The Journal | Issue 6

GETTING TO KNOW KASIA GUZIK P9

Do you understand GDPR? Nathan Wright of NW Consulting talks us through it on page 8

The Journal ISSUE SIX

BUSINESS • FINANCE • LAW • RECRUITMENT

Shortlisting and silver for Corbett Le Quesne

JT’s Pippa shines in CX Network’s ‘Top 30 under 30’ Business

Pippa Donovan, Digital Customer Experience Coordinator at JT, has been identified as one of the ‘Top 30 under 30’ in her field.

Pippa (27) makes the list of ‘Rising Customer Experience Super Stars’ compiled by the CX Network, the leading online resource for senior customer experience, service, insight, digital and marketing decision makers. The global list includes professionals from as far afield as Russia, the United States and the Philippines.

Pippa is responsible for collating all customer experience data at JT, ensuring that JT’s high standards of customer service are maintained. She is also central in helping deliver the company’s overall customer experience strategy as part of JT’s dedicated Customer Experience team and helping to ensure that it extends to the whole business.

Business

Corbett Le Quesne is delighted to announce that Advocate Nicholas Le Quesne has been shortlisted for the Citywealth Future Leaders Awards in the Family Law Partner of the Year Category.

Nick is the only family lawyer in the Channel Islands to have made the shortlist in any of the family law categories.

The philosophy of the awards is to support future leaders, highlighting those under forty, who excel at work but also make a contribution to society.

The online public vote is open until 19th October. The online vote will count for 10% of the vote and will be taken into consideration by the judges when they come to making their final decision. The winners will be announced at an event on 8th November.

In addition to Nick’s shortlisting, Corbett Le Quesne are celebrating Barbara Corbett’s Silver Award in the ‘Best Newcomer, New Initiatives’ category of the Citywealth Brand Management and Reputation Awards. The winning initiative was the Corbett Le Quesne HR Support Service, which offers legal support to businesses who wish to support employees going through relationship breakdown.

EXPECT THE BEST ■ Corporate Lawyer ■ Pensions Manager ■ MLRO Private Equity ■ Senior Trust Manager ■ Corporate Services Director

Visit our website and browse jobs locally and globally

www.ap-executive.com Call us on 715757 or email: jersey@ap-executive.com

■ Trust Director

■ Fund Services Manager

■ Managing Director Trust

■ Litigation Associate Lawyer ■ Compliance & Risk Manager

Third Floor, 31 The Parade, St Helier, Jersey JE2 3QQ

2

THE JOURNAL NEWS

JT process 4 billion mobile transactions

Business

JT is now ranked among the global leaders for managing text messages on behalf of business customers having processed a record-breaking four billion mobile transactions in 2017.

The Channel Islands’ only locally owned telecoms company has built long-term partnerships with many international mobile network operators and has signed more than 750 roaming agreements to allow its customers to connect wherever they are in the world. Building on those networks, JT has developed products to help other operators monetise their own services. One of

these is messaging for texts (SMS) and ‘Home Location Registers’ (HLR), which allows carriers to determine the home country and network of a mobile subscriber. JT provides portability information for routing of messages purposes to make sure that carriers send messages in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

Tom Noel, Managing Director of JT International, the division responsible for growing the group’s global business, said: “JT has been in the business of messaging since its conception and has been one of the industry’s leading pioneers.

Reaching four billion transactions is a significant milestone for us and moves us closer to our goal of

becoming the Operator of Operators for Messaging.

“Despite the growth of services such as WhatsApp and Snapchat, messaging remains preferred method to reach a customer and big players like Google, Facebook and Apple all use it, for example, for two-factor authentication. Chatbots are also becoming popular, especially in callcentre environments. Although some people have predicted the end of messaging, it is very much alive and well, and our growth confirms this.”

As well as messaging, JT International has also developed niche products in the areas of global roaming, fraud protection and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Logicalis CI POLITICIANS MEET has appointed TO IMPROVE LINKS new manager BETWEEN ISLANDS

A forum of senior politicians and officials from Guernsey and Jersey met formally for the first time in Jersey at the end of June.

Recruitment

Logicalis CI has appointed Claire Lloyd-Gottard as Channel Manager for European Markets.

