The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK has opened applications for a competition that aims to highlight the significant role SMEs play in driving economic growth in both the UK and Spain.
The Premio PYME Santander initiative, supported by Banco Santander, provides a comprehensive platform for UK and Spanish SMEs to gain recognition for their achievements over 2022, 2023 and 2024 across several strategic criteria – innovation, investment, digitalisation, internationalisation, training and job creation, sustainability and diversity.
Two awards are up for grabs: one for excellence in exporting activities and another for outstanding investment initiatives. Entries will be assessed by a panel of jurors chaired by the Spanish embassy’s head counsellor of the economic and commercial office. The jury comprises representatives from the Federation of Small Businesses, British and Spanish media, the Department for Business and Trade, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Banco Santander.
The two winning businesses will be presented with a commemorative diploma, a trophy and a communications kit. Additionally, they will receive formal acknowledgment from the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and gain exclusive entry into the chamber’s Patron Club for one year. This club includes an elite network of the most prominent Spanish, British and international companies operating within the UK.
The call for entries is open to SMEs from both Spain and the UK, regardless of their membership status with the chamber. Eligible companies must either be British SMEs exporting to or investing in Spain, or Spanish SMEs exporting to or investing in the UK. To qualify as an SME under the competition’s rules, a company must have an annual turnover of less than £50mn and employ fewer than 250 people.
SMEs are encouraged to present compelling narratives that highlight their contributions to economic growth and bilateral cooperation. For more information on the application process, and to enter the competition, please visit the Spanish Chamber of Commerce’s website.