News

WTC welcomes Gibraltar’s first Bitcoin ATM

August 15, 2017 - Gibraltar’s first Bitcoin ATM (BATM) is now installed in the reception of World Trade Center Gibraltar. People working and living in Gibraltar, as well as those visiting can now purchase the cryptocurrency using cash and mobile phone wallet apps. The BATM accepts GBP, GIP and EUR notes, so a fraction of a Bitcoin can be purchased for as little as £10 or €10. Bitcoin ATMs are regarded as the beacons of the cryptocurrency industry, which has become a worldwide phenomenon. Bitcoin has reached its all-time highest price in the last few days. In January 2009 when Bitcoin was first launched, 1 Bitcoin was worth $0.0001 (USD), today it’s worth a massive $4,000. Leading analysts predict that value will hit a 6-digit number in 10 years’ time. World Trade Center Gibraltar’s health food restaurant already accepts Bitcoin. Dan Thomson, owner of Supernatural, located on the mezzanine floor of the World Trade Center stated, “It was a natural progression to start to accept a modern currency and as the first retail business to do so in Gibraltar, we hope it will raise awareness and encourage other retailers and customers to begin to use the currency too.” The Government of Gibraltar plans to introduce legislation in 2018 for the provision of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), including Blockchain, Bitcoin and other leading emerging eMoney innovations to regulate and facilitate this rapidly expanding sector of FinTech companies, many of which have already been attracted to World Trade Center Gibraltar. Speaking for WTC Gibraltar, Ed Allison-Wright commented that, “Having Gibraltar’s first Bitcoin ATM installed in World Trade Center Gibraltar is particularly fitting. It sits at the heart of what this global brand represents and brings to Gibraltar; expanding horizons, enhancing growth and fostering new links with international partners within our expansive network of 318 WTCs; facilitating economic prosperity in Gibraltar, through global trade.” Read More

Crowdfunding Platform Showcases at WTC Gibraltar

July 28, 2017 - JULY 2017 | GIBRALTAR – Crowdfunding was showcased at World Trade Center Gibraltar in July, through the introduction of a rising success story of the real estate market, Ezylet (www.ezylet.com). With an exciting property portal aimed at the private rented sector, Ezylet has experienced rapid growth as a result of its fundraising campaign with crowdfunding platform, Invesdor (www.Invesdor.com) and shortly after the showcasing event at World Trade Center Gibraltar, the business flew past its crowdfunding campaign investment goal of £500,000. Invesdor is the Nordic market leader in equity crowdfunding. The company focuses on connecting ambitious European businesses with investors globally and helping them to succeed together. For investors, Invesdor enables easy access to a wide range of investment opportunities through digital fundraising and investment, currently targeting companies registered within the United Kingdom, Finland, Denmark and Norway. The focus of the event was to promote Gibraltar as a place where digital businesses are able to develop with the use of crowdfunding platforms. Sim Takhar of Invesdor presented the business logic for start-ups or those considering expansion, in using crowdfunding as a method to raise capital, using Ezylet, who set up in Gibraltar in 2013, as an example of how this can work for other Gibraltar-based companies. Paul Foy of Ezylet stated: “It’s about showcasing a new way of funding business through crowd platforms which has never been done in Gibraltar before, and it’s also about showcasing a digital business that can easily operate out of Gibraltar but provide a service worldwide”. Ed Allison-Wright of WTC Gibraltar welcomed those attending the event and stated that, “World Trade Center Gibraltar not only provides a world-class working environment for businesses, but it’s brand gives the global footing to start-ups and SMEs that investors look for when capital investment is being considered. Gibraltar has strong credentials when it comes to online commerce, be it real estate focused, wealth management, gaming, insurance, eMoney and other forms of FinTech; as such, we are excited to welcome and promote crowdfunding opportunities through WTC Gibraltar and our global network of 318 World Trade Centers, in all corners of the world.” Read More

