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Country Guide > Europe > Jersey | |
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Business Profile Economy Although agriculture is still important as a source of employment and prestige – Jersey cows are renowned throughout the world – offshore banking and tourism are the mainstays of the economy: the former because of the island’s exemption from the UK tax system and the latter through continental influence and a benign climate. Finance and banking account for more than half of the GDP and are largely responsible for Jersey’s unemployment rate of less than 1 per cent. New and highly regulated legislation designed to tighten up some of the less salubrious aspects of Jersey’s financial environment should serve to strengthen its reputation in an era when offshore finance is coming under growing political pressure through its implication in money-laundering. In the last few years Jersey has signed up to several international initiatives designed to tackle the problem while improving financial transparency. Business Businesspeople are generally expected to dress smartly (suits are usual apart from Fridays when office workers generally ‘dress down’). Appointments should be made and the exchange of business cards is customary. A knowledge of English is essential. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900/0930-1700/1730. Commercial Information The following organisation can offer advice: Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Chamber House, 25 Pier Road, St Helier, Jersey JE1 4HF (tel: (01534) 871 031 or 724 536; fax: (01534) 734 942; e-mail: admin@jersey-chamber.co.uk; website: www.jerseychamber.com). Conferences/Conventions Jersey plays host each year to a large number of conferences; the main period is from October to May. For further details, contact the Jersey Conference Bureau, Liberation Square, St Helier, Jersey JE1 1BB (tel: (01534) 733 449; e-mail: jcb@jersey.com; website: www.jerseyconferences.co.uk). |