Seigneur: Don’t miss out, now is the time to move to Sark
THE time is right to move to Sark or to form connections with the island, the Seigneur told local businessmen and woman at the latest Chamber lunch.
Christopher Beaumont was the guest speaker at the Chamber of Commerce lunch yesterday, speaking about life in Sark and its place on the world map.
‘It is said that Sark doesn’t change much, but some things are changing quickly, and some things are stuck, some have changed for the good and some for the worse.
‘We need to manage that change on Sark without changing the character and quintessential nature of the island,’ he said.
Speaking about what was new in the island, Mr Beaumont explained why businesses developing better links with Sark would benefit both sides.
‘We now host many events in Sark, from live music and opera to luncheons and barbecues.’
When the guest list exceeds 25 or 30 people, organisers look to Guernsey businesses, such as the catering company Sueco, for assistance.
‘[Sark] will need help marketing these opportunities and currently we are showing a modest, steady increase in visitor numbers.
‘Our visitors start in Guernsey so it is mutually beneficial for Guernsey to strengthen links with the island.’
Mr Beaumont said now was the time to see Sark as the perfect operating base.
‘Sark will help your business and your taxes – right now the concept of moving to Sark is too good to be true, but it will not last.
‘The island will fill up and it will be more expensive and more difficult to get in.’
Talking from his own experience of living on the ‘jewel next door’, Mr Beaumont outlined two ways the close community was unlike any other.
After hearing news about a friend diagnosed with prostate cancer, he decided to ring the doctor to get himself checked.
Within two-and-a-half-hours, he had been to an appointment and was called with the results of the test.
‘I’m not sure about Guernsey, but in the UK it might take you two weeks to get that appointment, and another week for the results,’ he said.
Another unrivalled perk of living in Sark meant replacement oil was delivered and up and running on the same afternoon that his AGA ran dry.
‘And that was on a Sunday, I might add,’ he said.
