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Issue 33 - Spring 2018 iMindingntouch Gibraltar’s Business
MAIN STREET RETAIL REVIEW
INSIDE: GFSB Business Gibraltar Base, EY’s Senior Innovation Awards Global Reach Manager, Nathan - Winner 2018 Payas, shares some insight on Financial Services and Fintech
intouch | ISSUEwww.gfsb.gi 33 | SPRING 2018 CONTENTS 3
05 MEET THE BOARD
06 CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD
08 MAIN STREET REVIEW 2018
16 ON THE FRONT LINES OF GIBRALTAR’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY – REDWOOD INTERNATIONAL TALKS LOGISTICS WITH INTOUCH 22 18 EY’S SENIOR MANAGER, NATHAN PAYAS, SHARES SOME INSIGHT ON GIBRALTAR FINTECH CONFERENCE 2018 FINANCIAL SERVICES AND FINTECH
21 PSD2 MEETS GDPR
22 GIBRALTAR FINTECH CONFERENCE 2018
26 GIBRALTAR BASE, GLOBAL REACH
30 POWERING UP GIBRALTAR: PLUG-N-GO DIRECTORS, KEITH HOUNSELL AND TIM REVILL, INTRODUCE THEIR BUSINESS TO INTOUCH 30 32 32 DELIVERING RELIABILITY POWERING UP GIBRALTAR DELIVERING RELIABILITY 34 GIBCARGO LTD
36 ANNUAL GALA DINNER MARCH 2018
38 GFSB BUSINESS INNOVATION AWARDS - FINALISTS www.gibraltarlawyers.com 42 GFSB BUSINESS INNOVATION AWARDS - WINNER 2018 Whatever’s on the horizon, 44 GFSB - NEW MEMBER PROFILE we’ve got your back 46 GFSB MEET THE BOARD
For all that life may bring, whether good or bad, ISOLAS is on your side. 36 Property • Family • Corporate & Commercial • Taxation • Litigation • Trusts Wills & Probate • Shipping • Private Client • Wealth management • Sports law & management ANNUAL GALA DINNER MARCH 2018 For further information contact: [email protected] ISOLAS LLP Portland House Glacis Road PO Box 204 Gibraltar. Tel: +350 2000 1892 Celebrating 125 years of ISOLAS Trusted since 1892 intouch | ISSUE 33 | SPRING 2018 4 MEET THE BOARD 5
The portfolio of responsibilities have been allocated by the Board as follows:
Chairman Julian Byrne Julian Byrne Paul Collado Daniel Delgado Michael Borge Tony Lopez Lianne Azzopardi Chairman Vice-Chairman Treasurer Secretary Vice-Chairperson Paul Collado
Treasurer Daniel Delgado
Secretary Michael Borge
Employment Owen Smith / Kamlesh Khubchand (Conditions of Employment Board, Labour Advisory Board, Small Business Board)
Environment Tony Lopez Eran Shay Neville Dalmedo Kamlesh Khubchand Owen Smith Philip Vasquez
Legal Owen Smith
Business start-ups/EU Funding Eran Shay / Daniel Delgado (JLAG, EU Funding Board, Small Grants Board)
Information & Technology Julian Byrne / Eran Shay (E-business Advisory Council)
Education & Training Tony Lopez / Lianne Azzopardi
Pensions Daniel Delgado
Members Benefits Paul Collado / Eran Shay DISCLAIMER Business Licensing Julian Byrne / Paul Collado 1 No part of this publication may be reproduced without the wirtten Banking Michael Borge / Neville Dalmedo Issue 33 - Spring 2018 permission of the publishers. The iMindingntouch Gibraltar’s Business
Publishers and the Editor have made Health & Safety Tony Lopez (Health & Safety Board) intouch every effort to ensure that all of the information within this publication is Business & Commerce Lianne Azzopardi / Paul Collado EDITORIAL DIRECTOR accurate, but emphasise that they cannot Julian Byrne accept responsibility for any errors or Tourism Eran Shay / Lianne Azzopardi / Paul Collado (Tourism Advisory Council) omissions. The Publishers and the Editor DESIGNED BY accept no responsibility for statements Wholesale & Retail Kamlesh Khubchand / Lianne Azzopardi Piranha Designs Gibraltar MAIN made by contributors or for any claim www.piranhadesigns.com STREET made through advertisements published International Eran Shay (ESBA Board) RETAIL in this magazine. REVIEW JOURNALIST Restaurants & Hospitality Kamlesh Khubchand / Lianne Azzopardi Jackie Anderson INSIDE: GFSB Business Gibraltar Base, EY’s Senior Innovation Awards Global Reach Manager, Nathan - Winner 2018 Payas, shares some insight on Financial Services InTouch Magazine Julian Byrne / Lianne Azzopardi PUBLISHED BY Federation of Small Businesses and Fintech The GFSB The UK’s Leading Business Organisation intouch | ISSUEwww.gfsb.gi 33 | SPRING 2018 Design & Branding Julian Byrne / Lianne Azzopardi 122 Irish Town, Gibraltar Issue 33 | Spring 2018 Tel: +350 200 47722 Events Lianne Azzopardi / Paul Collado Email: [email protected] www.gfsb.gi
ISSUE 33 | SPRING 2018 | intouch intouch | ISSUE 33 | SPRING 2018 6 CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD 7
ear readers, have the potential to make it great. High Transport, delivery and storage of Summer is coming fast, after street retail is suffering worldwide and we products is very important to our a wet and windy few months. have to plan and take action now, as this economy and we have some features on DWe have been really busy is an important part of our economy. The a number of the big players in the local and have had both our AGM and Annual GFSB is committed to working together market. Find out a bit more of what they Dinner already. As I mentioned in the with the stake holders to do all we can to do and what they are planning for the Annual Dinner we are very pleased to improve. future. have achieved all the goals we set out last year when I took over as Chair Person. I will keep on saying this, because I truly We recently held a well attended We have started our talks in local schools, believe it, that we have to take the threat Breakfast Club with the Department continued with practical Breakfast Clubs of Brexit as an opportunity to improve. of Employment where many members TAKE YOUR and training, increased our revenue and To do our best, smooth our processes, voiced their issues and concerns, this is exactly what we are here for. Please completed our major project. be more efficient, effective and market let us know how we can help you. The ourselves better. GFSB are working hard to make Gibraltar BUSINESS TO The major project was the Main Street the best place it can be to do business. Retail Review. We contracted Kerching This issue we continue with our regular Together we can make real changes that Retail from the UK to visit, review and features, you can get to know more about another of our board members make big differences. THE NEXT LEVEL analyse our Main Street retail offering. The result is an in-depth report with Daniel Delgado, and read about Rockolo Please get in touch if you have anything a large amount of recommendations who joined the GFSB recently. you think we should cover in future CHOOSE THE PROVIDER YOU CAN TRUST that can make a huge difference to our editions. city centre, and have repercussions on Thanks to all those companies who TO PUSH YOUR BUSINESS TO NEW HEIGHTS Gibraltar PLC. After commissioning this entered this year’s Gibtelecom GFSB study we have started some meetings Innovation Awards, the judges were Wishing you all to move this forward and implement as impressed at the quality and range of the best, many of the suggestions as possible. We businesses. We have interviewed all our finalists for this issue of InTouch have a strong team of retailers behind this Julian Byrne and congratulations to Jordan Lopez of initiative and are convinced we can make Chairman BuyTickets.gi for winning the award. it a real success. The report highlighted that we have a good product, but also
Gibtelecom offers premium fibre Perspective matters broadband services with high speeds, strict SLAs, free on-site consultation, The future asks more of business. A need for full technical set-up and 24/7 customer wider knowledge, swifter actions and more agile capability. A demand to look at the support, as standard. world from a whole new viewpoint. Deloitte identifies the new From full enterprise solutions to small perspectives that will drive business set ups at competitive prices, decisions; to build confidence in shaping the solutions we are the provider of choice that can that matter. offer you the reliability and expertise A fresh view on addressing your business deserves. your most challenging decisions awaits at: Tel: +350 200 41200 Contact our Sales Team on 20052200 Fax: +350 200 41201 or email [email protected] for a free [email protected] no obligation consultation.
www. deloitte.gi
Merchant House, House, 22/24 22/24 John John Mackintosh Mackintosh Square, Square, P.O. P.O.Box 758, Box Gibraltar758, Gibraltar © 2017 Deloitte Limited is a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP, which is the United Kingdom affiliate© 2017 Deloitteof Deloitte Limited. NWE LLP, A membera member of firm Deloitte of Deloitte Touche Touche Tohmatsu Tohmatsu Limited Limited.
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tend to be funded and supported by the tenants, or traders.
The report proposed a combined approach for Main Street.
“Main Street Business Improvement District” covering from Casemates Square and Main Street to an agreed southernly point. Businesses would vote to express support or not for the scheme. Once and if approved, membership would become compulsory for businesses within the designated BID area. BIDs typically serve terms of 3 or 5 years, before going up for reelection. The majority of BIDs are reelected in the UK, MAIN STREET but not all. 23% of occupied outlets offered a more Improving conversion: premium offer. Categories with a more Whilst footfall remains very high on Main REVIEW 2018 premium offer included: Street, conversion i.e. the percentage of visitors that spend in the shops, is not • Jewellery as robust. Anecdotally traders reported • Fashion that conversion had dropped in recent • Perfume & Cosmetics years. • Health & Beauty he changing retail and What was the brief? The product mix • Hair Salons The report encouraged traders to: To review the current retail and leisure leisure landscape has From the study, it was deemed that • Highlight products that represent landscape: been widely reported on just 32% of the occupied units stocked High property prices in Gibraltar would unique value for money Tacross most of western product ranges considered unique. indicate that there is some capacity for • Highlight unique products • Standards of retailing and evening Europe. As some towns and a more premium shopper. One might of • Bundle products to improve economy on Main Street and Casemates Of the remaining 164 outlets, many had expected the offer to be more premium cities in the UK and the mainland appearance of value and uniqueness Square. a product/service offering with a unique overall. have adapted well to the • The retail and leisure mix element but the majority of product was Measuring footfall • Benchmark the exterior presentation, available elsewhere. The broader picture changing habits of customers, We would advise businesses trading in The report recommended the window displays and quality of visual is that the larger percentage of retail and some locations have not. the following categories, in particular, to introduction of footfall cameras onto merchandising. leisure operators in the centre, 68%, did “Their retail economy takes no consider introducing a more premium Main Street and Casemates Square. • Access the interior presentation of not have a unique or distinct offer. element to their offer: Having evidence of footfall will help prisoners” says retail consultant retail and leisure operators inform decisions regarding events, Corin Birchall. “If a town centre • Measure the levels of street trading, i.e The report advises businesses trading in • Bistro navigation and whether interventions do businesses appropriately spill into the the following categories to distinguish or mall falls out of favour with • Electrical work. operators or shoppers, it can road? their offer more from one another: • Fashion • Consider the product mix on offer become decimated in a matter • Home In the UK, footfall cameras cost around BIDs are supported by local on Main Street and whether there was • Bistro (Food and Beverage) • Pubs £800 each per quarter. To get useful government, but much of the funding of years” a sufficient mix of unique, premium, • Electrical • Souvenirs insight into foot traffic numbers and is by its members and levy payers - mid and value products and services • Pharmacy • Tobacco & Spirits flow through the city centre, you the businesses, based on an agreed In an ambitious move to ensure the available. • Souvenirs would need at least 3-4 cameras. An percentage of rates (usually 2-3%). prosperity of our members, the GFSB • Tobacco & Spirits The city centre experience annual investment of around £10,000 - Smaller traders might expect to pay £150 commissioned a review of our retail and This data was used to create a roadmap It was noted that improvements £12,000. Some providers can also offer per year, whilst larger rate payers like leisure offer on and along Main Street from the current reality to a Main Street Uniqueness drives urgency, a need to could be made to the public realm free visitor WiFi combined with traffic Debenhams and M&S might expect to earlier this year. fit for a 2020 shoppers and tourists, and buy a product or service ‘now’, which is and properties on Main Street and counters. This may be worth exploring pay a few thousand pounds per annum. beyond. important for a destination that relies on Casemates Square with seasonal street too. Depending on the percentage rate of Leading consultancy Kerching Retail trade from day visitors and tourists. performed the study culminating in dressing, store front improvements and levy, you might expect to generate better signage. Business Improvement District anything between £50,000 - £100,000 20 key recommendations designed to “The findings were mixed. Many Stores that offer very similar products to Many commercial areas across the per year to support Main Street activities. position Gibraltar as “Southern Europe’s businesses on and around Main one another, tend to compete on price. premium shopping destination” in the Street were of a very high quality A number of traders had product spilling USA and UK have taken matters into Monies are often used to fund a Place - adding tangible value to the into the street that did not enhance the their own hands, in creating a Business Manager, who liaises with business future. It was a similar picture with price points mix in Gibraltar. Some of the shopping experience for visitors. It was Improvement District, or BID. owners, event organisers and local on Main Street. The offer on Main Street A copy of the report is available to traders had not adapted to the advised that this be discouraged. Worst government to maximise trade changing needs and standards of and Casemates Square is very much a download at: offenders ere retailers selling souvenir In the USA, these are primary set up to opportunities in the BID area. Also BIDs consumers today.” Corin says. value-mid priced offer overall. 78% of products. support the landlords of properties and can act as a buying group offering its http://www.gfsb.gi/main-street-review.html occupied premises offered low to mid- protect their investment. In the UK, BIDs members free or discounted business priced products or services.
