In the News

The Isle of Man Department of Economic Development had a permanent presence in ‘The Hub’ for the duration of the six week Festival as well as hosting weekly events that showcased the Island’s diverse economy and key sectors. 

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Economic Development said: ‘We’ve enjoyed a highly successful participation in the International Festival for Business and I’ve been encouraged by the positive feedback that I’ve received from both the team in the Department and those in local industry who attended. 

‘We’ve achieved our three main objectives which we set out at the beginning of the process: to build our political and civic ties with Liverpool and the North West; to raise the profile of the Isle of Man as a successful international business centre; and to create firm opportunities for economic development for the Island.’ 

Prior to the Festival the Department had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Liverpool Vision, the organisers of the Festival. 

In terms of raising profile, the Isle of Man’s presence at the Festival was featured on BBC’s Breakfast News and North West Tonight programmes bringing positive coverage of the Island to many millions of people. 

The opportunities arising from the Festival for inward investment and economic development in the Isle of Man have been significant and these are currently being pursued. For example there were a broad range of business opportunities created for the Island’s financial and professional services sectors.

Other spin-off benefits included the formation of the Isle of Man Maritime Group (of which DCTS was a founder) which was created specifically to host the two day event in June that showcased the Isle of Man’s Maritime sector. 

The Minister continued: ‘One of the Isle of Man’s key strengths is the relationship that Government enjoys with the local business community. With over fifty local businesses and professional associations taking part, the Festival was a great example of the partnership approach we have followed in promoting the Isle of Man in recent years.’ 

Döhle’s Participation

Döhle Corporate and Trust Services and Döhle Yachts were instrumental in organising, sponsoring presenting at the shipping and superyacht events on the schooner Kathleen and May during the Festival.

Commented DCTS Director Paul Swindale: ‘It was a pleasure to be involved with the International Festival for Business and particular the maritime event on board the Kathleen and May the Isle of Man showed its skill set in an impressive manner and based on the reaction of over 80 attendees at the presentation, the Isle of Man continues to be a powerful name in everything maritime.’