Guernsey Together Event with JT
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Island joins together to celebrate

Community spirit will be the theme of the day as the Guernsey Together Celebration takes place this coming Saturday at Saumarez Park. Following some of Guernsey’s most loved summer events including the Guernsey Battle of Flowers, the Lions Club Annual Donkey Derby and the North Show being postponed, organisers and sponsors including JT, have come together to deliver a free, fun family day which will celebrate Guernsey and all that the local community has to offer.

The one-day village style event is the result of a collaboration by The Lions Club of Guernsey, the Leo Club of Guernsey and members of the North Show committee. JT will also be supporting the event with the ‘JT Together Stage’, providing Guernsey’s most talented local bands and musicians with a platform to spread positive vibes and create a festival atmosphere.

JT’s Group Head of Customer Experience, Tamara O’Brien, said: “Guernsey’s summer social calendar has been very different this year and we are really grateful that we are still able to celebrate all things local. JT are extremely proud to be a part of this event that will give the Guernsey public a chance to come together and support local charities when they need us most. We have a lot to be thankful for living in such a beautiful Island and are also glad that this event may help local small businesses in some ways after many months of no trading.”

Over 40 charities will be present on the day, engaging with the public and selling goods from stalls along with local craft makers and food trailers. A craft tent will be on offer for all ages and a mini Battle of Flowers parade will take place for small exhibitors. The event promises to be the highlight of the summer, culminating in a spectacular firework display in the evening.

Co-organiser Paul Allaway of the Lions Club of Guernsey said: “This event was inspired by the kind actions of our community and we all wanted to put on an event which would celebrate the positive outcomes of what has been a challenging time. Our thanks go to all the sponsors and volunteers involved, without which we would not be able to host the event and who have further proved that the community spirit in Guernsey is simply unrivalled.”



DXA Winners JT
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Jersey’s digital talent wins 2 major awards

Jersey’s digital talent was recognised among the winners of the prestigious UK Digital Experience Awards with JT’s Customer Experience and Marketing Team winning two major awards against tough competition from UK and Global household names such as BT, EE, ASDA and The Very Group. The team gained the Silver Award in the ‘Best Digital Marketing Campaign’ category and a Bronze Award for Customer Experience programmes in the ‘Use of Data Analytics & Insight’ category.

JT’s 2019 Christmas digital marketing campaign was praised by judges for the use of Snapchat and Augmented Reality technology to create a festive virtual town blending the online world with the traditional retail environment securing Silver Award to BT’s gold. Working closely with two local digital businesses, Comnexa and Continuum, the methods JT introduced to measure, track and analyse customer feedback to drive change and improvement earned a Bronze Award for ‘Use of Data Analytics & Insight. These awards have secured recognition of the talent Jersey has to offer, alongside some of the biggest companies in the UK digital market.

Graeme Millar, JT’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Having worked in many global organisations, I understand the challenges of being judged alongside large-scale international brands like BT. The fact that Jersey and JT made it to the shortlist shows just how far our teams’ achievements are being recognised. We were certainly walking amongst giants and I’m proud of the individuals whose innovation, creativity and vision will help shape our digital leaders of tomorrow. It is another example of how, with the support of organisations like Digital Jersey, our world beating local talent is being developed.”

Tamara O’Brien, Group Head of Marketing, Brand and Customer Experience, said: “I’m very proud my team were initially shortlisted given the competition, however, to go on and win these awards in both categories was a genuine surprise. The judging of all the entries was intense and it’s thanks to the dedication of my small local team that we were ranked so highly amongst all the companies there. We are always looking at ways to improve our service and evolve our offers to better meet our customer needs. This recognition demonstrates the success we can achieve, together, by adopting a customer first focused approach.”

The 6th UK Digital Experience Awards recognised the greatest accomplishments from the UK’s digital sector, evaluating entries from businesses of all sizes and across multiple sectors. Previous winners of the Awards have included Three, EE and Sky. This is the second consecutive year JT has been recognised as part of these Awards, receiving a Silver Award in 2019 for ‘Best App’.



Crowds at Cobo Bay for balcony gigs
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Spirit of Guernsey celebrated at first Balcony Gig

Music lovers in Guernsey have been among the first in the British Isles to enjoy live music since the start of the Covid-19 crisis. They danced and celebrated with The Big Band Collective at the first of Guernsey’s family friendly outdoor Cobo Bay Hotel’s Balcony Gigs, which are sponsored by JT.

The popular fixture of the Guernsey summer calendar was due to begin in May with a series of tribute acts supported by local bands, but those were cancelled due to Covid-19. Now, thanks to the fact there are zero cases in Guernsey, large outdoor gatherings are permitted, so the Balcony Gigs could return.

