Managing Director (The Sorek Group )

Could you tell us about the history of the company?

The company was founded in 1975 in London, at which time we also had office in Greece and here in Gibraltar.We moved from London to Gibraltar in 1980 and I joined the company in 1988.Originally, we were exclusively a shipping company, but eventually selling our fleet of ship in order to focus on ship management/registration and marine services.



What does the company look like today?

Currently, was have 850 companies registered with Sorek Services Ltd., representing about 20 different countries, very few of those coming from the States.



How do you promote your services?

95% of our business comes from existing clients, because advertising in our industry does not work. The decision makers do not have time to sit down and find advertising.I believe most simply use the Internet and do a search on Google or any other search engine.Print advertising only works if it is a very specialized magazine.I also attend various conferences in Europe.I was recently in Germany for a conference and in May I will go to Copenhagen.



What is the largest growth area of the port?

Today, there is very little cargo business coming in and instead Gibraltar has seen the bunkering sector rise.It is almost as if Gibraltar is little more than gas station and rest stop these days.They come at 4 o’clock and take their 500 pounds of gas/oil or whatever they take on and then 5 hours later the go again.



From where do you see future growth coming for the Sorek Group?

I believe future growth for our company will come from outside of Gibraltar.Today, 50% of world trade is now in the Pacific with such countries as China, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam.There is also something coming up in India.



What would be your personal message to our readers about Gibraltar?

Whether you are in the shipping industry or the finance industry, I think the benefit of Gibraltar is the same; Gibraltar offers many great tax advantages that can be applied to a variety of business activities.