LLORENÇ FLUXÀ
PRESIDENT
. FULL STEAM AHEAD .
The Association for the Progress of Management (APD) is a private and independent association with a business field and international presence, whose main objective is to promote and develop business training and networking among senior managers.
Founded in 1956 with the mission of being a business hub in constant evolution, the APD orients its activities towards the exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences among its members.
The APD works to consolidate itself as the leading entity in training and information for business executives, increase its visibility and relevance as an association within civil society, and highlight its impact on social and economic development in each of the territories in which it is present, as well as being a benchmark in the management of people and talent. promoting a diverse and inclusive culture that favors people and the development of companies and society.
In its effort, APD is committed to moving towards sustainable growth, expanding its reach and strengthening its international projection.
In the Balearic Islands, the presidency of APD is in charge of Llorenç Fluxà, a prominent Balearic businessman who took office in October 2020 succeeding Sebastián Escarrer, another renowned businessman of Balearic origin who chaired the association for a decade and is currently Honorary President.
Llorenç Fluxà has been a member of the Governing Council of APD since the creation of the APD Balearic Islands Zone in October 2008
. Under his leadership, he has significantly strengthened the role of APD Baleares as a key forum for business networking and high-level training in the region, organising events and conferences of notorious relevance on the islands and favouring collaboration between the public and private sectors.
These efforts have not only been crucial for APD’s own development in the Balearic Islands, but also for the economic growth of the region, positioning APD Baleares as an indispensable business platform for managers committed to innovation and business leadership on the islands.
Today, in the framework of the 2024 edition of The Ambassadors Sections International Campaign «Balearic Islands, Sustainable Excellence», we interview Llorenç Fluxà, with the aim of delving into the main challenges and objectives of APD Baleares and finding out his vision of the potential of the Islands to lead a new economic and social model firmly oriented towards quality, innovation and sustainability.
Llorenç, thank you very much for receiving us today and sharing with us your vision and your statements.
Let’s start, if that’s okay with you, by reviewing the essence, business philosophy and main activities of APD, as well as the roadmap of your main priorities as President of APD Baleares.
Thank you very much Patricia, for this opportunity to contribute to promoting the strengths of our islands and the activities of APD Baleares at an international level.
APD, The Association for the Progress of Management, is an association that has been in existence for more than half a century.
Founded in 1956 as a private non-profit entity, APD currently has more than 3,800 member companies in 6 countries, with a wide variety of economic sectors represented.
In Spain, APD is organized by geographical areas. Its origin was established in Madrid and from there it spread to the rest of the Spanish regions.
We initially depended on the area of Catalonia and Levante, but over the years we gained our own autonomy through the increase in our number of members, and just this year 2024 we celebrate 15 years as APD Baleares.
It has been a very interesting and enriching path and the truth is that we are very happy and proud of the achievements achieved.
At the national level, APD has a General Council whose meetings are attended by all the area presidents in Spain, and on the other hand, in the Balearic Islands we also have our own Regional Council, made up of presidents and directors of some of the main companies on the islands.
In recent years, APD began its international expansion, with a hub model that provides a unique experience and the possibility for managers from all over the world to network, interact with each other and develop business opportunities on a new scale.
Llorenç, what would you highlight as the main advantages and benefits enjoyed by APD Baleares members?
Well, the truth is that APD Baleares is a very interesting platform on several fronts.
On the one hand, it facilitates the possibility of business networking among the member managers themselves, and on the other hand, it is also an important resource for companies that want to offer the best training to their managers, since in APD they can participate in training programs, conferences and colloquiums with top-level figures who come to enlighten and guide us with the aim of professionalizing companies in order to make them more and more Competitive.
In these fifteen years of experience in the Balearic Islands, we have worked tirelessly to generate the best content, congresses and events that we hold for our members.
I think that, as an area, at APD Baleares we have made great progress. The association has not stopped growing, a good executive and management team was immediately formed to be able to design and carry out all the activities we carry out throughout the year.
At the regional level, the members of the council meet every three months to agree and approve the strategic lines and budget issues and we are grateful to the APD headquarters in Madrid for granting us a certain autonomy when it comes to being able to shape our strategy in the Balearic Islands, because the Balearic Islands is a territory with specific peculiarities.
