Awards for excellence newsletter 2014

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The following pages are the Isle of ManGovernment’s contribution to the Awards

for Excellence supplement 2014

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37Tuesday, November 25, 2014 www.iomtoday.co.im Isle of Man exaMIner

Celebrating Island’s successThe Isle of Man has continued to perform well

during a period of global economic uncertainty

To move forward, we must continue to bepositive, celebrate success and invest inthe Island’s future with confidence

— Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK

““

The Awards for Excellenceprovides an opportunity toreflect on the strength of our

community, celebrate our manysuccesses and look to the future.

The annual event serves toshowcase the Isle of Man as anoutstanding place to live, work and dobusiness — and we can be proud of ourdynamic economy, excellent quality oflife, rich heritage and diverse culture.

However, there should also be nodoubt that we remain in a period ofunprecedented challenge.

The world is a very different placeas a result of the financial crisis and theIsle of Man, in common with manyother countries, is facing some difficultdecisions.

Internationally, the nature of taxcooperation is continuing to evolve,with automatic exchange becomingthe global standard. We have taken aleading role in shaping this key agendato ensure the Isle of Man remains at theforefront of best practice and enhancesits reputation as an internationalbusiness centre.

Domestically, Government isworking to deliver its nationalpriorities of rebalancing publicfinances, growing the economy and

protecting vulnerable members of ourcommunity. Major reforms will beneeded as we seek to address thegrowing pressures on our healthservices and pension provision as aresult of the Island’s ageing population.

We have launched the Big Debateto engage with people on how we canwork together on these big ticket issuesfor the long-term benefit of the Island.

We are approaching thesechallenges from a position of strength.

The Isle of Man has performedremarkably well during a period ofglobal economic uncertainty. We havea growing and diverse economy,relatively low unemployment and anoutstanding reputation as a centre forinternational business.

However, we cannot afford to becomplacent. We must achieve furtherefficiencies, cost savings and increasedeconomic revenue.

Tough decisions will have to bemade, but the Isle of Man has theexperience, skills and solid public-private sector relationships necessaryto emerge from this period oftransition in an even healthierposition.

Progress will be achieved byworking in partnership and

demonstrating the enterprise,innovation and independentspirit that have stood us in goodstead for many years.

Further growth anddiversification of the Manxeconomy is necessary to sustainemployment and public services,and the commitment of privatesector companies and individualswill be crucial to our wellbeing.

To move forward in thesechallenging times, we mustcontinue to be positive, celebratesuccess and invest in our futurewith confidence.

Chief MinisterAllan Bell MHK

Isle of Man: a modern andagile business locationThe Isle of Man is a businessfriendly location with an agile andsupportive Government.

It has a well-balanced anddiversified economy with a moderninfrastructure and businessenvironment.

It is home to a largenumber of specialistprofessionalservices companiesand serves aglobal blue-chipclient baseacross a rangeof industries.

The Islandhas a competitive,clear and simpletax regime for bothcompanies andindividuals, as well as a firmlyestablished fiscal and regulatoryenvironment, while a customs unionwith the United Kingdom allows thefree movement of goods within the

European Union.Government Ministers are

accessible and ideas can beimplemented swiftly to ensure theIsle of Man remains well placed to

respond positively to thechallenges of the global

economy.A highly skilled,

educated andadaptable

workforcesupports the

needs ofbusiness to

grow andflourish and

assistance can beprovided for

people relocatingcompanies to the Island

or setting up new ventures.For businesses and residents,

the Isle of Man offers manyadvantages, all enhanced by our ‘can-do’ approach to life.

ISLAND

KEY FACT

The Isle of Man has signed atotal of 32 Tax Information

Exchange Agreements (TIEA)and 10 Double TaxationAgreements which meet

OECD standards

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rbsinternational.com

Congratulations

To discuss how we can work with you and your business, please contact Bill Shimmins, Island Director, Isle of Man on +44 (0) 1624 646603 or email [email protected]

At RBS International, we recognise the importance of celebrating success and recognising achievement and hard work. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor and be associated with the Isle of Man Awards for Excellence 2014. We want to congratulate all the award winners for their success on the night.

The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited (RBS International). Registered Office: P.O. Box 64, Royal Bank House, 71 Bath Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8PJ. Regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. Isle of Man business address: Royal Bank House, 2 Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 1NJ. Licensed by the Financial Supervision Commission of the Isle of Man and registered with the Insurance and Pensions Authority in respect of general business. Calls may be recorded. Internet e-mails are not necessarily secure as information might be intercepted, lost or destroyed. Please do not e-mail any account or other confidential information.

38

Government report highlightsachievements and challenges

We have delivered on many commitmentsand created a platform on which we candeliver further reform


““

The achievements ofGovernment so far and thechallenges ahead are

highlighted in a mid-term report byChief Minister Allan Bell MHK.

Entitled ‘Securing A SustainableFuture For Our Island’, the report givesexamples of progress against the threenational priorities – protecting thevulnerable, growing the economy andbalancing the budget.

The Chief Minister said: ‘There isstill much to do, but I am encouragedby our progress to date. We havedelivered on many of thecommitments made in Agenda forChange and have created a platform onwhich we can deliver further reform.

