DUNCAN Lawrie (IoM) Limited is celebrating its 25th anniversary year.

The private bank's managing director Alan Molloy - speaking at a reception at the Council Chamber in Douglas town hall before more than 100 guests and Duncan Lawrie senior management - said the year is going to be "very special".

Commenting on how the business had grown over the past 25 years, Mr Molloy cited the bank's use of cutting-edge technology, the introduction of online banking and SimplyOne Visa card to complement the customer oriented service provided by the relationship management team.

He said: "The world may have become a smaller and more complex place and we have embraced such change and IT innovation but Duncan Lawrie has retained its traditional virtues and values, not least our conservative approach to risk and dedication to providing the highest levels of personal service."

Mr Molloy thanked clients and intermediaries for their continued support which had helped contribute to Duncan Lawrie's growth over the last quarter century.

He said: "During 2011 we will be rolling out a number of initiatives that will serve to underline the bank's outward-looking approach, including business development efforts internationally, our internet platform and other related business ventures. 

"In summary, Duncan Lawrie is very much focused on the future and its next 25 years!"

The reception also provided an occasion for Mr Molloy to welcome former Isle of Man Finance director John Spellman to the board as a non-executive director and to present employee Karen Karran with a gift in appreciation of her 25 years of loyal service to the company.