A small minority of businesses feel “very confident” about Jersey’s future, according to recent poll from the Institute of Directors Jersey.
This sentiment among businesses was revealed at IoD Jersey’s latest debate, where business and government leaders gathered to “confront the island’s economic future”.
Attendees were asked to share how they felt about Jersey’s five-year outlook in a live poll, which indicated that the majority of businesses held an “at least neutral to positive view”.
The lack of confidence among businesses could be attributed to concerns raised at the debate about collaboration and government responsiveness, with attendees sharing their desire for a “stronger public-private partnership”.
Post-event feedback also suggested “momentum” for a “business manifesto” ahead of next June’s election, the organisation said.
The debate was led by IoD Chair Alex Ruddy and hosted by broadcaster Natasha Kaplinsky.
The organisation said attendees “stressed the urgency” of reforms in immigration, planning approvals and education, as well as the “importance of investing in digital infrastructure” and “modernising Jersey’s financial services image”.
AI was also discussed as a “promising innovation” and a “potential economic disruptor requiring proactive policy planning”.
Ms Ruddy called for a “bold, collaborative response” from Jersey’s business community and government, and urged them to “embrace innovation and risk to drive growth”.
IoD Jersey said the debate “revealed a collective desire to revamp Jersey’s approach to economic development, address structural weaknesses and safeguard the island’s identity”.
“With issues ranging from rising public expenditure to inadequate infrastructure and a shrinking talent pool, speakers underscored the need for decisive action,” it added.
“Jersey’s future success will depend on bold leadership, community engagement, and sustained collaboration across sectors.”