Luncheon-Debate with Martin Selmayr, Secretary-General of the European Commission

On May 28, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organized a luncheon-debate with Martin Selmayr, Secretary-General of the European Commission, about “The European Union in May 2019: Between renewal, Brexit and refoundation”. The event was attended by executives of international companies, members of the Chamber and representatives of Spanish, European and Latin American public bodies.

The President of the Chamber, Juan Rodríguez Villa-Matons, opened the event by reviewing the professional career of Martin Selmayr and highlighting his important work developed over the last years in his different responsibilities within the European Commission. Likewise, he expressed the satisfaction that supposes for the Chamber to organize this type of lunches with guests of the category of the Secretary-General.

Next, Selmayr took the word, and from the beginning he transmitted, with his speech, a close and motivating message. He began by sharing with the attendees, his close union with Spain and thanked the support for the project of the European Union. And then he proposed two main areas to expose the current situation in Europe.

The first one was developed around the term renewal, mentioning the growth in citizen participation in the last European elections, which represents good news for European democracy having thus achieved a mobilization superior to previous years. He also referred to the diversity reflected in the various parties and current movements and stressed the need for European institutions to work together to facilitate the post-election process, which means the appointment of new leaders, programs and directorates. Selmayr emphasized the new challenges that Europe had to face, including digitalization and climate change. To achieve these challenges, he advised forgetting the differences between the different political parties and focusing on choosing good representatives, capable of leading these important projects.

As a second area, Selmayr proposed the Brexit, where he presented his position and suggested democratic patience to the next leaders of the Commission. He shared the idea that Brexit is an important lesson for Europe, that makes anti-pro-European feelings visible, but that in turn, unifies countries that believe in the European project and wish to continue working for a better future for Europe. At this point of the speech, the Secretary-General reminded the participants that Europe is an inclusive project and not the opposite. Selmayr ended his speech by sharing a motivating and positive message about the current opportunity to introduce good governance, with new energy, ideas and programs, trusting that good bases have been laid for decision-making.

After the presentation, a round of questions began, where the participants could raise their different concerns about the future of Europe. During the debate, topics such as the regulation of disinformation platforms, the importance of transatlantic relations, Euroscepticism and the refoundation of the EU were discussed.

From the Chamber we would like to express our gratitude to Bodegas Barreda, whose wines could be tasted by all attendees, and the participants for this successful luncheon-debate.

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30/05 Presentation of the EYE programme at the Polytechnic University of Valencia

Next 30 of May the Chamber will be presenting the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Programme (EYE) at the Polytechnic University of Valencia. The event will be oriented to entrepreneurs that want to learn fom experienced business owners or entrepreneurs interested in hosting a European entrepreneur in their companies.

The Chamber will outline the possibilities that Belgium offers to entrepreneurs and will also showcase the experienced entrepreneurs that are currently registered with the Chamber and that are willing to host new entrepreneurs.

To the event, organized by the Association of Young Business Owners of Valencia (AJEV) and Fundación Equipo Humano (FEH), will also attend different representatives from other European partners participating in the EYE programme who will also present the opportunities in each of their countries, namely, United Kingdom, Ireland, Slovakia, Serbia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Croatia and Spain.

We invite you to follow this link for further information.

Workshop on European tenders

The 23rd and 24th of May, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organized a  workshop on “European tenders: detection of opportunities and preparation of winning offers”, which had the aim of giving the participating companies or individuals the necessary knowledge to start preparing tenders in accordance with the procedures of the EU. The workshop, given by Karine Brück, founding partner of Karine Bruck International (Ecosolve SL) in English, filled all places.

During the first day of the training, the different European institutions, agencies and associations were presented, as well as the types of existing tenders. Also, the descriptions of the different phases of the projects were exposed to explain the opportunities that could arise in each of them for the companies. Secondly, Brück emphasized the strategies for detecting calls and selecting the opportunities that European tenders presented, taking into account the particular characteristics of the business.

Throughout the second day, attendees could deepen their knowledge in European tenders by conducting a practical case, through which they understood how to structure a logical framework correctly. In this second part of the training, concepts related to the preparation and elaboration of the technical and economic reports were explained, as well as tips for the search of experts and the formation of consortiums were provided.