‘It will not be easy, but workingtogether we can secure a sustainablefuture for our Island and honour ourresponsibilities to the generations thatwill follow us.’

Key achievements indicated in thereport include:

• Maintaining economic growth,confidence and employment during aperiod of external recession,substantial VAT revenue loss andGovernment downsizing

• Delivering on the promise torebalance the revenue budget by 2015-16

• Making Government smaller,reducing the number of Departmentsfrom nine to seven and merging theManx Electricity Authority with theWater and Sewerage Authority

• Reducing the Government salarybudget by £53 million in real terms

• Delivering nearly £15 million in

internal efficiency savings, protectingfrontline services

• Raising over £7.5 million from thesale of Government property plusannual rental savings

• Saving almost £5 million bymeans testing child benefit, freeing upfunding to increase pre-school nurserycredit

• Introducing fixed tenancies forpublic sector housing, helping toensure that this resource supportsthose most in need

• Building 327 new homes,including 61 for first time buyers and241 for people on lower incomes

• Supporting business growth andjobs across the economic sectors,including a £5 million investment inengineering skills

• Reducing the number of youngunemployed by over 20%

• Committing over £10 million tothe regeneration of towns and villages

• Grown the number of tourists by10%, including a 30% increase invisitors to the TT and Festival ofMotorcycling.

Looking ahead, the report identifiesthe major continuing challenges as:modernisation of the welfare system;making health and social careaffordable; remaining vigilant toexternal regulatory and politicaldevelopments; adapting to climatechange; balancing the budget longer-term, dealing with reserve funds andpublic sector pensions; andmaintaining the drive towards smaller,smarter Government by reducingbureaucracy and increasing the use oftechnology.

Mid-term update shows progresstowards delivering national priorities

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www.iomtoday.co.im Tuesday, November 25, 2014Isle of Man exaMIner

39

Creating an environment forour young people to flourish

As a nation, the Isle of Man workshard to create an environment thatfosters talent and encourages ouryoung people to flourish.

Many Manx men and women areexcelling on the world stage, servingas great ambassadors for theircountry and fantastic role models forfuture generations.

The Isle of Man celebrated one ofits greatest sporting triumphs atLondon 2012 when track cyclistPeter Kennaugh won an Olympicgold medal as part of Great Britain’steam pursuit line-up.

Another cyclist, multiple Tour deFrance stage winner and formerWorld Champion Mark Cavendish,epitomises the Isle of Man’s strongsense of national pride and ability toperform at the very highest level.

Mark, the 2011 BBC SportsPersonality of the Year, acknowledges

the support he received during hisformative years in the Island andprovides scholarships to nurtureyoung local sporting talent.

In the world of stage and screen,Manx actress and singer SamanthaBarks has risen to stardom.

Sam, who rose to fame in theBBC talent show ‘I’d Do Anything’,made her film debut in 2012 asEponine in the musical ‘LesMiserables’.

She received numerousaccolades for her performances,including the prestigious EmpireAward for Best Female Newcomer.

Mark, Peter and Sam are justsome of the talented Islanders whohave proved that people from a smallcountry such as the Isle of Man canshine on the world stage if they havethe ability, determination andsupport of their local communities.

FILM STAR: Samantha Barks won plaudits forher role as Eponine in Les Miserables

GOLDEN BOY: Peter Kennaugh claimed gold at theLondon Olympics to secure one of the Isle of Man’sgreatest ever sporting triumphs

The Isle of Man has gainedfurther internationalrecognition for its role in

helping to combat illegal fishing inWest Africa.

The Chairman of the InternationalDevelopment Committee (IDC) of theCouncil of Ministers, Phil Gawne MHK,was this year invited to deliver thekeynote address at an Interpolconference in the Ivory Coast.

Mr Gawne explained: ‘There isdeep concern in West Africa about thetype of unlawful activity and piracythat has blighted parts of East Africa.Interpol is developing a comprehensiveview of illegal fishing and associatedcriminal activities and the efforts inplace to address those challenges.

‘The fact that Interpol and othermajor organisations such as the WorldBank recognise the value of the Isle ofMan’s contribution can only help toenhance our global reputation.’

Mr Gawne was able to provide aninsight into the success of the long-term development partnershipbetween the Isle of Man and SierraLeone.

The support provided by the IDC isdramatically improving the lives ofthousands of people in the WestAfrican country by helping to tackle thescourge of fisheries crime.

The Isle of Man gifted its formerfisheries protection vessel to the SierraLeone Government in 2012 and hasprovided a satellite monitoring systemfor the local fishing fleet.

That assistance has contributed toan estimated 35% increase in locallandings, netting an additional $16million in earnings for the country’ssubsistence fishermen.

Mr Gawne outlined the significantprogress achieved over the past threeyears during his presentation to anaudience of 50 senior fisheries lawenforcement officers in Abidjan, IvoryCoast’s largest city.

Mr Gawne said: ‘The invitation toaddress the Interpol conference isfurther evidence of the high esteem inwhich the Isle of Man is held by theinternational community. We are seenas a shining light in terms of our effortsto help police and manage the fisheriesin West Africa.

‘I took the opportunity todemonstrate the effectiveness of ourapproach. This is not about handingover money and then disappearing; theIsle of Man provides constant support,training and advice to Sierra Leone.