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Location of all jewellery stores on Main Street
services, such as recycling, credit lines, insurances and web services.
BIDs will often generate marketing materials such as event guides, maps and loyalty cards - to supplement such activities delivered by local government.
Infrastructure projects, public realm improvement and larger events in BID areas are generally still undertaken by local governments.
BIDs take a number of years to establish and are not without challenges for those involved. They can galvanise businesses into a forum for action and do generate funds to make activity happen.
For a BID to be approved, typically 50% of businesses (outlets) must vote ‘Yes’ and 50% of the rateable value of businesses too, meaning it’s essential that the bigger outlets onboard.
The report considers the creation of a even dismissive of the place and due BID a key recommendation, giving Main Being famous to the powerful nature of negative Street and Casemates Sq businesses Through various discussions with messaging, become the narrative a channel for activity and the funds by businesses owners, it was difficult to for the city. For example…”There’s which to deliver them. define what Main Street was famous for, nothing there except souvenir shops”, if in fact it was. There was an absence or “can never park there, waste of time” Main Street Brand of a clear ‘unique selling point’ (USP) for may become messages that stick in the street. We understand our local businesses and cater At no point in history has there been customers’ minds. stiffer competition for High Streets to Being famous for one category does not keep their shoppers. Managed shopping Taking control of the message helps all have to exclude another. For example, to their requirements and needs centres, competing districts and online stakeholders share the same, positive a reputation for jewellery is unlikely to retailers use multiple marketing channels message for the city centre to promote perturb perfume shoppers from entering to lure shoppers away from their local To optimise your time simply call in and drop off your cash and cheques to patrons. the area. shops. with our Cash Handling Service A strap-line or brand gives you a basis The report encourages stakeholders to Continual marketing to local residents for targeted campaigns. consider the extensive jewellery offer, and visitors is now a requirement of to become a key part of the Main Street city centres, to compete with shopping Making corporate banking our business Gateway brand. alternatives from districts easily The three gateways into Main Street accessible by car or bus. (Casemates, South Main Street and Some interventions may be required For more information please phone us on +350 200 13900 or visit our Developing a brand for a city helps John Mackintosh) would benefit to support any marketing statements galvanise the message to potential from wrought iron gateway signage made. Jewellers may need to stock website www.gibintbank.gi consumers. “Welcome to Main Street”. A strap line some additional lines to offer the may also be included as part of the complete range of desired watches for Place marketing can become branding. example. traditionalbanking with a modern fragmented, with conflicting views or perspectives of the city being promoted Gateways help to establish an area as a through various channels. Many of these gibintbank product or distinct offer. @gibintbank messages can be tainted, negative or
ISSUE 33 | SPRING 2018 | intouch www.gibintbank.gi | +350 (200) 13900 | Gibraltar International Bank Ltd, PO Box 1375, Ince’s House, 310 Mainintouch Street, | ISSUE Gibraltar 33 | GX11 SPRING 1AA 2018 Gibraltar International Bank Limited is authorised and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission. Company Registration Number 109679 12 13
Events Gibraltar has an events programme that runs throughout the year. Events are housed in venues across the city. A small number impact directly on Main Street and Casemates Square
Events can fulfil a number of roles for a town or city centre:
• Contribute to a sense of belonging for local people • Fill gaps in a retail or leisure mix • Increase dwell time of visitors • Attract visitors • Create animation and excitement • Dress a town or city centre traders, who pay high rents and rates. • John Lennon - building on the history A recommendation of the report is that Performers should be auditioned to of his marriage here. Germans in events become a key aspect of Main ensure they meet the required standard particular have a fondness for John Street’s offer, throughout the year. of performing to Gibraltar visitors. A Lennon and the Beatles. programme of performers should be Changes to the existing event managed and published. Performers Main Street Main Stage could live-stream programme: can also be rotated to keep high dwell online and across the world, advertising areas engaging. the distinct and unique offer. • Have retail and leisure operators get One of the most impressive examples more involved with Main Street events. Performers may include: of a street becoming a destination and (Dressing stores, music, promotions, • Jugglers entertainment area, to compliment seasonal lines) • Circus entertainers the core offer, is Freemont Street • Opera Singers Experience, Las Vegas. • Introduce Main Street elements to • Classical performers annual events held across Gibraltar, for example, Backgammon or Chess As well as the more typical city centre Open Tournament. Have classes and entertainer and busker. exhibition matches on Main Street with a giant board. London underground designate performance spaces for buskers. • Dress Main Street to support and celebrate these events. The report proposes the creation of a ‘Main Street Main Stage’, on or Daily/weekly programme around John Mackintosh Square. Also In addition to larger scale events, we a performance stage on Casemates would also recommend a daily and Square. Performances should take place weekly programme of entertainment. on key trading days and on cruise days.
Music can significantly enhance the It is important that entertainment atmosphere of a shopping street. It may complements the retail and leisure be considered to be the ‘soundtrack’ of offer, not detracts from it. So keeping The original centre of Vegas, Freemont the city centre. If not managed carefully, performances relatively short and Street was at a real risk of being however, it can detract from it. High returning volume levels back to normal forgotten by the development of quality live music is favourable to piped ambient levels immediately afterwards ‘Super Hotels’ and casinos on the new music and as previously stated, the is advised. strip. Through a combined investment, current standard of performers is rather Freemont Street was turned into Argus is the only Chartered Insurer in Gibraltar. mixed. A programme of performances, ‘Freemont Street Experience’ and attractive to the age and nationality the world’s largest LED roof was The exclusive Chartered Insurers status is Street Performers of visitors, should be designed and constructed. Stages and entertainment evidence of our commitment to an overall A bubble entertainer in Casemates promoted. attract 40% of Las Vegas’s 40m+ Square enhanced the experience for annual visitors. standard of excellence and professionalism many young families. Entertainers can Performances could include: draw a crowd and create vivid memories • Beatles Tribute - For non-British Freemont Street’s approach may be to our customers, partners and employees. for visitors. tourists too brash for Main Street. We can • Sounds of Britain Tribute learn, however, from focusing on Buskers and street performers should be • Salsa Dancing the experience and entertainment managed. Spaces for performers need • Artists tributes, who have performed in which has completely repositioned PO Box 45, Regal House, 3 Queensway, Gibraltar designating, which will not detract from Gibraltar over the years a district of Vegas which could have T+350 200 79520 F +350 200 70942 E [email protected] www.argus.gi ISSUE 33 | SPRING 2018 | intouch intouch | ISSUE 33 | SPRING 2018 www.argus.gi | Regal House, Queensway, Gibraltar | Licensed by the Financial Services Commission 14 15
easily deteriorated into an unsavoury • Events targeted at the nationality of another, all closing at 5pm if necessary. downtown area. cruise ships - Also rotation to avoid We should seek to avoid the slow repeat ‘wilting’ of the street from 3pm onwards. Maximising Cruise visitor • Crew VIP Card - loyalty and discount opportunities for crew The ability for traders to operate on The recently developed cruise terminal • Better promotion of the Main Street Sunday is clearly hindered by high and proactivity of the tourism board, brand staffing costs. The city centre was have attracted high numbers of cruise • Better promotion of what to do: 1st relatively busy on Sunday despite the stops annually. Some comments from time, 2nd time, 10th time lack of retail offer. traders were that the spending power • Free gift if your guide is stamped by 5x of many passengers was lower than in businesses (trail) Main Street and Casemates Square the past. It was unclear whether this Main Street being celebrated and could have a strong evening economy. is a macro issue, a result of changing famous for: food and drinks, jewellery, Stakeholders may decide that a shopping patterns, or an issue of less retail etc. sufficient provision exists at Ocean affluent demographics being targeted Village and Queensway Quay. A for cruise ships stopping in Gibraltar. Another opportunity exists to extend the carefully choreographed entertainment stay of cruise visitors. Currently visitors programme could start to draw visitors Whilst any visitors are better than no start to arrive around 8am and typically towards Casemates Square and then visitors, it may be worth the tourist return to the ship by 4pm. Spending onto Ocean Village as the day progresses. board considering the spending power equates to around £5 per hour, for cruise of cruises targeted. visitors. Extending cruise visitors’ stay Who is the customer? by 1 hour, would generate £1,569,695 Main Street and Casemates Square traders will be buying a lot of their stock Passengers aiming to return to the ship spend annually. would benefit from having greater and supplies in euros, so having a euro by 4pm have limited capacity to visit clarity on who their customer is. cash flow would seem advantageous. key tourism sites and shop. It is often • Live performances at 4pm a choice of either or, for visitors. We • Canon salute and fireworks at 4pm Currently there is a focus by many Addressing leakage would advise Main Street to engage • A new tradition of a Gibraltar Victorian traders on British visitors. The local shopper is not a primary target more closely with tour operators to build afternoon tea at 4pm Some of the traders focus on local for many traders on Main Street. This is a wider programme of excursions that • Ultimately a high quality intervention residents as a primary income source. a missed opportunity. include Main Street. to keep visitors in the city centre for A few traders capitalise on day visitors another hour. from Spain. Recognising that an element of • Approx 55% of cruise passengers and comparison spend (non-grocery) is crew disembark the ship. The Gibraltar Tourist Board may need to None are mutually exclusive but clarity always likely to leak to malls across the negotiate with cruise operators. on who Main Street is setting out to Land Frontier, Main Street should focus • Approx 25% of cruise passengers appeal to, could be useful. You may on incremental reduction in leakage, book an excursion. The majority of Opening hours decide there is a seasonal element to the rather than a wholesale stop of it. these involve the Rock and Apes. Some The report found it a little disappointing target audience. include shopping. to see stores and businesses closing Effective methods to reduce leakage: early in the day, particularly Saturday. Observationally, a proportionally high • Plugging retail mix gaps • 45% of crew/passengers do not This is more likely to occur when a percentage of Spanish visitors are • Targeted local advertising and disembark at port in Gibraltar high number of businesses are owner/ crossing the Land Frontier and are not promotion (what Main Street has to operators rather than national retail well catered for on Main Street. offer for you) Whist numbers are approximate, this brands. Taxis and businesses appeared to offer • Social media marketing means of the 570K cruise passengers a €1.50 to £1 exchange rate. Against • Creating activities and events and crew who annually port in Gibraltar, It is more important that businesses on a market rate of €1.14 to £1. Is there specifically for local people 313k disembark, 257k stay onboard. Main Street work in concert with one any way of handling this? Main Street • Creating convenient solutions - late night Thursday shopping for example. An initiative to get all passengers and • Loyalty schemes Clustered offers are more convenient Summary as many crew members as possible for local shoppers, who have become The report recognised the pockets of off the ship is key. 2016 figures for Retail Layout conditioned to parking outside an out- excellence on and around Main Street as average spend of visitors from sea, As a longer term strategy for Main of-town development and shopping. well as opportunities for improvement. state £40.12*. An initiative to encourage Street, it is advisable to explore An example might be children clothing A key action to compete with popular disembarking, could yield £10.3m for the the potential for clustering similar stores, ice cream outlet and toy shops out of town retail developments and local economy. businesses to create zones and quarters. in close proximity, with a few family malls is to operate as if Main Street was amusement rides and baby changing a single entity. Too many stakeholders * https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/new/sites/default/ Main Street is a very long street to visit files/HMGoG_Documents/Tourist%20Survey%20 facilities within easy reach. This might be pulling in different directions and leaving Report%202016.pdf all businesses. However a compelling very attractive to local young family. the future of Main Street to market offer and cluster of Boutiques, Traditional forces is taking a risk. Working together What might get passengers and crew off Gibraltar Stores, Family Stores, Specialist Distinct street dressing and public realm as a single offer and brand, under the the ship? Food and Jewellery Stores could be an could give a clustered stretch of Main umbrella of a BID gives Main Street the • A publicised events programme - incentive to travel further along the street. Street a unique feel. Clustered areas lend best chance of re-positioning itself as concerts at 1pm, 2pm (Main Street, Main themselves to be marketed to day visitors “Southern Europe’s Premium Shopping Stage) and locals. Destination” • Change and variety - based on repeat visitors