Based in Jersey, Claire will manage the marketing and sales channels for the Logicalis Managed Security Services (MSS) across Europe. One of the world’s leading cyber-security specialists, Logicalis supports businesses worldwide by protecting their data and assets and ensuring they remain compliant with local and international regulations.

Although headquartered in Jersey, Logicalis MSS is a global network of Logicalis teams working around the clock to keep businesses safe by identifying and countering online threats such as social engineering, phishing and ransomware. Claire will coordinate the European part of this network to support business development.

Claire said: “In this digital age, it is essential that businesses protect their networks and data. At Logicalis, we partner with the leading cyber security vendors to deliver security solutions to customers, as a service and as a discrete solution. It is an important growth area for the Group and I am looking forward to supporting the next stage of its development.”

Business

Jersey-born, Claire attended Beaulieu Convent School and previously worked in Commercial Development at JT and most recently at Cable & Wireless as the Regional Product Director, where she managed 15 countries and was based in the Caribbean.

Ricky Magalhaes, Director of MSS at Logicalis, said: “Claire brings both commercial and technical experience to the role and will be a significant asset to the team, helping to deliver cyber security cost effectively and on time, according to each customer’s agreed requirements.”

The Channel Island Political Oversight Board was established under the joint chairmanship of both islands’ Chief Ministers, to support ongoing cooperation between the two islands’ public administrations, and to find and support new partnership opportunities to improve our public services and reduce costs to taxpayers.

Jersey’s Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, and Guernsey’s Chief Minister, Deputy Gavin St Pier, met at Jersey’s Cyril Le Marquand House, alongside their respective Chief Executives, Paul Whitfield and Charlie Parker, and senior politicians and officials from both islands. From Jersey, this included the Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst, and the Minister for Health, Deputy Richard Renouf. From Guernsey, this included President of the Committee for Health and Social Care, Deputy Heidi Soulsby and the external relations lead, Deputy Jon Le Tocq.

The Board discussed and agreed a pipeline of opportunities across a

wide range of public services, and agreed some priority work streams, where significant progress can be made within the next 6-12 months.

These include: • joint working on policy development, including through joint commissioning of external experts, secondments of policy officials between islands, joint teams, joint island community engagement, joint performance measures and the potential for a joint graduate programme with placements in both islands • introducing a shadow Channel Islands Health Authority to promote joint working in health and care, including joint procurement of IT and other operational services, professional liaison, recruitment, shared learning and education, to support the improvements to the provision of health and care services in both communities • setting up a joint digital transformation board to work together on the delivery of technology to speed up online services for islanders

• a formal partnership for public sector procurement, including contract and supplier management, to improve value for money and reduce costs • a commitment to sharing data and analytics The Board recognised that there have been attempts in the past to work more closely, but that these had generally foundered as difficulties arose, for a variety of reasons, but that there has been more effective joint working between the two public services in 2018, on areas such as inter-island sea links, Brexit and external relations, cybersecurity and civil aviation.

Senior officials have also met on three occasions in Guernsey and Jersey since March, and have established the previously announced Channel Islands Public Service Board. This is chaired jointly by the two Chief Executives, is responsible for identifying the range of areas for collaboration for approval by the Political Oversight Board, and for delivering joint working on the ground.

THE JOURNAL NEWS

3

Economic Sustainability to form focus of 2018 IoD Jersey Debate Business

The long-term resilience of Jersey’s economy is set to be examined and put to the test at this year’s IoD Jersey Annual Debate.

Picking up on key themes to emerge from last year’s IoD Jersey Annual Debate and its inaugural Mid-Year Review earlier this year, the Debate this year will examine just how sustainable Jersey’s economy is. Entitled ‘Is Jersey’s Economic Model Sustainable?’, the event, sponsored by law firm and longterm supporter of the event Carey Olsen, will take place on Thursday 20th September at the RJA&HS in Trinity.

Starting at 5.30pm with a drinks reception, sponsored by HSBC, the event will feature Leo Johnson, Partner and Disruption Lead at PwC, as a keynote speaker. Panellists will include Geoff Cook of Jersey Finance, Tony Moretta of Digital Jersey and Scrutiny head Senator Kristina Moore.

With further visiting and local speakers and panellists set to be announced in due course, the event will examine Jersey’s tax environment and ask to what extent it should be revisited

in order to meet the needs of a changing demographic and the evolving demands on Island resources.

