No one is a marketing island

When we think of Jersey and Guernsey, a delightful blend of images comes to mind: potatoes, tomatoes, cows grazing on lush green pastures, the iconic detective Bergerac, the literary genius Victor Hugo, and perhaps even cozy woolly jumpers. And yes, these islands are indeed among the sunniest spots in the British Isles!

You’ll have seen TV shows and films that showcase the Channel Islands’ beauty: Bergerac, Howard’s Way, The Durrells, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and even glimpses of island life on The Real Jersey Housewives and The Apprentice. The stunning coastlines, picturesque countryside, and rich heritage showing off their uniqueness.

And of course, to create that kind of brand awareness, then there must be a talented bunch of marketing professionals behind it.

The islands are home to a talented pool of marketing professionals from creative and communications wizards, to digital strategists, product developers, sales gurus, and public relations maestros. Many marketers have an international remit and a multi-jurisdictional approach to customers, navigating the full spectrum of marketing specialism, creating and adapting strategies for global audiences.

Although Financial services make up the largest proportion of the economy, marketers have an opportunity to work across a diverse range of sectors including tourism and hospitality, retail, technology, e-commerce and professional services. In recent years, the Islands have seen more investment in digital infrastructure making them some of the most connected places in the world and opening up exciting opportunities for digital marketers. Sustainability is becoming woven into island life, putting ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) high on the agenda and adding to the variety and opportunity for marketers, shaping marketing strategies, responsible practices and community wellbeing.

Developing marketing skills and careers in the Channel Islands involves a blend of formal training, practical experience, mentoring and networking. Although usually, gaining professional qualifications means venturing off-island which can be challenging with extra expense, travel and time away, there is plenty of opportunity to attend industry specific events and access learning through a number of different local organisations.

Despite their small size, the Channel Islands pack a global punch. No one is an island and a career in marketing in the Channel Islands can be varied, blending local insights with global perspectives. Interestingly, there are only 140 registered CIM members in the Channel Islands according to our current membership data, which means there is untapped potential waiting to be harnessed. We are keen to hear more about what we can do to continue to build our community and support marketers living in our islands.

Part of our remit on the South West and Channel Islands Committee is to make sure that Channel Islands marketers can gain more access to professional development and share best practice in a way that is relevant to them, so please get in touch with Elenor Bouchet or Louise Crossley.

Elenor Bouchet
Vice Chair – Channel Islands
South West and Channel Islands Committee