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But with characteristic pragmatism, the consumer who can continue to Redwood International, are in fact deep order and obtain items from anywhere ON THE FRONT into planning and exploring solutions. in the world, just like anyone else can “Airfreight, even in terms of smaller in any other country in the world.” LINES OF items of cargo, could conceivably be Redwood International’s broad portfolio increased should there be a slowing of services includes the delivery of down in road freight moving in and small packages to individuals. With a GIBRALTAR’S out of the border, and we should also warehouse in Essex and a depot in La focus on increasing shipping which Linea, customers can order what they BUSINESS could also offset a decrease in road want, from any company either locally Karl Alecio (General Manager) haulage,” Danny says. If it all sounds if this service is offered, or online and COMMUNITY – a little nebulous and indefinite it is from anywhere in the world. Items are because predicting the future is still an delivered to either depot and are then A UPS authorised service contractor, inexact science even in business. But it brought into Gibraltar and delivered certified to ISO9001, holder of an REDWOOD is by persistently probing at problems direct to the client. Investor’s in People Award and a that solutions are found. “Good storage member of FIATA (Federation of Freight facilities at reasonable rental prices “It’s not just goods that we move,” INTERNATIONAL Forwarders Association), Redwood would be tremendously beneficial for smiles Karl, “we also move people – International exudes energy, a sense businesses like ours, and for shipping along with all their furniture.” Office TALKS LOGISTICS of never wanting to stand still, seeking and distribution in general,” suggests moves, home removals, relocations opportunities and improvements. Karl. The ability to store more items for abroad or from abroad to Gibraltar; all Forward movement, as Redwood WITH INTOUCH. longer would mean that distribution these are included within Redwood’s International so clearly demonstrates, companies could benefit from the remit. “We do handle a lot of local is inevitably intrinsic to the nature of a economies of scale gained by importing removals,” says Danny, even, he went successful transportation business. larger quantities of goods by sea – which on to tell me, parts of the hospital;
And here,” says Redwood’s is also beneficial when coordinating Redwood moved entire hospital Danny Gabay (Managing Director) Managing Director, Danny work with the wholesale and retail departments some years ago, from Gabay, gesturing out of sectors. the old hospital building to the new St “the vast ribbon windows Bernard’s Hospital. It is not just businesses that benefit, of the first floor of Gibraltar a team of 25 staff and offering a that this has on business. “It is a huge as Karl is keen to point out. “It is also International Airport, “is where comprehensive portfolio of services to issue for our sector,” said Karl, “and we meet the needs of Gibraltar’s businesses are all, on both sides of the border, very the lorries and their cargo wait and individual consumers. “Initially we concerned that the movement of goods while they clear customs.” worked with transportation of goods,” by road through Europe, from EU and Danny explained, “and we found there from UK, is kept as free and smooth as It is still quite early in the day and was a very high demand, so we grew possible.” already the holding area is filling up very quickly in response.” with lorries. Danny Gabay and General “Gibraltar has not been in the Customs When it comes to Manager, Karl Alecio, show me into their With Gibraltar being one of the busiest Union or the Schengen arrangements,” office. As I follow them along the bright ports in the Mediterranean, Redwood’s adds Danny, “so we are used to customs legal advice corridor, I can see the comings and services to the shipping industry are clearance, the application and payments goings at the frontier and it occurs to me among the most important to the of tariffs and all the regulations and Hassans stands out that this is the very tip of the sharp end company. These include services such security issues. But what we don’t know of the Customs Union, where goods are as freight forwarding, receiving and at this stage and can’t really plan for examined, categorized, their movement distributing spare parts for ship repairs; is whether Brexit will have a negative from the crowd recorded, duty paid, and then allowed services that they provide to many of effect on our economy, whether the to go onwards to keep the wheels of the numerous shipping agencies that buying power of the Gibraltarian the economy turning. “It can get a bit operate in Gibraltar. While they handle consumer – businesses and individuals sticky here sometimes,” Danny explains, some small quantities of airfreight, most – will be reduced. If it does reduce, then With a global reach, Hassans provides legal solutions, both locally and cross-border, to individuals “in terms of goods going in and out. of the goods they deal with arrive in this could have a knock-on effect on the The system, the procedures, the tariffs: and major multinationals. We deliver a service Gibraltar by road, including air freight amount of business that we do, and the consistent with old world values of customer care in themselves they are straightforward, handled through Malaga airport. Freight demand on our services could go down. whilst combining professionalism with pragmatism. but the politics can sometimes mean arrives in Gibraltar carried by hauliers So we have to take a very broad view Our clients get what they need, when they need it. delays.” And delays, he points out firmly, from all over Northern Europe and of our strategic planning for the future.” Personal or business solutions. Effi ciently delivered. result in increased costs. UK, and as experts in importation and And, of course, anything that causes customs clearance agents, Redwood delays at the border increases costs At the forefront of logistics in Gibraltar, International work to clear the goods and reduced profits. “The impact on Redwood International Ltd. forms an through customs and then distribute to this region of Spain will be as dramatic important part of the sector that keeps their clients. “The introduction of the on- as it is for us,” Karl elaborates, “so we Gibraltar’s businesses well oiled and line ASYCUDA system has been useful are looking at the optimistic view that moving. The company was set up in and the automation it provides has Spain will want to keep the status quo as 57/63 Line Wall Road, PO Box 199, Gibraltar. “Hassans’ size and range of experience 1994 by Danny – one man, one van, certainly helped to speed up processes,” much as possible. What is difficult to do, T: +350 200 79000 F: +350 200 71966 gives the fi rm an advantage a clean desk and enormous energy. Karl commented. is plan ahead as accurately as we would [email protected] in several areas.” Redwood International has since grown This leads on to a discussion on the issue like to do, because there are so many www.gibraltarlaw.com Legal 500 EMEA 2018 Edition. into an efficient organisation, employing of fluidity at the border and the impact variables that we have no control over.”
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Could your GDPR response be your competitive advantage? Contacts Dale Cruz Nathan Payas [email protected] [email protected] +350 200 13 200 ey.com/gi ey.com/fsinsights #BetterQuestions EY’S SENIOR MANAGER, NATHAN PAYAS, SHARES SOME INSIGHT ON FINANCIAL SERVICES AND FINTECH.
n our rapidly changing can improve asset management and technologies themselves in order to stay world, Artificial intelligence transform supply chain management afloat with the times. and delivery. There is an opportunity for (AI) and Robotics or robot companies to use blockchain to track FinTech can also enable cost reductions, Iprocess automation (RPA) the movement of assets throughout as it functions without the substantial are becoming increasingly their supply chains, coordinate their overheads and intermediary fees of utilised in the workplace, as back-end operations or electronically big institutions. The ability to pass are other technologies, and initiate and enforce contracts. The the cost saving to customers is vastly EY is cognisant of the need to instantaneous execution of transactions responsible for the success currently is considerably improving consumer being experienced. assist clients in identifying how experience by providing convenience these technologies can provide with immediate access to funds, assets, With FinTech, a company is able to real business solutions which documents, health records, etc. focus and personalise advertising translate into economic benefits and products. The strategic use of and competitive advantage. Financial Technology (FinTech) data allows for an in-depth analysis is challenging the way companies of customer behaviours and patterns. Blockchain technologies can, for deliver financial services to the public. Emphasis is given towards improving example, improve operational efficiency FinTech disruptor companies are fast- the customer experience, in many across a variety of sectors. Blockchain moving, often start-ups, which provide instances, by making the processes user is a network and a database. It is an anything from mobile payments to friendly. open, public database that can record insurance. The attraction is in the ease of use, accessibility, low cost/pricing of An ongoing challenge for companies
transactions between two parties ED None. Reserved. All Rights Limited. © 2017 EYGM efficiently and in a verifiable and products and speed of process. These is the risk of technology very quickly permanent way. It promises to radically financial services, new market entrants becoming obsolete due to the speed up transactions and cut costs are particularly damaging to the fast paced changing technological by establishing trust and the transfer traditional market participants, banks environment. A continuous investment of value without the involvement of and insurance companies. Some of the in innovation is required as competitive traditional intermediaries. Blockchain traditional institutions are adopting the market entrants continue to emerge,
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claiming to provide a better service or product at cheaper rates. PSD2 MEETS GDPR As more companies “go digital”, one of the challenges we can see is an increase n a previous article for GFSB in cyber risk. With the introduction we looked at some of the of the new General Data Protection implications of “PSD2”, the Regulations, (GDPR), cybersecurity Irevised payment services has never been more relevant. Some directive, on companies in the organizations have realised, sometimes financial technology space. One the hard way, that cyber-attacks are no longer a matter of if, but when. However, of the key features of PSD2 is many organizations have learned to its strict security requirements defend themselves better, and have for the protection of consumers’ moved from very basic measures and financial data. ad hoc responses to sophisticated and robust cybersecurity processes that On 25 May 2018 a new piece of have made them more resilient. Today, legislation also aimed at protecting being cyber resilient is the best way for With fines for non-compliance with If you would like more information on personal data comes into force, the an organization to be prepared to deal GDPR of up to 4% of global revenue PSD2 or GDPR please contact: General Data Protection Regulation, with the cyber criminals. or 20 million euros (whichever is the Paramjit Sehmi, Partner at “GDPR”. higher), all business that control or [email protected] Gibraltar is a small but dynamic process any personal data must ensure Consumer protection and consent lies jurisdiction with the ability to move that they have adequate procedures and at the heart of these regulations. In the quickly on opportunities for economic documentation in place to comply with majority of cases all businesses that development. It also has a mature the new legislation. control or process the personal data of financial services sector. The ability to their customers will first need to acquire enact legislation quickly in areas such Burlingtons is a law firm based in the consent from those customers in order as new technologies is a big advantage heart of London’s West End with a full to disclose their data to third parties. over other jurisdictions, and Gibraltar is service offering including expertise in doing just that. After Gibraltar’s success data protection. in developing its impressive gaming Burlingtons half page ad aw 01.12.17_half page ad 04/12/2017 13:11 Page 1 industry, Gibraltar is now looking to become a hub for companies in the DLT and Blockchain space. and business advisory services in the bigger and more complex end-to- the jurisdiction. Our clients include end business transformation challenges. By being the first jurisdiction to enact businesses in financial services legislation specifically designed to (insurance companies, banks, insurance EY aims to help our clients become regulate Blockchain and DLT businesses, brokers, asset management and funds, intelligent information-driven Gibraltar has attracted ample global trust and company managers), online organizations, where fact-based interest for businesses wanting to setup gaming, retail/wholesale, shipping, decision-making is embedded into daily their headquarters and be regulated. property and construction. operations from the boardroom to the The new Financial Services (Distributed front line. Data Analytics tools allow Ledger Technology Providers) We believe our insights and quality for the processing of Big Data, in order Regulations 2017 (“DLT Regulations”) services help build trust and confidence to make better-informed decisions. came into force on 1st January 2018. in the financial services sector, both It is also transforming the way audits By becoming licensed, DLT companies locally and abroad. EY’s philosophy is are carried out by allowing for more can market their products to potential building a better working world for their data to be tested and by improving clients or investors with a regulator’s people, their clients and communities audit focus and quality. To help clients “seal of approval” which is so vital to a and do so the through their focus on find the solution that is best for them, successful initial start-up. developing exceptional leaders who EY asks better questions about their team up to deliver on the company’s operations, priorities, risk tolerance and The challenge for Gibraltar is to find promises to all stakeholders. vulnerabilities and then collaborate with the right balance between making them to create innovative answers that the most of new opportunities for our Technology is a driver of change. challenge and leverage benefits from the BURLINGTONS LEGAL – NOW IN GIBRALTAR economy and protecting our reputation Advances in digital technology FinTech opportunities that now exist. CORPORATE | COMMERCIAL | REAL ESTATE | BUSINESS RECOVERY AND INSOLVENCY | MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT | EMPLOYMENT | IMMIGRATION as a jurisdiction. Gibraltar is attracting are enabling increased scope and INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY | PRIVATE CLIENT AND FAMILY | DISPUTE RESOLUTION | BANKING AND FINANCE | TAXATION plenty of attention in this space and quality of services including the use there is sufficient expertise in the various of data analytics tools, blockchain, Burlingtons Legal LLP industries to assist in safeguarding its artificial intelligence and robotics. As reputation for the long term prosperity UK Head Office: 5 Stratford Place, London W1C 1AX a professional services organisation Gibraltar Office: 3rd Floor Montarik House, Bedlam Court, Gibraltar GX11 1AA of the jurisdiction. offering a full, comprehensive range of Telephone: +44 (0) 207 529 5420 | Email: [email protected] services, EY’s unique advantage is being www.burlingtonslegal.com EY Gibraltar is one of the leading able to bring a multi-domain and cross- providers of audit, tax, accounting Representative offices: Almaty, Malta, Moscow, St Petersburg, Vienna. service line approach to clients to solve
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GIBRALTAR FINTECH CONFERENCE 2018 “We have everyone in the room that we need
Kristoffer Nelson of SRAX who spoke to set up business.” about the importance of regulation Chuck Shotton, Inveniam Capital.
