We are pleased to announce our “Annual Patron’s Dinner” will be held on Monday 14th March at the Spanish Embassy. This is an exclusive event for Patron members of the Spanish Chamber.
On this truly special occasion we are pleased to count on Mr. Xavier Rolet, Chief Executive of the London Stock Exchange Group, as our Guest of Honour, and we would like to take this opportunity to introduce him as well as the institution he represents.
Our Guest of Honour, Mr. Xavier Rolet.
Mr. Xavier Rolet was born in Aix-les-Bains, France. He served as a second lieutenant and Instructor at the French Air Force Academy, earned an MBA from Columbia Business School in 1984 and a post-graduate degree from the Institute of Advanced Studies in National Defense (IHEDN) in Paris.
He worked at Goldman Sachs in New York and London from 1984 to 1994, at Credit Suisse First Boston from 1994 to 1996 and he has held senior positions at Dresdner Kleinwort Benson from 1997 to 2000.
From 2000 to 2008 he was a senior executive at Lehman Brothers and, most recently, CEO of the company in France. On March 2009, Mr. Rolet was appointed to the Board and to Chief Executive of the London Stock Exchange Group on May 2009.
With such a remarkable Guest of Honour, we are positive that our Patrons will be delighted to listen to Mr. Xavier Rolet’s insights and exchange impressions with him during the evening.
If you will want to know more about the Patron category, please click here and check all the benefits of this member category.
On Monday 14th September, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new edition of the Graduate European Programme. The programme offers university graduates the opportunity to undertake work experience in London at the same time as they attend different workshops. The programme, which this year has 12 participants, started with an Induction Week which included several talks and visits to institutions.
The Secretary General Mr. Igor Urra, along with Ms. Cristina Carmona, Head of Corporate Relations and Communication and Co-ordinator of the Programme, welcomed the group on Monday 14th September at the Spanish Chamber of Commerce premises. After the encouragement words from the Secretary General, who urged candidates to make the most of this opportunity, Cristina Carmona delivered a session aimed at helping candidates to succeed at the interviews they would be facing later in the week. The session also provided participants with useful tips to write a CV and to face a personal interview.
Ms. Cristina Carmona and Ms. Rosa del Campo during their talk to the participants.
Following a break, participants had the opportunity to meet Ms. Rosa Del Campo, Commercial Relationships Manager at UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), who explained the role of the UKTI and how they support overseas companies to land in the UK, but also how they help UK-based companies to enter new markets. The session concluded with an overview of those countries with a significant foreign investment presence in the UK, and provided examples on how Spanish companies have increased their internationalisation plans in recent years.
Later that day, three former participants of the Graduate European Programme visited the premises of the Chamber. Ms. Sandra Del Campo, Ms. Carmen Villanueva and Ms. Sofía Marcoartu shared their experience with the attendees and explained how taking part in this programme eventually led them both to find a job in London. They encouraged this year’s participants to make the most of the work experience. The talk concluded with a round of questions about life in London, hints to do well at the interviews and the differences between work routines in Spain and UK.
From left to right Ms. Cristina Carmona, Ms. Sandra del Campo, Ms. Sofía Marcoartu and Ms. Carmen Villanueva, as they explained their experience as former participants.
Before starting the interviews phase, on Tuesday 15th September the induction week followed with a visit to the Spanish Embassy in London, where participants were welcomed by Mr. Juan López-Herrera, the Minister Counsellor. He provided this year’s candidates with an overview of the main areas of work of the Embassy in the country and why the diplomatic service is important. To conclude the visit, the participants had some time to make a few questions to Mr. Juan López-Herrera.
Mr. Juan López-Herrera with the GEP participants after the talk at the Embassy.
Later on the afternoon, the participants had the chance to meet two top journalists, Roberto Casado from Expansion and Jordi Barcia from RNE. They went on to offer an overview of the life of a foreign press correspondent, the way they work and the main advantages and inconveniences of being a correspondent. At the end of their talks and after the Q&A, Mr. Barcia showed the participants his portable radio-set and explained them how he works when he is not in his studio.
From left to right, Jordi Barcia, Cristina Carmona and Roberto Casado.
Next on the agenda, on Friday 18th was a visit to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development where the participants where kindly welcomed by Mr. Antonio Oporto, Board Director for Spain and Mexico. Mr. Antonio Oporto started by explaining participants the historic context where the Bank was created so they could better understand its scope of action. He went on to share his insights on how current affairs can have an impact on the work of the EBRD, especially in regard to new countries where the bank operates. A very interactive Q&A followed the session where participants were able to learn more about specific areas of interest for the bank.
