The Annual General Meeting of the CGi takes place at 6:00pm on Wednesday 24 April at Guernsey Electricity and all members are invited. Following the AGM, there will be a presentation from Guernsey Electricity which will also cover the energy transition. After the presentation, we will be given a tour of the power station. Catering … Read more
Dave Newman, CGi chairman, gave this insightful and broad ranging interview to Mark Ogier at the Guernsey Press recently as his three year tenure comes to end in Spring: https://guernseypress.com/news/2024/02/23/we-dont-always-agree-with-them-and-they-dont-with-us
Dave Newman, CGi chairman, said: ‘We are aware of the proposed changes to the minimum wage announced today but have not had an opportunity to consult with our membership for their views. The CGi recognises that those on lower incomes should be supported, particularly given the rapid rising cost of living in the Bailiwick. We … Read more
THE Confederation of Guernsey Industry is beginning the search for a new chairperson to lead the local industry body. Dave Newman, who has run the organisation for the past three years, is stepping aside from his role and would like nominations from across the business community, notably from those with experience of running small and … Read more
THE CGi has welcomed the willingness of the President of Home Affairs to discuss concerns with the Island’s population laws and the new initiatives designed to help local businesses. The industry group’s comments follow a meeting held last week with Deputy Rob Prow, the Population Management Office, CGi chairman and a delegation of local companies … Read more
Following the news that the States has relaxed immigration requirements for overseas workers to make it easier for businesses to hire people, we have issued a response: ‘WE are pleased that finally Deputy Prow and Home Affairs have acknowledged and are listening to the issues that the CGi and its members are raising. This is, … Read more
Through the Government Work Plan, the States of Guernsey agreed a Health Recovery action which seeks to support the physical and mental recovery of Islanders through scoping and delivering Phase 3 of the Supporting Occupational Health & Wellbeing (SOHWELL) programme. The States is undertaking the survey across Guernsey and Alderney, to better understand the occupational … Read more
THE CGi is asking the President of Home Affairs to meet with its members so they can demonstrate the damage that the Island’s population management law is causing local business. The request follows Deputy Rob Prow’s recent insistence that the updated legislation is working well and that without it, the Island’s firms would be operating … Read more
Simon has joined the committee and works for Norman Piette as Executive Heavyside Manager. Simon has been with NP Group since 2019 after an impressive career, having joined the timber trade in 1990 after a spell in the Royal Navy. He began his career as a lorry driver for a timber merchant in Bristol, but … Read more
In advance of the States’ debate this week on funding and on the possible introduction of a consumption tax, you can download, print and display these posters in PDF or JPEG formats. Members are also welcome to attend the gathering on the Royal Court steps on Tuesday 17 October 2023 from 8.30am to 9.30am.
Now that the Anti-Discrimination Legislation is in force, Employment & Social Security is publishing details of the duty on employers to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for disabled employees. It accepts that there is a limit where such adjustments would represent a ‘disproportionate burde’n on the duty-holder (i.e. employer). Further detail on what constitutes a ‘reasonable adjustment’ and a … Read more
THE Confederation of Guernsey Industry has come out in support of Deputy Lyndon Trott’s suggestion to scrap the proposed introduction of GST and instead raise income tax. The call follows Deputy Trott’s statement last month that he ‘wouldn’t personally hesitate in raising the basic rate of personal income tax’, citing it as pragmatic and fair … Read more
A new Ordinance bringing Guernsey in line with UK requirements on trading standards for businesses comes into force on 02 October. The legislation was voted through the States in March and includes all Islands of the Bailiwick except for Alderney. It includes consumer rights when entering contracts for goods and services, unfair terms in contracts … Read more
We have seen some excellent initial media coverage following the launch of our campaign to have the Population Management Law removed or restrictions lifted: Guernsey Press, 12 September: Bailiwick Express, 12 September: https://gsy.bailiwickexpress.com/gsy/news/cgi-issues-stark-warning/
GUERNSEY is in grave danger of damaging its way of life unless the population management legislation is scrapped or radically improved. The stark warning comes from the Confederation of Guernsey Industry, which says that the amendments to the new law, introduced in April, are creating a ‘skills drain’, leaving Island businesses chronically short of trained … Read more
CGi Chairman Dave Newman was the keynote speaker and also presented awards at the 2023 Apprentice of the Year Awards and Final Year Apprentice Graduation held at The Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts last week. Around 300 apprentices formed the 2022/23 cohort, of whom 100 started training last September and 57 graduated this year. … Read more
FOLLOWING confirmation that the States will debate the Island’s Electricity Strategy as planned next month, the Confederation of Guernsey Industry has outlined its overall support of the Policy Letter following publication by Environment and Infrastructure. During the consultation process carried out last year, the CGi raised concerns relating to the security of supply of electricity, … Read more
It doesn’t have to be this way is a debate taking place next month which will discuss the future of politics in Guernsey. Organised by Women in Public Life, the event is to open to everyone and the panel comprise: Guest speaker is Jennifer Nadel, co-founder of Compassion in Politics, a cross-party organisation. Jennifer trained as … Read more
