A coalition of Guernsey’s business and third-sector associations have worked together on a report setting out six critical policy areas that they agree will need urgent political leadership once the new States have been elected.

The ‘Voice of Guernsey Business Insight Report 2025’ was published this week, ahead of a candidate briefing webinar tomorrow, and a public-facing panel event hosted by the G8 on 23 May.

By that time candidates will have been formally nominated for the election, with the ballot boxes opening in mid-June.

The organisations behind the Insight Report say that public-facing panel event will give candidates the chance to “engage directly with business and community leaders”.

The ‘Voice of Guernsey Business Insight Report 2025’

The report is described as “setting out a collective call to action on six critical policy areas where urgent political leadership is needed to secure the island’s economic and social future”.

It has been developed collaboratively by the G8, a coalition of eight industry and charitable associations.

The G8 comprises the: Chamber of Commerce, Guernsey International Business Association, Hospitality Association, Construction Forum, Institute of Directors, Guernsey Retail Group, Confederation of Guernsey Industry, and the Association of Guernsey Charities.

Their research involved a survey of nearly 400 respondents across 20 sectors and organisations of all sizes. Those behind it say this makes the Insight Report “one of the most comprehensive insights into the opinions businesses and charities to date”.

The six priorities

The research involving nearly 400 people confirmed six priorities that the G8 say the next States will have to urgently address “as the most pressing challenges facing Guernsey”.  

They are:

  • Housing & Cost of Living
  • Education & Skills Gap
  • Tax & Economic Development
  • Connectivity, Tourism & Transport Links
  • Government Delivery
  • Public Spending

The research carried out by the G8 found that “80% of respondents agree that housing impacts their ability to attract and/or retain talent”.

65% of respondents agreed that “air or sea services have negatively impacted their organisation’s prosperity”.

61% said they believe that “investment in education should be spent on human capital” and 65.7% of respondents supported “tax incentives as a method of helping businesses on the island”.

The next States

With the election fast approaching, it will be the next States that address these issues.

The G8 have also shared their collective view on who they think should be in that government after June 18th.

“Critically, through analysis of the survey responses and commentary, the report identifies a set of behaviours and attributes that the respondents believe are required for our next government to succeed,” the G8 said. 

The ‘behaviours and attributes required’ include:   

  • Integrity and accountability   
  • Efficient and decisive decision-making   
  • Technology-enabled and innovative  
  • Positive and proud advocates   
  • Forward-thinking and visionary  

“In a consensus and committee-based system like ours, progress depends on collaboration,” said a G8 spokesperson.

“Our system relies on Deputies who work constructively, respect differing perspectives, and build consensus to move forward. Consensus-building and finding compromise takes effort; we need people who are committed to being respectful, having constructive dialogue and shared purpose.”

The G8 is calling on the 2025 election candidates to address each of the six themes in their manifestos and to set out credible, deliverable policies.

Key calls to action include:  

  • Appointing a Housing Champion to accelerate delivery and coordinate cross-committee action  
  • Launching a review of Guernsey’s Air Policy by the end of 2025 to improve affordability and reliability  
  • Establishing a Skills for Guernsey Agency, co-designed with industry, by the end of 2026  
  • Prioritising efficient, transparent public spending to rebuild trust and drive long-term investment  
  • Committing to a Shared Strategic Vision for the States term (2025–2029), backed by streamlined processes and digital transformation  

“Guernsey stands at a pivotal moment,” said the G8 spokesperson.

“This report isn’t just a list of challenges. It’s a roadmap for action—and sends a direct message to candidates: don’t ignore the challenges. Be the Deputy who delivers results.”  

The G8 spokesperson concluded: “With the right leadership, Guernsey can unlock real economic potential. But it will take courage, collaboration and commitment from our next States Assembly.”  

A candidate briefing webinar will take place on 2 May, followed by a public-facing panel event hosted by the G8 on 23 May, where candidates will engage directly with business and community leaders.  

The full report is available now at voiceofguernseybusiness.com.