Isle of Man based company, GamesCo, will be promoting the Isle of Man and their latest computer games at the prestigious EGX Show later this month.

GamesCo’s attendance at September’s EGX show in Birmingham will be used to promote the beta launch of their new title Grimm: Dark Legacy and the upcoming release of JCB Mars Pioneer, the first game to use JCB’s brand.

Mark Robson, head of e-Gaming at the Department of Economic Development, said: ‘The development of gaming companies in the Isle of Man is exciting.

‘It covers a range of companies and opportunities for developers and creative talent.

‘The launch of these titles and GamesCo’s prominent position at EGX demonstrate what can be achieved when the Isle of Man’s public and private sector are able to work together effectively.

‘The DED wishes GamesCo every success at the show and we look forward to continuing to work with their team and similarly innovative companies in the future.’

GamesCo started in the Isle of Man in 2015 with the aim to establish an online computer games publishing business based on the use of iconic brands and film IPs.

Dave Mousley, director of GamesCo said: ‘These are the first computer games of any scale produced by an Isle of Man based company and our presence at the show is intended to showcase these new products.

Support from Isle of Man based investors and the Isle of Man Government have been absolutely vital in the production of these titles.

‘As a result, we will be promoting both our products and the supportive ecosystem of the Isle of Man at EGX.’

The EGX show at the NEC, Birminghamis hailed as the UK’s biggest ever games event and will run from September 22 to 25.

Another multi-millionaire has been created by a game in the online casino industry devised by island software giant Microgaming.

A lucky woman has claimed a prize of just shy of 8 million euros [more than £6.3 m] on the Mega Moolah game.

It has been hailed as the largest ever mobile jackpot win.

As with all wins on Microgaming’s progressive jackpot network the money, totalling 7,968,311 euros will be given to the player in a lump sum.

The woman is currently being identified only as D.P.

No details are being released about where she lives or even what country.

John Quinn, head of casino at Microgaming’s Circular Road, Douglas, headquarters, said: ‘With mobile gaming now accounting for almost half of all gameplay, it’s no surprise that we are seeing mega wins on this platform.

‘We are extremely proud to have the longest-standing and biggest progressive jackpot network in the market.

‘To now claim the largest ever mobile jackpot win is very pleasing.

‘On behalf of everyone at Microgaming, congratulations to D.P. on this mammoth mobile win.’

The previous mega pay-out on Microgaming’s progressive jackpot network was in June of this year, when Mega Moolah brought a €6,355,463.98 pay day to one lucky player.

Microgaming’s Mega Moolah was hit by a Zodiac Casino player playing on their mobile device on Sunday, August 28.

Emma Hall, promotions manager at Zodiac Casino, registered in Malta, said: ‘We are absolutely ecstatic to welcome our latest multimillionaire ‘D.P.’ to our Millionaire Winners Club, bringing our total count of instant millionaires to six across our member casinos.’

The Mega Moolah ‘slot’ game developed by Microgaming, is available to play network-wide on eGaming casinos offering Microgaming games.

The Mayor Aldermen and Burgesses of the Borough of Douglas, and Douglas Corporation, of Town Hall, Ridgeway Street, Douglas, bought 13 Church Street, Douglas, for £495,000..

It was bought from Hartford Homes Pension Scheme, by trustees, Alan Stuart Greenhalgh, as trustee, and Tynwald Pensions Limited, as trustee.

Other recent transactions lodged at the General Registry in Douglas are as follows:

Christopher Brookes and Sally Ann Brookes sold Orchard House, Cronk Liauyr, Tromode. sold Orchard House, Cronk Liauyr, Tromode, for £410,000, to Benjamin John Williams and Wendy Emma Williams, of 2 Westmount, Douglas.

John Paul Bromley and Honor Rosina Bromley sold 5 Kirby Hill, Saddlestone Valley, Braddan, for £381,000 to Stephen Jackson and Nicola Patricia Jackson, of 26 Ashbourne Avenue, Saddlestone, Douglas.

Robert Matthew Flynn and Samantha Louise Flynn, sold 4 Ballamillaghyn, Mount Rule, Braddan, for £325,000, to Lisa Astin, of 13 Highfield Crescent, Birch Hill, Onchan.

