Industry Voices in Alicante: Bureaucracy, Training, and Talent at the Forefront
Many companies feel overwhelmed by administrative demands, from the grievance channel to equality schemes and anti-bullying protocols. This pressure hits especially hard for small and medium-sized enterprises with lean teams, where day-to-day operations already stretch resources thin. On Tuesday, voices from the field echoed these concerns as a representative from the Valencia Shoe Entrepreneurs Association (Avekal) spoke at the annual gathering of local industry employers in Alicante.
During the address, Marian Cano highlighted what he called a bureaucratic tsunami—rules and approvals piling up at both the national and European levels. He argued that the resulting extra workload slows business activity and strains small firms that lack capacity to absorb it. The sentiment was clear: more norms do not automatically yield better outcomes, and they can impede rapid decision making and production timelines.
One key topic was the upcoming obligation for companies with more than 50 employees to establish channels for anonymous whistleblowing and related protocols to address abuses and equality concerns. The issue gained emphasis as Cano noted that such channels should be in place by December 1, underscoring a broader push toward transparent governance across industries.
Promoting Talent and Education in the Footwear Sector
Education emerged as another major focus at the meeting. Industry leaders stressed the need to attract and train young workers to counteract generational shifts. Cano pointed to ongoing collaboration with regional authorities to align vocational training with real business needs. The goal is to elevate the sector’s prestige and ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers ready to join local firms.
To illustrate the sector’s investment in people, Avecal has launched a multi-faceted outreach effort with Elche City Council and FICE. The campaign targets young talents, highlighting the footwear industry as a viable and rewarding career path. Partners hope this initiative will shift perceptions and encourage more young people to view manufacturing as a long-term, fulfilling option rather than a temporary job.
As part of its educational push, the association shared plans to expand training opportunities that precisely match the requirements of shoe producers. The emphasis remains on practical skills, modern production methods, and sustainable practices that keep the region competitive in a global market.
Another snapshot from the day showed Avecal members visiting Mubag, the Alicante exhibition center, to view the collection titled “Art Inspiration: Sara Navarro.” An Eldense designer offered insights into the pieces on display, showcasing how art and fashion intersect in shoe design. The exhibition runs through late June, inviting visitors to explore the creative process behind contemporary footwear.
Training, Sustainability, and Employment Practices
In addition to education and talent development, the assembly delved into how sustainability and digitization can drive change in footwear production. Panelists discussed how new technologies and eco-conscious practices could reshape efficiency, waste reduction, and product quality. There was also scrutiny of how contract interpretations by labor authorities affect the industry, with calls for clearer guidance to reduce ambiguity for employers and workers alike.
A new governance slate was introduced, emphasizing equality and broad participation. The board includes Marián Cano as chair, with a team of colleagues ready to tackle industry challenges. The leadership change aligns with a broader push toward inclusive decision-making that reflects the diverse interests of manufacturers, workers, and educational partners.
Following the meeting, business representatives toured Mubag to explore the ongoing exhibition. The tour highlighted how industry professionals can blend art, design, and commerce to inspire innovation in product development. The exhibition remains open to visitors, offering a look at how creative expression informs practical footwear solutions.
Overall, the Alicante gathering underscored a shared commitment to streamlining regulatory compliance, expanding vocational training, and presenting the footwear sector as a dynamic, future-oriented career path. Industry leaders stressed that steady collaboration between business associations, local government, and educational institutions is essential to maintaining competitiveness in a fast-changing market.
Sources from the meeting indicate ongoing collaboration among Avekal, the City Council of Elche, and vocational training providers, with continued emphasis on transparency, talent development, and sustainable growth in the regional footwear industry (Avekal, 2024).