Future of work summit puts Channel Islands on the global stage

A major conference hosted by Bright Futures with lead sponsor, Mourant, will see international speakers provide insights into the changing face of the Channel Islands workforce, highlighting areas that individuals, corporate leaders and policy markets should consider when developing their strategic plans.

The Summit will take place on 14 March 2019 at St. James in Guernsey and invites all businesses based in the Channel Islands with a focus on professional or financial services, and the creative and digital industries that support them.

Faced with the impact of AI and automation, an ageing population, the gig economy and Brexit, the inaugural event will draw on the experience of some of the best-known names in international business to share their perspectives on the biggest challenges and opportunities on the horizon, and how the Islands can best prepare themselves for the future.

Speakers from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Confederation of British Industry, Skills Development Scotland, The Financial Times, Quintillion and a range of technology businesses including Amazon and LinkedIn will share their insights at the conference.

Leading offshore law firm and governance services provider, Mourant, is headline sponsor of the event. Mourant Guernsey Managing Partner, Jessica Roland, said: "This event has all the hallmarks of something that will have an incredibly positive impact on our community. As a global employer, we're really focused on professional growth and finding new ways to develop and nurture talent is at the heart of our strategy for success.

"It's important to us that the initiatives we support align with our values and international reputation, so we're proud to partner with Bright Futures to bring such a high calibre of speakers to Guernsey to share their ideas on preparing and equipping our workforce for the challenges and opportunities ahead."

The event will focus on how to maximise productivity in the workforce as technology develops, as well as understanding the changing face of the workplace and workforce. The summit will include thought provoking insights into the future of work and insight into how businesses can develop Human Capital Investment Strategies to remain competitive as an employer of choice.

Susie Crowder, who established Bright Futures with the objective of boosting the skills of the island’s workforce, said: "While the Channel Islands remain an attractive place to do business, they face challenges with which we will endeavour to assist. The changing nature of the finance industry, the ageing population and the infusion of artificial intelligence and automation into the workplace will all have an impact, as will, of course, the fallout from Brexit."

She added: "The challenge is to ensure that existing and new employers, together with employees, are able to respond and participate in the transformation in a way that supports stronger economic growth and the creation of higher-value-added jobs in the Bailiwick."

Tickets are available online here or from 9am – 2pm weekdays and 10am – 12 noon Saturdays at the St James box office on 01481 711361.