INTERNATIONAL FOCUS NOVEMBER 2015:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 01/12/2015 16:09 Page 1

December 2015 £50m enterprise fund to boost the economy

overnment has announced G proposals for a £50 million Enterprise Development Fund to support the growth of new business and new jobs for the . The scheme is the centrepiece of a new ‘Enterprise Isle’ package of initiatives to boost the economy, increase inward investment and grow the working population. The package also includes new tax incentives and changes in financial regulation, land use, work permits and online services for business. Summing up the Enterprise Isle package, Chief Minister MHK said: ‘This plan will Islands unite to create new beer provide a legacy for jobs creation and opportunity for all. It will help secure the quality of life we Real ale enthusiasts are enjoying brewing expertise. treasure so highly and will ensure an exotic new beer produced in The Bushy’s beer, which was launched that the Isle of Man will live up to the Isle of Man. at the Great British Beer Festival in London, its credentials as a place “Where There is even an opportunity to claim a is a product of the strengthening You Can.”’ free pint of Tristan Island Brew. However, relationship between the Isle of Man and Mr Bell also set out the there is one minor condition … drinkers Tristan da Cunha. Government’s broad plan to must redeem their vouchers at the only pub As part of its long-standing commitment ensure future fiscal sustainability on one of the remotest islands in the world. towards international development, the Isle by addressing the three major The Albatross is the local bar for of Man Government organises capacity- areas of Government spending in inhabitants of Tristan da Cunha, a British building placements for key workers from health and social care, welfare and Overseas Territory located 1,750 miles from Tristan’s 267-strong population. state pensions. South Africa and 1,500 miles from the Tourism Manager Dawn Repetto, her ‘Our plan for growth takes us nearest land mass of St Helena. It is husband Robin and daughters Jade and towards long term financial accessible only by a seven-day boat journey Amber, recently spent three months in the security and sustainable public from Cape Town. Isle of Man. services. It reaffirms our Tristan Island Brew is a draught beer During their stay, the Repettos arranged commitment to supporting the that combines natural ingredients from the for Tristan Island berries to be hand-picked, most vulnerable in our society. slopes of the volcanic island in the South bottled and transported thousands of miles ‘And it clearly states that the Atlantic Ocean with many years of Manx to Bushy’s Brewery in the Isle of Man. Isle of Man is open for business.’ INTERNATIONAL FOCUS NOVEMBER 2015:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 01/12/2015 16:09 Page 2