hen we spoke to Nick Hughes back in the autumn, he and creating opportunities, Gibraltar Wexplained that GibFin two days with information, debates and opportunities for networking. Attendees is busy creating the ideal environment were determined to make the browsing the display stands during the for fintech to flourish in a way that Gibraltar Fintech Conference breaks between presentations made is positive and beneficial to the local 2018, or “GibFin Mark 2”, an comment on how well organised the economy and to the global sector as a even bigger event than the first, event was, the variety of topics covered whole. It was evident from the various which took place in October and the quality of the speakers. companies represented, that there are many entrepreneurs ready to link up and 2017. By the November of Notably, however, was the range of do business in Gibraltar. that year, GibFin was already professionals and parts of the sector deep in preparation for the represented. In his talk, Chuck Shotton It was a theme that was repeated February event and anticipated of Inveniam Capital told the conference several times throughout the two an enthusiastic response from of his excitement at the fact that as he days by a number of speakers and during the debates. There seemed to people and businesses involved spoke, everyone that an entrepreneur needed to develop their business idea be unanimity of opinion that the right in the rapidly developing world was in the room: investors, government regulatory framework is essential to of fintech. officials, the regulator, expert lawyers, make sure that growth is stimulated accountants, technical experts, rather than stifled, but stimulated to GibFin 2 welcomed over 270 attendees corporate services professionals and grow in a way that protects consumers from countries all over the world as far recruitment companies. While the and generates confidence. Gibraltar is afield as Canada, China, Brazil, US, Costa blockchain and distributed ledger clearly demonstrating a positive energy Rica and Columbia. Taking place at the technology provide means of doing Sunborn Hotel, the Conference filled business, solving business problems
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the ground up, to create a framework that can evolve as the industry grows and the technology develops, and to build confidence in consumer protection by filtering out the sector’s “bad players”. As Mr. Picardo put it: “Our regulator will maintain the highest standards; no soft or light touch is accepted here.” CORPORATE TELEPHONE SERVICES
Drawing from a pool of eminent sector experts, GibFin 2 also presented addresses and discussions on topics as diverse as innovation in payment solutions, peer-to-peer lending, the international cryptocurrency exchange markets and the ICO landscape, BUSINESS LINE alongside others. Discussions included BUSINESS LINE matters practical, such as relocation Chuck Shotton of Inveniam of businesses and their key staff to Gibraltar as well as recruitment and the skills pool. Indeed, the addressing of overall infrastructure issues such as the supply of property for residential SIPSIP TRUNK*TRUNK* and office accommodation and the finding of education and training solutions to ensure new businesses can source the right expertise for their growing requirements, were both themes touched on from the stage and in informal conversations among VIRTUALVIRTUAL PBX*PBX* attendees. Discussions also broached the topics of opportunities and challenges posed by the phenomenon of decentralisation – something that excites some and terrifies others – and of the social benefits that can be created by blockchain technology. “Blockchain,” said Martin Koppelmann, of Gnosis, “has created new business models and new Albert Isola addressing the Conference options.”
That GibFin 2, the Gibraltar Fintech and a positive attitude, with the relevant leadership by creating and delivering Conference 2018, has successfully organisations, including government, the DLT framework in January 2018, showcased that these options and eager to learn and keen to engage with the first in the world.” His message, business models can thrive from having key players in the sector. This makes reinforced by Minister for Commerce, a base in Gibraltar is unquestionable: Gibraltar a distinctive jurisdiction which Albert Isola, in his address to the during the course of the conference, appeals to entrepreneurs and startups. Conference, and by Siân Jones of the five companies applied to the GFSC for “Gibraltar,” said Simon Pearson of B21, GFSC, was that regulations were being licenses to operate here. At InTouch, we “is ten steps forward from the rest of the developed that will encourage and will continue to watch the cryptospace world in this space.” embrace innovation but that intends with interest and keep GFSB members to ensure that only quality businesses abreast of developments. The future of This is precisely the message that will operate in Gibraltar. Having learned finance is happening right here, right Gibraltar wants to ensure that the rest from its successes with the gaming now, in Gibraltar. of the world hears loud and clear, as industry, Mr. Isola pointed out, Gibraltar was expressed in no uncertain terms by will be looking for sustainable business Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, models, transparency and accountability who opened the Conference: “Gibraltar and insists on a company’s “mind and has positioned itself as an innovative management” being based in Gibraltar. and forward-looking jurisdiction… Siân Jones and William Gracia of the * Requires a GibFibre private dedicated circuit for increased quality & security we have a hugely successful track GFSC gave more detailed information record demonstrated by the strength on the proposed regulations of ICOs and quality inherent in our gaming thereby highlighting Gibraltar’s community; we demonstrated global determination to build regulations from [email protected] www.gibfibre.com +350 225 00000 ISSUE 33 | SPRING 2018 | intouch intouch | ISSUE 33 | SPRING 2018
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GIBRALTAR BASE, GLOBAL REACH
have met Tyrone Payas, founder and managing director of the Global Agency ICompany, on a number of occasions in the past year, so it came as no surprise on visiting him at his office to discuss the shipping sector that we plunged straight into the deep end. “Let’s start with Brexit,” Tyrone stated almost before I had managed to take my notebook out of my pocket.
The Global Agency Company is a shipping agency that forms part of the Global Group of Companies set up in 2000. The Global Group itself is made Tyrone Payas, Managing Director up of a number of specialist companies that are linked to the activities of the Agency itself, and include Fendertech strategy and so on, but not knowing excellent port that is renowned across Ltd. and Wastage Products Ltd. how Brexit will affect fluidity at the the world,” says Tyrone, “Gibraltar However, Tyrone has been working in frontier means it is difficult to plan has a superb international reputation the shipping sector since 1987, and is certain parts of our business. But the as a result of the hard work and as passionate about the work now as Spanish authorities do appear to have a professionalism of the sector as a whole, he was in those early years. “Working positive approach at the moment, which and in particular of the Port Authority, in shipping is not your run-of-the-mill is good reason to be optimistic.” which works in close partnership with type of job,” he says, “you don’t get the companies in our sector.” Tyrone ‘nine-to-five’; you have to be flexible, Like others in the sector I have also praises the vital work carried think on your toes, keep your wits sharp spoken to recently, Tyrone is taking out by the Gibraltar Port Operators and find instant solutions to unexpected the attitude that while it appears that Association (GPOA) and its members. problems. But it’s stimulating, exciting most parties want to keep the flow as The Association provides a platform to and endlessly fascinating.” free as possible, at the moment this promote the work of members within is not guaranteed and negotiations the maritime community. It helps to Part of the fascination is in the have a long way to go before certainty develop a cohesive local strategy for international nature of the industry. “You one way or another is achieved. The maritime activities and, through its are constantly in communication with parts of the business that, like other work in ensuring members interests and people from all over the world,” Tyrone businesses involved in transport and concerns are voiced to the Gibraltar Port explains, “it gives you such a broad distribution, might be worst affected, Authority or directly to the Port Minister. view of the world, of understanding of would be the freight forwarding to THE FINTECH LEGAL how people think and function in other ships that the GAC carries out on behalf We move on to discuss the significance countries. It means you can live and of its clients. “Spare parts for ships, of shipping to Gibraltar’s economy. EXPERTS IN GIBRALTAR work in a small city like Gibraltar and for example,” Tyrone says, “which we “It is,” asserts Tyrone, “one of our yet feel very much an important part arrange to have collected from Malaga most important sectors, sometimes Gibraltar is the jurisdiction of choice for new and innovative businesses that provide services through the use of blockchain given its position as a leading and soundly of the workings of the world.” Brexit is airport and are brought into Gibraltar underestimated. Shipping is something regulated crypto-hub. This is in part, as a result of the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Regulations. The forthcoming Token Sale Regulations will serve to further the event that is meant to disengage by road so that we can have them that has been part of our economy for strengthen Gibraltar’s reputation and position as the jurisdiction of choice in the crypto world. Gibraltar, figuratively speaking, from forwarded to the waiting vessels.” And a long time and it can provide stability Europe, but it is not the disengagement the company arranges for ship crews to and continuity, and create opportunities Our Financial Services Team has been at the heart of Gibraltar’s growth in the Fintech & Crypto space and has the knowledge and expertise to support your Fintech business. From assisting a blockchain start-up or digital wallet provider to advising on a token offering (or ICO), you will receive practical and commercially focussed that concerns Tyrone in particular, it is join vessels through Gibraltar. Freedom internationally for us.” He goes on to legal advice, from a law firm that is respected worldwide. the uncertainty that it has generated and of movement through the frontier is explain how shipping creates work that continues, despite the rhetoric and therefore an important aspect of the and business opportunities for other TRIAY & TRIAY – FIRST CHOICE FOR THE DLT COMMUNITY occasional reassurances that emerge negotiations for this sector. associated sectors such as hotels, from the UK and the EU. “Like most airlines, road transport, freight agents, businesses,” Tyrone explains, “we need However, while Brexit does bring retail and wholesale, the leisure and Triay & Triay, 28 Irish Town, Gibraltar • Tel: +350 200 72020 • Fax: +350 200 72270 • [email protected] www.triay.com to do a degree of planning so we can some concerns, the sector is far more hospitality sectors to name just some. allocate resources, focus our forward international than Europe. “We have an
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“When passengers from a cruise ship or ship crews disembark for repatriation or shore leave, they want somewhere to stay, somewhere to eat, places to shop, relax, and they spend their earnings. We have some excellent hotels in the higher price bracket, but some crews need quality budget accommodation which will keep overall Port expenses lower and help Gibraltar compete with ports such as Algeciras where hotel category options are broader.”
