Gibraltar’s new Communications (Amendment) Act grants Gibtelecom sole mobile licensure, aiming to stabilise the market, says the government. Critics, including the GFSB, fear reduced competition could stifle innovation and limit consumer choice.

La Linea’s Mayor, Juan Franco, leads a protest later under the slogan "La Linea matters—we are not invisible." The demo seeks a Brexit deal that addresses local needs and urges investment in infrastructure and protection for workers, businesses, and pensioners. Starting at Plaza Fariñas at 8pm, the march will end at the frontier, with speeches following. Franco encourages Gibraltarians to attend, highlighting the shared impact of Brexit on both communities.

Amidst so much London Day coverage, one could have missed this week’s Retail Price Index figures. The Government of Gibraltar’s latest numbers show a 2.3% price increase from April to July 2024 and a 2.6% year-on-year rise, highlighting inflationary pressures. Notable rises in categories such as Transport, Alcohol, and Housing. GFSB members should be aware of potential cost pressures, particularly in the transport and goods sectors.

The GFSB’s Wellness Series event on peri/menopause at work brought together Gibraltar’s business coThis week’s GFSB Wellness Series event on peri/menopause at work brought together Gibraltar’s business community to discuss support strategies for women experiencing this transition. UK data shows that 1 in 10 women leave work due to menopause symptoms, and while no local figures are available, the situation reflects similar challenges in Gibraltar.

GFSB Board Member Seth Galia, alongside Chairperson Owen Smith, represented the GFSB at the Gibraltar Day events in London. The event highlighted Gibraltar’s growing influence in sectors like motor insurance and digital assets.

If you’ve been following the news, all signs point to EU/UK Treaty negotiations ending soon. Lines are drawn and tensions are high. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo called on Spain to accept Gibraltar's “reasonable and well-balanced” treaty proposals, warning that failure to do so would “condemn us all” to difficult border controls. In contrast, Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, insisted the UK and Gibraltar must choose between the “comprehensive, balanced, and pragmatic” EU/Spain proposals or face the consequences of stricter EU border controls from November.

GFSB Board Member Carmel Khalilian was in Madrid yesterday to represent GFSB members during a Cross Frontier Group meeting with Spain’s Foreign Minister.  Following the meeting, the Cross Frontier Group has issued a statement emphasising the urgent need for a treaty to promote economic development and cooperation between Gibraltar and the Campo de Gibraltar.

The Gibraltar Regulators Forum has released findings from its June 2024 ransomware survey, highlighting the significant risks faced by local businesses. The survey uncovered widespread concerns from local businesses about ransomware, with 79% of organisations perceiving it as a major threat. The survey also revealed that most attacks originate through email phishing and unpatched software vulnerabilities.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo emphasises patience in what he calls Gibraltar's 'most intricate treaty negotiations' with the UK and EU. In a meeting with the Cross Frontier Group, representing unions and businesses from both sides of the border—like the GFSB, Unite, and the Campo de Gibraltar Chamber—the focus was on border fluidity and a perceived lack of progress.

Public Health and the OFT are actively addressing safety concerns in the medical cosmetic industry. Unregulated procedures and counterfeit products, including drugs like semaglutide, have raised alarms following hospitalisations. This is crucial for businesses offering invasive treatments.