Guernsey’s Chief Minister, Deputy Gavin St Pier, opened the event and said: “For me, like thousands of Islanders, it was great to be able to enjoy the first in the series of Cobo Bay Balcony Gigs. It’s thanks to the efforts of this community working together in its response to COVID-19 that we’re now in a position where events like this can be held, but we cannot take that for granted, especially knowing how unpredictable the global situation is and that the good position we’re in may not last forever. While we can, we should make the most of events like this both because they support our hospitality sector and because they’re a special part of Island life.”

JT’s Deputy Managing Director in Guernsey, Tamara O’Brien, said: “It’s so good to see the local economy starting to take a small step forward again and I’ve been blown away by the public response. We’re incredibly lucky to be able to enjoy large gatherings again and this event marks a very special moment for Guernsey.”

David Nussbaumer, who organises the events for Cobo Bay Hotel, said: “I was a little nervous about whether people would turn up or not, but the response has been fantastic. I’ve never seen so many people here. I’d estimate we’ve had well over 3,000 Islanders supporting local businesses and enjoying our brilliant local talent. This has been an extremely difficult year for the hospitality industry and we’re not through it yet. But to see so many coming together during tough times is humbling. I want to say how grateful we are to JT without whom we would not have been able to put this on.”

Tim Langlois, band member with The Big Band Collective, added: “We’re so fortunate in Guernsey that our government has managed the Covid-19 situation so that we are one of the few places in the British Isles able to put on events. We were so excited about this gig and being the first to perform after such an up and down year was a rare privilege none of us will forget.”



DXA Awards Shortlist - Tamara OBrien
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JT marketing and digital expertise in the running for two major awards

JT’s Christmas digital marketing campaign and the way data and insight is used to measure how customers rate their experiences have put JT on the shortlist for two national awards alongside some of the biggest names in the technology world.

The UK Digital Experience Awards has shortlisted JT in two categories – Best ‘Digital Marketing Campaign Initiative’ and Best ‘Use of Analytics and Insight’, alongside global household brands BT and EE.

JT’s ‘Step Into Christmas Together’ campaign which used Snapchat and Augmented Reality technology to create a festive virtual town has earned JT a place as one of five finalists. The campaign brought the highstreets’s magical appeal of Christmas to customers digitally, resulting in an 86% increase in online sales for the period. JT was also recognised for the changes it has put in place to collect customer experience data, allowing it to drive further improvements and channel more benefits back to its customers. As part of JT’s data analysis, it introduced ‘JT Voice’, an online feedback forum which has seen nearly 1,800 members register in the 12 months since it was launched.

Tamara O’Brien, Group Head of Marketing, Brand and Customer Experience, said: “I am thrilled that our team stands shoulder to shoulder with those in huge international companies like BT and EE. To be shortlisted for these prestigious awards is evidence of the hard work they put in every day, ensuring that the information we gather is used to deliver the very best possible service to our customers.”

This is the 6th year of the UK Digital Experience Awards and the first year in which it will be held entirely online. Judging of the finalists is due to take place on Thursday 16 July.



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Intelligent Sustainability for homes and businesses thanks to JT’s acquisition of technology automation company Zero1

JT has recently expanded its intelligent engineering and home automation service offering by acquiring Jersey-based company, Zero1.  Founded in 2010, Zero1 made its name as a leading designer and supplier of environment and entertainment automation systems for homes and business in the Channel Islands.

Partnering with industry-leading manufacturers and using Jersey’s world-class full-fibre network, Zero1 designs and installs intelligent lighting and shading, security, heating and entertainment systems which fit seamlessly into homes and businesses. As more homes become workplaces and home schools, they need to be capable of running the smart applications and connected devices needed to keep our lives and economy going. Zero1’s tailor-made solutions combined with JT’s world-class fibre network and resources, will support making those places more efficient, comfortable, economic and sustainable.

Daragh McDermott, Managing Director of JT Channel Islands, said: “JT’s purpose is to connect our customers and enable their sustainable future. We have a proven track record in bringing products and services to market before our competitors, and Zero1 provides us with an opportunity to move into the exciting and growing world of ‘Smart’, automated and sustainable living.  Having one of the fastest broadband networks in the world, JT and Zero1 can now bring our solutions past the router into homes and businesses, improving sustainability, efficiency, comfort and productivity.   Services like this rely on the superior connectivity our fibre network provides and this is just another way of maximizing the potential of our islands network.

“Amongst many benefits of this joining together, will be combining the knowledge and design expertise of Zero1 with the engineering resources and capabilities of JT.  For example we can now use green technology to create sustainable buildings that keep track of our energy and water consumption and then decrease it through automation and connectivity.  This will reduce environmental impact, contributing to the island’s target to be ‘carbon neutral’ by 2030.”

