BUSINESS representatives believe the States’ backing for zero-10 is good for both the finance and non-finance sectors. Last week the House voted in favour of the Policy Council’s tax package with two amendments, but rejected the Parkinson alternative.

Ian Kirk, the Institute of Directors Guernsey branch chairman, said it was pleased with the outcome.

‘We believe it is the best solution for both finance and non-finance businesses, the directors of which we represent, and their employees,’ he said.

Mr Kirk added there had been good debate on both sides.

‘The States has made its decision and it is now time for all involved to ﾓwipe their swordsﾔ, draw a line under the issue and move on to the task of maintaining and improving the prosperity of the island and its inhabitants,’ he said.

‘It is important that having made the decision we do not send out the message that it is zero-10 today, but could be something else tomorrow.’

Both local business and international investors considering Guernsey need to have certainty when making medium- and long-term decisions, he said.

Mr Kirk added that one question, which did not require an answer today, was how could the finance industry better educate some sections of the community on its benefits to the island?

‘There did seem to be in some quarters an undue focus on negative aspects,’ he said.

Guernsey International Business Association chairman Bob Moore also welcomed the vote.

‘We believe that the package which was voted through by the States last week does create the competitive environment to be supportive for business growth, both in the non-finance sector and the finance sector,’ he said.

‘It’s a good platform for the island’s health in the medium and long term.’

He added that it was important that certainty was created.

‘The package which has been approved does have the ingredients of the competitive environment we believe is really important for the future. From that point of view, it gives the business confidence that we think the different sectors of the economy were hoping would come forward.’