The Gibraltar Morocco Business Association’s participation in Casablanca Connect, an informal networking event hosted by the British Consulate General in Casablanca, highlighted the growing role of business networks in strengthening economic and professional relations between Morocco and the United Kingdom, with Gibraltar providing an additional bridge across the Strait.
The event marked the departure of Tom Hill, Country Director and HM Consul General at the British Consulate General and the UK Department for Business and Trade’s Morocco operation. GMBA was represented by its President, Joshua Lhote, and Executive Assistant Mohamed Imrani, who is based at the association’s Tangier office.
GMBA acknowledged Hill’s contribution to strengthening UK–Morocco relations and supporting closer engagement between institutions, companies and investors. Such work helps create a constructive environment in which businesses can exchange information, identify opportunities and develop partnerships in both markets.
The evening also provided an opportunity to welcome Lydie Sheehan, who will succeed Hill as Country Director and HM Consul General. GMBA expressed its readiness to continue working closely with her and with the wider British diplomatic and business community to translate strong institutional relations into practical economic opportunities.
Among those attending were His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, Alex Pinfield OBE; Graham Lyon, Chair of the British Moroccan Society; and Stephen Orr, President of the British Chamber of Commerce for Morocco, alongside diplomats, business leaders and representatives of the wider UK–Morocco community.
Networking platforms of this kind can generate concrete economic value by facilitating direct contact between decision-makers, improving understanding of both markets and helping companies identify potential partners. They can also support new cooperation in areas such as logistics, tourism, professional services, digital business and renewable energy.
Through its presence in Tangier and its connections across Gibraltar, Morocco and the United Kingdom, GMBA is well positioned to connect companies, accompany investment initiatives and encourage greater cooperation between neighbouring and complementary markets.
This momentum shows that UK–Morocco relations are moving beyond conventional trade exchanges towards broader and more diversified partnerships. Morocco offers a strategic location, expanding infrastructure and access to African markets, while the United Kingdom contributes international expertise, capital and advanced business services. Gibraltar, given its proximity and commercial networks, can further support this growing economic corridor. 
