MANIFESTO FROM A SMALL ISLAND

Spotting Opportunities on the Isle of Man

On the Isle of Man, we are lucky that the business community can participate in discussion and planning at the highest levels to influence the Islands future. A benefit of the county’s size and population is that people in government and influential positions in business and the community are easier to engage with. This has been demonstrated to great effect with the new Business Manifesto, issued by the island’s Chamber of Commerce.

The impending general election and the ongoing impact of the pandemic, means that there is much anticipation around the Chamber’s new Manifesto.

The Chamber President Caren Pegg says that the Manifesto sends a powerful message to election candidates to ensure that they address the issues highlighted by the business community.

The IOM chapter of BITA is lucky enough to count the Department for Enterprise as a founding member, and by working closely with them and the IOM Chamber of Commerce, BITA can serve the needs of this vibrant and influential nation.

Brendon Kenny, chair of the BITA IOM chapter said “We appreciate the activities and communication with the Chamber and believe that it is very important to support their initiatives. One of the key aims of BITA is to introduce the Island to UK and Irish business, and this is supported by the findings of the Manifesto.”

The results of this consultation with businesses across the Island provide a clear path for BITA members to follow so they can provide needed services and products to help expand the island’s economy. “The work that the Chamber have done here is amazing, and we are looking forward to working with them to provide welcome opportunities and growth for our incredible community.”

Members of the Chambers were asked about their priorities and areas of concern that they would like to see the government tackle, and the resulting list includes:

• A need for a more joined-up, smaller and less bureaucratic Government

• A Strategic Skills Plan aligned to the needs of the local economy

• Root and branch reform of public sector finances

• Increased Government collaboration with the private sector, and earlier meaningful consultation on business, legal and economic issues