2m |
Eran’s European Endeavour: Senior VP of ESBA
Eran Shay’s journey is emblematic of the modern entrepreneur. A self-confessed ‘out-of-the-box’ thinker, he swapped a successful corporate career and a senior role at Deloitte to pursue his own projects and business opportunities. Since then, Eran has founded two successful businesses, Benefit Business Solutions and Gibraltar Pass and is President of the Gibraltar-Israel Chamber of Commerce (Gibrael). A true business champion, Eran has served on the Board of the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses (GFSB) for the last seven years. In addition, he was recently elected Senior Vice President of the European Small Business Alliance. I was lucky enough to spend time with him to learn more…
“I joined the GFSB as I believe much more innovation needs to be brought to Gibraltar”, starts Eran. “In my opinion, it reflects the characteristics of small businesses; it is agile, results-driven, forward-looking and has lots of initiative – it’s an exciting network to be part of.” He sees the organisation as the ideal platform to introduce much-needed innovation to Gibraltar. As part of his diverse, unremunerated role on the GFSB’s Board, Eran oversees its annual Innovation Awards, “Only by being part of influential organisations like the GFSB can you bring about the changes required to encourage innovation.”
Far-reaching network
Before asking about his recent appointment to the ESBA Board, I wanted to know more about the organisation itself, “Since being founded in 1988, ESBA has been an incubator for groundbreaking projects that address the unique challenges facing small and micro businesses across Europe. From steering the WEgate platform that empowers women entrepreneurs, to playing an ongoing role in Early Warning Europe aimed at crisis management during the pandemic, ESBA has consistently been at the forefront of change.” Says Eran, “I’ve been involved with ESBA since 2019. Today, it represents almost one million small businesses and covers 36 European countries, Turkey, and Israel. In a way, ESBA could be seen as the umbrella organisation for many national and sector-specific Small Business Federations.”
Speaking of his appointment, Eran said “I am delighted to have been elected as ESBA Senior Vice-President. It is an honour to be appointed to this role in a year in which ESBA is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. I look forward to working with the ESBA Board to continue delivering value for our members and hope to meet more of our members this coming year.” For his part, David Caro, ESBA President said, “We have had a long association with Eran and I am delighted he has joined the Board in this important role”.
Access to EU decision-makers
Gibraltar is no longer a member of the European Union so I wanted to understand what real-term benefits come with being a member of ESBA. “First, it is important to mention that the GFSB is a founding member of the ESBA. It is actually the only remaining founding member of ESBA and has built a strong relationship during this time. The fact that ESBA held its 25th Anniversary Board meeting in Gibraltar is a testament to this bond.” Speaking of why this link to the EU is essential, Eran continues, “Being such a small nation, it is important for the GFSB and Gibraltar in general to have access to top decision-makers at the Pan-European level. This helps us better understand how certain things are done in other European countries, get insights to possible solutions to challenges we face here, and be able to tap into a much greater pool of resources and networks through other member organisations.”
For Eran, his vision for his tenure as Senior VP is clear. “I’ve been involved with ESBA since 2019, but COVID has meant that many ideas and projects we had in mind, had to take a back seat while ESBA was assisting its members in surviving these challenging times. I hope that now, post-COVID, we will be able to progress on some of those initiatives and hold more social events to meet our members.”
SHARE THIS
OTHER
When you’re a small business, staying one step ahead of the competition is essential. Yet, many small business owners grapple with the decision to invest in employee training and development. With limited resources and immediate financial pressures, it can unintentionally get pushed to the bottom of the priority list. However, investing in your team’s learning and development is a strategic move that can yield significant returns.
Did you know that what you eat directly affects your energy levels, brain function, and stress resilience? Poor dietary habits—such as skipping meals, consuming too much caffeine, or relying on processed foods—can lead to energy crashes, brain fog, and reduced efficiency. On the other hand, a well-balanced diet stabilises blood sugar, enhances cognitive function, and keeps stress levels in check.
Pets are like family, right? As a proud cat dad, I’d actually go further and say that they are family. Over the years, I have spent my well-earned money on (many) toys, beds, treats and vet bills for my two feline furballs Nacho and Drake. And I am not alone. According to a recent Fortune Business Insight report, the global pet care market was valued at a massive £171.78 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from £180.06 billion in 2023 to £269.29 billion by 2030.
