Inclusive businesses are the gateway to a more equitable development in Spain: on the one hand, they favour the reduction of poverty, and on the other, they allow expanding the company’s opportunities in terms of profitability and social responsibility. This is one of the conclusions of the report carried out by GlobalCAD together with the Codespa Foundation “Inclusive business and Spanish companies. The moment of not leaving anyone behind “, which was presented on May 31 at Fundación Telefónica, Madrid.
Fernando Casado, the co-author of the report, emphasized the need to learn on how to generate value in a more inclusive and participative way: “We now have a great opportunity to generate a new, more inclusive and innovative economy. Companies have to take on the challenge of change of mentality that implies”, he concluded.
In Spain, 12.9 million people “continue at risk of social exclusion”, and, worldwide, “4,000 million people live with shortages of products and services that severely hamper their quality of life.” In this context, Spanish companies have the potential to include opportunities for vulnerable groups from different perspectives through offering accessible and affordable products, incorporating actions that promote the strengthening and development of suppliers at the base of the pyramid or through a inclusive hiring.
The report was based on a thorough investigation based on 96 surveys and 34 interviews with Spanish companies, two workshops with experts on inclusive business in Madrid and Barcelona and a broad literature review.
The presentation of the report was attended by leading Spanish companies in the promotion of inclusive systems. Among the participants were Armando Nieto, president of Divina Pastora Seguros; Giovanni di Placido, director of Analysis and Strategy of the BBVA Microfinance Foundation; Julio Eisman, former director and advisor of Acciona Microenergía Foundation; Susanna Torrente, Business Director of Specialisterne, and Isabel Vera, Chief of Corporate Social Responsibility at Illusion.
Several online media documented the presentation. The portal Civil Society for the Debate quoted Fernando Casado, director GlobalCAD: “The fight against poverty is being won, but we lose the fight for equality”.
Others highlighted that inclusive businesses help companies to be more socially responsible (EFE Companies), can be a profitable strategy against social exclusion (Business Commitment) and a strategic opportunity for companies (EuropaPress). The presentation of the report was also documented by cepynenews.com and the portal Soziable.es, which highlighted, in the words of Casado, that despite the lack of knowledge about the term “inclusive business”, “there are many ingredients for a transformation“.
More than a consultation document, we want this report to be the starting point for reflection and action. Get in touch and collaborate with us to create a favourable environment for inclusive businesses in Spain.
The report can be downloaded in our publications.
Main picture: Observatorio contra la pobreza
