The Asociación Ronda Territorio (ART) held the second edition of its ‘Business Encounters’ this week at the Hotel Catalonia Ronda. This initiative brought together nearly 50 business owners and professionals from various sectors to share experiences, strengthen relationships within the business community and reflect on the main challenges and opportunities facing the area.
The event featured Carlos Ortega, founder of Caorza Group, one of the leading business groups in the Serranía de Ronda, whose activities currently generate around 250 jobs.
His business group encompasses a wide range of projects, from companies linked to the construction sector to a chain of tourist apartments like Martalia, a daycare centre, Mercedes-Benz dealership, and the restaurant sector, with Bardal, led by Benito Gómez and recognised with two Michelin stars.
During the discussion, attendees learned about Ortega’s business journey, from his beginnings to the consolidation of a project built in Ronda. The businessman shared some of the key elements that, in his opinion, explain any successful business trajectory: hard work, perseverance and sacrifice.
“Luck doesn’t exist, but hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice do,” stated Carlos Ortega, who emphasised the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and a long-term vision as fundamental elements for bringing any project to fruition.
The event brought together a diverse group of attendees, representing the tourism and hotel sector, wineries, restaurants, architecture, media, commerce, insurance, education, professional services, and new business ventures, reflecting the richness and diversity of the economic fabric of Ronda and its surrounding area.
Following the interview, a broad discussion ensued among the attendees about some of the most significant challenges currently facing the region.
One of the issues that generated the greatest consensus was the need to continue investing in training and professional development. Among the proposals put forward was the idea of studying the creation of a hospitality school in the area, capable of meeting the sector’s needs and helping to train the professionals that businesses demand.
Likewise, the need to create a favourable environment for investment and business development was discussed. In this regard, the importance of attracting new initiatives and facilitating the arrival of investors was emphasised, with the warning that some problems related to heritage protection and certain administrative limitations are causing lost opportunities and hindering investments that could contribute to the economic development of the area.
Another issue addressed was the concern about generational renewal and the difficulties many highly qualified young people face in developing their professional projects in Ronda and the surrounding area. Attendees agreed on the need to create new opportunities and build a model based on excellence that attracts and retains talent.
This second business meeting consolidates a format promoted by Ronda Territorio with the aim of creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration among business owners and professionals committed to the future of the area.
Currently, Ronda Territorio comprises 24 companies and professionals united by shared values such as excellence, collaboration and a deep love for Ronda and its surrounding area.
The event concluded with a shared understanding among all attendees: the future of the Serranía de Ronda depends on continuing to work together, promoting training, encouraging new investment and generating opportunities that will allow for building a more competitive, dynamic territory, better prepared for future generations.
