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Sark is looking to double its population count, according to several national newspaper reports...but it seems the efforts are the work of one man who would like you to join him on the island – and buy his £1,000 welcome package.
With only 492 residents, the ‘jewel of the Channel Islands’ is indeed looking for more residents, with recent reports claiming that they are looking for 500.
The recent publicity has not been the work of the local government, however, but a scheme set up by Swen Lorenz - an entrepreneur who apparently lives on the island.
Mr Lorenz has a website and personal blog, which mostly provides top-10 lists and guidance on how to succeed as a self-employed business person.
But the highlight of the website is the ‘Sark Society’ section, where he personally invites you to join him on the island.
He sells Sark as a "European, English-speaking microstate where you can live free from excessive taxation and government regulation."
Pictured: According to Mr Lorenz's website, he works for ‘Me Inc.’ and offers guidance for people who want to live life on ‘their own terms.’
But moving to Sark is not the only thing the website offers.
Mr Lorenz is also seeking members for the Sark Society - a programme that offers a ‘manual’ for moving to Sark, one-to-one guidance from Mr Lorenz himself, and regular updates on property and business opportunities.
Membership of the Sark Society will set those interested back £1,000. Mr Lorenz says that this is "too cheap" for the value of the advice members will receive – though stresses on multiple occasions that he is not qualified to offer taxation, legal, or financial advice.
While the Sark government is keen to invite new residents and keep its community thriving, a spokesperson said that they do not endorse the “tax haven approach” to enticing newcomers.
“Sark wants to encourage people to move here from all walks of life and ages to become part of the community.”
The island's government's website hosts a wealth of information for anyone considering moving to the island, which can be found HERE.
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