As the last couple of weeks of 2023 run out and we look forward in excited anticipation to the festive season, there is no better time to look back over the past twelve months as our thoughts turn inevitably to the opportunities promised by a brand New Year.

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I find myself reviewing 2023 with considerable satisfaction on what has been a very good year for Acquarius. We celebrated recently the 25^th anniversary of the firm’s founding and we have continued to consolidate our position as one of Gibraltar’s fastest growing regulated financial services companies. We are moving ahead in terms of new business, growing organically and by acquisition. Indeed, I look forward to announcing the taking on of another valuable book of clients imminently.

Earlier in the year we unveiled a fresh new look and corporate logo. In and of itself of course a re-brand does not necessarily mean very much unless it results in real changes for the better. In our case, the reset came as part of our overall strategy to become one of the most forward-thinking businesses on the Rock.

According to the renowned management consultant Peter Drucker, “a business is only as good as its staff” and we have demonstrated this very clearly at Acquarius. Our staff complement of close to two dozen – with more to join in the coming weeks – is our most valued asset. This year we have developed a series of initiatives that demonstrate Acquarius’ commitment to our people.

I was delighted to announce last week that Investors in People (IIP) had awarded Acquarius the “We invest in people” standard accreditation. This is excellent news and a testament to the hard work put in not just by management but all members of staff who work together to make Acquarius one of the best companies to work for in Gibraltar.

Acquarius was also a GibSams 2023 Wellbeing in the Workplace Award winner. This prestigious local prize was most welcome recognition of the efforts put in by everyone concerned and special thanks go to Georgia Severs who leads the firm’s Wellbeing Committee.  

Of course, I am first to admit that such appreciation, whilst always very good to receive, is merely part of the bigger story. Continued positive development is vital, not just for our existing staff but in order that we may attract further top-quality talent to the business as we embark on ambitious growth plans.

In 2024, Acquarius will extend its focus to new business whilst continuing to deepen our relationships with existing clients and their advisers. We will place more emphasis ongoing out to meet people and to developing contacts in new markets. I am looking forward to embarking on a number of visits in the next few months when I look forward to catching up with many of you in person.

In the words of British PM Harold Macmillan, “events, dear boy, events” are likely to dominate the world news agenda in the coming year. Elections are due in no less than fifty countries worldwide in 2024 – meaning an estimated two billion people will be able to exercise their vote. The US presidential election next November will be the most significant but all around the world momentous change may occur.

No festive message this year would be complete without reflecting on the dire situation confronting the world due to the horrific wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Sad to relate the world is also facing other major problems including climate change issues and the ongoing effects of the financial crisis in many countries.

With all this uncertainty surrounding us, now is a very good time to ensure that your business and personal affairs are in order. Please get in touch if we have not spoken to you in a while so that together we can ensure that any arrangements you are planning – or may already have in place – are, or remain, best suited to your individual circumstances.

Of course, all is not doom and gloom, although we are not out of the woods economically. Whilst interest rates remain high worldwide, concerns about the scourge of rampant inflation are easing somewhat, barring future price shocks and there are many other reasons to be confident about the future.

I join our indefatigable Chief Operating Officer Gareth Cross and all our colleagues in wishing you and your families the most peaceful, joyful festive season. Best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year 2024.