A Word from Our CEO, Murray Norton, August 2026

After the Battle... The Real Work Begins

August has a habit of reminding us why we choose to call Jersey home. Whether it is watching the sun set over St Ouen's, lingering over dinner or making the annual pilgrimage to the Battle of Flowers, there is something about this time of year that encourages us to slow down for a moment. Even those of us who joke that a trip out East requires careful planning somehow find ourselves happily crossing the island in search of a barbecue, a beach or a family gathering.

It is one of the few times of year when Jersey seems to collectively take a breath.

The Battle of Flowers celebrates creativity, community spirit and the remarkable efforts of hundreds of volunteers. It reminds us that Jersey's greatest achievements come when people work together.

The Battle of Flowers may be over, but Jersey's next battles are only just beginning.

As summer gives way to autumn, our focus turns to improving productivity, making Jersey an easier place to do business, tackling the cost of living by reducing the cost of doing business, delivering more homes, strengthening infrastructure, improving connectivity and creating the confidence that encourages investment.

Fortunately, these are not battles with winners and losers. Success will come through collaboration between Government, business and the wider community, all pulling in the same direction.

The election is behind us. We have a new Council of Ministers, Scrutiny Panels are in place and Government can now focus on what matters most, delivery.

That is not to say the conversations stop. Far from it. At Jersey Chamber of Commerce, our dialogue with Ministers, Scrutiny Panels, Government officials and our members continues every day. Constructive challenge, collaboration and communication remain essential if Jersey is to make the progress we all want to see.

Businesses make decisions every day despite uncertainty, changing markets and competing priorities. They value careful policy making, but they also need clarity and direction. Confidence encourages investment. Investment creates jobs. Jobs create opportunity.

There is every reason to be optimistic. Jersey has continually reinvented itself. We are home to world class businesses, ambitious entrepreneurs and dedicated public servants. Our ability to adapt has always been one of our greatest strengths.

Before long the beaches will become a little quieter, summer will gently give way to autumn and the familiar rhythm of island life will return. Along with it comes an opportunity for all of us to roll up our sleeves.

Jersey Chamber of Commerce will continue to support where we can, challenge where we should and champion the businesses that keep Jersey moving. The conversations will continue, but they must increasingly be matched by action.

When we gather again next summer to watch another sunset over St Ouen's or another Battle of Flowers pass by, Jersey will not judge success by the promises that were made, but by the progress we made together.