Leaders of ca. 100 British companies discovered just how successful a growing number of technology firms have been in setting up shop in Malaga. Big London names learned how Malaga city can be a fabulous investment destination for those who exploit the many opportunities Andalusia has to offer.
Francisco de la Torre, Malaga's mayor, opened his speech with “We've come to London to share the message of a grand and hospitable city: one that is attractive, like few in the world, to live in, to invest in and to work in.”
His words were clearly a not so subtle hint that London will soon cease to be the “global melting pot” it used to be thanks to Brexit and the decidedly unwelcoming stance taken by Britain's government to anyone even vaguely foreign in origin.
Entitled “Open for International Business”, the meeting in London was organised by “SUR in English” magazine and Malaga City Hall, assisted by Mario Garcia, the CEO of Sequel Business Solutions, a London-based company supporting Malaga's bid to attract major enterprises to come to Mr Gardia's home town to do business.
Manuel Castillo, SUR magazine's editor-in-chief, introduced the event, stressing the newspaper group's commitment to promote Andalusia and Malaga province abroad. The English-language magazine's readership consists mostly of expats, many of whom have considerable business connections in Spain and the UK.
Speaking to ca. 100 business leaders from City of London firms at London's Hispania Restaurant, the mayor promoted Malaga and the Costa del Sol, as well as Andalusia as a whole, as a destination that is not just great to live and work in, but also great for investors. And while this isn't exactly a new PR message, in the light of Brexit and the British government's xenophobic rhetoric Andalucia has gained in attractiveness for big business.
People from around the globe, including start-ups from Britain, have settled in the province and have done very well indeed. Now many companies from the UK are looking at the possibility of keeping a foothold in the EU post 2019, when Britain leaves the single market for good. Malaga's mayor wants to ensure that the province first in line on every business leader's “post-Brexit bucket list”, when it comes to investing inside the Eurozone.
Also speaking at the event was Sergio Corral, the director of Unicaja Bank Foundation, who pointed out that Malaga's current socio-economic climate was ideal for start-ups and investment.
One of Malaga's real advantages – apart from the sunny climate, cheaper finance and greater availability of commercial and residential property – is that the city of Malaga has become a thriving hub for technology firms, with an urban university of good repute that can produce highly-educated, qualified staff to suit the needs of international investors. His speech included a video presentation prepared by José Ángel Narváez, the rector of the University of Malaga. The video showed a documentary, where directors of companies already settled into the PTA, the Andalusian Technology Park that is part of the University's campus, talked about their experiences.
The general gist of the “Open for International Business” meeting in London was clear: Britain may be closing its doors to international talent, but Malaga Province is not!