The Isle of Man is for... Contents

03 Forward thinking

04 Facts and location

05 A home for business and diversity

07 A place to prosper

09 The Isle of Legends

11 Living the Island life

13 Excellent essentials

15 Safe and secure

17 Where modern meets classic

19 Room to breathe

21 State of the art

23 Calling the Island home

25 Glossary Isle love Man love Isle

Contents Forward thinking The Isle of Man is beautiful. It has some fabulous scenery, enchanting glens, miles of uncrowded beaches, medieval castles, Victorian railways, trams and beautiful parks and gardens. It is a land of opportunity where people and business can reach their full potential.

As a nation, we have embraced our Freedom to Flourish strategy, which is designed to promote an inclusive society with a high quality of life, protect our heritage and raise awareness of the Isle of Man.

People of all ages enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle and a tremendous quality of life in the Isle of Man, with beautiful countryside, very low crime rates and excellent public services.

Kayak Chasms

3 Did you know? Facts and location

You may know the Island for the TT races and maybe Mark • Capital: Douglas Cavendish, but here are some facts you might not know... Facts • Population: 84,497 (2011 Census) • 4 of the world’s Top 10 satellite companies have offices in the Isle of Man • Land Area: 572 sq. km/ 221 square miles • Pilates was developed on the Island by Joseph Pilates • Population Density: 133 people per sq. kilometre or 336 people per sq. mile • More then 100 wallabies are living wild on the Isle of Man • Location: The centre of the Irish Sea - 50 km • 3G telecommunications was trialled on the Island and the (31 miles) from Ireland and 50 km (31 miles) first country in Europe to go live with it from the U.K.

• The landing gear system for all Airbus A320s are • Longest River: Sulby (17 km/ 10.5 miles) manufactured on the Isle of Man • Highest Peak: Snaefell (621 m/ 2036 feet) • Ejection seats used in the Red Arrows aircraft are manufactured on the Island • Head of State: Her Majesty the Queen

• Integral parts for the optics of the Mars Rover “Curiosity” • Lieutenant Governor: Mr Adam Wood were manufactured on the Island • Chief Minister: Hon Allan Bell MHK • The Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster is involved in design and manufacture of engineered components and assemblies • Status: An internally self-governing dependent of every major civil and military project on the planet territory of the Crown which is not part of the • The Manx flag and a sample of earth taken from Tynwald United Kingdom Hill has flown on the space shuttle and orbited the Earth on the International Space Station • Parliament: Tynwald • The Isle of Man is in the Top 10 registries in the world for • Currency: Manx pounds and pence (equivalent to business and private jets GB pounds) • From the summit of the only mountain on the Isle of Man, • Languages: English and Manx Gaelic on a clear day, you can see England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales • Motto: ‘Quocunque Jeceris Stabit’, which translates literally from Latin as ‘whithersoever • The Bee Gees were born on the Isle of Man you throw it, it will stand’, continues to feature on the Coat of Arms. This motto has been • The World Record for the smallest production automobile is held by the Peel P50 car, manufactured on the Isle of associated with the Isle of Man since about 1300. Man, and ably demonstrated by Jeremy Clarkson driving It was, reportedly, in use before this date by the through BBC Television Centre on Top Gear MacLeods of Lewis as ancient Lords of the Isles of Scotland which, after 1266, included the Isle of Man.

4 A home for business and diversity The Isle of Man is a leading international business centre renowned for innovation and professionalism. Perhaps best known for its financial services industry, the Island has successfully encouraged the diversification of its economy in recent years and is now home to a wide range of sectors including:

• Aviation • Maritime • Clean-tech and bio-med • Space • Creative industries • High-tech manufacturing • Financial services • e-Business • e-Gaming • Tourism • Retail

The Island is a place dependent on its people. Their beliefs and values are as important as their skills and vision. Those calling it home compete and engage enthusiastically in a global economy but live in an island community where family matters.