During these two days, all attendees had the opportunity to learn about different tools, which will help companies to detect opportunities and improve the preparation of technical offers. At the end of the course, Brück answered questions and clarified the doubts of the participants. The workshop was developed in a participative and dynamic environment in which attendees could understand the necessary knowledge to winning offers.

Conference: “The Canary Islands: investment destination”

Last Tuesday 21st May, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organized in collaboration with PROEXCA, a public company whose main objective is the attraction of strategic investments in the Canary Islands, a conference under the topic “The Canary Islands: investment destination”. The event aimed to inform Belgian companies of renewable energy, ICT, BPO, audiovisual sector and animation about investment opportunities in the Islands.

María Catalán, Secretary General of the Chamber delivered welcome remarks and thanked the participation of all the attendees.

Afterwards, Pablo Martín-Carbajal, Chief Executive Officer of PROEXCA, presented the key economic assets of the Islands for foreign investment, highlighting, among others, the most relevant and booming sectors and tax advantages. He also explained several potential investment angles.

Later on, Jerónimo Falcón, Project Manager of the Canarian Society of Economic Development, presented the general panorama of the energy sector in the region, and in particular of renewable energies. He highlighted the unique natural characteristics of the Islands, as well as the differential infrastructures. In addition, he noted that the government offers various aid for productive investments in the sector and sustainable investment activities.

On the other hand, Olga Martín Pascual, Director of the ZEC (Canarian Special Zone) Consortium, announced the economic and fiscal opportunities of the Canary Islands Economic and Fiscal Regime (REF) and other benefits provided by operating in them. He also spoke about tax incentives such as the corporate tax of the Islands, the most advantageous in all of Europe and the particularities of the ZEC.

After the speeches, the participants were able to ask their questions and to have one-on-one meetings with the speakers.

In collaboration with:

Afterwork with members

Last May 16th, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organized, in collaboration with Eurostars Montgomery Hotel,  an afterwork for the members at this hotel . The afterwork is an initiative of the Chamber that seeks to promote networking and generate new business opportunities among its members.

more than thirty participants  attended to the event, including members of different companies associated to the Chamber, as well as representatives from different Spanish public institutions. It was a good opportunity to visit the Eurostars Montgomery Hotel, located in the European quarter of Brussels, after its remodelling.

The attendees enjoyed an aperitif in a relaxed and ideal environment to interact and generate business opportunities. This fourth edition of the afterwork was, once again, a success and the Chamber wishes to continue with this initiative.

 

The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs supports cultural industries Brussels

Creative District is a hub of cultural industries based in Brussels, and one of the Spanish Chamber’s hosting companies within the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneur (EYE) programme. The initiative, financed by the European Commission, whose objective is to promote the exchange between entrepreneurs from different European countries.

Creative District was created in 2014 by Aurelie Rompler and Mulenga Royen. Five years later it has become the hub of creative and cultural industries and new media of Brussels. Since then, they have developed several lines of work inside the company: property management, training, coworking spaces, projects solutions and services, new media management and professional and cultural events. Developing a network of professional and artist to give a global solution to their clients.

Simone Lopez is a journalist and public relations with a wide experience marketing and social media. A few months ago, she decided to come to Brussels to develop her business idea, collaborate with an experienced entrepreneur and learn the different challenges that an event management company faces.

The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs has given them the opportunity to pair up in this win-win collaboration whereby both have discovered new markets, business partners, and different ways of doing business.

¿A normal day at the office?

In the events management sector does not exist such a thing. Aurelie and Simone explain that every day is different, and workflows vary from one month to the other. For the first weeks, they worked on understanding each other’s work and ways of working.

This period was really fulfilling for them for this reason they think the EYE has been successfully personally and professionally.

Now they are immersed in the events period. They are organizing different events around the city: concerts, afterworks, launching albums events… but there is one they are especially excited about…an haute coiffure show.

Once the peak of work is over, Simone will help Aurelie with the marketing and communication strategy for Creative District, designing the website and promoting the company’s activities through social media and with the objective of increasing the visibility and the attraction of potential clients.

