A programme that helps students gain practical skills, build professional networks and explore future career opportunities has surpassed 560 total participants across Jersey and Guernsey since launching in 2021.
Walkers marked the milestone after completing the 2026 iteration of its Business Summer School, which welcomed more than 110 students across the two islands.
Designed for students aged 16 and over, the free programme – which provides practical insight into the worlds of business, finance, entrepreneurship and law – had already been delivered to more than 450 participants before this year.
We hope the students leave with greater confidence, new skills and a clearer understanding of the wide range of career opportunities available to them
Jonathan Heaney, managing partner at Walkers’ Jersey office
The 2026 programme brought together approximately 60 students in Jersey and 50 students in Guernsey for a week of interactive sessions, practical exercises and discussions with professionals from across the Channel Islands business community.
This included a mock board meeting, a mock trial, sessions on local law, fiduciary services, company structures, employment law, marketing, entrepreneurship and the use of AI in business.
The programme – which also featured court tours, behind-the-scenes visits and practical case studies – was supported by a wide range of professionals, including representatives from XXIV Old Buildings, Radisson Hotel, Investec, Grant Thornton, Corient, the JFSC, the GFSC, Leadhers, Potting Shed, MAP Health, Barrule Partners Group, Old Government House Hotel, Hamilton Brooke and Superluxe & Partners, alongside colleagues from across Walkers’ legal and business services teams.
Jonathan Heaney, managing partner at Walkers’ Jersey office, said: “The continued growth of the business summer school reflects the value the programme provides for young people across the Channel Islands.
“Reaching more than 560 participants since launch is a significant milestone and it has been excellent to see this year’s students engage so enthusiastically with the programme.”
Mr Heaney noted that the firm is celebrating 20 years in Jersey and ten years in Guernsey this year.
“It is particularly meaningful to see initiatives like the Business Summer School continue to make a positive contribution to the communities in which we live and work,” he added.
“We hope the students leave with greater confidence, new skills and a clearer understanding of the wide range of career opportunities available to them.”
Matt Sanders, managing partner at Walkers’ Guernsey office, said: “The Business Summer School is an important part of Walkers’ commitment to supporting young people and investing in the future of local communities.
“The programme gives students meaningful exposure to professional environments and the opportunity to hear directly from people working across a broad range of industries.”
Mr Sanders continued: “Walkers is grateful to everyone who contributed their time and expertise to help deliver another successful programme, from colleagues to the many external speakers and organisations who supported the week, and especially to Alison Ozanne, a former partner of the firm who returned this year to lead the Business Summer School once again, having contributed so much to its establishment and growth over the past six years.”