The Guernsey College of Further Education is holding a Future Workforce Day on Friday 12 May. This is a series of workshops and seminars for students on a wide range of topics including interview techniques, skills and behaviours in the workplace, discrimination and equality and much more. 9.15am – 12 noon – half hour seminars and workshops … Read more
The CGi’s Annual General Meeting was held on 25 April 2023 at The Little Big Brewery. Dave Newman, CGi chairman, outlined the work the Federation had been involved in over the past 12 months to support members, including: • GST• Disability Legislation• Population Management• Electricity Strategy As with last year, many of the issues dealt … Read more
Dave Newman, Chairman, said: We are pleased that some restrictive elements of the Population Management Law have now been relaxed which should make it easier for local firms to recruit and retain staff. Any changes that help to alleviate some of the labour acute shortages felt across all sectors on the Island are welcomed. We … Read more
The Annual General Meeting of the CGi takes place at 6:00pm on Tuesday 25 April at the Little Big Brewery in St George’s Esplanade and all members are invited. Following the AGM, guest speaker Simon Le Tocq of the GTA will present details of the proposed new apprenticeship schemes. After Simon’s presentation, we will be … Read more
Education Law Review questionnaire THE CGi has been asked to provide feedback on the Education Law Review by the Committee for Economic Development. You may be aware of this and already contributed to the questionnaire. One of the provisions includes the possible introduction of a ‘participation age. This would require young people to remain engaged in some … Read more
The Guernsey Press has published our recommendations earlier this week that the States should review income tax and social insurance reforms.
Dave Newman, CGi’s chairman, was interviewed by BBC Guernsey’s Darcy Kelly on Tuesday 21 February on how the States can find alternative ways of raising revenues in the light of the rejection of GST last week. Dave talks of the Swords Report by Henley Business School, commissioned a few years ago on GST and how … Read more
FOLLOWING feedback received from its members, the Confederation of Guernsey (CGi) is reiterating its call for the States to consider changes in income tax and social insurance reform, a review of corporation tax and a proper evaluation of some capital projects in order to raise funds to pay for public services. This follows the decision … Read more
THE Confederation of Guernsey has raised concerns that the proposed GST will have a detrimental effect on local businesses, be costly to administer and fails to address the reality of living on an island with finite resource. The CGi has re-emphasised its preference for a modest rise in income tax along with other measures. The … Read more
The CGi has long maintained its objection to the introduction of a tax on consumption (GST) in the Island. We believe it will have a detrimental effect on local businesses, be costly to administer and our preference is for a rise in income tax along with other measures through which the States can raise revenues. … Read more
As members will be aware, the States recently debated and approved all of the proposed changes to the PML put forward by Home Affairs, designed to try and alleviate some of the recruitment issues across the Island. Claire, one of our committee members and the go-to on the legislation, has kindly put together a summary … Read more
Hello to all our members A couple of weeks have now passed since the legislation was approved by the States and I wanted to offer you the CGi committee’s perspective. I would like to thank all of you who fed back to the committee their thoughts and suggestions prior to the States debate and we … Read more
THE Confederation of Guernsey Industry is asking members of its federation to consider offering employment to former staff of Intersurgical Guernsey. The request follows yesterday’s news that the local manufacturer and supplier of medical devices for respiratory support, a long-standing member of the CGi, has closed permanently, with the loss of up to 90 staff. CGi Chairman, Dave Newman, said: ‘We reached out yesterday afternoon to Intersurgical through one of … Read more
THE CGi is once again challenging the Committee for Employment and Social Security (ESS) for its lack of transparency over the costs and impact of the new anti-discrimination legislation that is due to be debated by the States next week. The move follows the industry body’s repeated requests over the past few months for ESS … Read more
Following an enquiry from the Guernsey Press on the proposed changes announced on 13 September 2022, CGi Chairman Dave Newman, said: ‘‘The Confederation of Guernsey Industry is pleased that Home Affairs has accepted the need to relax some of the employment restrictions through this review and in doing so, alleviate some of the labour acute … Read more
The head of cyber security at the States has asked us to remind members of an increased threat to the UK and to ensure their systems and processes are secure. This follows the news in recent weeks that Russia has designated Guernsey as an ‘unfriendly state’, which may raise the cyber risk profile of organisations … Read more
THE Confederation of Guernsey Industry has expressed its support of the recent Home Affairs’initiative to introduce a temporary solution which will allow local companies to recruit employeesfrom overseas without having to apply for a UK visa first. The industry body is, however, urging the States to press ahead and rationalise its own law andprocedures to … Read more
We are seeking two new committee members from this September. The role is to work with the Chairman, Company Secretary and other committee members to develop policies and viewpoints on key topics that concern our Federation and in doing so, support the wider membership. Current initiatives include: Working with the States to improve the Population … Read more
Thank you to Bruce and James from Black Arrow Cyber Consulting Limited for their presentation last Friday to CGi members. It was a fascinating insight into the world of cyber security and how businesses, large and small, should protect themselves from ever growing threats.