Alan Roy Loader and Deborah Ann Loader sold Nane, 1 Elm Bank, Ballagarey Road, Glen Vine, for £305,000, to Georgina Sarah Connolly, of 32 Ballakermeen Drive, Douglas.

Nigel Derek Thomas and Elizabeth Thomas sold Calcaria House, 7 Stanley View, Ballaquayle Road, Douglas, for £278,000 to Robert Francis Arthurs and Chiva Arthurs, both of Flat 1, 10 Empire Terrace, Douglas.

Hilary Lorna Dugdale sold Hill Top House, 167 Royal Avenue, Onchan, for £253,000, to Christopher James Richard Franks, of Liverpool.

Jacqueline Rock, of 7 Hildesley Road, Douglas, sold 7 Park Avenue, Onchan, for £242,500, to Lee Graham Ramsden and Rowana Fay Kelly, both of 8 Marion Road, Onchan.

Elliot James Millar and Debra Margaret Millar sold 16 Cronk Avenue, Onchan, for £235,000, to Andrew Thomas Robert Kneale, of 10 North View, Peel, and Helen Jane Thomas, of 69 Sunningdale Drive, Onchan.

Robert Michael White and Anne Jeanette White, both of Newlands House, Baldrine, sold Ballawhite and Newlands House, Baldrine, for £212,500 to Lisa Nicola White, of Ballawhite, Baldrine. Sandra Cubbon, by trustee, and Nicola Jane Merritt, as trustee, sold 18 Meadow Court, Ballasalla, for £200,000 to Carole Winifred Edgecox, of 23 Cedar Walk, Tromode, Douglas.

Paul Alexander Corns sold 25 Murrays Lake Drive for £190,000 to Judith Gilmour and Richard Gilmour, of Lhon Vane Close, Onchan.

Debra Moore sold 12 Bridge Street, Peel, for £183,000 to Christopher Gilbert Fordham and Pamela Fordham, of Hong Kong.

Dilys Edna Gilbert, of 8 Imman Stronnag, Reayrt ny Cronk, Peel, sold 27 Creggans Avenue, Glenfaba Park, Peel, for £180,000, to Gavin Dillon and Sophia Anna Dillon.

Rowena Fay Kelly sold Fairhaven, 8 Marion Road, Onchan, for £175,000, to Laurence Cresswell Jones and Hilary Jane Jones, of Bebington, Wirral.

Neil Richard Starkey, of Australia, and Carol Murray Starkey, sold 10 Prince’s Street, Douglas, for £162,500, to Richard Aron Atherton and Sharon Lisa Atherton, both of Ashley House, Ashley Road, Onchan.

Mary Angela Trainor sold 29 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, for £140,000, to Carol Rosemary Joan Howard, of Kings Guest House, Queens Promenade, Douglas.

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We publish details of all house sales unless we receive a written request from the police or probation services.

Outgoing Chief Minister Allan Bell said today (Thursday) he hoped the new island government would be prepared to take risks and focus on opportunities for the future.

Mr Bell, who will shortly be stepping down from politics, was given a warm welcome at the opening of the KPMG eGaming Summitat the Villa Marina, Douglas.

He said he was proud of the success story of eGaming in the island which, as part of the wider ICT sector, is now a major force to be reckoned with.

He told movers and shakers in the eGaming world that the government faced similar challenges in the late 1990s.

Then, the relatively new concept of eGaming presented itself and ‘we thought it was something that might be worth exploring.

‘We assessed the risk and decided to go with it.

‘It is now a hugely successful industry.’

With a general election on the way later this month, and Mr Bell preparing to step down from the political arena he told the audience: ‘Government has to stay focused on the opportunities which will come and to develop those opportunities will have to be prepared to take risks.’

There will be more reports from the eGaming summit in Tuesday’s Business news in the Isle of Man Examiner

A new cafe in Douglas is helping young people with autism to gain work experience and find employment.

‘Boards and Brews’, set in between the Rovers Return and the Salvation Army, in Lower Church Street, is the idea of Jenny Brew from Willaston.

Jenny has six children, two of whom have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a condition that affects social interaction, communications, interests and behaviour.

