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JT celebrates 13 years supporting live acts

Island music lovers are being urged to save the dates this summer as the line-up for the 2023 Cobo Bay Balcony Gigs are announced, with great local bands adding to the party on the beach.

Organised and hosted by the Cobo Bay Hotel, and proudly sponsored by JT for the 13th year in a row, live music, food and a friendly atmosphere will provide something for everyone from April through to the last weekend in August on Guernsey’s magnificent west coast.

Whether you love Big Band music, Bon Jovi or the Beach Boys, the FREE family events will capture the spirit of a real Guernsey summer and a collection at every gig will be made for the Guernsey Cheshire Home.

Kate Marshall, Head of Guernsey Enterprise at JT, said: “We have sponsored and supported the Cobo Bay Balcony Gigs for a long time, and I am delighted to say that these much-loved Bank Holiday afternoons will be bigger and better than ever. I am really excited about the local bands that will be supporting the headline acts at these mini community festivals. So, tell your friends, meet up and have fun. If you can’t make it or want to connect with people you know around the world, you can share JT’s live stream of each Balcony Gig.”

This year’s line-up includes tribute acts of well-known and much loved icons such as Dolly Parton and Meatloaf who will kick-off the series of gigs on Sunday 30th April.

David Nussbaumer, organiser of Cobo Bay Hotel’s Balcony Gigs, added: “Last year the weather was amazing, and everybody had a fantastic time, and this year there’s a great selection of bands from the UK joining our local musicians on the famous hotel balcony. The performers look forward to playing here and love getting up close to the enthusiastic audiences that book tables on the hotel terrace or dance on the beach. It’s the highlight of the year for the hotel. Customers book year after year and have become our friends and we can’t wait to greet and serve them again. Everyone agrees that there is something special about a Balcony Gig, so there really is no excuse, come and join in the fun.”

Once again JT and the event organisers are asking those who attend to play their part and collect and take their rubbish home, helping keep Guernsey’s beaches and surrounding areas litter free.

The schedule of gigs is –

Sunday 30th April: A Tribute to Meatloaf, supported by a Tribute to Cher

Monday 29th May: A Tribute to Robbie Williams, supported by a Tribute to the Police

Sunday 25th June: Big Band Collective

Sunday 16th July: Wrong Jovi, supported by The Silverados

Sunday 6th August: A Tribute to Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, supported by Coolplay

Monday 28th August: A Tribute to The Beach Boys, supported by City Limits



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JT reflects on a year of giving and looks forward to new partnerships

In 2022 JT’s people chose to support charities linked to autism and helped to raise over £40,000 across the locations where JT is based, with one of those benefitting being Autism Guernsey.

With some support and several tech donations from JT, Autism Guernsey organised many successful events, from a digital photography competition reflecting how autistic people see the world, to a fun yet competitive day of baking and of course the annual Fashion show which featured many of AG’s dedicated volunteers as catwalk models.

Mandy Rowlinson from Autism Guernsey said: “We’ve had the amazing opportunity of working with the JT team over the past 12 months on a wide range of activities. Together we’ve not only raised funds and awareness of what we do but we’ve also been able to expand our coding club thanks to the donation of much needed equipment. It’s been a really successful partnership, helping us to drive real change for autistic people and their families and we are very grateful for their fundraising and support.’’

JT also supports the personal challenges its own people take on for causes that they are connected to. Whether they are abseiling, running marathons or organising jumble sales, what they  raise is matched pound for pound. And, to spread its help and assistance across more not-for-profit organisations, schools and community groups, JT has also recently  launched JT Community Giving with the aim to give back to more charitable causes. The first round of applications has closed with 28 successful bids from across the Channel Islands set to receive help ranging from funding, devices, subscriptions and technical support to hands-on help from some of JT’s many willing volunteers.

Kate Marshall, Head of Guernsey Enterprise at JT said: “I’m so proud of everything that we’ve collectively achieved with Autism Guernsey, they are a fantastic charity giving their time and experience where it’s most needed.

The launch of JT Community Giving will help us to extend our support to lots more deserving causes. We’ve been truly overwhelmed by the number of applications received so far, and it’s great to see some of the deeply thoughtful projects already in plan for 2023 that we can help with. Being part of a community unites us all and I’m delighted that we can help in so many ways through our new scheme.



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JT reflects on a year of giving and looks forward to new partnerships

In 2022 JT’s people chose to support charities linked to autism and helped to raise over £40,000 across the locations where JT is based, with one of those benefitting being Autism Jersey.

