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
My name is John Hayes, and I'm a really busy guy. Busy procrastinating most of the time. You wouldn't believe how many unessential tasks I had to complete before sitting down and writing this article. Those sales reports and emails don't check themselves. Yep, I've been busy. Busy doing nothing. We've all had one of those days where we feel like we've been incredibly "busy" - but can't quite put our finger on what we actually accomplished. Maybe we spent three hours answering emails, another two fiddling with a spreadsheet no one asked for, and another hour in a meeting that could have been an email or WhatsApp message. At the end of it all, the to-do list somehow got longer, not shorter.
Whilst Brexit hasn’t exactly been a positive event, we can’t deny that it’s also been the catalyst for diversification and change. It was a true ‘before and after’ moment that made businesses rethink their strategies and, in many cases, change their direction of travel. Gibraltar’s newest bank, justbank, is born from this process. As well as heralding the arrival of a new bank, this fresh start gave the team at IDT Finance the opportunity to create innovative and tailored banking solutions from the ground up. I met with Managing Director, Damian Asquez, and Head of Corporate Banking, Nikolai Gafan, to find out more.
Building a personal brand isn't just about showcasing your professional accomplishments; it's about weaving your unique narrative, passions, and values into a cohesive identity that resonates with others. Here's how you can bring your personal brand to life, with practical examples to guide you at every step.
Introducing the Thrive Catalog - A curated collection of goodies selected by our editorial team each quarter. Everything featured is available right here, right now at prices that are better than or compete with the internet.
In the latest edition of Thrive, regular contributor John Hayes reflects on the uncertainty facing small and medium-sized businesses in Gibraltar. From Brexit fallout to ever-changing frontier delays, he unpacks why the border remains a top concern—and how local firms are adapting. While resolving post-Brexit cross-border issues is beyond the scope of this correspondent, there are practical steps business owners can take to mitigate and manage the challenges of this uncertainty.
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 business, we often concentrate on the what and how of an enterprise.
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.
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.
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.
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)!
Corporate Social Responsibility is no longer just for big companies. Small and medium-sized businesses are making a real impact through practical, authentic actions that reflect who they are. From supporting sport, culture and charities to rolling up sleeves for environmental projects, consistent CSR builds trust, loyalty and pride. When businesses show up for their community in meaningful ways, those efforts are noticed and often returned.
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.
Technology is having a major effect on every aspect of our lives, and the retail environment is not immune to these changes. Not only has online shopping revolutionised the way we think about buying and consuming, but it has also dramatically changed how we shop in physical stores.
Artificial Intelligence promises unprecedented opportunities for small business owners in Gibraltar. As the digital landscape faces constant evolution, understanding AI becomes not just beneficial but essential for businesses aiming to thrive in 2024. In this article, we aim to demystify the complexities surrounding AI, offering an approachable guide to its fundamentals, history, and practical applications for businesses, providing you with the knowledge to embrace this technology confidently.
Gibraltar’s size means that shoppers don’t have too far to go to shop. Schools, supermarkets, entertainment, eateries and healthcare are all within easy reach. That hasn’t stopped Gibraltar's business community from wanting to meet its customers' needs online. I met three local businesses that have embraced eCommerce.
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.
Whether you’re an ebook tapper or traditional page turner, there are thousands of books that can make you better at business. Áine Panter, Head of the School of Business at the University of Gibraltar has curated a list of must-reads that will inspire, inform, and equip you for success.
Whether you’re building a business from the ground up or hoping to grow an existing operation, having a strong business development strategy is the foundation of success. But real, sustainable growth doesn’t come from chasing the next big thing, it comes from getting the essentials right. So, what are the fundamentals you can’t afford to ignore? In my view, this starts with something I call the “Holy Trinity” of small business marketing...
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.