In addition, by analysing the evolving business and public-sector landscape, panellists will also discuss whether Jersey has the right ingredients to maintain its appeal as a centre for international commerce and whether it can continue to generate the levels of income the States of Jersey need to provide efficient and effective services to Islanders in the long term.

Coming less than six months after the election of a new States Assembly, the event will also challenge panellists on interlinked areas such as Jersey’s approach to immigration control, public sector reform, and the Island’s response to pressures beyond its shores, including technology, natural resources and inevitable geopolitical shifts.

Returning moderator, renowned news broadcaster Alastair Stewart OBE, will ensure that attendees have the opportunity to question the panel of experts.

Commenting on this year’s Debate, IoD Jersey Chairman Chris Clark, said: "At our Debate last year, the

overwhelming feeling was that there was a real need for Jersey to be thinking long term, looking seriously at its economic sustainability and considering how we can successfully create a diverse, vibrant, young and innovative economy.

“As we have come to expect from our Debates, we will be asking some really tough questions that will have widespread relevance to all of us, about the taxes we pay, who can live here, how our public services are run and how technology will impact our lives. It promises to be another fascinating Debate and I look forward to announcing further details in due course.”

The IoD Annual Debate will take place on Thursday 20th September 2018 at the RJA&HS from 5.30 pm – 10.30 pm and is open to all Islanders who have an interest in Jersey’s future.

Individual tickets are £95 and tables of 12 can be booked for £1,080, including a two-course supper, through www. iod.je, while further information is also available through the IoD Jersey LinkedIn page and by following @ iodjersey and #iodjsydebate on Twitter.

4

THE JOURNAL NEWS

Digital Jersey brings together IOT pioneers for ‘Island of Things’ Event Business

In collaboration with University College London (UCL) and sponsored

by JT, Digital Jersey brought together leading academics, entrepreneurs and business leaders for an exciting and informative event entitled Island of Things: an introduction to IoT. The two-day event featured an impressive line-up of speakers including a combination of keynotes and lectures from industry leaders such as CISCO, IBM, JT Global, Rothamsted Research and UCL. Head of Business Development at Digital Jersey Chris Knight said, “The Internet of Things is a sector which is predicted to have enormous economic impact over the next few years, potentially generating revenues of up to £10 trillion per year by 2025.

Digital Jersey has prioritised IoT as a good strategic fit for the Island due to our fantastic telecommunications infrastructure, combination of urban, rural and coastal industries and ability to easily test applications in a whole country ‘Sandbox’ environment.”

Principal Teaching Fellow at UCL Dr Clive Poole said, “Through our recently established Institute of Communications and Connected Systems, UCL is at the forefront of research into the key communications technologies that underlie the Internet of Things and our department has been delivering education in telecoms and internet related subjects to industry for several decades. We are delighted to be partnering with Digital Jersey

to help promote the emerging Tech sector in Jersey through events such as this.

We believe Jersey has the potential to become a unique testbed for future communications technologies, architectures and systems and events like this are an important part of raising public awareness and drawing in interested parties from around the world”.

Along with an overall introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT) the event was designed to showcase the opportunities available in the IoT space in Jersey and to prepare for the launch of the Digital Jersey Xchange (DJX), Digital Jersey’s dedicated IoT lab and data platform, which will open in the Autumn.

DJX is a key component of Digital Jersey’s Sandbox Jersey initiative which promotes Jersey as an accessible, centre of excellence for businesses to research, develop, test, and launch digital products and services.

IoT businesses looking to use Jersey as a testbed will not only benefit from DJX, but also from the Island’s highlydeveloped network infrastructure, rapid connectivity, and access to award-winning Tier 1 mobile and infrastructure partners.

Paul Bullock, Head of IoT at JT, who spoke at the conference, added; ‘Jersey will soon be the first jurisdiction in the world to have 100 per cent of broadband premises connected directly to full-fibre. Our work in the IoT space is equally ground-breaking, attracting attention from large international companies

L-R: Chris Knight Digital Jersey, Dr Clive Poole UCL, Peter Shearman Cisco, John Crawford Rothamsted & Andy Stanford Clark IBM

who want to use a combination of our expertise and the established JT full-fibre network. Partnering with Digital Jersey to promote the island’s capabilities and showcase our products and services provides a tangible competitive edge and strengthens our position as the

New Business Development focus for Nigel Pascoe at Skipton International Recruitment

After helping Skipton International become one of the leading providers of Expat Mortgages, Nigel Pascoe is now undertaking a broader Business Development role within the bank that will widen Skipton International’s deposit introducer base and enhance its appeal to high net worth savers.

