Business Isle of Man was created to facilitate the support, development and promotion of key sectors involved in the export of physical goods and related services from the Isle of Man, and those operating services within the domestic economy. Through establishing the Island as a centre of international excellence, its purpose is to deliver long-term sustainable economic growth. 

As an Executive Agency within the Department for Enterprise, Business Isle of Man is a public/private partnership, acting as a key decision maker and advisory body for the economic prosperity of the its key sectors.

A direct conduit for businesses into Government, the agency strives to create an environment for renowned international brands, start-ups and everything in-between to flourish, using its strong partnerships with the private sector to draw upon the Island’s expertise, creativity and connections.

 

BUSINESS AGENCY BOARD

Our Board is made up a of a range of private and public sector representatives, including a non-executive Chair, that act as champions for each of the Agency's dedicated sectors. The Board meets monthly with the Agency's team to discuss and approve Agency initiatives. Board approved initiatives have included the creation of Construction Isle of Man, a public-private representative body for the Construction Industry in the Isle of Man, and the LoveIOM initiative which was created to encourage residents to support local events and businesses on the Isle of Man. The Board's key objectives are outlined below, along with each of its members.

 

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

  • Advice on availability and costs of commercial property

  • Provide you with access to expert knowledge and local intelligence

  • Dedicated Business Development Manager to support you and your project

  • Introductions to business networks and other business professionals on island

  • Guidance on financial incentives and business support organisations

  • Organising and hosting briefing visits for key staff

BUSINESS ISLE OF MAN OBJECTIVES

Flights
Create a shared vision and strategy for the Isle of Man as an internationally well-regarded economic base for export business, recognised for technical and service performance and competence
Collaboration
Drive collaboration and knowledge-sharing with the private sector and industry experts
IP
Set clear, measurable, and achievable targets for success, prioritising resources to ensure that results are delivered
Business Networks
Act as the primary conduit between government and business – helping to create the right environment for the sector to achieve sustainable growth

Meet the Team

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Tim Cowsill - CEO, Business Isle of Man
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Stephen Moore - Policy Manager
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Kirree Gooberman - Head of Business Development
Matthew Gardner
Matthew Gardner - Business Development Manager
Rachel Hopkinson
Rachel Hopkinson - Business Development Manager
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Rob Green - Business Development Manager
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Thomas Richardson-Hall - Small Business Development Executive
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Katy Ashwell - Development Coordinator
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Hira Modan-Kherati - Marketing Manager
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Callum Rowley - Marketing Executive

Meet the Board

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Dr Michelle Haywood MHK
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Steve Pickett - Chair
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Tim Cowsill - CEO, Business Isle of Man
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Alex Fray - Biomed and Medicinal Cannabis
Carol
Carol Glover - Small Business & Entrepreneurship
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Dave Hester - Engineering & Manufacturing
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Findlay Macleod - Food Production
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Ieda Gomes Yell - Cleantech
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Janna Horsthuis - Local Economy
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Ollie Neale - Drink Production
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Hira Modan-Kherati - Marketing Manager Business Isle of Man
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Mark Lewin - Chief Executive DfE

BUSINESS ISLE OF MAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SECURING THE ISLE OF MAN'S STATUS AS AN INTERNATIONALLY RESPECTED ECONOMIC HUB FOR THE EXPORT OF HIGH VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS AND RELATED SERVICES.

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Tim

Tim Cowsill

CEO, Business Isle of Man

What is your business background?

My first connection with Business IOM and the Department for Enterprise is when I was at university when I worked for the department under the step scheme. After successfully finishing university I then went to work for RBSI on the Island and have worked there under a number of different roles. I then decided that the experience I had gained in the bank put me in a good position to add value to the Business Agency supporting and helping businesses develop.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

It was a no brainer for me to join the Business Agency. I have been such a supporter of Manx businesses that this business development role seemed to fit my skills set. Supporting the domestic economy is a real challenge but the welcome I have had from the sectors I look after has been brilliant. It’s a great job to be the link between government and businesses.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

Like many Isle of Man Residents I am a petrol head. My absolute favourite place and thing to do on the Island is riding my motorbike (Bonnie) up the Sloc (I actually prefer it to the mountain course) then go the long way home via Peel for a crab bap from the breakwater kiosk. Perfection

How can you be contacted?

