Catalonia & the UK: a growing partnership in trade and investment

The partnership between the UK and Catalonia is thriving, with British companies continuing to expand their footprint in the region. Around 1,000 British firms are currently established in Catalonia, marking a significant 20% growth since 2019. This growth is driven by Catalonia's strategic location, robust industrial base, and strong logistical connections, making it an ideal gateway for UK businesses to access European and global markets.

The interviews featured in this article were conducted during the Catalonia and UK Business Regatta, an event that brought together forty British and Catalan companies. Organized by Catalonia Trade & Investment in collaboration with the British Consulate General in Barcelona, the event was held in Barcelona during the 37th America’s Cup, which the city is hosting until October.

CPL Aromas: investing in the future of fragrance

UK perfume manufacturer CPL Aromas has chosen Catalonia as a key hub for its European operations. With an initial investment of €20 million, the company is now preparing to inject a further €24 million to build a new factory in the region.

General Manager, David Sevillano, highlights Catalonia's strategic importance, citing its position as a global hub for the fragrance industry and its proximity to key markets across Europe and Africa. Sevillano emphasizes that the Port of Barcelona plays a pivotal role in their distribution network, allowing them to efficiently serve markets in Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Africa.

“We chose Catalonia because it’s one of the largest industrialized regions in Europe”

Miguel Franco, Country Operations Manager, INEOS-Inovyn

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INEOS-Inovyn: leading innovation in PVC recycling

INEOS-Inovyn, a leading player in the chemical industry, has been a part of Catalonia's industrial landscape for over 50 years. The company, which specializes in the production of PVC and hydrochloric acid, is at the forefront of sustainability efforts, aiming for full circularity in PVC recycling.

Miguel Franco, Country Operations Manager, credits Catalonia’s extensive industrial network and strategic logistics infrastructure, including the ports of Barcelona and Tarragona, as key factors for their continued investment and innovation in the region.

Catalonia: a welcoming environment for British businesses

Chris Barton, HM Trade Commissioner for Europe, highlights Catalonia's openness to UK investors, citing the welcoming environment created by the Catalan government and the strong presence of British businesses across various sectors.

He underscores Catalonia’s commitment to supporting green technology and life sciences, which offer promising synergies for UK-Catalan partnerships. Companies like Artemis Technologies, which produces sustainable electric boats, exemplify the potential for collaboration in the low-carbon transition.

Catalonia Trade & Investment’s support

With the support of Catalonia Trade & Investment, UK companies interested in expanding into Europe are encouraged to reach out and explore how Catalonia can provide the perfect foundation for their growth.