A Word from Our CEO, Murray Norton, August 2025

Let’s Think Long-Term and Plan Wisely

In a world that often encourages us to “stay positive” and “keep moving forward,” it's easy to overlook the value of thoughtful reflection. Yet the choices we make today are shaped by our past, and will define the future we leave behind.

Looking back to 2019, Jersey felt confident. Economic indicators were strong, the island was stable, and while the world had its share of disruption, locally we had direction. It was before Brexit fully unfolded, before COVID reshaped society, and before many of today’s pressures emerged. There was space for long-term vision, although perhaps some early warning signs were missed.

One of those signs was our shifting demographic landscape. Declining school enrolments are just one visible indicator of a trend that has been building for years. Jersey needs to plan now, not with short-term urgency, but with sustained, strategic thinking.

We will need people, skills, and vibrant communities well into the future. That means creating the right environment to attract and retain young people and professionals. It also means ensuring our infrastructure, both visible and hidden, is ready to support that growth.

A key part of this is investing in our core systems. Water, drainage, and other critical services must be modern, reliable, and built with future demand in mind. These are not headline-grabbing projects, but they are essential to an island that functions efficiently and sustainably.

St Helier must also play a central role. As Jersey’s civic and economic heart, it should be a place where people want to live, work, and spend time. Good design, accessible public transport, and quality public spaces all contribute to a vibrant capital. When St Helier thrives, the whole island benefits.

Of course, there will always be debate over smaller issues like bike racks or street layouts. These matter, but they need to be part of a broader, cohesive vision that addresses Jersey’s long-term needs, especially around housing, infrastructure, and workforce planning.

It may be time to revisit frameworks like the Bridging Island Plan, ensuring they remain fit for purpose. We also need to ask whether current policies, such as housing qualifications, still align with the realities of our labour market. Long-standing systems can become barriers if they are not regularly reviewed.

This is not about rushing decisions, but about setting a clear direction. Investment, planning, and political focus must align with a long-term view. At the Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to supporting that vision, backing practical, forward-looking policies that build resilience and opportunity.

The coming months offer a window to make progress before political focus shifts toward the next election cycle. Let’s use this time to plan carefully, invest wisely, and shape an island that works for the next generation.

With shared focus and sustained commitment, Jersey can build a future that is strong, smart, and ready for what lies ahead.