The latest in a series of events which give off-Island entrepreneurs the chance to network with local business people and influential residents took place recently, once again sponsored by PwC.
Isle of Man resident, Steve Hawkins, has organised seven similar events in the Island over the last twelve months. The gatherings have attracted over 70 companies based around Europe, who are given the opportunity to present their businesses to potential investors and entrepreneurs, resulting in several of those off-island companies relocating here and several more considering it. Each event offers six to eight entrepreneurs the opportunity to visit the Island, explore what it has to offer and the chance to network over supper.
Steve commented: ‘The Isle of Man offers a unique proposition for successful entrepreneurs, many of whom have already exited their businesses and now seek to impart their skills and knowledge to help others. The Isle of Man can now provide a complete and compelling proposition to these companies that will in turn increase the relocation rate here, boost the local economy and provide employment.
‘I am grateful to PwC for providing their sponsorship as well as their time and resource for these events. Having expert advice on hand to discuss matters such as taxation and regulatory requirements adds real value to all those attending.’
The start-up section of the economy is widely considered to be a key part of the solution to the global economic downturn. London has reached third position globally, after Silicon Valley and New York, for its start-up system and local business leaders consider there is no better time to support start-ups in the Isle of Man, especially with the UK on our doorstep.
The Chief Minister has made it very clear that developing the Isle of Man’s economy is the solution to the challenging financial position we’re currently facing, therefore it is vital that we attract high-value-adding businesses to establish their operations here.
PwC is delighted to support the development of entrepreneurship in the Isle of Man by providing sponsorship and support for networking events on the Island designed to attract and educate high-quality, early-stage high-growth businesses and start-ups.
Ian Clague, Senior Partner at PwC, commented: ‘It is great to see individuals organising events like this and Steve should be commended for his efforts. We are pleased to be involved with and support these events which encourage entrepreneurship on the Isle of Man. The challenge for the island has always been finding quality businesses at an early stage. These events are an excellent medium for encouraging discussion and generating a wider understanding of what the Isle of Man can offer.’
Image Left to right - David Churcher; Steve Hawkins; George Sharpe; Ferran Munoz-Lopez, Charlotte Mason, Ben Holloway
