Chamber’s October lunch took a very different shape this month — and it made an impact.

Instead of a single speaker at the podium, the Innovate Guernsey Board brought the whole room into the conversation.

The aim of the session was simple: to spark open discussion and identify real solutions to the barriers holding back innovation and business in Guernsey.
Justin Bellinger, Chair of the Innovate Guernsey Board, set the scene by outlining who they are, their remit, and their ambition: to make Guernsey recognised as an agile innovation hub where entrepreneurs, government, and community can turn ideas into impact. Their message was clear — this isn’t just a talking shop; it’s about action and collaboration.

And the format delivered on that promise.

Rather than staying at the front, each board member sat with a table to discuss one of seven themes — infrastructure, AI and blockchain, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, finance, education and skills, and mindset and community. After five minutes, they moved to a new table, sparking fresh conversations with new groups.
By the end, ideas, challenges, and opportunities had been cross-pollinated across the entire room — leaving the room buzzing with energy, a sense of momentum, and new perspectives Exactly the kind of environment Chamber exists to create.

Key Themes from the Room

Across all seven topics, common threads emerged:

• Infrastructure & Energy – Discussions centred on maintaining Guernsey’s existing infrastructure while embracing renewables, integrating them smartly into the island’s systems. Concerns were raised around the energy demands of emerging tech such as AI and crypto, and the need to balance innovation with sustainability.
• IT & Blockchain – Attendees highlighted the lack of a single trusted source of advice. Too often, businesses explore blockchain because it’s fashionable, only to find it unsuitable. The call was for clearer guidance, myth-busting, and trusted local expertise so organisations can make informed choices.
• Skills & Education – One of the strongest themes of the day. Relationship building was flagged as one of Guernsey’s “super skills” — something the island can double down on as a differentiator in a disrupted world. Attendees also discussed the growing importance of “deep skills” like leadership, emotional intelligence and adaptability, which don’t currently show up in our education system but could be critical to future competitiveness.
• Entrepreneurship – Starting a business in Guernsey still feels harder than it should. Costs, access to advice, licensing hurdles, and even something as simple as opening a bank account were highlighted as barriers. Yet optimism came through strongly too — with suggestions around reinvigorating the Digital Greenhouse, strengthening mentorship networks, and even exploring innovative investment vehicles such as Protected Cell Companies to support start-ups.
• Finance & Banking – Access to funding remains a challenge, compounded by the practical hurdles of compliance, regulation, and even opening a business bank account. While other jurisdictions make this fast and affordable, in Guernsey it can be lengthy and costly — a real barrier to getting started. Yet the appetite is there, alongside a strong desire to position Guernsey as a thriving, bold place to do business.
• Technology & Cyber – Payment gateways continue to be a headache for small jurisdictions, though work is underway to find solutions. Cybersecurity education and awareness is also critical, with the Guernsey Cyber Security Centre set to play an important role. AI was hotly debated: while no immediate local job losses were reported, the consensus was clear — human skills such as emotional intelligence will become ever more valuable in the age of automation.
• Mindset & Community – Discussions highlighted the cultural and psychological barriers that can hold back innovation, as well as the need to include charities and community organisations in the conversation. Too often, innovation is seen as a purely commercial issue — yet Guernsey’s social sector is a vital part of the island’s fabric and must not be left behind.

Voices from the Room

The real strength of the session came from the mix of perspectives and the willingness of attendees to share their experiences and ideas.

One comment summed it up neatly: “It makes a change from being talked at.”

That spirit of openness echoed Innovate Guernsey’s values of listening deeply, collaborating widely and favouring action over talk. The Board made clear that while there may be seven people around the table, the real direction comes from 65,000 islanders feeding into the conversation.

As one attendee put it: “Nine-tenths of problem-solving is knowing the right people to speak to.” Another reflected: “It’s clear this initiative is being pursued with passion and has the potential to be a genuine force for Guernsey.”

What’s Next?
The Innovate Guernsey Board has committed to taking these insights forward, feeding them into their strategy and upcoming initiatives. A follow-up on skills development is already being explored, alongside ongoing work on digital infrastructure and the Digital Greenhouse. But the momentum doesn’t stop there.

Chamber will continue to create spaces where conversations spark change — but the real progress happens when those ideas are carried forward.

If you have thoughts, expertise or stories that could help break barriers for Guernsey’s businesses, we’d love to hear more – hello@guernseychamber.com