THE Young Business Group’s membership has grown rapidly in recent months and it is looking for more recruits from across all the island’s business sectors. Matthew Polson, managing director of local consultancy company Integrated Skills, has been elected as the YBG’s new president. Martine Ellis, head of the new business and compliance unit at Marlborough Trust, is the new vice-president.

The pair will lead a 12-member council that has over the past five years become increasingly active and closely involved in island-wide business and community projects.

‘I’m very keen to see the YBG’s position as a respected organisation further enhanced,’ said Mr Polson.

It currently has up to 80 members.

‘One of the best things we have got going for us is that we have such a strong team of professionals with lots of energy. We would certainly like to get more recruits on board across all sectors,’ he said.

‘Our strength is not just around the finance sector – we want people representing all business sectors.’

It is looking to concentrate on commercial work and increasing its link with the Chamber of Commerce and feeding the views of the young business community.

‘Our main aims are to raise our profile and input into commercial business issues on the island,’ said Mr Polson.

The group already carries out an annual business trends survey on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and this year has attracted a record response, with the results due to be released shortly. It also produces the Guide to Buying a Home in Guernsey.

‘The new council plans to build on these foundations and undertake other projects that will also make a useful contribution to island life,’ said Mr Polson.

‘The YBG is well into its fifth decade and is a successful Guernsey institution because so many young professionals are prepared to dedicate their time and expertise just to give something back to the island. We enjoy doing so and we plan to continue the good work started by my predecessors.’

It will be looking to address problems and challenges such as those faced by a young person starting and running a small business, which can present big hurdles.

‘It’s about finding suitable and affordable premises and there can be massive insurance implications for some companies, depending on the line of business,’ said Mr Polson.

‘These are all things the States could help to address.

‘We will also look at what comes out of the shake-up of the new government and perhaps come up with a paper,’ said Mr Polson.

He was delighted that some younger candidates had been elected to the States and the YBG will be looking to work closely with them on some issues.

‘Through the YBG and chamber, people are feeding into the political process. By us getting more people involved from the business side of things, hopefully in two or three elections’ time, some of the members we have will make very good candidates.’

As well as work undertaken by YBG members on corporate and professional projects, the group also has a busy social programme. Members recently staged the popular ‘Bollywood Ball’ at Beau Sejour, which was attended by more than 400 people and raised in excess of £2,000 for the charity Help a Guernsey Child.

The YBG also organises the Christmas parade, at which the Town lights are switched on, and each month meets for lunch with a guest speaker.

But there have been many changes in recent years, including the health and safety and insurance risks involved in putting up the lights – the group must be wary of facing litigation if they were to fall on anybody.

‘It’s difficult to find the resources to put them up and we will look at alternative options to ensure they are put up,’ said Mr Polson.

Discussions are continuing with Festive Decor.

Funding for the Christmas lights comes from Town traders’ contributions and the YBG will be seeking to ensure there is sufficient money this year.

The group is currently looking to draw up a list of topical speakers for its monthly meetings.

Its council has been boosted by two new members – Ned Meinke, of International Law Systems, and James Menhenitt, of accountants Chandlers.

* The YBG is always looking for new recruits – membership packs are available from Martine Ellis on 713100.