‘We believe this focus on capacitybuilding helps those in poverty toimprove their lives through traderather than depend on foreign aid.’

Supportingfishermenin Africa

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Tuesday, November 25, 2014 www.iomtoday.co.im Isle of Man exaMIner

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42

An Island ofopportunity

T he Isle of Man is a land ofopportunity where people canreach their full potential.

As a nation, we have embraced ourFreedom to Flourish ethos, which isdesigned to promote an inclusivesociety with a high quality of life,protect our heritage and culture andraise awareness of the Isle of Man.

People of all ages enjoy a healthy,active lifestyle and a tremendousquality of life in the Isle of Man, withbeautiful countryside, very low crimerates and excellent public services.

In 2014 we have been celebratingour Island of Culture through dance,music, theatre, the visual arts andliterature, cultural festivals, film anddigital innovation.

There is certainly no shortage ofaction and adventure to be found inthe Isle of Man, headlined in June bythe world famous TT motorcycle races.

This festival attracts up to 35,000fans each year who line the 37.73-mileMountain Course to watch star riderssuch as John McGuinness average lapspeeds of more than 130mph.

Thrill-seeking visitors can also trytheir hand at coasteering or seakayaking, while endurance athletes areinvited to pit their skills and staminaagainst the challenge of the 85-mileParish Walk, the TT Triathlon or theEnd to End mountain bike race.

The Island’s annual WalkingFestival allows participants to enjoy thestunning Manx countryside at a moresedate pace, and there is even anopportunity to become a worldchampion ... in the Tin Bath Races.

With a multitude of award-winningheritage sites, a vintage transportsystem, glens, beaches and restaurants,there are plenty of reasons to plan avisit to the Isle of Man.

People of all ages can enjoy a healthy,active lifestyle in the Isle of Man

CLIFFHANGER: There are plenty of activities for thrill-seekers

A highly acclaimed executive educationprogramme has brought representatives frommore than 25 different nations to the Isle ofMan over the past six years.

The Island continues to demonstrate itscommitment to international economicdevelopment through its support for the SmallCountries Financial Management Programme(SCFMP).

The initiative brings together officials fromfinance ministries, central banks andregulatory bodies in small developingcountries.

The programme has a strong focus onfinancial integrity and offers participantsaccess to some of the best practitioners andprofessors in the world.

The SCFMP provides a tangible way inwhich the Isle of Man can use its financialexpertise to benefit small developingcountries around the world, including nationsfrom Africa and the Caribbean, and Pacificand Indian Ocean Regions.

This capacity-building programme hasbeen developed in conjunction with the WorldBank, the Commonwealth Secretariat, theSmall States Network for EconomicDevelopment, and leading faculty from the

Helping small countries around the world

University of Oxford.It is one of many ways in which the Isle of

Man is assisting international efforts to createa more sustainable future for all the world’scitizens.

The aim is to promote the sustainabledevelopment of small state economies andgive them a more powerful voice within theinternational community.

The programme helps to achieve this by

focusing on ‘operationally useful’ skills andreal-life experiences, so that participants canapply practical and fresh approaches to thechallenges they face at home.

Classroom sessions are highly interactive,with participants having access to professorsfrom Oxford in addition to experts in the fieldsof tax policy, risk management, financialcrime, and advanced negotiation strategies.

The use of real-life case studies alsoprovides a valuable insight into how othersmall countries have tackled commonchallenges. The Isle of Man’s transition from adeclining tourist resort, with increasing levelsof unemployment and emigration, into asuccessful international business centre hasreally struck a chord with participants.

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK said: ‘Thestory of the Isle of Man’s own economicjourney over the past half century has beenparticularly well received.

‘We have experienced and overcome anumber of challenges that are currently beingfaced by other small countries.

‘This gives real meaning to the sessionsand, I hope, has inspired our participants tomake important progress when they returnhome.’

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43

Ablueprint to grow the value oflocal food and drinkproduction by £50 million

over the next 10 years has beenunveiled by the Department ofEnvironment, Food and Agriculture(DEFA).

‘Food Matters’ – the Department’sfood business development strategy –sets out how the sector could be worth£125 million by 2025.

DEFA Minister Richard RonanMHK says the aim is to create jobs,boost the economy, put Manx food anddrink on the map, increase visitornumbers and investment and providegreater choice for consumers at a timewhen quality and provenance arebecoming increasingly important.

The development of a distinctivelocal food and drink sector is a key aimof Vision 2020, the Government’s planfor economic success.

DEFA will work jointly with theDepartment of EconomicDevelopment, which boasts expertisein the retail and tourism sectors and inbusiness development and marketing.

‘Food and drink is an integral partof the Island’s landscape and heritageand has a vital role to play in itscultural and economic future,’ MinisterRonan said.

‘The Island already has highly

successful food and drink producersthat export £20 million worth ofproducts, largely to the UK and Europe,with some products reaching as farafield as America and the Far East. Thisis in addition to more than £15 millionin local sales.

‘The number of businesses creatinglocal food and drink has grown from 30in 2010 to more than 100, provingthere’s a bright future and a growingmarket for high-quality Manxproducts.

