Rennes air link one of main objectives for new group
AIR LINKS with Rennes would be of great value to Guernsey post-Brexit, according to the representatives of a recently-formed group who were in Guernsey yesterday.
And during the visit of the delegation representing the TransManche Development Group, Guernsey was confirmed as its newest addition.
The group is an initiative of the Franco-British Chamber of Commerce and the three representatives who were invited to the island by the local chamber were Franco-British Chamber of Commerce co-ordinator Brian Murphy and, from the Ille-Et-Vilaine chamber, director Bertrand Gervais and Elaine Loeillet.
Mr Gervais said TransManche was a forum where people could meet others with similar goals and share information in a similar environment.
‘We have three objectives,’ he said. ‘To improve air links between the island and the Continent, to improve sea links and maybe to ensure the island can be represented in Rennes.’
The trip also saw the trio establishing connections with local industry groups, meeting representatives of the Institute of Directors, Confederation of Guernsey Industry, Skills Guernsey and the Digital Greenhouse.
Mr Murphy said that at the moment there were no direct flights between Guernsey and France.
‘More than ever before in your recent history an improved way in and out of the EU has to be a priority,’ he said. ‘We feel the way to do it is to fly into and out of Rennes.’
The airport has a high-speed rail link to St Malo and Paris, he said, and hinted that a link between Rennes, the island and Exeter would be a good idea since Rennes and Exeter universities have close links.
TransManche is also looking to work with the hospitality industries in Guernsey and Jersey to bring over interns from the Rennes School of Business to work for six months, four of which would be paid, which would be attractive to the students since in France such internships are unpaid.
Mr Murphy said the school could also be of interest to islanders who wished to take a business qualification, since all of its courses are given in English.
. Anyone who thinks they could make use of a Guernsey-Rennes air link is invited to let the local Chamber of Commerce know by contacting them at their offices in the Town Market Inner Street, phone 727483 or email membership@guernseychamber.com.