Llorenç, what has been your strategic approach to consolidating APD Baleares as a most dynamic and cohesive nucleus?
We try to guide APD Baleares towards an increasingly competitive and sustainable future, aligning local initiatives with international best practices.
We strive to do things with the highest quality and responsibility and I believe that these values and this philosophy are ultimately felt and transmitted in the conferences and congresses we organize, in the level of speakers we bring, in the training courses we give and in the events we celebrate.
We are a very participatory organization. Interaction is essential, especially in the Balearic Islands, due to the idiosyncrasies of the islands where most companies are directly or indirectly linked to tourism, which makes it especially important that all actors try to row in the same direction.
The interrelationship that is generated between our members is a totally organic breeding ground for innovation that makes us all win through the exchange of ideas, impressions, opinions and trends.
Nowadays, for companies in the Balearic Islands to continue to grow in competitiveness, it is essential that we are up to date with the most relevant and innovative trends, because in the end it is about managers making their companies profitable, and that requires a high level of vision, a long-term vision and access to the best training and the best information.
That is why we at APD Baleares always try to bring and generate content on the most interesting and current topics, which are the ones that really interest the managers of our companies.
Llorenç Fluxà, President of the APD Balearic Islands Zone
Llorenç, the APD is also a relevant agent as a bridge between the public and private sectors
Yes, we have the advantage that, being an independent association, we are also in permanent contact with the public sector and the local government, in order to know first-hand their concerns and in turn transmit those of our companies, and in this way try to promote collaboration so that together we can achieve the best progress so that the regional objectives come to fruition. which in the end is what benefits everyone.
Llorenç Fluxà, President of the APD Balearic Zone, opening the APDay Baleares 2024
Jaime Martínez Llabrés, Mayor of Palma a the APDay Baleares 2024
Antoni Costa Costa, Minister of Economy, Finance and Innovation of the Balearic Islands Government, at the APDay Baleares 2024
Your activities also include your recreational events
Yes, one of the most important recreational activities that we celebrate at APD Baleares is the APD Cross-Country Regatta that we celebrate every year, sailing from Puerto Portals in Mallorca to Marina Ibiza.
This crossing aims to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the Balearic Sea, in our commitment to responsible tourism.
We bring together about 15 boats, usually about 100 managers participate and it is a fantastic nautical experience that has already become an annual tradition, carrying the flag of sustainability and respect for the environment.
The journey is very beautiful, exciting, enjoyable and fun and facilitates the relationship and interaction between our partners and companies, promoting the networking of the participants in a relaxed atmosphere and an unbeatable environment.
We also hold conferences in Ibiza with very good speakers and with an attractive and enjoyable program in which we bring together businessmen, partners and managers from Mallorca with those from the Pityusic Islands – Ibiza and Formentera – and they are events that are not only very productive but also very pleasant at a business level.
We have managed to ensure that there is very good energy in APD Baleares and that the members feel proud to be part of the Association, and that is our greatest satisfaction.
Puerto Portals – Mallorca
Marina Ibiza – Ibiza
Another of our outstanding events is the APDay.
This year, under the slogan «Building a more sustainable humanity» we met again at the Palau de Congressos de Palma de Mallorca for the 4th edition of APDay, the most eagerly awaited meeting of the year in which the best experts share inspiring ideas for people and companies to work for a more sustainable humanity.
It is a very special day with presentations in which well-known experts on key issues such as caring for the planet invite us to reflect on how our actions impact the environment and the people around us.
Companies are called to work responsibly and that means having the ability to adapt, innovate, invest in training and be open to collaboration.
The APDay is an invitation to value the most human part of organizations, in which we once again emphasize our commitment to building a better world.
Inspiration, cohesion and collaboration…
Yes, we are a dynamic and participatory association and we work collaboratively, promoting cooperation and synergies.
It is in my interest that the one next to us does well, we are all interested in all of us doing well, because what we want at APD Baleares is a thriving Balearic economy that has a positive impact on the competitiveness, efficiency, visibility and profitability of all our companies.
