Coronavirus Steam Packet Lifeline Services Grapevine

www.business365iom.co.uk | APRIL 2020 ISSUE

DO MORE. ACHIEVE MORE.

CORONAVIRUS STEAM PACKET GRAPEVINE Because of our monthly print schedules at B365 it isn’t LIFELINE The world has changed. Columnist, Paul possible to supply the latest up to date information Speller reﬂects on the huge challenges on the spread of the Coronavirus on the Island, and SERVICES facing the people of the Isle of Man as the huge e orts being made to contain it. This issue The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company they grapple with the grave realities of the contains a number of Covid 19 related stories, relevant wishes to reassure the public it will do Coronavirus crisis. Now, more than ever at the time of going to press. Check the IOM Govt it all can to maintain its schedules to before we must look to the community spirit website for up to date information. ensure goods and other vital supplies are we are all so proud of to see us through. We aim high. delivered to the Island. WeTHE ISLE OF believe MAN’S ONLY DEDICATED BUSINESS in MAGAZINE doing more NEWS | COMMENT | INSIGHT | PEOPLE | MOVEMENTS | FEATURES | TECHNOLOGY | HEALTH so that our clients can. Active Wealth, Corporate and Fund Services

Cayman Islands / Guernsey / Hong Kong / Isle of Man www.zedra.com Jersey / Luxemburg / Malta / Miami / Netherlands / New Zealand Poland / Singapore / Switzerland / United Kingdom Follow us on Regulatory information is detailed on zedra.com Space to Flourish Planning • Design • Installation – Complete Solutions for Offices across the Isle of Man

CORONAVIRUS – GOVERNMENT’S 5 £100M EMERGENCY PACKAGE A comprehensive round-up of the latest business news covering all sectors within the Isle of Man’s diverse and dynamic business environment. COUNCIL TO PROGRESS NEW £12M 10 SOCIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

CONSTRUCTION IOM’S NEW Expert comment from leading ﬁgures within the MEMBERSHIP business community, on a variety of topical issues 14 across a range of sectors. EVIDENCE OF HEADLESS CHICKENISM! 19 INVESTOR’S DIARY WITH PETER SHARKEY Looking at the people who keep the wheels of commerce turning on the Island; features, proﬁles, achievements and stories with a human dimension. A NEW WAY TO SETTLE LARGE INJURY 20 CLAIMS

AVERAGE SALARIES IN CITIES AROUND Who, what, where – a comprehensive appointments THE WORLD section keeping you abreast of all the movements within 27 the business community. GRAPEVINE: THE WORLD HAS

YOUR BUSINESS’ CHANGED TRUSTED ADVISERS HELPING YOU MAKE THE MOST OF WORK AND PLAY The role of a telecoms professional has evolved to become a trusted adviser who is instrumental to the planning, installation and ongoing performance of Lifestyle telecoms products and services for businesses. Sure’s professional services Lifestyle team understand the challenges facing businesses in the island and can advise 29 them on the solutions and tailored telecoms that cater for them. usiness today depends on reliable and Designing and building a bespoke IT resilient IT infrastructure to operate infrastructure for a business follows exactly the Bsuccessfully and support a range of same process. stakeholders including employees, customers and suppliers. FUTUREPROOFING It’s no longer just a matter of the size and speed The professional services team follows a four- Living a full and productive life is all about finding the right of a connection – there are many elements of step process – consult, design, implement and a network that need to be considered. WiFi manage – to ensure they can build the optimal needs to work everywhere, network security communication and network infrastructure for solutions need to be integrated with secure each individual business. data centres, unified communications need to However, as business changes and embraces be the backbone of internal communications digital transformation, IT networks must and solutions should integrate with mobile change as well while aligning to a business’ applications. budgetary and timeframe constraints. Systems The competitive landscape means IT, and the and networks can become complex and it’s network that underpins it, has to constantly be important to factor in the need for flexibility to better and more ecient in order for businesses allow for growth, varying customer demand and balance between work and play. Here at B365 we know to thrive but improving infrastructures can be operational changes. a complex process which can have costly TRAVEL: A BEAUTIFUL ‘HOME FROM This is where the trusted adviser role comes outcomes if it’s not planned correctly. into its own as the team can advise on a process of continuous improvement as the L-R Nick Toon, Head of Professional Services, BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS network or solution is used and manage Andy Winslade, Professional Services Consultant, Every business is dierent which is why improvements and optimising as required. and Joe Walls, interim Head of Sales. having a trusted adviser on hand to fully This means businesses can be confident that their IT infrastructure will continue to meet their understand the IT infrastructure requirements Sure works with world-class partners to oer requirements. and develop a tailored solution to meet businesses the best telecoms solutions from those requirements, while providing ongoing cybersecurity and networking technologies to support and anticipating future needs, is so the importance of both. Our new lifestyle section will TRUSTED ADVISER ROLE data centre and cloud migration. Our partners important to ensure the business gets what Sure has a wide range of expertise in designing include unique suppliers with best-in-class it needs. and optimising customer networks and the technologies and global giants like Cisco, Perhaps the best analogy is to liken the resources to bring those designs to life, to Microsoft, Trustwave and Mitel supplying a development of a business’ IT solution to the create networks that deliver for businesses. range of equipment all of which can be installed, HOME’ IN THE AFRICAN BUSH process of building a house. The professional The planning, implementing and optimising monitored and managed by Sure. services team are the “architects” who create of network infrastructure is what Sure’s Sure is the highest accredited Mitel partner in and modify the designs and their first step is professional services team does for businesses the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, having always to liaise with the owner, to understand of all sizes and across all sectors in the Isle of been awarded Mitel Gold Partner Status, and what they want from the finished product. Man. a number of the team are dedicated Cisco 46 These initial conversations are the most The local team is led by Professional Services specialists. This means businesses in the Isle include regular topics covering travel, motoring, property, important because they set out the parameters Consultant Andy Winslade with support from of Man can make use of these leading, global for the work. Once the architect has dedicated professional services engineer Euan solutions delivered by a team of experts based understood the requirements, they head to the Ellis with plans to expand the team in the island. in the island. drawing board to translate them into a solution. This local team is backed by a team of 12 highly Living a full and productive life is all about fi nding the right balance between work and play. Even once the plans are agreed and finalised, qualified professional services experts based architects continue to provide advice to ensure across the Crown Dependencies who regularly Here at B365 we know the importance of both. Our new lifestyle section covers topics that the designs achieve all they are meant visit the island enabling local business clients including travel, motoring, property, health, sport and leisure. to and help resolve any challenges that the to benefit from their range of expertise and project may encounter. specialisms. health and leisure. B365 – bringing a bit of balance into your life! To learn more about Sure’s Professional Services team get in touch with Andy on 01624 692222 FEATURE: 49 INSPIRING HOMES Exactly what it says on the tin – news snippets, forthcoming events and information from the business world. BUOYANT FIRST QUARTER FOR 56 PROPERTY MARKET

BUSINESS365 IS PRINTED & PUBLISHED BY MANNIN GROUP BRINGING YOU THE BUSINESS This publication is printed on a Heidelberg SpeedMaster SX74 5 colour lithographic printing press on carbon balanced paper which is produced at one of the world’s Business365 evolved from Mannin Group’s highly successful, market leading publication, Money most environmentally advanced paper mills ensuring it’s ultra clean and friendly to the Media. The new title embraces and builds on the ethos of its predecessor o ering an all-embracing environment. look at all sectors of the Isle of Man’s vibrant business community. Business365’s incisive editorial reﬂects the Isle of Man’s standing as an international business centre of repute, and its modern, stylish presentation makes the magazine the ﬁrst choice for industry leaders and professionals. In keeping with its position as the Isle of Man’s premier business publication Business365 enjoys an extensive distribution network. The magazine is delivered by post to all Isle of Man business addresses and is widely available in dispensers at the airport and the sea terminal in Douglas. tel: 01624 696565 | mail: [email protected] Should you require further copies of the magazine, please call (01624) 696565.

To whom all matters relating to editorial should be addressed. Articles may be submitted for publication at the publisher’s discretion. All items contained in this publication are the copyright of the publishers and may not be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. The publishers take no responsibility as to the veracity of statements or claims made by advertisers or outside contributions. comments Business365 o ers a view on a topic have your say! or issue of the day. You can also log onto our dedicated website and express your opinion...

Going viral

e live in a world in which our in a paper handkerchief and disposing of it responses to all manner of things immediately. Sensible advice. are driven by the Internet. Within a W Beyond that there really is little that we can do, split second an incident, an outbreak of illness, other than follow the advice of the authorities, a natural disaster or a new conflict can be observe the lockdown, and not let ourselves be pinged into every home via the worldwide web. consumed by anxiety. The Coronavirus outbreak is one such example. Every new outbreak, virtually anywhere in the Silly panic buying must stop world is international news in a split second. The spate of panic buying of basic, store There are of course clear positives to an cupboard foodstu s and toilet rolls that has instant information network, but there are also aicted supermarkets on the Island and negatives. beyond, reflects the kind of paranoia that has Without in any way underplaying the grave been sweeping the land in the face of the seriousness of the current Covid 19 epidemic, current Coronavirus pandemic. there is little doubt that the constant flood of As is so often the case, common sense and startling headlines, supported by miles and a sense of proportion go out of the window miles of text online can cause serious levels of when the herd instinct kicks in. To stockpile anxiety among the public. toilet rolls, pasta and the like is as selfish as it is Worst-case scenarios suggest around six silly. It’s the kind of ‘I’m all right Jack’ mentality per cent of cases among the elderly, with that has permeated so many layers of society. underlying health problems, could be fatal. The The only reason there are shortages is majority of people will have moderate flu-like because silly people are stripping the shelves symptoms, from which they will fully recover of basic commodities. So, if you are seriously within a month. thinking of buying hundreds of toilet rolls, or The majority of people Covid 19 is a serious and pressing problem. We a year’s supply of dried pasta as part of your will have moderate flu-like weekly shop, please stop and think how can it seems lessen our chances of contracting symptoms, from which they it by staying away from large gatherings and ridiculous you look, and how selfish your applying good personal hygiene, ie washing actions are as part of the greater picture. will fully recover within our hands regularly for no less than twenty We must all play our part and do everything seconds, and if we have a cough or a cold we can to reduce infection and support our a month. making sure we catch coughs and sneezes healthcare professionals.

ADVERTISING EDITORIAL

Sales: Sarah Ashall Editor: Simon Richardson T: 01624 696556 T: 01624 696590 Business365iom E: [email protected] E: [email protected] The Business365 team is mainly working from home now because of the Coronavirus epidemic, but we will be keeping readers updated on news and information via Facebook. For most of us, working from home is a new and slightly surreal experience. I will be sharing my thoughts on it via a daily blog. A comprehensive round-up of the latest business news covering all sectors within the Isle of Man’s diverse and dynamic business environment.

£100M EMERGENCY PACKAGE TO SAVE JOBS AND BUSINESSES

A £100m package of measures to protect businesses, and save jobs during the coronavirus crisis, has been announced by Treasury Minister, Alf Cannan.

usinesses have been o ered up to £280 per week for each full For people who are struck by the Coronavirus and are unable to work, or are time equivalent sta member for a period of up to 12 weeks. The made redundant, a new benefi t of £200 will be available from the 6th of April. scheme, which is much less than that being o ered in the UK B The potential cost of the proposed measures could cost government up represents 75% of the living wage. to £300 million over three months and up to £600m if extended over six IT, fi nancial services and e-gaming businesses will not be part of the months. scheme, they are considered by government to be a ected to a much Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the raft of measures lesser degree by the crisis. For qualifying businesses the funding will be announced by the Treasury Minister. backdated to include the March payroll. Caren Pegg, President, Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’re In a further measure announced by Mr Cannan, companies can choose to pleased that the Government has listened to the concerns of our members defer VAT payments between now and June without incurring any interest which we presented as part of Government’s dialogue with the business or penalties. community. We welcome the support that has been announced, in particular A new loan guarantee scheme has been negotiated with the Islands the payments to cover some of the costs of employees’ salaries and banks under the terms of which the government will e ectively underwrite other measures to help cash fl ow, which will provide reassurance to many 80% of new lending to businesses to help them maintain cashfl ow. businesses. By supporting our business community, Government has acted Responding to calls from the self-employed and businesses with only in the best short-term and long term interests of the Isle of Man economy.” one employee, the Minister said the grant scheme £3,000 payments to Chamber CEO Rebecca George added: “Of course, there will be more specifi c businesses, would be extended to include them. challenges ahead and our members will still have concerns in the coming A £5m special fund is being set up to help businesses such as those in weeks and months which we will work with them to address – but the the visitor accommodation sector that cannot trade during the current support packages announced today are a good start. We will continue our crisis. dialogue with Chamber members and Government.” STEAM PACKET COMPANY TO MAINTAIN LIFELINE SERVICES he Isle of Man Steam Packet Company residents, said Steam Packet Chief Executive write to the Company. Applications for a refund wishes to reassure the public it will do it Mark Woodward. will be processed in travel date order. all can to maintain its schedules to ensure T ‘We would ask for patience as we work through Online account holders travelling in March and goods and other vital supplies are delivered to this period of extremely high demand as we April may cancel their bookings online and the Island. anticipate there will be a large number of receive a full refund. Until further notice, the Company intends to requests to be dealt with by our sta .’ The Company is continuing to take follow its published timetable, subject only to precautionary measures and is following For those a ected, the Company is o ering some potential changes over the TT period public health guidelines to prevent the spread increased fl exibility. to refl ect demand as a result of the event’s of the Coronavirus on both its vessels and at cancellation. Information on any changes will be Amendment fees have now been waived its ports. published once the level of cancellations and until 30th April to allow passengers to book Meanwhile, the timetable for fast craft Manannan, residual demand has been confi rmed. alternative services. Registered customers may be revised now that TT cancellations have It has also outlined advice for passengers can amend bookings online at been confi rmed. www.steam-packet.com a ected by the government’s self-isolation Refunds for third party services such as hotels measures. Those who originally chose to book a non- should be addressed to that Company and will ‘It is our aim to continue to deliver all essential refundable special o er for travel but now wish also be subject to the terms and conditions of goods to the Island that are required by our to cancel and obtain a refund should e-mail or the third party.

| 5 AND IT'S EFFECT ON THE ISLAND

MANX UTILITIES PUT MEASURES IN PLACE Manx Utilities says it is prepared to face the problems caused by the Coronavirus, with robust plans in place. A raft of new precautionary measures to ensure the continued safety of customers and sta , and the delivery of essential services have been put in place. The measures include halting visits to premises for routine activities such as meter reading and meter changes. Normal processes surrounding the continuity of supply of electricity and water, sewerage collection will continue. Meanwhile the credit for pre-pay meters is increased from £6 to £30. Check out the Manx Utilities website for the latest information. Customers can also call 687675 during o ce hours or the 24 hour support number 687687 (emergencies only). MNH RESPONDS TO CRISIS WITH CLOSURES To support e orts to contain the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Manx National Heritage, the national heritage agency for the Isle of Man, has introduced wholesale site closures.

statement from the organisation said: “MNH has tried to We have postponed seasonal site (Castle Rushen, Rushen Abbey, Aoperate its services as normal in the current circumstances Old House of Keys, Old Grammar School, Nautical Museum, Grove but it is very clear that this pandemic is a major health emergency Museum, Laxey Wheel, Cregneash, Peel Castle) openings from 1st worldwide and the health of the Manx community has to be our ﬁ rst April 2020 initially until 1 June 2020 – but will review the situation priority. on a regular basis based on the risk to public health. We are following closely all the advice from the Isle of Man Rushen Abbey will no longer open to the public at weekends in Government Public Health team. We have also had feedback from March. the Department for Enterprise – our sponsoring department and we We have postponed or cancelled all our public programmes also participated in a review session at the Palace Hotel alongside many until 1st June 2020. colleagues from the tourism sector sharing their experiences. We are talking to our commercial tenants about the impact the We also now have a better understanding of how many MNH sta situation is having on their businesses. and visitors have underlying health issues or fall into the “vulnerable” We are working with our holiday accommodation and event category. We have also considered the challenges of maintaining providers to inform those impacted. Where possible bookings are high standards of cleaning and hygiene in our heritage sites and being deferred at no cost to later in the year. other premises. We are contacting o -island travel operators who have booked In the light of these various factors we have made some with us to inform them of the Government’s decisions. fundamental decisions to protect the public and our sta . We have cancelled educational workshops for schools where we Manx Museum and House of Manannan are closed to the general cannot guarantee enhanced levels of hygiene. public for the foreseeable future.

TT RACES AND SOUTHERN 100 RACES BOTH CANCELLED Organisers of the Southern 100 have abandoned plans to hold the races this year citing a lack of medical cover from the UK due to the ongoing prioritising of resources to cope with the coronavirus outbreak. The move follows an earlier decision by government to cancel this year’s TT. MANX MUSIC FESTIVAL AND PRIDE EVENT CANCELLED The Manx Music Festival (The Guild), has been called o by the organisers. Also the inaugural Isle of Pride Parade has been postponed until 2021.

