Bright Futures holds first annual conference

Friday 31 May 2019

Local charitable institution, Bright Futures is exploring the theme of longevity and the management of human capital at its first annual conference.

The event is entitled 'Longevity; The Greatest Gift or a Multi-Generational Curse' and marks the charity's first anniversary.

The agenda will feature points on longevity, succession planning and wealth management in relation to the challenges businesses, individuals and policy-makers face in dealing with a 'demographic time-bomb'.

Renowned Economist Professor Andrew Scott will share his insights at the evening's guest speaker. Currently Professor of Economics at London Business School, Mr Scott previously held positions at Harvard, London School of Economics and Oxford. He has published widely in international academic journals and his book, 'The Hundred Year Life' is an international bestseller, having been published in 14 different languages.

Mr Scott has served as a Non-Executive Director for the UK's Financial Services Authority and is currently on the advisory board of the UK's Office for Budget Responsibility, a member of the Cabinet Office Honours Committee and co-founder of The Longevity Forum.

"To make longevity a real asset for society it is necessary to change current socio-economic perceptions and approaches to care, as well as existing organisational and governance structures, in order to achieve a more active and inclusive understanding and experience of the ageing process," said Mr Scott.

Director of Bright Futures, Susie Crowder added: "We are in the midst of an extraordinary transition that few of us are prepared for. The number of those economically active versus non-economically active is set to shift to a ratio of 1:3 by as early as 2035 in Guernsey. This will have a profound impact on local businesses and the wider community if we do not prepare sufficiently.

"There are simply not enough people on our island with the right skills and experience that local businesses need to maximise performance and productivity. This coupled with the demographic time-bomb that our island faces may introduce further difficulties to local businesses.

"We need to start to identify the potential for ongoing practices regarding social innovation and active ageing. This includes identifying the key factors which drive innovation in social support and longevity, that then in turn can aid the transformation of this evolution into an engine for sustainable socio-economic progress."

The black-tie event will take place at St Pierre Park on 28 June. Tickets can be sourced through Eventbrite and are priced at £65 per person or £600 for a table of ten.

The annual dinner is being sponsored by Rothchilds & Co and Rossborough.

Pictured top: Professor Andrew Scott.