New businesses face 'rising costs and staffing pressures'

11 hours ago 17

BBC Sébastien is in a commercial kitchen setting, wearing a black chef’s uniform with the name “RICO” and “COCO” embroidered on the chest. He also has a dark apron with leather straps and metal rings. Behind them are stainless steel appliances, a ventilation hood, and shelves with kitchen supplies, including a tray of eggs and flowers. BBC

French café and creperie CocoRico, Sébastien Perrais said being in the Central Market has helped his business

New businesses owners have said they face rising costs and staffing pressures but have worked to find new ways to overcome them.

Methods some have explored have included sharing premises to keep rent costs down.

It comes as Jersey's government said it was committed to work to understand why some shops in the island continued to remain empty.

Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said the government was working to make it easier for people to start and run their own businesses.

'Very fortunate'

Owner of French café and creperie CocoRico Sébastien Perrais said "it's definitely difficult for everyone" but the Central Market where his business was based "is vibrant now".

Mr Perrais moved his business to the market last month to make the most of the location.

He said "small businesses are coming to the market" and "it's definitely a new area for the market now they open Friday and Saturday".

Mr Perrais added: "I'm very fortunate to have very nice people, and that was super important for me from the start."

Vanessa and Sophie are standing indoors in front of white shelving units displaying various packaged products. The shelves also feature framed artwork and decorative items. Vanessa is wearing a dark green buttoned cardigan with a white lace collar, and Sophie is wearing a light beige knit cardigan over a top, accessorized with a necklace and a light-colored cap.

Vanessa Vowden (l) and Sophie Anderson (r) are sharing renting costs for their businesses

Other new business owners cited the cost of rent as a major issue they faced.

The owners of fragrance shop Willow and wellness shop Alma Sana opened a physical shop together a year after running pop-up shops.

Sophie Anderson, the owner of Alma Sana, said: "There's a demand for this... If we can mitigate the costs and share a space, that is a good idea.

"The cost is crazy for rents over here. So, by joining forces, it's much more affordable and less of a risk to do than doing it on your own."

Morel added his department was keen to help retailers and shop landlords as much as they could.

Kirsten is dressed in formal attire, wearing a navy blue suit jacket, a light blue shirt, and a red-and-white striped tie. The background features a dark wall with a bright horizontal light fixture and a reflective surface, suggesting an indoor professional or studio environment

Deputy Kirsten Morel says the government wants to help small businesses

He said he had identified areas that he wanted his department to focus on to improve retail.

Morel said he was "trying to remove that bureaucracy" so people faced less red tape starting a business, but added: "I think there will always be more that can be done to enable young entrepreneurs to stay.

"I fundamentally believe it's easier to set up a business in Jersey than pretty much any other country."

The minister also praised the island's "superb" high street, saying it was "an amazing offering" for shoppers and businesses.

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