PwC were delighted to sponsor the latest in a series of events which give off-Island entrepreneurs the chance to network with Isle of Man business people and influential residents. The event took place on Thursday 24 January at the Claremont Hotel in Douglas.
The events are organised by Isle of Man resident Steve Hawkins and attract companies based around Europe. The companies are given the opportunity to present their businesses to potential investors and entrepreneurs. Several previously off-Island companies have relocated to the Isle of Man as a result of the events and several more are considering it. Each event offers six to eight entrepreneurs the opportunity to visit the Island, explore what it has to offer and then network over supper.
Speaking after the event, Kevin Cowley, PwC IoM Tax Partner, commented “In these difficult financial times, one of the key ingredients for building the economy of the Isle of Man lies in developing relationships with high quality, value-adding businesses at an early stage of their development.
“Tonight’s event, like those before it, has brought a range of entrepreneurs to the Island and given them a chance to understand what the Isle of Man can offer. This is good news: the more people who understand the Island’s propositions, the more that will choose to settle and do business here.
“The entrepreneurs are developing their businesses in a variety of sectors. It is fascinating to hear about their plans for the growth and development of their businesses and to witness first-hand the enthusiasm and drive they have to succeed. PwC is delighted to support and be involved with initiatives like this.”
As ever, the entrepreneurs attending the event represented a diverse range of businesses and industry sectors. Two of the organisations represented were Glopho and Power Ethernet Limited.
Simon Walker, Founder & CEO Glopho Ltd commented “As first-time visitors to the Island, we were impressed by the professionalism and vision for new tech businesses like ours at Glopho. Whilst the Island might be small, clearly no one told its business community as its ambitions aren't. Glopho is already in discussions with one such business about investment."
This positive sentiment was echoed by Daniel Rogoff, Managing Director Power Ethernet Ltd who said “It was a fantastic experience for me to be able to visit the Isle of Man and discuss our innovation and how it can be used to benefit the Island’s homes and commercial properties. For me, the visit really highlighted just how much the Isle of Man has grown in many high-tech industries in recent years, specifically in IT and communications, so this was an important opportunity for us to demonstrate how we can be part of that growth. ”
Organiser Steve Hawkins commented “I am grateful to PwC for providing their sponsorship as well as their time and resource for these events. Having expert advice on hand to discuss matters such as taxation and regulatory requirements adds real value to all those attending.”
Photo - Entrepreneurs with organiser Steve Hawkins and Kevin Cowley PwC IoM Tax Partner (front row, third and second from right)
