The Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce have announced a strategic commitment to deepen collaboration across the Channel Islands, with a shared focus on delivering tangible benefits for members, strengthening advocacy, and supporting sustainable economic growth across the Channel Islands. The collaboration forms a core pillar of the Jersey Chamber’s draft strategy for January 2026 to June 2028, where Channel Islands collaboration is identified as a priority theme. The ambition is straightforward: to work together on shared challenges and opportunities where joint action can deliver stronger outcomes over working in silos.
By aligning on business priorities and policy engagement, the two Chambers aim to present a more coherent and influential voice to policymakers, helping to reduce barriers, improve connectivity, and unlock growth for businesses operating across the Channel Islands.
Lee Madden, President of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The more we talk about this collaboration, the more positive the feedback becomes. It’s a great initiative with real, tangible benefits for our members, and it shines a light for our respective leaders on the value of being better together. By combining our efforts, we can unlock opportunities, reduce friction for businesses, and help the Channel Islands stay competitive and connected.”
Stephen Rouxel, President of the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, said:
“This initiative is about demonstrating the benefits of collaboration through practical action. Many of the challenges facing businesses do not stop at our island borders, and neither should our thinking. We know that many of our members already look to the other island as a natural next step for business growth, and this collaboration is about actively supporting them to seize those opportunities with greater confidence and fewer barriers. By working more closely with Jersey, we can be more influential, more effective, and more ambitious in how we support businesses and shape the economic future of the Channel Islands.”
Early priorities and joint workstreams include:
Connectivity for commerce and communities
The Chambers will explore ways to improve inter-island connectivity for businesses and residents, including air and sea links. This includes monitoring licensing developments for additional air operators and engaging with ferry operators on freight and rotation models that could support more regular, reliable movements for commerce, leisure, and sport.
Shared programmes
Joint events and knowledge-sharing initiatives are planned, starting with a Channel Islands Cooperation Breakfast Briefing on 10 February in Jersey at the Royal Yacht. Sponsored by the Channel Islands Co-operative, the event will feature the Jersey Minister for Economic Development alongside a Channel Islands panel exploring opportunities to improve economies of scale and deliver initiatives that benefit both governments and businesses.
A united voice
The Chambers will coordinate on policy areas where inter-island alignment can strengthen the case for change, helping to simplify business operations, support sustainable growth, and reduce unnecessary friction for employers and entrepreneurs.
This collaboration represents a significant step forward for the Channel Islands business community. By uniting the strengths of both Chambers, members will benefit from an expanded network, more dynamic and relevant events, and a more coordinated approach to tackling shared challenges.
Most importantly, the partnership sends a clear signal of intent: both Chambers are committed to pragmatic leadership that supports businesses not just to adapt, but to thrive in a rapidly changing economic environment.
