‘Everybody’s Business’ campaign launched

International Business leaders in Bermuda have launched a campaign titled “Everybody’s Business” to help educate Bermudians about the importance of international business to all sectors of the community. Designed to inspire island residents with the knowledge that, working together, they can help attract new business to the island and have a positive impact on the economy, the campaign will explain the interconnectedness of the island’s international businesses sector—dominated by insurance and reinsurance companies—with jobs in all industries. It will seek to encourage Bermudians to improve service and hospitality in the face of increasing competition for international business from other countries. Multiple initiatives designed to drive business into Bermuda will also be discussed.

The campaign, led by Cyril Whitter, President & CEO of Independent Management Ltd, Travis Gilbert, Director of International Business, the Ministry of the Education and Development and Richard Winchell, Executive Director of the Association of Bermuda International Companies will include a radio talk show, town hall style meetings, radio and television advertising as well as a Facebook page that will facilitate online community discussion and comment.

The “Everybody’s Business” radio programme will air on FM 89 on Tuesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. from 28 January through 18 February. Hosted by Travis Gilbert and Cyril Whitter, it will explore the impact of International Business on our economy and highlight positive developments in the IB sphere. The first guest will be Stephen Lund, CEO of the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA).

Radio and television advertising supporting the Everybody’s Business campaign will feature Bermudians employed in different industries explaining the connections between IB and ongoing success in their fields of work.

Cyril Whitter explained the need for the campaign, saying, “There has recently been much discussion about the importance of International Business and the comparative roles of international business and tourism in Bermuda. But much of that discussion has been informed by anecdote and opinion rather than facts. Our goal with the radio series is to ensure that the community is fully aware of the critical role that International Business plays in our economy. Perhaps, more importantly, we will demonstrate how evolving initiatives in IB have great promise and could very well become a part of the solution to the economic challenges facing Bermuda.”

Mr. Whitter added, "We want Bermudians to understand how International Business positively impacts the daily lives of everyone on our island. We want to demonstrate how increasing the number of people here contributing to the local economy, both tourists and International Business workers, helps support prosperity for everyone in our community. It is a timely and important discussion to have.”

The radio series is supported by sponsors, Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA), XL, Jardine Matheson, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Butterfield and the Association of Bermuda International Companies.