‘Consumers are becomingincreasingly sophisticated in theirchoice of food and drink, for health,economic and environmental reasonsand this can give us a competitiveadvantage into the future.

‘Supporting local businesses, tasteand quality, knowing where their foodhas come from – the so-called journeyfrom farm to fork – and food miles andpackaging are important to them.

‘This strategy sets out how we willwork with the retail and hospitalitysectors to ensure local produce haspride of place on local shelves andlocal menus.

‘The Island must ensure it canprovide the “food experiences”required of residents and visitors alike,to grow its reputation as a desirableplace to live, work and visit.’

Blueprint to grow value offood and drink production

Strategy sets out how sector could be worth £125 million by 2025

FOOD MATTERS: The Isle of Man produces a wide range of top-quality food and drink — and there are plans to expand the sector over the next 10 years

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44

Sport strategy will generateeconomic and social benefits

Plans to grow the economic,social and reputationalbenefits sport brings to the Isle

of Man are outlined in a wide-ranging strategy spanning the nextdecade.

The Strategy for Sport 2014-2024 –published by Manx Sport andRecreation, part of the Department ofEducation and Children (DEC)– comes with the strapline‘early intervention andprevention is better thancure’ and with theaim of getting‘more people, moreactive, moreoften’.

The strategyoutlines howmaking sportingopportunities availableto all will contribute tothe Government’s priorities– growing the economy,rebalancing the budget and protectingthe vulnerable.

• With physical inactivity costingthe Island an estimated £11.6 million ayear, obesity alone £5.6 million of that,staying fit and active leads to fewer GPvisits, less time off work andreduced hospital spending.

• Participation in sportgives people goals for theirleisure time, offsetting costlysocial problems such asunemployment, exclusion,crime and anti-socialbehaviour.

• Hosting sporting events,other than the TT, leads to£3 million beinggenerated intourism.

• Home-grown internationalsportsmen and woman generatevaluable publicity for the Isle of Manaround the world.

With a fifth of the Island’s five-year-olds and half of adults overweight,increasing participation in sport andphysical activity among the young is amajor aim of the strategy. Improving

data-gathering, expanding currentprogrammes, promotingthe value of walking and

cycling to school andinvestigating the

feasibility of‘fitness testing’

children are aimsof the strategy.

Involvingmore people in

community sport,with the long-term

benefits that brings,and affording disabled

people greater access to sportare two other key objectives.

The document identifies howphysical activity can aid those whoalready suffer from poor health. Pilotreferral programmes for children and

adults, run in conjunction withthe Department of Health

and Social Care, areproving effective and

should be extendedand invested in, thestrategy says,reaping long-termbenefits for health

budgets.Extending sport as

a method of improvingsocial inclusion, and

giving young people thechance to gain experiencethat may help them get

jobs or further theireducation, are two

more key objectives ofthe strategy.

Maintaining theIsland’s excellent

sporting facilitiesand encouraging

people intocoaching arealso among the

objectives.Ensuring

ongoing sportingsuccess, toinspire the nextgeneration ofathletes is also

vital, the strategysays, with nurturing

talent and securing funding keygoals.

Strategy sets out aim to get morepeople more active more often

ISLAND

KEY FACT

Tynwald, the Isle of Man’sparliament, was founded

more than 1,000 years ago.It is recognised as

the oldest continuousparliament in the world

View all the latest Government news at www.gov.im

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45

Bold visionfor futureof capital

The Central DouglasMasterplan, described as a‘bold vision’ for the future

development of the town, is aimed atencouraging investment andsupporting Government’s nationalpriority of growing the economy.

Chris Robertshaw MHK, Ministerfor Policy and Reform and Chair of theCentral Douglas MasterplanCommittee, says the strategy willunderpin efforts to create a world-classIsland capital.

Government-appointedconsultants have drawn up theMasterplan, which showcases a widerange of proposals, including a numberof short to medium term aspirationsand other, more ambitious, longerterm ideas.

The intention is to encourageprivate sector investment in Douglas tosupport long term economicregeneration.

The Masterplan adopts a strategicapproach across the town centre toensure a comprehensive and cohesivedelivery of change.

A number of key challenges areidentified, including –

• Improving the gateways toDouglas to create attractive arrivalpoints and a positive first impression

• Creating a world-class capital byensuring development iscontemporary, high-quality andtimeless

• Increasing retail opportunitiesand choice, ensuring new provisioncomplements, rather than undermines,existing retailers

• Creating a new civic space thatsupports flexible uses for events andactivities to draw together the towncentre

• Connecting the key attractions inthe town centre by making it easier tonavigate between areas

• Addressing the local topography,natural environment and buildings –finding and enhancing routes betweenupper and lower Douglas

Minister Robertshaw said:‘Government cannot deliver thisexciting new strategy on its own. It willbe made real by many hands, includingprivate investors and developers.Government has a central role to playin terms of generating the confidencewithin the private sector to invest inthis bold vision.’

He added: ‘Douglas already hasmuch to offer, but there are somecritical issues that need to beaddressed in a coordinated manner toensure that it becomes a world-class,distinctive capital.’

