The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK has presented its Eduardo Barrachina Golden Award 2025 to FCC, a world-leading construction company. The award was received by Mrs. Esther Alcocer Koplowitz, President of FCC Group, during a reception held at the Residence of the Spanish Ambassador in London.

FCC, ranked as Spain’s fourth-largest construction firm and among the top 27 worldwide, is renowned for its expertise in transport infrastructure projects as well as residential and non-residential construction.

Operating in the United Kingdom for over 25 years, FCC has established itself as one of the country’s leading construction companies. Its portfolio includes major projects such as the N6 and M50 motorways in Ireland, Grangegorman University in Dublin, the Mersey Bridge in Liverpool and the extension of the North Runway at Dublin Airport. FCC also played a key role in developing infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic Games, specifically the International Broadcast Centre (IBC). 

Formerly known as the Annual Golden Award, the Eduardo Barrachina Golden Award was recently renamed to honour the Chamber’s late President, Mr. Eduardo Barrachina, who was renowned for his commitment to excellence and his pivotal role in fostering Spanish-British business relations. The accolade remains one of the Chamber’s flagship corporate events, recognising the outstanding achievements of a Spanish company operating in the UK market, with previous winners including Indra (2024), RIU Hotels (2023) and Navantia (2022).

H.E. the Ambassador of Spain to the United Kingdom, Mr. José Pascual Marco, hosted the event at his residence in London and gave the institutional welcome, before congratulating FCC on its achievement.

Guests were then welcomed on behalf of the Spanish Chamber by Mr. Juan Carlos Machuca, who was elected President of the institution in July 2025, following the passing of Mr. Eduardo Barrachina. Mr. Machuca emphasised the importance of the award and FCC’s commitment to the UK market, stating: “This event is one of the Chamber’s most emblematic annual occasions, where we recognise the excellence, resilience and innovation of a Spanish company operating in the UK market. It is a tribute not only to business success, but to the enduring partnership between Spain and the United Kingdom – a relationship the Chamber has been promoting for nearly 140 years.”

He added: “Our member companies continue to lead, grow and inspire, and the Chamber is proud to stand alongside them. FCC is a perfect example of this spirit – delivering complex infrastructure, pioneering environmental solutions and creating real social value in the UK,” he continued, “These are values worth recognising. FCC is not only a business success story – it is a vital contributor to the sustainability and wellbeing of this country.”

Mr. Machuca then invited Mrs. Esther Alcocer Koplowitz to collect the award. A distinguished leader in the international business community, Mrs. Alcocer Koplowitz’s attendance highlighted the prestige of the award and FCC Group’s significant role in the UK market. Upon receiving it, Mrs. Alcocer Koplowitz stated:

“Since the year 1900, we have participated in the development of some of the most important infrastructure projects on the planet, with the aim of improving the quality of life of the local communities in which we operate. Our leadership is measured not only by the number and scale of the projects we carry out, but also by the impact we generate on society, the environment, and the economy”

“The essence of the company has always been its employees. Passion, tenacity, and resilience are the values that best define us. These are the values I learned from my mother, Esther Koplowitz, who sustained this company through challenging times. Our teams are, without a doubt, FCC's greatest asset and the reason for our achievements. With our determination to do things well and the strength we possess as a group, based on the leadership that Carlos Slim provides, we will continue to move forward together, generating value for everyone, and especially for the people in the UK”

About the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom is a key organisation promoting economic and trade relations between Spain and the UK. Founded in 1886, it provides Spanish and British companies with opportunities for networking, business promotion, training, advice and collaborative projects. The Chambers of Commerce of Spain abroad serve as consultative and collaborative bodies of the Spanish Administration.

About FCC

FCC is one of Spain’s leading construction companies, with a history spanning more than 125 years. Its infrastructure division operates across 24 countries, including Spain, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and the United Kingdom, covering all areas of engineering and construction. FCC has significant experience in transport infrastructure, residential and non-residential building, and major public projects worldwide.