Local industry experts to discuss Brexit at GTA’s Future of Offshore event

Monday 14 January 2019

Three of Guernsey’s leading business voices will discuss what the future holds for the island’s economy following Brexit during an interactive panel session at the GTA University Centre’s (GTA) event, titled ‘The Future of Offshore in a Post-Brexit Economy’, on Thursday 17 January.

The panel includes Christopher Anderson, Partner at law firm Carey Olsen; Dominic Wheatley, Chief Executive of Guernsey Finance; and Deputy Gavin St Pier, President Policy and Resources Committee, States of Guernsey.

They will be joined on the panel by the event’s keynote speaker Dr Savvas Savouri, who is Chief Economist for Toscafund Asset Management and one of the UK’s leading economists.

Dr Savouri will present his thoughts on the impact of Brexit and examine the challenges facing the local economy and the wider offshore world as a result. He will also explore the ways the island may turn this potential threat into a benefit.

Dr Savouri commented: “A deal-less Brexit could prove a welcome boost to Guernsey rather than the threat many anticipate since political turmoil in the UK could trigger an evacuation of British nationals to Guernsey’s shores or certainly a sharp rise in numbers trying to relocate, creating opportunities for the island and its business community.”

Gavin St Pier, President Policy & Resources Committee said:

“We have been working closely with the UK and the other Crown Dependencies since 2016, to ensure that the island’s interests are taken into account in the UK’s EU exit negotiations.

“The UK Government has committed to negotiating a future economic partnership for the Crown Dependencies with the EU that is proportionate to our economic needs, that respects our autonomy and constitutional relationship with the UK. We have also been preparing for all eventualities in relation to Brexit, including a no deal scenario and we are liaising closely with the UK Government to ensure the Bailiwick’s preparations are aligned wherever possible.

“It goes without saying that we are at a critical stage in the Brexit process. I’m pleased to be involved in an event at this time, which will facilitate a valuable discussion on Brexit and explore the possible implications for the island’s economy with the aim of supporting our key local industries to be as well prepared as possible whatever the future may hold post-Brexit.”

The Future of Offshore in a Post-Brexit Economy event will take place at St Pierre Park Hotel from 4pm on Thursday 17 January 2019. Tickets are £45 and can be purchased from the GTA website.