Phil and Rochelle Thompson own 'Thompson Conch' - a local company that
specializes in custom-made cabinets and counter tops created from conch The final furnishings and finishings blend technology with the natural pearl quality of the shell to create an outstanding product available in any colour and ideal for interior decoration.
What are your strengths?
We are producing something uniquely Caribbean. Conch shell is a regional product which has a color and pearl sheen that cannot be replicated. We have been able to create a wide range of small, medium and large items, from coasters to countertops.
Who are your customers?
Everyone. In particular we are attracting interest from developers who want something to make their projects stand out. We aim to attract foreign buyers and also to export the furniture.
Why is TCI a good location?
Conch shells are easily available. Government here is accessible and the Government's agency, TCInvest, has been very supportive.
The strong economy and growth in property development is a great asset for us.
No progressive thinking society can reach its goal of sustainability without supporting the development of industry. The evolution of the Turks and Caicos Islands into a mature development community is dependent on its ability to create industries such as light manufacturing in order to diversify the economic base.
Manufacturing is the next frontier of enterprise in the Turks and Caicos Islands . The evolution has begun In recent times where there has been a gradual shift towards this type of industry. A number of small ventures have taken flight, encouraging more financially sound industrious individuals to pursue ideas.
The market for products made locally has grown in tandem with the vast economic and tourism development that has occurred in the islands. The tourism sector, which brings nearly 200,000 visitors a year, provides a regular demand for local goods, from food and drink to souvenirs, from construction materials to items of furniture and interior design.
Whilst the Conch Farm is an excellent example of how the popularity of local products can transcend national borders, the domestic demand within the country for local products has proved sufficient to sustain many companies. A few companies produce food and drink, including bottled water. Companies producing bottled water have enjoyed great success. Bottled water has been produced and sold domestically for years.
The one bottled water operation on Grand Turk and the plants on Providenciales provide bottled water to hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, visitors and residents throughout the TCI.
The Creative Hands project - a project which combines native and imported materials to create craft works has been hailed a great success. The Creative Hands craft items are sold mainly in the tourism areas. This program was supported by TCInvest, which assisted the crafts people and vendors to establish an association of craft vendors and provided further assistance through marketing and sourcing materials.
Thanks to the creativity of the Turks and Caicos people and work like the Creative Hands Initiative, visitors to the islands are now able to purchase high quality handcrafted items from model boats to hats fit for models in shops throughout the islands. There is a lot more potential for expansion of these largely cottage industries in the future.
A developing economy like the Turks and Caicos Islands creates demand for construction materials as well as interior design materials.
Locally owned Coxco Group has been quick to capitalise on this demand, establishing a business in manufacturing cement blocks for construction purposes.
Policy Highlight
The Turks and Caicos Government can consider allowing investors in approved import and export projects to receive long term duty remissions on both the imported inputs and the resultant export product.
The Government is prepared to provide Crown land (other than national parks, nature reserves, sanctuaries and areas of historical interest) to qualified investors for approved light manufacturing, commercial and wholesale enterprises.
Similar local entrepreneurs saw the demand for unique furnishings and finishings emerging from housing and commercial developments and formed Thompson Conch, a local company that specializes in custom-made cabinets and counter tops created from conch shell using coloured resins. The final furnishings and finishings are ideal for interior decoration in homes, hotels and offices in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond, for those living elsewhere who want to design with some Caribbean flair.
In manufacturing terms, demand exceeds supply. Many more companies could benefit from the economic prosperity of the TCI and the desire of both residents, visitors and developers, who for economic, social or cultural reasons want to buy products that are truly "Made in the Turks and Caicos Islands ."