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BZ0220.indd 1 13/01/2020 11:31 SHOWING STRENGTH IN DIFFICULT TIMES ZEDRA prides itself on its diverse, hardworking team of industry professionals; it is a team we’re proud of and we’d like to give you the opportunity to get to know us better! Joanna Bodell is Managing Director of our Isle of Man oce, joining us in October 2017, having worked in the industry for over 25 years.

o started her career as a Personal Assistant Her hard work and determination paid o , and many corporations – both large and small aged 19, having taken a two-year course Jo passed all her professional qualifications the – shift to doing business in ways in which Jafter school. It was a defining role for her, first time, moving into a series of increasingly corporate responsibility is increasingly central because it exposed her to the Trust and Corporate senior client facing roles over several years. to operations. services sector. ‘I was very curious and working ‘Meeting people is an aspect of my career on the administrative side of the business really I’ve really enjoyed. I think it is important to THE CORPORATIONS STEPPING UP IN piqued my interest in the industry and I was very build meaningful relationships. The industry CHALLENGING TIMES motivated to learn more about it,’ she explains ‘in is personal and likewise very human, and I LVMH announced that its perfume factories in one sense I fell into the sector because of my first think clients are really looking for a person that France would switch to producing hand sanitizer job, but I was incredibly lucky to do so because represents a firm they trust to do business with. for French hospitals at no cost. In Switzerland, I saw an opportunity to pursue work that really I work with clients who are looking to set things Firmenich (a family-run perfume and flavour interested me. It pushed me to study further in in stone for their families’ future – for example, company) committed to donating 20 tonnes of order that I could move into di erent areas of the they might want the comfort of knowing that sanitising solution to one of Geneva’s leading business – I really wanted to grow myself.’ their legacy is taken care of so that they don’t hospitals. Jack Ma’s Foundation has also announced unprecedented support to Africa and the USA with donations of testing kits and There is a genuine team spirit within face masks amid chronic shortages. Not just limited to physical goods, corporations the company and focussing on clients’ best have also looked to provide additional support to the most vulnerable in their workforce. interests is a priority throughout. Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Twitter and Amazon have all committed to paying hourly workers regular wages even if they can’t come Jo holds the STEP Diploma in International have to worry about it: I really value being part to work. The move means janitors, canteen sta Trust Management as well as the Company of building that trust with clients with the aim of and security teams will continue to receive pa, Administration Diploma from the Institute of o ering a service that ultimately provides peace even if they are at home sick or can’t work as a Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. of mind.’ result of oce shutdowns. She is also on the board of the Association of Jo has worked with the Isle of Man Financial Corporate Service Providers locally. In between Rather than being a ploy to attract good Trust and Equiom Group. Most recently she studying Jo fell pregnant with her son, and after publicity, this new approach to decision making held the role of Managing Director at The Law is driven by the desire for corporations to do her maternity leave, she went back to work full Trust. ‘I’ve enjoyed all my roles, but when I was something positive and tangible in challenging time. Shortly after she was o ered a role at o ered the chance to work with ZEDRA I was times. Jordans. ‘It was challenging to balance studying won over by the opportunity to be back in a with having a young child at home, but I was at ZEDRA is a global company based in 14 role that meant I could have more interaction a point in my career where I was progressing di erent countries across the world and despite with clients and o ered the prospects of a and I really wanted to maintain momentum, uncertain times it’s still business as usual, for global organisation. ZEDRA’s culture was so I was very motivated to push myself and our clients. When asked how ZEDRA’s team also a real pull, there is a genuine team spirit make it work. I was really lucky to have such showing strength in the current circumstances, within the company and focussing on clients’ a supportive family who could help me with Joanna replied the commitment of the team best interests is a priority throughout. It’s been childcare and employers who were willing to be to continue to service clients throughout this central to me to work hard – both for myself flexible when I needed to be with my son.’ dicult time has been amazing. Everyone and to set an example for my family, but also has pulled together to support the business Jo goes on to talk about what she sees as enjoy life – I think that goes for everyone!’’ and each other, demonstrating real team one of the Isle of Man’s strengths, ‘I think the The last few weeks have seen extensive spirit. Communication is key to keeping clients island is a great place for working mothers turmoil as the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak and sta happy and engaged, and never and employers are very understanding of the sweeps across the world. While much of the more so than at times like this. Being able to challenges that being a working mum can bring o er all sta , both locally and across the wider news paints a grim picture, positive stories are – it means that there is a lot of flexibility which in Zedra Group, the ability to work from home also starting to emerge. turn helps women to balance things if they want has proved invaluable in ensuring these lines to work. The island community really lends itself In many cases, companies have stepped of communication remain open. We are still to this and recognises if there wasn’t flexibility forward to provide front line support to working as one team and I couldn’t be prouder for working mums, then they’d be losing a huge communities and workforces that are a ected of the way everyone is dealing with these talent group.’ by the ongoing challenges. Today, we see unprecedented circumstances.

8 |

Douglas Borough Council is to progress its new £12.6 million COUNCIL TO PROGRESS social housing development in Douglas town centre. NEW £12.6 MILLION SOCIAL he project, which will be delivered by the council in partnership with the TDepartment of Infrastructure and the HOUSING DEVELOPMENT developer, Dandara, will see 66 apartments built on the site of the former Athol Garage on Peel Road. This is set to be a ﬂ agship development Council leader David Christian said: ‘The which, in partnership with government, means council has worked long and hard to reach The apartments, a mix of one and two- the council will be able to provide a ordable this stage on this landmark £12.6 million bedroom units, have been designed to good quality social housing in the heart of the scheme. provide high standards of energy and thermal capital. e ciency and will o er accessible recycling ‘This project illustrates the pivotal role played provision, secure cycle storage and some ‘The scheme will also unlock opportunities by the council in discussions with government o -street vehicle parking. for redeveloping parts of Lower Douglas. To over the area plan for the east. In this the this end we will be reviewing and responding council has always argued that developing The development provides level access, to the housing needs of our tenants in the brownﬁ eld sites in the town centre must individual door entry phone security systems area, with whom our housing o cers will take priority, as it will strengthen the vitality, and all apartments will have electric heating be communicating and consulting over the vibrancy, sense of community and long-term as the council moves away from fossil fuel coming months. economic resilience of the capital. power. ‘This is a development that’s about civic ‘Importantly, the Peel Road development The scheme is expected to be completed by pride, working in partnership and listening will sit at a major gateway into Douglas. It 2022. and responding to residents’ needs. And symbolises the council’s support of and Housing committee chairman Claire Wells it demonstrates the council’s 100 per cent investment in the regeneration of the said: ‘I’m delighted that we are advancing this commitment to delivering for its tenants…and town and its ambition to accelerate the much-needed and long awaited. scheme. for Douglas.’ redevelopment of Lower Douglas.’

SENTIENT INTERNATIONAL GRANTED MALTA LICENSE Sentient International, a privately owned group of independent corporate and trust service providers, have announced their Maltese operation has been granted its Corporate Services license by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

Sentient International Limited can now o er provide more opportunities and ﬂ exibility for our corporate services under the Company Services global client base. Providers Act, 2013, expanding their o ering “As a group, we continue to focus on providing in Malta to complement and mirror that of their the necessary platforms to develop the business other o ces in the Isle of Man and Hong Kong. across global markets and believe that having The new license forms part of the group’s our license in Malta will play a fundamental role in ongoing strategy to grow and expand the being able to achieve this. business as well as its service propositions. Over “Malta continues to grow in popularity and the last 18 months, Sentient International has gone is recognised by many as a proactive, well- from strength to strength - from a full management regulated and business friendly jurisdiction - we buyout, complete re-brand, the establishment of are excited to see this part of the business grow two new o ces (Malta and Hong Kong) and the and prosper over the coming months.” granting of two additional licenses, the business “There is much more to come from Sentient has come a long way since its inception in 1985. International. It remains an exciting time for us Group Managing Director, Paul Murtagh, said: with various projects in the pipeline, some near “This is yet another integral step forward in completion - we cannot wait to share news of our wider growth plans and will without doubt these very soon.”

10 |

possible you could end up with less than you originally invested. originally you than less with up end could you possible

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For more information about how you can start investing responsibily, contact us on 640350 or email [email protected] and see the world from our point of view. 10-12 Prospect Hill, Douglas The basic gist of the UK law is this: if you operate a public sector digital service (website or app) and don’t make it accessible to a certain level, you could be in breach of the regulations, which ‘FOR YOUR EYES ONLY’ came into eect in September 2018. Commercial organisations are strongly encouraged to adhere to the guidelines too. OR FOR EVERYONE? In the Isle of Man, the recent Equality Act 2017 also makes reference to the availability of information and public services without discrimination against those with protected HOW WE CAN MAKE THE WEB INCLUSIVE characteristics.

As a business that specialises in designing and building digital solutions, including websites, we frequently encounter clients requesting features, content and colour combinations that might not be accessible. This sometimes requires careful discussion and explanation as there can be a conﬂict between what a client wants and what could constitute discrimination for certain users.

BY JIM RAWSON DESIGN MANAGER, PDMS Did you know for example that animations with autoplay can be extremely irritating for users with autism or ADHD? Or that long lines of justified text are practically impossible for dyslexics to read? improvement of information and digital services – and in fact that’s the approach currently being taken and advocated by gov. I was a bit disappointed to hear that the release of The digital world has adjustments that need to be made too – A common assumption is that by making a website or app uk, the UK government’s digital team. ‘No Time to Die’ has been delayed until November but unless you happen to be a web developer with a specific conform to the guidelines, the accessibility ‘box’ has been interest in the subject, or you are someone with a disability as I have to confess: I’m a bit of a Bond fan. ticked. While working to the guidelines is definitely a good From a human-centred perspective, considering – and involving who frequently uses computers, smartphones or tablets, you approach, it’s not a foolproof one. - all users is actually a really good thing to do, regardless of probably won’t know what those adjustments are. One of my favourite ingredients in a Bond movie is the what the law says. ‘Agile’ development processes support this appearance of ‘Q’, MI5’s fictional head of Research and Research reveals many users living with disabilities and medical really well as personas and user stories allow for individuals And one person’s idea of ‘accessible’ is often completely Development. conditions which have not been specifically considered in the and groups needs to be considered, and this brings all sorts of dierent to the next person’s - depending on their particular guidelines. Add in the constantly evolving technology landscape benefits and quality improvements for everyone, not just people condition, which makes the job of meeting everybody’s needs It’s a bit sad really, but I can’t help feeling (probably a little bit too) and the only viable answer seems to be to involve real users with disabilities. trickier than you might think. excited about the arsenal of sexy and preferably deadly tech to with real and varied disabilities in the long-term testing and be unveiled in Q’s lab and handed over to Bond to run o and Search engine optimisation (SEO) also usually benefits as The process starts with consideration and empathy for people play with on his next episode of saving the world in a tuxedo. websites with very accessible HTML (the language web pages using technology with a very wide-ranging scope of disabilities are written in) tend to be better ranked by Google. and conditions: I’d like to say working in IT is just like that… I’d like to say we spend all day dreaming up miniaturised spycams, playing fetch Customer satisfaction is often improved when websites are Have audio captions been provided for a video so that deaf with AI robot dogs and test-firing fountain pens that turn into accessible as consideration has been given to all sectors of users can follow? grappling hooks… but I don’t need to sit a cold war polygraph society: content should be easier to read and understand for test for you to know that I’d be lying if I said that! all abilities and backgrounds, and interactive elements such as How do you write guidance notes on a technical subject that tools and forms should be easier and quicker to complete, and a person with a cognitive disability or a low reading age can In truth, web accessibility (the real subject of this article) is reversable. understand? probably one of the least sexy areas of technology. It is also in my opinion one of the most meaningful and, unlike 007’s Users who can’t use a mouse need to be able to On a less positive note, developing technology services and Design a booking form that a user can easily complete using gadgets, has long-term purpose and value. Not to mention that products with a very high level of accessibility can sometimes be only a keyboard, given that they have Parkinsons and their access and interact with websites using only a its practitioners don’t have to actually risk life and limb to save more expensive due to increased planning, developing against hands are shaking uncontrollably keyboard the world from the bad guys! certain standards, testing and being prepared to periodically re-test. If a user with poor eyesight zooms their browser to 500%, Below: How an iPhone switch may appear So what is it? can they still read everything? to someone with total colour blindness But web accessibility these days is not really a choice. It’s an (Achromatopsia) Most people have an idea of what accessibility means in relation essential - and very human - aspect of technology. With this perspective in mind, the World Wide Web Consortium to our physical environment – it just means making things (W3C) published the first set of guidelines for web developers as available to everyone. Wheelchair ramps, induction hearing loops We may not be saving the world: I’m happy to leave that to Bond long ago as 1999. The most recent version of those guidelines or the availability of information in braille are all familiar examples and Q. But we should be making the web a better place for all - I (the snappily named Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1) of accessibility adjustments in the real world. can live (and let die?) with that. has now been incorporated in comparable legislation in the USA, European and United Kingdom. 12 | The basic gist of the UK law is this: if you operate a public sector digital service (website or app) and don’t make it accessible to a certain level, you could be in breach of the regulations, which ‘FOR YOUR EYES ONLY’ came into eect in September 2018. Commercial organisations are strongly encouraged to adhere to the guidelines too. OR FOR EVERYONE? In the Isle of Man, the recent Equality Act 2017 also makes reference to the availability of information and public services without discrimination against those with protected HOW WE CAN MAKE THE WEB INCLUSIVE characteristics.

BY JIM RAWSON DESIGN MANAGER, PDMS Did you know for example that animations with autoplay can be extremely irritating for users with autism or ADHD? Or that long lines of justified text are practically impossible for dyslexics to read? improvement of information and digital services – and in fact that’s the approach currently being taken and advocated by gov. I was a bit disappointed to hear that the release of The digital world has adjustments that need to be made too – A common assumption is that by making a website or app uk, the UK government’s digital team. ‘No Time to Die’ has been delayed until November but unless you happen to be a web developer with a specific conform to the guidelines, the accessibility ‘box’ has been interest in the subject, or you are someone with a disability as I have to confess: I’m a bit of a Bond fan. ticked. While working to the guidelines is definitely a good From a human-centred perspective, considering – and involving who frequently uses computers, smartphones or tablets, you approach, it’s not a foolproof one. - all users is actually a really good thing to do, regardless of probably won’t know what those adjustments are. One of my favourite ingredients in a Bond movie is the what the law says. ‘Agile’ development processes support this appearance of ‘Q’, MI5’s fictional head of Research and Research reveals many users living with disabilities and medical really well as personas and user stories allow for individuals And one person’s idea of ‘accessible’ is often completely Development. conditions which have not been specifically considered in the and groups needs to be considered, and this brings all sorts of dierent to the next person’s - depending on their particular guidelines. Add in the constantly evolving technology landscape benefits and quality improvements for everyone, not just people condition, which makes the job of meeting everybody’s needs It’s a bit sad really, but I can’t help feeling (probably a little bit too) and the only viable answer seems to be to involve real users with disabilities. trickier than you might think. excited about the arsenal of sexy and preferably deadly tech to with real and varied disabilities in the long-term testing and be unveiled in Q’s lab and handed over to Bond to run o and Search engine optimisation (SEO) also usually benefits as The process starts with consideration and empathy for people play with on his next episode of saving the world in a tuxedo. websites with very accessible HTML (the language web pages using technology with a very wide-ranging scope of disabilities are written in) tend to be better ranked by Google. and conditions: I’d like to say working in IT is just like that… I’d like to say we spend all day dreaming up miniaturised spycams, playing fetch Customer satisfaction is often improved when websites are Have audio captions been provided for a video so that deaf with AI robot dogs and test-firing fountain pens that turn into accessible as consideration has been given to all sectors of users can follow? grappling hooks… but I don’t need to sit a cold war polygraph society: content should be easier to read and understand for test for you to know that I’d be lying if I said that! all abilities and backgrounds, and interactive elements such as How do you write guidance notes on a technical subject that tools and forms should be easier and quicker to complete, and a person with a cognitive disability or a low reading age can In truth, web accessibility (the real subject of this article) is reversable. understand? probably one of the least sexy areas of technology. It is also in my opinion one of the most meaningful and, unlike 007’s Users who can’t use a mouse need to be able to On a less positive note, developing technology services and Design a booking form that a user can easily complete using gadgets, has long-term purpose and value. Not to mention that products with a very high level of accessibility can sometimes be only a keyboard, given that they have Parkinsons and their access and interact with websites using only a its practitioners don’t have to actually risk life and limb to save more expensive due to increased planning, developing against hands are shaking uncontrollably keyboard the world from the bad guys! certain standards, testing and being prepared to periodically re-test. If a user with poor eyesight zooms their browser to 500%, Below: How an iPhone switch may appear So what is it? can they still read everything? to someone with total colour blindness But web accessibility these days is not really a choice. It’s an (Achromatopsia) Most people have an idea of what accessibility means in relation essential - and very human - aspect of technology. With this perspective in mind, the World Wide Web Consortium to our physical environment – it just means making things (W3C) published the first set of guidelines for web developers as available to everyone. Wheelchair ramps, induction hearing loops We may not be saving the world: I’m happy to leave that to Bond long ago as 1999. The most recent version of those guidelines or the availability of information in braille are all familiar examples and Q. But we should be making the web a better place for all - I (the snappily named Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1) of accessibility adjustments in the real world. can live (and let die?) with that. has now been incorporated in comparable legislation in the USA, European and United Kingdom. | 13 Construction Isle of Man unveils new Board membership and advertises for CEO

Construction Isle of Man, a new industry representative body, has announced the formation of its non-executive board membership. Thirteen individuals, currently working within the construction sector have been appointed to provide strategic direction to the organisation.

he board is made up of representatives from a range of areas within the local construction sector and will Tmeet regularly to discuss trends and challenges faced within the industry and o er strategic input to the organisation. Brian Butler, from Bell Burton Associates, has been voted as Chair for an initial one year term. Gary Proctor from Excel Group will take on the role of Vice Chair, and Andrew Kelly from Brew & Corkill will act as Treasurer. With the sector experiencing growth and development, CONSTRUCTION ISLE OF MAN BOARD Construction Isle of Man will aim to formalise arrangements MEMBERS WITH VOTING RIGHTS in relation to health and safety and quality standards, skills Andrew Kelly (Brew & Corkill) development, introduce organised initiatives to further Brian Butler (Bell Burton Associates) promote and develop the sector, and become a single Corelli Bentham (UCM) point of contact for the public and industry. Derek Clarkson (CCJ Group) Brian Butler, said: ‘As a board we are excited, motivated, Gary Crittenden (SCS) Gary Proctor (Excel Group) willing and able to deliver the aims of Construction Isle Gordon Leach (Burroughs Stewart Associates) of Man. Construction inﬂ uences every aspect of the John McCarrick (JTM Architecture) environment we learn, work and live in. We have big Les Nicol (NK Construction) ambitions and are looking forward to promoting, improving Martin White (Dandara) and developing the sector. Matthew Quayle (Haven Homes) ‘We are in no doubt that this will not be an easy task but Michael Lee (Enviro Air Ltd.) believe that we have the right people in place from across Stephen Smyth (Island Aggregates) the industry to be instrumental in building a sustainable, dynamic, safe and opportunity-focused industry for the CONSTRUCTION ISLE OF MAN BOARD OBSERVERS WITH NO VOTING RIGHTS future.’ Tim Cowsill (Business Isle of Man, Department The Isle of Man Construction Federation is now recruiting for Enterprise) for a Chief Executive O cer on a three year term, whose Tbc (Department of Infrastructure) primary responsibility will be to manage the operations and resources of Construction Isle of Man, develop a sector strategy to move the Island’s Construction Sector forward, and act as a main point of contact to the board. The successful applicant will be highly experienced in the construction industry, motivated to make a positive di erence, and have excellent communication and management skills.

RBS INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL RESULTS 2019 n In 2019 RBS International generated a pre-tax operating profi t of £344m from £610m of income. n Customer Lending grew signifi cantly in 2019. RBS International now lends over £14bn to customers, £800m more than at this time last year with growth in both Institutional and Local Banking. n RBS International saw total operating expenses increase by £4m in 2019 to £264m, with the rise due in part to a local investment programme. Andrew McLaughlin, CEO, RBS International said: “Our results for 2019 refl ect our strategic intent to innovate to meet customer needs. This has resulted in high volumes of customer activity, which has in turn enabled RBSI to deliver year on year growth in our income and operating profi t. Our lending has increased by over £800m vs 2018 with high growth in Institutional and Local Banking. RBSI is a deposit-led business and this increase in lending has been funded by a £1.1bn increase in term and notice deposits compared with 2018. It’s great to see that more customers trust us as their provider and I look forward to seeing this grow in 2020.”

14 | plan.com WINS BIG AT THE 2020 SUNDAY TIMES TOP 100 AWARDS Business communications provider, plan.com has been named in The Sunday Times Best Small Companies to Work For List for the third year running.

he company has placed 5th on the list, receiving the optimal 3-star accreditation in the process. plan.com CEO, Dan Craddock, was Talso celebrated as Business Leader of the Year at the prestigious awards ceremony on the 19th February in London, where the news was announced. The annual list recognises the UK’s most attractive and e ective employers, judging them on many factors, including workplace engagement, sta wellbeing, perks, company culture and values. plan.com takes its place on the list once again after another successful 12 months, underpinned by strong growth and performance. Now employing over 100 employees, the business’s commitment to creating a highly engaged workplace has attracted the very best talent across technology, sales and marketing, ﬁ nance and customer services to its Douglas based o ces. Nicola Patterson, Director of People Operations at plan.com, commented: “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised once again as one of the nation’s best employers, and of Dan for his well deserved recognition. His commitment to plan.com is only surpassed by his dedication and loyalty to Nicola added: “We know that keeping our people healthy, productive and, our team. He is an inspiration to us all and we would not be where we are above all, happy, is – and will continue to be – key to our success. We’ve today without his determination, leadership and incredible vision.” recognised that from the very beginning and will always put the wellbeing of our people above everything else.” plan.com prides itself on its work hard, play hard culture, o ering varied, fun and engaging wellbeing activities for all its employees. From once in a 2020 is set to be another year of exciting growth and development lifetime trips and events through its online social portal, play.plan, to training for plan.com, who are always looking for exceptional people to join and career development opportunities as part of the UK’s fastest growing the team. Visit plan.com/careers or email [email protected] for the latest tech company. opportunities.

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| 15

Expert comment from leading ﬁ gures within the business community, on a variety of topical issues across a range of sectors.

MEN ARE TWICE AS LIKELY TO BECOME ENTREPRENEURS THAN WOMEN Despite the strides that have been made towards workplace equality in recent years, women in businesses are still feeling largely under-represented and underpaid.

esearch by Instant O ces shows one in ﬁ ve (20%) women in today’s workplace Rbelieve they are paid less than their male peers at a similar level of seniority. At the same time, men are almost twice as likely to become entrepreneurs as women are. With the aim to support women-owned businesses and women in senior positions, Instant O ces have gathered data that highlight on what the gender disparity looks like in today’s society.

Gender Discrepancies in the Entrepreneurial Space According to MIWE, the number of British female entrepreneurs is still surprisingly low, with just 5.4 women entrepreneurs for every 11.1 men. The UK is lagging behind several European high-income economies including Italy, France, Denmark and Germany. UK women also only account for 27.9% of all business owners in the UK market. Furthermore, an Alison Rose Review study on The largest gender discrepancy relates to Closing the Gender Gap in Entrepreneurship family and caring responsibilities, which was female entrepreneurship recently revealed Lucinda Pullinger, Global Head of HR and Talent also identifi ed as a barrier by twice as many some key statistics about male and female at Instant O ces commented: “The modern women as men. entrepreneurship in the UK today: workplace is seeing a major shift towards The number one barrier holding most women The report shows that women are more likely greater fl exibility, with remote and agile working back from starting their own business is access to to doubt their own skills and their ability to becoming commonplace. An increasing number funding. In fact, almost twice as many women as get funding than their male counterparts of companies are also looking to initiatives that men cited it as their main reason for not starting a are. Meanwhile, the pressure to balance the include men to help move the dial, such as business, showing a signifi cant gender gap. responsibilities of work and family is still much shared parental leave. This allows more women greater for women than it is for men. to balance their work and family responsibilities more e ectively. There are many more ways to Research shows that female-owned pave the path to greater gender parity among The number one businesses are also less likely to scale entrepreneurs.” barrier holding most women successfully than male-owned businesses. Again, women report greater di culty with Some useful ways to contribute closing the gap back from starting their own obtaining funding and balancing caring include: responsibilities. business is access • Increase funding directed at female 46% of female entrepreneurs did not seek entrepreneurs; to funding. fi nancing like scale loans because they • Provide greater family support with family- expected issues with the process and 40% Women are 81% less likely to be confi dent that friendly workspaces and onsite childcare said they expected to be turned down. As a they can access the necessary start-up funds facilities; and tend to estimate that they need 40% less result, only around 10% of the UK’s female- • Improve women’s access to professional funding to get going, meaning they start out led businesses are successfully scaling up to networks and mentors; with an average of 53% less capital than men £1 million turnover or more, while more than do. This puts them at a signifi cant competitive double (21%) of male-owned businesses are • Provide more opportunities for entrepreneur- disadvantage. reaching this goal. focused courses at school and college.

18 | INVESTOR’S DIARY EVIDENCE OF HEADLESS CHICKENISM! Considering the time (around 8pm Thursday), Tesco’s aisles appeared unusually busy, even to my untrained eye, as people jostled to secure more goods than they may do ordinarily, even if they were doing a ‘big shop’. We didn’t fall into that category, having just popped in on our way home to collect a few bits and pieces.

ut of curiosity, I had to look and having negotiated my trolley to Vodafone, Centrica and Royal Mail, for instance, each of which cut their the appropriate aisle, sure enough, Tesco’s shelves had been dividends last year. emptied of toilet roll and hand sanitiser. I almost understood the O One simple calculation has proved reliable in identifying companies that latter – though why not use soap and water instead? As for the former, might be at risk of chopping their dividend payout. To establish what is I simply don’t get it; there has been absolutely no indication that paper known as ‘dividend cover’, divide the company’s earnings per share by its supplies will dry up anytime soon, but once panic buying takes a grip, dividend per share; if the result is above two, it’s reasonable to assume the the phenomenon does tend to bring out the headless chicken in folks. dividend is safe. If the fi gure is below one, alarm bells should start ringing Further evidence of headless chickenism could be found elsewhere in as it means the company is not making enough money to cover the full Tesco: there was no porridge or rice left on the shelves, two of the items cost of its proposed dividend. Instead, it must use either cash reserves, we needed, because again, panic buying had resulted in shoppers sell assets or borrow to maintain the dividend, an unsustainable business stripping the shelves bare of both. strategy, which, almost always results in the payout being chopped. Noting how busy the store was for the time of day, my wife suggested Of course, many projected dividend returns have soared as share prices that if all supermarkets were like this, it might be worth investing in Tesco have bombed. In early March, for instance, the yield on Royal Dutch Shell or Sainsbury’s as their profi ts appear likely to soar. shares went above 9% as the company’s shares lost almost one fi fth of their value in a single day, the worst fall, in percentage terms, in the It’s a good point. As almost all share prices have been on the receiving company’s history. end of a pummelling recently, braver investors have taken advantage and gone bargain hunting, buying into companies which, despite Normally resilient, so-called defensive companies, have seen their share whipsawing markets, continue to appear fundamentally attractive, rather prices hit to such a degree that their projected dividend yields are in than simply cheap. double fi gures. High-yielding shares have also started looking incredibly attractive to As I write, the yield on tobacco company Imperial Brands’ shares is 12.5%. savers and investors who have grown used to negligible cash returns Cigarette manufacturers are considered classic defensive stocks because and which, following a further reduction in interest rates, are likely to product demand remains relatively constant irrespective of global crises. get worse. As I write, the projected average dividend return on six high This would suggest that the spike in Imperial Brands’ projected dividend is profi le FTSE 100 companies is an astonishing 8.88%. attributable to market volatility as shares in good and bad companies have been hammered with equal venom. Book-ended by BT’s hefty 11.7% and Carnival’s chunky 8.0%, the other four (Shell, BP, WPP and HSBC) are each scheduled to o er However tempting their dividend may appear, there are several companies shareholders returns which are at least 35 times higher than they would likely to remain out of favour for the foreseeable future, none more so receive from a high street bank. Tempted? than cruise company Carnival, currently exposed to a potentially severe downturn in bookings following the coronavirus outbreak. The company’s Caveat Emptor is one useful warning to heed, but if you need something shares have been shredded and while its projected dividend is 8%, more specifi c, it’s worth starting by considering a company’s recent investors continue to give the stock a body swerve. trading record. It sounds obvious, but if a company has regularly reported increasing profi ts and dividends to match, it may o er Tesco? Its share price has come under some pressure since the end of considerably less risk than other businesses. Nevertheless, the stock February, but its projected payout of 5.77p (2.9%) enjoys dividend cover in market is littered with organisations which appeared rock solid only for excess of two, making it appear a more reliable proposition than several of them to announce unexpected dividend cuts – think Marks & Spencer, its FTSE peers.

| 19 A NEW WAY TO SETTLE LARGE INJURY CLAIMS Advocate John Aycock of M&P Legal explains how a recent law change and subsequent Manx High Court ruling have paved the way for large compensation awards to be paid periodically rather than by lump sum.

new method of compensating large injury award has to factor in life expectancy so that the claims has recently been approved by appropriate multiplier can be applied to calculate a A the Isle of Man High Court. It involves the fair and reasonable lump sum. court ordering a series of periodical payments Periodical payments, however, simply continue paid on regular dates to satisfy part of the for the rest of the claimant’s life and end when claimant’s loss claim. Such payments provide the the claimant dies. This provides claimants with claimant’s future compensation as the need arises a defi ned series of regular tax free payments as opposed to a lump sum, which makes a one guaranteed for life, thus o ering a high degree of o assessment and pays a capitalised value to the fi nancial security. The periodical payments are claimant. Periodical payments for future loss can infl ation proofed by reference to an appropriate be combined with a lump sum to cover the past index. Because the periodical payments known loss. normally relate to future care and management Periodical payments have been routinely used of an injured claimant, the English Courts have for large injury claims in England and Wales for adopted an index known as ASHE 6115 (Annual decades. The enabling law change in the Isle of Survey of Hours and Earnings) which is an annual Man has however only recently been enacted. document produced by the O ce for National Firstly, the High Court Act 1991 was amended by a Statistics reviewing earnings for care workers 2017 order to add a new section 36A compelling in the UK. Around October annually, ASHE is n BY JOHN AYCOCK, the High Court to consider making a Periodical provisionally adjusted followed by subsequent Head of Litigation, M&P Legal Payment Order in certain circumstances. Thus, corrections. A Periodical Payment Order deploys when awarding damages for future pecuniary a reasonably complex series of calculations based Advocate John T Aycock is head of litigation loss for personal injury the High Court must now on the annual ASHE fi gures and has contingency at M&P Legal with substantial medical law consider whether to make an order of periodical provisions for the corrections and adjustments that experience including a recent periodical payments. Other aspects of a personal injury claim may follow after the provisional autumn fi gures are payment case approved by the court. can also be dealt with by periodical payments if the released. Thus it is usually the case that a court parties consent. The primary purpose of periodical ordered annual periodical payment will be made payments is to deal with the future care and case in or around December once the ASHE October management of a complex injury. fi gures have been released and sometimes adjusted. Secondly, the most recent law change that took place in the Isle of Man which cleared the way for Catastrophic injury claims in the Isle of Man are periodical payments to be ordered by the court thankfully rare. When they do happen, however, was a Temporary Taxation Order made in January staged payments to deal with future losses 2019 which clarifi ed that those in receipt of make a great deal of sense. They do mean that periodical payments for personal injury damages there is an ongoing obligation on the part of the will be exempt from income tax. That Temporary compensator to deal with the annual increment. The primary Taxation Order is currently being enshrined into In addition, the courts can only make this type a formal Bill that will pass through Tynwald and of award if the court is satisfi ed as to the future purpose of amend the income tax legislation. fi nancial security of such deferred payment. Quite often the compensator involved might be a state Thus in a catastrophic injury case which has left a or a large insurance institution. periodical claimant severely disabled, for example, periodical payments will very often be the appropriate Periodical payments have not received universal payments is manner in which to deal with the future funding acclaim in England. Insurers sometimes prefer of ongoing care to the claimant. One of the key to deal with compensation claims once and for to deal with attractions of a Periodical Payment Order is that it all and therefore might argue for a lump sum takes the guesswork out of life expectancy. In a payment and the fi nality that brings. Each case the future lump sum settlement, life expectancy of an injured needs to be examined on its merits and the court claimant will be the subject of expert opinion will closely examine the particular circumstances care and case evidence. It is quite conceivable that such experts of a case to assess whether periodical payments may reasonably di er in their opinion. As the for future care and case management are the management court has stated in England, actual life expectancy most appropriate way forward. A recent approval is “unknowable” and an expert’s projection of of a substantial periodical payment has shown that of a complex life expectancy is very likely going to be either the Manx Court is able and willing to undertake too short or too long. Nonetheless calculation this exercise and the complex paperwork injury. and capitalisation of a lump sum compensation underpinning such an order is now in place.

20 | OUR CLIENTS THINK AT A SPEED VERY SIMILAR TO OUR OWN. FAST.

Most successful people are quick thinkers, it’s a mindset we share. They want to achieve success not only through the money they have in the bank, but by their enthusiasm for living and working on their terms. Amen to that. If you like this approach, maybe we should talk.

Jon Wagstaffe Email: [email protected] Call: +44 (0)1624 855120

Minimum eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. Investec Bank (Channel Islands) Limited is registered under company number 5845 and is licensed and regulated in Guernsey by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission for banking and investment business. Registered Address: Glategny Court, Glategny Esplanade, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1WR. The Jersey Branch of Investec Bank (Channel Islands) Limited is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission to carry on deposit taking business. The Isle of Man Representative Office is regulated by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. GENUINE LEADERS GET OUT AND SPEAK WITH THEIR PEOPLE ON A REGULAR BASIS I recently attended a meeting at the London o ces of a company with whom I’ve worked for several years. I get on well with the chief executive and he asked if I would get involved with a project being developed by a di erent department from the one with which I normally deal and, as it sounded very interesting, I agreed. BY PETER SHARKEY fortnight before the meeting, I was emailed what the project leader called A a ‘strategic staircase’, which looked remarkably similar to an internal business plan. Nevertheless, the uber-corporate description raised a wry smile, but a few days’ later, I received another email advising that at some point during the scheduled meeting we would be having an ‘ideas shower’, an innovative phrase (to me) which sounded very close to the ‘brainstorming’ original. The meeting went well, even though much of it was conducted in an often cryptic, corpo- language. I understand the current over- used favourite, ‘customer journey’, but when someone announced that “we’re working in silos here,” it was necessary to wait a couple of sentences to get what he was talking about. The brainstorming session (I was the only one who called it that) was prefaced by a chap – who was old enough to know better – who actually said “we’re going for a deep dive on this one”. place of business, especially as the talent Receiving “a fair deal”, in terms of pay and By any estimate, the completely unnecessary shortage has become more acute? associated benefi ts, remains a signifi cant factor use of management buzzwords added at least Some factors are obvious. for employees, which highlights the need for 15 minutes to the meeting, but also made it quite employers to supplement salary with bonuses It’s evident, for example, that the best companies fascinating. Do people talk like this when they’re and additional fi nancial rewards. are headed by approachable, inspirational at home, I wondered. “Honey, I’m home! Been leaders, not people who lock themselves in large Heading the list of supplementary benefi ts are working in a silo all day, so I’m going up the o ces guarded by an array of gatekeepers. pensions, especially for high-income workers. strategic staircase for a quick ideas shower.” Genuine leaders get out and speak with their While age, salary and length of service are I digress. people on a regular basis and are never afraid key factors a ecting individual employee engagement, it’s no surprise to discover that Twenty years ago, what started as a to adopt ideas and suggestions made by these people aged 45 and over are attracted by management buzz phrase eventually became folks, irrespective of their position within the generous pension provision. Traditionally, younger mainstream. The ‘war for talent’ was real, organisation. workers consider pensions less signifi cant, but a phrase which successfully described an It’s also important to create an environment in perhaps there’s an opportunity here for forward- increasingly competitive market for recruiting which employees can determine a feasible, thinking employers to reiterate to those aged and retaining skilled sta . achievable career path and work on projects under 45 the enormous longer-term benefi ts that The shortage of talent resulted in some where they feel challenged and which deliver accrue from having a pension, especially one to companies changing tack. Instead of employing scope for development. which the employer will contribute. traditional tactics to attract new people – by Sta are increasingly attracted to fi rms with a It follows that tailoring a company’s pension giving them more money, for example – social conscience and by what it does for the provision to suit prospective employees is just as innovative employers recognised the need to community and the environment. Similarly, sta important as the provision of wellbeing policies ‘go the extra mile’ (apologies) by engaging with wellbeing and creating an environment which and inspirational leadership to achieving victory their sta , old and new. enables employees to achieve an acceptable in the ‘war for talent’. Companies that recognise This isn’t some vague, new-fangled theory, but work/life balance has become enormously this are much more likely to reduce sta churn, the conclusion of a survey of almost 250,000 important. increase productivity and improve profi tability. employees currently working in more than Business leaders may ask where, if at all, does Whether they can successfully eradicate 750 companies and published last month in remuneration fi t in to the employee engagement unnecessary corporate-speak, however, is a the Sunday Times. The newspaper’s 12-page matrix? di erent matter. report, called The best companies to work for highlighted the importance of engaging To arrange an appointment with Moore Stephens Pensions to discuss your company's with personnel, noting that “organisations with pension provision or receive advice on how an attractive pension scheme can be engaged workforces experience improved created, please call: 01624 662020. productivity, less churn and more profi ts.” What company wouldn’t want to retain skilled sta , increase productivity and improve profi tability? But how do they go about engaging with existing and prospective personnel to show that what they’re o ering is superior to what is available at a competitor’s PO Box 25 | 26 - 28 Athol Street | Douglas | Isle of Man | British Isles | IM99 1BD; Tel: 01624 662020

22 | HOW TO CREATE A WORKPLACE CULTURE THAT MANAGES STRESS he past few years have seen many traditional taboos broken and Tdevelopments in the workplace have refl ected this, such as the introduction of shared paternity leave and the increasing conversation around the impact of the menopause at work. There has also been an undeniable increase in the awareness around mental health. Conventional thinking around the topic, which promoted a sti upper lip, now seems to be in the minority, and to many, it feels as though the environment has changed, and mental health issues can be addressed and discussed within organisations. Many companies now have designated ‘mental health fi rst-aiders’ and are more knowledgeable on mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. With this progress in mind, it may come as a surprise that, according to research by The University of Leicester commissioned by CABA, the wellbeing charity, when it comes to asking for help, 70% of the chartered or heightened anxiety. Early opportunities and interventions are actually having the accountants who responded admitted being to discuss mental health and wellbeing in desired e ect and reducing the experience of reluctant to do so. The same number also the workplace, especially if you’re already stress at work. believe that they should be more self-reliant concerned about an employee or team will Promotion of support strategies when dealing with issues. So, whilst the help you to create a culture that talks openly internal infrastructure to support employees about health issues. We know that early intervention is key is often in place, it’s surprising to see that It’s not just battling stress that can be when supporting employees who may be the mindset of personnel hasn’t adapted as enhanced by asking for help at work, but team experiencing di culties and that it helps them quickly and there is a reluctance to use their performance can also benefi t. Having an open to recover more quickly and stay at work. An services. Certainly, within the workplace, asking and clear dialogue will create a culture of trust open conversation is an ideal opportunity to for help can mean the di erence between among not just employees and their seniors, talk through the various support mechanisms success and failure, and therefore needs to be but also within teams. Companies that endorse your workplace promotes. This could include encouraged and demonstrated as an open line and cultivate networks that support mental counselling and occupational health services to of communication. health may also see positive changes in the fl exible working opportunities and information number of sick days, and a higher level of on any training courses you o er to increase productivity as their employees are less likely personal confi dence and skills-based It's not just battling to su er from built-up pressures and stresses, competency. It will also help you to reassure thanks to the ability to discuss their issues and employees that it’s OK to use these services stress that can be enhanced receive suitable support from the outset. and how e ective they can be. by asking for help at work, Solution-focused and collaborative approach Early intervention but team performance Employers and employees need a framework If you notice an employee whose performance can also benefi t. that promotes a solution-focused approach. is dropping and whom you might be This should provide opportunities to identify concerned about, it’s best to try to identify Considering that further research carried out by di culties stemming from workplace any workplace issues that may be driving CABA last year found that 4 in 10 employees factors and discuss ways of managing and di culties or exacerbating them. Even if an are close to breaking point at work, how do implementing reasonable, time-limited individual’s di culties are coming from other businesses and HR departments create these adjustments. These could be things such as: areas of their life, it’s appropriate to make healthy workplace cultures, where employees demands, control, support, relationship, role e ective, reasonable adjustments to reduce feel safe enough to ask for help? Here are a few and change. any unnecessary pressure on them at work. One thing is certain, situations often don’t steps designed to help adapt a more positive This framework enables individuals and resolve themselves in isolation and a proactive, company culture: teams to feel included and gives them a voice supportive approach may just avoid lengthier when considering e ective adjustments at Talk about mental health openly in the o ce periods of absence. work. More importantly, it’s not designed Lengthy or more frequent exposure to stressful to be a punitive process but provides a For more tips, tools and resources to help experiences may increase the likelihood space where all parties can move potentially you take care of your mental wellbeing and of an employee developing a common di cult circumstances forward. It also allows empower others to do the same, visit caba. mental health di culty such as depression employers to monitor whether adjustments org.uk/help-and-guides.

| 23 JUDGEMENTAL HEURISTICS ‘Volatile’ stock markets and the seemingly obvious cause of their volatility, however short-lived, invariably attract the attention of news organisations.