Masterplan to improve Douglas

BOLD VISION: Artist’s impressions of what parts ofDouglas could look like with future investment

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46

Safe environment and good quality of lifeare important factors in terms of attractingnew investment into the Isle of Man

— Minister Juan Watterson MHK

““

44 police forces in England and Wales(28.9% for 2012-13).

The end-of-year crimeperformance statistics are highlightedin the Chief Constable’s Annual Reportfor 2013-14.

Against a backdrop of generallypositive news, the report shows thatthe Isle of Man Constabulary hasachieved notable success in terms ofcombating domestic burglary, now atits lowest level for 25 years, criminaldamage, assaults and public orderoffences.

Home Affairs Minister JuanWatterson MHK said: ‘Theeffectiveness of the Isle of ManConstabulary in continuing to drivedown crime is to be commended.

‘The number of recorded crimeshas fallen from more than 6,000 in 1999to just over 2,000 in 2014, which is aremarkable achievement and reaffirmsthe widely-held belief that the Isle ofMan is one of the safest places to live inthe British Isles.’

He added: ‘A low level of crimesupports Government’s nationalpriorities of protecting vulnerablepeople and growing the economy. A

safe environment and good quality oflife are important factors in terms ofattracting new investment into the Isleof Man.’

Headline figures from the ChiefConstable’s annual report for 2013-14show –

• 2,110 crimes were recorded, areduction of 4.2%

• The overall crime detection ratewas 49.2%

• The number of burglaries inpeople’s homes fell by 13 to 46, thelowest for the past 25 years

• Offences of criminal damagedecreased by 19.3% against theprevious year

• The number of non-domesticassaults fell by 9.1%, representing adrop of 23.7% against the three-yearaverage

• 94.7% of recorded drug-relatedoffences were detected, withsignificant seizures of heroin andcocaine

• Public order offences decreasedby more than 17%

• Police officer sickness levels fellby 16%.

Already at a 35-year low,recorded crime in the Islandfell by a further 4.2% during

2013-14, with substantial reductionsacross many categories.

A total of 2,110 crimes wererecorded for the 12 months from 1April 2013 to 31 March 2014,representing a 17.6% drop against theaverage for the past three years and a60% decrease since the turn of thecentury.

The overall detection rate stood atnearly 50%, which remains muchhigher than the figure registered by the

Low crime boostsquality of life

Number of recorded offences continues to fall

Continually striving toraise education standardsThe Department of Education andChildren (DEC) is continuallystriving to raise standards ineducation.

That was themessage from TimCrookall MHK,Minister forEducation andChildren, as heawardedleadership andmanagementqualificationsto 16 primaryschool teacherswho undertook ayear’s study throughthe Isle of Man Collegeof Further and HigherEducation.

The qualifications will enable the

teachers to take the next steps on thecareer ladder.

Most of the cohort willcontinue towards a Post

Graduate Certificate inschool leadership.

MinisterCrookall said: ‘As

we continuallystrive to raise

standards evenhigher in our

schools, for thegood of ourstudents and

the widereconomy, it’s vital wehave highly skilled

staff ready to succeedthose who are coming to the

end of their careers or who moveon to other schools.’

ISLAND

KEY FACT

High-tech manufacturers inthe Island produce essential

components for use insubmarines, jet aircraft, laser surgery equipment,

gas and oil rigsand electric kettles

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47

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHKhas hailed the Island’s‘remarkable national

achievement’ following confirmationof its 30th consecutive year ofeconomic growth and GDP reaching£4 billion for the first time.

The latest national incomeaccounts show that GDP increased by3.2% in real terms in 2012/13 withparticularly strong performances in e-gaming and ICT.

Economic evidence indicates thatexpansion has continued since 2012/13and that the Isle of Man is now itsfourth decade of unbroken growth.

The Government’s latest quarterlyeconomic report observes that theeconomy improved during the secondquarter of this year (April to June),which saw employment rise andunemployment fall.

Overall employment in thefinancial and professional servicessector increased during the quarter.The small number of anticipated joblosses in banking was offset byemployment growth amongstcorporate service providers, insurersand professional financial services.

Welcoming the latest figures theChief Minister commented: ‘Reaching

a fourth decade of unbroken economicgrowth is a remarkable nationalachievement for the Isle of Man andone that confirms the Island’s placeamongst the most successful smalleconomies in the world.

‘This rare track record is the resultof a number of factors, including ourstrategy of diversification, business-friendly environment and closeworking partnership between theprivate and public sectors. And wehave achieved all this while pursuing apolicy of positive engagement on theinternational front.

‘Above all, though, the Island’seconomic success story is a tribute tothe enterprise, professionalism andsheer hard work of the people in thebusiness community who have made ithappen.’

Mr Bell went on to sound a note ofcaution, however: ‘A healthy economyis essential to sustain employmentopportunities and support livingstandards. But we cannot look togrowth to solve the problem of thehuge increase in demand thatthreatens to swamp our public servicesover the next 20 years.

‘Economic success should not beused as an excuse by those who areunwilling to face up to that challenge.’

Isle of Man enters its fourthdecade of economic growth

Chief Minister hails Isle of Man’s remarkable national achievement

ECONOMIC GROWTH: Aerospace engineering, aircraft registration, e-gaming and clean-tech industries have contributed to the Island’s economic success

Island to retain status aspassport issuing authorityIsle of Man variant British passportswill be printed at a central facility inthe United Kingdom from 2015 in amove aimed at increasing securityand driving forward new efficiencies.