It is estimated that about one in every 100 people in the UK has ASD. More boys are diagnosed with the condition than girls.

The symptoms are present before three years of age, although a diagnosis can sometimes be made after the age of three.

Jenny explained: ‘The idea was to set up a place for the community and for ASD youth to gain work experience. We can then help them find permanent employment in the community. It’s a cafe for all ages to come and spend family time or fun time with friends playing board games. The board games are to help people talk and communicate, and enjoy something different.

‘We are staffed by volunteers who either have ASD or by their parents and siblings. There is myself, my fiance Brad Unsworth, my sons Alex and Kieran Brown, my daughters Alyssa Brew and Beth Brown, Orry Bagnall, his mum Nell and his sister Raven and new staff member Ollie Revill.

‘The cafe was started with public donations and is non-profit. All money made goes towards rent, bills and games. Any money left goes towards helping train the ASD youth at the cafe and finding them permanent employment.’

‘Boards and Brews’ is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 11am until 6pm and on Sunday from midday until 3pm. Follow the cafe’s activities on its Facebook page.

Robinson’s has taken the first step to gain public recognition as an organisation that considers, cares for and is proactive in making the Isle of Man more accessible.

The business on Cooil Road, has received a bronze award for disability awareness. The Tiered Award Scheme is a voluntary quality award mark for businesses and service providers.

It is designed to encourage businesses to become disability smart and consider equal access.

The award is free of charge and open to any business or organisation. Crossroads is a local charity that provides care and respite services to anyone looking after a loved one or family member with a disability, frailty or illness.

If you are interested in the award and would like more information contact the access office on 673103 or email tas@crossroadsiom.org

The access office also offers online disability awareness training to businesses and organisations.

Representatives from a professional services firm plan to highlight the importance of carefully structured ownership and effective yacht management at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show.

Quinton, with offices in the Isle of Man and Malta, will be exhibiting at the prestigious show later this month.

They will be highlighting the importance of establishing effective and carefully managed ownership structures for private and corporate vessels and explaining how using the right jurisdiction can offer owners a number of benefits.

The prestigious event is the largest in the yachting calendar. Held at Port Hercules in the Principality of Monaco between September 28 and October 1, the show will see more than 500 exhibiting companies and partners participate, including superyacht builders, designers, manufacturers, brokerage houses and professional service providers.

It is also expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors and will be home to the launch of 40 new vessels and a display of over 125 extraordinary superyachts available for sale.

This year, Quinton’s team of representatives include co-owner and chief strategic officer, Morris Hazell; directors, David Shefford and John Corteen; yacht and aircraft senior Manager, Jodie Beecroft and marketing manager, Lesley-Anne Johnston.

The team will be present throughout the event on their stand in Darse Sud and will be available to speak with owners and representatives alike about the importance of establishing effective ownership structures which give significant consideration to the intended use of the vessel, regulatory, tax and VAT implications as well as liability exposures.

Mr. Hazell, said: ‘Determining the best structure is imperative for the effective management and operation of a yacht.

‘While it is important to contemplate the intended use of the vessel, it is of equal importance that consideration be given to industry regulations and compliance as well as tax/VAT liability exposures - not doing so can bring with it a number of challenges and implications to the owner.

‘It is the responsibility of the chosen service provider to ensure that ownership is structured effectively and that ongoing administration remains compliant whilst meeting the client’s specific requirements.’

He added: ‘Monaco is a great platform for networking and sharing information and insights with likeminded industry professionals and we are looking forward to meeting with both new and existing contacts in the industry to discuss the state of the market and to look at what opportunities are present there.’

Quinton’s yachting team have more than 30 years’ industry experience and offer bespoke ownership solutions as well as a range of management, crewing, administration and support services.

They work closely with a network of professionals across the yachting sector.

Citywing has launched its new internship programme with the appointment of Ross Wilson and Jamie Burkitt.

Both are from the Isle of Man. Former Ballakermeen High School student Ross Wilson, 21, a Chester University graduate, will be responsible for marketing Citywing’s Isle of Man routes, while Jamie Burkitt, 18, who recently left St Ninian’s High School, will be promoting the Cardiff-Anglesey route.

