Archive for the ‘Isle of Man’ Category

Visitor Spending Approaches £100 Million

by Anna Hemy

The Isle of Man Governments Department of Economic Development is delighted with the results of the annual Isle of Man Passenger Survey, which has been published by Treasurys Economic Affairs Division. The survey reveals that the total expenditure by visitors to the Isle of Man is now estimated at around 98 million, an increase of 8.7% on the figure of 90.5 million in 2010. While both the Commonwealth Youth Games in September and the TT Mountain Course Centenary in May led to increased visitor numbers, it is encouraging to note that more generally visitor numbers were up in the first nine months of the year. The survey also found that an estimated total of 299,778 visitors travelled to the Isle of Man during 2011, an increase of 11,990 (4.2%) on the comparable figure for 2010. Air arrivals increased in the second, third and fourth quarters and overall showed a growth of 4.2%, whilst sea arrivals also increased in the first half of the year compared to 2010. Last years success was underpinned by a number of initiatives including special events, pro-active destination marketing, private sector accommodation investment and development of transport links. Leisure visitors increased from 102,954 to 104,692; however, the most satisfying results were those for visiting friends and relatives which increased from 109,320 in 2010 to 118,679 in 2011. Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, Political Member for the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for Tourism, said: The Department of Economic Development is forging effective working relationships with the industry and I congratulate the sector on its performance in 2011. The newly launched Visitor Economy Strategy will set out the direction for 2012 and we look forward to building on visitor numbers in future years. Colin Kniveton, Chief Executive of the Department of Economic Development added: I am pleased with these figures which provide recognition of the hard work that has been undertaken in difficult circumstances during the last couple of years. We have built a firm base upon which to move forward in all areas of the visitor economy and I am confident that we will see further increases in visitor numbers in the future. Copies of the Passenger Survey 2011 can be downloaded from the website: http://www.gov.im/treasury/economic

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we look forward to building on visitor numbers in future years."

Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, Political Member for the Department of Economic Development

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Manx Telecom Ltd 2012

Manx Telecom Ltd, Isle of Man Business Park, Cooil Road, Braddan, Isle of Man IM99 1HX Registered in the Isle of Man Reg no.5629V Vat Reg no GB 003-2919-12

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Visitor Spending Approaches £100 Million

Relocation of Fire Personnel

by Richard Parslow

The Department of Home Affairs is continuing its programme of rationalisation by relocating members of the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service to new accommodation.

A total of 15 senior managers, community fire officers and support staff are transferring from Elm Tree House in Onchan to the Departments headquarters in Douglas.

The move, which will be completed by the end of April 2012, is part of a package of measures aimed at achieving budget savings of 221,000 within the IoM Fire and Rescue Service during the current financial year.

Officers will join the DHA Chief Executives Office at Homefield on Woodbourne Road, Douglas when the lease is surrendered on Elm Tree House after 12 years.

Work is currently taking place to reorganise the office space at Homefield and convert the existing garage into a new reception area.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK is playing his part by moving into a smaller office to free up room for his officers.

The Minister said: In the current financial climate it is vital to generate efficiencies wherever possible, and that includes maximising the use of our office accommodation. The Department has been required to find additional budget savings this year and relinquishing the lease on Elm Tree House will play a small but important part in helping us to achieve our targets.

He added: Members of staff have responded very positively to the changes and have been fully engaged in the process to drive down costs and improve service delivery. We will continue to work together as a team to identify further cost efficiencies while maintaining a strong focus on community safety. The Department of Home Affairs provides its wide range of services for the equivalent of 1 a day per head of population, which I think represents exceptional value for money.

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Relocation of Fire Personnel

Isle Of Man Targets 'Rogue Businesses'

23 March 2012

The Isle of Man government has emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of businesses which advertise offerings from the Isle of Man, after an exercise by the government found 400 businesses operating without meeting the legislative requirement to register with the Companies Registry.

Since the exercise in December 2011, 70% of new business registrations received were from the 400 companies targeted. However, the Companies Registry together with the Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading has released a statement reminding consumers of the importance of checking that a business is registered in the island, as part of efforts to tackle so called 'rogue traders'. In order to verify the authenticity of a business, the Companies Registry offers an online search facility.

