This Is Guernsey

MANY business travellers chose to give London a miss on the day of the G20 summit.

Leaders of the world’s 20 most powerful countries will meet today at the Excel Centre, in the Docklands area near Canary Wharf, to discuss the global financial crisis.

Some businessmen on the first Gatwick flights today said they had taken advice before travelling.

AFM managing director Chris Leach 47, and colleague Matt Guille, 34, had a meeting arranged in Canary Wharf to discuss energy efficiency systems but were not sure they would get there.

‘This was arranged for us about two months ago and, if it was up to us, I think we would have cancelled,’ said Mr Leach. ‘In a way, it’s exciting.’

Both men were travelling without baggage as they were hoping to avoid security hold-ups but Mr Guille still suspected they would not get where they wanted to go.

Collas Day lawyer Paul Wilkes (pictured) said his work took him to the City about twice a month.

‘There’s been a bit of uncertainty over what sort of mayhem there might be and people have been told not to wear suits, but colleagues I have spoken to in London have told me it’s not as bad as it seems,’ he said.

Mr Wilkes had chosen not to dress down for his trip. ‘I can’t really see clients wearing a singlet and shorts.’

Trust company manager Michael Betley was unfazed. ‘I have still changed my plans, though, as the people I’m meeting said I should avoid London Bridge tube station,’ he said.

Rainer Buchmann, who works in finance and investments, said it was a day like any other. ‘If you let fear or intimidation control your life you have lost the plot anyway,’ he said.

Article posted on 2nd April, 2009 - 2.29pm