WTCA Official Delegation Visits WTC Gibraltar

June 18, 2017 - Facing Brexit - World Trade Center Opening Unlocks Global Growth for eMoney in Gibraltar Gibraltar is fast emerging as the leading jurisdiction world-wide for regulating cryptocurrency using Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), including Blockchain technology and additional innovation in FinTech. Benefiting from a recognised global network, the World Trade Center brand is expected to provide a requisite platform for these enterprises to achieve their significant potential, in Gibraltar. The global strength of the World Trade Center brand was showcased today as the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) CEO, Scott Ferguson arrived in Gibraltar from New York, with senior members of his leadership team. Ferguson’s visit from New York to Gibraltar included a tour of World Trade Center Gibraltar, opened by the Chief Minister & Deputy Chief Minster on 15th February 2017, providing an opportunity to speak to several occupiers within the new state-of-the-art office building. The WTCA delegation also attended HM The Queen’s Birthday Celebrations at the Governor’s Residence with key stakeholders and dignitaries, on Thursday evening, before departing for the U.S., on Friday. One of the thriving eMoney businesses within World Trade Center Gibraltar is WaveCrest Group, a Gibraltar based FinTech company whose regulated payment solutions enable companies and governments around the world to make payments more conveniently, quickly and cost-effectively. WaveCrest CEO, Brent Almeida [pictured here with Scott Ferguson (WTCA) and Chief Minister Fabian Picardo opening the ‘We Grow Trade®’ Sculpture in WTC Gibraltar] has no doubt that the perception of the global World Trade Center brand has provided a catalyst for the company’s step-change in growth; “The globally recognised prestigious address - with unprecedented build quality, networking opportunities and amenities - has given us the space we needed to facilitate growth along with a building and brand that embodies our status as a leading technology innovator.” Since committing to taking space and being one of the first occupiers within World Trade Center Gibraltar, WaveCrest has enjoyed an astonishing growth in Gibraltar-based staff, from 6 to nearly 30 employees, in addition to the 125 employees located in the US and in India. The company now processes several billion pounds in payments annually, with sights on continued growth from their new globally branded, World Trade Center offices. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo added: “In the past, Gibraltar aspired and became the primary location of the internet gaming sector. Gibraltar is now setting its sights on becoming the world’s leading jurisdiction for eMoney, involving the use of Blockchain and associated technologies, including emerging FinTech enterprises." The Government of Gibraltar has announced draft legislation for the area of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), including Blockchain technology, to regulate and facilitate this fast-growing sector. Just weeks after opening, World Trade Center Gibraltar has close to 100% of its office accommodation either occupied or under offer, with a variety of these eMoney and FinTech businesses taking space. The building is also home to leading gaming industry firms, insurance specialist companies, wealth managers and to the global leader in serviced office space, Regus. Nick Hughes, Managing Director of EULAT Consulting, a company that has taken space with Regus, commented: “The World Trade Center brand has already provided my company with several new clients, expanding financial companies whom I would not have gained had it not been for the structure, ease of doing business and professional set up of the World Trade Center.” World Trade Center Gibraltar is also complemented by Costa Coffee, Supernatural and the Happy Feet Nursery, with plans to add a Doctors Surgery. The WTCA visit from New York comes at a time when international trade and global outlook are centre stage for both Gibraltar and the United Kingdom, as Brexit negotiations are left wide open, following the General Election on 8th June. Scott Ferguson commented; “The WTCA is a global Association of like-minded, trade-focused Members. Our network covers more than 300 cities—including 73 national capitals—and nearly 100 countries, making us a singularly-placed organization to enable trade in a complicated time. We are incredibly proud of this unique position, and delighted by the opportunity to visit World Trade Center Gibraltar today.” For further information on this press release, please contact Mariela Gancheva at World Trade Center Gibraltar: +350 200 6333 / mariela@worldtradecenter.gi Read More

