Manx businesses are being urged to get behind plans for an I.T centre of excellence in the Isle of Man.

The project is the brainchild of the Manx Educational Foundation, a charity set up by local businessmen three years ago to ensure the ICT sector has the trained staff it needs for the future.

Two and a half million pounds is needed to convert the former Castle Mona hotel in Douglas into what would be called the International Centre for Technology, open to local and off-Island students.

An appeal has been made to the private sector to donate funds to get the project off the ground, with plans at an advanced stage and support pledged by organisations including the Open University and British Computer Society. .

Founding member of the MEF and MD of Island IT services firm Skanco David Butterworth wants to secure backing from a wide range of local firms: