The Isle of Man’s position in the global economy is set to be questioned in a topical debate, featuring a cast of local key decision makers and influencers.
The Three Feet Debate, sponsored by ILS Fiduciaries, in conjunction with the Isle of Man Junior Chamber of Commerce, will propose the motion that “This house believes that in this economic climate the Isle of Man is not sufficiently global in its outlook to stand on its own three feet”. The event will be held at the Palace Hotel in Douglas on Wednesday 17th April.
An impressive line-up of speakers will join ILS Chief Executive Officer Chris Eaton, who will chair the debate. The proposing team will include Courtenay Heading, Inward Investment Advisor - Technologies at Isle of Man Government, and Greg Jones, Tax Partner at KPMG. Those opposing the motion are John Spellman, Director of Financial Services at Isle of Man Government, and Phillip Dearden, Director at PKF.
The proposing team will address the traditional over-reliance on the UK market, including FATCA, how there are no work permits in cyber-space and how it’s survival of the cheapest in a 24-hour world.
The opposing team will argue the Island’s global outlook with two out of three deposits coming from non-UK, the Isle of Man’s relationship with the UK, the need to consider wider markets given the changing patterns of wealth creation and demographics and how the nature of business is changing so it is our businesses that need to evolve.
Chris Eaton said: “I’m looking forward to this event and to hearing the opinions of those on the two teams, as well as those expressed by the floor. This is a unique event, the style of which is not often staged in the Island, and it’s an opportunity to discuss an extremely topical subject and hear the opinions of key decision-makers in the Island. We are delighted to have secured speakers of such experience.”
Contribution from the floor will be encouraged during the debate and ILS would welcome the opinions of the Isle of Man community prior to the debate through its discussion pages on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/977472?trk=prof-0-ovw-curr_pos and its poll on The ILS Group Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-ILS-Group/430997436953606
The registration and buffet will be available from 5.30pm, with the presentation beginning at 6pm; with an expected finish of 7pm. Admission is ?10 to members and ?15 to non-members. For further information contact events@jcc.im.
Photo - Chris Eaton