Mr. Antonio Oporto with the GEP participants during the talk at the EBRD.
We would like to thank all the speakers for the different sessions of the Induction Week and the institutions that kindly welcomed the participants of the XVII of our Graduate European Programme. We will be following their progress in London and encourage them to make the most of this unique experience.
On 14th May, the Spanish Embassy hosted the Iberia Presentation Event organised by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain, in collaboration with Iberia, Patron of the Chamber.
Following the successful launch of our Private Members’ Area back in March, which was also supported by Iberia, they decided to invite member companies to get to know the new Iberia brand image as well as their new routes and products.
The Spanish Embassy hosted the Iberia Presentation Event
H.E. Mr. Federico Trillo-Figueroa welcomed attendees to his residence on this special occasion. He highlighted that Iberia is the kind of company that can perfectly integrate the new with the old. Operating since 1927, Iberia keeps its traditional spirit, but adding an innovative touch on their daily activity.
Later on, Ms. Celia Muñoz Espin, Head of Sales for Europe and Africa of the airline, presented the new routes to South America that Iberia has recently developed (Santo Domingo, Montevideo, Havana and Medellin) as well as the new seats and facilities offered in the long-haul flights.
She showcased some videos to illustrate these improvements and invited Paloma Utrera, Sales Manager at Iberia Express and Chris Rankin, Head of Consumer Sales of BA to share some words with the audience. They both emphasised the relationship between Iberia and the UK, which had been strengthened since the merge with British Airways and showed their willingness to foster this alliance.
H.E. Mr. Federico Trillo-Figueroa welcoming attendees to his residence.
Later on, all the guests were invited to try the new seats Iberia had brought to the Embassy and enjoyed the opportunity to experience first-hand how it felt to travel in renewed Iberia business class cabins.
The icing on the cake of this event was the raffle organised for a round trip to Havana. The lucky one on the evening was Ms. Victoria Redondo, from King Stage, a company that has recently joined as member of the Spanish Chamber; and she was delighted with her prize.
Vladut Anton from King Stage and his colleague Victoria Redondo, winner of the round trip to Havana
Furthermore, our members enjoyed the opportunity to mingle during the drinks reception and exchange impressions about the event in an informal atmosphere. We had a first-class experience tasting an incredible Iberian ham cut live, as well as some exquisite canapés and cheese varieties from Hispania, member of the Spanish Chamber, which were undoubtedly a great success.
The evening was livened up by a cocktail bar, courtesy of Iberia, whose bar tender surprised the attendees with his fruity creations and some music.
All guests could taste fruity cocktails, Iberian ham, a variety of cheese and other canapés provided by Hispania
Last but not least, we would like to extend our gratitude to both Iberia and The Spanish Embassy for turning this event into a success. We would also like to thank our guests for joining us on yet another unforgettable evening and wish Ms. Victoria Redondo a pleasant stay in Havana.
Keep up with our next events and do not miss the chance to attend our 128th Annual General Meeting, where we will count on Mr. Luis Gallego, President of Iberia, as our Guest of Honour. You can find more information about the registration here, so hurry up as places are running out fast!
The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain celebrated its Annual Golden Award on 28th April at the Spanish Embassy in London.
The Annual Golden Award is one of the main corporate events of the Spanish Chamber that acknowledges the significant commercial activity of a Spanish company in the United Kingdom during the previous year. On this occasion, the awarded company was Codorníu, a Spanish family wine and cava producer with almost five centuries of history. Mrs. María del Mar Raventós, President of the Company, received the award on behalf of the company and conveyed her gratitude for this recognition.
From left to right: H.E. the Ambassador of Spain, Mr. Federico Trillo, welcoming all attendees to the Spanish Embassy; Mrs. María del Mar Raventós, President of Codorníu and Mr. Javier Fernández, President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in GB.
The award was presented by H.E. the Ambassador of Spain, Mr. Federico Trillo-Figueroa, who greeted Mrs. María del Mar Raventós during his welcome speech. The President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Javier Fernández Hidalgo, highlighted the milestones of tradition in Codorníu’s lifetime, being the oldest company in Spain and one of the oldest in the world. Likewise, he took the opportunity to announce our most recent patron, Ernst & Young, and reminded our members that we will be celebrating our Annual General Meeting on 16th June. He thanked all the attendees and sponsors for their kind support and presence then he presented the award to the President of Codorníu, who also wanted to extend a word of thanks.
Mrs. María del Mar Raventós holding the Annual Golden Award 2014, accompanied by Mr. Javier Fernández (left) and Mr. Federico Trillo (right).
