Spanish business association launching in Manchester
A new body dedicated to promoting business, cultural and social collaboration between Spain and the UK is set to launch at Manchester’s Cervantes Institute on June 6.
The Spanish Business Association (SBA) is a not-for-profit organisation aimed at meeting the needs of companies looking to grow and develop projects in both countries.
Founding member and SBA president, and honorary consul of Spain in Manchester, David Lorenzo, said the SBA would be working towards building an innovative and effective partnership.
“We detected a need for an organisation of Spanish and English companies in the areas outside of the influence of London,” said David, a consultant at solicitors Clarke Willmott, in Manchester.
“The SBA will reach out to companies and institutions to develop joint initiatives in Manchester, promoting new ventures, innovation and employment.
“And in this period of uncertainty over Brexit, we will also be focusing on providing information and connections to exporters in the North West on how to overcome any difficulties and show that the relationship between both countries is stronger than ever and that it’s business as usual.”
SBA founding members include specialist engineering solutions group TRIA Engineering, global ceramics manufacturer the Porcelanosa Group, and the Cervantes Institute in Manchester, a Spanish government organisation that promotes the language and culture of Spain.
The SBA has the support of the Spanish Embassy. The general consul of Spain in Edinburgh, Miguel Angel Vecino, will be honorary president.
Around 25 members are currently signed up with the association, including the Nuclear Energy Cluster of Cantabria or Técnicas Reunidas.
The SBA is preparing a number of events on its own, and in partnership with chambers of commerce and other organisations in Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham.
David Lorenzo is a consultant in Clarke Willmott’s construction team and a dual-qualified solicitor and Spanish abogado specialising in construction and engineering disputes in power stations and engineering disputes in power stations.
The launch will be held at the Cervantes Institute in Manchester on June 6 at 18:00.