BY PETER SHARKEY we have a tendency to apply a memory, good fi rst time you measure it, it will be closer to or bad, to a current situation and believe the the average (mean) the next time you measure his is entirely understandable, as is the memory will repeat itself. Of course, so too do it. In other words, data ultimately evens itself propensity for these organisations to people in news organisations… out. Tover-simplify apparent causes in order What makes matters more worrying for This is important, says Dreman, because to deliver this ‘news’ to audiences as rapidly investors is when our normally useful shortcut, instead of being infl uenced by short-term as possible. In our crazy, internet age, speed, judgemental heuristics are combined with deviations from the mean (so-called market rather than considered analysis and accuracy, limited statistical ‘evidence’, we’re inclined to volatility), investors should remember that over is demanded by consumers. Allegedly. take what’s on o er hook, line and sinker. This, the long term, stock market performance has Only a few months ago, even the most says Dreman, makes us ‘intuitive statisticians’; been hugely impressive. According to Barclays’ insignifi cant drop in the pound’s value against he argues that instead of being gullible, latest Equity Gilt Study, £100 invested in shares the euro was hastily attributed to Brexit. The investors should make a point of understanding in 1899 would now be worth around £2.7m, vote to leave the EU, we were frequently the very simple statistical phenomenon of data which provides compelling evidence of told, would lead to an exodus of banks ‘regression to the mean’. equities’ outperformance over more than a century. from London; house prices would plummet; First noted by Sir Francis Galton more unemployment would soar, the nation would than a century ago, regression to the Yet many people continue to harbour heuristic run out of essential medicines – you get the mean states that if a variable is extreme the biases which, says Dreman, “results in a high picture. None of this has happened (quite the rate of investor error.” reverse is true), but Brexit became the single factor around which news organisations could – and did – stack elementary predictions of The more we mull over a course of impending Armageddon. action and identify with it, the less we Now we have the coronavirus, an outbreak which, in news organisations’ over-simplifi ed believe prior standards to be valid. terms, explains why stock markets are so volatile. We’re hard-wired to put too much emphasis on Brexit and the coronavirus have undoubtedly recent events; we make investment decisions been contributory factors in determining both without conducting comprehensive research; Sterling’s value against the euro (currently 6% we expect immediate returns on our investment higher than last summer) and recent stock and the more we mull over a course of action market volatility, but they’re far from being the and identify with it, the less we believe prior only ones. standards to be valid. Market activity, be it in currency or shares, is These cognitive biases a ect almost all infl uenced by myriad reasons. The factors investors and, as Dreman concludes, which explain whether individual investors, they’re “reinforced by the powerful fund managers, asset managers or sovereign infl uence of experts and peer wealth managers buy or sell stock, or groups”. The problem for investors is engage in foreign exchange trading might be compounded because the information similar, but they’re all di erent, a point worth or news we read in newspapers or remembering when you’re next watching the 10 watch on TV has invariably been o’clock news or contemplating an investment assembled hastily and is subject to opportunity. the cognitive biases of the people presenting it to us. It’s a point worth We accept the over-simplifi cation of news recalling when you next see the delivery primarily because we’re swamped with coronavirus identifi ed as the sole cause so much other information and can react only of stock market volatility. to a fraction of it. Scientists have shown that when overwhelmed with facts, humans select only a small part of them and, as the brain Ramsey Crookall o er investors access to a comprehensive range of ETFs. processes this information, we adopt shortcuts For more details, contact Ramsey Crookall on 01624 623884 or visit rather than fully consider the likelihood of a www.ramseycrookall.com. specifi c outcome. Psychologists call these processes judgemental heuristics, e ectively rules-of- thumb strategies for dealing with huge volumes of information. They normally work extremely well and save lots of time, but as David Dreman points out in Contrarian Investment Strategies, they also “lead to systematic mistakes in investment decisions.” He maintains that when investing, our shortcut strategies can be damaging because it’s human nature to draw analogies and see For details of Ramsey Crookall’s investment management services, contact their Douglas identical situations where none exist. In e ect, o ce on 01624 623884 or visit their website: www.ramseycrookall.com

24 | Working to meet the island’s needs

Being an independent bank has enabled Conister Bank to tailor its crisis contingency plans to meet the Isle of Man’s speciﬁc needs.

ouglas Grant, managing director of Conister Bank, said the business was able to come up with a bespoke plan to D deal with the threat created by the spread of Covid-19, so both the bank and its customers were best placed to face up to the challenges ahead ‘Most major corporations will have already drawn up or will be in the process of drawing up an action plan to deal with the developing situation with regard to Covid-19,’ he said. ‘But the nature of big business can mean that it takes a while for all the details to be addressed, especially at a local level. ‘That’s where an independent business can demonstrate the value of its close community links and local knowledge.’ Conister Bank started work on a contingency plan as soon as the potential seriousness of Covid-19 became apparent. It has plans in place not just to continue its own operation e ectively but to support local businesses in what looks set to be a huge economic shock across the world, albeit hopefully temporary. Douglas said this was good business sense. ‘Keeping the economy strong – and helping small businesses to withstand the storm will assist with that – is important for all businesses.’ It was a similar situation when the prospect of a no-deal Brexit was looming large, said Douglas. Conister Bank drew up a tailor-made plan to deal with its potential impact on the Isle of Man and to support the bank’s clients. Douglas said: ‘World events have dominated the economic landscape at the moment and the full impact on smaller organisations is hard to measure. By listening to the needs of the community you By listening to the needs of the serve, you can help the economy to deal with whatever is thrown community you serve, you can help at it.’ the economy to deal with Crisis planning was just one area where an independent organisation could be better placed than a global corporation, said Douglas, but whatever is thrown at it. there were many others. Douglas Grant, Manager Director, Conister Bank For instance, Conister Bank has also introduced products to help combat any uneven spread of liquidity available to smaller He added: ‘Whether it be contingency plans for major events such as organisations. Brexit or the Covid-19 outbreak, or more localised issues, the important This includes the launch of a number of notice accounts, speciﬁcally point to this is that a bank which has its base and focus in the Isle of aimed at both businesses and individuals who, said Douglas, had Man can often ﬁnd itself in a better position to support other businesses su ered a lack of yield since 2008. and individuals in the community.’

Call Conister on 694 694 • www.conisterbank.co.im

| 25 Applications for Personal Guarantee Insurance Double Small Business Owners Take Cover

The number of small UK business owners applying for insurance to protect their personal assets if their business The key is to ensure fails, has jumped 84% from the fi rst week of February. cover is in place Purbeck Insurance Services provides Personal Guarantee Insurance to the owners of small businesses who have taken out business loans using their home and other before the business assets as security. The business saw applications jump 94% this February compared starts facing fi nancial to February 2019. However, February was not a peak month for Purbeck, suggesting applications di culties. are not solely linked to fears concerning the impact on small businesses from coronavirus. THE TOP 5 SECTORS APPLYING FOR PERSONAL GUARANTEE INSURANCE COVER THIS FEBRUARY WERE:  Construction  Manufacturing  Professional Services (Accountancy/Legal/Marketing)  Real Estate Activities (Estate Agents/Letting Agents)  Transportation, Storage and Distribution Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck Insurance Services said: “Banks have reported that they are reaching out to SMEs to help ease the fi nancial strain on the back of the virus. This action is to be applauded but any loan comes with a risk and more often than not, this will fall on the shoulders of the business owner if they are required to sign a Personal Guarantee. “Our fi gures show that increasing numbers of small business owners are taking action to reduce that risk, potentially over fears related to coronavirus but also to help sustain cashfl ow in the face of the ongoing challenges around late payment. The key is to ensure cover is in place before the business starts facing fi nancial di culties. “We would urge small business owners to speak to their fi nancial broker, accountant or solicitor to understand how they can mitigate the risk of a personal guarantee, such as through Personal Guarantee Insurance.”

26 | Average salary in cities around the world revealed Brits could expect a signifi cant salary increase if they moved to the USA or Switzerland but may have to make fi nancial sacrifi ces to live in Rome, Paris or Berlin.

elocation expert Paul Stewart, founder of MyBaggage.com, has Workers in Vienna and Moscow get the most holidays at a total of revealed the average salaries after tax that workers moving 38 days, whilst at the other end of the scale, there is no legal holiday Rabroad could typically expect to earn in major cities around the entitlement for sta in the United States. world. Other factors that Brits should seriously consider before emigrating to According to the latest available government data, median earnings for a new city include the cost of living, from rent, mortgage payments and employees in the UK are currently around £21,000 per year after tax. household bills, to food, clothing and entertainment. In London, a full time worker can typically expect to take home an Paul Stewart of MyBaggage.com said: “Making the decision to move average of approximately £28,000. abroad, away from established professional and social ties, can be a big But according to the experts at My Baggage, Brits could expect to leap and requires serious thought. massively increase their take home pay in several major cities around “But one thing that unites Brits and workers around the world is money the world. – most employees at most companies are, at least to some degree, Geneva tops the list, with an average full time salary after tax of fi nancially motivated. £49,561.44 according to the research, closely followed by New York at “Of course the cost of living, cultural factors and availability of appropriate £46,933.20 and then Los Angeles at £40,381.80. work opportunities in a particular city comes in to play. Also among the places higher in the international salary standings than “But knowing a typical local salary can be a signifi cant factor in the UK capital are Sydney, Singapore, Oslo and Copenhagen. determining where emigrants end up. At the bottom of the list of 41 major cities around the world, where a “So to help Brits considering a move abroad make a decision on the best typical salary is the local equivalent of just £4,397.52, is Istanbul. location for them, I’ve decided to highlight the salary residents of dozens Rio de Janeiro is the next lowest paying at £4,532.16, with a series of major cities around the world can typically expect to earn after tax. of major European capitals including Rome (£14,884.20), Paris “I’ve also highlighted the hours typically worked and minimum annual (£22,660.68) and Berlin (£23,216.76) also behind London. allowance of days o , because everyone should prioritise maintaining a The number of days o each year – statutory minimum annual leave positive balance between their working and personal lives. plus paid public holidays – and average usual weekly working “Other tips for anyone who’s thinking of moving abroad include taking a hours (where data is available) on workers’ main job have also been holiday there fi rst, as it’s hard to really get to know a place from sitting at highlighted. a computer screen.”

Here are the results of My Baggage‘s Paul Stewart’s research:

Average full Average Days o Average full Average Days o time salary hours per year time salary hours per year after tax per week (statutory + after tax per week (statutory + (main job) public) (main job) public) Geneva, Switzerland £49,561.44 34.4 20 Paris, France £22,660.68 36.2 31 New York, USA £46,933.20 38.6 0 Seoul, South Korea £21,379.08 N/A 30 Los Angeles, USA £40,381.80 38.6 0 Vienna, Austria £19,367.16 35.6 38 Sydney, Australia £30,920.64 35.7 28 Rome, Italy £14,884.20 35.7 31 Singapore £30,686.64 N/A 18 Barcelona, Spain £14,750.88 36.5 34 Oslo, Norway £30,466.80 33.8 27 Prague, Czech Republic £12,090.12 39.4 33 Reykjavik, Iceland £29,763.12 38.8 36 Cape Town, South Africa £11,694.12 42.9 27 Copenhagen, Denmark £28,440.84 32.4 25 Beijing, China £11,442.96 N/A 16 Doha, Qatar £28,299.96 N/A 25 Warsaw, Poland £10,149.96 39.8 33 London, United Kingdom £28,021.80 36.6 28 Moscow, Russia £9,757.32 N/A 38 Tokyo, Japan £27,484.32 N/A 10 Larnaca, Cyprus £9,360.96 N/A 34 Amsterdam, Netherlands £26,632.44 29.3 20 Lisbon, Portugal £9,329.64 39.5 35 Dubai, UAE £25,929.36 N/A 32 Athens, Greece £8,065.44 38.8 26 Dublin, Ireland £25,751.76 35.2 29 Budapest, Hungary £7,839.48 39.6 33 Stockholm, Sweden £25,357.80 36.0 25 Auckland, New Zealand £24,198.36 37.7 30 Bangkok, Thailand £6,866.04 N/A 19 Hong Kong £24,193.92 N/A 19 Mexico City, Mexico £5,997.96 45.1 13 Tel Aviv, Israel £23,862.72 40.6 21 Kingston, Jamaica £5,456.64 N/A 10 Toronto, Canada £23,824.56 N/A 19 Mumbai, India £4,878.48 N/A 27 Berlin, Germany £23,216.76 34.3 30 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil £4,532.16 39.5 34 Brussels, Belgium £23,181.96 35.6 30 Istanbul, Turkey £4,397.52 47.0 26

| 27 Looking at the people who keep the wheels of commerce turning on the Island; features, proﬁ les, achievements and stories with a human dimension.

DOUGLAS CUSTOMER SERVICE CHAMPION 2020 ANNOUNCED Jo Tate from Boots has been voted 2020 Douglas customer service champion, winning a trophy and £100 of vouchers, for which she chose £50 for TK Maxx and £50 for Next.

unner-up was Tracey Pilgrim from Marks & Spencer who chose a £50 Marks & Spencer voucher. In third place was Billy Cubbon from Venture Outdoors who Rchose a £25 voucher for Waterstones. Nine entrants were in the Facebook competition organised by Douglas town centre management to fi nd the best customer service professional in Douglas. The others competing for the title were Ellie Bridges - TK Maxx, Dom Howard - H Samuel, Phoebe Robinson - Dorothy Perkins, Kris Taggart - Burton, Olivia Valerga - Top Shop and Joanna Zabicka - Flannels, Presenting the prizes and certifi cates the Mayor of Douglas Jon Joughin, praised the entrants for championing ‹physical shopping› in the face of increasing competition from online retailing. He went on to say that bricks and mortar retailers› investment in the town, combined with the fi nancial commitment of the Council, was set to improve the Douglas shopping experience once the redevelopment of the Douglas promenade was complete. RIGHT: Customer service champion Jo Tate from Boots receives her trophy and certifi cate from the Mayor of Douglas Jon Joughin.

Rex Leasing’s Managing Director shortlisted for IoD Award Ian Drake, Managing Director of well-known automotive retail company Rex Leasing, has been shortlisted in the annual Institute of Directors (IoD) North West & Isle of Man Director of the Year awards in the Young Director category. an established Rex Leasing in September ‘Despite enjoying an outstanding set of are also starting to o er leasing solutions for 2018. Despite the business still being in its results in our fi rst 18 months of business, local businesses in response to the growing Irelative infancy, he has made his mark in what I am planning further developments for number of enquiries being received for this is an extremely competitive business sector in the business so that we can continue to kind of fl eet product.’ the Island. grow, innovate, and establish long-lasting Jennifer Houghton, Isle of Man Chair, Institute relationships with our growing customer base. Ian said: ‘It is a great honour to have been of Directors commented: ‘I would like to o er I believe that Rex Leasing can be a positive shortlisted for this prestigious award and I my congratulations to Ian for making the fi nalist disruptor within the Isle of Man’s automotive am very grateful to the IoD for recognising shortlist of the prestigious IoD North West & retail market. me in this way. I feel that being shortlisted Isle of Man Director of the Year Awards. I am is testament to my personal commitment ‘We are continuing to respond quickly to the delighted that the Island will be represented to provide better value and great customer ever-changing requirements of Isle of Man and I am looking forward to supporting Ian at service on new and used vehicles for Manx residents and businesses. We now o er the the awards dinner in May. I wish him the very residents and businesses. option of ex-lease cars and vans for sale and best of luck!’

28 | PAUL SPELLER takes a left-ﬁ eld look at the issues of the moment THE WORLD HAS CHANGED I’ve never had to write a column like this.

he world has already changed and, as I write, it’s continuing to change day by day. I Thave no idea what that world will be like by the time these words are published. As it stands, school closures have just been announced in the Isle of Man, and we are e ectively closing our borders. As with every parent I have had to quickly learn how to make the judgement of how much of my own fears I need to cover up, while still conveying to my children the need for caution and the requirement to ensure they comprehend the importance of that caution. It is no easy task. But it’s part of our role as parents to do so. Admittedly, the role of parent has been redefi ned by the crisis that has engulfed us – although perhaps that shift will end up being for the better. There are many jobs out there that are vital to the function of society, but equally we are all learning that are others that can be worked around that I suspect by the time you read this, there will role of parent, rather than the other way around. What we have also learned is the types of jobs be few who doubt that teachers deserve that fall into each category might have surprised us a while ago. There is no such thing as an every last penny and every little bit of the support unskilled job, there is no such thing as a menial they have been asking for. task. As I prepare for a daily routine that will centre on the parents who would suddenly have to play a In October, it will be 30 years since I moved helping my children to learn, I am acutely aware much bigger part in that. to the Isle of Man, as a skinny, arrogant and of how little I know. I’m lucky enough to know a good number of not very smart teenager. Certain parts of me may not have changed much (the skinny has), But I do know who can help, the same people teachers and school workers. There is not a but over these decades, I’ve grown to love who have been doing that since I fi rst took son single one for whom my admiration has not this island and be proud of being a part of its number one to his pre-school. increased this year. community. It’s fair to say teachers were, in the main, feeling a I’m singling out them because I’m a parent of I’m confi dent that it is the things that make us little under-appreciated in the early weeks of the primary school children, so their situation has love the Isle of Man the way we do that will see year, as attempts to resolve their dispute over pay been my focus, but there are many others to us through this. and conditions remained unsuccessful. add to the list of those who should deserve our And slap bang in the middle of those things is I suspect by the time you read this, there will gratitude and respect. the community spirit that keeps rising to kick be few who doubt that teachers – and all their Health workers, retail sta , those in the leisure fear in the bollocks. support sta – deserve every last penny and industry who have shown ingenuity in ways every little bit of the support they have been of both helping the needy and fi nding new I will admit it here and regret it later, some of asking for. directions in which to run their business, all the the things I’ve heard about people doing to help others, the sense of togetherness that is And not because we will have been struggling to emergency services and, to be honest the vast building and the way people are connecting fi ll their shoes in this new era, but because those majority of the Isle of Man population. with each other has left me misty eyed. shoes have never been empty. Yes, we all know some people have been It’s such a cliché, but it is in the darkest moments As soon as the possibility of school closures dickish on social media, and some people may that you are most able to focus on the smallest appeared as a speck on the horizon, teachers have made misjudgements when it came to glimmer of light were getting ready. They didn’t need to wait choices about their social behaviour. Hopefully for a signal from the government to know that by now we are all where we should be on that. That glimmer will get stronger and we will move they would have to prepare to fi nd new ways And we should make some allowances for the towards the sunrise that will always follow night. of helping their children to learn and to support incredible strain we’ve all been feeling. It’s the Isle of Man. It’s what we do.

