THE new man at the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce wants more than most to see business in the island and Town prosper – he is also a St Peter Port douzenier and constable. Barry Cash, 59, began in his new role as Chamber director on 20 August, but has served on the St Peter Port douzaine for more than two years.

‘I can’t see why the two roles would not benefit from each other,’ said Mr Cash.

‘There are a lot of similarities between them because both positions are keen to see the coordination of business in St Peter Port and throughout the rest of the island.

‘We both want a profitable Town and to see that any development which takes place is sympathetic to the area and does not hinder free trade.’

After a career in the forces, during which he was posted to Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Mr Cash took a senior role with Parcelforce for two years and was CEO of the British Forces Post Office before becoming a management consultant in Guernsey, where he has acted as ‘company doctor’ to a number of organisations.

As full-time director at the Chamber he will support the president, the executive committee and council of Chamber in setting the agenda for the prominent local business group.

Mr Cash said it was still early days for him in his new role but he had so far liked what he had experienced.

‘The job is more diverse than I thought it would be and I see it as a tremendous opportunity to develop the commerce on the island.

‘We review all the Billets and are involved in a number of consultations with the States.

‘We can feed back to government the business viewpoint about any legislation they are considering implementing.’

There was a lot that people did not know about the support the group gave to commerce and industry.

‘It’s the link for people who are doing business in Guernsey and wish to export their products overseas. We are vital in that process as well as those who are overseas and want to come to us.

‘We are the conduit between them, the island and the States.’

Chamber president Mark Trenchard paid tribute to the work of Mike Collins, who will retire as Chamber director later this year, and welcomed Mr Cash.

‘As Chamber approaches its 200th anniversary and moves into a new phase of interaction with its members and consultation on key business issues, we are delighted to appoint someone with Barry’s leadership and organisational ability.’