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Schedule
6:45 - Welcome drinks
7.40 - Welcome address
9:30 – Keynote speaker with Q&A
11.00 - Bar closes and carriages home
Dress Code: Black Tie
Menu:
All guests will enjoy the same starter: Roasted beets, whipped butternut squash, toasted seeds & crumbled feta (gluten free and vegan option available)
Main course options:
Chicken wrapped in pancetta, lemon roasted new potatoes, baby onions jus, mixed greens. (gluten free option available)
Or
Minted pea & bread bean risotto (gluten free and vegan option available)
For dessert, the table will receive a platter of mini treats including Chocolate brownie bites (GF VE), Carrot cake, Macaroons (GF), Lemon Drizzle.
Speakers
The man from Burnley who took on the banks…and won!
The blockbuster film ‘Bank of Dave’ is based on the true-life experiences of Dave Fishwick; it tells the story of how a working class minibus dealer from Burnley fought to set up a community bank so that he could help the local businesses of Burnley not only survive but thrive.
He had noticed that people were finding it increasingly difficult to obtain loans from their High Street Banks and he decided that he could help. In his bid to help his beloved community of Burnley he took on the financial institutions of London and fought to receive the first, new banking license to be issued in over 100 years.
Burnley Savings and Loans officially opened its doors in September 2011.
So, why was he invited?
We need better business banking, and this is his bag. Dave will be sharing his experiences in championing banking reform and will be offering valuable lessons for Island’s businesses both large and small.
His firm belief is that everyone should have access to straightforward financial products and services, and this clearly aligns with the views of Chamber and our members.
Its Time for #BetterBusinessBanking
We are making significant progress in our collaborative efforts with the banking industry, the Guernsey Financial Services Commission (GFSC), the government, and other stakeholders to improve the landscape of financial services in our community.
Guernsey boasts a well-established reputation as a first-class finance industry hub. However, a noticeable
disparity exists between this reputation and the range of financial services and products accessible to local businesses – and it's becoming more challenging for non-financial businesses to thrive.
We frequently hear calls for diversifying industries, attracting new businesses, and fostering startups.
Regrettably, practical barriers persist, such as lengthy account opening processes, limited credit card options, and minimal adoption of open banking practices.
The statistics are telling:
- 98.77% of respondents report experiencing challenges or barriers when using banks for their business needs.
- A significant majority (69.14%) rate the quality of banking services as "Low quality" or "Very low quality."
- An overwhelming 81.48% of respondents are either "Dissatisfied" or "Very dissatisfied" with the range of banking solutions available.
These findings highlight systemic issues in our banking sector that warrant urgent attention and action from both financial institutions and regulatory authorities. We firmly believe that it is time for a change, offering an opportunity for improvements by existing institutions and potential new entrants.
Sponsors and Partners
Event Partner
Alistair Beak, Sure Group CEO and sponsor, commented: “Events like Chamber’s Gala Dinner bring the Guernsey community together and give us all the chance to celebrate the businesses and people that make our Island great."
Sponsor
Carey Olsen
Carey Olsen is a leading offshore law firm. We advise on Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey law across a global network of nine international offices.
We are a full service law firm working across banking and finance, corporate and M&A, investment funds and private equity, trusts and private wealth, dispute resolution, insolvency and property law
Sponsor
Unity
UN1TY helps businesses plan, manage and implement complex initiatives in the right way. Combining the communications and sustainability expertise of CMO/CSO Rollo de Sausmarez the technical expertise of CTO Michael Ozanne, the customer & experience expertise of Charlotte Dunsterville and the project delivery support from Colin Woodcock, we bolster businesses with senior expertise to deliver results.
https://www.un1ty.gg/Sponsor
Virteffic
Virteffic is a leading virtual assistant company in the Channel Islands that strengthen organisations with professional support services.
We offer bespoke, cost-effective solutions to meet clients’ unique requirements. Virteffic can assist as an extension to your on-site employees. Or as an alternate, more flexible solution to hiring a permanent administrator or secretarial officer. We can also assist with training and course material tailored to your business.
Our team consist of experienced, qualified professionals with hard-to-find skills and long experience in the regulated financial industry. We pride ourselves on being flexible, efficient, diligent, knowledgeable and discrete. All our virtual assistants are residents in Jersey or Guernsey, and we never subcontract the services.
We have become a trusted support firm that assists businesses of all sizes, including many of the larger regulated firms (funds and trust companies, wealth advisors and insurance companies), doctor practices, non-profit organisations, and charities. Our clients are based in Jersey and Guernsey, the Cayman Islands, and the UK.
Tickets
Networking Ticket (Sold Out)
£80.-
Member Price
Buy TicketA seat at one of the events networking tables.
Non Member Networking ticket (Sold Out)
£95.-
Public Price
Buy TicketA seat at one of the events networking tables.