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December 2016 A strong supporter of global tax standards

Chief Minister restates Island’s commitment at OECD Paris event

hief Minister MHK restated the C ’s commitment to tax co-operation and transparency at a recent OECD event in Paris. During a meeting with the OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria, Mr Quayle confirmed that the Island would continue to be a strong supporter of international tax standards. The Chief Minister was in Paris for the Manx Government’s signing of a new OECD agreement to assist global tax administrations in ensuring that tax is paid where value is created. Mr Quayle commented: ‘The Isle of PHOTO: Bill Dale Man is one of only 22 countries in the world to have received the highest Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK receives a certificate from Han Qunli, compliance rating from the OECD and it Secretary of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere programme was especially pleasing to hear the Secretary General acknowledge our achievement in very positive terms. ‘This was a valuable opportunity to Island receives UNESCO honour reassure Mr Gurria that although we have a new government in the Island our policy The Isle of Man has been formally The Isle of Man is the only entire on tax transparency remains unchanged, inaugurated into the World Network of jurisdiction to hold Biosphere Reserve and I think that message was well Biosphere Reserves by the Secretary of status, which reflects its position as a received.’ UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere ‘special place for people and nature’. He added: ‘A truly global approach to programme. The Chief Minister said: ‘This tax transparency and information sharing Mr Han Qunli presented Chief recognition from UNESCO will bring is needed. As a well-regulated and Minister Howard Quayle MHK with a great economic, environmental and internationally responsible country the Isle certificate marking the Island’s reputational benefits to the Island and is of Man is committed to playing its part in achievement. something we should all be proud of.’ efforts to achieve this.’ INTERNATIONAL FOCUS AUTUMN 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 08/12/2016 16:10 Page 2

Howard Quayle is the Island’s new Chief Minister

Howard Quayle MHK is the new the Department of Economic Development, Chief Minister of the Isle of Man. the Department of Infrastructure and the Mr Quayle was elected to the position Economic Policy Review Committee. by , the Island’s parliament, of Following his election by Tynwald Mr which he has been a member since 2011. Quayle was formally appointed as Chief He takes over as leader of the Manx Minister by the Lieutenant Governor His Government from CBE, who Excellency Sir Richard Gozney. stepped down after a long and Mr Quayle commented: ‘It is a great distinguished career. honour to be chosen as the new Chief Mr Quayle served as Minister for Health Minister of the Isle of Man. I intend to lead and Social Care between 2014 and 2016. an inclusive government that works hard, He was formerly chairman of the Planning and works together, to secure a Committee and of the Manx Electricity sustainable future for the people of the Authority, as well as being a member of Island.’

‘Unsung hero’ scoops manufacturer award Implications of

Adrian Moore, Chairman of the Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster (IOMAC) and Brexit discussed Business Development Manager at the Department of Economic Development, has received a Manufacturer Top 100 award. Chief Minister heads Isle of Man delegation in Brussels The awards, presented by The Manufacturer magazine, recognised Mr Quayle added: ‘Building and outstanding individuals within the hief Minister Howard maintaining networks of partners in the UK sector. In his nomination, Adrian was Quayle MHK recently and Brussels is vital for the Island to described as ‘an inspiring leader, a C visited Brussels for ensure that we understand international driver of cultural change and an discussions on the implications of events and their potential impact on us. unsung hero’ within the sector. the ’s withdrawal During the course of what is likely to be a Adrian commented: from the European Union and in lengthy and complex process of UK ‘Manufacturing and particular its impact on the withdrawal from the EU, this engagement engineering are British financial services industry. will be more important than ever before’. vital parts of the Mr Quayle said: ‘Brexit will be one of Since the UK referendum a group of Manx economy. the most significant political and economic officers has been The breadth of the events in the current era, and I wanted to looking at various elements of the sector is superb, as learn first-hand what the current thinking withdrawal process, as well as the longer is the range of is on this important issue. term implications, building on work that products, and I look ‘I met a number of representatives began six months before the vote took forward to from the City of London, the UK place. continuing to Government, industry, and the European support my The Chief Minister concluded: ‘Whilst Parliament, as well as Brussels think tanks, colleagues the UK position is still far from clear, it is to hear their views and to tell them about in the absolutely vital that we continue to engage our consideration of the implications for industry.’ with the discussion, so we can in turn the Isle of Man.’ develop our own position’. in fact The Isle of Man is situated in the of the Irish Sea The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown at the centre of the British Isles. It is 33 miles (53km) Dependency with its own government and laws, made long and 13 miles (22km) wide at its broadest point, in Tynwald, which was founded more than 1,000 years with a resident population of 84,497. ago and is the world’s oldest continuous parliament. The Island has a distinct cultural and political identity. It is the policy of the Isle of Man Government to be It is not, and never has been, a part of the United both economically competitive and internationally Kingdom. Nor is it part of the European Union, with which responsible in supporting the interests of its people. it has a special and limited relationship allowing for free More information about the Isle of Man trade in agricultural and manufactured products. Government can be found at www.gov.im INTERNATIONAL FOCUS AUTUMN 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 08/12/2016 16:10 Page 3