With some support and several tech donations from JT, Autism Jersey organised many successful events and together produced a short JT Presents video to help spread awareness of the incredible personalised services and support the AJ team offer to autistic individuals of all ages, their families, and carers within our local community.

It was also the year when JT marked a decade of sponsoring the Autism Jersey Annual Golf Tournament which to date has raised nearly two hundred thousand pounds for people on the Autism spectrum, their families and carers in Jersey.

Lesley Harrison, Head of Charitable Services at Autism Jersey, said: ““We’ve had the amazing opportunity of working with the JT team over the past 12 months on a wide range of activities. Together we’ve not only raised funds and awareness of what we do but we’ve also been able to increase the product offering in the AJ Boutique on the Parade thanks to the generous donation of some of JT’s surplus stock. It’s been a really successful partnership, helping us to drive real change for autistic people and their families and we are very grateful for their fundraising, support and general ‘can do attitude.’’

JT also supports the charity challenges its own people take on. Whether they are abseiling, running marathons or organising jumble sales, what they raise is matched pound for pound. And, to spread its help and assistance across more not-for-profit organisations, schools and community groups, it has launched JT Community Giving which will be its main charitable focus from now on. The first round of applications has closed with 28 successful bids from across the Channel Islands set to receive help ranging from funding, devices, subscriptions and technical support to hands-on help from some of JT’s many willing volunteers.

Pip Carpenter, Head of Commercial Market, said: “The fantastic work that Autism Jersey does touches the lives of so many people and we are delighted that we have played a part in supporting this vital service. I’m so proud of everything that we’ve collectively achieved. The launch of JT Community Giving will help us to extend our support to lots more deserving causes. We’ve been truly overwhelmed by the number of applications received so far, and it’s great to see some of the deeply thoughtful projects already in plan for 2023 that we can help with. Being part of a community unites us all and I’m delighted that we can help in so many ways through our new scheme.’’



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Health Check for Businesses: Just how digitally ready are you?

Businesses, no matter what their size, are facing many challenges, not least how to keep up with the latest advances in technology. Everyone talks about the effects of digitisation on the economy and the need for transformation, but what does that really entail and just how do you assess how technically fit your own business is?

JT are hosting a FREE Business Health Check Workshop on Tuesday 31st January, where they’ll be able to help any local small to medium sized business with an assessment of their technology usage and performance. Digitisation can represent an enormous change to some, but it also offers infinite opportunities. This informal workshop offers a chance to meet others that may have similar needs and allow JT’s team of product specialists to check the suitability of your current services and suggest ways that may save you money and optimise your business processes.

Examples of the areas that JT can advise on include cybersecurity, data storage and protection, how to use Wi-Fi more effectively and mobile applications and equipment.

Susan Sproston, JT’s Head of Business Sales, JT Enterprise said: “Regular business health checks are essential for understanding a company’s vulnerabilities and finding areas for growth. Carrying out an annual review helps to rethink the way we do things, making sure we stay relevant and convenient for our customers and clients. We want businesses to tell us about their challenges so that our team can share solutions that work for them, their teams and their customers. We also want to hear about their ideas so that we can help make those successful by matching the challenge to a solution.”

The event, open to any business, is on Tuesday 31st January at the Royal Yacht between 9:00 am and 11:30 am. Businesses can find out more about the event and sign up here – https://bit.ly/3iTVlSC



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Utilities come together to support The National Trust for Jersey’s ‘Green Grid’ campaign

Three of Jersey’s utility companies have joined together to support the National Trust for Jersey’s campaign to plant and restore the island’s hedgerows. Teams from Jersey Electricity, JT and Jersey Water will fund and volunteer their time to work together to create the largest continuous grid of hedge corridors in Jersey, by planting and maintaining an additional five miles around the island. This new five mile area of hedge planting will take place in the north of the Island in and around St John.

The ‘Green Grid’ partnership will enhance the existing grid of 26.5 miles of hedgerows which will help Jersey’s wildlife, landscape and natural resources to flourish.

Charles Alluto, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Jersey, said: “The ‘Green Grid’ project provides natural corridors for wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and helping to trap carbon. It’s such an important project for the island’s environment and we are so grateful for the support of these large island employers and are looking forward to working with their teams over the winter, as together we provide a much needed resource to make this happen. Without these teams the scale of the project really wouldn’t be possible.”

Daragh McDermott, CEO of JT Group, said: “Our people have supported the National Trust for Jersey for many years and we’re delighted that, three of the islands largest utilities can come together to give back to our community. As the providers of power, communications and water to islanders and business, we recognise the importance of protecting and improving our green spaces, making sure our contribution to this network allows it to thrive and contribute to island life.”

