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.