The Government of Gibraltar has announced the relocation of the Office of Fair Trading to new premises on the 3rd floor of Europort (Suite 932b).

A statement from the Government follows below:

The move was marked by an official opening ceremony hosted by Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, and attended by representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses, as well as members of the OFT Board and the Chief Secretary. The move reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing service delivery for businesses and operational efficiency within the public sector.

The new premises offer several significant improvements. Visitors will now be welcomed in a private consultation room rather than at a counter, ensuring greater privacy and comfort during interactions. Additionally, the open-plan layout of the new office will optimise collaboration and communication within the department.

As part of this relocation, staff responsible for administering the registration of businesses, trades and professions have moved from the Department of Employment to the OFT. This consolidation brings business licensing and registration into a single Government department, furthering the “one-stop-shop" initiative aimed at streamlining processes for business owners. In the coming weeks and months, the business registration will see digital improvements to its renewal processes.

CEO to Business and the OFT, John Paul Fa, said: “I want to thank our staff and everyone involved in making this move happen. These new premises will serve as the vehicle from which we continue to improve the business environment in Gibraltar.”

The Minister for Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, praised the significance of this move, and said: “This relocation is not just about a change of scenery. It’s about bringing business functions under one roof to better serve our business community. This is a demonstration of our Government’s commitment to making business easier. As a former president to one of Gibraltar’s business representative groups, I have long advocated for reforms like these, and I’m thrilled to see them come to fruition.”