Guernsey outperforming Jersey, says Co-op chief

GUERNSEY is riding the recession more successfully than Jersey – and that success is being felt at the Channel Islands Co-op.

Its chief executive officer, Colin Macleod, is handily placed to comment on the consumer habits of both islands and he said that Guernsey appears to be doing better.

'Our sales are more buoyant in Guernsey at present,' said Mr Macleod, pictured, who is marking one year in the top job at the society.

'GST in Jersey is a factor and competition there is more intense.

'But times also seem harder in Jersey and there are a number of reasons for that. GST is eroding disposable incomes and Jersey has been very good at talking itself down – the messages have all been about public sector job cuts and other crises and some of that has rubbed off on the consumer.'