As Director of Business Development, Nigel will be responsible for a growing team of mortgage associates and business development managers, expanding Skipton International’s deposit base as well as addressing the Expat Mortgage Markets.

Nigel said: “At Skipton International we have a well-earned reputation for delivering excellent customer service.

My team works hard at ensuring mortgage brokers across the UK and internationally receive a service that is second to none, leading to highly successful business relationships.

My colleagues across the business provide the same customer service

focus to our deposit customers and I am excited to be promoting these benefits across a wider range of deposit introducers and high net worth customers, so more savers will benefit.”

Following 16 years with the Guernsey-regulated bank, Nigel will be looking to develop the bank’s deposit relationships with organisations such as trust companies, family offices and independent financial advisors.

Jim Coupe, Managing Director of Skipton International, commented: “At Skipton International we offer some of the leading interest rates for savers and are widely known for excellent customer service, which has been independently recognised through awards from Moneyfacts and Feefo. Nigel is already widely known and respected in the local and expat lending markets and I am pleased that we can now enable Nigel to provide his skills and experience to help more deposit introducers.”

Nigel joined Skipton in 2002 having previously worked for UK Retail and International Banks. His

experience in mortgage lending has contributed to Skipton becoming one of the leading Channel Island and Expat Mortgage lenders. Skipton International is licensed under the Banking Supervision (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 1994, as amended and is not registered in Jersey.

perfect testbed for IoT’.

Commenting on the event Tony Moretta, CEO of Digital Jersey said, “This, the latest event from Digital Jersey, provided a great opportunity for interested individuals and companies to come together and learn from world leading experts and

Carey Olsen acts in liquidation

Carey Olsen has successfully applied to have PwC appointed as joint provisional liquidators over Middle East private equity investment group Abraaj Holdings, amid opposition from certain creditors.

Abraaj Holdings filed an application in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands seeking the appointment of Simon Conway, Michael Jervis and Mo Farzadi of PwC as joint provisional liquidators.

The Carey Olsen team was led

by Partner Nick Bullmore on the corporate side, with Jan Golaszewski, Head of the litigation and insolvency team in the Cayman Islands, and Peter Sherwood, Counsel, on the insolvency side. The move has been made to protect the rights of the company’s stakeholders until a consensual restructuring of its debt obligations and the intended sale of its investment management business can be formulated and approved.

Jan Golaszewski said: “With the overlap between the transactional and contentious aspects, this is a complicated and fast-moving case involving the coordination of lawyers and advisers across several disciplines and multiple time zones.

the latest developments in the IoT space. We believe that the Island of Jersey offers enormous opportunities in IoT and we’re delighted to be able to help foster new and innovative products and services and to provide interested parties with the tools to thrive in this growing sector.”

“A court-supervised restructuring programme is a positive outcome for our client. It gives Abraaj Holdings a sound structure to continue to look after the best interests of its stakeholders and creditors.”

Appleby acts in Lombard sale

Appleby provided Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man and Cayman legal advice in connection with the disposal by Lombard, the asset finance division of RBS, on the £150m sale of its offshore Channel Islands division by way of portfolio sale to specialist lenders Investec and Shawbrook Bank.

James Gaudin, Corporate Partner, supported by Gemma Whale, Associate, with assistance from Kyle Sutherland, Corporate Partner (Isle of Man), Jeremy Berchem, Group Partner (Guernsey), and Caroline Barton, Corporate Partner (Cayman), led the team from the Jersey office.

RBS made the decision to sell its offshore asset finance division in order to comply with ring-fencing rules that come into force in 2019, which require banks to keep their retail operations separate from their operations outside of the European Economic Area. This includes operations in the Channel Islands.

