Member Article

Isle of Man on board for IFB 2014

The Isle of Man has agreed to promote the International Festival for Business (IFB 2014), ahead of the major programme of business events being held in Liverpool this summer.

The Isle of Man Department of Economic Development is the government body tasked with stimulating growth and jobs on the Island, and sees IFB 2014 as a key opportunity to strengthen existing links as well as forge new global opportunities.

The Isle of Man’s Minister for Economic Development John Shimmin MHK (Member of the House of Keys) and Chris Corlett, Chief Executive, visited Liverpool to meet city leaders, including Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson and Max Steinberg, Chair of IFB 2014 and Chief Executive of Liverpool Vision.

While in Liverpool, they also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the city which will have two main elements:

To widen economic cooperation and promote business between the Isle of Man and Liverpool City Region To promote and take advantage of the opportunities presented by IFB 2014

While it is intended that the MoU will form the basis of a closer long-term relationship, its initial impact will be reviewed at the end of March next year.

Mayor Anderson said: “The Isle of Man has traditionally enjoyed strong links with the Liverpool city region, economically and culturally.

“The Isle of Man has been a supporter of the International Festival for Business from the start and will have a strong presence across the 50 days.

“It makes perfect sense that we sign a Memorandum of Understanding, which will allow us both to maximise the opportunities presented by the festival; before, during and after.”

Minister Shimmin said: “The seven themes of the International Festival for Business all relate to the Isle of Man’s successful and diverse economy in some way, so of course we will have a strong presence at the Festival in June and July.

“We already have very close ties to the Liverpool city region; with the signing and implementation of this Memorandum, I believe these links will become even closer.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .