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Channel Islands business groups pledge closer collaboration

The Chambers of Commerce in Guernsey and Jersey have pledged to work more closely together.

Left to right, Jersey Chamber of Commerce chief executive Murray Norton, and president Lee Madden, with Guernsey Chamber president Stephen Rouxel and executive director Alice Gill
Left to right, Jersey Chamber of Commerce chief executive Murray Norton, and president Lee Madden, with Guernsey Chamber president Stephen Rouxel and executive director Alice Gill / Picture supplied

The move follows the announcement of a Channel Islands Cooperation event in Jersey next month and supports Jersey Chamber’s new strategy where Channel Islands collaboration has been identified as a priority.

The two Chambers said that by aligning on business priorities and policy engagement, they would aim to present a more coherent and influential voice to policymakers, helping to reduce barriers, improve connectivity, and unlock growth for businesses operating across the islands.

The ambition, they said, was to work together on shared challenges and opportunities where joint action can deliver stronger outcomes than working in silos.

‘The more we talk about this collaboration, the more positive the feedback becomes. It’s a great initiative with real, tangible benefits for our members, and it shines a light for our respective leaders on the value of being better together,’ said Jersey Chamber president Lee Madden.

‘By combining our efforts, we can unlock opportunities, reduce friction for businesses, and help the Channel Islands stay competitive and connected.’

Guernsey Chamber president Stephen Rouxel said that there was a focus on practical action.

‘Many of the challenges facing businesses do not stop at our island borders, and neither should our thinking,’ he said.

‘We know that many of our members already look to the other island as a natural next step for business growth, and this collaboration is about actively supporting them to seize those opportunities with greater confidence and fewer barriers. By working more closely with Jersey, we can be more influential, more effective, and more ambitious in how we support businesses and shape the economic future of the Channel Islands.’

Early priorities have been set on connectivity, including air and sea links, engaging with ferry operators on freight and rotation models and promoting more regular and reliable movements for commerce, leisure and sport.

The joint cooperation breakfast briefing event takes place in Jersey on 10 February, with Jersey’s Economic Development minister Kirsten Morel alongside Mark Cox from the Channel Islands Coop.

And the Chambers said they would have a united voice on key policy areas where inter-island alignment was relevant.

‘This collaboration represents a significant step forward for the Channel Islands business community,’ they said.

‘By uniting the strengths of both Chambers, members will benefit from an expanded network, more dynamic and relevant events, and a more coordinated approach to tackling shared challenges.

‘Most importantly, the partnership sends a clear signal of intent – both Chambers are committed to pragmatic leadership that supports businesses not just to adapt, but to thrive in a rapidly changing economic environment.’

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