Island retains Fourth decade of Moody’s Aa1 credit rating economic growth

Treasury Minister MHK has National income report highlights 4.5% rise in GDP welcomed the announcement of the Isle of Man’s unchanged Aa1 credit rating by Moody’s Investors Service. he GDP of the Isle of Man previous year, 2012-13). Moody’s commented: 'The Isle of reached £4.32billion in • Growth in GNP of 6.7%, or 5.1% in Man’s Aa1 sovereign rating and stable 2013-14 after real growth real terms (compared with 4.8% in 2012- outlook reflect the Island’s resilient T of 4.5% during the year, 13). economy and the Government’s robust • Information and communication finances. according to the latest national income report. technology and e-gaming were the main ‘The former is supported by the drivers of growth during the year, growing The report, from the Economic Affairs economy’s growth, which is stronger by 58% and 30% respectively in real unit of the Cabinet Office, confirms that and less volatile growth than that of terms, with e-gaming overtaking insurance this was the 31st successive year of other offshore centres, as well as its as the Island’s largest single economic growth for the Island’s economy. significant diversification away from sector. Key results include: banking towards high growth sectors • Compared with 2012-13, the such as ICT, despite being a small • Growth in GDP of 6.1%, or 4.5% in construction sector made a strong economy.’ real terms (compared with 3.2% in the recovery, with real growth of 17%. The Minister (pictured) said: ‘The Isle of Man is an international financial centre that can be relied upon by its in- vestors to provide a stable, pro-busi- ness environment in which they can flourish and by other countries as a re- Best International Finance Centre sponsible and reliable partner. The Isle of Man’s financial services ‘Whilst the re- industry was the big winner at the port’s conclusions Professional Adviser International Fund demonstrate the Isle and Product Awards 2015 in London. of Man’s continued The Isle of Man was named ‘Best and sustained eco- International Finance Centre’, fending off nomic success, we strong competition from Jersey, Guernsey, must remain vigi- Malta, Luxembourg and Dublin. lant in maintaining In addition, Isle of Man-based firms sustainable won 9 out of the 13 awards presented on public fi- the night. nances.’ MHK, Minister for Economic Development, commented: ‘The near clean sweep of awards for Isle of employment. The sector combined Man-based firms demonstrates the world accounts for well over a third of the Isle of For the latest Isle of Man class products and services that local Man’s economy and, despite ongoing Government news visit industry continues to offer. regulatory and global economic pressures, www.Gov.im or follow us on ‘Financial and professional services are remains the largest contributor to the Twitter @IOMGovernment the bedrock of the Isle of Man’s economy Island’s track record of 31 years of in terms of national income and unbroken economic growth.’ in fact The Isle of Man is situated in the middle of the Irish Sea The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown at the centre of the British Isles. It is 33 miles (53km) Dependency with its own government and laws, made long and 13 miles (22km) wide at its broadest point, in Tynwald, which was founded more than 1,000 years with a resident population of 84,497. ago and is the world’s oldest continuous parliament. The Island has a distinct cultural and political identity. It is the policy of the to be It is not, and never has been, a part of the United both economically competitive and internationally Kingdom. Nor is it part of the European Union, with which responsible in supporting the interests of its people. it has a special and limited relationship allowing for free More information about the Isle of Man trade in agricultural and manufactured products. Government can be found at www.gov.im INTERNATIONAL FOCUS NOVEMBER 2015:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 01/12/2015 16:09 Page 3

Rhian scoops Junior Achievement leadership award in Berlin

Rhian O’Leary from the Isle of Man Rhian, who lives in Ballaugh, said: ‘The was one of only 11 European students whole experience was amazing and to receive an Alumni Leadership Award made all those months of effort really in the 2015 Junior Achievement - worthwhile. We had a brilliant time in Berlin, but it was very hard work. Young Enterprise European Company We didn’t stop until about of the Year competition, held in Berlin. 11 every night. It was fan- The award is presented to outstanding stu- tastic, though, to be able dents who are judged on their leadership skills, to share experiences with role model behaviour, enthusiasm and team soli- teams from so many darity. other countries.’ Junior Achievement Chief Executive Sue Cook JA Isle of Man is said: ‘The European Company of the Year com- a member of Eu- petition is an amazing opportunity for students rope’s largest from the Isle of Man to compete against teams provider of educa- from 37 different countries. tion programmes ‘The standard this year was outstanding and for entrepreneur- Rhian was initially in a short list of 40 students ship, work readiness being considered for the award, so we’re de- and financial literacy, reach- lighted that she has been recognised as a poten- ing 3.2 million students in 39 tial leader and future entrepreneur.’ countries. Isle of Man strengthens its relationship with China

Confucius Classroom will provide chance to study language and culture

he relationship between the Ballakermeen by Hanban, the Chinese Isle of Man and China has National Office for Teaching Chinese as a T been strengthened with the Foreign Language, which is the creation of an Independent headquarters of the Confucius Institute. Confucius Classroom. This honour reflects Ballakermeen’s long-standing relationship with the The Classroom at Ballakermeen High Number 1 School, Liuyang, Hunan School in Douglas will offer the Island’s Province, developed since 2006. whole community the opportunity to study The Classroom will deliver exam the language and culture of China. courses to secondary students, cultural The Island is developing a strong awareness programmes to primary pupils, relationship with China, the world’s second cultural and language sessions to the largest economy. Chief Minister Allan Bell business sector and community classes in MHK this year led a second delegation of Minister Counsellor for Education Mandarin. Shen Yang and Minister for Education private sector representatives to China to The resource was formally opened by and Children MLC promote the Island as an international Shen Yang, Minister Counsellor for unveiling the plaque to mark the business centre. Education at the Chinese Embassy in opening of the Independent The coveted status of Independent London. Confucius Classroom Confucius Classroom has been awarded to INTERNATIONAL FOCUS NOVEMBER 2015:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 01/12/2015 16:09 Page 4

