Importing skills benefits us all

Importing skills benefits us all

Immigration is a hot topic at the best of times, but it will no doubt be on the agenda even more so as we head towards May’s election. I’m not going to get into the politics, but I want to let Islanders and businesses know about a fantastic opportunity to learn a new skill, something that just wouldn’t be possible without bringing in highly skilled individuals and companies.

At Digital Jersey we have worked hard to ensure we help local tech businesses to grow. In the past, digital companies have reached a certain level, usually around 20 employees, and then they have tended to relocate abroad because they can’t get the skilled staff that they need. The result is Jersey loses out in a big way. That’s why we help with licences. We also have the new start-up scheme, encouraging entrepreneurs to come to Jersey and employ local people.

One of the other roles we play is in helping already established and successful digital companies to relocate to Jersey. One recent example of this is our work with Target Internet, a well-regarded business with a global reputation in digital marketing. The founder, Daniel Rowles, lectures on the subject at Imperial College and Cranfield School of Management and provides content for the Chartered Institute of Marketing. He’s worked with global clients including Sony, Mercedes, L’Oreal, the BBC and Warner Bros. At the end of last year Daniel approached Digital Jersey with the idea of bringing his business and family to the Island. Our team were delighted to work to make sure it happened.

Target Internet is now a Jersey-based company, providing tax revenues and local jobs. That’s not the only benefit Daniel and his company are bringing. He is going to be teaching a digital marketing course for us which will train anyone interested in digital marketing as a career, and also help those who have small digital businesses.

The ripple effect to our economy of Daniel and Target Internet coming to Jersey will be substantially more than it might seem at first sight. Daniel has come here because of the unique environment we have, the quality of life and also for the very reasons we want him and his company – they can make a positive impact here which is just not possible in the UK.

There is a clear economic argument for carefully vetted and considered immigration and licensing of skilled people who can bring positive results to our Island. We have a dire need for more digital marketing professionals; we can create the best products and services in the world, but if nobody knows about them then we might as well have not bothered.

The Digital Jersey Digital Marketing course is part time, so people can continue to work while learning. For those who perhaps just need a light introduction to the subject, we’re also delighted to be working with Google’s Digital Garage team. On 23 April we have a series of three talks covering social media strategy, digital advertising and knowing your business with data. This is the first time Google’s Digital Garage has come to Jersey.

The more we can improve the skills of our businesses and individuals, the higher the benefit – not just to them – but to the whole Island.

lFor further information on the Digital Marketing course visit goo.gl/f4et3s. Information on the Google Digital Garage events can be found at goo.gl/TnW5q3.

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