Everything was set for a marvellous evening
On Friday 31st January the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain organised the New Year’s Welcome Dinner in London at NH Harrington Hall hotel, one of our Patrons.
The event was a new format that incorporated our traditional Gala Dinner (which unfortunately could not be held in November 2013) and our New Year’s Drinks Reception. The format proved to be a success as over 200 guests joined us to celebrate the beginning of another exciting year.
This black-tie dinner was presided by the Ambassador of Spain, H.E. Mr. Federico Trill-Figueroa and we counted on the attendance of Mr. Jaime García-Legaz, Spanish Secretary of State for Trade, who was our Guest of Honour.
This was a very special evening for some of our members as the Spanish Chamber wanted to recognise the outstanding support of those companies who have been members of our institution for over 50 years.
The evening began at 7.00pm with a drinks reception at the hotel bar, allowing guests to interact and getting to know each other while enjoying a nice selection of wines and cava. In that regard, we would like to thank Marqués de Cáceres, member of the Spanish Chamber, for having kindly provided the excellent white wine that was served throughout the evening.
The white wine kindly provided by Marqués de Cáceres
At 8.00pm the guests were ushered to the dining room -which was beautifully decorated in white and golden tones- and went on to take their seats. As usual, the Master of Ceremonies announced the loyal toasts which were led by the Ambassador, and guests raised their glasses in accordance.
After the toast, dinner was served and attendees enjoyed their three-course meal in a very lively and enjoyable atmosphere.
The Presidential table during the dinner
Speeches began after the main course was cleared and leading the proceedings was the President of the Spanish Chamber, Mr. Javier Fernández Hidalgo. In his speech, the President welcomed our two new Patrons London & Partners and Menzies, who were in attendance. He also highlighted the importance for the Chamber to receive the support of their members and announced that later in the evening an award ceremony to acknowledge some our longstanding companies would be taking place.
After our President, it was the turn of the Ambassador to take the floor and introduce our Guest of Honour, Mr. Jaime García Legaz, Secretary of State for Trade, who remarked on the steady growth of the import/export sector in Spain and shared some interesting statistics and recent data to reflect the importance of these sectors in the current economic situation.
Once Mr. Jaime García –Legaz had concluded his speech, it was time for the highlight of the evening: the Award Ceremony. With this, the Spanish Chamber wanted to publicly acknowledge what an important role companies play in the survival of the institution and its activities and how they contribute to make a difference.
Mr. Jaime García Legaz, Secretary of State for Trade, during his speech
On this occasion, the Chamber wanted to thank those companies that have been members for over 50 years. They are as follows in alphabetical order: A. GOMEZ LTD (member since 1952) , CONSTRUCCIONES Y AUXILIARES DE FERROCARRIL (member since 1945), IBERIA (member since 1963), LISONS LTD (member since 1958), MACANDREWS & CO LTD (member since 1930), PRODUCTS FROM SPAIN LTD (member since 1964), RODANTO LTD (member since 1952) and VICTORIA TRADING LTD (members since 1956)
The representatives of the awarded companies. From left to right: Mr. Tony Zerpa-Falcon (Victoria Trading), H.E. Mr. Federico Trillo-Figueroa (Ambassador of Spain), Mr. Mark Copsey (MacAndrews), Mr. Jaime García-Legaz (Secretary of State for Trade), Mr. Javier Fernández (President of the Spanish Chamber), Mrs. Sensi Álvaro (Iberia), Mr. Michael Velasco (Rodanto) and Mr. Antonio Campos (CAF).
Unfortunately, A.Gomez, Lisons and Products from Spain were unable to attend the event and collect their awards in person. However, the rest of the awarded companies were able to join us – with MacAndrews taking a full table for their company at the dinner. We are grateful for their presence and we hope that we can celebrate at least another 50 years together with them as well as with the rest of our members.
After formalities ended, attendees were invited to enjoy some after-dinner drinks in the hotel bar. The atmosphere was vibrant and relaxed as our Patrons, members and their guests mingled and exchanged their impressions of the evening.
Attendees had the opportunity to network before and after dinner
We would very much like to thank all of , our high-profile guests and our sponsors for joining us and for sharing the wonderful night that we had and the amazing success that this special event was.
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.