This Is Guernsey

By Tom Edwards

BUSINESS organisations and the States must learn to communicate more efficiently in future. That was the message from NP Group chief executive Tony Gallienne and Chamber of Commerce president Mark Trenchard.

They also stressed that local industries must remain adaptable in order to thrive in the ever-changing global economic environment.

Speaking about his book, Guernsey in the 21st Century, at a Chamber lunch, Mr Gallienne said current practices needed to be improved upon.

‘I would like to see us work as a community of politicians, civil servants and business people to focus on how to get the best out of our resources,’ he said.

‘There could be more co-operation between the States and the finance industry. I think we have been poor in the past in coming together and working to improve our relationship.

‘The Chamber, the CGi, GIBA and the IoD can all work in a better way with the States to increase efficiency with a view to achieving more together in the future.’

Mr Trenchard agreed that there was undoubtedly the potential to do more.

‘I do think Chamber and other bodies have a responsibility to keep an open dialogue going with government,’ he said.

‘We are all trying hard at the moment to work together by meeting regularly and speaking as a collective voice when that’s appropriate.

‘We know that our politicians are extremely busy, but the development must come from both sides.’

Responding to questions from Orchard PR managing director Steve Falla, Mr Gallienne said Guernsey faced a number of challenges if it wanted to retain its autonomy in an increasingly global environment.

‘We must conform to international regulations and also forge a way of not always going through Whitehall to get to the rest of the world,’ he said.

‘The international community is far more integrated than before, but at the same time it’s a matter of maintaining our autonomy if we want to keep the lifestyles we have become accustomed to.’

The secret of Guernsey’s success had been its ability to adapt to changing trends in industry throughout the centuries, Mr Gallienne added.

‘At each point in history the island has grabbed opportunities when they come along.

‘Whether it’s wine merchants, shipbuilding in the 19th century, horticulture, tourism and now the finance industry.

‘Joining Europe, high interest rates, high inflation and increased competition killed off the tomato-growing industry by the end of the 70s.

‘That’s what one has to accept about the nature of economics. Historically, industries come

and go and there is no reason

why that should not be the fate of the finance industry at some point.

‘It’s a matter of ensuring that we continue the entrepreneurial spirit which got us where we are today by reacting to changes in the future.’

Mr Trenchard said he believed that Guernsey had the resources and talent to remain adaptable.

‘I have no doubt that at some point the finance industry will change, but Guernsey’s strength lies in its adaptability,’ he said.

‘We are small enough and we have the people who are good enough to overcome almost anything.

‘I don’t know what is around the corner, but I can’t wait to find out.’