A Word from Our CEO, Murray Norton, February 2026

Relationships Matter

I am often asked about the role we play in shaping the island’s economic direction, and why influence matters so much to the business community. At its heart, Chamber’s influence is not about volume of comment, it is about quality, credibility and trust. It comes from our ability to channel the lived experience, insight and expertise of our members into constructive engagement, meaningful consultation and effective advocacy.

Jersey’s business community is diverse, spanning finance, retail, construction, hospitality, digital, logistics, professional services and many more. Each sector faces different pressures and opportunities, yet many of the themes are shared, workforce availability, infrastructure, regulation, competitiveness and long term certainty. Chamber’s role is to listen carefully across that breadth, identify where challenges intersect, and present those perspectives clearly and coherently to decision makers. This is not lobbying for its own sake, it is about helping policy to land well in the real economy.

Engagement is where influence begins. Through sector committees, events, briefings and day to day conversations, we create space for businesses to speak openly about what is working and what is not. That engagement allows Chamber to build an informed picture of business conditions on the ground, grounded in evidence rather than anecdote. It also helps businesses understand one another better, breaking down silos and encouraging collaboration across sectors that might otherwise rarely connect.

Consultation is where that engagement turns into real value. Government consultations can be complex, technical and time consuming, particularly for small and medium sized enterprises. Chamber helps interpret proposals, convenes informed discussion, and draw together collective responses that reflect the practical realities of operating in Jersey. By doing so, we enable a broader and more balanced range of voices to be heard, and we provide Government with feedback that is considered, proportionate and solution focused.

Advocacy is the outward expression of that work. When Chamber speaks publicly, or directly to Ministers and officials, it does so with the authority that comes from representing a wide membership base. We act as a critical friend, supportive of Jersey’s long term interests, but prepared to challenge where policy risks unintended consequences. That balance is essential to maintaining credibility on all sides. It is also important to be clear and honest, this approach does not guarantee that we will always get the outcome we want. What it does ensure is that business is heard, that our opinions are sought, and that decisions are taken with a clearer understanding of their impact on the real economy.

Influence also works both ways. Chamber does not simply speak to Government on behalf of business, it helps explain policy direction back to the business community. By improving understanding and transparency, we reduce uncertainty and support better decision making within firms themselves.

In a small island economy, relationships matter. Chamber’s influence lies in being a trusted intermediary, one that brings together businesses, sectors and policymakers around a shared ambition for a sustainable, competitive and inclusive Jersey economy. Being part of that influence is as simple as joining Chamber. By doing so, you add your voice to the collective, help shape the conversations that matter, and ensure that your experience and insight are part of the dialogue that helps set Jersey’s direction for the future.