Back to the Future
Former CEO of Jersey Finance Ltd, Phil Austin, has been appointed Chairman of Future Group.
Phil Austin has joined Future Group, a collection of locally owned lending businesses offering the widest range of finance available in Jersey. Phil (61) spent most of his career in banking with HSBC in the UK and Jersey. From 1997 to 2001 he was Deputy Chief Executive of the bank's business in the Offshore Islands.
In 2001, Mr Austin became the founding CEO of Jersey Finance Ltd, the body set up as a joint venture between the States of Jersey and its Finance Industry, to represent and promote the industry at home and abroad.
In 2006, he joined Equity Trust as Managing Director of the Channel Islands business and a member of the Group Executive Committee. He retired from Equity Trust at the end of 2009. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a Fellow of the Institute of Management.
He joins Future Group at an exciting time for the Channel Island company. They have recently diversified their services and launched Future Invoice to complement their portfolio of Future Finance and Future Loans. They provide innovative and bespoke finance solutions alongside competitive traditional finance.
Craig Dempster, Director, Future Finance, said:
‘Phil’s appointment today further strengthens our leadership team. Future Group is now established as a leading local finance business and the introduction of Phil Austin as Chairman demonstrates our resolve to achieve top tier status in all our business sectors.’
Jersey Kayak Adventures gets top marks
Jersey Kayak Adventures has shown itself to be at the top of the class for outdoor adventure activities by being awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC)quality badge.
The scheme combines learning and safety into one easily recognisable badge for organisations providing adventure and learning activities. The badge offers both teachers and parents a guarantee of quality and the knowledge that appropriate safety standards are in place through the use of qualified staff and suitable equipment.
The badge aims to reduce red tape by creating a single award.
You say ‘Eh’, we say ‘Eh’…
Jersey Finance has welcomed the signing of the Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with the Canucks.
The agreement was signed last month when the Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom visits Jersey to meet Chief Minister Senator Terry Le Sueur.
The finance industry is fully supportive of the series of TIEAs signed by the Jersey authorities, which are set to continue. They help to reinforce the high standards of Jersey’s finance industry and signal Jersey’s continuing participation in global initiatives designed to strengthen the financial services system and combat fiscal crime.Geoff Cook, chief executive of Jersey Finance (below), commented:
“This latest TIEA with Canada is another significant step in strengthening Jersey’s ties with some of the largest economies in the world. Jersey has now signed agreements with nine of the G20 nations, with a further seven either initialed or fully negotiated. Not only does this reflect the international dynamic of Jersey’s finance industry, it also demonstrates how the world’s leading countries view the quality and robust nature of Jersey’s legislative and regulatory framework.”
Jersey has now signed twenty tax information agreements with countries including the UK, USA, France and Germany.
Co-op buy local
The Channel Islands Co-operative re-affirmed its commitment to local suppliers by announcing it had spent a massive £10.6 million with local suppliers in Jersey and Guernsey over the last 12 months.Colin Macleod, Chief Executive Designate said “We are delighted to be working with a wide variety of island suppliers and provide a range of local products in our stores. Supporting local is an essential part of what the Channel Island Co-operative is all about.”
Fred funds comedy
Funds professionals in Jersey will be entertained by a renowned Scottish comedian and presenter at the annual Jersey Funds Association (JFA) Dinner at the Hotel de France this year. Fred MacAulay, who presents the weekday morning show for BBC Radio Scotland and regularly appears on popular TV programmes including Have I Got News For You, Mock the Week and QI, will be the guest speaker at the dinner, which takes place on 25th March. The lead sponsor of the event is private equity fund services firm Ipes. The evening will begin at 6.45pm with a champagne reception sponsored by Mourant Ozannes. Further musical entertainment, co-sponsored by Bedell Group and JP Morgan, will be provided by Joe Stilgoe, who regularly plays at top jazz clubs around the UK. Local businesses and individuals are invited to attend the black-tie event at a cost of £60 per person. Hopefully Fred will steer clear of the specific fund industry humour, so as not to lose the rest of us….
For local web design company BlueBox Creative, 2011 is shaping up to be a great year.
Founded six years ago, BlueBox has grown into a multi award winning web design agency with an impressive portfolio of both Jersey and international clients ranging across the majority of business sectors.They’ve rapidly gained a reputation for developing websites and internet applications of the highest quality, driving the business from strength to strength – so much so that they’ve had to move into larger premises at 5 Britannia Place, Bath Street.
As well as new offices, the coming year heralds other positive changes for BlueBox with the appointment of Oliver Baudains to the board as a Director. Educated at Bournemouth University's infamous Media School, Oliver graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Interactive Media Production. Specialising in internet technology, Oliver returned to Jersey to pursue his career and, in 2007, joined the company and has not looked back.
In his new role, Oliver will be playing a key part in the development of new and existing products as well as assisting in the future development of the business.
“We’re delighted that Oliver has demonstrated the skills required to take on the responsibilities of Directorship and I’m sure that his drive and enthusiasm will ensure a prosperous future for both himself and the Company” – BlueBox Creative Managing Director Peter Haworth
Combining website development, search engine optimisation, online marketing and sumptuous graphic design, BlueBox Creative’s primary focus is on delivering rich, vibrant websites which actively promote and generate business for their clients. At the core of the business is the ‘BlueBox Online Management System’; five years in the making and responsible for currently running over 100 websites in a variety of languages and jurisdictions.
“BlueBox OMS enables us to realise a client’s business requirements quickly and effectively whilst allowing the client to manage their site themselves, in an intuitive, user-friendly environment.” – Peter Haworth
And it’s not all amazing design and technical knowhow. BlueBox understand that even the highest standards of creative and technical excellence aren’t all you need to build great working relationships.
“We’re committed to providing exceptional levels of service to all our clients; in the initial stages of a project, through to day to day optimisations and future enhancements.“ – Oliver Baudains
Considering this attitude, married with a commitment to sensible pricing and ethical business practices, it’s not difficult to see why BlueBox Creative are enjoying continued success.
Interested in what BlueBox Creative can do for you and your business this year? Why not get in touch to discuss the possibilities?
Website: www.blueboxcreative.com – email: info@blueboxcreative.com – phone 01534 859588