It is this holistic view of where his company fits into the global picture that has facilitated the growth of the Global Group of Companies. Fendertech Ltd. for example, provides specialist Ship-to-Ship services in partnership with world renowned Teekay Marine Services, while Wastage Products Ltd. provides waste disposal and Port Chemist services to vessels. And, of course, as thriving businesses in their own right, the three companies also carry out specialist activities to other parts of Gibraltar’s economy.
Like many other business leaders in Gibraltar, Tyrone is very clear on his “wish list” of features that would bring about opportunities for further growth. Expansion of the port facilities is high on his list: “if we expand the port, we can compete far GLOBAL better and attract more and larger vessels,” he explains, “we could also have space for more and better warehousing which A gency C o m pany would give us far greater flexibility and enable us to respond better to clients’ needs. And workshop space for specialists.” This latter really catches my attention and we move on to discuss shipping as a career, almost back to where we started the conversation. “Having workshops here, means that we can attract the experts needed to carry out certain ship repairs right here in Gibraltar, and these,” he goes on to say, “will help to attract more of our young people to the industry – which is challenging but hugely rewarding.”
Careers in shipping can take you around the world, not just as crew, but also as agents or technical experts to name just a We Grow Trade couple of roles. Gibraltar, Tyrone firmly believes, is poised to generate opportunities out of challenges: “We can attract ship +350 200 63333 management companies to set up in Gibraltar,” he says, “we are developing modern offices, we have a port with a reputation [email protected] for excellence, a superb Port Authority and Port Minister and a sector that works closely together with good links with www.worldtradecenter.gi Government. We have one of the best locations of any port in the world and a level of sector dedication and professionalism that you don’t find anywhere else. There are areas that we can improve, and we can make ourselves ready to make the most of each opportunity as these come up.”
Living and working in a city surrounded by the sea, your view is always on the horizon, always looking out to the rest of the world. The Global Agency Company is fully engaged with the rest of the world, day in, day out. “It is,” says Tyrone, as passionate about his work now as he always has been, “a constantly changing landscape – or seascape – as we ride the currents. It is exciting as much as it is hard work. At Global, we are always, always, busy, but never, ever bored!”
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and if only very few if any people Spain and now in Guernsey. Keith has evidence, that Plug-N-Go can address. buy EV’s, then you might not want to wide experience in the renewable While Plug-N-Go Gibraltar is focusing on invest in charging points.” It is the fully energy sector. For over ten years, he EV charging and helping to develop the funded solutions that are so attractive has worked with the installation of wind necessary infrastructure, they also have to clients who believe that providing turbines in UK and also with battery that expertise in energy storage and charging points are the way forward. energy storage systems. He is Managing control; a feature that is very useful for “We work in depth with clients to Director of Green Acorn Energy helping organisations with high power help them provide the installations so Solutions in UK, a sister company of usage. that these pay for themselves,” Keith Plug-N-G0 providing energy solutions to POWERING UP GIBRALTAR: Hounsell explains. Keith went on to clients across the UK. Both men speak “Increasing the use of EV and reducing point out that developers attracting with utter conviction, not just on their carbon emissions relies on a good PLUG-N-GO DIRECTORS, buyers or leaseholders, or visitors to services, but also on the vital nature network of charging points and this is tourist attractions, commercial centres, of finding renewable energy solutions something that can be provided by the KEITH HOUNSELL AND even restaurants with their own car for business clients with the aim of private sector. It can also be of benefit parks etc. can add a competitive edge ameliorating our environment for the to the private sector, and, of course, with charging points, purely because if future. the benefits would be felt by the wider TIM REVILL, INTRODUCE visitors can charge their car while they community: the air we breathe could be dine or shop, watch a movie or work out, There is, of course, a fine balancing act cleaner, with the positive impact that will THEIR BUSINESS TO EV Charging Systems they may be more inclined to select that to be had between being able to use the have on our health and on the quality of specific venue. And this will generate the existing technology to “go green” and life with the reduction in traffic noise as INTOUCH demand for EVs that the market would to do so in a cost-effective manner that people switch to the much quieter EVs,” like to see. enables a business to add value to their Tim says. “It is at the long term that we customers and still make a profit. Plug- all need to look not just the short term,” lean air is essential car parks at supermarkets or shopping Tim and Keith speak with passion and N-Go directors are only too aware of adds Keith, “green technologies help us centres and hotels, or in places where to life and in some conviction, both as business people business’ thrust towards earning profits to do just that.” For Gibraltar, private people work such as the car park of an countries there is talk at involved in the business world for many and fully understand what is sometimes and public sectors alike, Plug-N-Go is office building. Cgovernmental levels to years, and as professionals working reluctance to approach “green” energy ready to introduce those solutions that in “green” energy, and not just with solutions for fear of the initial capital may well help us all fully enjoy a breath secure the right to breathe clean Clients for Plug-N-Go services can EV’s. Tim’s expertise lies in finance and expenditure and possible lack of of fresh air. air as a human right. The issues expect a combination of sector also in corporate governance, and he customer engagement. It is these fears, expertise, professionalism and a of the quality of the air that we has lived and worked in UK, Gibraltar, often unfounded and unsubstantiated by breathe, climate change and powerful commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving air the impact of human activity on quality. Among their clients, with our environment are among the inclusion of clients of their UK based most crucial challenges facing business, are government departments Tim Revill (Director) the world today. Communities and agencies, commercial centres, across the globe are increasingly businesses in the tourism sector, such focusing on the problems as visitor attractions and leisure centres and, of course, property developers. caused by atmospheric pollution and its effects on health and Plug-N-Go offers a comprehensive wealth. Governments are faced service starting with finding fully funded with complex political, economic solutions to specific EV charging and social problems to resolve requirements. This means they work in helping clients achieve the installations and a multiplicity of needs to they want with no capital outlay and
balance. But there is also a role this includes carrying out the necessary for the private sector in socio- footfall surveys, obtaining the relevant GOES GREEN…….AND ACHIEVES THE ISO14001:2004 - economic development and in permissions, designing the layout and Keith Hounsell (Director) ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM- THROUGH creating clean, green solutions planning the siting of the charging points ACTION AND NOT JUST WORDS for modern living, and some and installing the infrastructure. Their services also include maintenance of businesses have seen that there Horticultural contractors, Convent Garden, Convent Ramp, Tel. 20043134 the charging points, monitoring of their The company, working closely with e-mail. [email protected] are opportunities to make a use and keeping clients informed on GibOil and DesElec Ltd., has already contribution to finding solutions the potential for site upgrades. Usefully installed an EV charging point at a to some of these seemingly for a number of Gibraltar’s companies, GibOil petrol station in Sir Winston intractable problems. Plug-N-Go also work with businesses Churchill Avenue, helping Gibraltar take that own fleet vehicles to help them a step towards a greater level of EV ownership and hopefully a reduction Plug-N-Go Gibraltar Ltd. is one such monitor fuel use and emissions so that in carbon emissions in the longer term. business. Recently established in they can evaluate when and which of the “The situation with ownership of EV’s Gibraltar, Plug-N-Go is based in fleet vehicles would be best to change can get stuck in a Catch-22,” Tim Revill Guernsey and specialises in providing to emission-free vehicles. For companies acknowledges, “if you don’t have vehicle charging installations for electric working to attain or renewing ISO14001, charging points, then you probably vehicles (EV). This includes destination this is an approach that might well Certification Body: Verification International of Nottinghamshire, England. will think twice about buying an EV, charging points, such as those set up in support their efforts.
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s a busy European has become a partner with Sefat economy, Gibraltar’s Distributions, providing the Gibraltarian ability to be in constant company with the perfect foundations from which to grow the business further. Acommunication with “It’s been an incredibly active few the rest of the world is vital. months as we have worked to set up the And despite the advances structures necessary to ensure a highly of technology where the efficient professional service to clients,” Internet has made global Samuel explained. communications so easy, it is The effort seems to have been still necessary for important well worthwhile, and by April 2016, documents, as well as goods, the company was ready to test its to be moved from one city systems. “We had to look carefully at to another. In the case of our processes and our resources and DELIVERING documents in particular, speed tweak our systems here and there,” said Samuel, “and, of course, all the and reliability are two essentials safeguards that are normally offered RELIABILITY – and key factors in the success of by courier services are in place for our a distribution business. clients. We offer a next day courier MD Samuel Attias with his team SEFAT DISTRIBUTIONS LTD.’S service to UK and mainland Europe, 48- It was as couriers of documents that 72hour courier services to destinations Sefat Distributions Ltd. began life. across the rest of the world, with DISTRIBUTION SERVICES Clients very quickly came to trust their additional complementary services to from Asos, House of Frazer, Misguided more and more people buying online, ability to move important documents ensure priority deliveries before 9am, and many more online retailers, an area either as individuals or as businesses for to and from Gibraltar and these days 10am and 12pm. We wanted to bring that is growing rapidly. commercial purposes, Sefat Distributions the company counts numerous legal a unique service into Gibraltar so with is ready to make sure that everything firms, insurance companies, trust and the help of our new partners we are This was a good point in our sent is received, and received promptly, wealth management companies and now able to offer a two day service conversation at which to discuss the as expected.” For Sefat Distributions, financial services firms among numerous to UK and mainland Europe which is recently introduced ASYCUDA system, clients come uppermost. “We build others. Since then, the company has more economical, but still gives you a which Samuel described as helpful, strong relationships of trust with clients,” grown to become one of Gibraltar’s fully trackable service via our website.” both in terms of the automation and the Samuel added, “they rely on us to get busy distribution businesses, delivering Samuel hopes that this will be of interest speeding up of processes through the the item they want to them or to where parcels and freight as well as documents to Gibraltar’s businesses as a new option use of templates, and the huge range they want it to go, and everything that to destinations around the world. for getting their documentation to their of codes that are available at the touch we do focuses on making sure that we clients. of a button giving rates for excise duty meet those expectations.” “I had a number of ideas about payable. expansion for some time,” Director, “Finding suitable warehouse space is Sefat Distributions Ltd has recently Samuel Attias, told me when we met tough,” Samuel added, “so I put a call Sefat Distributions have welcomed moved to their new business space in to discuss the company’s distribution out on Facebook, and through this we technological advances into their New Harbours, at Unit 53 Harbour Deck, services. Samuel began to focus on were contacted by a number of people business. “We are using increasingly and Samuel is only too happy to receive the direction in which he wanted the who wanted to sell or rent warehouse sophisticated systems to help us enquiries on 20048192 and by email on business to expand around a year ago. space. We were able to find the perfect provide quality, customer-focused [email protected] “I had been mulling things over, and one solution for us, we carried out the refit services,” Samuel told me, “we want to evening, while browsing the Internet, I and by January we were ready to move help customers benefit from making came across a company called Skynet in.” purchases from anywhere in the world Worldwide Express and it caught my they want to, or send parcels anywhere eye. I looked into this company and As Skynet’s agent in Gibraltar, Sefat they want to in a worry-free way. We are its services and found that at the time Distributions can provide distribution even able to take the inconvenience out they were the fourth largest distribution services to both business customers of tracking because we have developed company in the world, but they did not and to individuals. “We are able to help systems that will automatically notify have a presence in the south of Spain. I people who can’t find the items they customers of where their parcels are fired off an email to them on an impulse, want here in Gibraltar and decide to at specific points in the distribution not sure if I would ever receive a make their purchase via the Internet. We process.” response. Imagine my surprise when out can arrange for items to be delivered of the blue I got an email in reply. And direct to their door from wherever in the Improvements in available technology they were interested in working with us.” world the items come from. For items and the accelerating increase in internet- that need to be sent to a UK address, we based commerce and on-line shopping Many successful businesses are sparked have a warehouse in UK that forms the in particular, has seen a rise in demand off by following that instinctive impulse, customer’s delivery address. From here, for Sefat Distribution’s services. “We saw and Samuel’s sending of an email to a we ensure the parcel arrives at its final an increase in interest in our services huge company wondering if perhaps destination in Gibraltar, and as customs over the Christmas period,” Samuel Gibraltar was too small for them to agents, we will also clear their purchases informed me, “and this was at a point bother, paid off. Skynet Worldwide through customs. The company is where we were testing our systems and Express was not just interested, but currently delivering online shopping making some final refinements. With