After the exchange

The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs gave them the opportunity to meet but they both trust that they will keep in touch.

Aurelie thinks there is a space for the internationalization of Creative District in Spain.

After this experience in Belgium, Simone’s ambition is to come back to Spain and continue working on her conscious weddings company Boda Consciente. A new concept of weddings: simple, relaxed, without labels or protocols. “A soul ceremony organized in natural locations: beaches or forests in the region of Malaga”.

The EYE reinforced her ability to find the balance the client’s requirements and her know-how to organise the perfect event.

Discover more about the EYE.

Contact us to register in the programme. erasmus4youngentrepreneurs@e-camara.com

 

Masterclass about Disruption, “Exonomics” & Tech Trends

 

On May 14th, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, organized in collaboration with its member company ESADE Business School, a masterclass on “Disruption:”Exonomics “and technological trends”. The masterclass was given by Xavier Ferrás, Doctor in Economics and Business by the UB, MBA by ESADE and Telecommunications Engineer (UPC) and was attended by various associations, members of the Chamber and representatives of Spanish public institutions.

In the first place, Xavier gave a few words of welcome and thanked the attendees. Later, the main theme of the masterclass was presented: to provide a global view of global disruption trends, the interactions between established companies and new players, as well as the dynamics of teams and the leadership of innovation.

Throughout the talk, different key points were addressed. In the first place, an attempt was made to understand the global trends of disruption, detailing the most relevant and disruptive technologies that influence the technological environment of the economy. The commercial implications of exponential technologies were also pointed out, with special emphasis on how the productive and commercial processes have evolved in companies, generating the need for business transformation and adaptation to the environment.

Ferrás also wanted to expose the dynamics of the innovation teams, which represent engines of transformation for organizations, given that we are in an innovative and digital economy. Likewise, leadership in innovation was taken into consideration, presenting how the way of leading companies towards more innovative and productive ways has evolved.

Another important issue was the foundations of technology management, that is, the whole process of research, development and adaptation of new technologies in the company as a whole, taking into account those technologies used in management functions, as well as in the production of goods and services.

Additionally, there was a review of the current technologies with a faster development and evolution that are of great importance for the industry and its adjacent sectors. We are talking about technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), Artificial Intelligence or Blockchain Technology, among others.

Finally, the floor was open for questions in which Ferras had the opportunity to provide further information about the subject.

 

 

Presentation LaLiga: ‘Economic-Financial Report of professional football’

On May 9, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organized, in collaboration with LaLiga, a presentation detailing the “Economic-Financial Report of professional football” during the 2017/2018 season. The event was attended by journalists, public bodies and representatives of Belgian and Spanish companies.

In the first place, Andrea Oriol, delegate of LaLiga in Benelux, gave a few words of welcome to the attendees and presented the work of LaLiga and the clubs that compose the competition. Afterwards, the economic-financial results of the last season were described.

LaLiga has reached the highest records of the competition in its history. According to the last Economic-Financial Report of Spanish professional football, corresponding to the last season concluded (2017-2018), LaLiga’s clubs recorded revenues of € 4,479 Mn, representing a growth of 20.6% compared to the season previous.

This is the largest annual positive change achieved in recent years, which is very remarkable as it has been produced after several years in which it has grown steadily at a double-digit rate.

The gross operating profit (EBITDA) of LaLiga amounted to € 945 Mn (+ 20.7%), the operating result (EBIT) stood at € 325 Mn (+ 11.4%) and the net result of the year reached € 189 Mn (+ 6.7%).

The 2017-18 season has been surprising due to the emergence on the scene of two new growth engines of LaLiga: commercial revenues and income from transfers, which have stolen prominence as drivers of annual growth to retransmission revenues.

In the case of commercial revenues (not including the billing from advertising), the annual increase reached 34.1%, until the turnover reached € 838 Mn, which is indicative that Spanish clubs are becoming increasingly attractive media for sponsors.

 

On the other hand, the income derived from the transfer of players (i.e. sale price), the annual increase of 104.3% allowed to double in a single year the billing for this concept, with a record of € 1,018 Mn.