Tim.Cowsill@gov.im

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Policy Development Manager

Policy Development Manager

What is your business background?

I moved to the Island in November 1991 following completion of the Diploma in Architecture Course at what is now called Greenwich University. I subsequently qualified as an Architect in 1998, working for a number of local Architectural practices on everything from Capital Projects such as schools and healthcare, together with private development including houses, local authority housing and commercial development.

I joined the Isle of Man Government as Assistant Conservation Officer in September 2000. That ultimately lead to an 18 year career in Building Conservation and Planning before moving to what was the Department of Economic Development about 5 years ago to work on development in the built environment from a Government, economic aspect.

 What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

I joined the Business Agency to work with a like-minded team, focussing on delivery within the Built Environment.

 Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

Niarbyl.

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Kirree Gooberman

Head of Business Development 


What is your business background?

Born and educated on the Isle of Man, I joined the merchant navy from school and ran away to sea, qualifying as a Deck Officer through Plymouth University and South Tyneside College. I served worldwide with Shell Tankers on oil, gas and bulk carriers, responsible for navigation and cargo operations; my favourite place to trade was the Far East, exploring Singapore, Vietnam and Japan and enjoying experiencing the cultures, people and food of the region.

Seconded from the Shell Fleet into London head office, I worked in the bustling, frenetic and fast paced environment of the shipping and oil trading floors, working in ship operations and post fixture. I returned to the Isle of Man to work for Shell in Recruitment, Management and Development of their international ship staff, continuing to travel worldwide for recruitment and to facilitate training.  During this time I studied a Masters for Business Administration at Warwick University.

After a career break, during which I volunteered on the IOM Food and Drink Festival Committee, I returned to work for Assystem IOM, an engineering service provider in the aerospace industry, initially as Project Manager then as Business Manager for IOM and Prestwick offices.  I worked on multiple projects for Airbus, Spirit, Bombardier and Safran, on aircraft including A320, A350, A380, A400M and Global 7000/8000.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency Board?

I joined the DfE in July 2018, as Development Manager for Exports.

I applied for the role as it was a job that really excited me: working in a variety of sectors, with each one interesting in its own right, containing some gems of businesses right here on the Isle of Man.

Within the role I am able to use my skills, knowledge and passion for the Isle of Man to support the sectors and individual businesses to ensure the Isle of Man is a prosperous and vibrant place to live and work.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

Kayaking from Port St Mary to The Sound, exploring the coves and caves around the Chasms.

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Matthew Gardner

Business Development Manager

What is your business background?

Completing my undergraduate education at the island's Nunnery campus I gained a great understanding of how businesses operate and more specifically their role within the Manx economy by undertaking a number of sector specific research projects. Following the successful completion of my undergraduate degree I joined Barclays Bank working on a variety of interesting projects within their credit operations team. From Barclays I further broadened my knowledge within the financial services sector at Nedgroup Investments in an administrative position.

More recently I have completed a Master’s degree in E-business from Newcastle University. This further education was extremely beneficial in expanding my knowledge of how contemporary technologies can support and transform businesses, something which I'm looking forward to utilising in this role.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

Eager to return to the Island after my master’s degree the opportunity to join the Business Agency was extremely exciting to me with the ability to support the future growth of the domestic and export sectors on the Isle of Man. Previously working within smaller businesses I appreciate the importance that government support can make to these organisations and by joining straight from a research intensive master’s degree I’m looking forward to utilising these skills to complete valuable research projects for the Agency.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

The Isle of Man has such breathtaking viewpoints it’s hard to pinpoint my favourite down to just one! In my free time I love to go out exploring with my camera and by living in the south of the island one of my favourite viewpoints is Spanish Head that looks over the Calf of Man and out to sea. This area is particularly special at sunset on a calm summers evening when you can see dolphins and seals around the sound.

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Rachel Hopkinson

Business Development Manager

What is your business background?