Drop in to Chamber for an open discussion with representatives from the business community and the GDA to share your thoughts or learn more. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/anti-discrimination-legislation-forum-what-does-it-mean-for-smes-tickets-367448346897?utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-campaign=social%2Cemail&utm-source=strongmail Wednesday 29 June 2022, 12:30 – 14:30 at the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, Markets Inner Street, St Peter Port All SMEs are welcome, no matter the nature of their query, … Read more
The CGi has invited Black Arrow Cyber Consulting to guide our members on the main ways that local businesses can protect themselves. The number of cyber security incidents continues to rise globally, affecting our members here in Guernsey and their clients in other countries. The discussion will look at the dangers caused when businesses conflate … Read more
Following the States’ approval of proposals requiring employers to offer occupational pensions, the CGi has been proactively discussing the opportunity for setting up a scheme on behalf of members firms with local providers. It is hoped that when the law comes into effect the CGi can provide information, guidance and assistance to its diverse membership. … Read more
The CGi’s Annual General Meeting was held on 31 March 2002 at Les Cotils. The meeting addressed the work the Federation is doing to support members, including: • Population management• Disability legislation• GST The CGi has been in face-to-face meetings with various departments within the States, vested stakeholders and the membership. The Chairman, Dave Newman, … Read more
The Annual General Meeting of the Confederation of Guernsey Industry takes place at 6:00pm on Thursday 31 March in the Reading Room at Les Cotils and all members of the Federation are invited. The agenda will comprise: Apologies for absenceMinutes of previous meetingMatters arisingTreasurer’s reportChairman’s reportElection of officersAny other business Copies of the financial statements … Read more
THE Confederation of Guernsey Industry is asking the States to reveal the costs of implementing and running the new anti-discrimination law which are estimated to be around £850,000 per year and for government to publish its own impact analysis. The request follows recent feedback provided by the CGi to the Committee for Employment and Social Security, in which the … Read more
“We have contacted a number of the larger employers within the CGi and they confirm that Covid is having an impact on staffing levels, with one reporting a current shortfall of just under 10% of employees currently unavailable. All of these businesses deploy stringent measures for the testing and protection of staff. Another CGi member … Read more
“This is a further sign from those driving the ambition of the current assembly of the need to get things done and to be bold in challenging the previous ways of working that have resulted in precious little progress on strategic infrastructure maintenance and development projects.” The CGi was deeply disappointed when the harbours’ redevelopment … Read more
The Sustainable Business Initiative of the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce is calling for local businesses to fill out their annual Business Sustainability Survey. The survey looks to explore how important sustainability is to your business, why you care about environmental issues, what your business is currently doing regarding sustainability, among other questions. The survey can … Read more
We have been asked by Chris at Bean14, CGi member on behalf of Peter de Sausmarez, to help restore the gardens at Island’s only publicly accessible manor house to their former glory. Work is required as follows: Cut back hedges so the manor can be seen from the main road Wash the railings and associated … Read more
The CGi is asking members for their views on important issues affecting them and the wider business community this year. Population Management LawThe States has sent us consultation questions for its Population and Immigration Policy Review that is being chaired by Deputy Rob Prow. Members are invited to fill this out on behalf of their … Read more
THE Confederation of Guernsey Industry is urging Home Affairs president Rob Prow to press ahead immediately with the review of the population management law (PML) and not to use Brexit and Covid as the reasons for the current acute labour shortages. We are calling for action to amend the legislation which it says is damaging … Read more
The Digital Greenhouse has a series of virtual and face to face events covering a range of different topics, as well as some networking opportunities to mark National Coding week. The courses are as detailed below, so CGi members please register to attend if these are of interest Tuesday 14th Intro into Ecommerce with ESH Solutions – 11:00 – … Read more
The CGi has raised concerns publicly and privately with the States’ proposals for raising taxes through an increase in taxes and specifically, by introducing a Goods and Service tax, or VAT. We are interested in understanding how members and the wider business community on the Island feel about the options that are being presented by … Read more
‘The CGi regards any initiative from the States to look at public sector reforms and cost savings as a prerequisite before it considers any changes in taxation. In our previous press release regarding GST we stated that States’ spending should come under review before significant tax rises were implemented. This should include not only potential … Read more
Public Health has asked us relay to members the importance of maintaining accurate staff records during Covid, so that key contacts can be followed up quickly if required. It is requested as part of your business continuity plan, you continue to keep up to date information on your staff and the shifts they have worked. … Read more
We have been asked by the States to circulate to members the digital tools available through the digital toolkit which are designed to raise awareness of the coronavirus pandemic. These are free and can be accessed here: Digital toolkit | States of Guernsey – COVID-19 (gov.gg) The States has also reaffirmed the need for good … Read more
The CGi is questioning the States’ proposal to introduce a Goods and Service Tax (GST) which it has outlined as one of the options under consideration for raising revenues. The Federation believes that a temporary increase in income tax over a limited term would present a more cost effective and palatable option for Islanders and … Read more
We ran a survey in June on the issues facing members. These are the results. What are the biggest issues facing you at present? What do you think the priorities should be for the CGi over the next 12 months?
