Frustration, worry & anger is the current mood for business owners ahead of treaty implementation

Frustration, worry and anger is current mood amongst business owners, following a meeting of business representatives ahead of the anticipated publication of a treaty.

Members from the Federation of Small Businesses and the Chamber of Commerce have highlighted their concerns ahead of the anticipated 10th April implementation date for a treaty. Clear information remains a top priority. 

The level of interest in the subject was reflected by the sheer number of people that attended the Treaty members forum.

The ultimate goal was to collect a list of key themes and recommendations that can be presented to Government.

With a cross-section of Gibraltar’s business representatives in the room, topics included poor business licence enforcement, regulation of cross border services and higher costs of importing UK goods.

The meeting has produced a list of key points:

• Financial support
• Clear guidance, including sector-specific handbooks
• A footfall strategy
• Fair enforcement with no competitive distortions
• A plan to protect Gibraltar’s Britishness.

Traders describe this as a unique selling point on the Rock, with higher costs for importing UK goods under the treaty threatening this.

With the 10th April date looming, the business community is stressing the clarity it is asking for needs to come ahead of that deadline.