On Thursday 14 May, Ciudad de la Luz showcased Alicante’s innovative potential at the Economía 3 Awards, a gala designed to recognise the companies, institutions and professionals driving the province’s economic and business development.
The event was opened by Elisa Valero, managing partner of Economía 3 and founder of Mujeres al Timón, who highlighted the importance of creating opportunities from Alicante and showcasing the province’s business potential. She also paid tribute to the publication’s track record on the occasion of its 35th anniversary, emphasising its ongoing commitment to reporting on economic and business news, as well as its role in supporting the evolution of Alicante’s productive fabric. Asimismo, quiso reconocer la trayectoria del medio con motivo de su 35 aniversario, subrayando su compromiso constante con la difusión de la actualidad económica y empresarial, así como su papel acompañando la evolución del tejido productivo alicantino.
Commitment to the business sector
The First Vice-President and Regional Minister for Housing, Employment and Youth of the Valencian Regional Government, Susana Camarero, highlighted Economía 3’s ability to report on the current state of the Valencian Community’s economy. For his part, the President of the Alicante Provincial Council, Antonio Pérez, highlighted the publication’s commitment to quality journalism and reinforced the vision of Alicante as a province committed to employment, entrepreneurship and the future through its business community.
Companies Driving Alicante’s Growth
The commitment of companies and institutions to Alicante’s economic growth was recognized at the Economía 3 Awards ceremony. The award winners were:
- Confectionary Holding, recognized in the Family Business category, with over 300 years of experience producing innovative products that have become traditions. José Manuel Chilbert, CEO of the company, accepted the award, which was presented by Maite Antón, president of AEFA.
- Mutua Levante Seguros, recognized for its long history of customer service, combining a dedicated team with a commitment to new technologies. Elena Turrión received the award from the First Vice President and Minister of Housing, Employment, and Youth of the Valencian Government, Susana Camarero.
- Juan Perán was recognized in the professional leadership category for his work as CEO of Pikolinos. Javier Vilella accepted the award on behalf of the company, and it was presented by Julio Cobo of Implica Corporate Finance.
- Cype Ingenieros was recognized for its drive toward digitalization and excellence in software engineering. Antonio Castell received the award from Vicente Ballester, CFO of Business Software Group, and dedicated some heartfelt words to his father and the value of family businesses.
- Natural Cosmetic Lab was awarded in the sustainability category. José Antonio Rovira, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Public Administration, presented the award to Carol Robla, who emphasized the importance of consciously consuming cosmetic products.
- EMXYS, an Elche-based company specializing in advanced electronics for space instruments, received recognition in the aerospace innovation category. The award was presented by the Rector of the Miguel Hernández University, Juan José Ruiz Martínez.
- Brandty was awarded in the talent development category for its work assisting companies in personnel selection. They specialize in the selection of engineers, middle managers, and executives. Guzmán Martínez accepted the award from Antonio Pérez, President of the Alicante Provincial Council.
- Bioithas was recognized for the development of scientifically rigorous probiotics in the biotechnology innovation category. Vicente Navarro, CEO of the company linked to the University of Alicante and the Science Park, accepted the award from María Jesús Pastor, Vice-Rector of the University.
Alicante reinforces its commitment to the future
The gala concluded with recognition of the Alicante Futura municipal strategy, accepted by the Honorable Mayor of Alicante. The Mayor of Alicante, Luis Barcala, accompanied by Mari Carmen de España, Councilor for Employment and Economic Development, highlighted Alicante Futura’s role in positioning the city as a hub for innovation, investment, technology, and talent. He also congratulated Mari Carmen de España for her work leading Impulsalicante, the Local Development Agency from which Alicante Futura originated.
Also present from the Alicante City Council was Vicente Seguí, Director General of Employment, Business Development, and the New Economy, who is involved in projects such as Impulsalicante, Alicante Futura, and ALIA – Alicante Investment Agency.
Tradition and Innovation: The Alicante Business Model
In the speeches given by the award winners, the words family, values, and business were frequently heard—a combination that reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of Alicante. The province has successfully built a strong business network generation after generation, based on tradition and hard work. Alicante residents have chosen to invest in and run their own businesses, and decades later, their descendants continue the legacy. But this is also due to their ability to adapt to change and innovate. It is precisely this constant commitment to evolving and proposing new solutions that has allowed many family businesses to remain competitive and grow year after year.
