Overview of Spain’s Family Business Chronicle
Headquarters updates from KPMG set the tone for a memorable Monday gathering in Madrid. A vibrant mix of family business leaders from across Spain convened to unveil the third and fourth editions of a book that spotlights how family-owned enterprises fuel economic growth. This collaborative endeavor between a consulting firm and a communications group aims to showcase journalism and editorial storytelling that elevates the role of family businesses in the economy.
The project opens doors for journalists such as Main Samboal and Armando Huerta, who spoke with seventy senior leaders from family firms nationwide in these two editions. The book provides readers with an intimate, professional view of the people behind the brands—the talents, commitments, and personalities that shape business vision and drive community impact.
The collected stories, highlighting those who left a lasting mark, offer an insightful snapshot of the key challenges facing family businesses amid rapid global changes. Today the focus remains on origins and core values, the milestones that steer evolution, and the personalities of the interviewees who leave a distinctive imprint on their companies.
Carlos Body, Minister of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, praised the initiative for conveying a message of possibility—that goals can be reached through effort and determination. He emphasized that many who turn ideas into action do so by embracing risk, navigating uncertainty, and creating opportunities, often at a personal cost that pays dividends in employment and regional wealth.
The minister also highlighted Spain’s reliance on family businesses, noting that they represent nearly 90% of the business fabric and employ about two out of every three workers. He stressed that these firms are typically tightly knit, contributing to rural vitality and sustaining a long-term view along with meaningful social commitments within their regions.
Looking ahead, the Minister discussed the ongoing push for greater competitiveness and announced the formation of a National Productivity Council. The council will serve as a platform to analyze regulatory conditions, offer financing guidance, and identify routes to boost efficiency as businesses transition toward greener operations.
Rootedness and durability
Javier Moll, president of Prensa Ibérica, underscored the enduring culture of cooperation among the interviewed executives. He described a shared drive to grow, innovate, pursue excellence, and maintain a deep affection for the family firm—whether led by founders or successors.
In Moll’s view, the strengths of family businesses lie in prudent investment, a sense of responsibility, a long-term perspective, resilience in the face of crises, and agility in decision-making. The editor noted that the book’s title signal cements the idea that family businesses are indispensable to the economy, reinforcing the broader productive landscape.
Juanjo Cano, head of KPMG in Spain, reflected on the interviewees’ capacity to improve and persevere. He praised the regional structure that helps generate wealth and jobs, adding that growth in a family enterprise often fosters growth in other companies and communities. The essence of family businesses, he said, is their ability to weather challenges while keeping eyes fixed on the long horizon.
According to Cano, the distinctive trait of family firms is their commitment to enduring challenges with a long-term lens, even in tough environments. He also described the value of telling the stories of founders who pursued a dream, took risks, and became who they are today. Moments of success and struggle alike contributed to stronger organizations and communities.
Contribution to the economy
Andrés Sendagorta, president of the Family Business Institute, framed the national impact as a daily, purposeful effort. He noted that family businesses include many who work on the front lines, shaping the society’s prosperity through steady, reliable actions. The leaders he admires set footprints that guide future generations, offering tangible paths for continued progress.
Sendagorta emphasized pride in the sector’s contributions to prosperity and development, pointing out Spain’s position as a world leader in the share of family-owned businesses within private GDP. He urged recognition by government and society for this economic engine that sustains jobs and regional advancement.
Further on stage, Ana Samboal and Armando Huerta interviewed the book’s central figures, Ignacio Osborne, former chairman of Grupo Osborne, and Victoria Plantalamor, CEO of Crimidesa. Osborne observed that family businesses often put the welfare of the enterprise ahead of personal gain and highlighted long-term planning as a core strength. Plantalamor echoed the belief in people as a central asset, noting that succession remains a major challenge that leads firms to exercise careful asset management and prudent investment decisions.
Ultimately, the event framed family enterprises as essential, enduring components of the national economy. Their capacity to align personal and corporate goals, to sustain regional development, and to mentor new generations positions them as reliable drivers of growth in a shifting global landscape.