5 Business and Diversity

6 A place to prosper

Stability responsive to international needs. restaurants, shopping and leisure facilities, yet The Isle of Man has its own democratically The Isle of Man has signed a number of away from the busy commercial centres, the elected Parliament and judicial system. In international tax agreements which reflect it’s Island has retained a pace of life which is the addition, the Isle of Man has healthy reserves commitment to complying with international envy of most urban-dwellers. along with a stable and diverse economy with standards. Financial support 30 years of economic growth. Infrastructure If you are relocating your business to the Island Tax regime The Isle of Man has an excellent telecoms and or starting a new business, additional support in The Isle of Man has a clear and simple power infrastructure which has benefited from the form of grants may be available. tax regime with no Capital Gains Tax, hundreds of millions of pounds worth of public Withholding Taxes or Wealth Taxes. and private sector investment in recent years. It is Residency this infrastructure which has helped provide the There are no residency restrictions on the Island. Supportive Government foundation for the Island’s success as a major The Island recognises that the most effective centre for e-Business activities. In addition, the way to create a successful business environment Island offers internationally orientated service is to engage with its stakeholders and has expertise to a global client base. formed positive relationships with the private sector. Ministers are accessible, which means Accessibility ideas are heard and acted upon. This enables us The Island enjoys excellent transport links to to be agile, responsive and well placed to react major transport hubs in the UK and Ireland with to the challenges of the global economy. over 100 flights per week to London, Liverpool and Manchester, as well as regular flights to many Regulation other regional airports, making the Isle of Man an The Isle of Man strives to be a model of political ideal gateway from which to travel to Europe and stability, transparency and financial supervision. the rest of the world. We are at the forefront of best practice in international regulation and have been praised Excellent quality of life by global bodies including the OECD, G20 With beautiful countryside, very low crime rates and IMF for our commitment to financial and and excellent public services including health supervisory standards. The Isle of Man has been care and high educational standards, there is the pioneer in introducing pragmatic regulation a relaxed and peaceful way of life on the Isle and consumer protection, priding itself in being of Man. The Island boasts a fine selection of

7 8 The Isle of Legends The Isle of Man has earned a global reputation for its pioneering spirit and history of innovation.

In 1824, Sir William Hillary, a Manx resident, created the lifeboat service which later became the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Art Nouveau artist Archibald Knox was born on the Island in 1864. His designs for Liberty & Co made him a household name, as did his watercolours, graphic designs and fonts.

And in 1881 the Isle of Man was among the first countries to give women the vote.

The Island has seen over 100 films made on its shores, with names such as Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz and John Malkovich to name but a few. More recently, local actress Samantha Barks has starred alongside Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman in Les Misérables to much critical acclaim.

Working from his Isle of Man studio, Roger W. Smith makes extraordinary timepieces, following The Daniels Method, and is proud to be developing the Island’s reputation as the Centre of Excellence for watch making.

The Island is the birthplace of disco legends the Bee Gees – who were later to become one of the best-selling recording acts of all time.

In recent years, the Isle of Man has seen a meteoric rise in its sporting legends, with Tour de France Green Jersey and world championships gold medallist Mark Cavendish, Olympic Gold cyclist Peter Kennaugh and Zoe Gillings, Britain’s No. 1 Olympic Snowboard Cross athlete, promoting the Island on a worldwide scale. The Isle of Man TT races have attracted the worlds finest motorcycle riders for over 100 years, and Ramsey’s Conor Cummins currently holds the record as the fastest Manxman around the Mountain circuit.

Others are following in their footsteps and helping to raise the Island’s

reputation as a country which enables people to flourish. Peter Kennaugh MBE Image courtesy of Dave Kneen/ManxPhotosOnline 9 Archibold Knox & Sir William Hillary Images courtesy of Manx National Heritage. National Manx of courtesy Images Hillary William &Sir Knox Archibold Archibold Knox Archibold Zoe Gillings Mark Cavendish Mark watchmaker W. Smith Roger

Conor Cummins Conor Hillary William Sir

10 Sport, Art and Culture Living the island life The Isle of Man, with its relaxed and peaceful way of life and friendly residents, boasts a fine selection of restaurants, attractions, leisure facilities and activities.

