Guernsey should be green pioneer, says retail guru

Retail expert Mary Portas said Guernsey businesses needed "a clear vision" to help "drive transformation"

A retail expert has urged Guernsey business leaders to become a green pioneers.

Mary Portas, who presented Mary Queen of Shops on BBC Two, said the bailiwick needed a "clear vision" to "drive real transformation".

"You could be one of the first islands to become a green, thriving, profitable and beautiful community," she said.

She was speaking to more than 450 business people at Guernsey Chamber of Commerce's annual Gala Dinner on 14 November.

'Shared vision'

Ms Portas said it was important businesses were shown examples of the green economy in action, so they did not focus purely on "costs" and "burdens".

"I think coming together, collaboration is going to be utterly key to this - it really is," she said.

Alice Gill, executive director of the chamber, said Ms Portas was "inspirational" and challenged businesses to consider what they wanted "Guernsey to be known for".

"And I don't think we can answer that question," Ms Gill said.

"We need to come together, create a shared vision, and use our networks to build partnerships that will drive real change - to deliver on making Guernsey a great place to live and work."

Ms Portas started her career working weekends at John Lewis before becoming commercial director of Harvey Nichols.

She then launched an agency advising brands such as Clarks, Louis Vuitton and Sainsbury's.

As well as her television show, in which she helped independent retailers reinvigorate their stores, Ms Portas also advised David Cameron's government on high street retail.