GuernseyFinance chief executive Peter Niven holds the award presented by Brian Blessed, left. On the right is Step vice-president Michael Cadesky. (0643365)

TWO accolades have portrayed Guernsey in a positive light amid the doom and gloom of the economic slump, according to GuernseyFinance chief executive Peter Niven.  Last week the island was praised in a special Financial Times report and was also named international finance centre of the year at the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners private client awards.

Mr Niven said it would enhance Guernsey’s reputation as a stable financial environment and help to keep the industry in pole position while times were tough.

‘We’re fortunate that while we are concerned about what’s going on around us, we are to a large extent sheltered. When it comes to disasters like the collapse of Lehman Brothers in the States, we’re not affected because they don’t employ anyone here.

‘It’s good to know that while the whole world seems to be falling apart around our ears, positive messages are being projected about Guernsey.’