This Is Guernsey

GUERNSEY has become the central hub for all Virgin Games online gaming services.

The company moved to Guernsey last year and took on four people, according to Virgin Games chief executive Simon Burridge (pictured).

‘We started as a marketing operation, which meant we had to outsource all operations except marketing,’ he said.

That has now changed and the company has centralised its casino, poker and bingo services in the island.

Making all the operations in-house had always been the intention when moving to Guernsey, according to Mr Burridge.

He said he was pleased with how the company was operating here.

‘It is a lovely place. It has fantastic infrastructure and we wanted to employ people with financial experience. It is also close to the UK and we are regulated nearby in Alderney.’

He said he could definitely see more online companies moving to the island.

‘I think other companies could follow us. It is a very supportive environment to operate in and you are likely to find more people coming here.’

Commerce and Employment minister Carla McNulty Bauer was pleased Virgin was impressed with the efforts the department had made to facilitate its business move to the island.

‘It is good to get such positive feedback,’ she said.

‘It is also important to acknowledge the role played by other States departments in making sure companies and individuals considering relocation are provided with accurate information and efficient service.

‘This is a good example of joined-up government.

‘From a reputation point of view, this kind of accolade can only help to convey to other professional companies with similar business strategies that Guernsey is open for new business.

‘In turn, this will help to ensure continued diversification of the Guernsey economy and should also help provide new and varied job opportunities for Guernsey residents.’Others could follow us, says Virgin Games chief executive

Article posted on 9th June, 2009 - 2.29pm