Hope, despite costs up and profits down - report

Businesses in Jersey have said while their costs are rising and profits are weakening, they are hopeful for the future.

The latest report by Statistics Jersey surveyed 500 businesses in the island, asking how they were feeling about their current state, based on the first quarter of 2026.

It revealed 41% of Jersey's finance companies saw an increase in staffing costs, and nearly half of non-finance companies in the island reported weak activity and a loss of profitability.

Among the 290 respondents, however, there was a general consensus that business activity over the next three months will increase across both finance and non-finance sectors.

The report also revealed that half of businesses found themselves affected by staff or skills shortages.

Statistics Jersey said the survey was conducted from March to early April, which coincided with the ongoing US-Iran war.

"As a result, some effects of these developments are likely to be reflected in respondents' views on current conditions and future expectations," the report said.

The survey, which was launched in 2009, includes feedback from chief executives and managing directors of private firms in Jersey.

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