Walkers Business Summer School surpasses 560 participants across Jersey and Guernsey

We have completed our 2026 Business Summer School programme, welcoming more than 110 students across Jersey and Guernsey and taking the total number of participants since launch to more than 560, as Walkers celebrates 20 years in Jersey and 10 years in Guernsey. 
 
The programme had already been delivered to more than 450 students before this year and returned in 2026 for the sixth time in Guernsey and fifth time in Jersey. 
 
Designed for students aged 16 and over, our free programme provides practical insight into the worlds of business, finance, entrepreneurship and law, helping young people gain exposure to professional environments at a stage when many are beginning to consider their future education and career choices. 
 
This year's programme brought together approximately 60 students in Jersey and 50 students in Guernsey for a week of interactive sessions, practical exercises and discussions with professionals from across the Channel Islands business community.
 
Students took part in a varied programme which included a mock board meeting, a mock trial, sessions on local law, fiduciary services, company structures, employment law, marketing, entrepreneurship and the use of AI in business. The programme also featured court tours, behind-the-scenes visits and practical case studies, giving students the opportunity to develop their communication, problem-solving, teamwork and presentation skills in a supportive professional environment. 
 
The programme was supported by a wide range of professionals from across the Channel Islands business community. Contributors included representatives from XXIV Old Buildings, Radisson Hotel, Investec, Grant Thornton, Corient, the JFSC, the GFSC, Leadhers, Potting Shed, MAP Health, Barrule Partners Group, Old Government House Hotel, Hamilton Brooke and Superluxe & Partners, alongside colleagues from across our legal and business services teams. 
 
Since launching in 2021, our Business Summer School has introduced students to professional life across the Channel Islands, helping them gain practical skills, build professional networks and explore future career opportunities. Previous attendees have gone on to pursue careers across the legal and financial services sectors, highlighting the lasting impact of the programme. 
 
Jonathan Heaney, managing partner of our Jersey office, said:
 
'The continued growth of the Business Summer School reflects the value the programme provides for young people across the Channel Islands. Reaching more than 560 participants since launch is a significant milestone and it has been excellent to see this year's students engage so enthusiastically with the programme.'
 
'As we celebrate 20 years in Jersey and 10 years in Guernsey this year, it is particularly meaningful to see initiatives like the Business Summer School continue to make a positive contribution to the communities in which we live and work. We hope the students leave with greater confidence, new skills and a clearer understanding of the wide range of career opportunities available to them.'
 
Matt Sanders, managing partner of our Guernsey office, added:
 
'The Business Summer School is an important part of our commitment to supporting young people and investing in the future of our local communities. The programme gives students meaningful exposure to professional environments and the opportunity to hear directly from people working across a broad range of industries.'
 
'We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time and expertise to help deliver another successful programme, from our colleagues to the many external speakers and organisations who supported the week, and especially to Alison Ozanne, a former partner of the firm who returned this year to lead the Business Summer School once again, having contributed so much to its establishment and growth of the School over the past six years.'
 
Our Business Summer School forms part of our wider commitment to supporting young people across the Channel Islands by providing access to practical learning, professional networks and early insight into different career paths.