finance business
by Trevor Nichols
Left to right: Lee Gardiner, Linda Radmore, Christine Barrett and Jade Dibb
The Business Centre
at the O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel
Managing director of the Global Group, Trevor Nichols, explains the concept behind the Business Centre at the Eliott Hotel.
When I first arrived in Gibraltar in 1988,there was a bustle about town with an influx of new businesses and personnel from all walks of life. Office space was at a premium. These were the days of pre financial service regulation, and only about seventeen international telephone lines. Twenty years ago, you had to book an international telephone call and on many occasions you had quite a long wait before the operator called you back allowing the call to be made. It was in the early life of computers and there were certainly no internet or e-mail facilities available. The first objective was to find suitable office accommodation. With little knowledge of Gibraltar where do you start? Fortunately I was told about a Business Centre in Irish Town. Following a visit to the Business Centre, agreement was reached to rent office space for a few months pending more permanent facilities being sourced. The availability of a Business Centre facility made the setting up of a new venture so much easier. From memory, we stayed in those offices for about six months before moving into our own offices. I mention this only to show that really things have not changed so much in twenty years. New businesses are coming to Gibraltar, new opportunities are available and in an effort to further establish what we are doing within Global Advisory Services Limited, several ideas are currently being developed. One of these is the development of the Business Centre
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based at The O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel. Although currently the facility is small, we are considering expansion. Where we differ from other similar facilities in Gibraltar is that we are not seeking short-term rentals. All the clients for whom we are providing a service are committed for at least twelve months. The minimum period that we would like to offer rental space is six months. This provides an opportunity to develop a working relationship and to see where we can best support the new ventures within the centre. Another difference in what we are trying to develop is that we only permit one of each type of business being represented within The Business Centre. This will enable our clients to work together where appropriate. At the present time the business centre offers international payments through a worldwide“ name,” a wealth management company who has passported their services into Gibraltar, an insurance company, a trust & company manager, a data management company and shortly a financial services e-portal. In addition, a small property development company is also represented. Through Global Group we provide financial services sector compliance consultancy, recruitment and training. A series of short courses designed for staff within the finance service sector will be launched very shortly to cover current regulatory requirements. The courses are designed to last approximately one hour. Hopefully the fact
that all courses take up only a short period of time will encourage employers to support staff wishing to attend. Courses will be held either in the business centre or at offices of larger companies if there are sufficient numbers. Facilities that are available within the business centre range from business support-answering telephones in the absence of client staff, to the use of a boardroom for up to 6/8 people. All desks have separate telephone/adsl lines. We have projection equipment available for presentation purposes. The fact that we are located in The O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel is advantageous in that catering facilities and accommodation are available if required. These facilities can either be booked direct with the hotel or via our office/business centre manager. Over a long period of time, we have built relationships with banks, lawyers and accountants all of whom we can introduce prospective clients. Our office can assist in the incorporation of new companies, assist in the recruitment of staff and help new businesses register with the various government departments. A “one stop” shop for all you business requirements. Being located in the centre of the city is of great benefit to both ourselves and those who utilise the services of the business centre. There is rarely a dull moment with changes taking place on a regular basis. If you would like to find out more about how we may be able to help you please feel free to visit us on the lower ground floor of The O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel, 2 Governor’s Parade.
We only permit one of each type of business being represented within The Business Centre. This will enable our clients to work together where appropriate GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2008
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