5

Choose a job you

88 88 66

love from Select.je!

hello@select.je

Select.je R E C R U I T M E N T PERMANENT, TEMPORARY & EXECUTIVE

6

THE JOURNAL FINANCE

PARK YOUR MONEY WITH UK AIRPORT INVESTMENTS Ana Ullger discusses the merits of Compound Interest Finance

This month I would like to ask you to consider for a moment the power of something quite extraordinary Compound interest.

Compound interest in its simplest form is where interest received from an investment is reinvested back and allowed to accumulate over a given period of time. Long term investment returns therefore depends upon 2 major factors, firstly loses need to be avoided at all costs. The investor should therefore avoid risky and volatile investments and seek to invest in assets that can demonstrate long-term positive performance in all market conditions without ANY loses. Secondly the returns have to be reinvested.

Compounding investment returns is therefore paramount to long term performance. Not easy to find I agree, however there are a few investments out there that will tick that box.

Historically this could be achieved form Bank deposit interest.

Unfortunately, this is no longer possible as interest rates in the UK have been around 0.5% for the last 9 years and could well remain at this level for the foreseeable future.

One investment that warrants consideration is Car Parks and in particular Airport Car Parks.

Take the car parks at Glasgow International Airport for example.

They can demonstrate long term performance with no losses over a 20

THE GREATEST INVENTION If Columbus had of placed one single dollar out at 6% interest compounded annually with instructions to pay the proceeds to you today, you would have over TEN BILLLION DOLLARS coming to you.

We can do it with what has been called the world’s greatest invention “Compound Interest”

year period. Spaces are available at £20,000 each. Each space is then managed on your behalf and the income received is then paid back to you at a guaranteed rate of 8% p.a. for the next 5 years.

Each investment is registered with the appropriate Land Registry.

All spaces come with a 175-year lease. This is a Commercial property transaction that is both straight forward and unique. The investor purchases a single or multiple car parking spaces. These Car Parks/ Spaces are fully managed and let on a daily, weekly or yearly basis.

Currently spaces are available at Luton and Glasgow. Gatwick is now fully sold out. Others will soon follow at Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham.

Glasgow Airport is a most interesting proposition as it further benefits from not having a rail links to the airport, therefore travellers have no choice other than to drive or taxi to the airport. The vast majority of these spaces have now been sold The Car Parks were all purchased outright without borrowing, therefore are totally unencumbered and debt free. All transactions are carried out and overseen by UK regulated solicitors. Park First will cover all legal costs in this respect.

When the car parks at Glasgow were purchased 3 years ago they were achieving an average weekly rate of £45 per week per space, in the last 2 years the weekly rates have been increased to £55 per week which represents a 22% increase in income. As a comparison weekly rates at Edinburgh can be as high as £95 per week. There is therefore further scope for future price increases.

Additionally, Ryanair have recently announced an additional 1,000,000 seat capacity from this airport.

Two independent RICS (Royal Institute Chartered Surveyors) valuation reports have recently valued the spaces at £25,000 each.

Their calculation has predominantly been based upon the uplift in the occupancy rate coupled with the increased weekly price charged.

The 8% return is paid to the investor net of all management / service charges and ground rent.

Year 6 and onwards are paid on variably rates For investors looking to sell these spaces, Park First will at any time market the space on the investors behalf and charge a 5% commission

“Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it... he who doesn't, pays it.” - Albert Einstein of sale proceeds or alternatively they will buy back the space after 5 years at the original purchase price i.e. £20,000 VAT thresholds in the UK are currently £83,000 p.a. Therefore, National Car Parks, ‘NCP’ and other similar car park companies are compelled to charge their customers VAT at 20%. Provided that individual investors at Park First does not exceed £83,000 p.a. income the spaces are let out free of VAT. They

are therefore effectively let 20% cheaper than their competition.

Let us now turn back to how compounding such an investment would work. £20,000 compounding at a rate of 8% p.a. over 20 years would double your money in 9 years. By year 20 the original investment would be worth a staggering £93,219 nearly 5 times the amount invested. This actually is a total understatement of the likely return. The reason being

is that over time the management company will put the price of daily /weekly parking up. The investor is therefore further benefiting every time there is a price increase.

If the parking price moves up each year to reflect a 0.50% p.a. enhancement on returns, the results are mind-blowing.

For further details, questions, brochures etc. please contact Ana Ullger on 01534 780 077 or ana@ airport-carparks.com

7

THE JOURNAL INTERVIEW

8

Do you understand GDPR? On 25 May this year, Jersey, like all organisations across Europe and the EEA, had to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We are now one month on and wondering if all the fuss was really valid and have asked IT Consultant and GDPR Practitioner Nathan Wright of NW Consulting what his take on it is.

TJ: For those that don’t know, give us a quick intro to GDPR NW: In laymen’s terms, the GDPR is a new regulation that came into effect on the 25 May 2018 across Europe to strengthen the data rights of EU residents and to impose fines on organisations that misuse personal data.

Whilst that is a very simplistic definition, what it does mean is that the law is designed to help protect all of us which is a really good thing because it will ensure that businesses and organisations are looking after our personal data. This is important because data has a lot of value today and it must protected as much as possible.

TJ: What different kind of businesses could GDPR affect?

NW: A lot of people think that because they have a business in Jersey then they are somehow exempt from the GDPR. This is not correct and it should be assumed that all organisations have to comply with the GDPR unless they can prove that they don’t have to.

What I can say is that, as of yet, I have not personally come across any organisation in Jersey that does not have to comply so it is safe to say that

everyone from a one-person sole trader all the way up to a multi-national needs to get up to speed on GDPR and fast.

TJ: Why is it so important to comply with this?

NW: To put it simply, because you have to! GDPR is not like the old data protection law that a lot of people just ignored or didn’t even know about.

The GDPR has in many ways been designed as self-policing because each organisation who shares personal data with another has to have the appropriate checks and balances in place before the data is shared. This becomes even more evident when personal data is being shared outside of Jersey and with larger organisations.

What’s more, the regulators now have real powers and can impose massive fines on organisations who are not compliant. On top of this individuals and class actions in civil cases can be taken against organisations who are non-compliant or who have been reckless with personal data.

TJ: How quickly can businesses become compliant with the GDPR? NW: Becoming GDPR compliant should not be seen as a destination but more of a journey that you continually travel

down. GDPR is something that should be as common place as sending out an invoice or reconciling a business bank account. I predict that within about two to three years we won’t be talking about complying with the GDPR as it will just be something that has become part of running a business. In the same way that in the 90s we used to talk about going onto the internet to look at a website or check email, now we forget that we have to use the internet do these things as it has been accepted as a norm.

So, to answer the specific question.

If you have been compliant with the previous data protection laws then compliance can be achieved very quickly. But if you have ignored it for the past 20 years or more and have burried your head in the sand regarding the GDPR then the process can take much longer. That said, the important thing is to get started and look at what personal data you hold, why you hold it and if you have a lawful reason for it. If you can’t answer those 3 points then you really do need to get moving quickly!

TJ: How can you help any business owners out there who are not yet up to date with GDPR? NW: The GDPR is not optional so every

business in the island needs to get up to speed with it. It’s fair to say that some organisations are on the way to being compliant, whilst some are worried about where to start. What I say to all these people is to get in touch with me and have a chat so that we can see the best approach for them as the GDPR is not a one size fits all regulations which makes it really good as it means that it is flexible to fit however a business

GDPR HAS ARRIVED!

AND YOU’RE STILL NOT COMPLIA COMPLIANT. ANT.

WELL DON’T PANIC!

Whether you’re a sole trader, a company or an organisation.

I can help!

I’m Nathan Wright, an IT Consultant and GDPR Practitioner -

With 30 years’ experience in ‘IT / Data’ and author of the sensational book ‘Jaz’ing Up GDPR!’ I offer services in the following areas: • GDPR Support • IT Management / Consultancy • Project Management

• Process Management / Consultancy • Business Diversification Consultancy • Software / Hardware Development / Consultancy

J.DPA NW Consulting Janvrin Road, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 4LF +44 (0)1534 634719

nathan@nwconsulting.co.uk

www.NWConsulting.co.uk

works and is not designed to try and catch people out or make businesses have to deal with more red tape.

I am always happy to have a chat and can be contacted on 634719 or by email on nathan@nwconsulting.co.uk or by visiting my website at www. nwconsulting.co.uk and if they say they read the interview in The Journal then they will get a discount!

THE JOURNAL INTERVIEW

9

GETTING TO KNOW...

