Friday 14th February 2025
The Jersey Chamber Weekly Update
Dear Subscriber,
Hearts and Flowers
It's not often, but the odd burst of positivity is something we should welcome and celebrate.
The Chamber Lunch this week, served an unexpected portion of positive news from the normally 'walking through treacle' world of Planning. Deputy Steve Luce outlined the hugely improved stats on planning approvals, time turnaround and reductions in some regulations.
House prices have fallen, and (depending on where you are in the housing market) it will be of good news to many.
Then we hear we might get ferry passengers from Guernsey this summer. This too is good news, and much needed support for those inter-island sports clubs (well those playing between June & September at least) and of course inter-island tourism too. I'm certain the retail and hospitality sectors will welcome a Guernsey pound or two.
And finally Paris! From the 22nd May onwards until the end of October. Funded by the route development money from the BBSP by the way - you know the £10m per year govt is putting in as investment in the economy. I do hope it lands us some Parisians seeking an island break or getting a business route direct, plus we have another global airport hub connected to Jersey!
We can all find stuff to point at and whine about (and boy are there some negative whiney writers about). But just for a moment, consider that £20 millions of public money has been committed to projects that will support various sectors under pressure. Which is kind of what they asked for. That £20 millions is about double the cost of the COVID preloaded cards we all received, and we went all warm and fuzzy over that.
So in a world where it is often to easy to gripe at how terrible it all is, we end the week with positive vibes and hearts and flowers.
Next week we might be talking about the impacts on the future cost of freight, so normal service will likely be resumed!
But until then, have a lovely weekend.
Murray,
