Kiwi link forged

Alderney Chamber of Commerce president Andrew Eggleston shakes hands on the link with Lorraine Cruickshank, his opposite number in the Cambridge chamber in New Zealand. (0948021)

ALDERNEY Chamber of Commerce has forged links with a business community in New Zealand.
Estate agent Andrew Eggleston organised the association with Cambridge Chamber, which is based in the Waikato area of North Island, while he was in the country for his son Nick’s wedding.
Mr Eggleston, president of the Alderney chamber, attended a Cambridge meeting and found both organisations had similarities.
He said: ‘Although both chambers could not be geographically further apart, it was realised we have much in common. We concluded that a combining of ideas and understanding could be of mutual interest.
‘We are both proportionally small chambers and yet are diverse in our interests. Like Alderney, Cambridge
agrees that it has to be involved in local politics to fully represent the membership.
‘At present Cambridge are discussing the merits of creating an outdoor public swimming pool and are coming against some opposition.
‘They are also involved with the World Rowing Championships and are looking forward to a great increase in population during this event, which they are hoping will add much to their economy.’
Andrew said the main difference between the two chambers is that Alderney’s members tend to meet in the evenings, whereas Cambridge get-togethers start at 7am.
‘One wonders how many local members would turn up, or could turn up, at 7am here,’ said Andrew. ‘Such is life on the other side of the world.’

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Alderney is being marketed as a business trip location.
The States has teamed up with local company Business & Pleasure to promote the island as a base for conferences and workshops.
Business & Pleasure’s Ilona Soane-Sands believes the financial downturn could convince companies in the UK and Channel Islands to stage events closer to home.
‘The current spending squeeze is forcing many companies and event management agencies in the UK, Guernsey and Jersey to stage their conferences, workshops and incentive trips in locations closer to home.
‘However, finding new and unique venues to fit tight budgets is proving quite a challenge and this could be good news for Alderney, which is launching itself as an ideal destination for small to medium-sized corporate events, from workshops and conferences to team-building and incentive programmes.’
Ilona believes the island possesses the infrastructure to attract businesses.
She pointed out that several hotels had been substantially refurbished and that the island now boasted conference facilities for groups of up to 40, and added that the island offers numerous activities, including golf, tennis, snooker, fishing, water sports, horse riding and archery.
Any company interested in organising an event in Alderney should contact Ilona on 82 3448 or visit www.businessandpleasure.co.uk for further information. (from thisisguernsey)

Beats twinning with a European Town. Having visited both I don't see the close similarities. Alderney would have been better getting closer to Stuart Island.