.

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    Mr. Igor Urra during his speech. Next to him and standing up, Ms. Polly Gibb

    Business women from different sectors shared their know-how by giving some practical tips and advice to start and run a business, and pointed out the need of creating more forums so as to encourage more women to develop their very own projects. After the coffee break, five round tables were set in order for attendees to learn deeper about their foreign homonymous.  The 60 participants were split in groups with equal numbers of Spanish and UK delegates and also with an interpreter per table, so as to give the chance to all of them to introduce their businesses and to do some networking in order to explore synergies.

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    Attendees in the round table sharing their experiences as entrepreneurs.

    All attendees found this experience very inspirational and productive, taking advantage of some great tips and wise testimonies to move their businesses forward. We would like to thank participants and organisers, especially to the Soria Chamber of Commerce  for their initiative and make this event happen and to WiRE for their tremendous support in the organisation of the event . We wish a great success to all the businesswomen involved!

  • Best Practices Seminar for Spanish Companies in the UK – Fourth Edition

     The Spanish Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to once again work with  London & Partners and the Economic & Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy in the organisation of the IV edition of the “Best Practices Seminar for Spanish Companies Doing Business in/ with the UK”, a high-calibre half-day event for Spanish companies which have recently arrived in the UK or are planning to set up their business activity here in the near future.

    The event provided a general overview on the vital aspects of consideration needed when opening a branch or a subsidiary in the country, such as tax regulations, the need for legal advice, the diversity of recruitment options, how important it is to get public relations right and, finally, banking in the UK.

    The event was hosted by London & Partners at its offices overlooking one of the world’s most famous views.

    The event kicked off with warm welcomes by representatives of the three organising institutions, Ms. María Corts from L&P, Ms. Cristina Carmona from the Chamber, and Ms. Teresa González from the Economic & Commercial Office. They aimed to highlight the ways in which their respective organisations are there to support Spanish companies that have recently arrived in the UK, or anticipate to do so.

    Proceedings then got into full swing, with attendees soaking up a rich pool of knowledge about which advantages, and pitfalls, should be looked out for when expanding Spanish commercial interests in the British environment.

    Just before formalities ended, an interactive panel debate took place involving Mr. Juan Urdiales (Cofounder of JobandTalent) and Mr. Philippe Gelis (CEO of Kantox PeerFx). The design of this section was based on these two comapnies’ experience of intergrating into the British market over the past year, and it provided an excellent platform by which to involve our attendees in a lively exchange of pragmatic ideas.

    Out networking lunch was a great chance to reflect on the day.

    The event climaxed with a relaxed networking lunch, with speakers and attendees alike able to mingle, share thoughts, and to make those all-so-important business contacts which help frame every commercial success story.

    The Chamber would like to thank all involved, particularly London & Partners for hosting the event at their premises. For more news and commentary of Chamber events, seminars and announcements, please do subscribe to our blog.

  • What can the Chamber do for you?

    Dear Member,

    It is quite likely you have asked yourself this question in the early stages or your membership or prior to joining our institution. Maybe even after becoming a member.

    For some of you it may have been clear from the beginning: having access to a highly varied network of both British and Spanish businesses from a wide range of professional sectors. Others may favour the institutional visibility provided by the status of becoming a Patron of our institution, while some others may have decided to join simply because they want to be part of the big family that the Chamber has become since its foundation back in 1886. Needless to say it has grown to have quite a lot relatives over the years.

    Whatever your reason for joining, members expect to make the most of their membership, which honestly is fair enough. So with this in mind, we would like to remind you that at the Spanish Chamber there is always something for everyone according to their specific needs.

    So what’s in it for members in terms of …

    Events and Networking

    We may be a small team, but we try not to let this hold us back from planning an ever growing calendar of events with a wide range of formats, and with over 50 activities per year each member can find the right one for them.

    In addition to our own activities, we collaborate with other institutions and foreign Chambers from time to time in order to increase the events on offer for our associates, allowing them to have access to an even bigger professional network.

    We also offer companies the possibility to increase their brand awareness by sponsoring some of our activities, and to organise events in collaboration with us – and so it is in this capacity that we encourage partners to get in contact with us should they wish to explore scope for working together on an event. Our Events and Communication team will be happy to assist and help you choose the right format for your specific needs.

    If you have never attended our events or do so very rarely, we strongly recommend that you try to take part in them – if for nothing else than to meet new members and to catch up with old ones. We are in attendance to all the activities that we organise, so it will be our pleasure to welcome you whether it is the first time you attend them or not.

    Although they all followed the instructors’ explanations very carefully, none were able to figure out when the “drinks bit” actually started

    Trade and Commercial Services

    The Chamber does not live on networking events only, and so if you are looking to explore new business opportunities and seek to approach potential new clients or professional partners, our Foreign Trade Department has the right tools to assess specific commercial strategies suitable to your company.

