Chamber met for its monthly full Council meeting on 19th August 2025 in the Walpole Room of The Georgian.
Below is a brief roundup of the topics and discussions that took place.

Please come back to us with any thoughts you may have that impact business in any way – whether positive or negative, and we shall take them on board.

📊 General Business Updates

🏡 Leasehold & Housing

– Work continues on leasehold issues and housing needs.
– Chamber paper on the economy to be distributed to States Members and CEO shortly.
– Emphasis on affordable housing and rental options to attract professionals.

💷 Tax Cap Removal

– The £50k tax cap expires in December.
– From 2026, only new purchases will be eligible.
– Chamber to submit comments to ensure competitiveness.

🛎️ Tourism & Hospitality

– Excellent summer results due to stronger transport links, vibrant local businesses, and great weather.
– Plans underway to boost autumn/winter visitors with promotional videos.
– Harbour working group in progress to improve visitor experience.

🤝 Connecting with Jersey & Guernsey

– Plans to strengthen ties with sister Chambers.
– Quarterly exchanges and collaborative events being considered.

🛩️ Air Transport

– Additional Aurigny flights well received with good fares.
– Twin Otter service subsidised by the States.
– Chamber raising questions about baggage, freight, pets, and medivac provision once the Twin Otters take over from the Dorniers in November.

🌍 Renewable Energy

– Exploring opportunities including wind power as a private investment.
– Chamber remains committed to sustainability and innovation.

🤝 Meeting with Chief Minister Lindsay de Sausmarez

– Positive and collaborative meeting with Lindsay de Sausmarez and Steve Falla who also sits on Policy & Resources.
– Topics discussed: leaseholds, tax caps, second homes, derelict buildings, energy, GST Plus.
– Chamber now has valuable links into Guernsey via Steve Falla and Amy.
– President Andrew Eggleston described the meeting as ‘a breath of fresh air’.

📢 Members’ News & Notices

🚢 Alderney Shipping – Christmas & New Year Schedule

– Alderney Shipping will run their winter schedule from 2nd December.
– Ensures regular festive season service between Alderney and Guernsey.
– A reliable link for residents, businesses, and even Santa’s supply chain!

🎉 Events & Engagement

**Summer Drinks Party**
– The party at The Georgian went very well with 50 attending.  It made for a good networking evening and we were pleased to have two States Members joining us. After a rainy start the party later spilled out to the garden bar in the evening sunshine.

**Meetings Ahead**
– Next Chamber Council meeting: 16th September 2025, Walpole Room.

🌟 Closing Note

We’re riding the wave of a strong tourism season, better connectivity, and fresh collaboration opportunities. Yes, challenges around housing, transport, and sustainability persist—but the Chamber is actively navigating them, and progress is real.

  Alderney Chamber of Commerce