Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Andalusia have proven to be a fundamental pillar for the region's economic activity, generating a substantial portion of employment and fostering innovation from a local perspective. This contribution to Andalusia's development was highlighted at the recent Andalusian SME Excellence Awards ceremony, an initiative by CaixaBank and Grupo Joly.
The Consulate of Portugal in Seville hosted the event, where Ingho Facility Management received an award in health and biotechnology; Coanda, in business services; Aires de Jaén, in agri-food; and MAM Córdoba, in industry. The award for tourism SMEs was left vacant.
During the event, José Joly, president of Grupo Joly, emphasized Andalusia's entrepreneurial potential, stressing that the region's economic future depends on strengthening SMEs and providing continuous support for entrepreneurship through education, wealth creation, and employment.
Ingho Facility Management, a Málaga-based firm specializing in mechanical and electrical installations for hospital buildings, was recognized for its technical rigor and innovation. Partner Salvador Rodríguez Pérez stated that "excellence is not just a destination, but a permanent attitude," highlighting the commitment to continuous improvement and quality of life through engineering.
Coanda, a Kyocera distributor in Seville and a leader in printing solutions, received the award through its CEO, Pedro Infante Peralta. He recalled the values of sacrifice and perseverance instilled by his father, the company's founder, and emphasized the importance of people and customer listening to provide the best service.
Guillermo Martín, commercial director for Business in Western Andalusia at CaixaBank, highlighted SMEs' adaptability and innovation in an uncertain context. He noted that excellence is based on conviction, ambition, and daily self-improvement, reaffirming the bank's commitment to Andalusian SMEs, to whom it provided approximately 2.6 billion euros in financing last year.
In the agri-food sector, Aires de Jaén, a family business with over half a century dedicated to olive oil production, was honored. Its co-CEO, Rosa López, reviewed the company's journey, from cultivation to exporting to over 50 countries, and highlighted its innovative oleotourism initiative.
MAM Córdoba, specializing in industrial maintenance services, received the award in the industrial category. Its Operations Director, Paula Cebrián, emphasized the innovative capacity, perseverance, and commitment of the Andalusian business community, describing it as brave and dedicated.
The acting Minister of Employment, Business, and Self-Employment of the Junta de Andalucía, Rocío Blanco, closed the event, presenting the awarded companies as a reflection of the region's economic transformation, highlighting their competitiveness, international openness, and entrepreneurial talent.
“"The awardees are the best demonstration of what we are capable of doing in our land"
