Back to the Ice Age for Enterprise Week

Saturday 02 April 2016

Looking back to the past could be the key to an enterprising future according to the man who's kicking off this year's Enterprise Week.

Dr Matt Pope of UCL, who's led the Island's three-year Ice Age project, believes Jersey’s cultural and industrial past can inform its vision for the future.

He's one of a number of local and visiting experts who will be here for the week in May organised by Jersey Business to provide thought provoking and practical debate on the key issues facing the Island’s business leaders, entrepreneurs and Government.

Chief Executive Graeme Smith said: “We have much to be proud of in Jersey about the resilience, flexibility and product innovation of the Island’s business community. It may seem odd to start a week about the future of enterprise by looking back to the Ice Age but we think people will be surprised to discover how the skills and adaptability of those early settlers to overcome the hardships and seize the opportunities of that time can still be seen in our modern day business leaders.

“We have a terrific line up for this year’s Enterprise Week and we are confident those who attend the events will come away enthused and informed.”

The changing face of the retail industry and the online/offline conundrum facing the sector will also be discussed during the week as well as the impact that simple technology solutions can have on business performance, new opportunities for hospitality businesses and there will be a chance for entrepreneurs to develop a pitch for their business in a 'condensed boot camp'.

Minister of Economic Development, Tourism, Sport & Culture, Senator Lyndon Farnham said: “Jersey Business has developed an exceptional programme of events during Enterprise Week. This is particularly important at this time, as the States of Jersey start an island wide consultation to develop a long term vision for the island.

“The sessions that will take place during Enterprise Week will allow business leaders to input into the long term future for enterprise in Jersey as well as gaining specific knowledge and ideas to take their own businesses forward. This is a unique opportunity, not to be missed, for our business community to come together, learn together and add their voice to the conversation.”

Enterprise Week starts on Friday 13 May and runs until Friday 20 May.