2m |
Can an Hour change the world?
Since 2007, Earth Hour has been known as the biggest hour for the planet as millions of people switch their “lights off” as a symbolic action for the environment.
Over the years it has seen the Pyramids, Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Majal, the Colosseum, Table Mountain and other key landmarks that have shown support for this global movement. Gibraltar has also joined in casting the Moorish Castle and the North face of the Rock in darkness for an hour and local twitter accounts have shown many families having their dinner in darkness in solidarity with the cause.
As we count down towards Earth Hour 2024, the Gibraltar Small Business Federation (GFSB) is partnering with Prof Daniella Tilbury, who helped establish this global movement in 2007. Together they will offer a series of initiatives that support the transition of Gibraltar businesses towards sustainability to include; sector specific input through panels and workshops; events involving international speakers and business strategists; podcasts and social media coverage to share examples of best practice from our membership.
GFSB Chairman, Owen Smith explains ‘Earth Hour provides the platform for our members to convene over this important issue. We recognise that this is much more than switching off lights as we come to experience, first hand, the effects of environmental changes on the Rock.’
Many GFSB members have committed to this initiative and are already engaged in embracing business strategies and practices that support a circular economy, reduce consumption and limit impact on the planet.
Stuart Hedley from EBikes shared how: ‘we very much like to practise what we preach when it comes to environmentally aware business operations. Packaging that arrives is either utilised for display purposes or recycled, and the brands that we represent are dedicated to creating products that are renowned for their longevity. They use sustainable materials and manufacturing processes which have minimal environmental impact.’
The Bassadone Automotive Group’s (BAG) has embraced the principles of sustainability as an operational objective. Executive Chairman, Kevin Jones explains: ‘Our relocation to our new state-of-the-art facilities involved developing and improving old derelict dockyard warehouses; promoting urban renewal and environmental and social sustainability practices. BAG’s commitment to these has been publicly recognised, whilst superseding expected energy standards through the use of renewable energy sources.”
Trusted Novus Bank is to become the ‘Green Bank of Choice’. Christian Bjorlow from TNB shares how ‘Over the last year we have worked on increasing our knowledge of climate change and its impact, collaborating directly with our clients as a relationship centric organisation. We have formed an ESG Focus Group with the sole mission of ensuring that we keep momentum on ESG and our values also reflect this. Currently we are working on calculating our CO2 emissions and how we intend to reduce these as much as possible in any form or way. We are Banking on a greener Future.’
Arianne Costa from Deloitte Limited explains how “Regulators globally continue implementing new climate disclosure requirements to help hold companies accountable to their climate targets, and to be a part of the climate solution; ranging from greenwashing crackdowns to tracking carbon emissions and disclosing its own climate-related risks. We very much look forward to continuing these important conversations in our community and Earth Hour highlights the urgent call for action.”
Prof Daniella Tilbury sees Earth Hour as an opportunity as well as responsibility for local businesses. ‘The way we do business is changing as we come to terms with climate change, for example, is affecting of our operations, procurement, products and services. Engaging with this agenda helps businesses to be ready for the green transition and help them build the type of partnerships and relationships that ensure that they are fit for the future.’
Daniella formed part of the WWF Australia Board and team that established Earth Hour in 2007 and which has since extended to become the world’s largest grassroots effort for the environment, engaging millions of people across more than 190 countries and territories. You can learn more about the initiative at https://www.earthhour.org/.
The initiative recognises that much can achieved beyond the 60 minutes of the switch-off. Changes happen when efforts join up as businesses and communities in come together to take steps to a more climate safe and responsible future.
Earth Hour will take place on 23rd March 2024 at 8.30pm. Please visit the GFSB website for the latest information on this initiative. If you would like to join please reach out to Georgina Weeks gfsb@gfsb.gi
SHARE THIS
OTHER
With its largely service-based economy, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Gibraltar didn't have to deal with the problem of toxic waste, perhaps more commonly seen in countries reliant on manufacturing, mining and even agriculture. However, every gaming company, insurance firm, fintech organisation, retailer, restaurant, and literally every other business on the Rock is potentially responsible for producing a particularly nasty waste byproduct - e-waste.
Starting and running a small business is rewarding but comes with its fair share of challenges. The path of entrepreneurship is often characterised by immense dedication, long hours, and tough decisions. As a small business owner, you're not just responsible for the operations and growth of your company and team, but also for your own wellbeing.
Success doesn’t just happen; it’s built on a strong foundation of preparation, clarity, and taking consistent action. Whether you’re launching a new business, taking your current side-hustle full-time, or looking to scale in a competitive market, having the right plan in place is essential.
One of the most dangerous things anyone can say in business is, "We've always done it this way." This phrase doesn't age well and puts businesses at risk. "We've always done it this way" can quickly look like "flogging a dead horse." This doesn't always mean that businesses need to change everything. Some things, like great service, never go out of fashion. But when sales start to slow down, it's always a good idea to consider taking a new approach. Rebranding a product, service, or entire enterprise can be part of this process. But rebranding should never be taken lightly.
For many businesses, standing out from the crowd in an already crowded marketplace is a mammoth task. But for Fresquita one of the ways they tackled this issue was with highly creative packaging.
In an increasingly digital work environment where we have more emails, WhatsApp messages & interruptions than ever before, many business leaders started looking at ways of alleviating the stress that comes with this increased workload. Relaxing the dress code and letting your team dress down and wear in more casual clothing is one way of doing this….Or is it?