Jamie said: ‘To have left school only recently then be accepted as one of Citywing’s first interns is a great way to gain a foothold on the career ladder at an early age.’

Ross said: ‘Everyone at Citywing has been very welcoming and supportive.

‘They have a huge amount of combined experience of the airline industry and from day one have been extremely generous in sharing their knowledge with Jamie and me.’

Citywing managing director David Buck said: ‘Against the background of an increasingly competitive jobs market, locally and internationally, Citywing’s new internship programme aims to offer some of the island’s young people early career opportunities and help them to gain practical experience of the world of work while making a positive contribution to the Manx economy.

‘Citywing’s routes out of the Isle of Man and the Cardiff-Anglesey operation, combined with our enviable punctuality record and consistent high standards of customer service, present a wealth of marketing potential on which Ross and Jamie are clearly keen to capitalise.

‘We are pleased to welcome them to the team and look forward to helping to develop their skills and promoting the Citywing brand.’

A host of speakers from the UK media industry will be attending a conference in the island to promote investment and interest in the Isle of Man.

The conference is to be held on September 14 at the Isle of Man Motor Museum at Jurby, where the speakers will be welcomed by the Department of Economic Development and other members of industry.

Speakers and advisors representing the financial sector will include people from SPARK Impact, managers of the government’s £50 million Enterprise Development Scheme.

Department of Economic Development Minister and Rushen Keys candidate Laurence Skelly said: ‘The Isle of Man has built a reputation as a test bed for new and innovative technology. Our strong infrastructure and telecoms systems, alongside our support for new and expanding businesses, have seen the island draw interest from a range of technlogy sectors and companies.

‘Attracting future investment to the island is at the core of the work of the department and we will continue to support our colleagues in industry as these exciting developments unfold.’

Dr Richard Arning,vice president of business development at SES Satellite Leasing, the event’s principal sponsor, said his company had invested in a sophisticated ‘teleport’ (a device which links satellites to ground-based communications).

‘I have been encouraged by the help we have had from the Isle of Man and anticipate that the new teleport will bring benefits to a number of local companies which provide additional ancillary activities,’ he said.

The government’s broadcast media advisor Stuart Semark said: ‘We are delighted to support this event which marks the next stage of developing broadcast media opportunities in the Isle of Man. The bringing together of some of the most respected people in the UK broadcasting industry with established media companies on the island and potential business investors gives us the opportunity to establish the Isle of Man as an international business centre for broadcast media companies.’

The other candidates standing in Rushen are Leo Cussons, James Hampton, Mark Kemp and Juan Watterson.

Alan Gough, director of Gough Law, says a proposed update on fraud laws could spark rethink on other legislation

The Isle of Man Government has invited public consultation on proposed legislation to update and clarify the island’s laws against fraud.

The draft Fraud bill is intended to provide the island with modern sophisticated and flexible provisions against fraud.

At present fraud is contained within the Theft Act 1981, which is based on 1968 UK legislation. The UK updated its Fraud Act in 2006.

The draft bill establishes a general offence of fraud and identifies three ways in which it may be committed; fraud by false representation, fraud by failing to disclose information and fraud by abuse of position.

There are also new offences created – obtaining services dishonestly and possessing, making and supplying articles for use in frauds.

There is a new offence of participating in fraudulent business. This offence would mirror the existing corporate offence of fraudulent trading but extended to sole traders also.

The Bill attempts to update law passed by Tynwald in 1981 but it remains to be seen if the new offences are up to tackling internet fraud, which is rampant and becoming more sophisticated.

The public may be interested to know that our criminal law as it is still applied has its roots in statute far earlier than 1981 and Tynwald may consider that other areas of criminal law require updating in due course.

The best examples are contained within the Criminal Code 1892.

Perhaps one of the most serious of the 19th century offences is ‘compassing the death of the Sovereign’.

This makes it treasonable ‘feloniously and traitorously to compass or imagine the death of the King or Queen for the time being in possession of the crown of the realm’.

Furthermore, an offence would be committed if the act was directed towards the consort of the King or Queen or the death of the eldest child, being heir apparent to the crown. The second eldest child is clearly left to fend for his or herself.

A further treasonably offence is violating the female heir to the crown.

