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Digital Jersey Uses VR To Unveil 2019 Plans

There was no 'death by PowerPoint' at Digital Jersey's presentation

Digital Jersey has used virtual reality to unveil its plans for 2019.

Business mentoring, research grants and doubling available co-working space are just some of the ways the organisation wants to help local firms this year.

It's also due to open a dedicated £1.7m Digital Skills Academy in time for this September.

CEO Tony Moretta says the digital sector is every bit as valuable as finance, tourism and agriculture:

"There are already about 3,000 people working in the industry. When you look at salaries they earn - which are comparable with those in the Finance industry - what we're starting to see is that standalone digital sector is already up there with areas like tourism, for example, in terms of the economic value to Jersey, and we expect that to just keep growing."

In 2018, 13 new tech firms relocated to Jersey.

The island's economy will receive a boost of around £460,000 through taxes paid by experienced tech workers brought to work in the island.

Last year, Digital Jersey helped 11 local companies with employment licences - bringing 36 digital professionals to work in Jersey.

Mr Moretta hopes that bringing in outside talent could create 16 new jobs for local people:

"The company that is going to be running our Digital Business degree was a startup that moved here last year. They already run courses in places like Imperial College London and are now going to be running courses in our Digital Skills Academy, so that shows how it's a real win-win bringing successful businesses over here that not only contribute economically - paying taxes and things like that - but also help train up the next generation."

The organisation also plans to continue is work growing industries like Fintech and Internet-of-Things development in the island.

Digital Jersey's virtual reality presentation made use of the latest technology to showcase it's 2018 achievements - including the inaugural Jersey TechWeek and Jersey Tech Awards.

You'll be able to see its 360° VR experience for yourself at locations around the island, including the Digital Hub in St Helier, DJX in St Brelade, and the JT store on King Street.

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