'Dreams come true' for business-starting Romanians

Among the Romanian community in Jersey, some members have expressed that starting businesses on the island has helped them realize their "dreams." Living and working in Jersey has provided them with a platform to achieve their personal business goals, fostering a sense of accomplishment and opportunity.

The Romanian population in Jersey is steadily growing. The most recent census revealed an increase of 875 people from Romania between 2011 and 2021. This increase represents one of the largest expansions in community size during that period. This demographic shift also reflects Jersey's attractiveness to foreign populations, highlighting its appeal as a place to live and work.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) interviewed two Romanians who came to Jersey and started their own businesses, to understand their lives on the island. Their experiences are representative of some of the Romanian community members who have successfully started businesses in Jersey, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit within the community.

Viorel Ungureanu came to Jersey in 2009, and after having children with his wife on the island, he purchased the Roseville Bistro in 2017. He stated that he initially came to Jersey "just for the experience" and to continue his chef training, "starting from scratch, but I quickly became an executive chef like I was in Romania." Ungureanu added, "I started a family here, our children were born in Jersey, and when I bought the bistro, I opened my own business; my dream came true in Jersey," emphasizing the island's role in his personal and professional fulfillment.

Due to the restaurant's success, Ungureanu has now opened Roseville Café in St Helier, where he serves lunch during the day, including Romanian dishes such as skinless sausages, or Mici. Florin Beclenas also moved to Jersey in 2009 and opened The Wave restaurant in Havre des Pas earlier this month. He said "it's amazing here," and he loves "the island, the food and the people." Beclenas has been an executive chef for the past 10 years and hopes to start a family business on the island. He said, "We've had good support from the locals and Facebook friends, which is helping us grow the business slowly." He added, "We have worked hard for these opportunities to have our own businesses, and Jersey has given us the chance to make these dreams come true," illustrating the island's supportive environment for entrepreneurs.