A Chamber of Commerce gala dinner was held on Friday at Beau Sejour to celebrate the Chamber’s 200th year. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0675111)

THE optimism of businesses in Guernsey has impressed the director general of the British Chambers of Commerce.

Economist David Frost was in the island at the weekend as part of the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce’s 200th anniversary celebrations, which included a gala dinner at St James on Friday night sponsored by RBS International, Lombard and Bucktrout & Co. and attended by 400 guests.

Mr Frost said the vibe he picked up in Guernsey was completely different from that of the UK. ‘The picture that has been portrayed to me is a very resilient economy and it seems to be faring far better than the UK. That’s on the basis that it is a far more diverse economy with many more small businesses and companies performing well.

‘This is a significant change from when I left the UK earlier. It’s far more positive here.’

Before attending the gala dinner he went on a tour of three Guernsey businesses, Specsavers, Monarch Vulcanising Systems and Create. ‘It was very interesting to see three different businesses of three different sectors and different sizes. It was very impressive and left me with the impression of a very dynamic environment.’

He said the local organisation reaching its 200th birthday should not be underestimated.