    From individual commercial agendas to multi -sector trade missions, the department covers different scenarios to ensure each business can find the adequate means to explore possible avenues of collaboration in the British or Spanish markets, providing guidance and information throughout the process.

    Other services

    We are always looking to improve the membership experience we offer to our associates and with that in mind we have created different sections on our website to allow members to interact with each other. For instance, did you know we have a dedicated M2M (Members-to-Members) section where associated companies can advertise exclusive offers and promotions for other members? Or that you can promote the activities you organise via our Members’ Events section?

    We have also created a Spanish Chamber of Commerce group in LinkedIn so our members can share and exchange information, create discussion groups, or simply network online if you cannot always make it to our events. We know you prefer the real thing but as the saying goes “half a loaf is better than none”.

    In addition to the above, if you have any questions, suggestions or ideas you would like to share with us, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to hear what our members have to say to help us grow and improve as an institution.

    And as the big family the Chamber has grown to be, it is just worth remembering that we are also here to give a helping hand. So next time you are in doubt whether we can be of assistance, just let us know.

  • Voice Training – The secret of speaking better English

    What makes up an accent?

    Last Tuesday we have had the pleasure of hosting a dynamic Seminar at the Spanish Chamber premises; a Voice Training session conducted by voice & communication skills coach, Ms. Dolly May, from The London School of English, member of the Chamber.

    The seminar was aimed at Spaniards that wished to improve their English, and in particular, the clarity of their accent. Inversely however, the greatest lesson our attendees took from this master class was that your accent need not change in order to speak better English – and Ms. May made this point very clearly.

    Ms. Dolly May, accent coach from The London School of English

    Thus, this event has allowed our participants to discover the steps to achieve coherent oration through different exercises of improving ones diction. In an inclusive and fluid way, Ms. May showed the attendees how intonation, rhythm, melody and speed are the foundation of every accent. Some of the exercises consisted of identifying which words were “key” within a sentence – emphasising them so as to pass on our intended message to the listener.

    The seminar was broad & dynamic, and attendees took an active part within the whole session by sharing their thoughts and asking some interesting questions.

    Similarly, participants learnt that clarity and sharpness are both used to express our ideas in a way that makes our audience more engaged to the content of what we are saying, minimising the need for them to then stop and interpret in a way which ultimately becomes a hassle to both parties.

    In conclusion, this seminar was a great opportunity for our participants to develop their command over spoken English. The positive exchange of speaking techniques seems to have left everyone involved with a heightened sense of how to express personal & professional oration.

    This has not been the first – and certainly will not be the last – of these sessions! We encourage you to keep an eye on our UPCOMING EVENTS section in our website, or to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so as to be up to date with our activities!

  • V Annual Gala Dinner of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce – Celebrating 126 Years.

    The scene was set for a spectacular evening for our attendees.

     The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain had the pleasure to host the most prestigious black-tie event of its calendar yesterday, at the magnificent Landmark Hotel , member of the Chamber, in Marylebone. It was an evening of high elegance and a friendly rubbing of shoulders, as the attendees from our member and Patron companies mingled enthusiastically with our high-profile guests. There was wine, there was laughter, there was great food, and there was also an atmosphere of positive reflection upon the achievements of the Chamber – and in particular, paying respect to those important figures which have played such a large role in its continued successes. It was in this spirit that the outgoing President, Mr. Fernando Pérez, would later be honoured by our guest speakers.

    Guests mingle in the glorious central atrium of the Landmark Hotel.

    Formalities began with a Spanish-themed drinks reception; with freshly carved Iberian ham, a variety of Spanish cheeses, and a wonderful selection of wines and cava (kindly provided by Marqués de Cáceres & Hacienda Zorita). The live pianist provided a gentle and inviting soundtrack to this early opportunity for representatives from the plethora of British and Spanish companies to share one another’s company. Cultural anecdotes and shared points of interests electrified the atmosphere of discussion in the hotel’s central atrium, before the Toastmaster directed proceedings to the main event – the dinner itself.

    Former President, Mr. Fernando Pérez (left), with the new incumbant, Mr. Javier Fernández (right).

    The grand ballroom played host to the three-course gastronomic feast, with the dinner being served by the finest camareros in London. The conversations of the earlier part of the evening extended into a palpable hum of friendly banter during the meal, with the Toastmaster once more standing to attention as attendees were finishing their desserts. He first called the newly-elected President of the Chamber, Mr. Javier Fernández, to entertain the audience with a speech. In well-spirited humour, he gave his thanks to Chamber staff and members of the Executive Committee in supporting him through the transition, whilst also stating his enthusiasm for taking on the great responsibility as President.

    The audience listening to the speech of Mr. Javier Fernández, President of the Chamber.

     H.E. The Ambassador of Spain, Mr. Federico Trillo, was then invited to take to the podium. Preferring to speak from the heart rather than notes, as he put it, he proceeded to touch on numerous subjects that were important to his role as Ambassador.

