Entertainment at rugby matches (FOI)

​Request

Please supply the documentation, research report and analysis supporting the decision to use the rugby tickets to entertain high net worth individuals to locate to Jersey for the period 2012 to 2016.

A

The total number of guests entertained at each match and the eventual number of these who relocated to Jersey.

B

The total number of companies entertained at each match and the eventual number of these which relocated.

C

Any other events which have been considered for the same purpose and list those which have been used for the same purpose.

Response

Clear inward investment objectives were outlined in the Economic Growth and Diversification Strategy, including far greater focus on creating and growing high value business, securing high-value inward investment, attracting greater numbers of high net worth individuals and the development of new economic sectors.

It is well known that given the particular spectator demographics that are of interest to inward investment agencies, especially when there is a tie in with the location (either as a host or participating team), organising sponsorship, hospitality or associated activities at sporting events is a mainstay of the highly competitive world of inward investment attraction. Important relationships are cultivated and business deals are often done at or following these events. The original sponsorship of Jersey Rugby Club was agreed in 2012 and the Ministerial Decision on the following link refers to it:

Jersey Rugby Football Club (JRFC): Sponsorship

A and B

The information requested in the first part of questions A and B is available publicly at:

Use of complimentary rugby tickets (FOI)

It is therefore exempt under Article 23 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011.

On the assumption that “the use of rugby tickets to entertain individuals” means attendance at England home internationals as per the sponsorship agreement, of those attending, three high net worth (HNW) families have relocated and three inward investment businesses have relocated. It should be noted that guests invited to matches can be potential new clients, intermediaries, business introducers or key strategic partners. 

C 

This information is exempt under Article 33(b), Article 34(a) and 34(b) of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011. See exemption details below.

Exemptions applied

Article 23 – Information accessible to applicant by other means 

Information is absolutely exempt information if it is reasonably available to the applicant, otherwise than under this Law, whether or not free of charge. A scheduled public authority that refuses an application for information on this ground must make reasonable efforts to inform the applicant where the applicant may obtain the information.

Article 33(b) – Commercial interest - prejudice commercial interests 

Information is qualified exempt information if – (b) its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the commercial interests of a person (including the scheduled public authority holding the information).

Article 34 – The Economy

Information is qualified exempt information if its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice -  (a) the economic interests of Jersey; (b) the financial interests of the States of Jersey.