Building our relationships with UK political parties

Chief Minister heads Isle of Man delegations to autumn party conferences

ttending party conferences in the United Kingdom A helps the Isle of Man build key relationships and understand the changing political landscape amongst its neighbours. Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK led Isle of Man Government delegations to three party conferences in the autumn – Labour, Conservative and the Scottish National Party. Mr Bell said: ‘Attending party Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK with conferences is very helpful to SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon and understanding the shifting sands of the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn British political landscape and making sure that the Isle of Man is well positioned in was a significant occasion. It is obvious terms of future developments.’ that there are now clear differences He added: ‘I had a productive one-to- between the Conservative and Labour one meeting with Labour leader Jeremy parties, and that the Conservatives are Corbyn and was able to raise awareness of moving to occupy the centre ground of the Isle of Man and our positive politics. contribution to the UK and wider ‘We also have a strong relationship international community. with the SNP, developed through the ‘This year also marked the first British-Irish Council in particular, and I spent some time talking to Nicola at the conference of a Conservative Party in have a good personal relationship with conference about areas where our two majority government for 18 years, so it Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. I countries could co-operate.’

Safest place to live in the British Isles

The Isle of Man remains the safest is far superior to that registered by the 44 remains a very safe place and its crime place to live in the British Isles, forces in England and Wales. levels are still the lowest of any British according to crime performance The detection rate for burglary is also jurisdiction. statistics contained in the Chief well above the England and Wales ‘Recorded crime has fallen by more Constable’s Annual Report. average. Public satisfaction with the Manx than 50% on the figures witnessed just a The total of 2,304 police is high at 88% and the number of decade ago and is substantially lower than recorded crimes during formal complaints low at 15. the United Kingdom levels, even when the 12 months from 01 The Chief Constable’s report highlights judged against the safest counties in April 2014 to 31 March a number of positive trends, including a England and Wales.’ 2015 was the third lowest sustained reduction in anti-social Chief Constable Gary Roberts added: in the past 30 years. behaviour and the second lowest number ‘Despite the tightness of our budget, the The overall of non-domestic assaults recorded this Constabulary remains committed to detection rate century. It also reinforces the Isle of Man investigating every crime that is reported achieved by the Isle Constabulary’s commitment to investigate to it. We will continue to work hard to of Man every reported crime. protect vulnerable members of the Constabulary stood Home Affairs Minister community and to safeguard the quality of at 43.9%, which MHK (pictured) said: ‘The Isle of Man life the Isle of Man is rightly proud of.’ INTERNATIONAL FOCUS NOVEMBER 2015:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 01/12/2015 16:09 Page 5

NASA visit a ‘life-changing experience’

Two Ballakermeen High School students who won scholarships to the NASA United Space School this year say the experience has changed their lives. Josie McGarrigle and Sam Lancaster spent two weeks in Houston as part of a scholarship scheme created by ManSat 15 years ago. Josie and Sam joined teams whose task was to plan a mission to Mars. ‘My time at space school was life- changing,’ said Josie. ‘My expectations were surpassed at every turn. The two weeks I spent at the USS are really going to be a tough act to follow in the remainder of my life. Minister for Education Tim Crookall MLC, ManSat Chief Executive Chris Stott, Sam Lancaster, Ballakermeen High School Headteacher Adrienne Burnett, ‘Every single aspect of the trip was Josie McGarrigle and ManSat Non-Executive Director Ian Jarritt enjoyable, from meeting several astronauts to making strong friendships with people from across the globe. and it gave me the chills.’ ManSat Chief Executive Chris Stott ‘My greatest highlight was being The students thanked the Foundation said: ‘Some of our previous scholars have granted exclusive access to the Mission of International Space Education, which gone onto work within the space industry, Operation Control Room at the Johnson runs the USS, their teachers at the school, or in related industries, and the contacts Space Centre, used in the Apollo missions. mentors, host families and ManSat, for they gain during their time at the USS I sat down at the flight controller’s desk providing the scholarships. always prove incredibly useful.’