    Mr. Federico Trillo, H.E. The Ambassador of Spain, making a toast to the Queen of the United Kingdom and the King of Spain.

    The final section of formalities were ushered in by the Guest of Honour, Mr. José Manuel Soria, Spanish Minister for Industry, Energy & Tourism, who expanded on the need for Spain to develop its economic integration abroad through positive functions such as the one in which he was speaking. It’s in this capacity that he endevoures to promote Spain abroad,  he remakred, with this being fundamental in his service to the national interest. His words rang with ambition, and his speech conveyed a strong sense that with hard work, brighter things could soon come for the Spanish economy.

    (From left to right): Mr. José Antonio Zamora, Head of the Economic & Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy; Mr. Federico Trillo, H.E. The Ambassador of Spain; Mr. José Manuel Soria, Spanish Minister for Industry, Energy & Tourism; Mr. Javier Fernández, President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Fernando Pérez, Former President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Pedro Moriyón, Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development

    After formalities ended, attendees were invited to enjoy the rest of the evening, with of course the help of the hotel bar. In typical Spanish style, many guests stayed chatting long into the night. We thank all of our attendees, our high-profile guests & our sponsors for a truely special event and we sincerely hope that all involved found it to be a wonderful success. Please do interact and browse our blog in order to keep up to date with Chamber news & events, and click here to access the gallery of photos of the whole evening.

  • Breakfast Briefing – What are your liabilities as a Director?

    Members of the Chamber, Pinsent Masons, yesterday played host to a revealing breakfast seminar on the liabilities that company Directors face from its board, from its shareholders, and from independent auditors & creditors. Seasoned legal advisor in the arena of corporate governance and Partner of Pinsent Masons, Mr. Martin Webster, kindly conducted proceedings. He started by shedding light upon themes such as precedence of obligations, conflict of interests, and liability for breach of duties. Our attendees listened attentively whilst sipping on their morning coffees.

    Martin Webster, with over 30 years experience at Pinsent Masons, introducing the talk.

    Mr. Webster was keen to emphasise the concept of Director responsibility, establishing the notion that whilst day-to-day decisions may be taken by a company board, by a group of executives, or through other corporate structures – when things go wrong, it will be he or she that took decisions in the company’s name that will be the first to be questioned. This concept, he said, was principle in understanding all other liabilities, and that should things go wrong, it was important to have evidence that the Director conducted themselves in accordance to legal regulations (boardroom minutes or other decision-making documentation are examples).

    The seminar was well attended by Chamber members and guests.

    The talk was comprehensive yet accessible, and after being taken through the presentation, our attendees posed lively questions reflecting the corporate governance structures of their own respective companies. We thank Pinsent Masons, Mr. Webster, and our attendees for coming together and making this a wonderfully informative experience. A jovial networking breakfast followed, what a brilliant way to start the day!

    Attendees enjoy some light reflection before the subsequent networking breakfast.

  • Patrons’ Club – Exclusive Breakfast with Secretary of State for Foreign Trade

    On  27th of September, the Spanish Chamber held one of its exclusive Patron’s  Club events: Breakfast with Mr. Jaime García-Legaz, Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign Trade.

    The breakfast was a great opportunity to rub shoulders with business world elites from the the UK & Spain, who kindly support the Spanish Chamber of Commerce through patronship. The atmosphere was jovial, but it was also an opportunity for a frank discussion of one of the key economic issues of our time – how it is that businesses can get to grips with the ways in which the Spanish economy can look to improve, and ultimately to emerge as a strong world competitor in the coming years.

    Mr. Jaime García-Legaz, Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign Trade.

    The former economic and financial analyst at the Bank of Spain, who also has experience in the position of Director General of Financial Policy at the Economic & Finance Ministry, took to the podium. He stressed the need to reform the Spanish financial architecture and again reaffirmed that he will endeavor to maintain Spain as a part of the euro.

    Mr. García-Legaz pointed out that there is still the need for extensive labour reforms as a key tool to overcome the current crisis in Spain, which links directly with the fundamental commitment by the current centre-right government to budgetary stability. These measures, in the words of García-Legaz, are aimed at economic growth.

    However, his speech was full of optimism, and stated that Spain would begin to see the first signs of recovery within the 3rd quarter of 2013, which are otherwise starting to be reflected in foreign investment figures. This positive shift is currently being supported by a structural correction being brought about through the generating of an unprecedented trade surplus.

    CEO’s and other high-level deligates from our Patron companies milling around during the breakfast.

    In conclusion, he reiterated the importance of betting on the policy adjustments of the government and, in particular, to trust leading Spanish companies, many of them present at this breakfast, since it is they who are ultimately the ones that generate sustainable growth and stimulate the economy. This is, he remarked, essential in order for Spain to emerge stronger from the crisis.

    Patrons of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce representatives attended the event along with H.E. The Ambassador of Spain Federico Trillo Figueroa and the President of The Spanish Chamber, Mr.Fernando Pérez.

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