KASIA GUZIK, FOUNDER, HOUSE OF IDEAS

RACHEL MATTHEWS, DIRECTOR, HLG ACCOUNTS You’re the Director of HLG Accounts Services (Jersey) Limited; tell us how the business was set up and how you became involved in the business...

As is often the case when starting a business, the idea came from a family member when I was helping out with their business accounts.

Seven years later and HLG Accounts Services (Jersey) Limited has grown into an established business working alongside small to medium sized local businesses ensuring that they meet their statutory obligations, helping them improve their efficiency and profitability through proper record keeping, credit control and office administration.

What does your role within the company involve?

I am the Director so my role involves marketing, overseeing the day to day running of the business. I am often in one part of the island in the morning and then another in the afternoon. It is a very varied and interesting role and I love working with my clients.

No day is ever the same!

What services do HLG Accounts offer to local businesses?

HLG Accounts Services (Jersey) Limited can provide a complete range of administration and support services including bookkeeping and statutory returns, to payroll and light HR administration. HLG can also assist with the formation and setting up of local limited companies.

Why is it so important to keep up to date with your financial records when running a small business?

Bookkeeping and administration is generally the ’Sunday evening job’, of an entrepreneur or small business owner, and having a specialist on the payroll is often impossible, so HLG Accounts Services (Jersey) Limited works closely alongside businesses when they need us and it is a great solution. A businesses books are it’s guiding light and should help to guide decisions and plan for the future, but with a ton of other pressures and jobs to do they can get neglected.

What advice do you have for anyone starting up and unsure about how to keep track of their accounts?

Ensure you have full Administration support. I would also suggest a suitable accounts package like Quickbooks Online or Xero software this will enable the admin staff and business owner to hand over the accounts in an orderly fashion to their accountant, it also assists the accountant to prepare the year end accounts in a timely manner as they have all information they will need in one place.

What are HLG Accounts Services (Jersey) Limited plans for the future?

I have big plans for the future of the business and am seeking to expand the business locally. I also look forward to working alongside more small/medium sized business’ we have here in Jersey.

Rachel Matthews can be contacted on 01534 888135 or email rachel.matthews@hlgassociates.com

Tell us about a bit about yourself and your working background.

Over the past four years I have been working on a variety of exciting projects which involved both sides of marketing, digital & traditional.

It was during this period that I realised that design is definitely my favourite and the strongest area, which is what inspired me to form House of Ideas.

It's an exciting time for you, you recently launched your own business. What is House of Ideas?

It is a small & passionate freelance business, where I design and create my customers vision. I offer a modern, fresh and creative approach, along with professional & affordable services to ensure that all my clients are satisfied with the work I produce and deliver. My aim is to meet and hopefully exceed the expectations of my clients.

Where did the idea come from to start the new venture?

Up until now my freelance design work has been centred around my family & friends, however I’ve recently decided to expand my horizon and pursue my career as a freelancer in graphic design services.

Many people have asked me as well why I have chosen pineapples for a business theme and I always reply that it just came to me, it felt right and refreshing!

How do you differ from the other freelance designers out there?

As a freelancer I offer flexibility, both time & location, along with affordable prices. I also design CVs in a graphic layout, which has been the most popular design request so far. To many people graphic design agencies can seem both daunting & expensive, therefore as a freelancer I offer more affordable prices in a relaxed environment.

What are your goals with House of Ideas and where do you see yourself in the future?

My goal is to build a relationship with clients, based on trust and reliability. I want to promote my business name as well in order to increase brand awareness in Jersey.

I would like to evolve from a freelancer and run my own small agency in a near future, where I can work with overseas customers as well and build new relationships in order to grow. Also, building an agency will allow me to invest in talent and help with the progress of others whilst focusing on doing what I do best.

Do you have a message for our readers?

Absolutely! Never give up & always believe in yourself! Think positive, think from a fresh perspective! Also, eat pineapples, they’re good for you! www.houseofideas.co.uk

10

THE JOURNAL PR

Planning to Succeed with PR Public relations has come of age as a strategic management function and, as for any strategic activity, planning, reporting and measurement are critical steps. Words by Nichole Culverwell Chart. PR, MCIPR, Director Black Vanilla A good plan will excite both the client and agency teams; it means that e v e r y o n e involved has a clear direction and a shared vision for a campaign or ongoing activity. Importantly, a plan means we can agree measurement criteria and appropriate resourcing - both financial and in terms of skills.

