As a Walpole member - or long-standing reader of our Daily Digest - you will be aware that Walpole is a founder of the European Cultural & Creative Industries Alliance, an organisation that unites European luxury by working in association with Comité Colbert (France), Altagamma (Italy), Cirolo Fortuny (Spain) and Meisterkreis (Germany).

Collectively, the ECCIA represents 80% of the world’s luxury goods business and leading cultural institutions and has a well-recognised and respected voice in Brussels.

Following our recent successful ECCIA trip to Strasbourg, Walpole is supporting the second-annual European Excellence Summit in Madrid on 11th and 12th of September. Hosted by Circulo Fortuny, the purpose of the summit is to strengthen our ties with Europe's luxury brand leaders, and promote British luxury in Spain - the fastest-growing European luxury market - more on which can be read below.

Walpole member CEOs are invited to join a Walpole delegation to this year's Summit and engage in high-level conversations that will support European relationships, influence long-term policy and support our member companies continued growth. Please note, places on this delegation are limited. Please register your interest by emailing [email protected].

This year, in the context of the European Year of Cultural Heritage (and Brexit), the Summit will explore the role that luxury has to play in creating the long-term legacy of Europe, and, in a time of uncertainty and division, will explore how cultural exchange creates a common language across Europe and between luxury and its customers. Activities like these also demonstrate our desire to continue important trading and diplomatic relationships in the EU.

Walpole has also added a trade element to the trip, and the Walpole delegation will meet with HM Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, and representatives of El Corte Inglés - Europe's largest department store group - on the afternoon of 11th September. This will be followed by an evening reception and dinner at the Royal Palace and Royal Theatre, with the Summit taking place on the 12th September. For more information, including a full agenda, please email [email protected].

Spanish Luxury Market Value

A recent report released by Bain & Co and Circulo Fortuny showed the Spanish luxury market was worth €9.2 billion last year; much smaller than the UK, France or Italy, but growing at twice the global average rate. The market grew 9.2% in 2017, and is expected to more than double to roughly €20 billion by 2025.  Read more on FT.com.