The Island has retained a pace and quality of life, which is envied by many, and with low crime rates the Island is one of the safest places in the British Isles.

With the tourism industry complementing other sectors of the Island’s varied economy, residents enjoy amenities such as the theatre, cinemas, modern hotels, health clubs, casino and nightclubs in addition to the many public houses and quality restaurants.

Heritage forms an important part of Island life. There are many historical attractions and a rich spectrum of ancient monuments spanning 10,000 years of Manx history.

Newcomers to the Island are surprised by the variety of scenery, which exists in such a relatively small landmass. From rolling hills to picturesque farmlands, spectacular coastal scenery to secluded glens, the Island provides a wealth of diverse leisure activities, with an emphasis on sport and outdoor pursuits.

The choice of outdoor sports is considerable. Cycling, golf (we have 9 courses), sea and river fishing, sailing, windsurfing, mountain biking, diving and hiking are popular. The Island is internationally known as a centre for motorsport events, especially the annual TT Races for motorcycles.

11 Lifestyle

12 Excellent essentials The Isle of Man has a high performing education system consisting of 32 well-resourced primary schools and five regional secondary schools which all share a strong commitment to meet the requirements of the Island’s young people.

Perhaps the most significant accolade paid to the Island’s system came recently from Professor Guy Claxton, an internationally renowned educational researcher, author and university lecturer, who observed:

“I’ve been stunningly impressed by the schools I’ve already seen on the Island, by the literature I’ve seen from the Department of Education and Children and the ‘Essentials for Learning’ programme here. It seems as rich and as fruitful a culture for learning-centered education as I’ve met anywhere in the world.”

Independent school King William’s College, founded in 1833, is a co-educational, day and boarding school set in the beautiful safe haven of Castletown in the Isle of Man. Located on two sites, the Senior School is within one minute of the airport and has excellent links worldwide, whilst the Junior School is situated a mile away in the delightful wooded grounds of an old country residence.

The Isle of Man offers a comprehensive health service operated on an NHS-style basis providing a full range of services, from hospitals and specialists to district nursing, and the government is responsible for doctors, dentists, optometrists and pharmacists.

Health has enjoyed significant investment by the Isle of Man Government including the state-of-the-art £112 million Noble’s Hospital.

13 14 Education and Healthcare Safe and secure The Isle of Man property market provides an impressive range of appealing property to suit all pockets. Apartments are no exception and the Island offers a plethora of accommodation in cutting-edge design, from studios through to stunning penthouse apartments with lavish finishes.

Stylish apartment blocks shape many of the Island’s promenades with impressive buildings situated in scenic areas, overlooking headlands or harbours and within easy walking distance of shops and daily conveniences.

Whether you desire a sea view from your new apartment, golf course vista or a town centre location, then you will find the right one for you. Additional apartment services available on-Island include pool and leisure facilities, restaurants, meeting rooms and even the services of an entrusted concierge.

Many have dedicated parking or garaging with storage amenities and excellent and prompt management company services.

The estate agents on Island also act for all the major local developers and are expert at finding the right property for new and existing residents, whether it be lock up and leave, off plan, newly built or ready to go and fully furnished. So whether your lifestyle is sporty and active, calm and sedentary, involves regular global travel or is work and family based, you are sure to be able to find the property that suits your lifestyle on the Isle of Man.

15 Coutts House, Onchan Quay West, Douglas Apartments

Kensington Place, Onchan

Windsor House, Port Erin

Indicative of properties available in the Isle of Man 16 Where modern meets classic Owing to the mass appeal of the Island in Victorian times as a holiday destination, there are a multitude of sizeable townhouses on offer that were once thriving guest houses cited especially around Douglas, the Island’s capital. Many have been lovingly restored and offer flexible living environments complete with magnificent decorative ceiling roses, deep cornices and over-sized skirting boards. Many properties have ceiling heights in excess of nine feet, lending a true sense of grandeur to the house.