WTC Gibraltar Welcomes Regus to the building

May 27, 2017 - With its GDP growing by over 10% per annum, Gibraltar becomes Rock solid for business Companies and visitors will soon be able to benefit from flexible workspaces in World Trade Center Gibraltar as Regus enters the market Gibraltar, May 25th - With over 11 million visitors a year, Gibraltar has long been known as a thriving tourist destination. But what is less well known is the phenomenal success Gibraltar has had as a burgeoning corporate commercial centre, particularly in the areas of e-Gaming and financial services. Gibraltar is known for its robust regulatory environment and positive tax regime, but it is the entrepreneurial nature of Gibraltarians and their flexibility and desire to make things happen quickly which have contributed to the region’s economic success. Impressively, it ranks third on the International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook Database of GDP per capita rankings, ahead of Singapore, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. In view of this success and to capitalise on future growth, Regus, the global workspaces leader, has partnered with World Trade Center to bring the benefits of flexible working space - the phenomenon that is reshaping the way the world works - to the region and help local and international companies be more successful. Gibraltar has invested in the infrastructure required to build the growth it has experienced and the latest manifestation of that is the new World Trade Center Gibraltar, a state-of-the-art office building close to the international airport, which has opened for business in November 2016. Philippe Jimènez, Regional Director Southern Europe and West Africa of Regus, said: “We have wanted to open a facility in Gibraltar for some time. We are delighted that World Trade Center now gives us the opportunity to add Gibraltar to our expanding network and to offer businesses and travellers there the opportunities and benefits that flexible working offers. Modern, dynamic businesses need flexibility, agility and the ability to work where they want and when they want.” 1 Source HM Government of Gibraltar Statistics Office Tourist Survey Report 2014: https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/new/sites/default/files/HMGoG_Documents/Tourist_Survey_Report_2014.pdf Regus is the world’s largest provider of flexible workspace solutions, with a network of 3,000 locations in over 1,000 towns and cities, across more than 100 countries, serving 2.3m members. Through our range of office formats, as well as our growing mobile, virtual office, and workplace recovery businesses, we enable people and businesses to work where, when, and how they want, with a range of price points. Our customers include some of the most successful entrepreneurs, start-ups and multi-billion dollar corporations. More information www.regus.com.gi Read More

WTC Gibraltar Official Launch

February 17, 2017 - GIBRALTAR, GIBRALTAR - In spite of a locally unpopular referendum result last June, the business community of Gibraltar is pushing ahead. With 90% of Gibraltar’s business and services in the EU single market being conducted with the UK, investors on the Rock have continued optimism for economic growth. This optimism was epitomized at World Trade Center Gibraltar, when the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister joined forces with developer, Gregory Butcher to conduct the official opening ceremony, with key international and local stakeholders in attendance. The historic opening of this state-of-the-art, 254,000 square foot Grade A office building presents the newest addition to the World Trade Center Association network, which encompasses more than 90 countries around the globe, promoting international prosperity through trade. In an era, when the concept of international trade is under threat, this investment totaling in excess of €100,000,000 over several years, signifies Gibraltar’s commitment to work towards the common goal of collaboration with international partners, rather than a future of isolationism. At conception of the World Trade Center’s original brand in 1939, the World’s Fair in New York aspired towards “world peace through trade”. It is hoped by the developer that World Trade Center Gibraltar will be a beacon for promoting international trade in the coming days, weeks, months and years, whilst Brexit is negotiated. Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo said: “We are proud to be here today to inaugurate Gibraltar’s first World Trade Center. Brexit is not the beginning of the end of Gibraltar, it’s actually just the end of the beginning, and the arrival of this first World Trade Center is Gibraltar saying to the world: “Here we come!” The developer Gregory Butcher said, “It’s wonderful to see this project finally become a reality and for so many people to experience for themselves the new standard that World Trade Center Gibraltar has set. Gibraltar is a service economy and it’s imperative that we can offer the major businesses that are already here, and international businesses looking at Gibraltar as a potential jurisdiction, the kind of working environment they demand in order to stay competitive.” Alongside a line of major international tenants that have taken space, including serviced office heavyweights, Regus, the head office for popular gaming company, Bet Victor, eminent accountancy firms such as BDO and one of the leading coffee brands, Costa Coffee, the new office building is home to a plethora of budding entrepreneurial SMEs including some of the world’s most exciting financial services innovators; these new SME occupiers can now enjoy the benefits of World Trade Center Gibraltar community, working alongside major occupiers and putting their organisations on a global footing. “There is fantastically diverse range of companies that have decided to base themselves at World Trade Center Gibraltar” continued Mr Butcher. “We have a range of financial services tenants including insurance companies, Family Offices and Wealth Managers, e-money companies and gaming businesses, all of whom are taking advantage of the state-of-the-art infrastructure which enables trading on the London markets in 1 / 35,000 th of a second. Without this they would simply not compete within the advanced international marketplace.” World Trade Center Gibraltar is both a significant addition to the WTCA network and an essential platform, which will support Gibraltar’s future growth plans and ambitious economic objectives. Contact World Trade Center Gibraltar on 00 350 2006 3333, email enquiries@worldtradecenter.gi or visit www.worldtradecenter.gi. To learn more about WTC Gibraltar, please click on the source link below. Read More

