Member Story: BHR Assist
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.
Early Days
Carl’s career in the insurance industry spanned over 30 years before he decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship. His UK-based company, BHR Assist, was born in 2019 with a simple yet powerful mission: to reduce the high costs of credit hire claims for insurers. BHR Assist collects data on hire vehicle rates across the UK and Northern Ireland, providing insurance companies with real-time, court-compliant hire rates, helping to settle claims at a fair price.
The business gained traction quickly, but Carl felt there was more room to grow. Gibraltar had become a familiar name in his circle, especially as many of his clients were Gibraltar-based insurers. “It struck me that Gibraltar could offer us the edge we needed,” Carl shared. “I was aware of the favourable tax environment, but what sealed the deal was the government infrastructure and the potential for new businesses to thrive.”
Finding Gibraltar
In January 2020, Carl made his first trip to Gibraltar, and his initial impression was unforgettable. “It was like stepping into a different world—British phone boxes, but palm trees and blue skies,” Carl recalled. “The signs were in English, but the weather was glorious. It felt familiar but new at the same time.”
Carl was immediately struck by how accessible everything was. Through local contacts like Tanya Wilkinson at T & N Properties and lawyer Mark Ellul from Ellul & Co., Carl quickly got to grips with the ins and outs of setting up a business in Gibraltar. Tanya helped him find office space and guided him through local regulations, while Mark walked him through the intricacies of Gibraltar’s tax system and residency requirements. “Tanya and Mark were crucial,” Carl admits. “Without their help, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to make the leap.”
Getting through COVID
As Carl prepared to move his business to Gibraltar, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. What was meant to be a seamless transition suddenly became a challenge of isolation and uncertainty. “I was in Gibraltar alone, completely cut off. It was daunting,” Carl recalled.
The pandemic brought the insurance industry to a standstill. With fewer cars on the roads, there were fewer accidents—and thus fewer claims for Carl’s services. His major contract with a Gibraltar-based insurer was put on indefinite hold, leaving Carl wondering if the move had been a mistake.
Yet, Gibraltar’s government stepped in to offer support. Through his lawyer, Carl worked with government officials to address his tax commitments, and instead of penalising the fledgling business, the government showed flexibility. “I was amazed at how personal and proactive the response was. It wasn’t like the UK, where you’re just another number. Gibraltar genuinely wanted to help,” Carl explained.
Coming Back Stronger
Despite the initial setbacks, Carl’s faith in Gibraltar never wavered. As the pandemic eased, BHR Assist began to bounce back. “We joined the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses and the support we received was phenomenal. The GFSB was a lifeline during that time—offering advice, connections, and the encouragement we needed to keep going.”
Today, BHR Assist is doing well. Carl has secured over 50 clients, including several major insurers based in Gibraltar. The company’s innovative approach—using technology to provide live, real-time data on hire vehicle rates—has saved insurers more than £50 million in credit hire costs. “We’re the only firm in Gibraltar providing Basic Hire Rate services, and that gives us a unique competitive edge,” Carl explained.
BHR Assist’s success is not just about numbers—it’s about relationships. “I’ve met so many influential people here,” Carl shared. “Instead of a dusty boardroom in London, we’re discussing business deals over a glass of wine in Vinopolis, under the sunshine. That’s the magic of Gibraltar.”
Building a Life
Carl’s move to Gibraltar wasn’t just about business. Over time, the Rock became his home. He met his wife, Sosi, a Moroccan woman who has since moved to Gibraltar with him, and together they have two sons, Aymane and Adam, born just this past summer. “I never expected to build a family here, but Gibraltar gave me that too. It’s more than a business destination—it’s a place to build a life.”
Looking back, Carl sees his move to Gibraltar as one of the best decisions he ever made. “I came here for the tax benefits and business opportunities, but I stayed because of the people and the sense of community. Gibraltar is a place that supports you and pushes you to succeed.”
Why Gibraltar?
For business owners considering Gibraltar, Carl’s advice is simple: go for it. “This place is bursting with opportunity. The government and local networks like the GFSB are genuinely invested in your success. Whether you’re setting up a new venture or moving an established business, Gibraltar is the place to be.”
SHARE THIS
OTHER
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.
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.