Many town houses are within walking distance of the central business district and cater for all budgets, from £150,000 for an older home, to in excess of £1 million for a prestigious gentleman’s residence set Rose Cottage, Douglas over-looking a leafy square. Modern town houses have also been constructed, with state-of-the-art technology and high-end contemporary finishes. Most town houses have modest courtyards or small gardens, some have garages and the best sea-fronted properties boast spacious balconies with coastal views to admire whilst entertaining. For seasonal visitors town houses offer an ideal base due to their low maintenance; for others, these properties are an ideal home in which to raise a family.

17 Haven Homes - North Shore, Ramsey Maine Court, Port Erin Town Houses Town

No.2 Derby Square, Douglas

May Hill, Ramsey Cronkbourne, Douglas Cronk Cullyn, Colby

Indicative of properties available in the Isle of Man 18 Room to breathe Visitors to the Isle of Man are often amazed at how clean and fresh the air is on the Island. For those living here it’s often something that is taken for granted, but those who are used to living in a city really notice it: when they visit the Isle of Man, it’s hardly surprising that a number of them end up moving here to live a cleaner, fresher lifestyle.

The Isle of Man offers a country lifestyle which is quite unique, and we have an abundance of properties steeped in history and character. Properties with countryside and sea views are at a premium and with a good agent you will find them. The range of options are guaranteed to inspire even the most discerning client.

So whatever you are looking for, whether it’s a plot of land to build your dream home, a stunning sunrise or sunset location, land for pets and ponies or a period property bursting with character, you can guarantee you will find it here on the Isle of Man.

Cooil Dharry

19 Indicative of properties available in the Isle of Man of Isle the in available properties of Indicative Tuck Onchan Mill, Michael Kirk Dharry, Cooil Montreux Douglas Court, Images by Michael Thomson - Eye of Man Photography and also Andrew Barton Photography Barton Andrew also and Photography -Eye Man of Thomson Michael by Images Palm Winds, Ramsey Palm Winds,

20 Country Homes State of the art While the Isle of Man still retains much of its traditional architecture, it is not afraid to embrace the latest design and technologies. The Island boasts a variety of commercial properties serving all industry sectors, from existing and upgraded high street retail units to modern warehouses and high-tech serviced offices. The Isle of Man Business Park sits on the outskirts of the capital Douglas, only a short drive from the financial centre and the busy port, which operates regular freight services to the UK and Ireland.

In the south of the Island, Balthane Industrial Estate and Ronaldsway Industrial Estate act as trade, manufacturing and engineering hubs, occupying the area surrounding Ronaldsway Airport. Also nearby is the 20-acre Freeport, a secure and patrolled free zone chosen for its close proximity the airport, its good support services and excellent telecommunications.

Ronaldway Airport is also now equipped to cater for private and business jets, with a designated 2,000 sq metres hangar, lounge facilities and a business conference centre operated by The Private Jet Company.

21 Indicative of properties available in the Isle of Man of Isle the in available properties of Indicative

22 Commercial Property Calling the Island home - a personal relocation story

mum, you have the advantage of your child(ren) Several high street brands have found their way being your access pass to a wide range of social to our shopping areas – and thanks to our well- activities. If the corporate environment is more developed digital and shipping infrastructure you your thing, the thriving business community is have access to the joys of online shopping too, of hungry for fresh additions to the local resource course. pool. Yes, it can be a challenge to live in a small and Personally, I have had the advantage of benefitting relatively slow-paced community; on an island from both worlds: building cherished friendships – at that with its natural limitations and transport for parents and children alike – through play dates challenges; and the weather is truly as fickle as a and family lunches; as well as building my own feather in a stream. But journey away once in a company offering bespoke business consulting while and you will see the unbeatable advantages and creative writing services to a loyal client base. of living here whenever you come back. There really is no place to live like the Isle of Man. Indeed, moving here from a big city like London initially felt overwhelming. However, the trade-off Michelle P. Tonnesen is originally from has been as far from a negative one as I could ever Scandinavia, but has lived in Brussels, the Michelle P. Tonnesen have imagined. A sound sense of realism and an Middle East and London before relocating to Trailing spouse. Accompanying partner. Expat open-mind has stood us in good stead along the the Isle of Man with her family in 2011. She is an wife. A rose of many names – and here I am, way. This is not Hong Kong, Paris or Dubai where independent business consultant specialised blooming away in the Irish Sea. The archetypical a cornucopia of leisure opportunities await you in change management and communication. female “come-over” (as the locals call us) of the on your doorstep. Instead you gain immediate After moving to the Island she chose to explore 21st century, who has followed her business access to fresh air, beautiful nature, zero commute, creative writing as well. She has since published executive husband on an adventure into the helpful locals – all contributing to a quality of life numerous articles on lifestyle and business unknown: relocating to the Isle of Man. which it is hard to find anywhere else in Northern subjects, and is currently working on her first Europe. In addition, we have some excellent novel inspired by her local and cosmopolitan So, how does a well-educated cosmopolitan restaurants, an ample array of cultural pursuits like journeys. keep sane on “The Rock”? Fortunately, the life art galleries, museums, concerts and Broadway of my kind has evolved from the days of ladies For more about Michelle visit www.mimo.co.im musicals, as well as entertaining venues and festive in pearls solely sipping gin and tonics at leisurely events for families, couples and singles alike. lunches. If your profession is a stay-at-home