At the APDay conference, we analyse the environment that surrounds us: how each of us has an impact on it and on the people who accompany us throughout our lives.
The panels we rely on allow us to dig deeper and find answers and the best solutions to the current landscape, so that we can plan and operate in the best possible way for the future.
At this year’s APDay Ibiza conference we discussed the climate and environmental emergency that affects us globally, as well as the crisis of human values that our era is facing and the 4th Industrial Revolution based on digitalisation, in which AI and new technologies are advancing unstoppably at breakneck speed.
As business leaders, we have the responsibility to lead our companies to sustainability from a humanistic perspective, since the most important driver of change to face current challenges is people and it is everyone’s responsibility to build a fairer, more resilient and sustainable society.
Llorenç, at a strategic level, what are your main priorities for APD Baleares?
We have developed specific high-quality training, such as Public Speaking Courses or Leadership Courses attended by managers from different companies and we are also designing and delivering In Company Training, which are «tailor-made» trainings, specifically customized, fully personalized according to the needs and objectives of each company: marketing, finance, any aspect in which companies wish Develop the best training according to the company’s strategy.
This is an important aspect for us that we want to continue promoting, because we believe that specialized, selective and personalized training brings great added value to our companies.
On the other hand, I would like to enhance our visibility internationally with the aim of attracting more international members among our partners.
The Balearic Islands is a community that welcomes many European or foreign entrepreneurs and managers who live partially here in their second homes, who have established their businesses on the islands or who run their businesses from here.
I would like them to join us and become part of APD Baleares.
Today, approximately 90% of our members are of Balearic origin, and our strategy for the coming years would be to attract and integrate more international partners in APD Baleares, because we believe that we can be of great help to them and that they can also enrich potential synergies and business opportunities with our partners and local companies.
APD Baleares wants to be a door to help international companies and managers to integrate into our environment, not only at a business level but also at a social level. Interact with local companies and managers, welcome them into our lifestyle, into our culture and deepen how relationships work both at a business and social level in our community.
This strategy would enrich the melting pot of potential synergies and collaborations between all our members, as well as the exchange of ideas, trends and talent, which would again benefit us all in order to be increasingly competitive.
Llorenç, and in terms of challenges, what are the main concerns of the Balearic business fabric today?
In the Balearic Islands we currently face several common challenges and concerns.
One of them, as I say, is to know how to position ourselves as a Sustainable and Quality tourist destination that allows us to differentiate ourselves from other competing destinations in terms of value.
Sustainability means knowing how to maintain the resources and advantages we have today well in the future.
To establish ourselves as a quality sustainable tourist destination, we need to promote deseasonalisation and work on an increasingly diversified and competitive tourism model.
Attracting talent is also increasingly important for all companies, regardless of their size, that is another of the main concerns of our partners, being able to count on qualified personnel.
Another concern for our companies is the issue of housing, which in the Balearic Islands has become a major problem, especially for hotel companies and the tourism sector that need to bring people from abroad to come to the islands to work in season and find it very difficult to find housing.
These are very relevant real challenges on which we have to work together through public-private collaboration.
Llorenç, as you know, this initiative focuses on enhancing and promoting the image and strengths of the Balearic Islands both as a quality tourist destination and as a destination for high value-added investments.
What would you highlight as the main qualities of the Balearic Islands in both senses?
In terms of tourism, I believe that the Balearic Islands have all the qualities that a first-class tourist destination can wish for and can offer.
Although we sometimes take it for granted here, we must not lose sight of the fact that we live in one of the most privileged enclaves on the planet, and I believe that it is our obligation and our responsibility to value this reality and continue working to make the Balearic Islands an exemplary tourist destination.
Tourism is the main engine of our economy and directly and indirectly affects other important traditional sectors of the Balearic economy, such as construction, real estate, sailing, catering, industry and commerce.
Our cosmopolitan and international character, the result of the mixture and interaction between the cultures and nationalities of all the tourists who visit us, also seems to me to be a fundamental pillar when it comes to attracting international investment to sectors with great development potential ahead.
