Employers with 15 to 50 staff are now inside the final workplace pension extension window. Check eligibility, contributions, opt-outs and compliance requirements.

Clocked out in August? Good for you. Thrive EDIT Editor David Revagliatte rounds up the Gibraltar business stories worth clocking back into. August is supposed to be the month when Gibraltar collectively eases off the accelerator. Judging by the news cycle, nobody told 2026. The first full month of life under the new Treaty arrangements brought a mixture of early optimism and very real teething problems for businesses. New employment rules landed, a pensions deadline crept closer, one of Gibraltar's most important airlines changed hands and a major local bank announced job cuts.

The GFSB has conducted a flash survey of its members concerning their experiences during the first two weeks of the new Treaty arrangements.

The Office of Fair Trading's latest Annual Report reveals record numbers of businesses, plans to simplify licensing through a new Business Act and fewer consumer complaints. GFSB's Business Support Manager, Kim Chang, breaks down what the proposed reforms, increased digital services and stronger enforcement could mean for businesses, and why the GFSB's role in shaping policy has been recognised.

What a year it's been! From the Treaty moving from negotiation to reality to AI, workplace pensions, business confidence and everything in between, this year's Thrive EDIT has helped members navigate one of the busiest periods in Gibraltar's recent history. Before we take a short summer break, Editor David Revagliatte looks back at the stories that shaped the year and thanks readers for joining us on the journey.

Imports including medicines, fresh produce and other commercial goods faced significant delays as businesses and Customs adjusted to the Treaty’s new frontier procedures, with some freight reportedly held since the arrangements began on 15 July. The disruption is the clearest early warning that documentation errors and unfamiliar processes can quickly affect stock availability, perishable goods and operating costs across Gibraltar’s retail and wholesale sectors.

This week’s budget addresses have been lengthy and detailed, but there has been a lot of politicking too. Here, we strip away the banter, and break down what we think businesses need to know, and the issues they need to think about.

More than 250 members and guests gathered at a sold-out GFSB Annual Dinner just one month before Treaty implementation. With addresses from Owen Smith and Minister Gemma Arias-Vasquez, and an inspiring keynote from GoHenry co-founder Louise Hill, the evening combined practical insight, entrepreneurial lessons and plenty of conversation about Gibraltar's future.

Innovation is often associated with large technology companies and major research budgets. Last week's GFSB Business Innovation Awards offered a useful reminder that innovation can also be practical, local and driven by small businesses solving real-world problems.

OTWO and the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses (GFSB) are delighted to announce that Marble Arc has been named the winner of the 2026 World Environment Day Shop Window Competition, marking an impressive second consecutive victory for the business following its success in 2025.