Friday 8th November 2024
The Jersey Chamber Weekly Update
Dear Subscriber,
Well, what a week!
Ferry stuff. It's complicated. Would a Channel Island service be better for the islands and either ferry operator? Well yes, but then hasn't that ship sailed? Will we ever get back to that - certainly not right now.
De-escalation to reach a CI service would take some mighty big rolling back and parked/bruised egos too. Dare I say it, Guernsey would need to reconsider their announcement which is unlikely and then Jersey would need to trust in a new CI tender process, which would have to start with Condor agreeing to a seven-month extension. Why am I playing this scenario out? See the question above in bold. Is it sufficient to say 'well they've made their mind up, so we are going solo'?
Frankly, it looks like the unlikeliest of options. Right now, Jersey is focused on having its own NEW tender process and consideration needs to be given as whether either island think they can make their possible single-operator services sustainable.
I assume at some point we will need that difficult conversation on where an inter-island service might fit in. All credit to the Minister for not being bounced into an agreement he is not convinced by. No doubt next week will bring more twists and turns. Chamber has been fully engaged daily with our Minister and Chief Minister and will continue to do so, not via the headline writers.
Now, despite the C&AG recommendations of 2013 on procurement and the revisiting of this in 2023, somehow, we and the C&AG are still not clear that much has changed in those 11 years.
A Chamber survey found that 89% of respondents were dissatisfied. In short, the complexity and length of the process, coupled with a lack of transparency and poor communication, are the primary reasons for this discontent. According to the survey results, these issues often act as barriers rather than enablers for local businesses, making it difficult for smaller enterprises to compete effectively.
Finally, as nominees and supporters put on their glad rags for the IoD Awards night, we send good luck wishes to everyone. An especially big shout out to the business teams, families and partners who enable, compromise and endure the hours spent by those who are shortlisted. Perhaps we need awards for them?
Happy weekend all.
Murray, Flori, Daisy and Lauren, The Chamber Team
