A year has passed since ABC Menorca, an association representing the interests of English-speaking businesses on Menorca, was created. At the AGM last week, we had an opportunity to reflect upon our achievements over the past year, to gauge ABC's progress, and to pinpoint future objectives. At ABC Menorca, we have a flexible definition of success. We do not have a single goal, but instead a series of aims; amongst them boosting tourism and encouraging integration between the island's business and political communities. Every step we make towards fulfilling these aspirations is a step to success, but as Menorca changes, then I am convinced that new objectives will emerge, and associations like ours will have evolve, taking steps in new directions.
ABC's achievements are notable not only because of the association's short life, but also because it was created, and still exists, in what are tough economic times. Internally, our members have benefited from ABC falling under CAEB's umbrella – examples include offering customised Spanish language courses, arranging office space for members and helping members in their applications for 'ICO' government loans. In addition, our regular meetings, and more informal 'networking breakfasts' provide members opportunities for making business contacts. On the surface, our members represent apparently disparate sectors: real estate, IT, property management, nautical services, restaurateurs and shop keepers are just a few, but ABC has created new connections between these sectors, both directly and indirectly. Of course there is more we could be doing, and as we increase our membership base – a key objective for 2011 – we can find out what these new members want too.
But perhaps ABC's greatest successes have an outward projection. There was a time when the powers that be acknowledged the English-speaking community on the island merely out of good manners. Over the past year that has changed, with bridges being built between our members and the island's key decision markers. It is a significant achievement then, that ABC has been invited to collaborate on several of Menorca's tourism projects. Admittedly many of our ideas or suggestions have not been heeded, but at least now we are being asked. Last week, I was invited to the Consell Insular for a presentation by a global consultancy firm that has been contracted to help identify and define a strategy to promote Menorca as a brand. Looking around the room, I felt privileged to be there: the other 20-odd people present represented Menorca's political parties and professional associations of much longer standing than ABC.
Tomorrow we are meeting representatives from the PSOE to hear about their plans for Menorca, should they be re-elected in May 2011. This follows upon a recent meeting with several of the PP's candidates, and will continue with meetings with other political parties. Meeting with several senior figures on Menorca's political scene, people who are prepared to take the time to come and speak to us, to hear our concerns and to listen to our suggestions, is a real opportunity. That these people, whatever their political party, have accepted our invitation is undoubtedly one way of measuring ABC's success. Their presence is a recognition of our circle of influence, and it is an acknowledgement that the views (and potential votes) of Menorca's English-speaking business community matter. As such, it would be wonderful to see the British business community out in force tomorrow afternoon (at the CAEB offices, on the Maó industrial estate, at 5pm), to show them that we really are a committed group of professionals that care about the island we have made our home.
For more information contact Wendy Mitchell (607 916 005) or Nicki Millan (619 574 679).