It’s all change at the Chamber board as we bid farewell to past President, Elaine Gray and Treasurer, Jane St Pier.
Before they step down, we caught up with them to reflect on their collective 9 years around the board table.
Q: Can you tell us about your professional life outside the Chamber?
Elaine Gray: In my day job I am a court lawyer at Carey Olsen. I head up the litigation and employment team, which means that no day is ever the same!
It’s a fascinating job because you get to work really closely with people, often at challenging times.
Jane St Pier: I have a variety of part-time commitments – I chair the Convenor and Tribunal Board, a pivotal part of our child welfare system, focusing on child-centric solutions. I’m also a NED at the Guernsey Community Foundation and Guernsey Post.
Every day is different, which I love.
I think the common theme between everything I do is engaging with interesting people doing interesting things.
Q: What were the biggest successes and challenges during your tenure at the Chamber?
Elaine: At the start of my term as President I wanted to streamline and bring clarity to Chamber’s operations. My term of office coincided with the start of lockdown, so I saw firsthand the specific support Chamber were able to offer businesses; and how generous people were with their time and expertise; it was a privilege to work alongside them.
Jane: Chamber’s greatest challenge is also its biggest success—meeting diverse member needs with limited resources. Whether consulting on government policies, hosting training events, or supporting small businesses, it’s a constant balancing act.
Q: What does the Chamber mean to you?
Elaine: Chamber truly is the beating heart of Guernsey business and industry. Until I became involved, I had no appreciation of just how diverse our business world is in Guernsey; it’s amazing!
I love Chamber’s unique ability to pull in people from across the sectors and work together, collaboratively, to find solutions to common problems.
Jane: Simply, it means community.
Guernsey Chamber isn’t just about business; it’s about bringing people together and building something greater than ourselves.
It’s a place where egos are left at the door, and everyone’s contribution is valued. I’ve never left a Chamber event or meeting without being better informed, having thought about something differently, or having encountered a new person or idea. That’s quite something.
Q: How does the Chamber create value for the business community?
Elaine: Chamber’s value comes in so many ways.
It is in the connections you make at events. It is in the information you get from speakers, on key issues. It’s about the learning and training sessions available to members and the ability to liaise directly with government and regulators.
Jane: The value lies in its behind-the-scenes work—supporting members, influencing government policy, and creating networking opportunities. Although Chamber do need to be more vocal about their successes and the tangible impact it makes.
Q: What advice do you have for future board members?
Elaine: Embrace innovation and be proactive in addressing the needs of the business community. Collaboration and strategic thinking are key to navigating future challenges and opportunities.
Jane: Stay engaged and open-minded. The Chamber’s strength lies in its diversity and the collective wisdom of its members. Value every contribution and focus on building a stronger, more connected business community.
Q: What’s next for you – now you have all this free time?
Elaine: Did someone say free time?
Jane: I’m not one to sit still! I’m helping to launch At Home in Guernsey, a charity supporting those at risk of homelessness. Just as I’ve advocated within the Chamber, this project is about supporting our community’s most vulnerable.
