The Manx government is to host a prestigious dinner in London, in its latest drive to raise the Island's business profile in the City.

The event, next Friday (September 19), will be hosted by Chief Minister Tony Brown (pictured).

The 200-strong guest list includes international business leaders and diplomats - as well as key figures from the government and private sector here.

The black tie dinner will be held at the Mansion House - official residence of the Lord Mayor of London - and the venue for the UK Chancellor's annual address to the city.

Alderman David Lewis provided a welcome fillip for Manx business when he visited last year.

He pointed out assets worth billions of pounds held by Isle of Man companies were invested in and through the city of London - and described the Island as a 'core asset' for the City.

The Manx-hosted dinner aims to build on that and provide an opportunity to promote the Island to an influential audience.

There's much scope to develop relations between the City and the Island - the dinner next Friday is an imaginative step towards realising that potential.