TT 2016 attracts 42,000 visitors

The annual TT visitor survey has shown another positive year for the festival. Key findings of the 2016 study were: • Just over 42,000 visitors came for the 2016 TT motorcycle racing festival. • The event attracted new visitors as well as regular fans: 26% had not visited previously for the TT, while 22% also visited for other motorsport events such as the Festival of Motorcycling and the Southern 100. • The number of visitors to the Island for TT peaked on Sunday 5th June reaching just over 26,000. • More than 40 nationalities were picked up in the survey.

Credit rating Report confirms reflects strength of economy continued growth

The has welcomed the announcement of the Island’s GDP reaches £4.51 billion after 32nd successive increase unchanged Aa1 credit rating by Moody’s Investors Service. he Gross Domestic Product 2013/14). A Treasury spokesman said: ‘This (GDP) of the Isle of Man • Growth in GNP of 0.9%, or 1.4% in latest report from Moody’s underlines real terms (compared with 5.1% in the Island’s Aa1 rating and T reached £4.51 billion in 2013/14). demonstrates the Isle of Man’s 2014/15 after real growth of continued and sustained economic 5.0% during the year, according • Expansion in e-gaming and insurance success. to the latest national income were the main drivers of growth during the year, growing by 22% and 7% respectively ‘Our credit rating was revised from report. in real terms. E-gaming remains the Aa1 stable to Aa1 negative by Moody’s The report, from the Economic Affairs largest economic sector at 19.5%, in June this year following the UK’s unit of the Cabinet Office, confirms that followed by Insurance on 14.9%. Brexit vote and their latest report this was the 32nd successive year of • A reduction in losses incurred by reaffirms that change. growth for the Island’s economy. companies from the tourist ‘As reported at the time, the change Key results include: accommodation sector has allowed it to was due to the uncertainty brought • Growth in GDP of 4.5%, or 5.0% in bounce back strongly, with growth of 80% about by the Brexit vote for the UK’s real terms (compared with 4.5% in compared with 2013/14. future growth prospects – our change mirrored that of the UK and was beyond our control.’ ‘Whilst it is undeniable that there New website showcases Island’s diversity are future uncertainties and risks, it is vitally important that the main message New tourism website beauty and character. from this report is heard. Public www.visitisleofman.com is helping to MHK, Minister for finances are strong and the Island can attract more visitors to the Isle of Man. Economic Development, said: ‘The new be relied upon by its investors to Improvements have been introduced website shows potential visitors the provide a stable, pro-business to enhance the user experience and to richness and diversity of the Island’s environment in which they can flourish.' better showcase the Island’s unique attractions, events and accommodation.’ INTERNATIONAL FOCUS AUTUMN 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 08/12/2016 16:10 Page 4