Forget everything you know about online shopping—eCommerce is evolving fast. While giants like Amazon and eBay once ruled, a new wave of platforms such as TikTok Shop, Shein, and Temu are reshaping the industry. But beneath the flashy deals and viral trends lies a growing conversation about sustainability, waste, and the hidden costs of convenience.
When it comes to ideation in business, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every business, team, and leader has their own way of generating and refining ideas. Whether it’s through structured brainstorming sessions, casual conversations, or solo reflection, the goal is to unlock creativity and find solutions. We’ve asked four GFSB members to share how they approach ideation in their fields. As you read, think about how you generate ideas and remember that sometimes, the best results come from trying something new.
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.
“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.
One of the most dangerous things anyone can say in business is, "We've always done it this way." This phrase doesn't age well and puts businesses at risk. "We've always done it this way" can quickly look like "flogging a dead horse." This doesn't always mean that businesses need to change everything. Some things, like great service, never go out of fashion. But when sales start to slow down, it's always a good idea to consider taking a new approach. Rebranding a product, service, or entire enterprise can be part of this process. But rebranding should never be taken lightly.
In business, we often concentrate on the what and how of an enterprise.
When you’ve been running your own business for a while, you know what works, and it’s easy to rely on the skills that got you to where you are. Chances are, you’re comfortable doing things in a certain way, and your team knows what to expect from your leadership style.
We’ve said it before and it’s only getting louder: AI is reshaping how businesses work. From chatbots and smart analytics to automated content and decision-making tools, AI is helping smaller firms punch well above their weight. But with that power comes responsibility. As AI use grows, so do the risks around data privacy, and under GDPR, getting it wrong can mean serious fines and lasting reputational damage.
Over the past 18 years, I've had the privilege of working with a diverse range of businesses and industries, gaining insights into the challenges they face in implementing effective diversity and inclusion strategies. Often, DEI&B is viewed as a 'nice to have' rather than an essential component of business success. With this in mind, I'm excited to share valuable insights and practical steps to help you create environments where everyone can thrive. You've probably heard of DEI&B, but what do these letters really mean, and why do they matter for you and your organisation? Diversity includes differences like race, gender, age, neurodiversity, disability, LGBTQ+, culture, and more; Equity ensures equal opportunities for all; Inclusion values everyone's contributions; and Belonging means individuals feel accepted and integral to the organisation.
Thrive catches up with Nick Pitaluga TEP, Managing Director of Gibraltar Trust & Corporate Services Limited - “GTCS”. From starting out as a messenger to leading his firm through a major merger, Nick talks about the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone and offers inspiration for anyone carving their own niche.
Starting and running a small business is rewarding but comes with its fair share of challenges. The path of entrepreneurship is often characterised by immense dedication, long hours, and tough decisions. As a small business owner, you're not just responsible for the operations and growth of your company and team, but also for your own wellbeing.
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.
Finding someone who listens, understands, and guides you can make all the difference. For women in Gibraltar, the Women’s Mentorship Programme offers just that – honest conversations and valuable support from people with lived experience who understand. Now in its sixth cycle, the programme pairs women with mentors to help them navigate work, life, and everything in between. Ok, full disclosure: as a recently appointed mentor, that last sentence somewhat triggers the old imposter syndrome and self-doubt, but I am honoured to be part of this scheme and look forward to doing my very best in the months ahead.
Gibraltar has long been home to many international businesses. Gaming giants, UK-based insurance companies and far-flung fintech firms are all drawn here thanks to our strategic location and business-friendly environment. Carl Clavering moved his insurance business to Gibraltar, and it’s safe to say, it’s transformed his life. When I caught up with Carl, it was clear that his decision to relocate wasn't just about tax advantages or access to the UK market —it was about finding a place that felt like home, both for his business and his family.
After teaching in schools for 18 years I decided to take the plunge and embark on a self-employed life. Driven by my passion for teaching children with special educational needs I set out to discover alternative ways to make education accessible to all. My vision was to have the individual in mind, with their own strengths and challenges, and with that came the birth of ‘edYOUcation Clare Francis’; bringing the YOU into learning.
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.
When stakeholder conversations become difficult, most organisations focus on communication. Kerstin Andlaw argues the real issue runs deeper. It is not what we say, but how we stay in the relationship when pressure rises. In complex environments, the ability to work with tension, not avoid it, is what separates transactional engagement from true collaboration.