The new arrangements will seethe Isle of Man maintain its status asan issuing authority and will enablethe passport service in Douglas tocontinue to accept and processapplications.

Centralised printing in the UK willalso ensure the Isle of Man is alignedto the New Generation Britishpassport and all future British

passport designs. In addition, the Isleof Man passport service will retainthe ability to issue an emergencypassport for local residents who needto travel urgently.

The British passport remains oneof the most secure documents in theworld, allowing holders to travel visafree to many internationaldestinations.

The move to centralised printingin the UK will enable the Isle of Manto remain in step with the very latestdevelopments in passportproduction.

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48

Everybody has a role to play in terms ofeducating people about the Isle of Man andhelping to debunk some of the myths


““

Wide-ranging changes in theworld’s political andeconomic landscape have

led to renewed attention beingfocused on the role played byinternational business centres.

That level of scrutiny is unlikely todiminish in the immediate future, asthe western hemisphere continues todeal with the repercussions ofeconomic turbulence.

But while the glare of externalpressure presents a significantchallenge, it also provides anopportunity for cooperative andenterprising countries such as the Isleof Man to reaffirm their value to theglobal community.

The Island has taken anincreasingly proactive approach inrecent years to demonstrate its statusas a mature and responsibledemocracy with a distinct cultural andpolitical identity.

And this strategy of positiveengagement with countries around theworld remains a top priority for the Isleof Man Government.

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK sayswe must continue to promote theIsland’s external relationships as ameans of supporting economic growth.

An important part of Mr Bell’s rolesees him serve as an internationalambassador, spearheading efforts toensure the Island is recognised as awell-regulated country that is an assetto the wider global economy.

Discussions with members of theUK Coalition Government andOpposition take place on a regularbasis, in addition to meetings withindustry leaders and key decision-makers in the City of London andNorth West business community.

Developing its global network offriends – individuals who are preparedto stand shoulder to shoulder with theIsle of Man on key issues – is seen as anincreasingly important function ofGovernment.

The Chief Minister said: ‘We mustcontinue to build new partnershipsand encourage people to work with usto enhance the Island’s standing in theUK and abroad.

‘The Isle of Man has a lot to beproud of, and one of the best ways toconvey our key messages is to get outthere and meet people face-to-face.

‘This is not just the job ofGovernment. Everybody, in particularthe local business community, has arole to play in terms of educating andinforming people about the Isle of Manand helping to debunk some of themyths and misconceptions that aretrotted out from time to time.’

He added: ‘We have madetremendous strides in terms ofinternational recognition, and we mustnever relax our efforts as the Isle ofMan will always remain under themicroscope.

‘The Isle of Man has a great story totell, so let’s get out there and tell it.’

International engagementboosts Island’s reputation

GLOBAL FRIENDS: An Isle of Man Government delegation visited China in March and (left) the Chief Minister with Nick Clegg

Telling the Isle of Man’s storypromotes better understanding

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49

From the Laxey Wheel to TT Zero ...the Isle of Man has always beeninnovative and enterprising

The Isle of Man has earned aglobal reputation for its pioneeringspirit and history of innovation.

The Island’s own IndustrialRevolution in the 19th Century wasderived from the ingeniousharnessing of water power on anambitious scale. The construction ofthe Great Laxey Wheel, the largest ofits kind in the world, enabled themining of substantial amounts ofzinc and lead.

The Isle of Man was also amongthe first countries to give women thevote in 1881 and more recently ledthe way as the first country inWestern Europe to allow 16 and 17year olds to vote in nationalelections.

In 1824 Sir William Hillary, a

Manx resident, created the lifeboatservice which later became the RoyalNational Lifeboat Institution, and itsvolunteers continue to this daysaving lives in the waters around theBritish Isles and Ireland.

Today, the running of the TT Zeroelectric motorcycle race, during theworld-famous TT Festival, marks asignificant step in the transition fromcarbon based fuels. It also showcasesthe Isle of Man at the forefront ofdeveloping eco-technologies.

Optics manufactured by anIsland company helped the PhoenixMars Lander project find evidence ofwater on Mars, while more than 22%of objects on UK Registry of SpaceObjects are registered through Isle ofMan firms.

Productivevisit toBrussels

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHKrecently led a seniordelegation to Brussels as part

of the Isle of Man Government’songoing programme of internationalengagement.

The future of the United Kingdom’srelationship with the European Unionand the potential implications for theIsle of Man were among the issuesdiscussed during a series of meetingswith EU politicians and officials. TheChief Minister also gained an insightinto the EU’s priorities for theforthcoming parliamentary season.

The visit was organised by the Isleof Man Brussels Office against achanging political landscape in Europeand further developments ininternational tax and financial servicesregulation.

The Chief Minister said: ‘The visitto Brussels was extremely productive interms of developing a deeperunderstanding of the current positionand influence of the UK in Europeancircles.

‘This is a matter of greatsignificance for the Isle of Man. While

we can and do engage with the EUdirectly, we do not ultimately have aseat at the table and rely on the UK torepresent our interests.’