| 29 THE FUTURE

By SUE GEE Managing Director, TLC IS NOW! It seems incredible to me that the World Wide Web is less than 25 years old, and the fi rst iPhone came out only in 2007. Just think for a moment how completely these technologies have changed how we live and work in such a short time, and it becomes clear how forward-thinking leaders need to be if we are to position our organisations for the future. rtifi cial Intelligence (AI) is a growth area, – while most robots are far clumsier than a Ethical judgement will be a core skill for decision- making use of the masses of data now young child. Also, much of what people do daily makers: computers don’t have values. This will Aavailable in ways that people simply could depends on a capacity to perceive context, learn be a compliance issue, as well as a PR matter. from experience and make decisions based on not achieve alone. To be clear what I’m talking The softer relationship skills of leadership – and incomplete information. Machines aren’t good at about, I’ll use the UK government defi nition of AI: especially around communication - will become context or value judgements. ‘Technologies with the ability to perform tasks more important for all leaders. To engage sta that would otherwise require human intelligence, So, the insight required to make decisions will be and gain buy-in, to bring investors in, to explain such as visual perception, speech recognition, much aided by AI – better information makes for what they are thinking. and language translation. AI systems today better decisions – but using insight, judgement usually have the capacity to learn or adapt to Some things that have already started to and context will remain a very human skill set. new experiences or stimuli’. A lot of AI can only change will change more, and leaders and Most would say that was a good thing, and do what it’s taught to do, but deep learning AI their sta will need to adapt – and maybe the most will be much more comfortable using AI can teach itself from basic principles. It has been structures will need to change as well. Collective that they can override if they need to. There are described as the fourth industrial revolution. judgement will become more signifi cant as other risks: AI can reduce the need for human we exploit AI – which will require skills such as interaction, as can many technologies, which And it can do a LOT! In time, many white-collar social networking, coaching and collaborative may be harmful to relationships and e cient clerical, administrative and knowledge-based decision-making. Humility and a willingness to team-working. So empathy and Emotional jobs will be better done by AI than by the people learn and to change one’s mind will be core Intelligence will be important in collaborative who do them now. But where does that leave strengths for a leader: we will have to trust that working. Communication is at the heart of the the sta when the robots have taken their jobs? others (younger, less experienced, more junior) interpersonal skills that will be needed, and Some tasks, I’m sure, we’ll be glad to see the know more than we do, not least because central to the sharing of information. back of, as it frees us to do the more interesting past knowledge from experience will become things. Because you can’t automate everything. We’ll all need to be more fl exible and adaptable redundant faster. The old hierarchical structures People use their senses to process what they as well: jobs will change as AI takes over the that assumed that senior people know more see, hear and touch, and to act accordingly – aspects where it’s better than people – it than junior people may need to become more often intuitively and without conscious e ort doesn’t get bored or tired. People may become like a knowledge-sharing network that works in supervisors and users of the AI doing their old all directions. job, perhaps, and that means future-proofi ng Critical and creative thinking are skills that our skills. AI cannot perform entirely alone. AI enables For leaders too the implications organizational e ciency and productivity, but it’s are profound: as the routine critical thinking and creativity that help leaders management tasks are develop innovative business ideas and solutions. carried out by AI it will free AI is powerful at structuring large amounts of leaders up to actually lead. data: using that insight will still require people Senior leaders will need to – especially around decision-making where build a clear, compelling vision context and intuition is signifi cant. Analysis of of where the organisation output will be a driver of new skills for sta at all is going, and how it will levels, along with the ability to communicate their get there. Developing conclusions clearly. that vision will need AI will be a major driver of innovation and agility, adaptability and change – it’s already happening – and it will a willingness to accept cement further the changes at work that the new and truly innovative information revolution started 22 years ago. ideas, engaging with the wider Leaders and organisations will need to adapt, environment to fi nd opportunities. And and to future-proof themselves, and that will then they will need the skills to bring all require a new focus on the very human skills of their stakeholders with them into an relationship building and leadership. uncertain and ambiguous future.

30 | Connectivity Safe and secure Secure and resilient data connections from simple internet access to a fully Keeping your data managed global WAN. Voice & Mobile protected Enabling communication from ﬁxed line phone systems to fast, reliable mobile networks and next generation voice services. At Sure the security of your business’s data, technology Managed Services and communication is our number one priority. Improve performance, eliminate downtime and lower costs. Delivered in a fully-compliant oshore environment with We manage your networks, you work without interruption. high regulatory standards, and in conjunction with our DC & Cloud market-leading technology partners, our world-class Robust and secure oshore hosting via data centre and cloud security solutions provide protection from attack and solutions. Fully regulated and continually manage ongoing risk. security compliant environments. It’s why more businesses, no matter what size or sector, Security Be conﬁdent that your valuable business data is safely located in a trust Sure to protect and deliver every day. secure oshore environment with Find out more at business.sure.com guaranteed data residency.

Protect Joanna Crookall, who is now the CEO of the Company, is the granddaughter of the founder Ramsey Crookall and joined the family business in October 1987. She was educated on the Isle of Man at the Buchan School for girls and King William’s College before graduating from Durham University in Natural Sciences. Whilst at Durham University Joanna was a member of the very successful Women’s Boat squad and was selected to represent Great Britain at the World U23 Rowing Championships in coxed fours. Joanna’s career path started in London with the major international firm of Chartered Accountants, Deloitte Haskins and Sells, as a trainee accountant, before her return to the Isle of Man. Joanna gained her MSI Diploma in 1990, was selected to the Board of Directors of Ramsey Crookall & Co Ltd in 1991, elected as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and From the left: Michael Deering, Joanna Crookall and Tom Croft. Investment and in 2010 achieved Chartered Status. Michael Deering is Executive Director of the Firm specialising in advising individual retail and corporate clients on equities, investment trusts, Exchange Traded Funds, fixed interest stocks and Funds on both London and Global International markets. He is also Head of Risk and Regulation and the Director overseeing the Compliance Monitoring, Internal Audit and New Business teams. He joined the Firm in 1998 and has completed the CISI Diploma (Level 6). In 2014 Michael achieved Chartered Wealth Manager status, a postgraduate level specialist qualification, which encompasses the breadth of knowledge needed to provide the highest quality service to clients. He won the Compliance Professional of the Year 2014 award at the prestigious City of London Wealth Management Awards.

Joanna Crookall receives the Regional Wealth Manager of the Year: Northern England Award from Natasha Kaplinsky Tom Croft. Tom is a Director of the Firm with overall responsibility for the Investment Management Department and is chair of the Investment at the City of London Wealth Management Awards (COLWMA). Committee overseeing asset allocation and stock selection. Tom was appointed as an Investment Director of Ramsey Crookall & Co in May 2007. He joined the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment as an Aliate Member in 1998 and was elected to full membership in 2005, acquiring his Chartered status in 2010.Tom holds the CISI Diploma.

RC-BUS-20-1.pdf 1 12/03/2020 16:00

Ramsey Crookall RC-BUS-20-1

Service, integrity and professionalism Start planning since 1946 your future by investing s the Island’s longest established the prestigious COLWMA “City Of London your fund, aiming to preserve your accumulated independent firm of stockbrokers and Wealth Management Awards,” for the 2nd time fund or taking a retirement income. Ramsey with us Ainvestment managers Ramsey Crookall in a row. Crookall remains guided by their traditional C has a proud record of service to generations values of transparency and integrity, building M Ramsey Crookall’s Discretionary Managed Your pension savings are a vital asset and did of clients. But, while the core principles of long term relationships where clients’ needs are Y Service is ideal for those wishing to delegate you know you can take control over how those exemplary service and professionalism have firmly at the core. the responsibility of the day-to-day management CM funds are invested? We work with several been constant, it is the firm’s ability to continually of their investments. With discretion to manage Along with their Investment Management MY providers who offer a range of pensions evolve its truly independent oering to meet the your funds and make decisions in accordance service, Ramsey Crookall provides a CY changing needs of clients that sets it apart. including Self Invested Personal Pensions with your investment goals and risk appetite, comprehensive stockbroking service. Their CMY (SIPPs). Ramsey Crookall is a third generation family Ramsey Crookall will manage the portfolio on team is highly experienced in trading global K business that respects and values its role in your behalf, seeking to achieve your specific equities, investment trusts, bonds, treasuries, Don’t delay, call 717171 or email the local community. From its oces in Athol objectives. Whether it is a busy lifestyle or exchange-traded funds and a range of onshore [email protected] today. Street, Douglas the company provides tailored the comfort of an experienced & professional and oshore-funds. solutions as individual as you are, and applies service that you seek, this approach allows you The company’s Platform Services oer a the same exemplary approach to service to focus on other aspects of life. competitively-priced dealing and custody whether you are a high net worth individual or When it comes to Pension Funds & SIPPS service which is tailored for the IFA market. somebody taking their first tentative steps into Ramsey Crookall can help you take control over Online reporting enables the IFA to view their investment. how your funds are invested. We don’t pluck ‘family’ of accounts and electronic data is also Ramsey Crookall’s commitment to quality o the shelf solutions from UK providers, but available on a daily basis. Ramsey Crookall can Ramsey Crookall & Co Limited, Securities House, 38-42 Athol Street, service was awarded last month when the use our expertise to create a highly flexible and also work with outside third party providers Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1QH company was named “Regional Wealth personalised approach to how your pension where necessary, for example pension and trust Licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority Manager Of The Year: Northern England” at assets are invested whether you are growing service providers.

32 | Joanna Crookall, who is now the CEO of the Company, is the granddaughter of the founder Ramsey Crookall and joined the family business in October 1987. She was educated on the Isle of Man at the Buchan School for girls and King William’s College before graduating from Durham University in Natural Sciences. Whilst at Durham University Joanna was a member of the very successful Women’s Boat squad and was selected to represent Great Britain at the World U23 Rowing Championships in coxed fours. Joanna’s career path started in London with the major international firm of Chartered Accountants, Deloitte Haskins and Sells, as a trainee accountant, before her return to the Isle of Man. Joanna gained her MSI Diploma in 1990, was selected to the Board of Directors of Ramsey Crookall & Co Ltd in 1991, elected as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and From the left: Michael Deering, Joanna Crookall and Tom Croft. Investment and in 2010 achieved Chartered Status. Michael Deering is Executive Director of the Firm specialising in advising individual retail and corporate clients on equities, investment trusts, Exchange Traded Funds, fixed interest stocks and Funds on both London and Global International markets. He is also Head of Risk and Regulation and the Director overseeing the Compliance Monitoring, Internal Audit and New Business teams. He joined the Firm in 1998 and has completed the CISI Diploma (Level 6). In 2014 Michael achieved Chartered Wealth Manager status, a postgraduate level specialist qualification, which encompasses the breadth of knowledge needed to provide the highest quality service to clients. He won the Compliance Professional of the Year 2014 award at the prestigious City of London Wealth Management Awards.

RC-BUS-20-1.pdf 1 12/03/2020 16:00

Ramsey Crookall RC-BUS-20-1

| 33 Jersey to launch British Isles’ ﬁ rst ever citizens assembly on assisted dying The announcement comes amid growing calls for a Westminster inquiry into UK’s current assisted dying laws.

ignity in Dying has welcomed leaders including the former Archbishop of from across society for an inquiry into current the Government of Jersey’s Canterbury Lord Carey, hospice leaders, laws on assisted dying, and similarly provide Dannouncement that it will launch a terminally ill people, and families who have an open and honest platform for all views to ‘Citizen’s Jury’ on assisted dying, the ﬁ rst been criminalised under the current law be heard. in the British Isles. The randomly selected have supported Dignity in Dying’s calls for “Dignity in Dying is prepared to o er its group of residents will meet in the spring and the Secretary of State for Justice, Robert expertise and extensive research into public summer to discuss assisted dying, answer Buckland, to launch an inquiry into the wide- attitudes on assisted dying, the functioning questions from an independent advisory ranging impacts of current legislation. and impact of current laws across the British panel and speak to expert witnesses from all Recently Tynwald also debated assisted Isles, and the growing number of jurisdictions sides, before giving recommendations to the dying. Dr Alex Allinson MHK, who brought the overseas which have enacted safe, States Assembly ahead of a debate at the motion, said the debate had delivered on its compassionate assisted dying legislation. It is end of this year. aim to promote discussion. also crucial that the most important voices – In 2019, the Government of Jersey committed terminally ill people and their families – remain In May 2018, the States of Guernsey debated to conducting detailed research into end-of- central in these discussions. assisted dying proposals, which were life choices, including assisted dying, which defeated despite high public support. In July “What is abundantly clear is that the blanket would investigate the views of residents, 2018, the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland ban on assisted dying does not work. With overseas developments and potential Islands, a British Overseas Territory, voted to one Brit travelling to Switzerland for an legislation. An independent poll of residents support two motions on assisted dying: that assisted death every week, 300 terminally published in August 2019 found high public terminally ill residents should have the right ill people ending their own lives in England support, with support highest (70%) when the to die at a time and place of their choosing; every year, and many more su ering option of assisted dying is limited to mentally and that should legislation be introduced in unbearably against their wishes, the status competent people with an incurable medical the UK, the Falkland Islands would consider quo is causing real damage and is in urgent condition, which will cause death in the next adopting it. need of review in Jersey and in the rest of six months. the UK.” Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in The announcement comes amid growing Dying, which campaigns for a change in the calls in England and Wales for the Ministry law to allow assisted dying as a choice for of Justice to launch an inquiry into the terminally ill, mentally competent adults, said: functioning and impact of current laws on It is crucial that the assisted dying. In a Westminster Hall debate “The Government of Jersey should be on 23rd January 2020, a majority of speakers commended for grasping the nettle on most important voices – from all parties backed a call for evidence assisted dying and engaging its citizens on existing legislation, which constitutes a in this important debate, particularly when terminally ill people and blanket ban on assisted dying across the UK. public support for a change in the law is so their families – remain In recent months, half of all Police and Crime demonstrably high. The Ministry of Justice in Commissioners across the country, religious Westminster also has a duty to listen to calls central in these discussions.

34 | JAMYS QUILLIAM CALLED TO THE MANX BAR

Jamys commented: ‘I’m delighted to have been called to the Manx Bar following many years of hard work, study and training. I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to work in many areas of law during my career so far, but hope to specialise in civil litigation. ‘Having been born and raised in the Isle of Man I feel very fortunate to now be able to live and work here, with the support of the team at Corlett Bolton. Now my exams are out of the way, I’ll be focusing my attention on planning my wedding later this year!’

“He has already proven to be a real asset to the fi rm” Director Sally Bolton added: ‘We’re delighted to have promoted Jamys to the position of advocate within our experienced team, following the completion of his training period and Manx bar exams. He has already proven to be a real asset to the fi rm and we’re confi dent he will continue to grow within the role.’ Local advocates Corlett Bolton & Co are celebrating after one of their rising stars was called to the Manx Bar. Corlett Bolton, which has o ces in Douglas, Peel and Port St Mary, is a long-established fi rm o ering a wide range of legal services. It prides amys Quilliam from Peel studied history at Newcastle University itself on providing a personal, easily accessible, legal experience for both Jbefore taking a Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice course individual clients and businesses. at Liverpool John Moores University. Since joining Corlett Bolton he has worked in the areas of civil litigation, landlord and tenant disputes, family To fi nd out more about the team at Corlett Bolton & Co and what they matters, private client matters and probate claims. can do for you, visit: www.corlettbolton.com

Founder, Director and leading Advocate of Corlett Bolton, Sally Bolton, is celebrating 30 years of practising Manx law. ince being called to the bar in 1990, the place to work and a dedicated fi rst-class, fi rm has gone from strength to strength personal service for our loyal clients. and is now well-known for providing a S ‘The growth we’ve enjoyed at Corlett Bolton, personal, easily accessible, legal experience for particularly over the last few years, from the both individual clients and businesses. opening of our o ce in Port St Mary and now the In that time the company has grown from one transfer of business from Gelling Johnson Farrant o ce in Douglas to three o ces, with the – has further strengthened the practice and addition of Peel in 2008 and Port St Mary in enables the Peel o ce to open four days a week, 2015, making legal services more accessible which is really exciting. We’ve got more big plans for local clients around the Island. for the next fi ve years, so watch this space. With a diligent, professional team ‘Whilst my “day job” takes up a lot of my time and a loyal client base Sally, who I’m always keen to support local charities. I’ve was in the fi rst generation of female been a trustee for Manx Wildlife Trust for seven advocates to be called to the Manx years and I’m extremely proud of the important bar, commented: ‘The last 30 years conservation work they do.’ have gone by so quickly and I’m The fi rm provides legal services covering all proud of the developments within aspects of general practice, including civil the Manx law and the legal system litigation, family law, employment law, commercial in that time. When I started out the law and wills and trusts. Corlett Bolton the o ers profession was male dominated so a Pay as You Go service, helping clients control it’s great to see so many talented what can often be unpredictable legal costs, female advocates rising through while still having access to high quality legal the ranks, particularly through advice from experienced advocates. Corlett Bolton over the years. To fi nd out more about the team at Corlett ‘I’m supported by a brilliant team, and Bolton & Co and what they can do for you, visit: together we’ve created both a positive http://corlettbolton.com SALLY BOLTON CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN MANX LAW

| 35 Who, what, where – a comprehensive appointments section keeping you abreast of all the movements within the business community.

