About Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses (GFSB)
Founded in 1997, the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses (GFSB) is a non-profit organization committed to helping members start, grow, and thrive in business. As the voice of Gibraltar’s private sector, it lobbies government on behalf of small business interests, covering everything from taxation and regulation to broader economic policy
The federation is run by an elected, unpaid board of people from across local industries, keeping it accountable and closely connected to the business community it serves. Members tap into a full program of networking events, training workshops, and Thrive magazine, all crafted to spark knowledge-sharing and support business growth.
To learn more about how GFSB modernized how it manages membership, events, and payments, we spoke with Kim Chang, business manager, about the difference an all-in-one system has made.
Challenges with Legacy Systems & Manual Processes
The first thing we ask our clients is about their existing systems and where they feel the gaps are.
Before Glue Up, GFSB managed membership, communications, events, and community activity through spreadsheets, email lists, and manual processes. Staff sent newsletters, organized events, and kept in touch by phone or in person, but lacked a central digital workflow.
Event registration required separate tracking, which slowed planning and made it harder to follow attendance. Similarly, fee payments went through manual steps, creating more work for staff and fewer options for members.
Community engagement also fell short because conversations stayed scattered across emails instead of living in one place.
In short, the system forced staff to juggle too many tools, making it difficult to keep records accurate, communicate consistently, and deliver the member experience they wanted.
Why GFSB Chose Our All-in-One Membership Software
GFSB knew it was time for a change and was already up to speed on what they needed to narrow their search. The team wanted a single platform to manage membership records, automate payments, simplify event registration, and give members a proper community space.
Glue Up stood out because it offered all these features in one system.
Launching the Platform and Onboarding Members
One of the most difficult aspects of transitioning to a new platform is getting members to embrace change. GFSB tackled this head-on by being proactive and transparent, notifying every member in advance and giving them clear instructions on accessing the new system.
The platform officially launched in September 2024. From the start, members could log in, explore features, and immediately benefit from online event registration, direct fee payments, and access to exclusive resources. Community spaces added a dedicated hub for collaboration and discussion, replacing scattered email threads.
For staff, the difference was immediate. Centralized dashboards, automated payment reminders, and self-registration cut down on manual tasks, freeing time to focus on advocacy and training initiatives instead of chasing paperwork.
Kim noted that adoption came quickly, with members becoming more proactive and engaged as they saw how simple the new system was.
Key Benefits and Favorite Features
The true value of any platform shows up in the day-to-day improvements that matter most to staff and members. GFSB highlighted several areas where the change has been most impactful:
Office Efficiency and Reduced Workload
Staff no longer spend hours chasing spreadsheets or manual processes. Automated payment reminders, online invoicing, and centralized dashboards save time and cut down on repetitive tasks.
Better Event Registration and Tracking
Event management moved from separate lists and emails into a streamlined process. Members can now register online, pay fees instantly, and staff can track attendance in real time.
Improved Member Engagement
Community forums and the dedicated GFSB mobile app allow members to collaborate, share resources, and stay informed through their phones. Meanwhile, self-registration and account management put members in control and improves satisfaction with fewer support requests.
Learn more about the My Glue App here.
Looking Ahead: Building on the Momentum
With our all-in-one membership software, GFSB is already planning how to expand its use. Kim and the team see opportunities to move beyond membership management and payments into advocacy campaigns, training programs, and business engagement initiatives.
Event campaigns are a particular focus. GFSB wants to reach members faster, increase participation, and strengthen its role as a hub for small business networking in Gibraltar with timely updates and event networking opportunities.
Want to Improve Your Operations?
When asked if they’d recommend the platform, Kim didn’t hesitate:
“The simplicity of the platform, the zero extra cost to members, and the gains in efficiency and engagement make it an obvious choice. Switching to Glue Up has been transformational for us.”
So, whether you’re a trade association, chamber, or business federation, an all-in-one membership platform like Glue Up can help you save time and strengthen member connections. From automated billing to event campaigns and community spaces, you get the tools you need to centralize most, if not all, of your workflow in one place.
