Guernsey’s business and third-sector associations have launched the Voice of Guernsey Business Insight Report 2025, setting out a collective call to action on six critical policy areas where urgent political leadership is needed to secure the island’s economic and social future.
The report – developed collaboratively by the G8, a coalition of eight industry and charitable associations – identifies (1) Housing & Cost of Living, (2) the Education & Skills Gap, (3) Tax & Economic Development, (4) Connectivity, Tourism & Transport Links, (5) Government Delivery, and (6) Public Spending as the most pressing challenges facing Guernsey.
- 80% of respondents agree that housing impacts their ability to attract and/or retain talent.
- 65% of respondents agree that air or sea services have negatively impacted their organisation’s prosperity.
- 61% believe that investment in education should be spent on human capital.
- 65.7% of respondents supported tax incentives as a method of helping businesses on the island.
The findings are drawn from a survey of nearly 400 respondents across 20 sectors and organisations of all sizes, making it one of the most comprehensive insights into the opinions businesses and charities to date.
Critically, through analysis of the survey responses and commentary, the report identifies a set of behaviours and attributes that the respondents believe are required for our next government to succeed.
These include:
- Integrity and accountability
- Efficient and decisive decision-making
- Technology-enabled and innovative
- Positive and proud advocates
- Forward-thinking and visionary
“In a consensus and committee-based system like ours, progress depends on collaboration. Our system relies on Deputies who work constructively, respect differing perspectives, and build consensus to move forward. Consensus-building and finding compromise takes effort; we need people who are committed to being respectful, having constructive dialogue and shared purpose,” said a G8 spokesperson.
The report calls on all candidates to address each of the six themes in their manifestos and to set out credible, deliverable policies. Key calls to action include:
- Appointing a Housing Champion to accelerate delivery and coordinate cross-committee action
- Launching a review of Guernsey’s Air Policy by the end of 2025 to improve affordability and reliability
- Establishing a Skills for Guernsey Agency, co-designed with industry, by the end of 2026
- Prioritising efficient, transparent public spending to rebuild trust and drive long-term investment
- Committing to a Shared Strategic Vision for the States term (2025–2029), backed by streamlined processes and digital transformation
“Guernsey stands at a pivotal moment. This report isn’t just a list of challenges. It’s a roadmap for action—and sends a direct message to candidates: don’t ignore the challenges. Be the Deputy who delivers results. With the right leadership, Guernsey can unlock real economic potential. But it will take courage, collaboration and commitment from our next States Assembly.”
