SMEs Chemfix y La Maritxu have been named winners of III PREMIO PYME SANTANDER 2026 in a ceremony held at the Residencia de la Embajadora de España en LondresThese awards, organized by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK and supported by Banco SantanderThey recognize its crucial impact on trade, investment, and economic relations between the Reino Unido y España.
Awarded for Excellence in Export and Bilateral Investment
The third edition of these awards highlighted the vital contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to economic dynamism and internationalization. The awards were divided into two main categories:
| Winning Company | Awarded | Outstanding Contribution | Nationality / Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemfix | Export Award | Recognition of his international growth and the strengthening trade across España and the Reino UnidoSpecializing in chemical anchoring systems and chemical products for construction. | British |
| La Maritxu | Investment Award | Awarded for her commitment to business development in the British market and its role in the strengthening bilateral economic relationsIt operates in the food and hospitality sector. | Spanish |
The awards seek to recognize the commitment of Spanish SMEs to operations in the Reino Unidoand vice versa, due to their activity in areas such as innovation, the Your Strategic , the digitalization, the Capabilities, the sustainability, the Development and employment creation.
Institutional Presence and Reflections on the Role of SMEs
The ceremony brought together prominent representatives from the business and diplomatic communities of both countries. Among those in attendance was Her Excellency the Ambassador of España at the Reino Unido, Mrs. Emma Aparici Vázquez de Parga; the president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK, Mr. Juan Carlos Machuca; the CEO of Global Navigator en Santander Bank, Mr. John Carroll; the Chief Advisor of the Economic and Commercial Office and President of the Jury, Mr. Gonzalo García Andrésand the Director of EU Services and Trade of the Department for Business and Trade, Mr. Tim Courtney.
Juan Carlos Machuca, President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK, emphasized the importance of these companies: "SMEs are at the heart of both the Spanish and British economies. They are the most dynamic part of our business landscape, and the true engine of growth, innovation and employment in both countries. In many ways, they are the most agile and effective ambassadors of our shared business interests."
For its part, John CarrollThe CEO of Navigator Global at Banco Santander shared insights on international trade and business growth, highlighting the platform NavigatorThis tool, launched in the Reino Unido In November 2025, it is designed to help companies identify demand abroad and connect with verified partnersthus boosting its global expansion.
Evaluation Criteria and the Chamber's Commitment
Jury III PREMIO PYME SANTANDER It based its assessment on rigorous criteria that reflect the challenges and opportunities of foreign trade:
- Contribution to economic growth.
- Commitment to british market (or Spanish, as the case may be).
- Ability to innovation.
- Focus on the sustainability.
- potential of simulator both current and long-term.
These awards are part of the ongoing commitment of Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK with support for SMEs and the strengthening of economic, trade and investment relations between España and the Reino UnidoThe Chamber, founded in 1886, is an essential institution that offers businesses from both countries opportunities to networking, business promotion, Development, advisory y collaborative projectsTheir work also includes promoting initiatives such as the «Programa Talento Joven Movilidad» or the publication of key reports such as the «VII Barometer on the Climate and Outlook for Spanish Investment in the UK«, consolidating itself as an engine for internationalization.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the 3rd Santander SME Award
What is the 3rd Santander SME Award?
It is an annual award organized by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK, with the support of Banco Santander, to recognize the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (pymesSpanish and British trade, investment and economic relations between España and the Reino Unido.
Who were the winners of the 3rd Santander SME Award in 2026?
In the 2026 edition, the winners were Chemfix, a British company, which received the Export Award, and La Maritxu, a Spanish company, which was awarded the Investment Prize.
What initiatives does the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK promote besides these awards?
La Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK It develops various initiatives to support foreign business, including services for networking, international trade advice, formation programs As the "Programa Talento Joven Movilidad» and the preparation of sectoral analyses such as the «Barometer on the Climate and Outlook for Spanish Investment in the UK«.
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