Leading Manx training provider TLC Business Solutions launched their new TLC Technical division at a prestigious event held at the Claremont Hotel on the evening of 19th May. Introduced by Sue Gee, Managing Director of TLC, Minister of Economic Development, the Hon Allan Bell MHK and John Aspden, Chief Executive of the Financial Supervision Commission addressed the guests during a short presentation. The new Technical branch was conceived as a result a of market research project conducted by TLC earlier in the year. Feedback from businesses on the Island showed that whilst TLC is widely recognised for its leadership, management and personal effectiveness courses, the extensive technical courses TLC offers are less well known according to respondents. The research also revealed the need for local, cost efficient senior executive programmes. In response, TLC decided to raise the profile of that area of the business, to broaden the range of technical courses it provides. Minister Allan Bell talked about the importance of developing the Island’s workforce: “TLC’s new technical offering is an important step forward for what the Island needs to achieve.” He noted the “rapid development in the financial services sector” and “4 – 5% net growth in the Isle of Man during the recession”. He remarked, “This is an incredible achievement and a credit to diversification in the economy. In order to remain competitive, we need leadership, constant training and re-skilling. The timing of TLC Technical is appropriate for what the Island needs and I would like to congratulate TLC on a well-received training programme that helps to guarantee more jobs for the Island’s future.” As part of its new structure, TLC has also added a brand new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme for Directors and Key Persons. The new CPD programme has been specifically designed to fulfil the FSC regulatory requirement for CPD introduced in January this year. There is a wide-ranging choice of workshops in key areas of corporate governance, finance and strategy. John Aspden, Chief Executive of the Isle of Man Supervision Commission talked about the “importance of professional qualifications” which are “the cornerstone of the regulatory regime.” He noted how CPD is very important in “keeping in touch with regulations and new legislation.” He continued, “One of the things we look at when assessing companies is CPD of Directors, so we welcome what TLC has put together, filling a niche that is important across the board. We look forward to working with TLC. As part of TLC Technical, new training for globally recognised professional qualifications will start in the autumn with the ICSA Certificate in Offshore Finance and Administration. TLC has applied to become an approved training centre for Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and anticipates delivery of the Level 2 Accounting Qualification later this year. Sue Gee, Managing Director of TLC, commented on the company’s new developments: “TLC is now in its seventh year of business, and in that time we have delivered over 1,500 courses to more than 10,000 delegates. The launch of TLC Technical now means that we offer the most extensive range of practical, relevant and quality assured training provision in the Isle of Man. We are dedicated to supporting the island’s workforce and businesses, working with them in support of the continued success of the Isle of Man.“ Ends