Jersey-Based Entrepreneur Expresses E-Commerce Concerns

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

15 April 2002

A Jersey-based entrepreneur has suggested that the jurisdiction's e-commerce industry has been left high and dry since the demise of the Jersey Information Society Commission (JISC).

In an interview with the Jersey Evening Post on Thursday, Philip Balderson - who established his Webreality e-commerce support company on the island in 1999 - said that following the departure of States IT strategic adviser and JISC founder Peter Griffiths, he does not know where to turn to for advice and support on new ideas.

'I'm disappointed,' he told the newspaper. 'My fear is that now Peter Griffiths has gone there is no longer a one-stop shop.'

However, help may soon be at hand. In March, the Jersey Industry Committee announced that it is in the process of forming a body to facilitate and advise on technology, media, telecommunications, and e-commerce development.

Speaking at the time of the announcement, Deputy Philip Ozouf, who will chair the group, said that the intention was to develop a coherent e-commerce strategy for the island, and to strengthen the existing industry, using the expertise of local and international professionals and industry groups.

Despite his concerns on the e-commerce front, however, Philip Balderson told the Jersey Evening Post last week that he has no regrets about establishing his business on the island.

'I like being in business and I love Jersey - there is no other place in the world where you can arrange a meeting with the company chief executive. People are willing to give us a chance,' he effused.

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