Whats the proper etiquette for greeting a British woman in a business setting in Spain?
Your girlfreinds friends were wrong to react the way they did, they were vistors to your country so should adapt to the etiquette of that country. Carry on with the two kisses when in Spain. However, when in England just smile and nod your head if greeting a group or if just one on one, I would just shake the hand. Kissing on the cheek is not what you would do the first time you meet someone in England or Ireland. Leave that until you are familier with each other.