I graduated from the University of Bath in 2017 with a degree in Business. During my four years at Bath I completed two 6-month industry placements. The first was working for a tech start-up company in London where I was Junior Marketing Manager. The second was a dual-role at SMP Partners in the Isle of Man where I spent half of my time in the eGaming licensing team, and the other as a Marketing and Communications Assistant.

Following this, I returned to the Isle of Man to work as I secured an ACA training contract with PwC. Here I worked in the audit team and completed my certificate level of ACA studies.

In October 2018, I joined the Department for Enterprise Marketing team. I worked for a short time as the Marketing Executive for the Business Agency before moving to the Enterprise Team to develop my management skills and gain a broad overview of the work going on within the Department. In this role I primarily assisted the Department’s Enterprise Support team, promoting their range of financial assistance schemes to local businesses. I also supported Central Registry and other overarching Department initiatives.

Earlier this year (2020) the opportunity came up within Business Isle of Man for this Business Development role. I applied and here I am!

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

I am passionate about making a difference to living, working and investing in the Isle of Man. I wanted to take this role within Business Isle of Man as I care about supporting businesses and making a change.

The role excites me as there are a number of projects with huge scope and potential positive impact which I’m looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into.

I am also a people person who sees the value in collaborating, developing relationships and listening to feedback - therefore, I think this role will suit me well!

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

I love the South of the Island. You’ll find me watching the sunset from Cronk ny Arrey Laa (just off the bottom of the slock) or Foraging Vintners on Port Erin Beach.

How can you be contacted?

I'm on maternity leave so please contact contact-business@gov.im or call 01624686400 and your query will be passed on to another member of the team who will support you in my absence.

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Rob Green

Business Development Manager

 

What is your business background?

Before joining the Business Agency, I worked as a finance and operations manager within the e-gaming industry. Prior to that, I was the co-owner of a retail business selling on Island and online.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

I enjoy learning about creative, product-oriented businesses and I am eager to play an active role in ensuring the Island has a resilient and diversified economy.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?
Glen Roy in Lonan

 

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Thomas Richardson-Hall

Development Coordinator 

After exposure to business academia during my time at CRHS as a student a university degree in the field was the next step for me. In 2015, I completed my degree in business management, innovation & enterprise at the University of Winchester and upon achieving this returned back to the Island. I joined HSBC in the same year and proceeded to spend 6 years in a variety of roles including a significant stint in corporate business remediation giving me exposure to a wide number of local businesses. After 6 years in the private sector, I wanted to test my skills and abilities on a stage where I could make a real difference locally.

Inspiration

After working in the private sector to hone my skills I saw the opportunity to join Business Isle of Man as the perfect chance to bring my skills forward and help give back to the Island I have grown up on. This is the opportunity and challenge I dreamt of as a child when first exposed to economic theory and I can’t wait to help make a difference!

Favourite Spot

Talk about a tough question! I struggle to think of any part of the Island as my favourite due to the level of beauty all around us however if I have to choose it would have to be Snaefell, nothing beats a sunny day on the highest part of the island. Being able to see all of our breathtaking island from one spot is something I will never get tired of.

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Katy Ashwell

Development Coordinator

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Hira Modan-Kherati

Marketing Manager

 

What is your business background?

Having studied Marketing as a specialisation for my MBA degree I joined Procter & Gamble Pakistan as an Assistant Brand Manager on their flagship babycare brand Pampers and worked on driving market share and category awareness as well as launching a brand re-stage. After 2 years with P&G I moved to Guernsey, where I joined Specsavers Optical Group as an Assistant Marketing Manager for their stores in the East and West Midlands region. In 2014, I moved to Dubai and took a career break to focus on my family.  

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

After relocating to the Isle of Man in 2021, I successfully interviewed for the role of Marketing Executive for the Department for Enterprise's Digital Agency. I have developed great respect and appreciation for on Island businesses while working in the Department for Enterprise and I opted to move to  Business Isle of Man in July 2022 to focus more closely on promoting the Island's export focussed businesses. 

