Insights from our President, Lee Madden, November 2025

It is a privilege to write as President of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce, especially at a time when collaboration between government and industry has never been more critical. Over the past month, the Chamber team and I have worked tirelessly with the economy and our members best interests at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is clear: to ensure that the voices of our members are not only listened to, but truly heard and, vitally, acted upon.

The recent scrutiny hearing, where Chamber and retail sector leaders were represented, reminded us all that the big decisions affecting our economy must involve industry collaboration from the earliest stages. Our connectivity remains essential, and as we look forward to strong and viable lifeline services, we expect that lessons learnt from the recent ferry contract will improve future negotiations. The time to move on from the past is now as we get behind DFDS as they set to deliver our lifeline service.

Supporting our construction sector is a priority too. We are navigating rising costs, labour shortages, and uncertainty around future projects. Yet, I am continually inspired by the ambition and capability within our industry. What we need now is clarity, consistency, and a shared vision for the future.

I am grateful for the meetings held with the Chief Minister and for the swift interventions that have seen new capital projects released, including Dewberry House and further enablement works at the new hospital site. We look forward to even more tangible actions, such as the creation of a capital projects portal, which will provide the construction sector with the visibility and confidence it needs to thrive.

Looking ahead, I am excited by the pipeline of new projects. The Jersey Harbours Master Plan is about more than upgrading infrastructure it’s about unlocking opportunity and supporting our vital freight services. The “Investing in Jersey” initiative shows the world we are open for business, but investment must be matched by policy that supports growth and delivers long-term value for Islanders. And the redevelopment of Fort Regent stands as a symbol of what’s possible when we work together.

The Chamber stands ready to work with government, developers, and retailers to ensure Jersey remains competitive, connected, and confident. Let’s move forward together with purpose and pragmatism.