The Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) Annual Report for 2025/26 paints a positive picture of Gibraltar’s business environment, with record levels of business activity alongside significant reforms aimed at making it easier to establish and operate a business.

Business confidence remains strong
The report highlights continued confidence in Gibraltar’s economy, with 4,469 active business registrations and 3,716 business licences currently in issue – both record highs. During the year, 490 new businesses were registered and 1,112 business licence applications were processed, demonstrating continued entrepreneurial activity.

New Business Act on the way
One of the most significant developments for businesses is the proposed Business Act, currently under consultation. The legislation aims to modernise and simplify the way businesses are registered and licensed by:

• Bringing business registration and licensing into a single, streamlined process.
• Reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Expanding digital services and online applications.
• Creating a more proportionate and efficient regulatory framework.

The Government intends to introduce the legislation following the consultation period, making this an important reform for all businesses.

Focus on a level playing field
The OFT is placing increased emphasis on tackling unlicensed and unregistered businesses, working closely with HM Customs and other Government departments. Licensed businesses should also be aware that engaging unlicensed traders can result in enforcement action. The objective is to ensure fair competition for businesses that comply with the rules.

Consumer complaints continue to fall
There was encouraging news for Gibraltar businesses, with consumer complaints falling from 412 to 308 during the year. The OFT believes this reflects improving business compliance and better consumer experiences, although inspections and investigations continue in sectors where complaints are more common.

Treaty implementation and business support
The report outlines the OFT’s engagement with businesses ahead of the UK–EU Treaty implementation through guidance, town hall meetings and sector discussions. It also confirms that the OFT will become the Department of Business, reflecting its expanding responsibilities in supporting business growth while maintaining effective regulation.

GFSB working with Government
The report recognises the important role played by the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses (GFSB), alongside other representative organisations, in helping shape business policy and reforms. The OFT specifically acknowledges the value of ongoing collaboration with the GFSB on initiatives including licensing reform and business development, reinforcing the importance of ensuring the voice of small businesses continues to influence Government policy.

Overall, the report reflects a growing and resilient business community, with Government focusing on reducing bureaucracy, embracing digital services, improving regulatory efficiency and creating a fairer trading environment for Gibraltar’s businesses.