The mysterious 'Sark Society'

Tuesday 25 August 2020

Sark is looking to double its population count, according to several recent national newspaper reports - but it seems the efforts are the work of one man who would like you to join him on the island... and buy his £1,000 welcome package.

With only 492 residents, the ‘jewel of the Channel Islands’ is indeed looking for more residents, with recent reports on websites including Time Out and Country Living claiming it is hoping for 500 new Sarkees.

The recent publicity has not been the work of the local government however, but a scheme setup by Swen Lorenz; an entrepreneur who apparently lives in the island.

Mr Lorenz has a website and personal blog, which mostly provides top-10 lists and guidance on how to succeed as a self-employed businessperson.

But the highlight of the website is the ‘Sark Society’ section, where he personally invites you to join him in the island. He sells Sark as a "European, English-speaking microstate where you can live free from excessive taxation and government regulation". 

Pictured: According to Mr Lorenz's website, he works for ‘Me Inc.’ and offers guidance for people who want to live life on "their own terms".

But moving to Sark is not the only thing the website offers. Mr Lorenz also hopes readers will join the Sark Society - a membership programme that offers a ‘manual’ for moving to Sark, one-to-one guidance from Mr Lorenz himself, and regular updates on property and business opportunities.

Membership to the Sark Society will set you back £1,000.

Mr Lorenz says the price is "too cheap" for the value of the advice received – though stresses on multiple occasions that he is not qualified to offer taxation, legal, or financial advice.

While the Sark government is keen to invite new residents and keep its community thriving, a spokesperson said it has only recently become aware of the Sark Society. 

"The Government are now aware of this enterprise, although we clearly do not endorse this "Tax Haven" approach," they said. 

“Sark wants to encourage people to move here from all walks of life and ages to become part of the community."

The government website hosts a wealth of information for anyone considering moving to the island, which can be found HERE.

Pictured top: A entrepreneur living in Sark is inviting "like-minded people" to join him in the island and take advantage of the business opportunities it represents.