Commenting on the review, Alan Crowe, Political Member for the Isle of Man Department of Economic Developments Companies Registry, said: "The Companies Registry is probably one of the oldest operations within the government and one that has a relatively low profile outside of the business community. However, the information held by the Companies Registry is there to assist not only members of the business community involved in international trade and commerce, but residents looking for a local trader or a business offering a service. Registering a business name not only helps to protect the particular company, it is a public statement of the companys existence and the service it offers."

"The information held by the Companies Registry is principally for statutory purposes and does not relate to the knowledge, expertise or competence of the trader or business named, other checks on their quality of service would need to be made," the government emphasized. "However, it does provide some assurance that customers and clients are dealing with a resident business and how they can be contacted."

Businesses that fail to meet legal requirements to register their business in the Isle of Man are liable to fines of up to GBP5,000 per offence on conviction, in accordance with The Registration of Business Names Act 1918 and 1954.

David Quirk, the Chairman of the Office of Fair Trading, said: "I would urge consumers to only deal with businesses that are registered in accordance with the law. Rogue traders are afraid of being traced which is why they often do not register. The Office of Fair Trading supports the steps being taken by the Companies Registry to encourage compliance."

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Isle Of Man Targets 'Rogue Businesses'

Equiom Trust Company Celebrates 5th Anniversary

by Tara Davidson

Equiom, the leading Isle of Man headquartered Trust and Corporate Service Provider marked its 5th Anniversary with a reception for clients, government and business contacts at The Sayle Gallery on Harris Promenade Douglas.

Commenting on this significant milestone Equioms Managing Director, Sheila Dean said; The last 5 years has been an exciting period in the development of Equiom as a totally independent Trust and Corporate Service Provider. Our 86 staff work tirelessly to ensure the continuous growth of the business across all of the sectors we operate in. We are proud to be licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission and are extremely grateful for the support we receive from both the Chief Minister and the Isle of Man Government in order to achieve our objectives. At the heart of our success is our very loyal client base and we greatly value our continuing relationship with them and thank them for their support to date. We strongly believe it is a partnership built on trust.

Equioms Senior Manager Business Development, Bruce Dutton added; Despite the global turbulence of recent years our investment in the business, both operationally and from a Business Development perspective, has been considerable which, I am pleased to say, has delivered outstanding results. Going forward we have a clearly defined strategy for future growth and whilst some commentators refer to the current climate as challenging, we view it as a climate for opportunity.

The evening coincided with an exhibition by local artist Tracey Dean titled Coast to Coast - depicting beautiful Manx scenes.

To experience the new Equiom website please go to http://www.equiom.im

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At the heart of our success is our very loyal client base and we greatly value our continuing relationship with them and thank them for their support to date."

Sheila Dean, Equiom's Managing Director

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Equiom Trust Company Celebrates 5th Anniversary

Manx2.com Offers to Help London City Passengers

by Kate McDowell

Following the disappointing news that the Isle of Man will lose its route to London City from 11th April, Manx2.com is stepping in to offer attractive alternative access to the Island. Any passengers who were booked to travel through London City are being offered the opportunity to rebook their tickets on Manx2.coms new London Oxford route from 8th May - for 1 less than they originally paid for a London City ticket.

Manx2.com Managing Director, David Buck, said: Its obviously disappointing that the Isle of Man is losing this route but perhaps understandable in these tough economic times.

Its crucial for the Isle of Mans economy that we maximise access wherever possible and we are very keen to ensure that no one has to cancel their plans to visit the Island.

Oxfords award-winning airport boasts a state-of-the-art new passenger terminal with convenient and affordable parking. It offers good access to West London and Heathrow from the M40 motorway and with a new local rail station at Kidlington opening early in 2013 providing access to the mainline rail network at London's Marylebone for the first time, the airport terminal will be accessible from London in less than an hour via public transport.

Daily flights will depart Isle of Man Airport at 10:55, arriving in London Oxford just one hour later. Oxford departures will be at 15:15, arriving on the Island at 16:25. The service, operated by a British Aerospace Jetstream 31 aircraft, will also connect directly through Oxford on to Manx2s Jersey service.

To re-book tickets, passengers should email their booking confirmation to reservations@manx2.com who will handle all necessary arrangements.

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we are very keen to ensure that no one has to cancel their plans to visit the Island."

David Buck, Manx2.com Managing Director

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Manx2.com Offers to Help London City Passengers