THE LATEST JOBS NEWS FROM THE ISLE OF MAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Continued Growth Sees Key Appointment at Sentient New Appointment to Sentient Board of Directors International International corporate Sentient International has appointed Jeremy and trust service provider, Meggitt as part of its ongoing plans to further Sentient International, strengthen and develop its business. has announced the promotion of Phil Hassall With a career spanning over 35 years in to Compliance Director banking, Jeremy has extensive knowledge and his appointment to and experience of the fi nancial services the board of Sentient sector, especially in the Isle of Man, International Limited in the and boasts a strong background in risk Isle of Man. management, relationship management and customer service, skills which will serve him well in his new role at Sentient. Commenting on his new appointment, Phil said: “There have been a lot of positive changes at Based in their Isle of Man o ce, Jeremy will play an important role in the Sentient recently so it is an exciting time for all of us. I feel privileged to business’ expansion plans into new markets and will work closely with fi nd myself in this new position and I am looking forward to being more the Directors on client matters and the development of new and existing involved in the decision making processes that will help shape the future business relationships. of Sentient, as well as assisting my fellow Board members to grow and Jeremy said: “I am delighted to be joining Sentient, a business that is both develop the business here in the Isle of Man and further afi eld.” well recognised and regarded highly for its expertise by its peers and Phil joined Sentient in 2011 as Compliance Manager, prior to which he held clients. various compliance roles within the banking, insurance and corporate “Whilst this will be a new challenge for me, I am excited to be working with services sectors. With responsibility for overseeing the company’s a proactive and growing brand like Sentient and to be able to take the compliance function, Phil’s role includes working with the new business knowledge and experience I have gained throughout my banking career team in respect of the on-boarding, risk assessment and sign-o of new and use it in new and di erent ways.” clients, as well as the development and implementation of internal AML/ Group Managing Director, Paul Murtagh said: “The appointment of Jeremy CFT policies and procedures. Phil will also continue to be MLRO for the demonstrates our continued commitment to growing and developing our business. business. Jeremy comes with a wealth of experience and understanding of Group Managing Director, Paul Murtagh, said, “With a career spanning our industry but from a di erent viewpoint due to his lengthy time working over 30 years in the fi nancial services sector, Phil has signifi cant with CSPs in his previous banking roles. His perspective will be invaluable experience and a breadth of knowledge. This appointment is yet another as we continue to drive our strategy forward, in particular our drive to build example of our continued commitment to growing and developing our on our presence in and services to, new and emerging markets. brand - with a comprehensive understanding of our business and having “Jeremy’s combined breadth and depth of knowledge and experience demonstrated continual hard work and commitment to the Company, I am will be a welcome addition to our existing in-house capabilities - I have no delighted to welcome Phil to the Board and have no doubts that he will doubt that he will prove to be a valuable member of Team Sentient.” continue to be a valuable member of Team Sentient.” As an independently owned group of modern corporate and trust service As an independently owned group of modern corporate and trust service providers, who between them have a solid track record of over 30 years, providers, who between them have a solid track record of over 30 years, Sentient International o ers complete in-house expertise as well as Sentient International o ers complete in-house expertise as well as specialist knowledge within a number of niche industry sectors, including specialist knowledge within a number of niche industry sectors, including Aviation, Fintech, Property, Shipping, and Yachting; in addition to the more Aviation, Fintech, Property, Shipping, and Yachting; in addition to the more traditional corporate and trust services. traditional corporate and trust services. With o ces in the Isle of Man, Malta and Hong Kong, they o er bespoke With o ces in the Isle of Man, Malta and Hong Kong, they o er bespoke international business solutions complemented by a full suite of back o ce international business solutions complemented by a full suite of back and ancillary services to a broad spectrum of both corporate and private o ce and ancillary services to a broad spectrum of both corporate and clients across the globe. private clients across the globe.

36 | Equiom Tax Services Limited promotes Monica Dixie to Peter Callow takes over as Manx Managing Director Telecom’s Head of Wholesale Equiom has announced the promotion There has been a changing of the of Monica Dixie to Managing Director guard at Manx Telecom following the of its tax and VAT business, Equiom appointment of Peter Callow to Head Tax Services Limited. of Wholesale. Peter takes over the role from Graham Shimmin, who retired Monica joined Equiom Tax Services exactly 40 years to the day after starting in 2016 as a Senior Tax Consultant work as an apprentice with the company before her promotion to Director in on December 3, 1979. 2018. As Director, Monica oversaw the team responsible for Equiom’s Formerly Commercial Operations management of international Director at Manx Telecom’s business developments such as Economic incubator Vannin Ventures, Peter started Substance, the Foreign Account Tax his own career at Manx Telecom in 1996 in the Marketing Department Compliance Act (FATCA) and the and since then has performed a number of commercial roles in the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) in addition to supporting clients with company covering roaming, interconnect and wholesale. Between HMRC requirements. 2010 and 2016 Peter was Head of Wholesale and Regulation. In her new role, Monica will continue to oversee these activities while also In 2016 Peter and Tom Meageen, Vannin Ventures’ Chief Executive taking overall responsibility for the operation and performance of Equiom O cer, established Manx Telecom’s business incubator to identify Tax Services Limited and the management of its experienced team of tax new business opportunities in the telecom tech sector and to bring and VAT specialists. innovative products and services to market. Global Chief Operating O cer Nick Evans said: ‘Monica’s tax expertise Commenting on his appointment Peter said he was looking forward to and detailed understanding of global reporting standards combine to developing the work that Graham had started, particularly on the roll create an impressive and hugely valuable skillset. Monica is a much- out of FTTP (Fibre To The Premises). valued colleague who has contributed signifi cantly to the success of “Making fi bre widely available on the Island is a major engineering, Equiom Group in recent years. She is highly respected by the Equiom technical, and logistical challenge but the roll-out to date has been Tax Services team. This promotion is testament to her continued hard very successful and is one of the highlights of Graham’s tenure,” he work in addition to the commitment she gives to her team and the wider said. business.’ “By the end of 2019 Manx Telecom made fi bre available to more than Monica added: ‘I am pleased to continue working with the excellent 20% of Isle of Man homes and businesses – that means coverage Equiom Tax Services team and I have received a warm welcome to here is approximately two and a half times better than in the UK Equiom Group’s community of Managing Directors. As the tax world where, according to the most recent Ofcom statistics, only eight % of continues to develop at a fast pace, I look forward to ensuring that homes and business have access to fi bre. Equiom Tax Services remains ahead of the curve providing the best “Increasing coverage to the rest of the Island is a key objective possible proactive advice and support to its clients. I am delighted that for the company and as the Isle of Man moves forward with its Helen Woods (previous Managing Director) will continue her involvement National Broadband plan, there are exciting times ahead for with the business in her capacity as a consultant. My knowledge of the telecommunications on the Island.” business, relationship with the team and key clients will help me to hit the ground running as I take on this new challenge.’ Marking Graham Shimmin’s retirement, Gary Lamb, Manx Telecom CEO, paid tribute to Peter’s predecessor, who joined the company Charterhouse Lombard Limited team bolstered by when it was operated as part of British Telecom’s Liverpool region. Gary refl ected that Graham had overseen a number of experienced hire transformational projects, including the move from electro-mechanical Charterhouse Lombard Limited telephone exchanges to electronic systems and the introduction of has announced that Robert digital technology to the network. He was the fi rst person to make Huyton has joined the fi rm and a mobile phone call over the Manx Telecom network and helped brings with him his considerable launch the Island’s fi rst dial-up internet services, the @manx.net email experience. Rob joined platform, and MTTV, the Island’s fi rst online video news service. Charterhouse in January and “Forty years of loyal service to one business is a remarkable has settled in well with clients, achievement,” said Gary. “I would like to extend huge thanks to intermediaries and colleagues. Graham for his magnifi cent contribution. Graham is one of those Rob commented: “It’s great to people who are passionate about what they do, and without doubt he be part of a team focused on has played a signifi cant role in enabling Manx Telecom to become a client centric, long term relationships. Charterhouse is an independent fi rm successful company.” who are going from strength to strength and I am enjoying the opportunity to add to the expertise already here so that we may continue with our growth as a team and an organisation.” Rob joins his fellow Senior, Shirley Dunn, who has been with the fi rm 15 Commenting on his appointment years in August. Rob has nearly 25 years of experience in the Trust & Peter said he was looking forward to Company Service Provider (TCSP) industry and is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Charterhouse Director, developing the work that Graham had started, Pam Smith-Hamer, added: “in the short time Rob has been here he has particularly on the roll out of impressed me with his knowledge and calm demeanor. He has a wealth of experience and is a great addition to the team.” FTTP (Fibre To The Premises).

| 37 YOUR BUSINESS’ TRUSTED ADVISERS The role of a telecoms professional has evolved to become a trusted adviser who is instrumental to the planning, installation and ongoing performance of telecoms products and services for businesses. Sure’s professional services team understand the challenges facing businesses in the island and can advise them on the solutions and tailored telecoms that cater for them. usiness today depends on reliable and Designing and building a bespoke IT resilient IT infrastructure to operate infrastructure for a business follows exactly the Bsuccessfully and support a range of same process. stakeholders including employees, customers and suppliers. FUTUREPROOFING It’s no longer just a matter of the size and speed The professional services team follows a four- of a connection – there are many elements of step process – consult, design, implement and a network that need to be considered. WiFi manage – to ensure they can build the optimal needs to work everywhere, network security communication and network infrastructure for solutions need to be integrated with secure each individual business. data centres, unified communications need to However, as business changes and embraces be the backbone of internal communications digital transformation, IT networks must and solutions should integrate with mobile change as well while aligning to a business’ applications. budgetary and timeframe constraints. Systems The competitive landscape means IT, and the and networks can become complex and it’s network that underpins it, has to constantly be important to factor in the need for flexibility to better and more ecient in order for businesses allow for growth, varying customer demand and to thrive but improving infrastructures can be operational changes. a complex process which can have costly This is where the trusted adviser role comes outcomes if it’s not planned correctly. into its own as the team can advise on a process of continuous improvement as the L-R Nick Toon, Head of Professional Services, BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS network or solution is used and manage Andy Winslade, Professional Services Consultant, Every business is dierent which is why improvements and optimising as required. and Joe Walls, interim Head of Sales. having a trusted adviser on hand to fully This means businesses can be confident that their IT infrastructure will continue to meet their understand the IT infrastructure requirements Sure works with world-class partners to oer requirements. and develop a tailored solution to meet businesses the best telecoms solutions from those requirements, while providing ongoing cybersecurity and networking technologies to support and anticipating future needs, is so TRUSTED ADVISER ROLE data centre and cloud migration. Our partners important to ensure the business gets what Sure has a wide range of expertise in designing include unique suppliers with best-in-class it needs. and optimising customer networks and the technologies and global giants like Cisco, Perhaps the best analogy is to liken the resources to bring those designs to life, to Microsoft, Trustwave and Mitel supplying a development of a business’ IT solution to the create networks that deliver for businesses. range of equipment all of which can be installed, process of building a house. The professional The planning, implementing and optimising monitored and managed by Sure. services team are the “architects” who create of network infrastructure is what Sure’s Sure is the highest accredited Mitel partner in and modify the designs and their first step is professional services team does for businesses the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, having always to liaise with the owner, to understand of all sizes and across all sectors in the Isle of been awarded Mitel Gold Partner Status, and what they want from the finished product. Man. a number of the team are dedicated Cisco These initial conversations are the most The local team is led by Professional Services specialists. This means businesses in the Isle important because they set out the parameters Consultant Andy Winslade with support from of Man can make use of these leading, global for the work. Once the architect has dedicated professional services engineer Euan solutions delivered by a team of experts based understood the requirements, they head to the Ellis with plans to expand the team in the island. in the island. drawing board to translate them into a solution. This local team is backed by a team of 12 highly Even once the plans are agreed and finalised, qualified professional services experts based architects continue to provide advice to ensure across the Crown Dependencies who regularly that the designs achieve all they are meant visit the island enabling local business clients to and help resolve any challenges that the to benefit from their range of expertise and project may encounter. specialisms.

To learn more about Sure’s Professional Services team get in touch with Andy on 01624 692222 YOUR BUSINESS’

TRUSTED ADVISERS HELPING YOU MAKE THE MOST OF WORK AND PLAY The role of a telecoms professional has evolved to become a trusted adviser who is instrumental to the planning, installation and ongoing performance of Lifestyle telecoms products and services for businesses. Sure’s professional services team understand the challenges facing businesses in the island and can advise them on the solutions and tailored telecoms that cater for them. usiness today depends on reliable and Designing and building a bespoke IT resilient IT infrastructure to operate infrastructure for a business follows exactly the Bsuccessfully and support a range of same process. stakeholders including employees, customers and suppliers. FUTUREPROOFING It’s no longer just a matter of the size and speed The professional services team follows a four- of a connection – there are many elements of step process – consult, design, implement and a network that need to be considered. WiFi manage – to ensure they can build the optimal needs to work everywhere, network security communication and network infrastructure for solutions need to be integrated with secure each individual business. data centres, unified communications need to However, as business changes and embraces be the backbone of internal communications digital transformation, IT networks must and solutions should integrate with mobile change as well while aligning to a business’ applications. budgetary and timeframe constraints. Systems The competitive landscape means IT, and the and networks can become complex and it’s network that underpins it, has to constantly be important to factor in the need for flexibility to better and more ecient in order for businesses allow for growth, varying customer demand and to thrive but improving infrastructures can be operational changes. a complex process which can have costly This is where the trusted adviser role comes outcomes if it’s not planned correctly. into its own as the team can advise on a process of continuous improvement as the L-R Nick Toon, Head of Professional Services, BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS network or solution is used and manage Andy Winslade, Professional Services Consultant, Every business is dierent which is why improvements and optimising as required. and Joe Walls, interim Head of Sales. having a trusted adviser on hand to fully This means businesses can be confident that their IT infrastructure will continue to meet their understand the IT infrastructure requirements Sure works with world-class partners to oer requirements. and develop a tailored solution to meet businesses the best telecoms solutions from those requirements, while providing ongoing cybersecurity and networking technologies to support and anticipating future needs, is so TRUSTED ADVISER ROLE data centre and cloud migration. Our partners important to ensure the business gets what Sure has a wide range of expertise in designing include unique suppliers with best-in-class it needs. and optimising customer networks and the technologies and global giants like Cisco, Perhaps the best analogy is to liken the resources to bring those designs to life, to Microsoft, Trustwave and Mitel supplying a development of a business’ IT solution to the create networks that deliver for businesses. range of equipment all of which can be installed, process of building a house. The professional The planning, implementing and optimising monitored and managed by Sure. services team are the “architects” who create of network infrastructure is what Sure’s Sure is the highest accredited Mitel partner in and modify the designs and their first step is professional services team does for businesses the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, having always to liaise with the owner, to understand of all sizes and across all sectors in the Isle of been awarded Mitel Gold Partner Status, and what they want from the finished product. Man. a number of the team are dedicated Cisco These initial conversations are the most The local team is led by Professional Services specialists. This means businesses in the Isle important because they set out the parameters Consultant Andy Winslade with support from of Man can make use of these leading, global for the work. Once the architect has dedicated professional services engineer Euan solutions delivered by a team of experts based understood the requirements, they head to the Ellis with plans to expand the team in the island. in the island. drawing board to translate them into a solution. This local team is backed by a team of 12 highly Living a full and productive life is all about fi nding the right balance between work and play. Even once the plans are agreed and finalised, qualified professional services experts based architects continue to provide advice to ensure across the Crown Dependencies who regularly Here at B365 we know the importance of both. Our new lifestyle section covers topics that the designs achieve all they are meant visit the island enabling local business clients including travel, motoring, property, health, sport and leisure. to and help resolve any challenges that the to benefit from their range of expertise and project may encounter. specialisms.

