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
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.
Who doesn’t love a good office gossip? Hushed conversations by the coffee machine, knowing glances across the office, colleagues who "just thought you should know" – it’s all just harmless banter, right? Not quite. While gossip might seem like an inevitable part of office life, the reality is much less entertaining. Workplace backbiting can destroy trust, drain morale, and impact team productivity. Few people understand this better than Norwegian psychotherapist Glenn Rolfsen. With over two decades of experience in psychotherapy, Glenn has dedicated his career to helping businesses tackle workplace negativity head-on. His innovative "Gozzip" method has been transforming office cultures worldwide, earning him recognition at TEDx talks and WHO conferences.
As the CEO of a specialist security business called Paladin Defence and close protection operative/ private security contractor, I have experienced security threats of all types since 1990. From opportunistic personal attacks to targeted organised commercial crime, I feel there is a lot more we should be doing to defend and protect ourselves. Understandably, Gibraltar is considered to have a relatively low crime rate; but what are the realistic threats and risks to small businesses in our corner of the Mediterranean?
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.
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.
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.
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
The world of work is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the accelerating capabilities of Generative AI. While robots taking over our jobs might be a sci-fi trope, AI’s ability to learn, create, and automate tasks is undeniably impacting various industries. Generative AI is the umbrella term used to describe the type of AI that can create new content and ideas. This can include text, images, music, code and other types of content. We are now seeing how powerful this tool can be. But is this a threat or a powerful tool waiting to be harnessed? We set out to find out, what does the use of Generative AI look like in Gibraltar?
AI is poised to reshape the legal profession, with 31% of law firm leaders predicting major disruption by 2025. Scott Simmons explores how AI could improve client outcomes, streamline workflows, and drive value. Whether you’re cautious or curious, it’s time to explore AI’s potential.
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.
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.
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.
Mental health issues affect us all. How we manage our daily stresses and anxieties have an impact on our relationships, how we perform in our job and the workplace environment, and our outlook on life. Becoming self-aware of what affects us, managing how we respond to triggers and using tools to help us work through them, are all part of our journey towards MENTAL FITNESS, which is how we should be positively defining it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With its largely service-based economy, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Gibraltar didn't have to deal with the problem of toxic waste, perhaps more commonly seen in countries reliant on manufacturing, mining and even agriculture. However, every gaming company, insurance firm, fintech organisation, retailer, restaurant, and literally every other business on the Rock is potentially responsible for producing a particularly nasty waste byproduct - e-waste.
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.
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.