Friday 27th September 2024
The Jersey Chamber Weekly Update
Dear Subscriber,
This week
I think I've done a lot of talking this week. I'll leave a space here for the many who will say ''nothing new there Murray'' Fair cop, I talk too much!
Sometimes it's good to talk ( a classic Bob Hoskins saying for the 'oldies' among us).
We talked ferry tenders with the Economy team and Minister. Clearly not in detail obviously, more around getting a definitive timeline on the tender completion. We received a ballpark 'sometime soon… in the next month… it's ready when it's ready', type answer. This will be cold comfort for those confirmed or potential customers awaiting the ferry schedules to book their travel for 2025.
We mostly expressed how important having a fast ferry is. We have received no assurance that there will be one - or otherwise, and a warning that fast ferries will not be a long-term thing anyway, as climate change is going to make bigger waves more often, and fast ferries as we know, are not good with big waves. So, if your business relies on customers who use a fast ferry… you might well be concerned.
We did receive reassurance that the tender process was a difficult process and that nothing has been decided yet. We were instructed to tell those who are setting rumors running and expressing concerns, to stop. So, consider yourself told!
Some clarity on what a 'support package for employers' will mean should be announced in a few weeks and the Chamber is already planning an event to deliver this.
More constructively, we had a positive discussion with several speakers and panelists, over whether Jersey should have a University and whether it is the sum of its parts? A newly formed Higher Education Advisory Board is now plotting on how to glue those parts together. There would appear to be a plan, with some healthy dialogue and excellent people working together. We like and positively encourage this kind of talking.
Sometimes there isn't much to say. The Chamber Lunch with the Minister of Treasury & Resources packed the room to capacity to hear of the budget plans. To be fair, it's a sensible, steady as you go, not too exciting budget, based on cautiously saving and planning for tougher times. The Q&A was a quiet affair. I honestly think many felt there was little to say.
The December 2023 Population Report came out this week and is stacked with talking points. A rise in those aged over 64, a drop in those aged under 16, a drop of over 1200 Europeans relocating to the Island and a rise of over 2000 from the rest of the world. The Report also told us that, without migration since 2012, our population would have dropped by over 2750. With a very low birth rate and aging population, Jersey will need a few more conversations and we’ll be helping facilitate them.
Anyway, that’s enough talking for one week, enjoy your weekend.
