Seven local students, identified by the Guernsey Institute of Directors’ as ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ were invited to discuss potential redevelopment plans for Guernsey’s east coast with representatives from the Guernsey Development Agency.
They attended the Institute of Directors’ (IoD) December breakfast, plus an exclusive lunch with the Guernsey Development Agency (GDA).
The IoD Leaders of Tomorrow scheme, which is sponsored by the Ana Leaf Foundation, aims to develop young business talent on the island, and to introduce Guernsey’s Leaders of Tomorrow to thought leaders and influential career role models from the Bailiwick and beyond. This will in turn create an alumni network of students who have the potential to be Guernsey’s future leaders.
The exclusive lunch was hosted at the Digital Greenhouse on 7 December, where the seven students, representing Guernsey’s sixth-form cohorts, met GDA director Simon Kildahl and chairman Peter Watson. The GDA will become the coordinating authority for the integrated development and enhancement of the island’s east coast, contributing to the island’s future economic and social success. At the lunch, they discussed the St Sampsons Harbour regeneration, what the students would do with the area if they were in charge and the potential challenges and solutions.
The IoD December breakfast took place the following day, and focused on the ideas that the Guernsey Development Agency has for transforming parts of St Peter Port and St Sampsons. Ideas under discussion for St Peter Port included developing a hotel on Cambridge Berth. The overarching vision for the Bridge would be for more pedestrianised areas, restaurants, and for the inner marina to become aimed at leisure visitors.
The seven Leaders of Tomorrow students will also receive a year’s IoD Student Membership.
Hayley de Putron, a Trustee of the Ana Leaf Foundation, said: “It’s wonderful to continue our support for the IoD Leaders of Tomorrow programme as we know how insightful and valuable experiences like this are for young people. Our aim has always been to inspire our island’s young people, and to provide them with great opportunities that will help them excel in their future careers. This programme helps them develop worthy skills to do so.”
Karen Power, Committee member of the IoD Guernsey Branch, said: “It was brilliant to engage with the students at the lunch and breakfast. We have a cohort of well-educated and intuitive students, who are passionate about Guernsey’s future. I’m very excited to see what they go on to do in the next steps of their lives.”