Prestigious award for Funding to boost documentary about Manx language

global projects A BBC Northern Ireland documentary about Manx Gaelic won at the prestigious Phonographic Performance Helping the world’s most vulnerable people Ireland Awards in Galway. The documentary called ‘Muidne agus na Manannaigh’ (Us and the effective way of supporting developing he Isle of Man is continuing Manx) was produced by Jenny Goggin countries and provides charities with to provide vital support to and Treasa Bhreathnach from the Irish greater certainty when delivering overseas T improve the lives of some of language department at BBC Ulster. It development programmes. the world’s most vulnerable was recorded in the Isle of Man in May people. Phil Gawne MHK, Chairman of the 2014. International Development Committee, The International Development The documentary looks at the said: ‘Funding from the Isle of Man is Committee will assist a wide range of history of Manx Gaelic and its recent continuing to make a tangible impact on projects over the next three years, helping revival. people’s lives.’ more than 280,000 people. Adrian Cain, Manx Language He added: ‘The charities that have The aim is to establish long-term Development Officer for , secured funding for the next three years partnerships to support charitable projects said: ‘There is a growing awareness of will be able to focus on addressing the in countries ranked as ‘low’ on the UN the successes of the language revival root causes of poverty and hunger or on Human Development Index. This approach here and this is attracting a good deal identifying opportunities for better health strengthens the Island’s ability to help of positive PR for the Island from a and education. This support shows the Isle those in poverty to be more self-sufficient wide-range of media outlets. It's very of Man is committed to playing its part in and less dependent on foreign aid. rewarding to have been involved with efforts to create a more sustainable future this award-winning production.’ It is recognised as a more cost for all the world’s citizens.’ INTERNATIONAL FOCUS NOVEMBER 2015:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 01/12/2015 16:09 Page 6

The Isle of Man’s two main motorcycling events are growing TT continues to grow in popularity in popularity and making a bigger economic contribution than ever before. More than 42,000 people attended the 2015 TT Races, while about 15,000 visited for the Festival of Motorcycling, representing growth of more than 42% over a six year period. The two events combined generated almost £28million for the Isle of Man economy in 2015, an increase of £11.9million on 2009. David Cretney MLC said: ‘The TT continues to grow, while the introduction of the Classic TT and creation of the Festival of Motorcycling has delivered sharp increases in visitor numbers and spend.’ Island aiming to be world leader in offshore energy Plans to harness natural resources for renewable power generation

lans to harness the Isle of hub is one of the key strategies of the which could be exported to the United Man’s natural resources to Government’s long-term proposals to Kingdom. P generate renewable energy boost the economy. Leasing parts of the Andrew Roy, Chairman of Manx Tidal have taken a significant step Island’s seabed for renewable energy Energy, commented: ‘The potential of this generation is expected to make a major forwards. site illustrates just how large the contribution to public funds and local job environmental and economic opportunities The Isle of Man Government has creation. are in the Isle of Man’s territorial waters, granted a survey licence to a local In addition to the area off the Point of potentially making it a world leader in company to explore the possibility of Ayre, there is potential for survey licences offshore energy production. developing a tidal array on an area of the to be granted for three further sites off the ‘The size and scale of the site could seabed off the Point of Ayre. southern end of the Island’s coast. make this the largest tidal energy project The seven-year agreement will enable Tidal arrays involve anchoring turbines in the world to date. The ambition of the Manx Tidal Energy Limited to carry out to the seabed, well below the surface of industry is matched by a vision from preliminary work to determine the the water, in locations where there is a Government and the issue of this survey practicality and commercial viability of reliably fast tidal current. licence demonstrates the political appetite offshore electricity production. This helps to generate a constant exists to unlock the vast potential of the The development of an offshore energy supply of renewable energy, some of Irish Sea’s clean energy resources.’

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