The offence would be committed by anyone who ‘violates the eldest or only daughter of the King or Queen before such daughter shall have been married’.

Once married though it seems the perpetrator would have a defence.

The new Lieutenant Governor will be comforted to know that it is also a treasonable offence to slay him.

The penalty for these egregious acts is life imprisonment.

Other offences which are still on the statute book and have survived since 1892 include impeding a person endeavouring to save himself from shipwreck; neglecting to provide wife, children, apprentices or servants with food; obstructing or assaulting a clergyman or other minister in the discharge of his duties; challenging to fight a duel and placing wood on a railway line.

There is a good deal in the old Act protecting railways which, of course, were more used then than they are now.

For bird-lovers it will be a relief to know that it is an offence to kill pigeons.

More importantly it is an offence to convey in any carriage the carcass of a sheep, unless the skin, wool and ears are carried along with it.

Strangely this offence has not troubled the criminal courts too much in recent times.

A businessman has blasted the government claiming there was a lack of entertainment for visitors at this year’s Festival of Motorcycling.

Ian Davison, who rents space to sell ice cream at the Grandstand, described the stage at the venue as a ‘waste of money’ and accused the government of having ‘lost interest’ in the event.

Mr Davison, who is also a Peel commissioner, said: ‘I hope some of the candidates standing as MHKs take a serious look at these events before the idiots in charge at the moment destroy what are the two main events of the year – no TT or Manx Grand Prix equals no Isle of Man economy.

‘The stage was erected on the Monday [August 22] and was taken down on Tuesday [August 30].

‘I would imagine it cost £2,000 to hire for the week and the only entertainment was a jazz band and a few interviews on Friday afternoon.

‘Why has this stage not had bands on it every day to provide some entertainment for the visiting bikers?

‘Why has the government sponsored youth music scheme Soundcheck not been offered the stage, to give up-and-coming island bands a chance to play?

‘Even the riders awards presentation which was on this stage last year was moved to the VIP tent, denying the ordinary bikers the chance to see the awards being presented.

‘It appears the government have lost interest in this event and the TT, and this is the reason they are trying to offload it going forward.

‘Apparently some other people have complained, both locals and visitors, who could not believe the stage had been erected and hardly used.’

Mr Davison went on to say that competitors and visitors were very disappointed they couldn’t watch the awards being presented without having to pay to go to the VIP tent.

The Department of Economic Development did not respond when asked to comment.

Organisers say the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival will be more family-friendly this year.

The festival – run by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) – takes place at the Villa Marina Gardens on Saturday and Sunday, September 17 and 18.

A children’s activity marquee will feature for the first time, and it’ll be hosted by professional cook Linda Hewett.

Children will roll up their sleeves and get stuck in to food-based activities using Manx milk, flour, vegetables, fruit and other local produce.

The ingredients are provided by greengrocers Robinson’s.

Audrey Fowler, marketing officer with DEFA, said: ‘The festival is a great couple of days out for all the family and this is a welcome addition to the programme for children.

‘Introducing children to Manx ingredients at an early age will give them confidence in the kitchen later in life and they will find that cooking with the diverse range of local produce is an outlet for their creativity.’

Manx-born and bred Linda is based in Lincolnshire and is an expert bread maker and food demonstrator.

She takes part in festivals and food shows all over the UK, hosts cookery classes at the Women’s Institute college and is a judge at food awards.

She said: ‘It will be wonderful to return home to take part in the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival, a fantastic event that draws large and knowledgeable crowds.

‘My passion is sharing knowledge about food, encouraging kitchen skills and teaching what can be achieved with just a few ingredients.

‘The island has a growing range of high quality local produce and I hope to inspire the next generation by showing them how much fun they can have in the kitchen.

‘Once they have confidence with food, they may only ever cook for the family or they may be inspired to follow it as a career. They will have a skill for life.’

Linda will also give a presentation on bread-making during the festival, covering how quickly and offer top trouble-shooting tips.

Tickets for the festival cost just £3 (day) and £5 (weekend) for adults, with admission free for under 16s.

Tickets can be booked via www.villagaiety.com

The boss of Manx Telecom is reporting a ‘solid six months of trading’ after the company’s half yearly results were published today. (Tuesday).

