Following the successful Clean Tech roadshow in the USA, an Isle of Man delegation has recently returned from the UK, where it again hosted a range of events promoting the Island as a location for establishing Clean Technology (Clean Tech) businesses. Events were held in Edinburgh, Manchester, London and Lincoln.
The aim of the roadshow was to build on the success of the TT Zero motorcycle race and recent growth in the sector to attract further inward investment. Laurence Skelly, Political Member with responsibility for Clean Tech; Dr Ken Milne, Senior Manager for Energy Policy and Courtenay Heading, Advisor for Emerging Technologies from the Department of Economic Development were accompanied by Sandra Georgeson, Chief Executive Officer - Isle of Man, Caledonian Global Financial Services and Dr Koen Matthys, Founding Director of Komatti Ltd. Dr Matthys is in the process of establishing his company on the Isle of Man, Komatti Ltd, and took the opportunity to use the roadshow to launch his new business.
Laurence Skelly, Political Member for the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for Clean Tech, explained:
‘I am delighted with the positive response from those that attended the UK events. The UK is our largest trading partner and we are looking to build on this relationship. We took this opportunity to highlight to businesses, investors, professional advisors and journalists the significance of the Clean Tech sector to the Island’s economy and explained its unique selling proposition to attract businesses.’
Sandra Georgeson, Chief Executive Officer - Isle of Man, Caledonian Global Financial Services (“Caledonian”), added:
‘Caledonian was delighted to sponsor the Isle of Man Clean Tech Roadshow. Energy is vital to a modern economy and the Isle of Man is at the forefront of nurturing and promoting Clean Tech investment. The innovative approach of the Isle of Man Government together with the well developed business networks, flexible investment schemes and world-leading professional services support, means that the Isle of Man is an ideal base for those working to develop tomorrow’s Clean Tech solutions.
Koen Matthys, Founding Director of Komatti Ltd, stated:
‘I started Komatti Ltd as a direct spin off from being involved in zero-emission racing at the annual Isle of Man TT Zero events. As a clean-tech design and innovation company that uses racing as a medium to trial new technologies, it seemed logical to have a presence on the Island and the renowned TT Mountain Course. Technology that survives the most challenging road racing circuit in the world is ready to go anywhere.
‘I recognised early on the efforts being put in by policy makers on the Isle of Man to really push and grow their Clean Tech sector and this aligned well with our company focus. However, since starting up on the Isle of Man we have also been exposed to the great diversity in industry on the Island. Setting up a clean-tech business with a core competency in racing and high-end automotive in a market where there is also access to an established precision manufacturing and aerospace sector really opens up a wealth of other opportunities for Komatti Ltd.’
The show was sponsored by Caledonian Global Financial Services, Laurence Keenan Advocates Limited and ITM Power plc.
Isle of Man businesses interested in participating in future roadshows should contact Ken Milne on 01624 687142 or email ken.milne@gov.im. For more information on the Isle of Man’s Clean Tech sector, visit www.whereyoucan.im.