Protecting the integrity of our financial system

Advocate appointed as Director of Financial Intelligence Unit

leading Isle of Man advocate money laundering and the financing of has been appointed as Director terrorism. Aof the Isle of Man’s Financial Work carried out by the FIU assists the Intelligence Unit (FIU). overall drive to disrupt criminal activity, secure prosecutions and confiscate the Lindsey Bermingham brings extensive proceeds of crime. experience to the position following a distinguished career specialising in commercial Mrs Bermingham said: ‘I am looking and chancery litigation. Her main areas of forward to working with my colleagues to expertise include regulatory issues, anti-bribery, support efforts to safeguard the Isle of fraud, asset-tracing and white-collar crime. Man’s reputation as a responsible international business centre. Mrs Bermingham will take on responsibility for the management and development of the She added: ‘The methods employed by FIU, which plays a leading role in protecting the criminals are becoming increasingly integrity of the Island’s financial system. sophisticated. We must rise to the challenge of building and The FIU receives, analyses and disseminates sharing information to tackle financial intelligence to enable its partner those who seek to use the agencies in the Isle of Man and overseas to Isle of Man for criminal or investigate financial crime, including tax evasion, corrupt purposes.’

Treasury launches British-Irish Council seeks public consultation on Beneficial Ownership ways to tackle food waste

The Manx Treasury has launched a MHK, Minister for retailers and third sector organisations to consultation on draft legislation for the Environment, Food and Agriculture, led an address food waste. Raising public introduction in the Isle of Man of a Isle of Man delegation attending the 14th awareness of this issue through our central database of the beneficial British-Irish Council Environment agriculture shows and our Food and Drink ownership of corporate entities. Ministerial meeting in . Festival has already led to some successful The Beneficial Ownership Bill is in Mr Boot took part in discussions on a redistribution projects. line with the Isle of Man Government’s range of environmental issues, including ‘The meeting also discussed how commitment, given to the United initiatives to tackle food waste and to recycling can create economic Kingdom Government in April this year, improve the quality and quantity of opportunities as well as reduce the to enhance arrangements for the recycling. demand for dwindling global resources.’ sharing of beneficial ownership Mr Boot said: ‘The Isle of Man takes its Ministers considered a paper on the information by establishing a central environmental responsibilities very issue and endorsed the need to tackle database of such information. seriously and has progressed strategies to food waste for a variety of financial, Other and the encourage sustainable food production, to environmental and moral reasons. British Overseas Territories have all manage its waste and to support Mr Boot joined delegations headed by made the same commitment. biodiversity. It is important to recognise Deputy Barry Brehaut (Guernsey), Dr The Isle of Man Government that a good quality natural environment is Therese Coffey MP (UK), Sean Kyne TD agreed to consider the introduction of important to our health, wellbeing and (Ireland), Roseanna Cunningham MSP a central database as part of the action economy.’ (), Lesley Griffiths AM (), plan it published at the time of the G8 He added: ‘I was able to highlight the Alastair Ross MLA and Megan Fearon MLA Summit in Lough Erne in June 2013. work being carried out by Government () and Deputy Steve Luce Departments in partnership with our food (). INTERNATIONAL FOCUS AUTUMN 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 08/12/2016 16:10 Page 5

Cheers! Our ale strikes gold

sle of Man brewery Okell’s swept the top awards at the I2016 International Beer Challenge at an award ceremony held in London. The judging panel of brewers, retailers, importers and journalists awarded Okell’s Aile a gold medal and its 1907 brand silver medal status. The stage was then set to reveal the outright best speciality beer, with Okell’s Aile prevailing against the world’s best beers. Okell’s head brewer, Dr Mike Cowbourne said: ‘To compete against some 700 of the world’s finest beers from around 30 countries and to win gold and silver medals was already a fantastic achievement. ‘However, for Aile to then be declared ‘best speciality beer in the world’ was quite overwhelming and testimony to Okell’s continual ability to produce truly world- class beers’. ‘Importantly, winning these medals Podium pints: Okell’s head brewer, Dr Mike Cowbourne, with the prestigious goes far beyond adding to Okell’s many 2016 International Beer Challenge awards trophies. ‘Global recognition such as this serves consumers in markets traditionally of not only Okell’s, but the Isle of Man, to reinforce the brewery’s credibility and dominated by multi-national brands. especially given the great pride we share reputation for innovation with retailers and Importantly this helps to raise the profile in our 150-year Manx provenance’.