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goods as well as services, and these all need to be imported by companies like GibCargo. To have better, readily accessible and reasonably priced storage facilities would mean the ability to create economies of scale through the transportation of larger quantities at a time. As a small example, GibCargo runs a specialized service in the importation (they are also customs clearance agents), storage and “as required” delivery of specialist spare parts of technology equipment. This service came about as a response to the needs of certain clients such as banks, financial services firms, gaming Spanish goods to UK markets – Brexit or companies and IT and communications no Brexit. companies, to enable these to fulfill their requisite agreements with their IT GibCargo’s international offering goes service providers. “For these companies, further: the company offers a twice spare parts have to be available on the weekly consolidated airfreight service spot, instantly accessible, to give them from Gatwick or Heathrow airports and business continuity,” Tom explains. “We can deliver door to door to clients in have import and storage arrangements Gibraltar. This means that goods can be with them so that they can operate purchased from anywhere in the world in full confidence and meet the terms to arrive at one of those airports and be GIBCARGO LTD of their service provider agreements. forwarded to Gibraltar. GibCargo is an We are dealing with large international agent of AMI, one of the world’s leading firms.” freight forwarding services, which means that GibCargo can collect and deliver As well as its warehouse in Gibraltar, from Gibraltar to anywhere in the world om Howard founded on the whole every activity that has to GibCargo has a warehouse and and vice versa. GibCargo Ltd. seventeen be carried out in their business is carried facilities in La Linea. In fact, the recent years ago in 2001, out within the team. “We have our expansion of the Spanish operation was own trucks transporting goods all over With seventeen years and a wealth Tinspired by his father who part of Toms’ plans to respond to the of experience within the company, Europe, although largely to and from challenges that may be posed by Brexit. already ran a shipping agency UK.” Tom explains, “keeping things in- GibCargo transports almost anything. “We are taking Brexit in our stride,” very important to us and everything house gives us full control of everything The company is licensed for the in Gibraltar and had done since mainland Europe. With their cold Tom tells me with confidence. “We have we do, including how we decide in – if we quote a specific day and time of international carriage of goods by the days when the border storage facilities in Gibraltar and in the fully established a Spanish company which direction our business should be delivery to a customer, it’s because we road for hire or reward, a license that with Spain was closed. With UK, the company can transport chilled, in La Linea, not just to complement steered, is done in response to customer know we can keep that promise.” is not given out lightly by the EU and frozen and dry goods on a weekly basis what we do here in Gibraltar, but which demands.” the frontier gates finally open, member authorities. The issue of this through Europe to Gibraltar. can be fully stand-alone if necessary. Tom decided to work on the This brings Tom to pointing out that, license requires the passing of a series It is something that we wanted to do It is with considerable energy, as well importation of goods by road – as a transport company, GibCargo also of tests. They are also licensed to carry Warehousing is a vital resource in the anyway, but the phenomenon of Brexit as astute foresight, that Tom Howard works with local shipping agents for ADR goods – these are goods defined it is a faster mode of transport transport and distribution business, and means we are doing it sooner than we steers GibCargo both forward and the collection of urgent ships spares by European Agreement as dangerous than sea freight and is especially GibCargo has invested in ensuring that originally anticipated.” around the obstacles set by politics, in that require ‘just in time’ delivery due goods – and there are strict regulations suitable for foods and goods they have adequate spaces as far as the form of Brexit and border issues, to short stop-over times that vessels on how these are transported by road they can. “We would like to have more He goes on to explain how this creates and by the economic and regulatory with a short shelf-life and high have in the Port of Gibraltar. This has internationally. “We carry anything and warehouse space in Gibraltar,” Tom tremendous efficiencies for the company context in which the company operates. turnover. “It was just me at the led to GibCargo operating a daily everything that is permitted by law,” acknowledges, “this really is vital to our and for clients. “We are an international As we talk, the forklift trucks moving collection service from Malaga airport. says Tom, “computers, textiles, kosher beginning, doing everything,” he sector. We have a warehouse at North transport company,” Tom says. “We goods in and out of the warehouse This requires very strong planning foods alongside all sorts of perishable explains, “but by around 2004 Mole, but we could easily fill another have our own trucks, and in Spain we beneath Tom’s office simply do not stop: and organization of resources from goods, furniture, kitchen appliances… we had our own warehouse warehouse, especially if it had access have Spanish-owned trucks so we can GibCargo, constantly striding forward, GibCargo’s end of the process, but it anything our clients want moving from for our trailers. If we could have that, we transport freight not just from Gibraltar and taking care of business. and were able to store things A to B. Our customer relationships are creates efficiencies for clients, which could easily create several more jobs to in-house, and this helped us to to UK or the other way around, but from then develops that strong customer say the least. The demand is definitely anywhere in Europe to anywhere in grow faster.” loyalty that forms part of GibCargo’s there.” Europe. We are also customs clearance lasting success. agents in Spain, as well as in Gibraltar, Tom radiates a sense of unwavering This was an interesting point, which led so our expertise, as well as warehousing energy as he speaks; “We worked on Of course, freight forwarding is only us to discuss how Gibraltar’s economic facilities, are very much in demand developing customer loyalty,” he says, one of the many transportation and growth spurs increases in demand. With on both sides of the border.” With “ and we made the decision to run as logistics services offered by GibCargo anticipated growth in the population the UK a large importer of Spanish Taking Care of Business much of our business in-house, giving Ltd. Its groupage truck service, for due to the setting up of more businesses agricultural products, this means that it us full control of people and processes.” example, means that they can transport in Gibraltar, for example in financial is a Gibraltarian-owned company that Freight Forwarders – Transport Contractors Although GibCargo has used sub- items from UK and Spain, factoring in services and technology sectors, has a role to play in the transportation of contracted services from time to time, collections and drop-offs throughout there will be an increased demand for ISSUE 33 | SPRING 2018 | intouch www.gibcargo.com Tel. +350 200 70787 Email.intouch [email protected] | ISSUE 33 | SPRING 2018 36 37
As part of looking ahead and improving Gibraltar’s business environment, the GFSB this year has undertaken a review of Annual Gala Dinner Gibraltar’s retail sector, with UK consultants, Kerching Retail, having been commissioned to conduct this review which March 2018 was sponsored by Jyske Bank, Khubchands and Marble Arc. Corin Birchall, Managing Director of Kerching Retail, gave members at the Gala Dinner a fascinating insight into the review of Main Street and the retail outlets in the surrounding eviewing activities and strategy. He pointed to the tremendous streets, presenting its findings and making a series of amount of on going work by the Brexit events of the past year recommendations for retail businesses to consider in order to strategy team and the fact that the UK improve Gibraltar’s retail offering. Rand looking ahead to has now guaranteed access to the UK what the future might markets for the gaming and financial The intention behind the commissioning was to find bring formed themes for services sectors until 31st December ways of modernising retail, an area that appears to have discussion at this year’s GFSB’s 2020, which marks the end of the been somewhat neglected in recent years, and while Annual Gala Dinner held on transition period, and then to access there is something special about Main Street and the beyond that date. March 22nd at the Rock Hotel’s retail environment in Gibraltar, there remains room for improvement, particularly if retail businesses are to achieve Khaima Restaurant. The Chief Minister went on to talk about better conversion rates from the thousands of people the sensitivity of negotiations and the who visit the area each year. Corin Birchall explained that need to have clarity in interpretation The event opened with an address from the review wanted to look long term, to consider what of what is a very complex matter. He the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, who Gibraltar’s retail sector might look like in 10 – 20 years’ time. exhorted Gibraltar to work together to gave GFSB members an update on He summarised some of the changes that have taken place deal with Brexit and to show strength the latest state of play with the Brexit internationally in retail and how physical stores are affected and solidarity, saying: “But we are all negotiations. With regular reports by online shopping. in it together, my friends.” He ended in the press regarding the EU’s draft his address by entreating attendees to withdrawal agreement, how this might The review carried out a detailed ‘on the ground study’, communicate their thoughts and ideas relate to Gibraltar and conflicting physically and in person, with over 250 retail premises visited to Government: “If you think we can do reactions from Spain and UK, the Gala in Main St and the feeder streets, and considered all the anything else, tell us. If you think we can Dinner provided a useful platform for relevant influences. Mr. Birchall touched upon some of the do anything more, tell us. We are elected the Chief Minister to address Gibraltar’s features that were evident in Main Street, such as the variety to serve you and we want to deliver small business community directly, and in standard of window displays, the range and types of the right and best result. Because it is a to mitigate some of the uncertainty offers available and the “spilling out” factor where wares are result that will endure for generations. currently being experienced. displayed outside stores, concluding that Gibraltar already We believe that we shall do so. We owe has a good retail offer and many positives. He moved on it to our children as much as we owe it To the concern of many in Gibraltar, the to offer some ideas for rebranding Gibraltar as a centre for to our forefathers. And we will NOT let EU’s draft agreement appears to restate shopping, discussing creative ideas for improvement, such them down.” the guidelines already issued by the EU, data protection regulations. These as arranging for quality street entertainment to encourage and included the controversial “Clause will be continued throughout the year visitors to stay longer in the Main Street area; clustering of In his address to the members, Chairman 24” which appeared to grant Spain, with upcoming seminars to include a store types and using demographic profiles to create Main Julian Byrne gave a summary of the in effect, a veto on issues related to presentation from The Nautilus Project Street focused events, such as an all-out Chinese New Year GFSB’s activities during the past year, Gibraltar. “Gibraltar matters to them [the and the Department of Employment. event, to attract visitors and keep them in the stores – and stating that he had felt it an “honour EU]” explained Mr. Picardo, “because He also referred to the successful speed spending their money. The Main Street Retail Review 2018 is and a pleasure to be able to give back it matters to Spain.” “But,” he added networking event, organised in response available online via the GFSB’s website. a little to local businesses and to the firmly, “Gibraltar doesn’t just matter to members’ requests to increase community”. He focused on the vital role to Spain. It also matters to the United networking opportunities and which The evening