23 Some of the brands that call the Island home... Calling the Island home - for a business relocation

The Isle of Man will be the base for manufacturing John’s initial shipping concerns were solved by developments using its ground-breaking ‘Diamond an arrangement with a Bristol-based shipping Like Carbon’ process which combats corrosion company and the development of re-usable in the Oil & Gas industry. With such cutting-edge crates. “It’s no different to shipping from the UK,” technological requirements John, who has been says John, “and as we are developing very high developing the business at its UK headquarters in value machines, the cost of shipping is a very small Bedford, England since buying it in 2003, was rightly contributor to the end price. In terms of getting cautious in deciding where the next step should parts to the Island for assembly, we just keep a take place. bit more in stock to ensure we don’t run out of anything if there are delays due to bad weather.” “Initially the logistics of shipping worried me as I

need to be confident we can deliver promptly to John had already been aware of the Island’s home Island the Calling customers worldwide. When it became clear we attractions to new businesses through needed a new manufacturing facility, we searched conversations with Adrian Moore, Chair of the Isle around the British Isles for the best place to base it of Man Aerospace Cluster, and says the Isle of Man but when you looked at all the factors, the Isle of Government “couldn’t have been more helpful”. John O’Driscoll, Highland Scientific Man won out. In our Isle of Man business we will John was able to take advantage of the financial manufacture some really big machines to coat grant scheme to gain accreditation for five key “I just love the Isle of Man: it’s an absolutely fantastic the inside of 60’ long oil pipes with Diamond Like ISOs and the Freeport location offered the chance place.” Highland Scientific Managing Director John Carbon. for custom-built facilities which include room for O’Driscoll is unequivocal in his assessment of the future expansion. Island as a place to do business and it is this belief “One of the most important elements for us is that led him to decide the Isle of Man was the right to train and retain highly skilled technical staff. In And future expansion is clearly a major goal for place for a brand new manufacturing facility. England we found that people would often move Highland Scientific. John estimates the Isle of on once they were trained but in the Isle of Man Man business will employ up to 500 people at the Primarily a research and development company, employees are a lot more loyal. Generally people end of its current ten year plan (making it a major Highland Scientific generates enabling on the Isle of Man want to stay on the Isle of Man employer on the Island) and is also planning a technologies for production processes around the and you have this phenomenon where technical stock market flotation before the decade is out. world. In particular it specialises in the application people attract other technical people, they like to be “I feel totally positive about the Isle of Man and of thin film coatings which are used by a wide together which means you get a pool of talented, our future there,” says John, “It has all the right range of industries including optical, aerospace, highly-skilled people.” ingredients to build a successful business.” semiconductor, military, defence and oil and gas.

24 Many say that there is no better time for investors, companies and individuals and prepare to be inspired and charmed by its beauty, quality of life and to establish a base on the Isle of Man. Historically, buyers who have invested opportunities therein. on the Island have benefited from the unrivalled economy. With the present The companies here are amongst those who are happy to help with your return to growth of the UK property market acting as a catalyst to the Island’s questions and queries, and offer you a warm welcome to the Isle of Man, economy, there is a real window of opportunity in our midst. Visit the Island and we thank them for their support in making this publication.