A growing reputation as a year-round destination

Following a successful 2016, which included being awarded UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, the Isle of Man is continuing to focus on its outdoor and nature offerings for the 2017 travel season. Throughout the summer and autumn, the Isle of Man has been working with a number of national publications and figures. These include explorer Ray Mears (pictured) who visited the Island to showcase the family friendly outdoor activities the Isle of Man has to offer. In 2017 the Tourism Division will continue to highlight natural exploration Island is viewed as a year-round from visitors to the Island and tips for all for all ages, including: destination with a focus on the outdoors, ages and all interests • The introduction of family friendly fresh air and wealth of nature as well as Angela Byrne, Head of Isle of Man itineraries and a new Family Welcome an array of events that will keep families Tourism, said: ‘We are immensely proud of Scheme that will make it easier than ever returning what our Island has to offer visitors – from for families to visit the Isle of Man and • The new VisitIsleofMan.com website awe-inspiring waterfalls hidden away in tailor their trip to their interests will bring all of this to life, with stunning protected glens, to wide open vistas that • An increased focus on ensuring the photography, sample itineraries, blogs take your breath away.’ INTERNATIONAL FOCUS AUTUMN 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 08/12/2016 16:10 Page 6

Archbishop meets students during Island visit

Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu enjoys a question and answer session with students at Ballakermeen High School during a two-day visit to the Isle of Man, part of a tour of dioceses within his care in the Province of York in the UK. The Archbishop attended a meeting of the Isle of Man Government’s International Development Committee, where he met Chief Minister Howard Quayle. His tour also took in local charities Men in Sheds, Southern Befrienders and the Island’s new Credit Union. (photo: Paul Kane)

Wildlife Park praised by leading zoo body A great place for for community work junior doctors The Curraghs Wildlife Park has been reaccredited by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Report highlights excellent education and training Membership of EAZA, which sets the standard for modern zoos, requires he annual review of medical Island’s air ambulance service; and the establishments to adopt higher education and training for accessibility and quality of the patient standards than those demanded by T junior doctors in the Isle of simulation facilities. UK/European law. Man has found the opportunities Minister for Health and Social Care, Five leading zoo professionals spent and the level of support provided Kate Beecroft MHK, said: ‘The Island’s reputation for good quality medical two days at the park in Ballaugh to be ‘extremely good’. examining all aspects of its operation. education grows in stature each year, The study, conducted by Health The park was highly commended highlighted by the fact that junior doctors Education England, also showed that the for its education programme, how it applying for training posts in the Isle of majority of doctors choose the Island includes volunteers and the community Man generally do so because of ‘based on recommendations made by in its work and its efforts to support recommendations from former trainees.’ previous trainees’. rainforest habitat. The majority of junior doctors were Several areas of noteworthy practice at The experts also commented on the very positive about their training Noble’s Hospital were highlighted, park’s natural environment and experience, describing Noble’s Hospital as reflecting education and patient care excellent nature trail, allowing visitors a ‘very supportive, friendly environment delivered at the very highest standard. access to a wetland of scientific with good levels of supervision’. interest. The reviewers were impressed by the Dr Adrian Dashfield, Director of Medical level of involvement junior doctors have in The Curraghs Wildlife Park is home Education at Noble’s Hospital, said: ‘We quality improvement projects; the to 75 species of mammals, birds, are proud of our reputation as an excellent opportunity for junior doctors to learn reptiles, fish and invertebrates. place to train both undergraduate and about transfer medicine through the postgraduate trainees.’

Isle of Man Government Government Office Bucks Road, Douglas, Is published by: Isle of Man, IM1 3PN Corporate Communications Telephone: +44 (0)1624 685284 Cabinet Office Email: [email protected]