Aefas encourages young entrepreneurs «not to fall into discouragement and to rise up against adversity»
The mayor of Gijón, Carmen Moriyón, presided over the presentation of the XVI Family Business Award of Asturias, which aims to recognize the trajectory and roots of a family business in the Principality.
Moriyón, during the event at the Gijón City Council, highlighted that the award ceremony in Gijón coincides with the 25th anniversary of the organizing association, the Association of Family Business of Asturias (Aefas).
The mayor noted that it is a non-profit organization, established in 2000, which brings together 75 family groups, totaling more than 210 companies and employing 34,500 people.
She also emphasized that it was created to support and defend the interests of family businesses in Asturias and contribute to their growth and strengthening.
«The association shows its unwavering commitment to the local community, facilitating dialogue between the business sector and Asturian society,» Moriyón remarked, expressing the support of the Gijón City Council for its initiatives, «which not only connect and strengthen Asturian family businesses but also build a strong public-private relationship,» she pointed out.
Aefas President Iñigo Cabal highlighted that family business owners know a lot «about adaptation, resilience, and staying in the region.»
He also indicated that the Family award, which has the idea of roots in its DNA, is a recognition of the work being done in the region.
«From the Association of Family Business of Asturias, we want to distinguish family and business trajectories that serve as examples for those who act as ambassadors of good practices inside and outside the Principality of Asturias,» he explained, while highlighting that Aefas has been training family businesses for 25 years.
Candidates can be nominated by members, institutions, universities, academic and research centers, foundations, and national and international companies, with a two-month deadline for submissions.
«With this award, we want to recognize the value, effort, and perseverance of family businesses that strive every day to progress and adapt to the demands of a changing society, without losing their loyalty to their origins,» he insisted.
He also took the opportunity to advise young people who have started venturing into the business world as entrepreneurs, «to look to the future with optimism, not to fall into discouragement, and to rise up against adversity.»
Carmen Villabrille, on behalf of Banco Sabadell Herrero, highlighted that the award is «a reaffirmation of entrepreneurship rooted in commitment to the community.»
She also emphasized that Banco Sabadell’s century-old history is marked by a close relationship with businesses, particularly with SMEs.
She also pointed out that the 15 awardees in previous editions are evidence of the potential of Asturian companies. «I think the jury this year will have both an easy and a difficult task,» she ventured.
She also referenced a report from the Institute of Family Business indicating that at the beginning of last year, 9 out of 10 Spanish companies (92.4%) are family-owned, surpassing 1.1 million businesses that generate 70 percent of private employment. This, she said, represents a 3.6 point increase from a decade ago and confirms that family businesses are the backbone of the Spanish economy.
She also expressed her opinion that family businesses are increasingly preparing for generational changes «with rigor and efficiency, without giving up any of the values that define them.»
«Many of these businesses have had the opportunity to leave for better prospects or greater business potential and have chosen not to do so,» she pointed out.
Francisco Rodríguez, from AON, noted that the company originated as a family business many years ago and is now present in 120 countries, with an office in Asturias. He emphasized that they are here to assist Asturian businesses through their expertise.
Jaime Fernández Cuesta, representing Sekuens, expressed pride in collaborating on the award on behalf of the Agency for Science, Competitiveness, Business, and Innovation.
He highlighted the significance of these types of companies, which have a strong connection to the region and its implications for the present and future Asturian economy.
Regarding the award, the jury will meet in early September, and the decision will be announced on October 2nd at an event at the Gijón Rowing Club.
The jury for the award is composed of the Association’s Board of Directors, currently consisting of 12 members and 12 representatives from associated companies. The deadline for submitting nominations is August 23rd.
