The president of KPMG, Juanjo Cano, inaugurated the company’s new facilities in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria this Thursday, accompanied by the head of the Canarian Government, Fernando Clavijo, the president of the Canarian Confederation of Entrepreneurs (CCE), Pedro Ortega, and the responsible partner of KPMG Canarias, Agustín Marrero, highlighting that the firm has grown from 15 professionals to 62 in a year, resulting in an increase of 47 people.
In his inaugural speech, Cano emphasized that the firm advocates for «proximity, closeness,» hence he stressed the importance of the moves they have made in the Canary Islands, where he pointed out that there has been a «very strong commitment.» Therefore, he stated that this is «a very important day» for them.
On his part, the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, expressed his delight in having the firm in the archipelago, highlighting their commitment to «local talent, to those individuals who are educated» in Canarian universities.
Additionally, the president of the CCE, Pedro Ortega, emphasized the importance of the firm consolidating in the Canary Islands, adding that the report presented by KPMG indicates, in its conclusions, that Canarian entrepreneurs «remain optimistic» although there is a sense of caution this year.
Ortega mentioned that the Canary Islands are clearly moving in a positive direction, although he admitted that «this pace is slowing down,» prompting caution. In particular, he noted that the GDP of the Canary Islands accelerated in the last month of 2024, reaching 0.1%, seven tenths below the national GDP trend, which «confirms, in a way, the widening that has been progressively observed throughout the previous year.»
Regarding the labor market, entrepreneurs are also indicating a «rebound in employment, as job creation is happening, although it is true that there is less momentum» than before. He added that Social Security data show a growth of six tenths, with 1,000,000 workers, «so close to the national figure, which was seven tenths.»
CCE VALUES THE TOURISM SECTOR
This growth, he pointed out, «is supported by the tourism sector, which is driving, of course, the tourism sector that had stalled the GDP.» He indicated that it is important that the quality of employment aligns with the tourist influx that is occurring.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that we «cannot forget the risks» or the «high volatility» that is being experienced with other economies like, he mentioned, Germany, as well as the «political tensions» that jeopardize investments or the «uncertainty» in global trade, which is emerging as a «consequence of increased protectionism» and new tariff measures.
KPMG: GROWTH IN THE CANARY ISLANDS
Marrero, the firm’s representative in the Canary Islands, highlighted KPMG’s commitment to the islands and the importance of Canarian talent being able to thrive in the archipelago itself, while emphasizing the company’s intention to grow and add value to the business fabric of the islands, especially at the Santa Catalina hotel where a wide range of Canarian entrepreneurs were present.