The States has asked us to circulate its guidance for businesses which is designed to help them consider the necessary measures to take as restrictions ease from today, 01 July. The link below covers sickness benefit and payroll co-funding, sector specific advice and FAQs: Business guidance with effect from 1 July 2021 | States of … Read more
‘The CGi laments the opportunities that appear to be missed with the proposals and is dismayed at how little consideration of how any of the proposed developments will pay for themselves in times of intense economic pressure and scrutiny. The preferred plan, (option 5) a new harbour at Longue Hougue South, has little economic justification … Read more
Dave Newman has joined the Federation as chairman, replacing Clive McMinn who has stepped down after his three year term. The change was ratified at the CGI’s Annual General Meeting, held on 20 April 2021 at Les Cotils. Dave brings with him a broad range of experience. In his primary role he is Director of … Read more
The Annual General Meeting of the Confederation of Guernsey Industry takes place at 6:00pm on Tuesday 20 April at Les Cotils and all members of the Federation are invited. The agenda will comprise:• The chairman’s report for the year• Financial report• Election of a new Chairman as my term has come to an end• Election … Read more
The States has issued a media release this afternoon confirming that it will not look to recover funding made available to local businesses during the first two months of this year. The statement can be viewed here: http://tinyurl.com/4nxcyxzq
We met with the Economic Development Committee and senior civil servants on Friday to discuss support schemes available for local businesses. The States issued a media release in the evening with the most up to date guidance and this can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/yyl2aaj5 Our meeting with Home Affairs on the Population Management Law last … Read more
Following the commencement of Lockdown on Saturday 23rd January the States of Guernsey have released some initial guidance supporting the announcements made on Sunday 24th. The Initial Business Guidance can be downloaded here. The media release can be read here. The CGi has already been in contact with the Senior Civil Servants involved in implementing … Read more
THE Confederation of Guernsey Industry has started the search for a new chairperson to lead the local industry body. Clive McMinn, who has run the organisation for the past three and a half years, is stepping aside from his role and would like nominations from across the business community, notably from those with experience of … Read more
Hello everyone This is our first communication of 2021 and provides me with an opportunity to detail news and developments from your Federation and this year’s priorities. In 2020, a key objective was to work with the G4 to improve the proposed Anti-Discrimination Law. The pandemic took precedence during the middle part of the year … Read more
Hello all It has been a busy start to autumn for the CGi and we can update you on the latest news and developments. General electionFirstly, Clive is standing as a candidate in next month’s Island-wide election and it was agreed at our committee meeting on Monday that if I am elected, then I would … Read more
Dear Deputies On behalf of the Institute of Directors (IoD), Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, Guernsey International Business Association (GIBA), the Confederation of Guernsey Industry (CGI) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) and ahead of the debate regarding the proposed approach to anti-discrimination legislation, we would like to draw your attention to a joint … Read more
The States has asked us to circulate details to members of the current position in relation to opening the Island’s borders and returning to normal. These are the latest measures: A set of criteria has been established for travel on compassionate grounds. Individuals are asked to contact Public Health at publichealth@gov.gg for a risk … Read more
FOLLOWING the publication of the policy letter outlining the proposed approach to anti-discrimination legislation, the island’s business groups welcome the changes made by the Committee for Employment & Social Security (ESS) and the significant amount of work done to date on this project. We have always been clear in our support for appropriate anti-discrimination legislation, … Read more
The payroll co-funding scheme and other financial support measures will continue beyond June 30th to support sectors that are expected to face significant ongoing pressures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The payroll co-funding scheme is being continued until at least the end of September for businesses that are still experiencing a significant downturn in the … Read more
The States has announced this morning these additional funding measures from Monday 04 May: Businesses that see turnover reduce to below 40% of normal levels will be able to apply for up to 100% of minimum wage for employees through the Payroll Co-funding Scheme. This upper threshold will be extended to 50% for those businesses … Read more