Chris Ambler, Chief Executive of Jersey Electricity, added: “Our core goal is to help Jersey realise its ambition to become carbon neutral to help reduce climate change, conserve resources and protect the environment.  It is great to be able to help build awareness of the wonderful work of The National Trust and play a real part in preserving nature.  I’m proud of the fact that our teams have come together to work on this project which is incredibly important to all our futures.”

Helier Smith, Chief Executive of Jersey Water, said: “All of our companies play a vital part in people’s lives, and we all have sustainability at the heart of what we do. It’s a natural thing for us to work together for this project as we focus on extending a ‘green grid’ on our island.’’

Financial support will also be provided by the Countryside Enhancement Scheme who have been a long-time supporter of the project.

The partnership is due to last for a year, but it is hoped that as more land becomes available for planting, then the project will continue for as long as it is needed.



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Teenage scholar is a step closer to engineering dream thanks to JT

A Jersey student who designed and built his own hovercraft is the latest to be sponsored by JT as part of a leading engineering scholarship programme. Following a rigorous selection process, Sebastian Kirkby from Victoria College has been awarded a JT Arkwright Scholarship.

The Arkwright Engineering Scholarship programme has been running for 30 years, helping 16-year-olds in the UK and the Channel Islands achieve their dream of a career in engineering, computing or technical design at university or through a higher-level apprenticeship. Every successful candidate in the Channel Islands gets financial help, access to a mentor and support from JT.

Sarah Gosiewska, Group Head of Talent, said: “Our two current scholars work closely with their JT mentors who have said they wish they’d had a similar scheme when they were doing their A Levels. As the students take a step back from their busy schedules, the mentors are there to offer vital guidance, discussing their plans, looking at their targets and supporting them as they reach important milestones and decisions. It is difficult to choose who goes forward for a scholarship as the quality is outstanding, however Seb’s use of a leaf blower within his hovercraft showed an exceptional level of imagination and ability that was really impressive. I hope this process will inspire Seb to join a challenging and rewarding industry, which is both fun and interesting, and one where you can go as far as your drive and talent will take you.”

Sebastian said: “From as long as I can remember I’ve been making and repairing things made out of wood, metal or leather – my current project is restoring an old Land Rover, hoping to get it up and running again. It’s my ambition to become an engineer, I’m genuinely fascinated by product design and the whole process of manufacturing. This scholarship will not just help me with my studies, it’s an amazing opportunity to work with people who are at the cutting edge of technology and innovation.”

JT is the only business that sponsors the scholarships in the Channel Islands and is hoping more young people will consider applying as the company continues to encourage and support involvement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects.

Flo Kirkby, Sebastian’s mum added: “Winning the scholarship will give Seb the additional support and guidance he needs as he begins a busy couple of years working towards his A Levels. I really would urge other schools to encourage their students to look at the opportunities schemes like this provide and apply for one of these prestigious awards.”



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More CI charities to benefit from the new JT Community Giving scheme

Not-for-profit organisations, schools and community groups across the Channel Islands will be able to apply for funding and other resources from a new community giving scheme launched by JT.

‘JT Community Giving’ aims to help local projects and initiatives by offering them the opportunity to apply for funding, devices, subscriptions, technical support, or even hands-on help from some of JT’s many willing volunteers.

While funding is available, the scheme offers so much more. Successful applications could request help towards anything from a charity initiative which may require some prizes to aid fundraising for a community need, an educational scheme that helps the development of digital skills for islanders, which needs some devices or connectivity, to an environmental project that requires volunteers in order to improve the biodiversity of our island for many years to come.

Daragh McDermott, CEO of JT Group, said: “JT Community Giving’ matches our ethos as a business, one that’s firmly rooted in the places and communities we live in and serve. We’ve worked with many charities and community groups over the years, and we wanted to introduce a scheme to provide as much support as we can for the breadth of those not-for-profit organisations who work so tirelessly for our community and give so much back. We want to help those who better our islands and make a real visible difference.

Kevin Keen, Chair of the Association of Jersey Charities, commented: “These are tough times for many charities, and they’re constantly seeking new sources of support and ways of giving. ‘JT Community Giving’ is a much-welcomed and vital community initiative. Targeted support like this, across so many avenues, will really help a huge number of worthwhile charities, individuals, and organisations.”

Applications are now open and will be reviewed every three months. The scheme is open to all registered charities, schools, and community groups across the Channel Islands that meet at least one of four criteria: community support, digital inclusivity, raising awareness of mental and physical health and well-being, and environmental improvement.



