Merger of promotional agencies 'an obvious fit'
GUERNSEY'S States-funded promotional agencies could come together under one roof through plans being considered by Economic Development.
Bodies including Guernsey Finance, Locate Guernsey and VisitGuernsey could be merged if the committee identifies efficiencies and extra opportunities in the move.
Locate Guernsey has a team of four full-time staff and a contract worker, while Guernsey Finance employs about 14 people at its base in Rue du Pre, St Peter Port.
The other two agencies are both based in States offices at Raymond Falla House, Burnt Lane, St Martin's.
The investigation was broadly welcomed by panellists at the Institute of Directors' mid-term debate, with some concerns about the development of what Carey Olsen partner Tom Carey warned could become 'quango-itis'.
Deputy Lyndon Trott, chairman of Guernsey Finance, said that he believed Guernsey Finance and Locate Guernsey were 'an obvious fit'.
'Whether VisitGuernsey would work as well is one of the objectives of the review,' he said.
'There is an argument in favour of critical mass for an agency, particularly if the skills of your people are complementary, and the existing view suggests that they are. It's something we've been thinking about for a while and it's all about getting the best bang for your buck.'
