A Word from Our CEO, Murray Norton, November 2025

We are our biggest critics sometimes.

It’s often said that those closest to you can be your biggest critics. That’s fine, in fact, it’s often healthy to get honest feedback. But the line between constructive criticism and a stream of whinging is important. Sometimes these moans are disproportionally louder than the reality of the situation, and then what is said is taken as fact, whilst ignoring the facts

Yes, there have been real challenges across some sectors, there always will be. Global economies are under strain, and Jersey is not immune to those pressures. Rising costs in goods, wages, and even essentials utilities create understandable concern for both businesses and households. But what really matters is how we respond. That response, from those who have it within their gift or responsibility to act, is far more important than the noise.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been genuinely impressed by a growing “can we fix it?” attitude. You want a schedule of the island’s construction pipeline? Rightho, it’s being delivered by the end of the year. You want more funding for businesses support packages? Done. You’d like to see a better-looking St. Helier? It’s already underway. A winter tourism deal to bring visitors from September through November, it’s happening. An overnight option ticket to St. Malo, someone at DFDS listened. And when it comes to securing our water supply through to 2040, Jersey Water has that planned. Their structured, forward-thinking presentation at our October Chamber lunch left a full room nodding in agreement at their approach.

It will always be the case that we’re quick to criticise our own backyard, while assuming everyone else does it better. But the truth is, they’re saying the same about their patch too. It’s simply the way of the world. Jersey, of course, isn’t perfect. Listening too closely to the detractors can talk us all down. But what’s often overlooked is just how much talent, skill, and genuine care this island holds. Why am I so positive? Chamber have far more people rolling up their sleeves to make things better, than those standing on the sidelines complaining. 

So go visit other towns or islands. Look at their figures and read their online forums, if you can bear it. Then thank your lucky stars for the businesses, projects, financial stability, and even some of the politicians, who get roundly kicked for doing the most thankless job of all. There are some good things going on and plenty, like the business leaders in Chamber, who give their time and energy for free, who care enough to constructively engage on improving things for everyone. Maybe that’s a movement worth getting involved in.