It’s been a busy and productive week in London for Gibraltar’s businesses. From the City to the South Bank, the familiar lilt of Gibraltarian voices filled the air as Gibraltar’s professional and financial services providers touched down, joined this year, for the first time, by a wide range of other businesses from our broader community. Estate agents, company formation specialists, relocation experts, and service providers were all in town for the inaugural GIB LDN Conference (see our focus article here).

The week began with the traditional Financial Services Lunch, hosted for the second consecutive year in the magnificent Egyptian Hall at Mansion House. Introduced in glowing terms by former Minister for Financial Services Albert Isola of GFSB member firm ISOLAS, the Chief Minister delivered a strong summary of the Gibraltar proposition to the hundreds of UK guests in attendance.

In a passionate address, Minister Feetham reminded attendees of the fiscal benefits that a thriving Gibraltar economy brings, increased tax revenues and the important social programmes they make possible for Gibraltar residents. The Lord Mayor of London spoke of the long-standing and historic ties between Gibraltar and the City, while also referencing recent reforms enabling UK pension funds to invest in new areas, an opportunity from which Gibraltar could well benefit. The Chief Minister also noted, during GIB LDN, the potential for private investment in the infrastructure required for Gibraltar to make the most of the forthcoming Brexit Treaty.

Throughout the week, a number of private companies hosted receptions alongside the Government-organised events, including GFSB members Kroll and Gibtelecom, whose gatherings proved among the most popular. Both provided valuable opportunities to connect not only with UK business counterparts but also with fellow Gibraltar-based professionals. The brief escape from Gibraltar’s day-to-day routines offered a welcome space for new ideas, fresh collaborations, and the renewal of long-standing business relationships.

Across the week, a total of nine financial services-related events took place, culminating in Thursday’s Gibraltar Day at India House. Organised for the second year running by the Indian High Commission, and following the High Commissioner’s visit to Gibraltar in summer 2025, the event underscored the growing and genuine interest that India, the world’s sixth-largest economy, has shown in Gibraltar.

Minister Arias Vasquez outlined potential areas for collaboration between Gibraltar and India, including maritime, medical services, and education. Minister Feetham expressed particular interest in the detailed presentation on GIFT City, India’s emerging international financial hub and, in many ways, Gibraltar’s counterpart on the subcontinent. Ashesh Jani from GFSB member bank Ribbon chaired a fascinating and wide-ranging panel discussion covering telecommunications, artificial intelligence, education, and healthcare.

A summary of the recent UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) highlighted the significant opportunities this deal creates. Although Gibraltar is not directly included in the agreement, this is certainly a space to watch, particularly with the EU–India FTA expected to be finalised as early as December 2025. That agreement could see zero-tariff arrangements on commodities and textiles, potentially offering notable benefits for Gibraltar’s retail sector. (Insider tip: India’s chief negotiator for both the UK and EU FTAs was among those attending the Gibraltar event.)

As the Thursday evening easyJet flight taxied down the southern runway and lifted off towards Gibraltar, its seats were filled with satisfied, if slightly weary, Gibraltarian business representatives. It marked the end of a highly successful week for Gibraltar business in London, with welcome expansion beyond the traditional financial and professional services focus.

We look forward to many more such opportunities in the years ahead.