Posted on

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.



Posted on

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.”



Posted on

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.



Posted on

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