For more information on Zero 1 visit www.zero1.je



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JT Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

With more than 25 years’ experience working in senior finance roles, Hélène Narcy has been appointed as JT’s Chief Financial Officer, taking a position on the Group Board and the Executive Committee.

Hélène, who started her career in telecommunications, before working for some of the world’s leading financial institutions, takes over from John Kent who is retiring, after serving in the role since 2012.

She joined JT in July 2019 after ten years working for UBS in Jersey and the US, returning to the island after two years in New York. Hélène has also lived and/or worked in France, China and the UAE, in senior management roles and leading financial transformation projects.

Hélène graduated from the prestigious Grande Ecole ESCP, and holds the French accounting Diploma.

She commented: “Leading the finances of a company with JT’s strong global reputation is a challenge I am really looking forward to, and I have been really impressed with the quality and dedication of the whole team at JT.

“Telecommunications is a fast-moving, dynamic sector and providing innovative products and services is so important to all islanders. It is great to be working in this industry again, and to be able to add value to JT’s operations in the Channel Islands, and across the world.”

Graeme Millar, JT’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am delighted to welcome Hélène to JT. Her knowledge, skills and experience will really help us to take the business forward, applying the most exacting international financial standards.

“I would also like to thank John Kent, whose vast experience and strategic thinking has played a significant part in the success of the JT story for nearly a decade.

“JT’s purpose is to enable our customers’ connected lives, and Hélène will help us to achieve that throughout challenging times for individuals and businesses, and to play our part in facilitating the Channel Islands’ recovery.”

For more information please click here.



JT Progress Report 2020
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JT publishes 2019/20 Progress Report

St. Helier, Jersey: the JT Group has released its annual update report detailing progress over the last 12 months, as it continues to support its local communities through the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the last eight weeks JT has doubled the minimum broadband speeds (from 500 Mb/s to 1Gb/s) for all fibre customers at no cost, to help them work, and stay connected at home, as well as extending that network to more of those islanders who previously only relied on a landline.

Overall, the Report details a stable financial performance over the last 12 months, with revenue, profits and dividends to JT’s owner, the Government of Jersey, remaining broadly on a par with previous years.

The 2019/20 Progress Report mainly focusses on the last full calendar year before the pandemic changed the way many people across the world are living their lives, and JT has a formal requirement to publish it at this time every year. The Group’s CEO & Chairman, Graeme Millar & Phil Male, have also written a special introduction to the document which sets out how JT has responded to this time of national emergency.

JT Chairman, Phil Male, commented: “We know that our customers and stakeholders have more on their minds at the moment than JT’s performance, however we hope they will find this review of the last twelve months interesting and informative.

“Clearly it mainly focusses on the year before the Covid-19 pandemic, which was another strong one for the Group, as we continued to invest heavily in Channel Island networks. This investment has stood islanders in good stead now so many of us are working from home, and using technology to interact with family, friends and colleagues.

“2019 was also a year when we upped our investment in emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, Cyber security and 5G. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the team at JT for their continued hard work and commitment, not least in recent weeks when despite the worrying global health situation, they have worked tirelessly to ensure islanders can stay connected.”

CEO Graeme Millar added: “I’m proud of the way JT has played its part in recent weeks to help its communities deal with the disruption posed by Covid-19. It has been a tough, worrying and uncertain time for many of our customers which is likely to continue for a while yet.

“Our teams and networks have responded very well indeed to the challenge. We have also done what we can to financially support our customers who may be finding it tough, such as by suspending all charges for late payments, or going over broadband usage limits, offering better terms to suppliers and providing local landline calls for free. Throughout this period JT will be calmly focussed on its core role: to make sure the islands, our people, and our businesses, stay connected.”

You can read JT’s Progress Report 2019/20 and Financial Statements by clicking here.



Balcony Gigs 2020
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Balcony gigs announce line-up for this year’s summer festival of free music

Cobo Bay Hotel’s Balcony Gigs are synonymous with summertime in Guernsey. The popular series of family-friendly, live outdoor music events sponsored by JT is back, with tributes to music of the past and present that will bring our shores to life.  Every year, legendary tribute acts supported by talented local bands have created memorable long weekends of free entertainment, becoming a firm favourite in the Guernsey Holiday calendar.

This year’s series kicks off on Sunday 3 May with a tribute to the kings of English Ska music, Madness. Throughout the summer six events are planned, with the last act taking to the balcony on Sunday 30 August. As in previous years, the events will also raise money for the Guernsey Cheshire Homes and Guernsey Cancer Support, JT’s chosen charity for 2020.