There are many other reasons to put time and effort into the planning stage. These include: • Using research and insights to create effective strategies and tactical plans to ensure our activity doesn’t stray from our clients’ objectives • Ensuring we use our resources most effectively • Helping us to keep our focus on the audience and stakeholders • Gaining the appropriate approvals for our work • Ensuring we put the right tracking, measurement and evaluation tools in place Of course, there are counter arguments against planning: there

are occasions where we have to react, where there is little time for planning or where the activity is simply not significant enough to justify the time.

Some people also say that planning can stifle creativity. I believe that the opposite is true. Planning allows us to be more creative; taking the time to ponder the audience, unpick the problems and reveal the insights will spark creative, but strategic, ideas.

There have been countless times I can recall that exciting lightbulb moment, which has arisen while reading a piece of research, or how using analysis tools or social listening has helped to anticipate potential issues or uncover a campaign idea.

Planning is also critical for issues management. Scanning the horizon for potential problems and taking action early can help stop an issue developing into a full-blown crisis.

In this instance, planning helps to anticipate and analyse what lies ahead, develop the organisation’s position and identify key publics or stakeholders to engage with.

Start by Asking the Right Questions There are many academic texts dedicated to PR strategy and planning.

For me, Anne Gregory’s approach is

the most practical; she has identified six questions a PR plan should answer: 1. What’s the problem?

2. What does the plan seek to overcome?

3. Who is the plan talking to?

4. What should be said?

5. How are those messages communicated?

6. How is success judged?

We start with the organisation’s aims, from which we can develop our communications objectives.

These should be SMART - specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely.

Analysis and research of the situation as well as insights into the audience and publics help us to develop the messages. From this melting pot of intelligence, we can develop a strategy. At this stage, we will often develop a campaign theme - a thread that will run through our tactical approach.

From the strategy, tactics flow along with the time-frame and resources required for implementation.

Resourcing will include identifying the talent and skills needed to conduct the activity, time and budget.

Continual monitoring takes place

during the implementation stage, and we evaluate based on the agreed objectives.

Finally, a review of the stated aims and objectives will measure the success and value of the campaign.

Publics and Stakeholders As part of the research stage, stakeholder mapping and research into the different publics are critical.

During this, we gain insights that will spark ideas and ensure that our work is properly targeted.

Mapping the power and interest of stakeholders will help to determine the tactics and resources that should be allocated to properly engage them.

Key Messages We insist on working with clients on key messages, right at the start of a campaign. Not only does it help focus a client’s minds on their ‘why’, ‘what’ and ‘how’, it also lays the groundwork for effective communication and measurable outputs.

Spot the Risk Depending on the nature of the client and campaign, we may also use risk or gap analysis tools. We may need to reduce risk or simply be aware of

what might be on the horizon and have the right tools in place, ready to use if and when needed.

Getting SMART with Measurement Measurement continues to be a thorny issue for PR teams. It often requires budget to do a proper job; some campaigns simply don’t justify a large budget allocation for sophisticated measurement.

However, measurement comes back to SMART objectives; for example, if the aim is conative, direct measurement is doable without expensive customer research.

What we must do is stay focused on outcomes, not just outputs, and be more proactive about determining what success looks like at the time of setting objectives.

Don’t Plan to Fail Black Vanilla is a firm believer in the saying ‘if you fail to plan, you plan to fail’.

Our planning process often includes in-depth research, strategy workshops with clients and brainstorming sessions. It is both fun and very rewarding to develop intelligent plans which can then be executed throughout the months ahead.

11

12

Investing should be like water Simple, clear and refreshing Planning for the future can feel a little bewildering. How do you know if you’re saving enough? What about the political and economic uncertainty? And then there’s the jargon that makes no sense. There is an answer.

If you want someone to talk common sense to you about your future finances, get in touch with our new Jersey office today for a no-nonsense financial review.

Call Email Go to

020 3823 8600 grant.hamilton@7im.co.uk www.7im.co.uk/private-client

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you originally invested.

Seven Investment Management LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. Member of the London Stock Exchange. Registered office: 55 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 3AS. Registered in England and Wales number OC378740.