PwC was delighted to sponsor the latest in a series of events which encourage entrepreneurs to consider locating to the Isle of Man and give them the chance to network with Isle of Man business people and influential residents.
The events are organised by Isle of Man resident Steve Hawkins and his UK-based colleague Charlotte Mason, and attract companies based around Europe. Each event, held at the Claremont Hotel in Douglas, offers six to eight entrepreneurs the opportunity to visit the Island, explore what it has to offer, present their businesses to potential investors and entrepreneurs and then network over supper.
Previous events have already led to several off-Island companies relocating to the Isle of Man and several more considering it. For this event there was representation from two Isle of Man start-ups too.
Introducing the event, Kevin Cowley, PwC IoM Tax Partner, said: “The Isle of Man has all the ingredients to successfully nurture new businesses in terms of taxation, hugely experienced professional support services and Government encouragement. In the current challenging economic climate this is increasingly attractive to start-ups who all the more need and deserve high quality, value-adding relationships to maximise the chances of success in their early stages of 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, and we’re delighted to see local businesses represented too. PwC is delighted to support and be involved with such initiatives.”
Government support
Brian Donegan, representing the Department of Economic Development, was in attendance at the event and expressed his thanks to organisers Steve Hawkins and Charlotte Mason for promoting interest in the Isle of Man among entrepreneurs: “For entrepreneurs, the Isle of Man has a huge amount to offer – a world-class network of professional support services, advantageous IP and tax legislation and Government funding for start-ups.
“The Department has recently developed a 5 year ICT strategy in conjunction with local industry bodies including the Chamber of Commerce ICT Committee and the Manx ICT Association (MICTA). This event is perfectly aligned with our strategic objective of attracting ICT start-ups to the Island, creating high value jobs and valuable revenue in the Manx economy.”
Organiser Charlotte Mason commented: “From a UK perspective the Isle of Man has huge potential for entrepreneurs and we’re busy increasing awareness among start-ups through high-quality bodies including INSEAD, London Business School, Imperial College, University of Cambridge and numerous high-profile London accelerators and incubators. Over 100 companies have visited the Island over the last 18 months and over 40 of those have been to events facilitated by PwC.
“The quality and spread of experience and specialist knowledge in the Island – including existing entrepreneurs, potential investors, and C-suite executives adds huge value to the Island’s overall proposition.
“Once again we are grateful to PwC for making tonight’s event possible. Their expertise – particularly in terms of taxation and regulatory requirements add real value to the entrepreneurs and is a perfect demonstration of the highest quality professional services available here in the Isle of Man.”
Photo - Entrepreneurs with organiser Charlotte Mason (front row, second from left), Kevin Cowley, PwC Partner (front row, third from left) and Peter Craig, PwC Partner (back row, second from left).