THE Confederation of Guernsey Industry supports the States’ approach to borrowing announced last week, particularly in this first phase. There is a clear and immediate requirement to address the impending cash flow shortfall given the considerable sums that are being spent in helping businesses and the economy in general coupled with a simultaneous reduction in … Read more
New guidance for businesses and workers has been issued, which supersedes all previous guidance given and outlines which types of business can operate from 25 April 2020 if public health requirements on social distancing and hygiene are met. Types of business that may resume full or partial operation – subject to using the social distancing … Read more
Richard Digard, ex-Guernsey Press Editor, produces a regular column in the newspaper. His latest article, published on Friday 17 April, includes a number of the key recommendations the CGi has been making to the States of Guernsey to help kick start the economy in light of the current restrictions. His column can be viewed here: … Read more
Given the unprecedented times we are all currently facing, and the financial impact it is having on our businesses, the CGi is willing to delay the settlement of the 2020 subscription fees for members. Please contact Peter Miller, treasurer, via enquiry@thecgi.net
Dear all I write to update you with progress on our discussions with politicians and senior civil servants as we collectively look to support our local industry. Thank you for all of your feedback over the past two weeks, all of which has been relayed to these contacts. The States are working extremely hard in … Read more
The States of Guernsey Business Support Team have released the application forms for Small Business Grants and Payroll Co-Funding. With many thanks to the assistance from Richard & Carol-Anne Stapley (Richard Stapley Chartered Accountants) and Sarah Hancock (Brehon Accountants Limited) who worked with the States’ team, they have put together the following Frequently Asked Question … Read more
The Guidance to Business was updated on Sunday 29th March and changed some of the previous advice. It is important to appeciate that the situation is very dynamic and subject to change at anytime. The State’s own website is where you will read it first and news is usually announced first on Twitter – follow … Read more
The States has updated us this morning on a new raft of measures designed to support local businesses. This information is not yet available on-line but a precis of this is as follows: Pay-roll co-funding scheme – The States will pay employees an amount equivalent to 80% of Guernsey’s minimum wage. This is currently set … Read more
The CGi continues its close dialogue with the States of Guernsey to support Guernsey businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. Are you a Guernsey business owner, do you have feedback on economic measures proposed so far? And any other requests that could be considered? Please comment below or post feedback on our website at : https://thecgi.net/contact/
The Policy & Resources Committee has set out an initial package of financial measures to help businesses and individuals deal with the financially onerous impacts of the Covid-19 public health crisis. The headline measures are: Deferral of Social Insurance; Deferral of Commercial TRP; Deferral of rent payments to the States of Guernsey by business tenants; … Read more
In a statement to the meeting of the States of Guernsey, Gavin St Pier updated the house on a number of matters relating to the general response to Coronavirus pandemic intended to protect the public and then went on to outline support for businesses. He announced that the States of Guernsey P&R committee have moved … Read more
Update 19/3/2020: Further to details below The States of Guernsey published details concerning Critical Travel and Compassionate and Medical Travel including details applying to Critical Workers to whom specific exemptions may apply. More details on SoG website here. The Director of Public Health is advising all Guernsey residents to consider avoiding all non-essential travel to … Read more
As the situation regarding the SARS-CoV-2 virus evolves, Public Health Services (PHS) has today updated advice for travellers returning to the Island. PHS has today added the following countries to Group B – travellers need to isolate if they return with symptoms (however mild): · France · Egypt · Tenerife (returning since 17th Feb) Detailed information is available at www.gov.gg/coronavirus
WE are working with the GTA to find the next generation of Non-Executive Directors (NED) on-island. Guernsey needs a decent pool of board-ready directors and the programme helps with their transition and training as it is widely accepted that NEDs add significant value to a company and the wider economy. The development programme has been … Read more
WELCOME to our last newsletter of this year. It has been busy of late as we support local industry and try to make Guernsey a better place in which to live and work. We recently met with Deputies Le Clerc and Yerby, of Employment & Social Security, along with the G4 (IoD, Chamber and GIBA) … Read more