INSTITUTE of Directors members have called for improved pan-island co-operation.

In a survey of 100 respondents, 90% said they would support better co-operation at government, commercial and business level between the islands.

IoD Guernsey branch member Mark Palfrey said that the IoD was confident that Channel Island co-operation was not just a pipe dream and could be achieved.

‘With the current global financial crisis and the pressure on States departments to cut spending, there has never been a more appropriate time to pool resources and capitalise on economies of scale in the procurement of goods and services in both sectors,’ he said.

Despite this positive support from members, the survey revealed doubt over whether such action would actually happen.

Only 28% thought there was sufficient political will to achieve pan-island co-operation.

A number of reasons were expressed about why past efforts had failed.

Overwhelmingly, members felt that each island wished to maintain control and that an inter-island suspicion prevailed.

As many as 65% of members felt the idea had never been fully explored.

Andrew Lewis, of the IoD Jersey branch, said the survey highlighted priority areas that needed to be addressed.

‘We have formed our own working group with members from both islands and we intend to assist in improving the working relationships to the mutual benefit of all Channel Islanders.

‘We very much hope that the institute’s efforts can be replicated by our States members in driving efficiencies through co-operation.’