Guernsey Press

Need for business travel will increase once UK staff head back to the office

BUSINESS groups have said that travel restrictions are not having a detrimental impact at the moment, but changes could be needed as the situation develops.

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Guernsey International Business Association chairman Tony Mancini.(28575989)

‘Currently, because many of our clients and colleagues in the UK are still working from home, the reduced flight and ferry services are unlikely to have a detrimental impact on business travel,’ said Guernsey International Business Association chairman Tony Mancini.

‘However, as that situation changes, we will need more travel options to remain competitive.’

Feedback is being sought on travel restrictions by Giba, the Guernsey branch of the Institute of Directors, and the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce.

Members are being asked for their opinions on business travel in a four-question survey which is open until at least 21 August.

It comes as some travellers, from Monday, could enjoy a reduced self-isolation period – depending on where they have travelled from.

Guernsey IoD chairman John Clacy said: ‘Whilst it is positive to see the self-isolation period reduced, the current arrangements do not facilitate the type of trips necessary for business development or other business meetings.’

The need to travel to sustain business was also limited for now while UK and European offices remain closed.

‘But as this changes, the need for business development travel will become more pressing.

‘The global nature of Guernsey’s businesses often requires people to travel to the UK – and elsewhere – to market, network and generally build pipelines of new business.’

Referring to the survey, he urged people to complete it ‘so we can share members’ needs as the Civil Contingencies Authority develops Phase 5c and builds the resources needed to enable travellers to enter the island with very limited or no self-isolation’.

. Visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9HLRPUB to complete the survey.