JT’s Deputy Managing Director in Guernsey, Tamara O’Brien, said: “It just wouldn’t be summer without Guernsey’s famous balcony gigs.  For almost a decade we have partnered with Cobo Bay Hotel, bringing islanders and visitors together to enjoy a whole summer of free music from May to August. This year we have another great line up of tribute acts and my family and friends have already ‘saved the dates’.  Many of us may be planning to spend the Summer on our beautiful island this year and these events give us all something to look forward to.’

Our JT team will be at the events helping liven up the music with our famous JT biodegradable / re-usable freebies.  We will also be livestreaming from the bay at every event, interacting with the crowd and the bands across all our social channels.

David Nussbaumer, organiser of Cobo Bay Hotel’s Balcony Gigs, said: “Our long-term partnership with JT means we can secure some of the best tribute acts on the scene. Together we have been providing memorable community events that don’t involve travel or a ticket cost and we promise 2020 will be another great summer of music, sun and fun for all the family.”

We know how lucky we are to enjoy events like these in such beautiful surroundings and would ask that everyone attending remembers to play their part to help ensure that Cobo Bay remains litter free by collecting and taking home their rubbish.



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JT supports Digital Ace in helping families growing up in a Connected World

JT’s retail team will be manning an exhibition stand at this year’s Digital ACE event organised by Digital Greenhouse on Saturday 8th February between midday and 5 pm at Beau Sejour.

This popular annual event takes place ahead of National Safer Internet Day, attracting high numbers of visitors keen to know more about the latest technology and e-safety advice, numbers are expected to exceed last year’s attendance of 3,000 throughout the day. The exhibition features many of Guernsey’s leading tech and digital organisations under one roof, providing both adults and children with a fun interactive day out to learn about e-safety in today’s digital world.

The JT team have lots of information to share about how best to use electronic devices and the Internet, which will empower families to learn, explore and manage their online lives in a positive and safe way.

Visitors to the JT stand will be able to try out the latest gaming console from Nintendo, which is a real example of how modern technology can help with creativity and development. We also have a competition to win a Nintendo Switch and Labo VR Kit, which is a series of DIY kits for building, from cardboard, your very own Toy-Con creations. This is about encouraging children to build and learn in both a virtual and a real environment, encouraging both ‘real world’ manual dexterity as well as virtual gaming skill.

Tamara O’Brien, Deputy Managing Director JT (Guernsey) commented:

“As a parent of a young daughter myself I’m also focussed on finding the right balance between our connected lives and our real lives.  Increasingly our schools encourage homework to be completed online and of course technology is firmly embedded into our education and school systems.  So, this show is a great way to discover the latest technology, understand how to maintain that balance and hear the latest thinking on helping our children stay safe online.”

For anyone who can’t join us at Digital ACE, JT’s High Street shop team are always happy to see people instore and help with useful information and friendly advice on the latest range of technology and help customers with enabling Internet routers to block certain sites, or seeing first-hand the devices we have available to help them stay in control online

All JT’s advice and guidance is available online at: https://www.jtglobal.com/global/e-safety/



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JT selected as Prime Partner to support Guernsey’s digital future

JT has been selected by Agilisys to help deliver an ambitious 10-year programme to transform Guernsey’s digital services and signed a formal partnership agreement on this at the end of November.

In 2019, after a rigorous 3-year tender process, Agilisys entered into contract with the States of Guernsey to modernise their IT systems and transform and digitise public services. This will mean better access to Services for Islanders and greater operational efficiency for the States of Guernsey as part of the ongoing programme of Public Service Reform launched by Chief Executive, Paul Whitfield, in 2015.

Now, JT has been chosen as the Prime Partner for Agilisys to support that programme, building on the investment which has already been made to ensure key public buildings in Guernsey such as the Airport, schools, Raymond Falla House and Police HQ all have access to 1Gb fibre speeds.

Richard Hanrahan, CEO Agilisys Guernsey added: “We chose JT as our Prime Partner because of their commitment to delivering the very best technology solutions, which really makes a difference for their customers. That dedication to excellence in delivery, combined with their local knowledge and more than a decade of operating in Guernsey as the island’s only locally owned telecoms operator, is exactly what this transformative project needs.  They have also worked with the States of Guernsey on key projects for over 8 years.”

Colin Vaudin, Strategic Lead for Future Digital Technology and Communications said: “Smart Guernsey is the key enabler for Public Service Reform. In addition, it stands to transform Guernsey’s technology sector, creating opportunities for the Island’s businesses, entrepreneurs and students. We are very much looking forward to working in partnership with Agilisys and partners such as JT to achieve our ambitious goals.”

 Paul Taylor, Managing Director JT Guernsey commented: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Agilisys to partner with them on this ambitious and transformative project, which will play such a key part in the successful future of our island, and maintain our reputation as a secure and innovative place to do business.  This is a really important opportunity for Guernsey, and all the JT team are fully committed to playing our part in delivering for the Island.”