Economic Development Top Priority

Allan Bell, Minister for Economic Development, today announced a series of changes which will ensure that the Isle of Man focuses on future economic growth in the coming years.

As part of the overall Change Programme that the Chief Minister initiated earlier in the year, Minister Bell has responded with a number of significant organizational changes to ensure that the Department maintains its focus on employment, bringing new economic activity to the Island and enhancing the Island’s reputation overseas as well as supporting existing businesses on the Island to flourish.

Firstly, Minister Bell announced a series of Member appointments to ensure the department delivers on its objectives. These are:

Juan Watterson MHK: Financial Services; Company Registry; Information Systems Department.

Alex Downie MLC: Space; E-commerce; Shipping Registry; Aircraft Registry; E-gaming.

Clare Christian MLC: Training; Work permits; Job Centre; Manufacturing; Construction; Retail; Film; Energy Policy; FAS; STEP.

Geoff Corkish MHK: Tourism, Motorsport; Post Office.

Secondly, he announced the commencement of a business change project which will bring the fragmented areas of business promotion together to create centres of expertise and excellence. It will consider opportunities for increasing the Isle of Man’s business promotional capability overseas and upgrade the Department’s capability to support the bringing of new corporate organisations and entrepreneurs to the Island. Furthermore, focus will be increased in consistent marketing to ensure that the burgeoning range of product and services available from the Isle of Man are best developed.

Minister Bell commented;

“It is my fervently held belief that the Isle of Man has many opportunities to further expand and develop its international client base. With these changes I am confident that we will be able to start taking advantage of the opportunities presented as the world emerges from recession.”

Colin Kniveton, CEO of Economic Development, said;

“The Minister has made it clear what the Department’s priorities are and we will be responding accordingly. Whilst some of the changes are simple, others are more complex and will require the support of our staff and the involvement of the business community. However, we are very aware of the responsibilities now residing in the new structure and by working closely with the private sector I am sure that we can make a real difference.”

It is expected that the changes will occur over the next 12 months but some of the structural changes and quick wins can be delivered in the coming weeks and months. To assist the Change Project, John Spellman (formerly Director of Isle of Man Finance) will join the team as a Special Advisor to help drive the changes and assist in the implementation. Consultation and involvement of the various sectors is expected.