2025 President’s Report
by
Andrew Eggleston
A look back over recent weeks may be an interesting place to start this year.
- Our AI Presentation proved a great success a few weeks ago. This was held at The Georgian and was led by Cam Cairnduff to an audience of about 30. With us all realising the absolute importance of AI for the future of all businesses, it is imperative that we understand its ability to help drive our economy forward.
- We assisted the States in last month’s debate in the Guernsey assembly on our Runway Rehabilitation when all three Amendments were passed with good majorities. Policy & Finance asked Chamber to produce a paper discussing the economic implications if the runway were not rebuilt – and if it were. It was surprising (worrying) to see that within Guernsey’s 72 pages report on the subject (by Policy 7 Resources), it had neglected economic impact. Our paper was emailed to every Deputy prior to the meeting and, we think, helped the cause by the reaction of some Deputies who replied directly to us.
- It is now so important for this Momentum to continue and expand. With Guernsey’s elections only next month, our States and Chamber must maintain a positive dialogue with their new States. Our runway must be rebuilt. We cannot and must not wait for an incident which could result in immediate closure by the CAA. Where then will our economy be?
- We are pleased that our runway will not be sucked into the mechanism of the soon-to-be-set-up Commission. On a somewhat cynical note, was the prime reason for our runway suddenly coming up the ladder of importance to allow Guernsey to bring about a debate of the 1948 Agreement? It is good to learn that this will not be the case and that Alderney will be on an equal footing with Guernsey when the Agreement debate does takes place. Our runway will be looked upon as a separate entity.
- A couple of weeks ago we met with the new CEO of Guernsey Post, Steve Sheridan at the Braye Beach. This has been on somewhat of an informal basis in the past with meetings on an annual basis to discuss the workings of Guernsey Post. We are now taking this to a more active level. The Alderney Post Board presently comprises Nigel Lawrence, Hillius Pretorius x2 (the largest user of our post office) and myself. We will be meeting on a more regular basis and by email with any queries, thoughts or problems that any of us in business may experience. If you would like to be involved in this, please let me know.
- Local resident Michael Turner-Samuel has just given a presentation to Council on the prospect of Wind Farms. This meeting was also attended by States Member Veronica Taylor. A fascinating evening which could now be extended as a wider presentation. Fuller information on this presentation is available.
- Some recent meetings – I have enjoyed a lengthy meeting with the Lieutenant Governor, Richard Cripwell, (a good friend of Alderney) who wanted to understand more of the workings of Chamber, our relationship with the States and the economy in general. This was followed by a comprehensive meeting with Gavin St Pier who also wanted to know more about our economy. This was his first visit to Alderney for 5 years having been a director of Alderney Electricity Ltd prior to him being a Guernsey Deputy. As we do with all new States Members, we invited Veronica Taylor for a general chat with Council – another good positive meeting.
Some ideas now to consider:-
- Fort Tourgis. What a waste for the island to witness it deteriorate as the years and decades roll past. We urge the States to take a grip on this to be able to offer it a future. Council considers putting it out as a competition to universities for students in their architectural and historical sections to submit ideas. The cost would be minimal and Alderney may end up with a workable proposal. What is there to lose?
- A Housing Group. We are aware the previous States had a States Housing Group but it was ineffective with few meetings. Hence we are looking to create a small working group to discuss this important topic. Please let us know if you may be interested in joining these discussions which would encompass lending for leasehold purchases (see item below), second homes, empty homes, unfinished homes, requirements for self-catering & long lets etc etc. This should be a very interesting group.
- Lending on Leasehold Properties. To help younger people to own their own homes on the island, it is imperative to all of us that a law is enabled to allow banks to lend on Leasehold Properties. At the lower end of the property market are flats – and all flats are leasehold. We can discuss this more fully at our forthcoming AGM (28th May 6.00pm at The Georgian)
Some of the year’s other topics:-
- Our second Careers Fair was another great success organised by head teacher Wendy Wilson along with Nicky Burland from our Council. This is now an annual event at the start of each year held at St. Anne’s School with all pupils joining in from Year 1 to year 11. The number of businesses who had their stalls just showed how popular this annual event has become.
- Chamber’s Hospitality Group meets regularly and includes hotels, guest houses, self-catering and camp site along with other business owners, interested States Members & Visit Alderney. Led by Council member Holly Chandler, these meetings are open forums to discuss all aspects of tourism and transport.
- The Post Office. There still remains an overriding wish for the Post Office to return to Victoria Street. This was discussed again at our recent meeting with Guernsey Post (as reported on earlier).
- Harbour Moorings. Following impetus primarily from the Hospitality Group, it was good to see that, until the end of May, yachts and all pleasure boats are being offered two nights fees for the price of one. We hope to revert to this towards the end of the season.
- Government Reform. This continues to be a source of interest to all. It nearly gained its first proposal in last July’s Billet but was rejected by some members of the States. Another discussion for our AGM?
And most importantly…………………………
An enormous thank you to The Council. Our Constitution allows for only 6 and the Treasurer. We are able to co-opt but our core body does its utmost to be as pro-active as is possible. We are all obviously in business and time seems to get shorter each year as regulations, compliance, due diligence etc comes ever more to the fore. We are an unpaid group meeting after work as often as we can. Yes, we can ‘meet’ via Email, WhatsApp, Zoom, Teams etc – but nothing beats face to face conversation and debate.
And finally………..
A great and heartfelt thanks to Nigel Lawrence, my Vice President and confidante for many years, who has worked tirelessly in the background for the good of Chamber. Nigel is retiring through ill health.
ends
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