On the other hand, we have a magnificent climate, which makes it easier for us to promote deseasonalisation, to increase both the influx of long-haul tourists from markets with high potential, such as the United States and China, and the citi-breaks for the nearest proximity destinations, so that tourists from the EU-Mediterranean area come to escape to the Balearic Islands at any time to enjoy our gastronomic, cultural and sporting events throughout the year.
The priority now, I insist, is to rethink the tourism model, promote deseasonalisation and diversify the local economy towards a more sustainable quality model.
And in terms of investment, which sectors do you see with the most potential?
I believe that the Balearic Islands have great potential to become a Technology Hub.
By providing facilities to technology companies that want to locate here, we could become a real benchmark in Europe, as has happened in strategic points in California or Florida in the United States.
The nautical sector is also very important in the Balearic Islands, as it generates employment, wealth and is directly linked to quality tourism and sustainability.
Due to our privileged location, we have an impressive nautical landscape on the four islands, especially the north coast of Mallorca but also Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca.
They are landscapes of spectacular beauty and an obligatory stop for the best yachts and sailboats in the world, which sail the Mediterranean every year.
Those of us who were born here are lucky that we have always been in very direct and close contact with the sea.
Personally, for example, for me sailing is one of my main hobbies and I try to be at sea whenever I can.
In the Balearic Islands, sailing and everything related to the sea is also of fundamental importance in our economy and many sporting events related to the sea that are held in the Balearic Islands are some of our most important tourist attractions.
From our point of view, at APD Baleares we consider quality and sustainability as the basic pillars on which we must develop our tourism activity in all its segments, and we are satisfied and proud that our managers are already implementing many of the necessary measures in terms of sustainability, always thinking about the long term.
Many things are being done in this field but there is still much to be done if we want to aspire for the Balearic Islands to truly become a European leader and benchmark in sustainability issues.
Ibiza and Formentera, due to their size and specific characteristics, can also be benchmarks and pioneers in this field.
Traditional sectors are very important and they have to continue to be so, of course, but I believe that the Balearic Islands still have a long way to go and many achievements to conquer in all sectors related to sustainability, technology, innovation and the circular economy.
Gradually promoting the diversification of our economy towards these sectors will also boost the attraction of investments, and in this sense the Balearic Islands have very important competitive advantages in the eyes of international investors, such as political stability, legal certainty and an extraordinary geographical location with very good connectivity infrastructures.
Llorenç, although due to your own dimension as a relevant businessman you take care of many other responsibilities and family businesses beyond the Presidency of APD Baleares, do you want to tell us a little about yourself? We would love to…
Well, in the end I am a person who is lucky enough to belong to the fourth generation of an industrial business saga in Mallorca with origins in 1877, with interests in different sectors, mainly tourism through Iberostar Hotels & Resorts and the footwear industry through Camper and Lotusse.
I am fully aware that I am very fortunate, because on the one hand our family businesses are among the international leaders in their respective sectors and on the other hand I have the privilege of presiding over a wonderful project such as APD Baleares, which is an honour of which I am very proud and which gives me great satisfaction.
On a personal note, I would say that I have only one passion that surpasses my love for my work and for the sea: My children.
Quality and goodness, the perfect combination for the best leadership…
And one last message, Llorenç, specifically addressed to all national and international executives who are reading us right now.
When someone arrives in the Balearic Islands from abroad, whether from any other European or international territory, it is important to feel welcomed in every way, both professionally and business, as well as personally and socially.
I would like that, through this interview, the national and international managers who have read us have learned a little more about our strengths, our concerns, our qualities and our particularities.
From APD Baleares, we would like to tell you that we would love to welcome you to our wonderful islands, contribute and add to the growth of your companies and your businesses in our territory, whether you are already established here or if you are thinking of settling among us.
We are a dynamic and well-cohesive association that can bring very positive things to its companies and its managers because I believe that today, in such a global environment, local experience is more valuable than ever.
In the Balearic Islands there are great and very competitive companies at an international level and we invite you to join our exciting adventure of continuing to grow together on our wonderful islands, four magical windows in the Mediterranean that open the doors to the world.
We are waiting for you.
Mateu Enric Lladó, 1 – 3ºB
07002 – Palma de Mallorca
Islas Baleares
971 07 40 65
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