The path to success: Starting, scaling and selling a business in Jersey

The Institute of Directors (IoD) Jersey branch will host an upcoming breakfast event, ‘The Path to Success: Starting, Scaling and Selling a Business in Jersey,’ bringing together local entrepreneurs, business leaders, and advisers to share practical insights across the entire business lifecycle.

Taking place on Wednesday, 26 November 2026, from 8:30 am to 11:00 am at the Celestial Hall, Royal Yacht Hotel, the event is sponsored by Hepburns Insurance.

While Jersey offers a supportive and well-regulated business environment, founders face distinct challenges and opportunities when establishing and expanding ventures on the Island. This session is designed to offer candid reflections, practical guidance, and inspiration for current and aspiring business owners, as well as stakeholders focused on strengthening Jersey’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Attendees will hear from an experienced lineup of speakers representing different stages of the entrepreneurial journey:

• Tom Noel, Founder and CEO of Accelerate, reflecting on the practicalities and lessons learned from launching a local enterprise.
• Paul Murphy, CEO of Jersey Business, discussing the Island’s business support ecosystem, trends in company formation, and advice for early-stage growth.
• Ed Prow, Founder of Tekex and The Potting Shed, exploring the realities of scaling ventures and building communities within an island economy.
• Amy King, Alex Forbes, examining the final phase of the journey: preparing a business for sale, engaging with private equity and venture capital investors, and managing post-acquisition operations.

Following individual addresses, the speakers will join a panel interview to explore key themes, including early-stage hurdles, scaling dynamics, exit preparation, and the support frameworks available in Jersey, before opening the floor to an audience Q&A.

Alex Ruddy, Chair of IoD Jersey, commented: “Starting and growing a business is rarely a straight path. By bringing together leaders who have navigated every step of the journey, alongside key ecosystem partners, we want to provide our members and the wider business community with practical, actionable lessons.

“Whether you are launching a startup, scaling operations, or planning for an eventual exit, this event offers valuable perspectives on achieving long-term business success in Jersey.”

Will Woodford of Hepburns Insurance added: “Hepburns Insurance is delighted to support IoD Jersey for this event. As a people-focused business, we believe that strong relationships, local enterprise and innovation are fundamental to Jersey’s economic future. We are proud to support conversations that bring people together, share ideas and help equip and protect the Island’s current and future business leaders throughout their growth journey.”

The event welcomes IoD members, non-members, founders, investors, and professional advisers.