Mary Linehan 35 Farmhill Park, BRADDAN, Michelle Murphy 1st Floor, 10-12 Prospect Hill Isle of Man, IM2 2ED DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, IM1 1EJ Integration/Relocation Specialist Tel: +44 (0)7624 495751 Tel: +44 (0) 1624 612888 providing unique tailored services, since Specialists in relocating individuals, 2005. Supporting Individuals & Families [email protected] families and businesses to the Isle of Man [email protected] with professional, yet personal service. www.b-localiom.com with the smoothest of moves www.relocationoptions.co.im

Black Grace Cowley Chrystals, 31 Victoria Street 51 Victoria Street DOUGLAS, Isle of Man DOUGLAS IM1 2LH Isle of Man Chrystals Tel: +44 (0)1624 623778 Black Grace Cowley IM1 2LD [email protected] The premier Isle of Man estate Estate agents, Chartered Surveyors, Tel: +44 (0) 1624 645 555 agent for residential, commercial, www.chrystals.co.im Registered Valuers & Residential www.blackgracecowley.com agricultural and rental property Contact: Shane Magee Lettings/Property Management. Contact: Tim Groves throughout the Island.

Chrystals, 31 Victoria Street COUTTS HOUSE Coutts House DOUGLAS, Isle of Man ISLE OF MAN Summerhill Road IM1 2LH ONCHAN, Isle of Man IM3 1NW Tel: +44 (0)7624 480407 Coutts House [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)7624 432227 Contact: Nick Cooper Stunningly designed, luxury [email protected] Dealing with High Net Worth apartments with concierge and Individuals property related needs for leisure facilities - for sale, rent and www.couttshouse.com over a decade. investment. Contact: Jan Tinsley

25 Dandara Group Head Office DeanWood Isle of Man Business Park 37 Victoria Street BRADDAN, Isle of Man DOUGLAS Glossary Dandara IM2 2SA Deanwood Isle of Man Specialists in design & development Tel: +44 (0)1624 693300 Estates Agents, Surveyors, Valuers IM1 2LF of residential/commercial property. and Residential Lettings Over 60 awards for design & build www.dandara.com Tel: +44 (0)1624 620606 quality, we are one of the UK’s most www.deanwood.im successful independent property development companies.

Hartford Homes Haven Homes Middle RIver Pinewood Complex DOUGLAS Laburnum Road, DOUGLAS Isle of Man Isle of Man, IM2 1DE Hartford Homes IM2 1AL Haven Homes Tel: +44 (0)1624 677192 Developers of inspirational new Tel: +44 (0)1624 631000 www.haven.im homes in aspirational locations www.hartford.im Developers of high quality and Contact: David Lewis architecturally stunning homes.

King William’s College Property wise

ISLE OF MAN CASTLETOWN 14b Village Walk Isle of Man ONCHAN King William’s College IM9 1TP Property Wise Isle of Man Tel: +44 (0)1624 820400 Estate agents IM3 4EB King William’s College is a co- [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1624 662820 educational independent day & boarding school educating children www.kwc.im www.propertywise.co.im from 4-18.

26 Why the Isle of Man?

• Wide range of quality property available – with no restrictions on owning property • Easily accessible from the UK and Europe, just an hour from London • High quality of life in a safe, secure and private environment • Diverse economy with nearly 30 years of economic growth • Excellent education and healthcare systems • Competitive tax regime

ISLE OF MAN WHERE YOU CAN Home Strategic, Ballafletcher Road DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, IM4 4QJ Department of Economic Development, Tel: +44 (0)1624 610121 St Georges Court, DOUGLAS, www.homestrategic.com Isle of Man, IM1 1EX Contact - Lee McLellan Tel: +44 (0)1624 687361 Contact - Andy Bostock www.whereyoucan.com strategic marketing | creative design | pr and media relations research | office planning