He added: ‘It is also important toremain in step with developments thatwill have an impact on our businesscommunity. The Isle of Man’s futureeconomic success will come, in largepart, from our ability to attract foreigninvestment and to promote ourselvesas a gateway into the Europeanmarketplace. Engaging with those whodevelop the laws and regulationsenables us to create the rightenvironment in which the Island’seconomy can flourish.’

The visit also served to raise furtherawareness of the Isle of Man’s positivecontribution to the global economy.

The Chief Minister said: ‘It is vitalfor our reputation and futureprosperity that our position on keyissues is communicated fairly andaccurately.

‘Developing our internationalrelations must remain at the heart ofeverything we do as a Government andas a business centre.’

Island delegation gains deeperunderstanding of European issues

PAGE 21:PAGE 9 20/11/2014 10:22 Page 1


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50

Improved facilities for engineeringand construction crafts at the Isleof Man College of Further andHigher Education will allow morestudents to access a wider range oftraining, benefiting the economy.

In a £4.9 million project,engineering has moved out of themain College building to newlyrefurbished premises in nearbyGreenfield Road.

The space vacated at the mainCollege site is being turned into abespoke training area for the fourmain construction crafts –brickwork, joinery, painting anddecorating and plumbing. That partof the project is scheduled forcompletion next July.

The new engineering centrehouses courses in electrical,mechanical and motor vehicleengineering. Its creation will allowthe College to:

• provide secondary studentswith enhanced opportunities tostudy vocational subjects

• train more HGV specialists on-

Island and develop ‘green’engineering and motor vehiclecurriculum initiatives

• provide laboratories for thetesting of engineering materials and

the building of electronic devices • replicate realistic workshop

environments where individuals canwork on industry-standardequipment such as computer

numerical control machines, engineanalysers and electricalswitchboards.

Tim Crookall MHK, Minister forEducation and Children, said:

‘Education seeks to support theIsland’s economy by equippingstudents with skills for life and theworkplace and the Isle of ManCollege of Further and HigherEducation plays a vital role in this.

‘With a view to better meetingthe needs of the community andeconomy, we are extending therange of further and highereducation courses and improvingthe quality and range of vocationaloptions.’

The new engineering base isnamed the William KennishEngineering Centre after theManxman (1799-1862) whoseinventions included the predecessorof the gun turret and who discoveredthe first canal route without locks tolink the Pacific and the Atlantic –paving the way, some 40 years later,for the Panama Canal.

Clifford Kennish and DanaKennish Smith, William’s great greatgrandsons, travelled from Americawith their wives to attend theopening.

New engineering centre will benefit economy

SITE INSPECTION: Minister for Education and Children Tim Crookall MHK and Department Members GeoffCorkish MLC and David Anderson MHK view the facilities at the new engineering centre

Inspiringthe Future

An initiative that assistsstudents to make well-considered career choices was

recently launched in the Isle of Man.Employers from the public, private

and charity sectors were at RamseyGrammar School for the inaugurallocal event of Inspiring the Future.

The initiative is run by theEducation and Employers taskforce, aUK charity whose partnership boardincludes leading industry bodies suchas the CBI and those representingeducation.

It helps schools forge partnershipswith employers that provide studentswith the inspiration, motivation,knowledge and opportunities theyneed to help them achieve theirpotential, so benefiting the economy.

The Isle of Man Government’sEmployability Working Group – whichwas set up to bridge gaps betweenschool and the workplace in the face ofeconomic challenges and growingcompetition for jobs – brought the

scheme to the Island.The event saw Year 9 students at

Ramsey talking to people from theworld of work in a speed dating-styleevent, moving from table to table totake in lots of professions.

Annette Baker, who chairs theEmployability Working Group, said:‘The economic pressures facing the Isleof Man mean it’s more vital than everthat education properly equips youngpeople for the world of work butstudents have a maze of information tonegotiate to make the career choicethat’s best for them.

‘Nothing can beat sitting down withsomeone actually doing a job andasking them about qualifications andpersonal attributes they need; what an‘average day’ looks like; what training ison offer; what the challenges are andwhat provides the most satisfaction.’

Employers willing to take part inInspiring the Future should sign up towww.inspiringthefuture.org or [email protected] for information.

Helping students with career choices

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT: Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK talks to a studentduring the Inspiring the Future event at Ramsey Grammar School

PAGE 22:Layout 1 20/11/2014 10:23 Page 1


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51

A record number of 11,600 individual taxreturns were this year submitted throughthe Isle of Man Government website.

Registering for online tax services is easyand can be done at any time by logging onto www.gov.im/onlineservices

Minister for Policy and Reform ChrisRobertshaw MHK said: ‘The online incometax service is just one of many onlineservices available at gov.im. There is an evergrowing range of services from paying rates,parking fines and invoices to searching theplanning database and looking for a job.

‘It takes less than a minute to registerand is by far the easiest way to accessGovernment services. This supports ourambition towards smaller, smartergovernment using technology to make usmore efficient and provide excellent servicesfor customers.’

He added: ‘Gov.im continues to grow in

importance for accessing Governmentservices. For many people, using onlineservices is simpler, faster, more convenientand more secure. There is no need to knowwhich Department provides a service,photocopy documents or queue at counters.