However, the audiovisual billing received by the clubs managed to exceed the level of € 1,500 Mn for the first time and will regain its prominence as of the 2019-20 season, as a consequence of the new audiovisual cycle negotiated by the national market and the signed international agreements.

It is very important to note that these results have been achieved coinciding with an increase in operating expenses (OPEX) and at a time of high investment intensity (CAPEX).

It is equally important to point out that LaLiga 1 | 2 | 3 not only contributes more and more to the revenues of LaLiga as a whole, but also to the results (all the indicators are already in positive terrain and growing sense) and to the generation of cash flow and the value of the activity.

All of the above has led to obtaining a business profitability index (ROIC) that stood at 12.3% (15.1% adjusted) in the 2017-18 season, six tenths higher than the previous season and that, in any case, is substantially above the levels of other reference competitions.

In addition, the LaLiga clubs create a professional football industry that generates an impact on economic activity equivalent to 1.37% of the national GDP and employs directly or indirectly close to 185,000 people (0.98% of the population). average used in Spain in the last year).

After the presentation, a round was given to questions in which the delegate of LaLiga answered all the questions of those who wanted to obtain more information about the exposed subject.

The complete Economic-Financial Report can be consulted here

Breakfast-Conference New companies and associations Code – It’s getting real!

On May 9th , the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, in collaboration with its member KOAN Law Firm, organized a breakfast-conference about: “New companies and associations Code- It’s getting real!”. The speakers of the conference were Antoine Druetz (Partner) and Alix Degrez (Associate) from KOAN. The event gathered representatives of different companies and associations, members of the Chamber and representatives of Spanish public bodies.

The conference was focused on the law of March 23, 2019 introducing the New Companies and Associations Code (CAC), which contains various provisions. It is applicable since the 1st May for the newly incorporated associations and foundations, whereas in the case of the existing associations and foundations the deadline to make their Articles of Associations (AoA) compliant with the CAC will be January 1st, 2024. However, as of January 1, 2020, the application of the mandatory rules and, where appropriate, the residual rules of the CAC will begin.

This new Code has a wide importance within the Belgian business landscape, because amongst other things, it is a reform of the Act of 27 June 1921 on non-profit associations, international non-profit associations and foundations.

Both speakers presented the main novelties that have been introduced by the new code, which lead to important changes related to commercial activities, new liability regime, restructuration and transformations and governance rules (articles of association). Both Antoine Druetz and Alix Degrez gave details about the new rules and principles established by this code and that will affect to the Belgian Companies and Associations.

Among the most important modifications that are implemented it is worth noting those that will develop the current doctrinal principles and rules, to fill in the gaps of the law, as well as the global harmonization of companies, non- profit organizations, international non-profit organizations and foundations.

In this way, the attendees had the chance to get in touch deeply with the new provisions of the Code. The importance of the topic raised many questions among the attendees to the breakfast-conference. Druetz and Degrez cleared up all the doubts of the attendees who wanted to obtain more information about the various situations previously exposed in the conference.

Definitely, the event organized with our member KOAN Law Firm helped to understand much better the regulations of this new code, which undoubtedly will play an important role in Belgium these following years.

 

Matchmaking event in Brussels for startups and freelancers

On the 8th May the Chamber organized a matchmaking event in Brussels for startups and freelancers, where close to 45 participants had the opportunity to present their projects, network with other entrepreneurs and learn about different initiatives for entrepreneurs such as the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme.

The event kicked off with a presentation of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) programme, an EU funded initiative managed by the Chamber that allows new entrepreneurs to carry out a cross-border exchange with experienced entrepreneurs.

Each startup/entrepreneur had the opportunity to pitch in a few minutes their project or idea and what profiles they are looking for. The session followed by a speed networking between freelancers and entrepreneurs; both profiles had a limited time to explain in detail their projects and explore potential collaborations.

To close the event, all participants were invited to an open networking session to continue exchanging contacts. They were free to talk and discuss with anyone and take the discussion further ahead.

This event was organized in the framework of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme.