Sir Chris Hoy to attend gala dinner

A major new event to capture a spirit of enterprise in the Island steps into the limelight on Tuesday evening.

ISLEXPO will outline opportunities to start, grow or relocate business to the Isle of Man - to an expected audience of more than 1,000.

The day-long event at the Villa Marina on Wednesday will also be the launch pad for the government's £50 million Enterprise Development Scheme. 

ISLEXPO has been months in the planning, and will see a packed agenda of panel discussions, keynote speakers and expert tuition.

A gala dinner tonight will see Sir Chris Hoy MBE welcome delegates to the start of the first Manx expo.

Chief Minister Allan Bell says the Island will show its business-friendly face: (play audio)

Wednesday's packed agenda will include two Pitch-It sessions hosted by potential investors.

One is for entrepreneurs seeking funding to expand.

The other for students who have honed their business ideas in the  Island's Junior Achievement programme.

JA's Chief executive Sue Cook says the youngsters are ready to take the next step.