The Department of Trade and Industry has reported great interest in the Isle of Man stand at the recent Business North West 2009 event at Manchester Central.

Representatives from over 60 organisations visited the stand and the number who expressed a strong interest in relocation to the Isle of Man was well in to double figures, highlighting the many attributes the Island has to offer businesses.

Over 6500 people had registered to attend the event, which is regarded as the premier business to business event in the North West, and a steady stream of visitors visited the stand to hear first-hand the benefits of doing business in, and with, the Isle of Man.

Minister for Trade and Industry David Cretney MHK commented, "The Isle of Man has an excellent track record in supporting innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit and remains a very attractive place for businesses to operate.

"Business North West offered us an invaluable opportunity to communicate this and the benefits of doing business with the Isle of Man to key audiences.

"Our presence at these type of events highlights our continued commitment to marketing the Isle of Man and to attract inward investment."

Richard Slee, DTI Marketing Manager, hosted the stand for the Department and commented, "This was the first time the Department had attended this event but we were impressed with the level of interest and encouraged by the amount of goodwill shown towards the Isle of Man from the North West business community.

"We have been following up the many enquiries we generated and hope that this will eventually lead to further investment in the Island."

The Department also offers business incubation facilities in conjunction with Coventry University Enterprises via the Isle of Man Business and Innovation Centre(BIC) and a representative from BIC was also on the Isle of Man stand.

Kate Lord, Project Officer at the Business and Innovation Centre commented, "The Isle of Man and the BIC are committed to helping entrepreneurs transform their ambitions into sustainable businesses, and by having a presence at the event we were able to promote the benefits of the BIC as well as highlight the framework of support services available on the Island, and internationally through our Soft Landing Zones.”