The Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) is pleased to announce the upcoming business delegation visit to Chile, taking place from 30th August to 6th September 2025. This reciprocal visit follows the successful El Líbero Delegation trip to the Falkland Islands in November 2024, and aims to build on the momentum of that engagement by exploring further opportunities for trade, collaboration, and innovation.
Read more about the previous El Libero Delegation Visit here: Chilean Delegation Visit to the Falkland Islands Spotlights Potential Gateway to Collaboration
This year’s visit will see the Falkland Islands delegation travel to Santiago and Punta Arenas, two key hubs for Chilean industry, innovation, and regional cooperation.
The delegation’s visit is timed to coincide with Hyvolution Chile 2025, an internationally recognised expo focused on green hydrogen and renewable energy, taking place in Santiago from 2nd–4th September. This event will provide a platform to explore cutting-edge developments in sustainable energy, and highlight potential opportunities for collaboration in wind power and green energy production, sectors of growing interest to both the Falklands and Chile.
Other events planned in Santiago include lunch with the U.K. Ambassador to Chile, a tour of the accelerator facilities from Start-Up by CORFO, and events hosted by El Libero, and Cámara Chileno Británica de Comercio (British Chamber of Commerce, or BritCham). These engagements will offer invaluable insights into Chile’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and foster direct connections between Falkland Islands businesses and Chilean counterparts.
The delegation will then head to Punta Arenas for the final days, where there will be a reception with the Mayor of Punta Arenas, a tour with HIF Global, as well as an opportunity to visit a local windfarm and discuss shipping and trade links.
The FIDC Deputy Managing Director and Marketing & Communications Officer will accompany the delegation, and be able to provide logistical and professional support throughout the visit, helping to facilitate meaningful exchanges and strengthen bilateral ties.
Zachary Franklin, Managing Director of FIDC, says, “This visit represents another important step in deepening relationships between the Falkland Islands and Chile, with a shared focus on sustainable development, regional cooperation, and business innovation.“
Stay tuned for updates from the delegation as they travel to Chile and engage in this exciting week of collaboration.
| Delegate | Bio |
 Louise Ellis Deputy Managing Director Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) | Louise (Lou) has worked in both the private sector in the UK and the Islands, as well as the public sector in the Falkland Islands Government. Louise joined the Falkland Islands Development Corporation as a Business Development Officer in 2018, later moving up to Development Manager and in this role has been called on to step up to Acting Managing Director several times most recently from August 2021 until September 2022. Acknowledging Lou’s commitment and dedication to FIDC, the FIDC Board were delighted to appoint her formally to the role of Deputy Managing Director in November 2022, providing additional oversight to the Senior Management Team while continuing to lead the Business Development Team in supporting the private sector. |
 Jane Clarke Marketing & Communications Officer Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) | Jane is the Marketing & Communications Officer at the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC), where she supports local businesses and initiatives through strategic marketing, PR, and branding. She also delivers tailored training in social media and marketing, and leads youth-focused programmes such as the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES!). With over a decade of experience in marketing and retail management, Jane combines hands-on expertise with academic knowledge, having earned a Master’s degree in Marketing & Digital Communications from Falmouth University in 2025. She is committed to helping the Islands’ business community grow and succeed. |
 Sam Cockwell Projects Manager eLink – Atlink Ltd. | Sam Cockwell leads the eLink division at Atlink Ltd., a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability, electrification, and energy transition solutions. With over a decade of experience in the energy and resources sector, Sam applies his expertise in energy systems, project management, and emerging technologies to drive innovative initiatives across the Islands. In addition to his work with Atlink, Sam serves as a Director of the Falkland Islands Chamber of Commerce, where he plays an active role in promoting public-private partnerships and supporting economic development. Outside of his professional pursuits, Sam is an avid hockey player and a Director of the Falkland Islands Hockey Association. He has represented the Islands internationally, earning two gold medals and contributing to the sport’s growth and accessibility within the community. |
 Ross Weir Commercial Projects Officer Falkland Islands Government | Ross Weir is a Commercial Projects Officer within the Directorate of Development and Commercial Services at the Falkland Islands Government. Originally from Wales, Ross has lived in the Islands for over a decade and brings a blend of public and private sector experience to his role. Prior to joining FIG, Ross completed a two-year management trainee programme, gaining broad exposure across government departments and strengthening his skills in stakeholder engagement and commercial strategy. He also spent eight years in the private sector, including roles in retail management and procurement, most notably as a retail purchaser for a major Falklands-based supermarket. Ross is particularly focused on initiatives that support economic development, sustainable infrastructure, and the adoption of new technologies across the Islands. |
 Laura Yon Operations Manager Stanley Services Ltd | Laura Yon serves as Operations Manager at Stanley Services Ltd (SSL), a role she has held since June 2022. Originally from St Helena Island, she brings over 10 years of experience in fuel logistics, storage, and distribution. By age 25, Laura had already held senior roles in her home territory, including Bulk Fuel Installation Manager and Aviation Manager at St Helena Airport. At SSL, Laura oversees multiple business operations, including the Fuel Depot, Vehicle Garage, Retail Shop, Consolidated Freight, and Vessel Agency. Her leadership is marked by a strong emphasis on operational efficiency and the successful delivery of large-scale projects. Her wide-ranging responsibilities reflect both her depth of experience and her dynamic, hands-on approach to management. |
 Jose Ortega Owner Stanley Cabs | Jose Luis Ortega Godoy is the owner of Stanley Cabs, a well-established local transportation and tour company in the Falkland Islands. Originally from Chillán, Chile, Jose moved to the Islands in 2001 and has since built a diverse entrepreneurial career. In 2008, he launched Jose Tours, initially offering guided tours on a part-time basis while operating a successful food truck business. After years of collaboration with Stanley Cabs, he officially acquired the company in 2021. Since taking ownership, he has expanded the fleet and grown the company’s tour services during the busy tourist season. With a passion for sustainable business practices, Jose is exploring the introduction of electric vehicles to the fleet, an initiative aligned with his commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term growth. |
 Guy Morrison Chief Executive Officer GM Construction Ltd | Guy Morrison is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of GM Construction Ltd, established in March 2017. Under his leadership, the company has experienced steady growth and has undertaken a diverse range of construction projects throughout the Falkland Islands. A strong advocate for sustainability, Guy has steered the company towards a focus on energy-efficient residential buildings. GM Construction Ltd proudly became the first business in the Falklands to actively champion environmentally conscious building practices. Through its pioneering approach, the company continues to set new standards for green construction and plays a vital role in reducing the environmental footprint of new developments. |
 Bono McKay Owner Big B’s Plant Hire | Bono McKay is the owner and driving force behind Big B’s Plant Hire, which began trading in 2021. With a lifelong background in plant machinery, Bono gained extensive hands-on experience working alongside his father on numerous local projects. This strong foundation laid the groundwork for his decision to establish his own business. In launching Big B’s Plant Hire, Bono sought the support of FIDC for financial assistance and business guidance. In 2022, with their backing, he acquired a JCB telehandler, marking a key milestone in the company’s expansion. Since then, Bono has continued to invest in additional equipment, including a tilt rotator, gripper, and a range of attachments, enabling him to meet the evolving needs of a growing client base. |