After teaching in schools for 18 years I decided to take the plunge and embark on a self-employed life. Driven by my passion for teaching children with special educational needs I set out to discover alternative ways to make education accessible to all. My vision was to have the individual in mind, with their own strengths and challenges, and with that came the birth of ‘edYOUcation Clare Francis’; bringing the YOU into learning.
Gibraltar’s size means that shoppers don’t have too far to go to shop. Schools, supermarkets, entertainment, eateries and healthcare are all within easy reach. That hasn’t stopped Gibraltar's business community from wanting to meet its customers' needs online. I met three local businesses that have embraced eCommerce.
When you’re a small business, staying one step ahead of the competition is essential. Yet, many small business owners grapple with the decision to invest in employee training and development. With limited resources and immediate financial pressures, it can unintentionally get pushed to the bottom of the priority list. However, investing in your team’s learning and development is a strategic move that can yield significant returns.
Two decades is a long time for any business - with all the strife that businesses large and small have had to endure these past four years, it seems that anxiety among business owners has never been higher. I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Garren Thompson, co-owner and co-founder of Gibraltar hair & beauty salon Miss Shapes, based on Bishop Rapallo’s Ramp. As the business recently hit the 20-year milestone, we discussed the highs and lows of creating a successful salon in a saturated market, how he and his team created their new range of Miss Shapes branded Hair & Beauty products and how this will help build success for another 20 years.
Thrive Editor's Letter |
Editor’s Welcome
Welcome to the fifth edition of Thrive magazine. Too often the narrative around business focuses on success and, in my view, we forget to talk about failure. That’s why we lead this edition with EPIC FAILS by Katie Buller—because understanding what doesn’t work is just as important as what does.
There’s something slightly uncomfortable about sending a contract to a client when you run a small business. Especially in Gibraltar, where relationships matter and business often begins with a conversation over un cafelito rather than a legal document. When you know someone personally, or you’ve been introduced by a mutual contact, it can feel unnecessary to formalise everything. You tell yourself that an email thread is enough. Or that you’ll sort the paperwork later. I used to think like that. Over time, and through a few situations that were more stressful than they needed to be, I’ve realised that putting things in writing isn’t about distrust. It’s about creating guardrails for growth. The clearer the boundaries, the freer you are to focus on doing good work.
3 mins |
How to: Brainstorm
If you’ve been dreaming of starting your own business, you’re not alone. Data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the annual number of companies registered is edging closer to the one million mark, that’s up by 75,000 in 2022 which itself was 30,000 higher than in 2021. Whether it's following a passion, aiming for financial independence, or breaking free from the 9-5 grind, every entrepreneurial journey begins with one crucial thing: a solid idea. But coming up with that perfect idea can be tough. This is where brainstorming comes in—it’s the creative springboard that can help you turn your business dreams into reality.
My name is John Hayes, and I'm a really busy guy. Busy procrastinating most of the time. You wouldn't believe how many unessential tasks I had to complete before sitting down and writing this article. Those sales reports and emails don't check themselves. Yep, I've been busy. Busy doing nothing. We've all had one of those days where we feel like we've been incredibly "busy" - but can't quite put our finger on what we actually accomplished. Maybe we spent three hours answering emails, another two fiddling with a spreadsheet no one asked for, and another hour in a meeting that could have been an email or WhatsApp message. At the end of it all, the to-do list somehow got longer, not shorter.
Who doesn’t love a good office gossip? Hushed conversations by the coffee machine, knowing glances across the office, colleagues who "just thought you should know" – it’s all just harmless banter, right? Not quite. While gossip might seem like an inevitable part of office life, the reality is much less entertaining. Workplace backbiting can destroy trust, drain morale, and impact team productivity. Few people understand this better than Norwegian psychotherapist Glenn Rolfsen. With over two decades of experience in psychotherapy, Glenn has dedicated his career to helping businesses tackle workplace negativity head-on. His innovative "Gozzip" method has been transforming office cultures worldwide, earning him recognition at TEDx talks and WHO conferences.
In an age where small businesses must adapt to stay in business, outsourcing has long been a way to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. Derived from the simple philosophy of delegating certain non-core tasks to external experts, outsourcing allows businesses to concentrate on their primary objectives and strengths. For the uninitiated, it's about seeking external expertise for tasks outside your comfort zone, skills base or business's main expertise.
Did you know that what you eat directly affects your energy levels, brain function, and stress resilience? Poor dietary habits—such as skipping meals, consuming too much caffeine, or relying on processed foods—can lead to energy crashes, brain fog, and reduced efficiency. On the other hand, a well-balanced diet stabilises blood sugar, enhances cognitive function, and keeps stress levels in check.
Running a small business is an exciting journey, but without proper bookkeeping, it can quickly become overwhelming. Imagine trying to make critical business decisions without knowing how much money is in your account or being caught off guard by a hefty tax bill because records weren’t kept up to date. Good bookkeeping isn’t just about staying compliant; it’s about gaining control over your business, planning for growth, and avoiding costly mistakes.
Corporate Social Responsibility is no longer just for big companies. Small and medium-sized businesses are making a real impact through practical, authentic actions that reflect who they are. From supporting sport, culture and charities to rolling up sleeves for environmental projects, consistent CSR builds trust, loyalty and pride. When businesses show up for their community in meaningful ways, those efforts are noticed and often returned.
As the CEO of a specialist security business called Paladin Defence and close protection operative/ private security contractor, I have experienced security threats of all types since 1990. From opportunistic personal attacks to targeted organised commercial crime, I feel there is a lot more we should be doing to defend and protect ourselves. Understandably, Gibraltar is considered to have a relatively low crime rate; but what are the realistic threats and risks to small businesses in our corner of the Mediterranean?