The Department for Enterprise (‘DfE’) has unveiled its Department Plan for 2025-2026, building on the achievements from the past 12 months, and setting a robust agenda to drive economic growth and innovation whilst delivering on the objectives of both the Island Plan and Economic Strategy.
This year’s Department Plan focuses on implementing targeted economic initiatives and priorities including Data Asset Foundations and Medicinal Cannabis propositions, preparation for Moneyval Assessment and Beneficial Ownership, continued delivery of the Local Economy Strategy, Locate Strategy and Cruise Programme and support for the Skills Board Action Plan.
In addition to these key commitments, the DfE will advance the specific milestones outlined in the latest Island Plan, as well as the refined strategic priorities including supporting the public sector efficiency programme, demonstrating financial discipline, ensuring the Island’s security through supporting immigration and progressing the Island’s travel connectivity via the supported Strategic Air Services Policy.
For 2025-26, the Department Plan also marks a shift in approach to job creation, recognising the need to balance ambition with long-term stability. While maintaining the ambition of supporting 1,800 new jobs to be created and filled across the economy by 2026 in line with the Island Plan, the Department will be placing greater emphasis on supporting the retention of private sector jobs and enabling an environment where existing businesses can grow and thrive.
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise commented:
'The 2025-26 Department Plan, the last to be published for this administration, brings together our strategic priorities and actions to bring positive change to our economy, respond to global opportunities and forge a more secure, vibrant and sustainable economic future for our Island.
‘Our collaboration with industry, through our public/private partnerships and regular outreach remains of utmost importance in order to enhance the Island’s proposition through promotion, policy and product development. Therefore, understanding this importance, I have signalled a review into how the Agencies operate – to consider areas for refinement to ensure they continue to deliver effectively for industry, the Department and the wider economy.’
The Minister added:
‘We are committed to delivering on our Island Plan milestones and maintaining financial discipline, delivering efficiencies, and working collaboratively across government to ensure that priorities are achieved in a way that is both measurable and impactful.
