September 5th marked the 150th anniversary of the Isle of Man’s first Companies Act which is being celebrated by the Isle of Man Post Office on 28th September with the release of six stamps. The stamps, which depict some of the longest continuously trading companies here on the Island, will be issued on 28th September at a launch event being held at Companies Registry.

Tynwald promulgated the Companies Act in 1865 and on 5th July it came into operation with Isle of Man Banking Company Limited incorporated as company no.1 on 26th October 1865. The Act has since been amended over the years on numerous occasions and there are currently eight acts of Tynwald that are collectively known as the Companies Act 1931 to 2004 with supporting rules, regulations and orders. More recently, the Isle of Man Companies Act 2006, also known as the 2006 Act, was introduced with laws that reflect the incorporation of modern and flexible corporate vehicles with simplified administration procedures. Incorporation of 2006 companies commenced in the Isle of Man on 1st November 2006.

Some of the Island’s longest continuously trading companies are depicted in the six stamps and include - Isle of Man Bank Limited - first incorporated in 1865, and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Limited - incorporated in 1885, the oldest continuously operating passenger shipping company in the world. The Finch Hall Pavilion Limited is also featured and was incorporated as early as 1896 - two years before Heron & Brearley Limited who were incorporated in 1898 with a structure to run an extensive portfolio of hospitality properties across the Island. Also featured, is the Farmers Combine Limited, a Ramsey business which carries an extensive range of farming and agricultural goods, incorporated in 1907. Finally, is Peel Golf Club Limited which was incorporated in 1911 and boasts fantastic fairways and views of the valley.

Each stamp image displays a collage of original black and white and colour photos of premises and staff along with certificates of incorporation and company seals.

John Wilkinson, Companies Registrar for Isle of Man Government said: "On the 150th anniversary of the Isle of Man Companies Act, it's fascinating to explore the history of some of the Island’s longest continuously trading companies. The Companies Act has evolved over the years with the changing needs of businesses here on the Isle of Man, and the opportunity to look back as to how it first came about and of course at some of our longest trading companies, is a rare treat that the Isle of Man Post Office has provided through its latest stamp issue."

Maxine Cannon, General Manager of Isle of Man Stamps and Coins: "This has been a really interesting project and one that is hugely important to the Island and its commercial heritage. We'd like to thank John Wilkinson for his expertise and insight throughout the project and invite our public to celebrate the Companies Act on this important anniversary."

To view the stamp collection and pre-order please click here. 

Photo - the 150th anniversary of the Isle of Man’s Companies Act stamps.