Digital Jersey is encouraging local businesses, charities and the public sector to buy their digital solutions locally.
The initiative to help drive growth in the local economy, follows the launch of an enhanced platform designed to bring local digital expertise to a wider cross-section of Jersey organisations.
ProMatch was initially launched jointly by Digital Jersey and Jersey Finance as a pilot project in 2023, with a specific aim to bridge the gap between financial services organisations and technology providers in Jersey and support Jersey’s fintech ambitions.
Now the platform has been opened up to allow any organisation in Jersey to find the perfect locally available technology provider to support their projects and develop digital solutions to address their problem statements and boost their productivity. The aim is to make it easier for local digital businesses to win more work on island and to help drive digital adoption in the local economy.
In addition, by championing a ‘buy local’ mantra, Digital Jersey aims to support growth in the local economy through the expanded platform encouraging local procurement and keeping investment in Jersey’s digital sector, rather than sourcing services from outside the island.
Analysis shows that the knock-on impact of spend in the local Information Communication and Technology (ICT) sector is considerable – the sector boasts a GVA multiplier of 2.02, meaning that every £1 spent in the sector supports an additional £1.02 in Jersey’s economy. Moreover, for every £1 of GVA in the ICT sector, 91p remains in Jersey – second only to the legal sector (source: report prepared externally for Government of Jersey).
More than 70 Digital Jersey member profiles are already registered on ProMatch, reflecting the broad range of locally-available digital solutions it can offer access to. The platform has benefited from a number of other upgrades to its functionality to offer a more seamless experience for users.
Digital Jersey is working closely with Jersey Business to support those applying for its recently launched Better Business Grant programme, who might benefit from investing in locally available digital solutions through ProMatch.
Commenting on the expansion of ProMatch and the important role it aims to play in championing local procurement, Tony Moretta (pictured) said: “Our enhanced ProMatch platform is a win-win for our island. It makes it easier for any organisation looking for a digital solution to find that solution locally – and with the impressive range of providers on it, we’re confident that organisations can find what they need, without needing to source solutions off island. Buying solutions from local providers is fundamental in growing our local economy. In fact there is a real risk to our economy if we do not do so, with figures clearly evidencing the positive impact spending in our local digital sector can have on our economy.
“We are really pleased with the expanded ProMatch and we would encourage all organisations looking to embrace innovation and the opportunities presented by technology – whether in the private, public or third sector – to explore the new-look site and how it could support their objectives.”
Deputy Kirsten Morel, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, added: “Anything which makes it easier for Jersey businesses to win work gets my full support.
“Jersey is an entrepreneurial Island and ProMatch helps us strengthen our enterprising spirit, which is so important for the future success of our Island.”