B365 – bringing a bit of balance into your life! To learn more about Sure’s Professional Services team get in touch with Andy on 01624 692222 THE ARTS B 40 museums andprivatecollections.” display ontheIsland,whicharenormallykept intheworld’s greatest the mostspectacularandbeautifulworkseverdesignedbyKnox on Managing DirectorofthecharityChrisHobdellsaid,“We proposehaving museums andprivatecollections.” display ontheIsland,whicharenormallykept intheworld’s greatest the mostspectacularandbeautifulworkseverdesignedbyKnox on Managing DirectorofthecharityChrisHobdellsaid,“We proposehaving to Glasgow. world -inthesamewaythatCharlesRennie Mackintoshattractsafootfall or 2025,withaviewtoattractingvisitorsandcollectorsfromacrossthe It’s envisagedthattheexhibitionwouldtake placeduringeither2024 died herein1933. designer ArchibaldKnox, whowasbornontheIsleofManin1864and worldwide, inrelationtotheworkandlegacyofManxartist advancement oftheeducationpublic,bothonIslandand The ArchibaldKnox Forumwassetupwithasingleobjective-the ARCHIBALD KNOX designer’s workintheworld,onIsleofMan. have laidoutambitiousplanstomountthelargestexhibitionof ut nowtheDirectorsofTheArchibaldKnox Forum(aManxcharity) (Images courtesy of Titus Omega and The Pear Tree Collection) | sites associatedwithArchibaldKnox. and fi lms; aswellencouragingenthusiaststoattend regulardrop-ineventsandvisit work oftheManxborndesignerandteacherthroughmediumtalks,exhibitions During thepastthreeyears,TheArchibaldKnox Forumhas highlightedtheunique EXHIBITION By VALERIE CAINE would focusnotonlyonhisworldrenownedmetalworkandjewellery, Archibald Knox, researchersandloversofdecorativeart.Theexhibition Man asanartisticandgeographicalcentreforenthusiastsofthework It isenvisagedthatacomprehensiveexhibitionwillestablishtheIsleof the Isle of Man. It is hoped that this project will bring a welcome boost to the IsleofMan.Itishopedthatthisprojectwillbringawelcomeboostto but alsohiswatercoloursandotherdesignwork-mainlyrecognisedon the Isle of Man. It is hoped that this project will bring a welcome boost to the IsleofMan.Itishopedthatthisprojectwillbringawelcomeboostto but alsohiswatercoloursandotherdesignwork-mainlyrecognisedon would focusnotonlyonhisworldrenownedmetalworkandjewellery, Archibald Knox, researchersandloversofdecorativeart.Theexhibition Man asanartisticandgeographicalcentreforenthusiastsofthework It isenvisagedthatacomprehensiveexhibitionwillestablishtheIsleof £75,000 forthissingularproject. sources, insurance, trainguidesandspeakers andraiseintheregionof bring ittogether, transportthe exhibits,obtainpermissionfromvarious The proposedexhibitionwillrequireafourorfi ve yearleadin,soas to the IsleofMan. Knox moved,briefl y, totheUSA beforereturningtosettlepermanentlyon supplying mostofhisdesignsfromstudioinSulby. 1900/1901 andbecamechiefdesignerforLiberty&Co. 1901-1905/1906, The world-renowneddesignerworked withtheSilverStudio 1897- the DouglasSchoolofArtandteachingatGrammarSchool. Archibald Knox wasbornontheIsleofManatCronkbournevillage, joining project aboutoneoftheIsland’s mosttalentedindividuals. tourism fi gures andintroducenewvisitorstotheIsland’s richhistory project aboutoneoftheIsland’s mosttalentedindividuals. tourism fi gures andintroducenewvisitorstotheIsland’s richhistory for the business community to become involved in a truly Manx for thebusinesscommunitytobecomeinvolvedinatrulyManx for the business community to become involved in a truly Manx for thebusinesscommunitytobecomeinvolvedinatrulyManx future work, or website pages. It would also be a great opportunity future work,orwebsitepages.Itwouldalsobeagreatopportunity future work, or website pages. It would also be a great opportunity future work,orwebsitepages.Itwouldalsobeagreatopportunity Knox Forum,makingadonationorsponsoringtheorganisation’s and culture, whichbothinspiredandmotivatedArchibaldKnox to Knox Forum,makingadonationorsponsoringtheorganisation’s and culture, whichbothinspiredandmotivatedArchibaldKnox to variety of ways, such as becoming a member of The Archibald variety ofways,suchasbecomingamemberTheArchibald variety of ways, such as becoming a member of The Archibald variety ofways,suchasbecomingamemberTheArchibald This isanexciting timetobecomeinvolvedwiththeprojectina become oneofthegreatestdesignersandartistshisgeneration. This isanexciting timetobecomeinvolvedwiththeprojectina become oneofthegreatestdesignersandartistshisgeneration. benefi t fromthisventure.” Government andtheIsland’s population canwelcomevisitorsand to becreatedinorderensurethattensofthousandspeople Chris Hobdelladded:“Our goalisforthemoste ective advertising benefi t fromthisventure.” Government andtheIsland’s population canwelcomevisitorsand to becreatedinorderensurethattensofthousandspeople Chris Hobdelladded:“Our goalisforthemoste ective advertising museums industries to spread the word so that the Isle of Man museums industriestospreadthewordsothatIsleofMan worldwide willbeinformed,aswelltoassisttheantiquesand museums industries to spread the word so that the Isle of Man museums industriestospreadthewordsothatIsleofMan worldwide willbeinformed,aswelltoassisttheantiquesand Man IM23QE,or via theirFacebookpage. Man IM23QE,or via theirFacebookpage. writing to them at 6 Alexander Drive, Douglas, Isle of writing tothemat6AlexanderDrive, Douglas,Isleof writing to them at 6 Alexander Drive, Douglas, Isle of writing tothemat6AlexanderDrive, Douglas,Isleof [email protected], by telephoning 01624 663762, [email protected], bytelephoning 01624663762, The ArchibaldKnox Forumcanbecontacted at [email protected], by telephoning 01624 663762, [email protected], bytelephoning 01624663762, The ArchibaldKnox Forumcanbecontacted at THE ARTS B museums andprivatecollections.” display ontheIsland,whicharenormallykept intheworld’s greatest the mostspectacularandbeautifulworkseverdesignedbyKnox on Managing DirectorofthecharityChrisHobdellsaid,“We proposehaving to Glasgow. world -inthesamewaythatCharlesRennie Mackintoshattractsafootfall or 2025,withaviewtoattractingvisitorsandcollectorsfromacrossthe It’s envisagedthattheexhibitionwouldtake placeduringeither2024 died herein1933. designer ArchibaldKnox, whowasbornontheIsleofManin1864and worldwide, inrelationtotheworkandlegacyofManxartist advancement oftheeducationpublic,bothonIslandand The ArchibaldKnox Forumwassetupwithasingleobjective-the ARCHIBALD KNOX designer’s workintheworld,onIsleofMan. have laidoutambitiousplanstomountthelargestexhibitionof ut nowtheDirectorsofTheArchibaldKnox Forum(aManxcharity) (Images courtesy of Titus Omega and The Pear Tree Collection) sites associatedwithArchibaldKnox. and fi lms; aswellencouragingenthusiaststoattendregulardrop-ineventsandvisit work oftheManxborndesignerandteacherthroughmediumtalks,exhibitions During thepastthreeyears,TheArchibaldKnox Forumhas highlightedtheunique EXHIBITION By VALERIE CAINE the Isle of Man. It is hoped that this project will bring a welcome boost to the IsleofMan.Itishopedthatthisprojectwillbringawelcomeboostto but alsohiswatercoloursandotherdesignwork-mainlyrecognisedon would focusnotonlyonhisworldrenownedmetalworkandjewellery, Archibald Knox, researchersandloversofdecorativeart.Theexhibition Man asanartisticandgeographicalcentreforenthusiastsofthework It isenvisagedthatacomprehensiveexhibitionwillestablishtheIsleof £75,000 forthissingularproject. sources, insurance, trainguidesandspeakers andraiseintheregionof bring ittogether, transportthe exhibits,obtainpermissionfromvarious The proposedexhibitionwillrequireafourorfi ve yearleadin,soas to the IsleofMan. Knox moved,briefl y, totheUSA beforereturningtosettlepermanentlyon supplying mostofhisdesignsfromstudioinSulby. 1900/1901 andbecamechiefdesignerforLiberty&Co. 1901-1905/1906, The world-renowneddesignerworked withtheSilverStudio 1897- the DouglasSchoolofArtandteachingatGrammarSchool. Archibald Knox wasbornontheIsleofManatCronkbournevillage, joining project aboutoneoftheIsland’s mosttalentedindividuals. tourism fi gures andintroducenewvisitorstotheIsland’s richhistory for the business community to become involved in a truly Manx for thebusinesscommunitytobecomeinvolvedinatrulyManx future work, or website pages. It would also be a great opportunity future work,orwebsitepages.Itwouldalsobeagreatopportunity Knox Forum,makingadonationorsponsoringtheorganisation’s and culture, whichbothinspiredandmotivatedArchibaldKnox to variety of ways, such as becoming a member of The Archibald variety ofways,suchasbecomingamemberTheArchibald This isanexciting timetobecomeinvolvedwiththeprojectina become oneofthegreatestdesignersandartistshisgeneration. benefi t fromthisventure.” Government andtheIsland’s population canwelcomevisitorsand to becreatedinorderensurethattensofthousandspeople Chris Hobdelladded:“Our goalisforthemoste ective advertising museums industries to spread the word so that the Isle of Man museums industriestospreadthewordsothatIsleofMan worldwide willbeinformed,aswelltoassisttheantiquesand Man IM23QE,or via theirFacebookpage. writing to them at 6 Alexander Drive, Douglas, Isle of writing tothemat6AlexanderDrive, Douglas,Isleof [email protected], by telephoning 01624 663762, [email protected], bytelephoning 01624663762, The ArchibaldKnox Forumcanbecontacted at 1 D blue-chip companiesintheUK,EuropeandIsleofMan. It waswarmlyreceivedandhasnowbeenpartneredbyahostofmajor Solutions rolledouttheirCloudbasedprotocoltothebusinesscommunity. The restastheysayishistory. After aperiodoftestingandfine-tuningTres potential hisbrainchildwouldhaveforthebusinessworld. Having achievedtheHolyGrailforgamersMarkrealisedhuge desktop experience. fee. Userscouldsimplydownload,connectandenjoyahasslefree The platformwouldbeavailableforana ordable, allembracingmonthly anywhere ontheplanet.” software onvirtuallyanyoldPC.Itwouldbeaccessibleplatform, to developaplatformthroughwhichusercouldrunthemostdemanding Adamson atTres anddevelopedtheultimateCloud:“Isawanopportunity TEN YEARSINTHEMAKING A WORLD CLASS SOLUTION of security coupled with astonishing flexibility and performance. of securitycoupledwithastonishingflexibilityandperformance. turned hisattentiontocreatingahighend,secureplatformthatcouldo erworld-beating levels It wasadecadeagothatTres SolutionsCTO Director, MarkBurrows,aself-confessedtechnerd, We reallyaretheITsuperheroesfor remoteworkers duringtheCoronaViruspandemic. to investinexpensiveheavilyIThardware, MarkjoinedPeter solutions, whichrequiredtopgamers price ofexisting‘o theshelf’ riven byapassiontocreatetheperfectplatformatfractionof Our Systems andNetworksare keeping our clientsmovingatthe speedofbusiness. Call us on01624 666111 | challenges of digital obsolescence! challenges ofdigitalobsolescence! all computers,we’ve launched aninitiativetoraiseawarenessaround them intoapowerfulPC’s, virtually. Becauseweknowcan’t save (At Tres, wegiveonceobsolete devicesasecondlifebytransforming • • • • • So, inanutshell,whatmakes Tres Solutionssodi erent? nerd isnowpayingo .” Reflecting ontheachievementsMarksaid:“Iguesstenyearsofbeinga fraction ofthepriceothercurrentproviders. provide safe, secureandresilientservernetworkinfrastructuresfora Man. Thecompanyworkswithworld-beatingcompaniesontheIslandto clients canrestassuredtheirpreciousdataisheldsecurelyintheIsleof The company’s USPisto‘gettechatthespeedofbusiness’. Furthermore support andencouragementoffellowdirectorPeter Adamson. researched, developedandlaunchedfromtheIsleofManbyMarkwith The Tres Solutionsplatformisatechnologicaltriumphandit’s been world. servers, guaranteeinguptimesandtheabilitytoworkanywherein full benefitofTres Solutionsfullyredundantandgeographicallyseparate any oldersystemstotheCloud,fromwherebusinessescanenjoy It’s theperfectsolution,enablingbusinessesofallsizestofullymigrate platform needn’t costtheEarth. why completepeaceof mindandaworld-beating To findoutmoregivetheteamacallanddiscover tressolutions.co.uk the speedofbusiness.‘Recycling digitalobsolescence’ Don’t throwawayoldITequipment,re-purposeitandhaverunat Download, connectandenjoyhasslefreedesktopexperience. Accessible onanyplatformandanywheretheplanet your virtualdesktopsnevergoobsolete. Seamless upgrades–Becausewehandlethehardwareonourend, applications Our businessplatformisdesignedtorunthemostdemanding BUSINESS 42 OUR “MIRACLE YEAR” THINKING DIFFERENTLY COULDMAKETHIS HOW SUPPORT FORINNOVATION AND 2020 probablydoesn’t feelmuchlike a“miracleyear”sofar. History latercalledthisa“miracleyear”. most significant scientifi c discoveries. ideas, whilstin“self- isolation”. Hewentintocreativeoverdriveandcameupwithsomeofhis countryside. Oneofthem,IsaacNewton,decidedtoforgeaheadwithhisoriginalthinkingand In 1665,aplaguesweptBritain,andstudentsatCambridge, wereencouragedtorelocate the | The Islandistheultimate “agile” location. So how do we create a new business So howdowecreate anewbusiness H “middleman” andfocusontheendcustomeroruser. see opportunityandtheygoforit.Theycutoutthe companies, whoadapt,developandgrow, fast.They of thesealready, tobereplacedbysmall,agile, nimble Events ofrecentweekshaveseenthedemisesome last”. because theyarelarge, monolithicstableand“builtto Fortune 500companieswouldbegonein10years, Professor Foster(Yale) predictedin2019that40%of BY BY and relentless,therewillbewinners. owever, inaworldwherechangeisrapid,turbulent CAROL GLOVER model out ofthis? supporting innovators, mavericksandgrowthmindsets. in glovewiththiscomestakingrisks, thinking big,and to beamuchgreaterfocusoninnovation itself. Hand For theIslandtoinventworld-classproducts thereneeds create anewbusinessmodeloutof this? The Islandistheultimate“agile” location.Sohowdowe islands andremotecommunities. Island, itissaleableelsewhere, especiallytoo shore Yet theirworkcannotonlyimprovelifeandbusinesson and theirclientsshoulderalltherisk. challenge andaproblemworthsolving.At presentthey They haveno“legacy”tounravel,theyseeatech solving “bigworld”problems-andquickly. island. Manyare“undertheradar”, andareusedto boutique, verysmarttechinnovators,aroundthe development ine-gaminghasspawnedinnovative, The Islandishometoseveralsuchcompanies.Tech community onIsleofMan. months &createastrongmutuallysupportive has seenover150start-upsmembersjoinin6 Strategy forIOMChamberofCommercethat She producedtheEntrepreneurDevelopment latent skillsandpotential. leaders andentrepreneursunleashworldclass business “EncodedPotential” tohelpemerging She iscurrentlyco-creatingaScottishbased change. productivity andcreateopportunityoutof dierently, increasepersonalandbusiness Boards, Teams andBusinessestothink Coaches and MentorsFounders,Leaders, Today viaherMaverickMaker businessshe skillsets forthe2020s. Specialist world–oneofthemostindemand She’s beenasuccessfulGeneralistleaderin Commercial PropertyDirector. latterly HeadofTech foraretailbusinessand Halfords Auto Business, PromoterofIOMTT, & Leadership Roles haveincludedHeadof leaders worldwide. organisations, supporting Entrepreneursand Distribution management,andvoluntary across worldretailing,thepublicsector, She’s heldIntrapreneurial leadershiproles to theirMaverickMindset. World classperformancebyconnectingleaders Edutainer fromtheIsleofMan,whounlocks Leader, Speaker ,Coach,Mentor, Podcaster and Carol isaginger, punkinspired,Disruptive I believe that for every business issue currently in play, current pandemic situation, but also for what there is an opportunity. happens next. Many of our Sam Walton, Walmart founder, believed in “swimming There is capacity and potential around to help fi x upstream” – doing the opposite to everyone else. He current issues and create new revenue streams for the smaller tech said: “It’s always worth testing di erent ideas and trying future. out new things.” businesses are Many of our smaller tech businesses are run by The Island has a history of innovation, thinking millennials who have a belief system based on mutual run by millennials di erently and “outthinking” the competition, thus support and help – they want to do their bit to help us producing and delivering on the world stage. all. who have a belief BUSINESS Therefore, in the most disruptive series of events for the I have had the opportunity to work with, support and system based on Island and its economy, this is the perfect time to “ramp learn from Millennial Founders on the Isle of Man over up” innovation because: the last three years. There is great and innovative mutual support thinking fl owing out of them. 1. The Island has great talent, drive and creativity, in and help. its young people With their growth mindsets, and “can do “ attitude, they’ve learnt to see opportunity in di culty, and fi nd 2. The world order has changed dramatically, and new avenues to explore, create and deliver against. big is no longer best. What they need now more than ever is: 3. The island is a perfect test bed for trying new approaches and new technologies. 1. Practical and timely fi nancial help to support new developments 4. Customer intimacy on island, makes understanding their needs and wants quick and 2. An incentive to innovate “in our back yard” and easy. create opportunity from negativity and chaos 3. Ongoing personal and business development support So how? Theirs is a mutually supportive and forward-thinking, Whilst we are, necessarily, fi nancially, bolstering inclusive style that will set us up for sharing of many sections of the economy, now is the perfect knowledge and opportunity and future growth. time to incentivise the next generation of big thinkers, creatives and innovators, by establishing an An easy to access, “Innovation Fund” is a must for the “innovation fund,” that supports local businesses 2020s. A Win for Founders and a Win for our future in solving real world problems arising out of the Economy.

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| 43 THE ARTS 44 n Visithardinglewis.com 679524. consultation withHardingLewis, on software orTSheets, bookafreeinitial the advantagesofcloudbookkeeping If youwouldlike toknowmoreabout invoices. sales one place, readyforyoutoraiseyour that youhavealltheinformationin with yourbookkeeping softwareso smartphones. Itautomaticallysyncs time usingtheapponyourrespective your employeessimplyrecord each oneofyourclients.You and you totracktimespentworkingon mobile timerecordingappallows Take TSheets, forexample. This tools tousewithinyourbusiness. apps canprovideyouwithsomeclever integration o ered withotherbusiness desktop software. What’s more, the traditionally bedonewitholdschool These appsgofarbeyondwhatcould Xero, tonamejustacouple. software, suchasQuickBooksand social mediaforcloudbookkeeping one ofthemanyadvertsonTVor I’m surebynowyouwillhaveseen GOING ONLINE SAVE TIMEBY By Stephen Jackson,Manager MONTH Chartered Accountants TIP Harding Lewis Limited | OF THE A programme from students planning to make a career in the arts. programme fromstudentsplanningtomake acareerinthearts. studies Thecharityisnowinvitingapplicationsforits2020scholarship exceptional talentintheirchosenfi eld toassisttheminfurtheringtheir support toaspiringManxstudentsintheartswhodemonstrate Arts AidisanindependentIsleofMancharitythato ers fi nancial SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME 2020 ARTS AID directors in Douglas. directors inDouglas. will beasked toattendaninterviewwiththe application andthoseinvitedtothenext stage Candidates willbeassessedontheir written their application. provide suitablewrittenreferencesin supportof talent intheirchosenfi eld. Applicantswillneedto applicants willneedtodemonstrateexceptional and instructions.To beeligibleforanaward pack. Thispackincludesanapplicationform the Secretaryandrequestanapplication courses beginningin2020shouldcontact Those wishingtoapplyforscholarships the scholarshipbasedontheirperformance. apply andmaybeconsideredforarenewalof recipients pursuingmulti-yearcoursesmayre- awarded atotalofeightscholarships.Scholarship a totaloffourscholarships.In2019ArtsAid Arts Aidmadeitsfi rst awardsin2018providing Arts Aidscholarshipsareawardedforoneyear. support. unavailable, orstudentsneedadditionalfi nancial when Isle of Man Government funding is when IsleofManGovernmentfundingis especially forstudentsinsituations rts Aidseekstomake adi erence aid.org www.arts-aid.org The Secretary, ArtsAid e-mail:secretary@arts- For furtherinformationpleasecontact: endeavours.” every oneofthemsuccessintheirchosen will beo ered ascholarshipwewisheachand high andalthoughunfortunatelynotallapplicants aspirations. Thestandardoftheapplicantsisvery scholarship applicantsandlearningabouttheir are lookingforwardtomeetingthisyear’s David Wertheim, chairman,said:“The directors course. o ered aconfi rmed placeontheirchosen being abletodemonstratethattheyhavebeen Awards willbeconditionalontheapplicant when fi rst applyingtoArtsAidforascholarship. however, necessarytohaveaconfi rmed place at asuitableeducationalinstitution.Itisnot, expected tohaveappliedacourseofstudy time oftheirapplicationcandidateswillbe the applicationprocessiscompetitive. At the as possibleavailablefundingislimitedand Candidates areencouragedtoapplyasearly Road MOTORING

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THE IMPRESSIVE AUDI Q8 CAR STATS TDI S LINE Dear Santa, I know it’s only April, but….. ROAD TEST BY SIMON RICHARDSON t’s clear that when it came to creating the new Audi Q8 the German marque’s designers were given free rein to Itest their considerable talents to the limit and produce a car with astounding technology to match its head-turning looks. The Q8 comfortably meets the demands of the most enthusiastic petrol (or diesel) head, while demonstrating the kind of perfect manners that turn the weekly shopping run into a ‘look forward to’ experience. lots of it. If you’ve dreamed of piloting a Dreamliner then YEAR: 2018 This is an impressive car in so many ways it’s impossible the lovely multi-screen virtual cockpit should satisfy your to provide the full run-down of its capabilities in this short needs. It’s a nerd’s multi-button paradise. However, if you MAKE: Audi test report – su ce to say that if you have the funds to buy fear tech in the same way a Seal feels about a Polar Bear, MODEL: Q8 50 TDI S Line one, don’t bother spending too much time looking at the then panic not – it is easy to navigate (and if I’m saying that opposition. believe me, it must be). BODY STYLE: Sports Yes, it’s a big SUV for threading through the Isle of Man’s I loved the fabulously comfortable seats, with electronic Activity Coupe country roads, but it doesn’t feel in any way oversized once adjustment in all directions, and the all round visibility. MILEAGE: 5750 you are behind the wheel. The Q8 has entered a segment in which its most obvious The Q8 is a fabulous long distance cruiser, but it’s just as rival is the now rather long in the tooth BMW X6. The Audi TRANSMISSION: 8 speed competent on some of the Island’s notorious lumpy bits, is, in my view a superior car – far from subtle, but without Sports Auto which is something you can’t say about many of Germany’s the steroids. DRIVETRAIN 4WD fi nest. The Audi Q8 o ers a genuinely benign comfort The vehicle I tested retails new at over £62,000. But Skillan ENGINE: 3.0L V6 Turbo setting to ensure your teeth stay fi rmly in place even when Naylor are o ering this immaculate 2018 model, with only you venture o the TT course. If you are in the mood for a 5,750 miles on the clock for just £49,995! If you’re planning FUEL: Diesel Safari the suspension can be raised 50mm at the touch of to test drive the car you had better be quick though, as it a button. won’t hang around for long! It might be worth having your COLOUR: Night Black Inside, the car is beautifully refi ned, as you would expect fi nance in place before you go, because fi ve minutes INTERIOR COLOUR: Black from Audi. It’s the sort of place you’ll enjoy spending time, behind the wheel of the Q8 and you’ll want it! – leather/Alcantara