Chief Minister Breaks Ground for WTC Gibraltar

July 22, 2014 - GIBRALTAR, GIBRALTAR - Today, the Hon Fabian Picardo officially broke ground for the eagerly awaited World Trade Center Gibraltar. This iconic global brand finally arrived with the Chief Minister operating heavy machinery by remote control and drilling the first foundations. Gregory Butcher, the man behind World Trade Center Gibraltar, had this to say, “World Trade Center is a globally-recognized brand and a byword for corporate quality and success, that’s why so many of the world’s biggest companies choose to base themselves in World Trade Centers on every continent. World Trade Center Gibraltar has been in development for many years and it is particularly gratifying to see construction finally underway. Gibraltar is now part of a global business community reflecting the ambition for growth found within Government and local companies. World Trade Center Gibraltar will be the signature address for corporates in Gibraltar, where best-in-class businesses congregate.” Head of Sales and Marketing for World Trade Center Gibraltar, Pete Burgess, also commented on this important milestone which keeps the project on target for a spring 2016 completion. “This is a very exciting day for all of us involved in World Trade Center Gibraltar. We have had phenomenal interest in the building already and I think that this will only accelerate when people see work underway on the site.” Pete continues, “The building will offer a range of benefits never seen before in Gibraltar from ready-to-move-into super-premium office space with a stunning double-height 24-hour reception through to advanced wellbeing systems which minimize sick building syndrome and keep staff healthy and motivated. The building provides many features that companies in Gibraltar are telling us are important, such as an independent electricity supply meaning no power cuts, lightning-fast internet connectivity and pre-installed services like air-conditioning which make occupation very easy. Given the level of reservations we already have, there is no doubt in my mind that World Trade Center will become the heartbeat of the Gibraltar business community and the obvious home for any new businesses looking to relocate here. The best businesses will always seek the signature address.” Contact World Trade Center Gibraltar on 00 350 200 74724, email enquiries@worldtradecenter.gi or visit www.worldtradecenter.gi. Read More