‘In many cases, Government can providea much better experience online thanthrough paper based services. A digitalapproach lets us explain things much moreeffectively, provide step by step assistanceand of course we can prefill much of theinformation based on details that havealready been provided.

‘This is particularly useful for somethinglike income tax, which can seem like acomplicated process and require lots of thesame information each year. It is also mucheasier for Government to process, which forincome tax means you will receiveassessments and notifications faster.’

Record number ofonline tax returns

Visit www.gov.im to find out more about online tax services

Work is well under way toconstruct a new NeonatalIntensive Care Unit (NICU) atNoble’s Hospital.

Minister for Health and SocialCare, Howard Quayle MHK, officially‘topped out’ the building (picturedright), which is on schedule to openin February 2015.

The extension to the hospital willoffer more space for the specialistcare that is provided to neonatalbabies. The current capacity of ninecots will remain, but enhancementswill include additional overnightaccommodation for parents,additional space to improveisolation, resuscitation and privacy,as well as additional room for thestorage of vital equipment.

Dr Prakash Thiagarajan,Consultant Paediatrician andNeonatologist at Noble’s Hospitalsaid: ‘This is a significant investmentfor the future that will allow us tooffer the very best care for seriouslyill new-born babies in those crucialfirst hours and days of life.’

Work progressing on new neonatal unit

Regulatorsset to merge

The Insurance and PensionsAuthority and the FinancialSupervision Commission are

working towards a merger in 2015. The merger, which is supported by

the Council of Ministers, is strategicallyimportant for the Isle of Man.

Integrated financial regulators arethe norm around the world, andthis move will removeuncertainty about theIsland’s regulatorystructure which, inone form or another,has existed sincethe twoorganisationsseparated in 1984.The Island’sregulatoryframework can nowbe developed withcomplete focus on futureregulatory challengesand the evolving needs ofthe economy.

The two organisations are alreadylocated in the same office building, andthe merger is expected to lead to anumber of benefits, including:

• eliminating any areas of regulatoryoverlap, gaps or arbitrage and enhancingthe coordinated supervision of thelicence-holders of both organisationswhich are members of a group or whichhold a dual licence;

• bringing together and therefore

augmenting experience and expertise inmany areas;

• creating a ‘critical mass’ in thecombined organisation which then givesscope for considering whether newfunctions can be incorporated;

• more concentrated strategic andoperational work in the area of anti-

money laundering andcountering the financing ofterrorism;

• office managementand administrative

functions, humanresources and IT

systems;• enhanced

coordination ofrelations and work

with other areas ofGovernment, with

regulators in otherjurisdictions and with

global organisationssuch as the InternationalMonetary Fund and the

Financial Action Task Force;• opportunities for staff professional

development and career progression; • enhanced capability for, and

coordination of, contingency, disasterand emergency planning, including inrelation to customer compensationschemes; and

• cost efficiencies arising from theconsolidation of the two regulatorybodies.

Move is strategically important

ISLAND

KEY FACT

The Isle of Man wasthe first country in WesternEurope to allow 16 and 17

year olds to vote in nationalelections, and among

the first countries to givewomen the vote in 1881

Follow us on Twitter @IOMGovernment for the latest news

PAGE 23:PAGE 9 20/11/2014 10:25 Page 1


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52

Investing in towns and villagesto stimulate economic growth

Regeneration projects breathing fresh life into our commercial centres

REGENERATION GAME: Projects have been taking place right across the Isle of Man to breathe fresh life into our towns and villages

Anumber of exciting projectsare continuing to take shapeas part of the multi-million

pound drive to breathe fresh life intothe Isle of Man’s commercial centres.

The catalyst behind the initiativesis the Town and Village RegenerationScheme, a collaborative approachaimed at bringing the buzz back to theIsland’s high streets by helping retailareas to achieve their full potential.

More than 120 projects in seventowns and villages have alreadybenefited from funding, or haveapplied for grant assistance.

Awards have been approved for awide range of activities, from minorimprovements to individual propertiesand parades of shops, through to largerscale schemes to create more vibrantcommercial centres.

Work has included the painting andrepair of shop facades, the installationof windows and canopies, and theprovision of new street furniture,paving, public art and lighting.

The projects have been co-

ordinated by Regional RegenerationCommittees – partnerships betweenGovernment, local authorities andprivate enterprise – and influenced bypublic feedback via consultations androadshows.

Each committee has been allocatedfunds to develop long-terms proposalsto rejuvenate their areas, andregeneration zones and plans havebeen established in Douglas, Peel,Ramsey, Castletown, Laxey, Port Erinand Port St Mary.

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK said:‘Investing in our towns and villages isabsolutely key to maintaining theIsland’s position as an attractive placeto invest in and to live in.

‘The cash injection means thatlocal authorities and businesses canattract more people to their area andstimulate local economic growth.’

He added: ‘More changes are on thehorizon for some of our towns andvillages, changes that will enhance thecharacter, appearance and identity ofthe places we call home.’

SHINING EXAMPLE: The creative use of lighting has given the localenvironment a lift

PAGE 24:Layout 1 20/11/2014 10:28 Page 1


derivco.co.im

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G E T I N V O L V E D

Documents

Awards for excellence newsletter 2014