New group aims to grow island's economy

A new group has been formed to grow Jersey's economy.

Officials said the economic growth group would oversee action across government departments, support key industries, attract investment, reduce red tape for businesses and help tackle inflationary pressures.

The chief minister said deputy Gerald Voisin would lead the group, which would meet each month. Senator Lyndon Farnham said: "We've seen the financial professional services industry growing considerably, but we've seen much smaller growth than the rest of the local economy.

"I've asked Gerald Voisin and his team to address that and bring forward plans that will encourage growth right across the local economy and every part of it."

Speaking at a Chamber of Commerce lunch, Farnham said the programme would be a priority for the government to safeguard and grow the island's financial and professional services sector.

"It has focused on keeping Jersey internationally competitive by maintaining a stable tax environment, reducing unnecessary costs and barriers to doing business, embracing digital innovation and strengthening our ability to attract new investment and businesses to the island," he said.

"Digital business, technology, tourism, agriculture, retail, hospitality, and other new areas of enterprise all have a very important part to play."

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