continued with the presentation of this year’s that small businesses play in the local Kingdom. And, of course, it matters was very well attended. A further speed Business Innovation Awards by Lianne Azzopardi of economy, saying: “small businesses form more to us, to the Gibraltarians, than it networking event is planned for later in Gibtelecom, the competition sponsors, who awarded the the backbone of our local economy; we can ever matter to anyone else.” the year. prize of £2000 of IT equipment to Jordan Lopez, founder of are all here working to make Gibraltar Buytickets.gi. There then followed the ever-popular charity what it is, and every single business Mr. Picardo proceeded to speak Looking ahead to the future, the GFSB raffle, with a variety of prizes donated by numerous member counts.” with confidence and with a firm is keen, the Chairman explained, to companies. determination, reiterating Gibraltar’s engage young people with the business He went on to thank the Board members position on Brexit: to maintain and community. “Gibraltar is built on The Annual Gala Dinner, as usual, was a convivial opportunity for their active support during the where possible enhance Gibraltar’s entrepreneurship,” said Mr Byrne, “and to network and discuss business, catch up with fellow- course of the year and went on to trading relationship with UK; to have the youth are needed to carry this on.” business people and welcome new members, all in the mention the GFSB’s achievements a satisfactory solution for the Border GFSB Board members recently spent charming surroundings of the Khaima. in that time. There has been a and a maintenance of the status quo time talking to students at Westside significant increase in the popularity in relation to trade in goods and to school and plan to meet with students and attendance at Breakfast Club form part of the eventual agreement from more schools to raise awareness seminars, the most recent ones having in relation to services; and to form part and interest in entrepreneurship, so that been over-subscribed. These have of the new trade agreements that the school leavers give consideration to covered a practical range of subjects, UK will enter into with third countries. business as a career option. from discussion of training with the He also expressed his belief that the University of Gibraltar to discussing Government is on track to deliver this the E-Procurement system and new
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GFSB Business Innovation Awards - GFSB Business Innovation Awards - Finalists Finalists
EASY (GIBRALTAR) WEDDINGS SPECIAL OPS GIBRALTAR
ith Gibraltar a ourism and travel is a popular wedding rapidly changing market. venue in an area TWhere once visiting a W destination to “see the of business that is seeing growth in many parts sights” was enough to attract SOG’s Lazer-Tag games, espionage missions and team building activities are of the world – in UK alone the visitors, these days travel is seen challenging, as cerebral as they can be wedding business sector is as a way of seeking adventure, physical and designed in great detail, worth over £10 billion annually fulfillment, learning new skills, ensuring that there are various levels – Easy (Gibraltar) Weddings self-affirmation, rejuvenation of difficulty in order to increase the sought an opportunity to create and experiences with more of a opportunities for adrenalin-filled thrills. services which combine online challenge than seaside dining in Gibraltar, a steep promontory almost completely surrounded by the sea and the sun. marketing opportunities for riddled with tunnels and military history, other players in the sector, and presents a natural venue for adventure event planning. Special Ops Gibraltar, founded by games. SOG is working closely with Director, Blythe Reeve, has identified a other local businesses as well as with niche in the local tourism offering and relevant Government departments to be Founded by business owner, Rani sets out a whole range of experiences able to develop new, challenging activity Menghnani Rodriguez, Easy (Gibraltar) to attract both local residents, and opportunities aiming to make Gibraltar a Weddings offers an array of useful visitors. “Special Ops Gibraltar (SOG) focal point for corporate team building, online tools to facilitate wedding aims to provide ‘cannot do at home adventure holidays, and wedding planning for couples. These include activities’,” Blythe Reeve said in his entry packages. checklists to help the couple make to the Business Innovation Awards. sure nothing is forgotten and that all The idea is based on the concept that In addition to the environmentally eventualities are covered, templates these activities appeal to both local conscious Lazer-Tag, abseiling, water for wording those essential moments residents and to holiday-makers alike. sports and command tasks, SOG creates such as the wedding invitations, and SOG aims to attract a new generation adventures, such as espionage games, tip sheets with plenty of helpful, expert of tourists with different interests which are perfectly suited for corporate advice. Rani also includes information other than military history, compete team-building and for groups of friends on Gibraltar and the surrounding area as powerfully with other destinations and and families out to enjoy themselves well as helpful advice on how to stage a keep Gibraltarians interested in various in a unique way. Using social media wedding in Gibraltar. Regular blogs keep there are a wide range of complimentary well as to meet other exhibitors and adventure activities in Gibraltar rather such as Facebook and YouTube as clients updated on matters of wedding services with a presence in the Online complimentary businesses in the field. than travelling into Spain. well as a comprehensive website, SOG trends as well as practicalities and Directory. This has created a “one-stop- is relentless in its creativity, currently associated lifestyle issues such as health, shop” for clients as well as other readers The overall effect created by Easy A business that started life as a Lazer- working on projects such as Call of Duty fashion and beauty. With a wedding with an interest in weddings. With this (Gibraltar) Weddings’ creative and Tag gaming experience some four tours, helicopter charter tours and the possibly the single most expensive one- format, Easy (Gibraltar) Weddings comprehensive approach to the years ago has since evolved into an Top of Rock zip line experiences. off event of a couple’s lifetime – as well provides a platform for other businesses business is to focus a great deal of activity-led tourism product. Using as one of the most important highlights to promote their services to clients public attention on Gibraltar as a great the historic Fortress of Gibraltar as a www.espionage.games of a relationship – Rani’s expertise is as well as providing a useful service destination for hosting weddings, backdrop to imaginative, challenging fb: Lazer-Tag by Special Ops Gibraltar brought together in one comprehensive, to couples planning their wedding in thereby boosting businesses in the and entertaining activities, SOG has useful resource. Gibraltar. sector. not only been able to devise products to serve the local community, but The Easy (Gibraltar) Weddings website Rani is now developing the Wedding also give tourists a reason to visit and also focuses on providing an online Fairs side of the business, with the encouraging them to stay longer on the directory of local wedding suppliers, first Annual Gibraltar Fair having taken Rock, which also creates opportunities from which prospective clients can place in late March 2018 and enjoying for other local businesses such as the select and combine services in order an excellent attendance. This is almost hospitality and retail sectors. to create their own perfect wedding a natural progression for the site, a way event. With a vibrant website supported of allowing those planning a wedding by a strong social media presence and to see the trends for themselves as competitive pricing for advertising,
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GFSB Business Innovation Awards - GFSB Business Innovation Awards - Finalists Finalists
DIRECTMAG MEDIA LTD. AERIAL AESTHETICS
Innovation” said William ounded by Timothy Fryer, Director of Garcia, Aerial Aesthetics “DirectMag Media in his Fis Gibraltar’s first and application to the GFSB’s only fully Civil Aviation Business Innovation Awards, Authority (CAA) approved “has always been an integral drone operation services part of our business.”the sun. provider. They are also fully National Qualified Entity (NQE) A marketing agency providing certified and fully insured. advertising solutions for local businesses in their two publications, DirectMag Operating a drone service in Gibraltar Media has been successfully producing comes with specific challenges: the magazines in Gibraltar and in the proximity to a live military airfield, surrounding Campo area since 2001. an active naval base and the urban However, in response to the steady congestion alone means that flights of decline in recent years of traditional unmanned craft are strictly regulated. print advertising, the company chose to As the business’ founder and also Chief adapt and diversify. Pilot, Timothy set out to overcome each and every obstacle in his path to set After a period of research and gathering up services that he believed could and expertise, the company decided to make should be available in this niche area in two additions to their working model: Gibraltar. This involved undertaking all that of providing affordable working the necessary training and qualification exams required, and also the steady space to the new generation of small Director, William Fryer Timothy Garcia, founder and Chief Pilot business entrepreneurs, and providing building of strong relationships of trust quality, unique print products. with the relevant authorities in Gibraltar. Showing powerful determination as well Pursuing their business strategy, The company currently has nine small as technical and communication skills, This means that they can use thermal photographic images as framed prints. Focusing initially on the print products, DirectMag Media, opened up their businesses and start-ups sharing their Timothy fostered those relationships imaging and zoom lens cameras, Finding innovative ways to overcome the company acquired appropriate office space in April 2017, creating a office space and has attracted both local with the numerous regulatory bodies in biological scanners, environmental modern-day problems, designing commercial premises in central business centre with shared workspace and international interest. The print side Gibraltar, which, as well as Government smoke and chemical scanners, efficient ways to reach favourable Gibraltar that could be used for office, for small businesses, entrepreneurs of the business has also benefited from departments, include the CAA, the MOD, electromagnetic frequency sensors and outcomes and applying excellence in showroom and studio space. Changes and start-ups. This co-working space the new strategy, with the company the RGP, the Royal Navy, the RAF and very high quality digital photography business relationships form the driving were made to the magazine and now provides a business solution to the involved in re-branding exercises with HM Customs. sensors. Their equipment is easily force behind Aerial Aesthetics’ success. PaperCloud is published in a useful benefit of overall business development clients, designing and printing magazine transported to any site in Gibraltar, diary format providing added value to in Gibraltar. It enables very small or and company brochures and building Aerial Aesthetics also demonstrated and from this base of technological users and incorporating a directory, this single-person businesses to have a new websites including an e-commerce an impressive application of new equipment, Aerial Aesthetics is able latter providing a popular vehicle for workspace in Gibraltar where many of online store and an international on-line technology into a niche area, developing to provide a wide range of safety advertisers. As a diary, PaperCloud is the overheads and running costs can competition. Remodelling, creativity and a range of services that had hitherto services for the benefit of the wider used daily and has a shelf life of at least be kept low, thus avoiding unnecessary understanding the way that markets are been unavailable in Gibraltar. These community, such as police search and a year, giving advertisers long lasting expenses in the early stages of business changing are key factors in DirectMag include housing and real estate rescue services, surveillance operations, exposure to their market. The company development, and facilitating the Media’s innovative approach to their portfolios, construction site projects specialist assistance to fire and rescue then proceeded to add to this a range flexibility that is often so essential sector and have contributed to their and building inspections, filming for services, GPS tracking, man-overboard of printing, design and promotional to the success of a small business. In success. TV productions and corporate events, search services, and many more. merchandise, which can be viewed in addition to the workspace, clients can and coastal and maritime shipping their showroom. This, in turn, enables also benefit from DirectMag Media’s operations. Timothy plans to continue to build and them to showcase their office space and expertise in marketing and advertising develop the business, applying new attract potential new clients. and in the associated products they Timothy focuses on ensuring that Aerial technology to be able to develop new offer. Aesthetics stays abreast of technological services as the equipment becomes advances to ensure that they can offer available. He also plans to make available high-quality services to their clients. for purchase ultra high resolution, aerial
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for a bespoke application of a popular business concept. Buytickets.gi works GFSB Business Innovation Awards - with local charities and supports these by providing their services at no cost to Winner 2018 the charity so that proceeds can benefit the causes involved. They are also able to distribute tickets for free where events are provided at no cost to the customer but where tickets are required BUYTICKETS.GI: AWARD-WINNING in order to limit numbers attending and keep to the venue’s requirements.
