You have a brilliant idea. You can picture the logo, the customers, maybe even the first sale. But without a clear plan for how to get there, the idea risks staying exactly that - an idea. Starting a business without a plan is like setting off on a trip with no map. You might eventually arrive somewhere, but it is unlikely to be where you hoped. A business plan is not just paperwork. When written with care, it is a roadmap that guides every decision, a pitch that wins support, and a source of confidence on the days when challenges mount.

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.

During a recent and very long overdue catch up with my friend Trina, I had one of those ‘Aha moments’. To be fair, as someone who spends a lot of time interviewing experts, these moments happen to me a lot, but this one was different. In the 20 years Trina and I have been friends, she’s developed marketing strategies for global brands including Coca Cola, Virgin Atlantic, Nestlé and IKEA . Impressive stuff, but it’s what she’s working on now that really got me thinking…Taking inspiration from the military and politics, Trina and her business partners set up The Competitive Wargaming Team and now deliver secret, scenario-based ‘corporate war rooms’ for senior leaders designed to predict and outmaneuver competitor moves.

The world of work is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the accelerating capabilities of Generative AI. While robots taking over our jobs might be a sci-fi trope, AI’s ability to learn, create, and automate tasks is undeniably impacting various industries. Generative AI is the umbrella term used to describe the type of AI that can create new content and ideas. This can include text, images, music, code and other types of content. We are now seeing how powerful this tool can be. But is this a threat or a powerful tool waiting to be harnessed? We set out to find out, what does the use of Generative AI look like in Gibraltar?

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.

“People want to know the stories behind the products they buy. It’s not just about what’s on the shelf, but the journey it took to get there.” – Stella, Spirit of The Rock As consumer habits shift towards mindfulness and sustainability, the concept of slow shopping has emerged, offering both challenges and opportunities for small businesses. Slow shopping encourages consumers to take their time, make more thoughtful purchases, and focus on quality over quantity.

Technology is having a major effect on every aspect of our lives, and the retail environment is not immune to these changes. Not only has online shopping revolutionised the way we think about buying and consuming, but it has also dramatically changed how we shop in physical stores.

From the increasing influence of AI to the rise of social commerce and sustainability-driven consumer demand, the key to success lies in adapting strategically rather than chasing every new trend. This guide breaks down the most impactful trends for the year ahead—offering insights on how to integrate them into your business without losing sight of what already works. Smart adaptation, not blind reinvention, is the name of the game. Here's what to expect and how to make it work for you.

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.

Whether you’re an ebook tapper or traditional page turner, there are thousands of books that can make you better at business. Áine Panter, Head of the School of Business at the University of Gibraltar has curated a list of must-reads that will inspire, inform, and equip you for success.

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.

In the latest edition of Thrive, regular contributor John Hayes reflects on the uncertainty facing small and medium-sized businesses in Gibraltar. From Brexit fallout to ever-changing frontier delays, he unpacks why the border remains a top concern—and how local firms are adapting. While resolving post-Brexit cross-border issues is beyond the scope of this correspondent, there are practical steps business owners can take to mitigate and manage the challenges of this uncertainty.

Stepping into a leadership role can be exciting. It’s a chance to shape the future and lead a team to success. But with a leadership role comes a new level of responsibility. You’re suddenly the person others look to for direction and answers, and it’s your role to create a workplace where they can thrive - while also being accountable for their work. And that isn’t always an easy balancing act. Leadership is a learning curve - an eternal one at that. By focusing on a few key behaviours and techniques, you can set yourself on the right path to lead well, build a great high performing team and help your business grow.

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.

We all have bad days, right? In business, that can mean we don’t bring our A-game to work and perhaps our service slips. Maybe a dish takes too long to reach a table or a staff member sounds distracted at the till. This could lead to negative Google Reviews or on ‘that’ Facebook group that […]

Building a personal brand isn't just about showcasing your professional accomplishments; it's about weaving your unique narrative, passions, and values into a cohesive identity that resonates with others. Here's how you can bring your personal brand to life, with practical examples to guide you at every step.

Fair recruitment is based on the principle that candidates are judged on their ability to do the job rather than influenced by factors such as an applicant’s gender, religion, ethnicity, or any other quality unrelated to their skills and expertise. As the Founder of Rock Learning and the Co-Founder of the ‘Count me In’ DEIB Conference, I have developed a deep understanding of the topic and how small businesses can implement inclusive hiring practices.

Whether you’re building a business from the ground up or hoping to grow an existing operation, having a strong business development strategy is the foundation of success. But real, sustainable growth doesn’t come from chasing the next big thing, it comes from getting the essentials right. So, what are the fundamentals you can’t afford to ignore? In my view, this starts with something I call the “Holy Trinity” of small business marketing...

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.

Raju Purswani examines Ted Baker’s fall, sharing sharp lessons for entrepreneurs: stay true to your brand, beware of overhauls that alienate customers, and balance growth with identity. A cautionary tale with insights every business can learn from.