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

The Island's beauty is beyond words but my favourite spot has to be where I spent the longest time after relocating. Groudle Glen, with its meandering walk along the river, miniature railway and a lovely picnic at Sea Lion Rocks (with an ice cream in hand) has to be my favourite. 

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Callum Rowley - Marketing Executive

Marketing Executive

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Dr Michelle Haywood MHK

Political Member for Business Isle of Man

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Steve Pickett

Chair

What is your business background?

My career in logistics began in 1988, as an 18 year old. Initially as a driver, then moving into the transport planning department, promoted to a management position and a sales development role responsible for establishing the Isle of Man as a key territory. During this period, I worked with many local retailers, wholesalers, many of the Island's existing businesses and was offered a Directorship with my employer then in 1997.

Over the next 3 years I developed a national UK home delivery service for a major mail-order retailer and national delivery service to a high street retailer, from which I gained a valuable insight of what large organisations require from a logistics partner. Establishing Trade distribution Limited (TDL) in 2000, which is part of the H&B Group of Companies, TDL is now recognised as one of the leading freight operators in the Isle of Man, with several operating centres running multiple contracts in the UK and employing over 100 staff. During my time with H&B, I have also worked closely with my fellow colleagues in hospitality, wholesale drinks & brewing, convenience & forecourt retailing, where I have been able to develop a deep knowledge of the local markets.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business IOM Board?

Having spent the past 30 years connected in one way or another with the Isle of Man and resident for almost 20 years, the Island has played a major part in my life and lifestyle. My wife and I have raised three children who have benefited from all that the Island has to offer and I am very grateful for the business opportunities that have developed from my decision to move to the Island all those years ago. Now is the time that I am ready to give something back, if I can help in any way to make this beautiful place even more attractive to those who are already living and operating here, or if I can influence and promote economic growth for the benefit of all, then I am willing to give up some of my time. With the blessing and support of H&B, I hope that I can assist the Business Isle of Man Agency with their endeavours to support island businesses to sustain future growth and prosperity, and through collaboration with my fellow board members, ensure that the Isle of Man fulfills its potential.

What is your favourite thing about doing business on the Island?

The Isle of Man has provided me with many opportunities, but not just locally. Through contacts made here, we have developed a significant UK logistics network, in fact the UK is now the largest regional sector of my business. Without the loyalty and support I have been shown from the Islands businesses, this may never have happened. The great thing about doing business locally, you are often dealing with business owners and leaders, who know what they want and who would prefer to deal with a local operator. I meet with my customers on a regular basis and don’t have too far to travel to see them.

What is the Island's best-kept secret?

The Island's best-kept secret is its natural beauty. I often take a ride on my motorcycle, traveling down valleys and over mountains, the views are just stunning.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

There are so many fantastic views on the Island but one of my favourites is looking out to sea on the west coast from Dalby or Niarbyl.

Tim Cowsill

CEO, Business Isle of Man

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Alex Fray

 Biomed and Medicinal Cannabis

What is your business background?

Alex is the CEO and Founder of Grow Lab Organics (GLO), the first IOM based medicinal cannabis company to be approved in principle by the regulator. Prior to GLO, Alex spent two decades working in regulated financial services industries in the UK and IOM at C-suite level taking in start-ups, SMEs and PLCs along the way.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business IOM Board?

Effective collaboration between the public and private sectors is the key to unlocking economic growth on the island. The Agency model enables exactly that, so the opportunity to join the Business Agency Board - which incidentally represents the largest and most diverse part of the Manx economy - was extremely attractive.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

White Strand beach - hard to find, deserted, 1/2 kilometre of sand, stunningly beautiful, dreamy sunsets and perfect for wild camping.

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Carol Glover

Small Business & Entrepreneurship

What is your business background?

