Head of Business Isle of Man

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.

Business Development Manager

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.

Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

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

Project Manager for Biomed

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.

What is your business background?

I first came over to the Isle of Man from Bulgaria in June 2010 on holiday, and whilst here for that short time I fell in love with the place. After that visit, I decided to relocate to the Isle of Man and later in 2010 I did just that. I was determined to continue my career in banking and seek employment in the financial sector. This subsequently lead me to join RBS International where I worked in a number of different positions, including compliance and business management. During my 10 years with the bank I developed strong customer relationship skills through working closely with local and international businesses. I also worked in the gaming industry for a short while. In all of my roles my true passion has always been serving the public whether directly or indirectly, making this the main reason why I looked into a career in the government. I joined the Business Agency team in late 2022, after working on a one-off project regarding the financial assistance that was afforded businesses during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

Whilst working on the project and learning more about the Department, and its caring, passionate nature for the Island’s success, it was with no doubt in my mind that I made the right choice by joining the Business agency. Being part of a team that makes a real difference to the Island’s economy and people’s lives has made a really positive change in my career path.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

The Island has a very unique and beautiful nature making it hard to pick only one favourite place, as there are so many to choose from, if you take the time to explore. The most memorable spot for me, is from when I first visited the Island and I went to St. John’s, more specifically to the Tynwald Hill and the Arboretum, where the ancient history and pure nature is combined in one. I also love exploring the beaches, the plantations and the glens on a regular basis, where I try to take my son to at least one of these places every week!

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. 

Marketing Executive

What is your business background?

After studying for a year in Plymouth I moved up to Liverpool to complete my degree in Events Management in 2016. Following this, I returned to the Isle of Man to work in Promotions and Marketing at the IOM Newspapers. In this role I developed relationships with multiple clients and agencies to find suitable partners to work alongside. I also assisted in creating and running promotional campaigns to increase the sales of all three newspapers.

In 2019 I moved into a more digital focused role within marketing where I was able to gain further insight into online strategies. I was actively involved in planning and monitoring the ongoing social media presence for a variety of businesses on social media.

At the end of 2022, the opportunity came up to join the Business Isle of Man team as a Marketing Executive. I thought the role sounded perfect as it meant I could combine both my digital and traditional skills whilst building new relationships with new people – one of my favourite things to do!

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

I class myself as a huge people person, I like meeting new people and building new relationships. Having lived on the Island most my life and worked in a variety of marketing roles, I thought Business Isle of Man was a perfect fit for me. It meant I could carry on working in a role I love whilst meeting new people and being able to support and give back to the island I’ve grown up on.

Giving back to the Island is important to me, I like the idea of being involved in making the island a nice place for people and future generations to live, including my daughter!

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

Tricky one, depends what time of year it is. If it’s summer the best and only place to be is down South sitting on the Bay wall drinking cider. Whereas Peel gives much cosier vibes during winter, eating chippy chips in the car by Fenella beach. In autumn you can find me in any plantation with my dog, Gus.

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.

Political Member, Business Isle of Man

 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.

Small Business & Entrepreneurship

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.

Food Production and Export

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. 

Drink Production and Export

Construction