BUSINESS in Guernsey has to make its voice heard, says Commerce and Employment minister Stuart Falla. His closing remarks at the Institute of Directors’ annual debate – that he did not believe the island was open for more business – surprised some.

And yesterday Deputy Falla said it was clear to him the sector still needed to be louder to make sure things happened which suited it.

‘I laid down the challenge last night if the business community wanted the greater level of growth that they had to have their voice heard.

‘They have to make their case well. They can’t assume their voice will be heard if they whisper.’

Deputy Falla said the dialogue and pressure put on States members surrounding issues of health, education and phone masts were good examples of what the sector could do.

He said that the States aimed to keep a balance between social, environmental and economic programmes and it was business’s job to ensure that the focus was not concentrated on just social and environmental programmes.

‘I’m not making the case that you forget about the balance, but if there is not the focus, then there is a danger that the economic programme goes to the bottom of the pile.’

If business made its collective voice heard, States members would stand up and take notice, he said.

The population debate, in which the House voted in favour of keeping numbers at the present level, was an example, Deputy Falla said, where business had been silent and members voted against net inward migration of 200 a year.

However, he hoped that decision would be overturned by next July when the Government Business Plan was next debated.

Deputy Falla said one interesting point had been made during the debate when entrepreneur Tom Scott said Guernsey was open to business, but asked whether it was prepared to expand.

Deputy Falla said that while most of the IoD audience would prefer a 6% growth in real terms, most people in Guernsey would be comfortable with just a 3% leap, as the larger figure might involve a greater population and more housing.

‘The business community would like us to be aiming higher and if we are to aim higher then we must do something about housing licences and containment of population.’

Deputy Falla applauded how the IoD had managed the debate.

‘It was a well-managed piece of entertainment. It was kept vibrant and it was enjoyable to be part of it,’ he said.

‘There was a little disagreement but it was in good humour.’