Carol is a ginger, punk inspired, Disruptive Leader, Speaker, Coach, Mentor, Podcaster and Edutainer from the Isle of Man, who unlocks world-class performance by connecting leaders to their Maverick Mindset. She’s held Intrapreneurial leadership roles across the world retailing, the public sector, distribution management, and voluntary organisations, supporting entrepreneurs and leaders worldwide. Executive roles have included Head of Halfords Auto Business, Promoter of IOM TT, & latterly Head of Tech for a retail business and Commercial Property Director. She’s been a successful generalist leader in a specialist world – one of the most in-demand skillsets for the 2020s. Today via her Maverick Maker business she speaks on and coaches and mentors, founders, leaders and businesses to think differently, increase personal and business productivity and create opportunity out of change. She recently co-created “Encoded Potential” which helps emerging leaders and entrepreneurs unleash world-class latent skills and potential for themselves and their teams. She produced the Entrepreneur Development Strategy for IOM Chamber of Commerce that generated over 150 small business members and more importantly a strong and growing  mutually supportive community on Isle of Man.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency Board?

Like all economies, the Isle of Man economy is dominated by entrepreneurial small businesses. With over 3000 micro-businesses (employ 0-9) and almost 600 employing 10- 250, these businesses represent approx. 99.5% of businesses and 86.5% of employment. Yet they rarely have a “voice”, due to the fragmentation and disparate range they cover, and that they are working so hard “in” their businesses. Key though is how many are agile, nimble, connected and in emerging and creative sectors, exactly where IOM should be focused for the future. To me it is key that the challenges, barriers and opportunities represented by these businesses are highlighted, understood, and supported to grow.

What is your favourite thing about doing business on the Island?

The Island has a number of strong USPs: Biosphere, well-connected business networks, diverse and growing skillsets, increasing collaboration between entrepreneurs and accessibility to Government. There is high potential to become a world exemplar of  “Small is Beautiful” - the economic model of the future.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

The Island's best-kept secret is the brilliance, kindness and potential of its young people. My fave spot is anywhere, that forward-looking, positive energy and attitude-filled Mavericks, who  “think different” and “hang out”.

Dave

Dave Hester

Engineering & Manufacturing

What is your business background?

My background is all engineering related. Since graduating in Mechanical Engineering in the mid 1980’s, I’ve had roles from pure R&D through to design and manufacturing; and I'm now the managing director of Swagelok Limited, an Isle of Man company employing 240 people working across all of these engineering disciplines.

I’ve worked for large multinational companies as well as smaller start-ups; and across several sectors from aerospace to food and drink; and in several countries. I’ve lived and worked on the Isle of Man for almost 20 years and have chaired the Chamber of Commerce Engineering and Manufacturing committee for seven of those, been a Director of Bladon Jets; and currently a Director of Junior Achievement, a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the IMechE, a Chartered Director and FIoD.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Isle of Man Board?

The Island’s engineering & manufacturing sector has had a strong partnership with Government over the past several years which has resulted in several businesses growing; and an expansion of the vocational training programmes being supported at UCM and in the schools. I see this public/private partnership as a good way to align the needs of industry and Government and form strategies and policies that are mutually beneficial.

Business Isle of Man is a vehicle for expanding this partnership across several sectors that are all important to the economic success of the island. I think that my skills, background and interests will enable me to make a useful contribution to the Board.

What is your favourite thing about doing business on the Island?

The Island offers a rare combination of natural beauty and accessibility to the countryside with the ability to find challenging and interesting roles in world-class businesses. It has a unique history and values its heritage but can also be bold an innovative in its approach to new business opportunities.

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Findlay Macleod

Food Production and Export

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Ieda Gomes Yell

Cleantech

What is your business background?

I have background in the energy industry particularly in the gas, renewables and utilities sectors. More recently I have been involved in port infrastructure and sustainable construction as a NED at International and large scale companies.

What inspired you to join Business Isle of Man as a board member?

I really want to contribute to the success of the Isle of Man as a premier destination for sustainable business. The Island is a welcoming place for international companies and industry professionals and offers lots of potential for companies and people willing to develop high value and focused businesses. 

What is your favourite spot on the Island?

There are so many great places to visit on the Island but I really enjoy hiking the beautiful and magical glens with their waterfalls, caves, lush vegetation and fairies hidden inside the trees. 

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Janna Horsthuis

Ollie

Ollie Neale

Drink Production and Export

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Hira Modan-Kherati

Marketing Manger Business Isle of Man

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Mark Lewin

Chief Executive Dfe