COMBINATION OF INNOVATION The process of entering the GFSB’s Business Innovation Awards competition AND PASSION was in itself an enlightening moment for Jordan. As he made the presentation Winning the prize is to the panel of judges, the intricacy of the business model and the solutions great,” smiles a delighted created were communicated with clarity passion, knowledge of the business and moving forwards. “The uniqueness of Jordan Lopez on receipt and with impressive passion. Speaking the creative ideas with which Jordan Gibraltar,” he says, “is that there is still “ at the Award ceremony, a member of of the prize of £2000 of made his presentation and explained so much potential in terms of what can the judging panel, Eran Shay stated: “We IT and computer equipment as the business. He said: “Buytickets.gi has be offered in tourism and events and the were very impressed at the way that sponsored by Gibtelecom. “The created a highly customized product leisure industry in general, and these are Buytickets.gi overcame the technical Award is a brilliant motivator,” which has potential for growth and areas in which we want to work, not just challenges that were encountered which has created a platform for other to sell tickets, but to market Gibraltar he continues, “it’s an affirmation such as ensuring the correct mapping businesses to market and sell their own internationally.” Clearly there is much that despite the challenges and of venues, and the real time booking events.” to do and the Award will go some way complexities of what we are while also avoiding double-booking.” way of ticket-selling,” Jordan reminds first sale of 120 tickets was to confirm to pushing the business forward on its For his part, Stephen Reyes, also on doing, that we are on the right me, “it caused difficulties for customers that the site worked,” Jordan says, “and Jordan continues to make refinements course. the panel of judges, explained that he track. And, of course, since our wanting to buy tickets and often that first sale sparked off local interest and develop Buytickets.gi, and he had been especially impressed with the business relies on technology, resulted in fewer tickets being sold than and we began to receive requests from intends to keep learning and keep we will be investing the prize should have been the case, so not great other event organisers.” straight away so that we can for event organisers either.” Both on the technical side and as continue to grow.” With this in mind, Jordan engaged the a business model, Buytickets.gi is services of local website development responsive and evolutionary, developing Jordan Lopez set up Buytickets.gi in experts and set to creating a solution in an organic way as the demands vary 2015. He was already experienced in very specific to the needs in Gibraltar. over time. “It could never be an off the Is your website working both organizing events and working “The work required to create the site shelf system or a franchised product within the events industry through his was intense, as was the research I had if it was to enable us to do what we other business, Gibmedia Ltd. “Buying to undertake to really understand the felt was needed locally for events in hard enough? tickets online for events is not new,” business and the functioning of sites Gibraltar; it simply would not work as a Jordan tells me, “there’s huge companies selling event tickets online,” Jordan closed system,” Jordan explains further, We believe that your website should work harder than all your with websites selling tickets for events elaborates, “and the technical challenge “What we have is an open system that employees. Your website should be attracting prospects, that are taking place all over the world. was incredibly complex, but at the same can grow and adapt with the needs of communicating with them and turning them into long-term clients. But these are vast sites and Gibraltar’s time it was creative and stimulating.” each event. Each venue will have its For over 17 years we have been specialising in creating beautiful events, particularly the more local, less Jordan created step-by-step workflows own layout, varied numbers of seats and websites that work perfectly across all mobile devices, but above all internationally-focused events, easily which were then translated into the various prices, some reserved for VIP increase your sales “get lost” in these vast sites. We needed complex coding that built the back guests, some that are especially adapted . something local and unique for us.” office systems powering the site. “To and accessible. We have to create maps make the experience as smooth and for each event’s ticket sales, and make As with many businesses, the spark as easy as possible for the person sure that double-selling never happens. for the creation of Buytickets.gi came buying the ticket is a complicated and We also have to make sure we can as a response to a very specific need. work-intensive process,” he adds, “but cope with the level of traffic that some The traditional way of buying tickets ultimately satisfying to the same degree, events generate. For example, at one Contact us for a coffee and a free website analysis. in Gibraltar was by picking them up especially when you get great feedback point we made 200 ticket sales in just in person, either from a box office or from users of the site and the event one minute!” Furthermore, he goes on to from certain stores in town if the event organisers who see their events sell out say, cybersecurity and data protection organiser could persuade the shop- via the site.” are of high importance to the business owners concerned to stock and sell the and Jordan regularly ensures that the tickets. Customers were at the mercy of The first time Buytickets.gi sold tickets site works with the most robust security opening hours and hoping to be able to online for an event was a serious test, systems available. find the time in their busy working days not just of the online system itself, but +350 200 45599 to buy their tickets, or had to rely on also of the overall product and business Buytickets.gi is very aware of its role [email protected] GIBRALTAR - LONDON - EDINBURGH family and friends. “It was an inefficient model. “The immediate impact of that within the local community, as seems fit
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Gibraltar, local business can benefit from some organisations meet regulatory speed of response, high-level security requirements with ease. and the accessibility to the service provider almost on their doorstep. The While Rockolo’s systems are high end, ability to host cloud services in Gibraltar their services are accessible to small means that Rockolo can provide clients businesses of any size and, through with lower latency, something that their consumption based business can be a bit of a drawback to some model – which essentially means that businesses where their services are you pay for what you use – they provide based at great physical distances. At flexibility even for those businesses back end there are powerful firewalls that only need a certain amount of and network security systems in place, cloud space for temporary usage. For while at front end access is secured by example, a games software developer ROCKOLO LTD: password and by encryption facilities. using Rockolo’s system could use In addition to this, having the services the cloud as a test environment for THE ROCK’S based in Gibraltar eliminates the need games only for as long as the tests run, to access via the internet and Rockolo improving cost-efficiency. Furthermore, can make direct access available to payment is in local currency so that TECHNOLOGY their cloud computing services if a client Gibraltar businesses can avoid the service offering and the company wishes. fluctuations and uncertainties associated intends to roll out more services over “POINT OF with payments in foreign currencies. the next couple of years, aimed at With data protection regulations being Rockolo’s “pay as you grow” model helping Gibraltar’s business to continue PRESENCE” tightened up in May this year, data of offering services means that it is to grow and succeed. A company sovereignty and security is an issue particularly beneficial to start-ups and backed up by quality awards which for businesses. This is something that young businesses allowing smaller include ISO 9001, ISO14644, a Gold Rockolo takes very seriously and which outlays in the early days, with the CEEDA certification and an EFQM underpins the services it delivers, flexibility to expand as the business 4-star award, Rockolo Ltd. is helping s technological While data centre services and cloud providing as it does, business solutions grows. to create the right environment for the developments for computing services are not new, what for local companies on storage and technologies that will take Gibraltar business continue to is unique about Rockolo’s services is back up of secure data: data always Accessibility, flexibility, responsiveness forward as an international hub for that they are based in Gibraltar and Agrow at an accelerating For Gibraltar’s businesses, Rockolo resides in Gibraltar, a factor which helps and security are key factors in Rockolo’s business. are highly responsive to local business brings the reassurance and security of rate, so the need increases needs. Speaking at a seminar hosted high-end data centres currently located for businesses to ensure that by Rockolo Ltd last September, Daniel at Mount Pleasant and the World Trade Hook, the company’s Managing Director their systems are secure, Centre - functioning to provide clients said: “We have endeavoured to develop safeguarded, and that they can with the perfect controlled environment products based on feedback from have continuity of operation for its off-site data storage and servers. clients, and these are very tailored to the Physical security is extremely tight and despite a local disaster such needs of local businesses, supporting includes total atmosphere control and a as complete computer failure. local IT companies among others to range of back-up systems to make sure As Gibraltar positions itself as provide the right solutions for their own that there is completely uninterrupted clients.” an international hub for the continuity in service. Rockolo provides FinTech sector, much as it did on-site electrical substations and With its Gibtelecom pedigree, back-up generators, and furthermore, for the world of e-gaming, it Rockolo combines the strength, two UPS banks for each suite ensure is reassuring to know that we stability, superb infrastructure and that each data rack is fed with two have home-grown data centre the telecommunication skills of its PRINT SPECIALISTS independent power feeds. In addition parent company. This has been usefully services, colocation services and to this, there are humidity sensors, combined with the expertise of its cloud-based computing services temperature control for front and back Business Cards · Letter Heads · Compliment Slips · Duplicate Pads · Brochures · Magazines partners, GIBVault, who are specialist right here on the Rock, in the of rack, under floor water and high providers of cloud computing and Leaflets · Flyers · Posters · Large Format · Vinyl Graphics · Signage · Roll Up Banners sensitivity smoke detectors supported form of Rockolo Ltd. online data backup platforms. GIBVault by gas fire suppression systems. The are themselves affiliated to the award- physical presence of the data centres on Incorporated in 2016, Rockolo is a wholly winning SIRE Technology Ltd. The the Rock means that Rocklolo’s control owned subsidiary of Gibtelecom Ltd. The efficiencies and creative energies of quality is complete: the systems early part of 2017 was spent researching brought about by this synergy of skills are monitored all day every day and and testing its innovative systems which means that Rockolo Ltd. can pride itself Rockolo’s skilled engineers are only were then launched in the summer. The on having established what Daniel Hook L minutes away if they need to respond to services provided include data backup, terms “best of breed data centres ideal any issues. disaster recovery and business continuity for off-site backup services to SME’s and services which are ideal for the Rock’s cutting-edge cloud computing services 21 Tuckey’s Lane · Gibraltar · Tel: (+350) 200 59755 · Fax: (+350) 200 59756 When it comes to cloud-based services, SME’s. In addition to these, Rockolo are that are flexible, “on-demand and E. [email protected] · www.rocagraphics.com through Rockolo Ltd, Gibraltar’s also making available cloud computing accessible to all sizes of businesses.” business community can have access services that are flexible and accessible to powerful, secure, local computing to the smallest of businesses as well as to DIGITAL & OFFSET PRINTING · PHOTOCOPIES · STATIONERY · DESIGN solutions. By hosting cloud services in large corporations.
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Meet the Board
Daniel Delgado Treasurer, GFSB
feels like an impossible task. I have a young advisors). Additionally, successful business family, which gives extra importance to leaders are often ones who are flexible and trying to achieve that goal but I don’t think can adapt to changing environments or there’s any magical solution. My approach recognise when they have made the wrong is to try and not mix the two up – so, unless choices. there’s a work emergency to deal with, my Of course you can … family time is just that and I avoid incessantly What is your favourite thing about being What led you to pursue a career in checking emails or worrying about what in business? accountancy? needs to be done in the office. I also try to I enjoy being challenged and look forward Training as a Chartered Accountant is a prioritise tasks so that I don’t miss out on to the different experiences that each day fantastic way to learn about business and what’s important (both in work and in life!). brings. This arises from the different types offers you a practical insight into all sorts of of work that come my way and from the diverse companies and industries. I’ve had the What were the biggest mistakes you different people I interact with – both within opportunity to learn about a variety of topics, think you made? Deloitte and from the business community including economics, management and law, I’ve been guilty of getting too bogged down we serve. I know that a stressful and as well as the areas of accountancy, audit with the details and failing to see the big frustrating day can often by followed by an and tax which people normally associate picture. There’s no use doing a fantastic job exciting and entertaining one. Business is with accountants. It’s a career that exposes on something which adds little value to your rarely a smooth road, but the ride can be a you to all aspects of a business and all levels overall business plan. With hindsight, there lot of fun! of management, from the very moment you are also decisions which I would have made start. It also requires you to work in teams faster to avoid a negative situation persisting. What is your business dream and has the and develop great relationships with your end game changed for you over the years? clients. It’s a varied job that’s constantly What would you do differently if you had I want to participate in developing a throwing new challenges at you and keeps the chance? successful business that it is an integral ... build a Corporate Partnership with us you on your toes! They say travel broadens the mind and, part of the community it serves. This means having the chance again, I would like to have growth and financial success but also What were the biggest challenges in the spent time working in a different country contributing to Gibraltar’s success and the Our Corporate Banking team is completely committed not only to the early days and how did you overcome (outside Gibraltar and the UK). success of the businesses within it. development of your plans but also to becoming involved in them. these? Working towards a professional qualification What are the achievements you are most As time goes by, I think I am better able to Their diverse range of both experience and perspective creates a requires you to combine studying for proud of? step back and get a ‘big picture’ view of what personalised service catering for all your banking needs. professional exams, whilst maintaining In over 16 years working at Deloitte in is most important, rather than concentrating your “day job” and serving clients to the Gibraltar, I’ve experienced the firm grow on narrower goals. highest standard. The exams themselves are and prosper, developing dozens of young We pride ourselves on going the extra mile for you – working alongside very tough (with a lot riding on them!) but Gibraltarian professionals and strengthening Why did you join the GFSB and what are you at every stage in the construction of your corporate future. balancing the pressures of work and study its reputation as a trusted advisor to the its greatest strengths? was probably the biggest challenge of all. Gibraltar business community. I’m extremely I had always viewed the GFSB positively proud that I’ve been a part of that! but was curious to learn more about what Did you ever feel like giving up and how it did. What I’ve found is that the GFSB is Welcome to a bank out of the ordinary. did you overcome that? What do you think are the most involved in all aspects of business in Gibraltar. The 3 year training period to be a Chartered important characteristics of successful Members of the GFSB sit on numerous Accountant is tough and requires business leaders? committees and boards, from business organisation and discipline to get through There’s no blueprint for success and success licensing to EU funding to the Cross Frontier it. After that, it’s a career that moves quickly comes in many different forms. However, a Group. There are always events to organise and, if you ever start to feel you’re in a rut, business leader can improve their chances and promote and a lot of time is spent there’s always a new challenge around the of success by developing a realistic business representing members’ views to Government corner to catch your attention and keep you plan, which sets out what he wants to and other bodies. Undoubtedly, the GFSB’s focused and motivated. achieve and how he is going to do it. greatest strength is its membership. Its This should have simple goals and a clear large and diverse membership means that Was it difficult at times to balance strategy to achieve those goals. He should its views are sought after and carry a lot of family commitments and business also surround himself with people who can weight. The participation of the members is commitments, and what are your tips for effectively implement that strategy with him, also what makes the GFSB’s events, such as JYSKE BANK (GIBRALTAR) LTD. · 76, Main Street · P.O. Box 143 · Gibraltar finding that balance? as business is rarely a solo venture (even a the annual dinner and breakfast clubs, such Tel. +350 606 33322 · Fax +350 200 76782 · [email protected] · www.jyskebank.gi Finding the perfect work-life balance often sole trader will be helped by having great a success.
ISSUE 33 | SPRING 2018 | intouch Jyske Bank (Gibraltar) Ltd. is licensed by the Financial Services Commission, Licence No. FSC 001 00B. intouch | ISSUE 33 | SPRING 2018 Services and products are not available to everybody, for instance not to residents of the US. Protect you and your family
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