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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

JT recognised as a diverse and welcoming workplace
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JT recognised as a diverse and welcoming workplace

The work that JT has done to improve inclusivity has been recognised by a leading organisation that promotes diverse teams and inclusive cultures in businesses all over the UK and across all sectors. JT has won a TIDE Bronze award for reaching the exacting standards set by the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion.

TIDE (Talent, Inclusion and Diversity Evaluation) benchmarks and measures JT’s approach and progress against a robust framework. In the last twelve months JT’s TIDE score has jumped to 61% after making significant improvements to training and development and putting diversity and inclusion at the centre of its workplace culture.

Nicola Reeves, Group HR Director, said: “We got involved in the TIDE awards because we wanted to benchmark ourselves and set recognised targets so that we could truly make our workplace as inclusive as possible. Our people are critical to our success and deserve to work in a culture where everyone feels valued, empowered and inspired. Having respect for each other is a central part of what we do as an organisation, and our people feel encouraged to innovate and improve because they are listened to when they speak up.”

Being part of the TIDE process is about making continual improvements and JT will participate again next year to check on progress.

Sarah Gosiewska, JT Head of Talent, added: ‘’We have put a great deal of energy into improving our training across the business, and I am delighted that it was recognised as being one of the areas that had improved in 2022, which is thanks to the amazing people we have here – there is always more to do, but we are united in our longterm goals.”

Tom Noel and Katie Corbett
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New roles at the top as JT sets its sights on transformation and growth

JT has announced changes to its Executive Committee as the company moves forward with its ambitious strategy to transform and grow the business.

Katie Corbett is taking up a newly created role as Chief Commercial Officer, with Tom Noel moving to become JT’s Chief Product Officer, having spent two years as the Director of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability. Together they will ensure that customer experience and innovation is at the forefront of JT’s business, supporting  delivery of the transformational and growth strategy.

Following his appointment in April, Daragh McDermott, JT Group’s CEO, worked with the JT Board to review the structure of the Executive Committee and then went through a thorough process before deciding to appoint Katie and Tom to their new roles.

Daragh McDermott, CEO of JT Group, said: “There are a lot of benefits to taking a step back and carrying out a thorough health check of the team that lead the execution of the company’s strategy and with the support of the new Chair, Meriel Lenfestey, and the JT Board, this was the opportunity to do just that. Our strategy is the right one for our customers and our other wide set of stakeholders, and this has not changed. But we also have an ever changing set of challenges to manage, as we transform and grow, and the appointments of Katie and Tom to these new roles will ensure  greater freedom to drive our business forward with innovative new products and a focus on providing the very best service to our customers.”

Katie, has over 25 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry, beginning her career at JT in 2010 in the Corporate Sales Team. She will focus on commercial excellence, managing the commercial activities for all JT client engagement globally.

Katie Corbett said: “The hundreds of people that make up JT have faced extraordinary challenges over the last couple of years and along with so many other professionals, have worked extremely hard to overcome them. As a business, we are constantly reviewing how we manage our core activities and our people, and I believe the changes we are announcing will give many of them new opportunities to develop their careers and take this fantastic company forward. ”

Tom takes charge of the teams developing JT’s product range, and will also take on responsibility for growing JT’s Fraud Protection Services (FPS) business. Joining JT in 2015, he oversaw the newly formed JT International division and built up the IoT business which sold last year at a valuation of £200m.

Tom Noel added: “Our strategy to serve and give back to our communities hasn’t changed, but our leadership needs the tools to improve and progress. JT has seen many changes throughout its long history and while we are moving through these challenging times, customers expect us to adapt to changing economic and political landscapes, and to do so quickly. The plans we put in place over the coming months,  will ensure we continue to serve our customers, our people and our business well into the future.’’

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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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The guardians of data under the spotlight: Driving trust in the protection of our personal information

As the rapid adoption of a digital-first approach continues across every part of the economy, levels of fraud have soared. An increasingly sophisticated ecosystem of organised cybercriminals has led to mounting financial losses and greatly damaged customers’ experience, and more importantly their trust in how data processors and controllers safeguard their personal information.

Leading expert, Clare Messenger, Head of Fraud Protection Services at JT has been invited to lead a discussion panel on fraud prevention and management at this month’s Digital Trust World conference, examining the measures and solutions being taken to protect consumers online. Together with experts from UK Finance, Remote Payment Channels, Vodafone Identity Hub and FICO they will explore what digital trust means and what measurable steps can be taken to improve the trustworthiness of digital technologies through security and responsible technology use.

JT is an industry leader when it comes to customer security. Located in Jersey, Channel Islands one of the world’s premier financial jurisdictions, with years of experience in delivering stability and security for their business partners, JT’s innovative services are empowering clients to align with industry regulations and protect their consumers.

Clare said: “Businesses need to simultaneously combat fraud and provide customers with a seamless digital experience, if not, their trust in us is at stake. More than ever, the global economy is reliant on connectivity, the use of data and innovative digital technologies. But the risks are growing every day as criminals are finding increasingly creative ways to commit fraud to steal people’s identity and money. Simple tasks, such as being able to prove you are who you say you are need to take place in milliseconds to ensure seamless customer experience – as solution providers and custodians of data we must create a secure digital world. It is the basis of building customer confidence in how a company protects their data and personal details.”

Conference organiser Alan Goode, CEO & Chief Analyst, Goode Intelligence, added: “Digital trust means the secure way that businesses and customers carry out transactions and if you think of data as being the life blood of the digital economy, then digital trust is its heart. While the concept of trust has developed over thousands of years of human civilisation, the digital world has only been around for a matter of decades and needs to catch up. This exciting event, which brings together leading technology providers with business decision makers, investors, technology integrators and solution providers such as JT, will examine what the future may hold and how these challenges are being met.”

Taking place on Monday 21st November 2022 in London, Digital Trust World 2022 covers the following interconnected themes and technologies:

  • Digital Onboarding (Identity Verification)
  • Digital Identity
  • Authentication & Privacy
  • Fraud Management

For more information on JT, please visit www.jtglobal.com/International