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Ten years of supporting the Autism Jersey Golf Day raises nearly £200,000

A partnership that started ten years ago has helped raise nearly two hundred thousand pounds for people on the autism spectrum, their families and carers in Jersey.

With JT’s help, Autism Jersey launched the event a decade ago, which today has become the annual flagship fundraising event and has gained in popularity every year. This year the event raised £24,000 with the maximum of 24 teams taking part and was a fitting celebration for a 10-year partnership that has contributed so much to the local Autistic community.

Nick Winsor, Chairman of Autism Jersey, said: “I am overwhelmed by the support that this event gets from the island’s business and golfing community, and I’d like to extend my thanks to JT, once again, who made it all possible. The money raised every year makes a significant difference to the lives of many autistic islanders, but it also increases the profile of our charity and the amazing work that our people do in changing the lives of those that we support.”

Daragh McDermott, JT’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “The fantastic work that Autism Jersey do touches the lives of so many people, and we are delighted with what we have helped the charity to achieve over the last ten years and what we’ve been able to give back to our community as a result of our partnership.  In particular, this year, where our own people also selected Autism Jersey as their 2022 chosen charity. We will continue to support Autism Jersey with their full calendar of events until the end of the year, bringing people together, united in a common cause to raise as much money as possible, for this fantastic and dedicated charity.

I think what makes the charity stand out is the team of talented people who advocate an inclusive community where personalised services are provided for individuals, families, and carers and it’s been a real pleasure to work alongside them.”



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Sun used to power the final Cobo Balcony Gig

The Cobo Balcony Gigs have taken an environmentally conscious step forward as the series of summer gigs draws to a close this weekend. The Little Green Energy Company will power the final event using solar power generated from the company’s Homefield site, in partnership with JT.

The Balcony Gigs have become a major part of Guernsey’s summer and JT has been a partner for over a decade, helping to bring live music to islanders and visitors. In keeping with the Cobo Bay Hotel’s environmental policy and JT’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral, JT has teamed up with the Little Green Energy Company to livestream the popular gig around the world using its solar photo voltaic energy system.

This joint Carbon Offset initiative used locally generated renewable solar energy to offset the electricity used at the Balcony Gigs with savings of around 200kg of CO2e (Carbon Dioxide equivalent) to benefit the local community.

Gill Knights, JT Group General Counsel & Head of Sustainability, said: “We have been proud partners of Guernsey’s balcony gigs for many years and we are delighted that we are able to power the finale using renewable energy. JT’s purpose is to connect our customers to their sustainable future, so it was fitting that we linked up with Little Green to offset the event in a unique way whilst supporting the environmental commitments we have made to our Islands.”

As part of JT’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in all its operations, the Little Green Energy Company was the natural choice to partner with. JT has been using locally generated renewable energy to offset the electricity it’s used at previous Cobo Balcony Gigs. It is hoped that as further renewable energy initiatives are developed, all the events JT holds in the island will be carbon neutral.



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JT’s sustainable credentials proves a draw at Chamber lunchtime series

JT has been explaining to an audience of Guernsey businesses how it has embarked on an ambitious programme to boost sustainability and increase the welfare of its people at the latest Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn event.

Since April, the Channel Island telecommunications company has been proudly sponsoring the series which have also included important topics such as cybersecurity and wellbeing in the workplace.

The session on JT’s Sustainable Journey, which was presented by Gill Knights, JT Group’s General Counsel and Head of Sustainability, was the highest attended of the series with a very engaged and keen audience.

Kate Marshall, JT’s Head of Guernsey Enterprise, said: “We were really delighted to support this programme of fascinating speakerswhich made the lunchtime events so interesting, leaving us all with so much to think about. JT is already deeply involved in the business community in Guernsey and these sessions highlight how well businesses, including JT, continue to work together to share best practice and support each other at different stages of similar paths. We are very grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for allowing us to share what we have learnt since we embarked on our 10-year Sustainability Strategy and hope that the lessons we learnt prove beneficial to others.”

Laura McKerrel, from the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, added: “We have really enjoyed this series of ‘Lunch & Learn’ and are very grateful for the help and knowledge that all the speakers have passed onto us and those attending the events. JT’s session on sustainability highlighted a genuine interest from our members to learn more about where to start, what to avoid and how to implement a strategy. What was really useful was hearing how JT had planned and launched its strategy and how it has measured progress since. What was clear was that JT has learned to adapt to meet new challenges, proving that having an agile plan is often the best way to ensure success.”