GIBRALTAR FACES MADRID AT MIPIM 2014

April 4, 2014 - GIBRALTAR, U.K. - With MIPIM, the world’s property market, taking place in Cannes this week, 11 to 14 March, World Trade Center Gibraltar found itself positioned almost directly opposite the Madrid exhibition stand. The irony wasn’t lost on the Gibraltar delegation. “The World Trade Centers Association Stand, of which we were part, occupied a prime location on the main Show thoroughfare and, nearly directly in front, was Madrid. Every visitor to the Madrid stand will have walked past the scale model of World Trade Center Gibraltar and could not have helped but to notice it - as it was centre stage. What a great way to spread the message that Gibraltar is more than open for international business,” said Karen Houston, representing World Trade Center Gibraltar. The World Trade Centers Association, which represents WTCs in 100 countries, gave Gibraltar the spotlight this year, she said. “The WTCA has been hugely encouraging. Its mission statement is ‘prosperity through trade’ and, by supporting Gibraltar’s grand 45 million pound vision to attract inward investment and stimulate trade, they believe that the project will help to overcome differences and bind nations. So far this belief has been borne out with a FTSE 250 company already having approached us to confirm its interest in moving to World Trade Center Gibraltar.” An extravagant fireworks display over the Cannes skyline kicked off MIPIM 2014, a Show that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The Event brings together influential players from all international property sectors. MIPIM 2014 is expected to achieve a record audience of more than 25,000. Read More

GIBRALTAR FACES MADRID AT MIPIM 2014

April 1, 2014 - GIBRALTAR, U.K. - With MIPIM, the world’s property market, taking place in Cannes this week, 11 to 14 March, World Trade Center Gibraltar found itself positioned almost directly opposite the Madrid exhibition stand. The irony wasn’t lost on the Gibraltar delegation. “The World Trade Centers Association Stand, of which we were part, occupied a prime location on the main Show thoroughfare and, nearly directly in front, was Madrid. Every visitor to the Madrid stand will have walked past the scale model of World Trade Center Gibraltar and could not have helped but to notice it - as it was centre stage. What a great way to spread the message that Gibraltar is more than open for international business,” said Karen Houston, representing World Trade Center Gibraltar. In photo above, Karen Houston stands by the scale model of WTC Gibraltar at WTCA's stand at MIPIM 2014. The World Trade Centers Association gave Gibraltar the spotlight this year, she said. “The WTCA has been hugely encouraging. Its mission statement is ‘prosperity through trade’ and, by supporting Gibraltar’s grand 45 million pound vision to attract inward investment and stimulate trade, they believe that the project will help to overcome differences and bind nations. So far this belief has been borne out with a FTSE 250 company already having approached us to confirm its interest in moving to World Trade Center Gibraltar.” An extravagant fireworks display over the Cannes skyline kicked off MIPIM 2014, a Show that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The Event brings together influential players from all international property sectors. MIPIM 2014 is expected to achieve a record audience of more than 25,000. For more information on this article, please contact Sarah Drane, WTC Gibraltar, at sarah@purplecakefactory.com. Read More

Green Light for WTC Gibraltar to Break Ground

April 1, 2014 - GIBRALTAR, U.K. - World Trade Center Gibraltar will also act as a catalyst for attracting digital business, being the only office development in the territory directly connected to the new Europe-India undersea fibre-optic cable which gives 100GB bandwidth and data transfer speeds of 3.2TB per second. This will allow trading on the major stock exchanges in milliseconds, vital for companies dedicated to trading stocks and bonds.“No one locally can compete,” finishes Burgess. “We’re just nine minutes from Gibraltar’s new £65m international airport terminal and the border with Spain, four minutes from the town centre and only one minute from the bars and restaurants of Ocean Village Marina, now home to the world’s first five star yacht hotel – Sunborn Gibraltar. It’s little wonder contracts have already been issued to our anchor tenant and negotiations are ongoing for a ‘big five’ accountancy firm and a New York securities trader.” Over the last five years Gibraltar’s economy has flourished. Its GDP is estimated to have grown by 35% in the past ten years, 7.8% in 2012/2013 alone, and is ranked in the top 20 for growth globally. Shipping, financial services, tourism, and more recently, online gaming (28 e-gaming firms now account for 20% of Gibraltar’s GDP), form the keystones. The 6.8km² territory enjoys a legal system based on UK common law, low business-friendly taxation, no CGT nor VAT, little red tape, EU membership and regulation, OECD White List status, a strategic geographic position, English language, Latin flavour and year-round sunshine. For more information on this article, please contact Pete Burgess, WTC Gibraltar, at pete@worldtradecenter.gi. Read More