Mrs. Raventós shared her feelings towards this award as she felt it a very important recognition to the work of the company and all the family members involved in the business (593 members nowadays) since 1555, the year of the foundation of the company by Jaume de Codorníu. She briefly went through the family story that surrounds this brand and mentioned that each member would be proud of receiving this prize; it represented a boost to their company, to keep selling and growing in new markets.
Mrs. María del Mar Raventós thanked the Spanish Chamber for this award in the name of the whole family of Codorníu.
We had the pleasure to count on more than 200 guests on the evening, representing member companies from both Spain and the UK. All these members who decided to join us on this special occasion enjoyed the opportunity to extend their network and interact with professionals from the Anglo-Spanish business community.
Furthermore, thanks to our member Lolo Investments Ltd, which operates under the brand of Viandas de Salamanca, curtesy of them our attendees had a unique culinary experience with an excellent tasting of several Iberian products such as Iberian ham and other cured meats.
Viandas de Salamanca and Codorníu kindly sponsored this event.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Viandas de Salamanca as well as to Codorníu, the protagonist of the event, for their support and contribution to make this evening a great gathering by kindly sponsoring our Annual Golden Award. Codorníu provided a selection of their finest wine and cava that suited perfectly to match both the Iberian selection and the canapés served from the kitchen of the Spanish Embassy.
More than 200 attendees decided to join us on this special occasion.
Likewise, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Spanish Embassy for warmly hosting this event as well as all attendees that decided to share this special evening with us. You can all enjoy now a selection of the best moments of the evening by visiting the gallery of the Annual Golden Award 2015.
If you missed this event or simply want to know what we are up to next, please browse the UPCOMING EVENTS section on our website or subscribe to our electronic newsletter for weekly updates here. Get ready as May is coming full of activity!
On Monday 23rd March the Spanish Chamber organised the traditional Annual Patrons’ Dinner. The event was held at the Spanish Embassy and H.E. the Ambassador of Spain Mr. Federico Trillo-Figueroa was our exceptional host for the evening. With this annual dinner the Spanish Chamber acknowledges the support of its Patrons and for such an occasion guests could taste a selection of wines and cava kindly offered by Codorníu.
Codorníu kindly provided the wines and cava for the Patrons’ Dinner.
To begin the evening, guests were welcomed with a selection of canapés that they could enjoy along with cava and wine during the pre-dinner reception. This was the perfect opportunity for guests to greet in a relaxed manner and catch up before dinner. After the reception, Patrons moved to the dining area to take their seats. Our guests enjoyed a three-course dinner which consisted of roasted vegetables escalivada, dover sole with scallops and wild rice, and chocolate mousse with almond crunch.
The reception allowed attendees to network before the dinner started.
After the main course, the President of the Spanish Chamber, Mr. Javier Fernández Hidalgo, opened the proceedings and welcomed everyone on behalf of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and thanked the Ambassador of Spain for kindly hosting this event at his residence.He then welcomed the representative of Ernst & Young as new Patron of the Chamber and announced the date of another forthcoming Patrons’ event. The President ended his speech encouraging attendees to bring forward ideas and projects that the Chamber can work on.
Mr. Javier Fernández Hidalgo, President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain, during his speech.
He then gave the floor to H.E. Mr. Federico Trillo-Figueroa, who thanked attendees and highlighted the level of commitment Patrons’ show with the Spanish Chamber and how more and more Spanish companies are getting a relevant presence in the UK market thanks to key operations. This is the case of Banco Sabadell, which after the acquisition of TSB will become the second biggest Spanish bank in the UK. The Ambassador mentioned other recent examples of Spanish companies which have been trusted to undertake high-caliber government projects in the country, which can only be interpreted as a positive sign.
H.E. Mr. Federico Trillo-Figueroa, who kindly hosted the event at his residence, highlighted the level of trust that the British government has in Spanish companies, as proved recent high-caliber operations in the country.
After the speeches, it was time for guests to enjoy the dessert and then to move on to the main reception room, where coffee and petit fours were being served. Attendees enjoyed the end of the event in a relaxed atmosphere and could exchange impressions with the Ambassador and President of the Chamber. This was the perfect closure for such a fantastic evening.
The dinner took place at one of the Embassy’s most impressive rooms.
We would like to thank our Patrons for their attendance and we look forward to seeing them at the next Patrons’ Event. We are sincerely grateful to CODORNíUfor kindly providing the wines and cava at this exclusive dinner.
If you would like to be updated on forthcoming activities, do not hesitate to sign up for our weekly newsletter. Alternatively, you can also check out our event in the UPCOMING EVENTSsection within our website.
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