Meet Matt Thornton, co founder of Cortex and new digital lead at Chamber 

I am delighted have been appointed as the new Digital Lead at the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce. As someone who has always been fascinated by the possibilities that emerging technologies offer for business, entrepreneurship, and innovation, I see this as a fantastic opportunity to help drive the digital transformation of Guernsey’s economy. 

As the co-founder of Cortex Technologies, I have been fortunate enough to work with a talented team on a range of exciting projects. However, I believe that there is even more potential for technology to drive positive change in Guernsey. That’s why I joined the Chamber of Commerce as a member in the first place – I wanted to tap into a network of businesses and individuals who share my passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. 

When I was asked to join the Digital Committee, I saw it as a chance to make a real difference in terms of shaping Guernsey’s digital future. I firmly believe that technology can be a force for good, helping to create new jobs, generate wealth, and drive positive social change. However, I also recognize that there are challenges to overcome if we are to make the most of these opportunities. 

For me, the key challenge is ensuring that we have the skills, infrastructure, and connectivity we need to compete on a global stage. We need to be attracting and retaining the best talent in the tech industry, as well as investing in the physical and virtual infrastructure that will enable us to build world-class digital products and services. 

Of course, there are also cultural and mindset barriers that we need to overcome. Too often, we can be guilty of short-term thinking, failing to invest in the technologies and skills that will be needed in the future. We need to take a longer-term view and be willing to take risks and experiment with new ideas and approaches. 

My vision for Guernsey is that it becomes known as a global leader in technology, rather than just a tax haven. I believe that we have the potential to be a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurship, driving positive change not just locally but also on a global scale. To make this vision a reality, we need to work together as a community, embracing diversity and collaboration to unlock the full potential of technology for Guernsey. 

As the new Digital Lead at the Chamber of Commerce, I am committed to doing everything I can to help make this happen. I am excited to work with the Digital Committee and other stakeholders to develop innovative solutions and ideas that will drive the growth of Guernsey’s digital sector. Whether it’s through advocating for changes to tax and regulatory frameworks, supporting initiatives to improve education and training in technology, or promoting investment in infrastructure and connectivity, I believe that we can make a real difference. 

I look forward to working with all of you in the months and years ahead to help build a brighter, more innovative future for Guernsey. Together, I am confident that we can achieve great things.