Love is big business. According to official statistics, 1,745 weddings took place in Gibraltar in 2021 followed by another 1,761 weddings in 2022 and a further 1640 in 2023. That’s around 33 weddings each week or 6 every single day. With an estimated population of around 33,000, it’s safe to say that, no, we aren’t all marrying each other, but that Gibraltar is a very popular place for many people to come and say ‘I do’. In fact, in all three years, non-residents outnumbered residents by an average of 90% to 10%. The stats point to a healthy wedding sector, one that our Minister for Tourism, Christian Santos is keen to develop. In an interview with the Gibraltar Chronicle he recently said he wanted; “Gibraltar to be the Las Vegas of Europe” when it comes to weddings. Unlike Vegas, we don’t have Elvis. But we do have John. Music legend John Lennon famously married Yoko Ono here in 1969 and put the Rock on the map for ‘Fast Track’ weddings. If music’s not your thing, acting legend Sean Connery (AKA James Bond) also tied the knot here (twice)!
“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.
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.
There’s something slightly uncomfortable about sending a contract to a client when you run a small business. Especially in Gibraltar, where relationships matter and business often begins with a conversation over un cafelito rather than a legal document. When you know someone personally, or you’ve been introduced by a mutual contact, it can feel unnecessary to formalise everything. You tell yourself that an email thread is enough. Or that you’ll sort the paperwork later. I used to think like that. Over time, and through a few situations that were more stressful than they needed to be, I’ve realised that putting things in writing isn’t about distrust. It’s about creating guardrails for growth. The clearer the boundaries, the freer you are to focus on doing good work.
For many businesses, standing out from the crowd in an already crowded marketplace is a mammoth task. But for Fresquita one of the ways they tackled this issue was with highly creative packaging.
Finding time to sit down with a book can feel like a luxury sometimes. We seem to be pulled in all sorts of directions, yet many of us still want to learn and stay exposed to new ideas. Podcasts have filled part of that gap. They’re accessible, conversational and easy to consume while commuting or […]
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.
The Treaty between the EU and the UK over Gibraltar is finally giving us some clarity, and yet, it also reminds us just how much sits outside our control. The finer details will take months to surface. Political tides may shift. Promises will be tested by practicalities. Every day, we face issues beyond our reach: new legislation, competitor actions, market trends, customer behaviour, staff turnover, illness, family responsibilities, global events. All of it lives in what Stephen Covey calls the Circle of Concern - things we care about, but cannot directly change. The more we fixate on them, the more frustration can grow.
3 mins |
How to: Brainstorm
If you’ve been dreaming of starting your own business, you’re not alone. Data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the annual number of companies registered is edging closer to the one million mark, that’s up by 75,000 in 2022 which itself was 30,000 higher than in 2021. Whether it's following a passion, aiming for financial independence, or breaking free from the 9-5 grind, every entrepreneurial journey begins with one crucial thing: a solid idea. But coming up with that perfect idea can be tough. This is where brainstorming comes in—it’s the creative springboard that can help you turn your business dreams into reality.
If, like me, you spend more time than you should doom scrolling LinkedIn, you could be tempted into thinking no-one fails. LinkedIn has become a hyperbolic haven and a place to scream and shout about success. But what about failures - why aren’t we talking about them? In business, failure is inevitable. I mean it. Whether it's a product flop, a marketing misstep, or a company on the brink of collapse, every entrepreneur will face moments that test them. Yet, history has shown that these failures can often be the starting point for something extraordinary.
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.
2 mins |
Business Plan Essentials
You have a brilliant idea. You can picture the logo, the customers, maybe even the first sale. But without a clear plan for how to get there, the idea risks staying exactly that - an idea. Starting a business without a plan is like setting off on a trip with no map. You might eventually arrive somewhere, but it is unlikely to be where you hoped. A business plan is not just paperwork. When written with care, it is a roadmap that guides every decision, a pitch that wins support, and a source of confidence on the days when challenges mount.
In an increasingly digital work environment where we have more emails, WhatsApp messages & interruptions than ever before, many business leaders started looking at ways of alleviating the stress that comes with this increased workload. Relaxing the dress code and letting your team dress down and wear in more casual clothing is one way of doing this….Or is it?
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.
If you’re looking to grow your business, expand your reach post Treaty or simply try something new, collaboration can be one of the most effective ways to do it. The key is approaching it with a bit of structure. And resisting the urge to say yes to everything just because someone seemed nice over a […]
Since 2007, Earth Hour has been known as the biggest hour for the planet as millions of people switch their “lights off” as a symbolic action for the environment
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.
Raju Purswani examines Ted Baker’s fall, sharing sharp lessons for entrepreneurs: stay true to your brand, beware of overhauls that alienate customers, and balance growth with identity. A cautionary tale with insights every business can learn from.