| 45 TRAVEL BUSH THE AFRICAN A BEAUTIFUL HOMEFROMINTHEHEART OF 46 African bushanditsfl ora andfauna. the wholefamily, theirfriends,andlike-minded peopletheymeet,toenjoythebeautyof involved inthedevelopmentofSaledaLodge asa“homeawayfromhome” sanctuaryfor in hismemory. HisgrandchildrenRoss, Kelly, James,Lauren andJoshuaarealsoclosely his wifeAnnandchildrenBrian,Raymond andRenee builtSaledaLodge inBotswana Saleda Lodge isthelegacyofbusinessmanDavidSalmon.passedawayin2003and S batteries, whichhehasdeveloped. into settingupalocalbusinessinBotswana sellinglithiumion energy sources.Hehasalsoinvested timeandresources game viewerandtransitionustowards usingmoresolarpowered time andenergyintolookingatdeveloping anelectricpowered media updatesandNathan,asanengineer, hascommitted his on thereserve. Kelly hassupportedSaledawith regularsocial get theirhandsdirtyandhelpwithsomeoftherehabilitationwork Ross andJameshaveusedtheirskillsasstrong,youngmento reserve inhospitalitybringsemploymenttothelocalcommunity. development oflocalindustryalongsidethejobscreatedon has totake placeonLimpopo LipadiPrivateGameReserve. This the foliageremovedduringnecessarybushthinningthat reserve andnearasmalllocalvillagetocreateanimalfeedfrom Brian isintheprocessofestablishingafactoryadjacentto prosthetics. run localseminarsandtrainingonbreastcancerknitted the familyhavebroughtoutequipmentforlocalschoolsand to visitLimpopoLipadiforeducationalgamedrives.Friendsof Lipadi setupthe“BushBabies” project,enablinglocalstudents conservation, andalongsidetheGeneralManageratLimpopo primary schoolforthetousetheirlessonsinanimal business. Renee andChrisybuiltan outdoorclassroomatalocal trained andresourcedayoungseamstresswhonowhasherown Ann hasbuiltachurchandnurseryschoolatthesta villageand White Rhino’s todate. lost duetopoaching.Thereservehassuccessfullybredfi ve Ann purchasedawhitebreedingfemaleRhinotoreplace Rhino breedingprogrammebyadonationtoenhancesecurity. e ective rehabilitation,andRay andRenee supportedtheWhite intervene inthebushveldmanagementtobringaboutmost research programmesonthereservetobestunderstandhow part ofruralBotswana.Theyhaveinvestedfi nancial resourcesinto and totheeconomicdevelopmentupskillingofaverypoor restoration ofthisovergrazedAfrican bushveldtoitsnaturalstate The familyisdeeplycommittedtonatureconservationandthe relationships. lodge andsupportthefamilyindevelopingcommunitylinks It hasfi ve fulltimelocalsta , professionallytrained,whorunthe on LimpopoLipadiPrivateGameandWildernessReserve. lodge builtonthebanksofLimpopoRiverinBotswana, aleda Lodge isacomfortableten-bedthatchedprivate | PHOTOS: HAYLEY RICHARDSON TRAVEL BUSH THE AFRICAN A BEAUTIFUL HOMEFROMINTHEHEART OF African bushanditsfl ora andfauna. the wholefamily, theirfriends,andlike-minded peopletheymeet,toenjoythebeautyof involved inthedevelopmentofSaledaLodge asa“homeawayfromhome” sanctuaryfor in hismemory. HisgrandchildrenRoss, Kelly, James,Lauren andJoshuaarealsoclosely his wifeAnnandchildrenBrian,Raymond andRenee builtSaledaLodge inBotswana Saleda Lodge isthelegacyofbusinessmanDavidSalmon.passedawayin2003and S batteries, whichhehasdeveloped. into settingupalocalbusinessinBotswana sellinglithiumion energy sources.Hehasalsoinvested timeandresources game viewerandtransitionustowards usingmoresolarpowered time andenergyintolookingatdeveloping anelectricpowered media updatesandNathan,asanengineer, hascommitted his on thereserve. Kelly hassupportedSaledawith regularsocial get theirhandsdirtyandhelpwithsomeoftherehabilitationwork Ross andJameshaveusedtheirskillsasstrong,youngmento reserve inhospitalitybringsemploymenttothelocalcommunity. development oflocalindustryalongsidethejobscreatedon has totake placeonLimpopo LipadiPrivateGameReserve. This the foliageremovedduringnecessarybushthinningthat reserve andnearasmalllocalvillagetocreateanimalfeedfrom Brian isintheprocessofestablishingafactoryadjacentto prosthetics. run localseminarsandtrainingonbreastcancerknitted the familyhavebroughtoutequipmentforlocalschoolsand to visitLimpopoLipadiforeducationalgamedrives.Friendsof Lipadi setupthe“BushBabies” project,enablinglocalstudents conservation, andalongsidetheGeneralManageratLimpopo primary schoolforthetousetheirlessonsinanimal business. Renee andChrisybuiltan outdoorclassroomatalocal trained andresourcedayoungseamstresswhonowhasherown Ann hasbuiltachurchandnurseryschoolatthesta villageand White Rhino’s todate. lost duetopoaching.Thereservehassuccessfullybredfi ve Ann purchasedawhitebreedingfemaleRhinotoreplace Rhino breedingprogrammebyadonationtoenhancesecurity. e ective rehabilitation,andRay andRenee supportedtheWhite intervene inthebushveldmanagementtobringaboutmost research programmesonthereservetobestunderstandhow part ofruralBotswana.Theyhaveinvestedfi nancial resourcesinto and totheeconomicdevelopmentupskillingofaverypoor restoration ofthisovergrazedAfrican bushveldtoitsnaturalstate The familyisdeeplycommittedtonatureconservationandthe relationships. lodge andsupportthefamilyindevelopingcommunitylinks It hasfi ve fulltimelocalsta , professionallytrained,whorun the on LimpopoLipadiPrivateGameandWildernessReserve. lodge builtonthebanksofLimpopoRiverinBotswana, aleda Lodge isacomfortableten-bedthatchedprivate PHOTOS: HAYLEY RICHARDSON | 47

TRAVEL TRAVEL 48 Bush breakfastsanddinners guide. accompanied byaprofessional is onlyavailableatpresentif available foruse. Thisactivity There arefourmountainbikes Cycling manager. and tobookcontactthelodge loved one. Formoredetails followed bystargazingwithyour Have aromanticsundowner Sundowners andStargazing understanding ofthelocalculture. game reserve todevelopan local villagesneartothe management teamtothe Book avisitwiththelodge Cultural Tour tailored toyourpersonalinterests. specialist guide. Drivescanbe open gamevehiclewithyourown habitat from thecomfortofaluxury see thewildlife intheirnatural Experience theAfrican bushand Bush Drives experience ofthebush. the reserveforadi erent book awalkwithyourranger on For anexperienceofalifetime Bush Walk Lodge: Things todoatSaleda www.saleda.org Email: lodge managerpriortoyourvisit. not tobemissedbookwiththe an experienceofdininginthebush For thatspecialoccasionandfor [email protected] | yourselves. passion toenhancethelivesofthoselessfortunatethan a di erence tomake adi erence. Bringyourskillsand this beautifulandwildpartofAfrica. Enjoyasafariwith the familyinfurtheringtheirvisionforSaledaLodge in Game andWildernessReserve andgetinvolvedwith members, visitSaledaLodge andLimpopoLipadiPrivate this missionisinvitedtogetincontact,meetthefamily Anyone interestedinpartneringwiththefamilyfurthering INSPIRING enjoy and beproudof... Make your livingspace aplaceto homes

INSPIRING HOMES INSPIRING HOMES

Inspiring Homes needn’t be huge country piles surrounded by acres of adjoining parkland. It’s what goes on within the walls of a structure that matter most and at properties throughout the Isle of Man more and more homes are being given that elusive wow factor.

ur home is our biggest investment and it’s fair to say that protecting that investment by presenting it in the best Oway possible is always the wisest approach. But for many people the emotional ties with a home comfortably outweigh the cold economics – it’s all about turning their dreams into reality and creating a place they can be truly proud of and where they can enjoy living in unabashed luxury. The Island has an eclectic mix of quaint Manx cottages, roomy Good design is Victorian terraces, modern estates and a good splattering of ﬁ ne country houses. all about working Turning a ‘nice’ house into a spectacular, inspirational dwelling requires a considerable investment in time, energy, passion and with the property imagination, but the end result can be truly transformational. Luxury these days isn’t just about ostentatious accessories such as gold taps and giant televisions. It’s more in tune with lifestyle and respecting its and imaginative design. Good design is all about working with the property and respecting its age and style and making the best of its age and style. unique features. Projects shouldn’t be rushed. Take your time to form an accurate picture in your mind of what you would like to achieve. That’s the point at which you can call in the professionals. A talented architect might be able to suggest changes to the layout of the building to accommodate the living space you desire. They can also tell

50 | INSPIRING HOMES

you what structural changes can be made without compromising the seek advice on how best to achieve your desired outcome. This is the integrity of the building. An exciting aspect of current trends is that time you must talk to experts in the ﬁ eld of audio-visual systems and of the old rulebook has been thrown out. No longer must an old house course lighting; even the most inspirational design projects can fall ﬂ at wear the styles its era dictated; today some of the most awe-inspiring if issues such as lighting and the proper provision of electrical power refurbishments have introduced cutting edge modernity into centuries points isn’t considered at the preliminary stages of a project. The same old buildings. Modern techniques in both design and building methods goes for a new-build – get all your ducks in a row long before the have made the impossible possible. plasterers have performed their magic! That’s where we return to the little matter of proper planning. If you When it comes to interior design we all have our own ideas about what are completely changing the interior of a building then don’t forget to is beautiful and spectacular. Here again the watchword is patience.

Isle of Man Business Park, Douglas T: 01624 624466

| 51 INSPIRING HOMES

Don’t rush into your favourite furniture store the levels of natural light and even the house. That includes the bathroom. Once the and choose the ﬁ rst things that catch your height of your ceilings. Maybe ask them to smallest room in the house it’s now the one eye. This is a process that requires serious call round and assess the spaces - don’t be that can be used to make the biggest style thought; colours and styles can look very afraid to seek advice. High-end stores often statement of all! provide a full interior design service. di erent in a showroom setting than they The bathroom is where you enjoy the most might appear in your property. Talk to the The key to perfect design is to a ord the privacy so why not make it the most opulent? experts and discuss the size of your rooms, same time and emergy to every room in the Check out the fantastic range of quality suites, accessories and tiles available and let the experts help you make the most functional room in the house….well, less functional! Then there’s the kitchen. It’s the place where most of us congregate and spend the bulk of our time. Statement kitchens are the stu of every TV lifestyle programme these days. Designer units, fabulous granite worktops and wonderful gadgets abound. It’s probably the room we spend most on in any refurbishment, so it’s vital to get it absolutely

Talk to the experts and discuss the size of your rooms, the levels of natural light and even the height of your ceilings.

52 | Great Service Fair Price Stock to go If you get it right it’s the room that’s likely to add most to the value of your property. INSPIRING HOMES

right. Most reputable kitchen suppliers stoked the success of TV programmes Your initial checklist might include: will help make the process as smooth as such as Grand Designs, presented by Kevin n Work out your budget possible, starting with full computer drawings McCloud. Whilst it can be the a ordable way to maximise the use of space. to create your perfect home, it can also be n Look into obtaining a self-build the road to ﬁ nancial ruin if you get it wrong. mortgage It’s easy to spend a fortune on your dream For the inexperienced builder there is often n kitchen, but if you get it right it’s the room If you have a parcel of land get a tendency to wildly underestimate the planning permission that’s likely to add most to the value of your costs involved – or at least to fail to build in property. su cient funds for unexpected problems. n Plan thoroughly – straying o your plans midway can be Creating an inspirational home is both For some though the quest for individuality is expensive and time-consuming daunting and exciting. The braver among too much to resist. If you fall into this category us may choose to build their own property just make sure you get your sums right and n Do your research into ﬁ nding from scratch rather than customise an make the best possible use of reputable the right architect and builder existing house. This is the dream that has Manx professionals each step along the way. for your project

54 | INSPIRING HOMES

Remember that during the build period you will need The good news is that the purchase of building somewhere to live. Make sure you factor in the cost materials for a self-build project is exempt from VAT. of any existing mortgage or rental costs. It means that you can claim it back once the build is completed. Self-build mortgages are usually a little more expensive than a standard mortgage and you Creating an inspirational living space is something invariably need to ﬁ nd a much bigger deposit. On most of us aspire to. With good planning, the help of the plus side you may be able to carry out some of skilled professionals and oodles of passion the sky the construction work yourself, which can reduce is the limit! your outgoings and balance any additional mortgage requirement.

| 55 BUOYANT FIRST QUARTER FOR

PROPERTY MARKET By Peter Sharkey The search for investment property has felt considerably more intense than at any time in the recent past during the ﬁ rst quarter of 2020. Anecdotal evidence it may be, but two recent incidents prove the point. ast week, I spotted a house, which, though it appeared to require extensive attention, could eventually become a handsome property Lso attempted to make an appointment to view; it had been on the F O R market three days. I was advised that the owner had taken the house o the market because he had received ‘multiple’ o ers and had asked for

INSPIRING HOMES RENT fi nal sealed bids to be submitted by interested parties that afternoon. Unusual? It would appear not. As I write (it’s Thursday afternoon), the agent I telephoned earlier today to arrange a viewing of a decent-sized house tomorrow or Saturday has just returned my call to say that the earliest she can book me in is next Tuesday. All other viewing slots are taken. There are various factors driving demand from buyers, not all of whom are prospective landlords. The most obvious is historically low interest rates, which impacts on two groups. The benefi ciaries of low rates are borrowers; it’s currently possible to secure a two-year, fi xed rate mortgage at 1.21%; fi ve year fi xed rate deals are on o er at 1.46%. Granted, there’s a maximum loan-to-value of 65%, but some of the wide- and narrow-angled photography used on either platform several lenders are o ering 100% mortgages at rates as low as 2.95%. before visiting the property the images purportedly represent. Of course, the losers from a decade of low interest rates are savers, This column noted recently that “there is an alternative to hunting for most of whom struggle to achieve returns of more than 2%. Noting that [property] opportunities… without submitting oneself to the vagaries of the investment property yields pepper the 5%-plus mark and with cash in auction room or, worse still, if investing in the UK, dealing with regulation the bank with which to either buy property outright or with the help of a and a punishing tax regime that have dampened the buy-to-let sector,” a comparatively small mortgage, an increasing number of savers are taking view endorsed by James Greenhalgh, managing director of Island-based the property plunge. Hartford Homes. In addition to low interest rates, stock market investors have taken a Mr Greenhalgh notes that “The fi rst quarter of 2020 could only be battering recently as share prices have come o the boil. Although described as buoyant, ” and adds that “demand for our newly-constructed, stock prices will eventually return to pre-coronavirus levels, investors pre-let properties from existing and would-be investors has, I think, been are notorious short-termists and a burgeoning number appreciate the driven by a combination of extremely low borrowing costs and a realisation attractions of adding property to their income-producing portfolio of assets. that interest rates are not heading north anytime soon. Other factors include Spring itself, a time when plans to build or add to a “Some people, who have traditionally invested in stocks and gilts, leaving property portfolio made earlier in the year are now ready to be executed, large cash sums on deposit, are undoubtedly feeling the pinch as their while it’s di cult to underestimate the infl uence of peer pressure on would- investment returns and those from deposit accounts could be leaving them be landlords. Similarly, as the British Property Federation (BPF) reported short changed. Property o ers a more attractive alternative, both in terms last month, the number of newly completed build-to-rent homes, invariably of income and longer-term capital growth.” high-quality, professionally-managed homes built specifi cally for rent, It’s an assessment with which it’s di cult to argue and, if you’ve had your fi ll increased by 51% last year. of traipsing around houses that may require a new roof within a few years, The BPF fi gures suggest more of a willingness to rent rather than buy; it’s a it could be time to buy new. trend increasingly evident across the Island too. Any longer-term property investor will tell you that when it comes to buying the ideal unit, you have to kiss a lot of frogs before happening upon a prince. Although, as noted above, your correspondent has su ered a couple of unexpected rejections recently, I have also visited a series of cold, empty houses, some marketed enthusiastically by the agent conducting the viewing, others where the agent has stood by, perhaps a little embarrassed by the condition of the property he’s attempting to sell. Such experiences are all part of the property game’s rich tapestry, though I’m always amazed Hartford Homes currently have a range of modern, how owners present property they wish to sell: I’ve seen my fair share of new build investment properties available for sale, dirty, grease-covered, partially-curtained, holes-in-the-wall properties with purple wallpaper and indescribable sanitary facilities. The nuggets appear yielding an average of 5.6%. For details of residential to be in shorter supply than ever before. and commercial investment property, email Platforms such as Rightmove and Zoopla have made the buying process [email protected] or telephone 01624 631000. easier, but anyone who says the camera never lies should take a look at

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NEW CHAMBER FORUM ENHANCES THE VOICE OF CHARITIES Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce has launched a new initiative to support their charity members. A Charity Forum has been formed with the aim of giving the organisation’s charity members a stronger voice and a platform to connect with the business community. Working in partnership with the Council for Voluntary Organisations (CVO), the forum is supported by a broad cross-section of organisations operating within the third sector, including Crossroads, Disability Networks, Housing Matters, Isle Listen, Junior Achievement, Leonard Cheshire, Live At Home, Manx Wildlife Trust, One World Centre, Samaritans, and The Children’s Centre. hamber CEO Rebecca George, Rebecca added: “Historically, Chamber said: “Last year Chamber launched has always o ered the opportunity for Ca general strategy to make it even di erent sectors to get together via the more open and accessible to existing sector committees and we wanted to be and new members. A central element able to o er a similar opportunity to our of that strategy was to introduce open charity members. We’re very pleased with sector forums which are regular events the interest shown so far, and thank the throughout the year to allow all interested CVO for working with us, and all of the parties to engage with the activities in charities that have supported this initiative. each sector. We have already hosted open I would like to take this opportunity to forums for the ﬁ nance and professional thank Richard MacNee from Manninvest services sectors, and for the digital sector. for volunteering to chair the forum, and for Because the third sector contributes so the ongoing support given to Chamber by much to the island and its people we Richard and our charity members.” thought it was important, in collaboration Charity Forum Chair, Richard MacNee, with the CVO, to help those organisations who is ILS World’s Business Development to get their voices heard.” Director, said: “This forum is a great The Charity Forum, she said, will opportunity to bring together the Island’s also encourage charities to share business community with the third sector. ideas and collaborate with one We hope it will be the starting point for another, and provide another many di erent types of partnership. It has channel for communicating long been recognised that volunteering with Government and the and fundraising can provide learning business community. The and leadership opportunities as well as Forum will also host speciﬁ c increase productivity and engagement events about CSR and for the business community. This new volunteering opportunities. initiative also sits well with the Isle of Equally, many of our private Man’s UNESCO Biosphere status which sector members wish to work encourages all of us to learn about and more closely with charities cherish what we have here in the Isle of and support the vital work that Man and work together to make it an even they do. better place to live, work and visit.”

When conﬁ rmed, details about the next event will be posted on www.iomchamber.org.im

58 | IT TAKES A CERTAIN KIND OF PERSON…

When you’re part of a team handling over 6,000 calls a month and as many emails, a job in our Contact Centre is not for those who like a quiet life.

With customers in 170 di erent countries, you never know where the next caller is coming from or what their circumstances are. Whether they need a listening ear or help when a loved one has passed away. It’s not for those who like the same old same old.

It takes people like Hayley, who’s been part of the Contact Centre for 20 years.

Find out more at www.rl360.com/quality/hayley

HAYLEY REYNOLDS-HILL Quality at your service ISLE OF MAN OFFICE

RL360 Insurance Company Limited. Registered O ce: International House, Cooil Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 2SP, British Isles. RL360 Insurance Company Limited is authorised by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. Registered in the Isle of Man number 053002C.