The 35th edition of the Pimes Awards has distinguished the best business initiatives developed in Catalonia in 2021 in different fields, coinciding with the National Business Day in Catalonia and the United Nations MIPIMEs Day.
Within the framework of a ceremony at the Camp Nou, the employers’ association has organized a charity dinner, which for yet another year will allocate all of the proceeds obtained to sponsoring the emppersona second chance aid program carried out by the PIMEC Foundation.
At the beginning of the act, the president of PIMEC, Antoni Cañete, called for “a sincere dialogue that allows consensus and compromise to be reached; We will not close the democratic transition until SMEs are not part of the state social dialogue”. And he added that “structural changes are necessary, proposing that the backbone of all decisions made in the political, business and economic spheres be based on productivity.” Next, he defended that “it will not be possible to lead these changes without a profound reform of the public administration, which must be done with courage, leadership and commitment. And without making this debate a political debate.”
In his speech, the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, made reference to external problems that put democracy at risk, such as the war in Ukraine: “I understand that SMEs are worried about its consequences; the evolution of the price of gas has a lot to do with this conflict, but we also have to face the climate challenge”. In addition, he considers that “the most important thing is to be aware of the space to which we belong and move towards strengthening the EU and its common project” and has stated that, no matter how hard the crises are, “we must continue to commit to doing inclusive transformations, also from public-private collaboration”.
For his part, the president of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Pere Aragonès, exclaimed that “after two years of the pandemic, PIMEC is recovering the Premis Pimes through the front door, where we see what the economic heartbeat of the country is: the companies that work for create new markets and generate new opportunities with extraordinary potential”. “Today we visualize references and, also, shared values, with a commitment to the social challenges in Catalonia as a land of opportunities”, he stated. Likewise, he recognized that “reindustrialisation is needed, facilitating entrepreneurship and putting value on our strengths” and concluded his speech by pointing out that “our companies have the potential to lead economic growth” and that, to achieve this, “it is the fulfillment of commitments is essential, such as budget executions with a guarantee mechanism to improve issues such as infrastructure and the promotion of strategic projects.”
On the other hand, the mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, was proud that in Barcelona “SMEs are an essential asset, a key economic engine and a lever for social progress“, since they sustain the economy and employment and represent the spirit of the prosperous and competitive Barcelona. He went on to say that, together, social entities and governments, “we promote a city model to improve issues such as environmental quality, equality, quality employment or the creation of start-ups“, strengthening the productive fabric with sustainable and respectful actions with the city model that we need. “There is no change without SMEs and the self-employed, you are the agents of sustainable and future change to make Barcelona the best city to undertake and create businesses”, she clarified.
Recognitions of the 35th edition
Recognition of Autonomous People: Empar Moliner, self-employed, writer and journalist. She is the author of different books and stories in Catalan, she receives this award for her work as an autonomous person, being a clear reference for an enterprising woman and a success story within the group.
Trade Recognition: Catalan Federation of Hairdressing and Beauty (FEDCAT). It receives the award for its effort and ability to adapt, since despite the difficulties in accessing aid measures by the Public Administration due to the pandemic, it has remained resilient as an essential service.
Recognition of Business Associations: Association of Audiovisual Professionals of Catalonia (APAC). It receives this distinction for its commitment to improving the competitiveness of the sector in highly complex scenarios, facing a transformation of labor relations and offering value-added services.
MIPIME recognitions with values: La Vostra Llar Residencial, a group of nursing homes, receives this recognition for its social work in a difficult context and for the integration of the SDGs in its activity. Papelmatic, a family business that develops solutions for hygiene, has been awarded for having been able to integrate and advance in a sustainability model where Corporate Social Responsibility is becoming a strategic management tool.
Fundació PIMEC Second Chance Award: BEMYSWIM, an SME dedicated to the retail sale of sustainable bathroom pieces, receives the award for creating a business project that has grown significantly in a short time, serving as an example to other companies with obstacles and difficulties.
PIMEC Young Award: INGROUP, a business group made up of companies from the technology sector within a project of entrepreneurship and public-private collaboration, has been recognized for creating technological solutions providing added value through innovation, cost reduction, digitization, among others. Another questions.
Business Linguistic Quality Award: TRIOPS. This gym has been awarded for its firm commitment to the use of the Catalan language in its project to promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle through an online platform.
Diplocat Award for Catalan Business Projection: YERSE. Family business in the textile sector with a commitment to responsibility with the social and natural environment. Receives the award for its ability to innovate without losing its references and company values.
Award for the most competitive MIPIME – Microenterprise Category: MŪN FERMENTS. It is dedicated to the artisanal production of fermented kombutxa tea and, despite the crisis, the demand for its products has increased. It has been awarded for its ability to develop its competitiveness and productivity in times of global crisis.
Award for the most competitive MIPIME – Small Business Category: SORBOS. Dedicated to the production of edible and biodegradable straws with the aim of eradicating disposable plastic straws, it receives the award for the growth it has experienced and for its commitment to reducing this type of waste.
Award for the most competitive MIPIME – Medium Enterprise Category: IBERSPA, dedicated to the design and manufacture of spas, has faced the consequences of a fire in 2019, increasing production, opening new market segments and beginning to export. The award recognizes the successful management of this crisis in the midst of a pandemic.
Source: pimec.org
