Following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Welsh Government and the Government of Catalonia, Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid supported a trade visit to Spain in early January, focused on turning strategic intent into practical business opportunity.
Who was in the delegation?
The delegation, led by the Chamber’s CEO Gus Williams and Director of International Trade David Peña, was comprised of members Bevan Buckland, Deploy, Hydro Aluminium, iungo Solutions and Tyre Glider.
The group travelled to Barcelona and Madrid to deepen sectoral understanding, gain valuable market insight, and establish the foundations for future collaboration and EU market entry. Over three days, the programme combined legal and regulatory briefings, sector-specific meetings and high-level engagement, reflecting the value of partnership-led trade missions.
What did the delegation do in Barcelona?
The visit began with a business breakfast at the offices of Gómez-Acebo & Pombo, one of Spain and Portugal’s leading legal firms which also has a presence in London, Brussels and the United States. With expertise spanning sectors including agri-food, defence and energy, the firm delivered a highly informative session covering legal and tax considerations for businesses seeking to establish themselves overseas. The insights shared by Ferran Foix, Íñigo Igartua, and their team highlighted the importance of early compliance planning and local legal expertise, providing delegates with a clearer understanding of the frameworks required for successful international expansion.
Engagement with the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce reinforced the importance of chamber-to-chamber collaboration in supporting business growth. Delegates were welcomed to the Chamber’s historic headquarters at La Llotja de Mar, a landmark building that reflects Barcelona’s longstanding commercial heritage and its ongoing commitment to international partnership. Discussions focused on shared priorities, connectivity between Welsh and Catalan companies, and the role of trusted local partners in facilitating market access. The session also included the formal signature of an MoU between the two Chambers, marking a significant step forward in strengthening institutional ties.
A formal reception hosted by the British Consulate formed an important part of the programme. The session provided a valuable platform to highlight the strengths of Welsh industry, the advantages of collaborating with Welsh businesses and the opportunities Wales offers to investors.
Meeting the First Minister of Wales
The mission coincided with the First Minister of Wales’ visit to Barcelona. The delegation was honoured to meet the First Minister, discussing how the Welsh Government, Chamber and businesses can work in close partnership to drive growth and economic development. The conversation reflected a strong and coordinated ‘Team Wales’ approach to international trade and investment.
The delegation participated in a series of targeted meetings at ACCIÓ, Catalonia’s trade and investment agency, organised by Òscar Martí and Jennifer Velasco. Providing valuable insight into Catalonia’s industrial strengths and future priorities, the discussions featured thoughtful perspectives from Xavier Bardaji, Roger Costa Caamaño, Xavier Gispert, Mireia López, Frederic Subirats and José Luis Vázquez, and highlighted clear synergies between Wales and Catalan capabilities with tangible opportunities for collaboration in critical and emerging industries including semiconductors and energy.
What did the delegation do in Madrid?
The final day of the mission focused on the practical considerations of operating in Spain and the wider European Union. While VAT, indirect taxation and regulatory formalities are often complex topics, Marosa delivered an accessible and highly practical session, using real-world examples to ensure delegates fully understood the implications for growth and compliance. Oscar Valdelvira de la Mata and the Marosa team provided a warm welcome and translated technical detail into clear, actionable guidance.
The mission concluded with meetings at the Madrid Chamber of Commerce and Madrid Investment Attraction, where delegates gained insight into the city’s economic dynamism and the breadth of opportunities available across sectors. Madrid’s continued economic growth reflects its proactive approach to attracting international business, talent and investment, making it an increasingly compelling destination for companies seeking to scale within Europe.
Relationship building was a central theme throughout the visit, exemplified by two networking dinners, organised by Ricard Tello, at Casa Suecia in Madrid and Boca Grande in Barcelona. These events provided an excellent setting for informal discussion and connection over outstanding cuisine.
David Peña, Director of International Trade at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said:
“This trade mission was a fantastic way to begin the new year. The delegation reinforced the strength of the Wales-Catalonia relationship and the importance of collaboration between government, chambers of commerce and business. The support of both the British Consulate in Barcelona and the British Embassy in Madrid was instrumental to the success of the mission, enabling meaningful engagement and opening new opportunities for participating businesses.
“Spain represents not only a significant market for Welsh companies, but also a strategic gateway to wider European opportunity. We look forward to supporting the next steps arising from this visit and continuing to help members translate international ambition into sustainable growth.”
