MeesPierson is backing Guernsey

MEESPIERSON READS has appointed four new members to the management board - marking a period of renewal. 'The next few years will be a time of great change for the company as we adapt to our new environment at Martello Court,' said managing director Michael Ayre.

He is seeking to encourage the recently re-energised parent group, Fortis, to boost its involvement in Guernsey on the back of competitiveness reform.

'I am saying we are doing X and Y in Guernsey, but that we could be doing X, Y and Z,' he said. 'We want them to further take advantage of the opportunities that Guernsey offers.'

Mr Ayre, who has worked in Guernsey for more than 18 years, is confident that new policies to maintain the island's competitiveness are sound.

'I think they are very positive as long as it is ?zero-10? and not ?zero-20?.'

The tax-reform proposals aim to reduce Guernsey companies' rates to 0%, other than certain regulated financial institutions, which will pay 10%.

Mr Ayre said that the finance industry and States both had their part to play in tackling fiscal difficulties.

'The States are competent and we have every confidence we'll be okay.'

The four new members reflect a stronger emphasis on banking for the group.

'In recognition of this, I am appointing two senior banking team members to the management board.'

Graham Thoume, who has 20 years' experience in offshore banking, becomes head of banking.

Paul Martin, with 20 years' experience in the private banking and trust sector, becomes responsible for banking operations.

Mick Cahill, who joined the group in 1987, has been responsible for a multinational client base. He has been apponted head of trust and corporate services.

Rick Denton will become head of business development and marketing.

He joined the firm in 2004 and has a number of years' experience in developing and enhancing ultra-high net worth client relationships.

Apart from the new appointments to the board, the company is also busy putting in place the upgrade of its e-banking service, giving clients a chance to view their accounts on a live intra-day basis.

'It's all about giving real-time access, especially for our institutional clients,' said Mr Ayre.

'It saves them ringing in and trying to get hold of someone.'

A dedicated Newcastle United fan and former Vale Rec player, Mr Ayre praises the contribution to MeesPierson Reads made by sportspeople at the club.

Ann Bowditch is 2004 British hill-climb champion in cycling, Lianna Bichard won the British Isles bowls pairs in February and Dale Garland won a silver medal for Great Britain in the 4x400m relay in the European Indoor Championships in Madrid.

'I think there is a general sporting flavour at the company,' he said. 'People who excel at sport are driven - they are achievers.'

The company employs about 220 staff and has recently moved to Admiral Park, bringing together two offices formerly at Commerce House and Bordage House.