Brexit
News
Treaty
Results Are In! Treaty Impact GFSB Members Flash Survey
The GFSB has conducted a flash survey of its members concerning their experiences during the first two weeks of the new Treaty arrangements.
The response has been fantastic, with more than 114 members participating at the time this email was sent. We have collated the findings into an easy-to-understand report which can be viewed here.
The headline findings are as follows:
- Retail businesses represented 76.3% of respondents. The findings should therefore be considered principally reflective of the retail sector.
- Trading indicators were more mixed than overall sentiment – around half of respondents reported no noticeable change in sales, business activity or Euro-denominated trade.
- Reported visitor numbers from outside Gibraltar showed a slightly positive trend.
- Overall sentiment concerning the first two weeks of the Treaty arrangements was predominantly negative. Some 66.7% of respondents described their experience as either “somewhat negative” or “very negative”, compared with 7.0% who reported a positive experience. Retail respondents were more negative overall (70.1%) than non-retail respondents (55.6%).
- Supply chain and customs issues emerged as the most significant areas of concern. A total of 81.5% of respondents reported that receiving stock had become more difficult, while 76.3% had encountered customs or border-related issues either frequently or occasionally. It should be noted, however, that no businesses operating in logistics, freight or customs clearance responded to the survey.
- Looking ahead, 48.2% of respondents said they were less optimistic about the next three months, compared with 12.2% who were more optimistic.
As always, the GFSB stands ready to assist members with any specific Treaty-related or other business matters they may encounter.
SHARE THIS
OTHER NEWS
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.
News
Thrive
What a Year!
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.
Could Gibraltar be missing a golden opportunity? GFSB Board Director Brian Ross believes the answer is yes. In this thought-provoking opinion piece, he argues that Gibraltar should consider a residency route for financially self-sufficient individuals, attracting experienced people with the wealth, expertise and international networks to strengthen our economy. Could this be the next step in keeping Gibraltar competitive?
Education
Growing Beyond the Owner
For many SMEs, the success of the business has been built on the expertise, relationships and commitment of its owner. This entrepreneurial approach has been instrumental in the growth of many of Gibraltar's successful businesses. However, as organisations develop, dependence on a single individual can become a strategic risk.
Brexit
News
Freight Delays Bite
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.