SIMCOCKS Trust has appointed a former Island student to help develop its business in the Asian markets.

Sam Critchley, who attended Castle Rushen High School, has joined the firm in an international consultancy role.

He will be working out of Shanghai in China and will establish close links with local Chinese businesses and relevant authorities.

It is hoped that by doing this Sam will add to the efforts being made by local businesses and the Isle of Man Government to raise the profile of the Isle of Man as a favourable jurisdiction to conduct business with.

Speaking about his new role Sam said: "This represents a great opportunity for me and Simcocks Trust to play a part in this incredible period of change in the global economy.

"The prospect of unprecedented levels of foreign direct investment coming out of China - combined with an increasingly strong Yuan - suggests that there is huge potential for Isle of Man businesses which can offer value to Chinese clients."

Sam has a Bachelor's Degree in History from Durham University and a Masters Degree in International Management from the ICN Business School in France. He has also studied at the University of Bologna in Italy and ECUST University in Shanghai.

He will work closely with Steve McCafferty, the associate director of Simcocks Trust, and will combine his role with the completion of his international course and regular lessons in Chinese Mandarin.

David Karran, managing director of Simcocks Trust, added: "We are delighted to welcome Sam to Simcocks Trust.

"Geographical diversification is a key strategic aim of Simcocks Trust and the Far Eastern market offers exciting opportunities. Sam will play a key role in developing our business in this region and I wish him every success."