Gary Lamb, chief executive officer, said: ‘We are confident in the long term outlook for the business which continues to trade in line with the Board’s expectations for the full year.’

Today’s results cover the six months ended June 30.

Among the highlights:

Underlying profit before tax of £8.3m (£8.2m same time last year)

Fixed line, broadband and data revenues were up 1.3 per cent driven by good take-up of high speed broadband.

Core mobile revenues up 4.7 per cent offset by lower roaming charges related to the TT.

Strong growth in what MT describes as Global Solutions revenues up 12.4 per cent.

Interim dividend was 3.7 pence from 3.5 pence a year earlier.

But data centre revenues were down 15.7 per cent because of low margin kit sales and consolidation by one former centre customer.

The company discloses an unrealised loss on interest rate swaps of £2m covering £50m of the £70m drawn from a loan facility, ‘primarily due to decreases in market interest rates following the BREXIT referendum. This charge does not form part of the underlying results and has no impact on cash.’

There will be a full report on the Manx Telecom half year results in the Manx Independent on Thursday.

Young cricketers have been able to develop their skills after the Isle of Man Cricket Association received a Celton Manx Recognition award to fund a series of summer camps.

Held at Peel St John’s and Finch Hill cricket clubs and at King William’s College the camps were a mix of day-long introductory (Kwik Cricket) and ‘hard ball’ sessions for children between the ages of six and 14.

Cricket development officer Greig Wright said: ‘The Recognition award from Celton Manx has made a very real difference. To have this sponsorship made the camp fees all more the affordable, therefore accessible to more young people, and also meant we were able to provide T-shirts bearing the Celton Manx and the association’s logo for the first 40 who signed up.

‘These camps give a good introduction to the game – not only the playing of cricket, but also the rules and code of behaviour expected – and over the course of the sessions we saw significant improvement in standards.

‘It’s also emerged there’s a keen appetite to carry on with the camps indoors over the winter. Additionally, with the Isle of Man Cricket Association being a not-for-profit organisation, we’ve been able to donate any surplus money made through fees to our hosts, so there is very much a lasting legacy to our Recognition award.’

Christian Webster, 11, attended four summer camps. He said: ‘The camps were very good. It’s helped to improve my batting skills a lot and also my catching technique’s got better, too. You also get to know everyone else on the camps and make new friends, which is great.’

Celton Manx executive director Bill Mummery said: ‘In holding these camps the Isle of Man Cricket Association is helping to create more personal development opportunities for a wider audience of young people of all playing abilities.

‘This mirrors one of the core aims of our Recognition scheme which seeks to benefit as broad a cross section of the community as possible.

‘It is also commendable that Greig and his colleagues are doing much to integrate the island’s cricket clubs and reinforce the fundamental sporting values of fair play, respect for others and teamwork.’

The general manager of the Villa Marina and Gaiety has been suspended while allegations concerning the staging of a loss-making music festival are investigated.

Those allegations have been made by Lee O’Hanlon, chief executive of private music promoter tinyCOW.

The Department of Economic Development says that all claims are being taken seriously and will be investigated thoroughly.

Villa-Gaiety general manager Dawn Maddrell has been suspended while an external investigation is carried out.

Mr O’Hanlon and his company are involved in a legal dispute over the Tom Jones concert in Noble’s Park this summer. But his most serious allegation, involving claims of collusion to prevent details of losses being disclosed, concern an earlier gig, by 1970s music legends The Jacksons, which was booked by tinyCOW and staged at the Villa in September 2014.

The event had been billed as ‘the party of the summer’ but poor tickets sales and a clash with the spectator stage of Rally Isle of Man meant that show had to be moved inside from the Villa Marina Gardens to the Royal Hall.

The following month, Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly - who was not in that post when The Jacksons were signed - told Tynwald there had been a ‘disappointing response’ to the concert but he could not say whether it had made a loss due to confidentiality agreement with the promoter.

But Mr O’Hanlon says the gig lost £100,000 and he has provided the Examiner with a copy of an email chain between him and Ms Maddrell which purports to show that a confidentiality agreement was only created six weeks after The Jacksons performed.

In an email dated October 27 2014, Ms Maddrell says the department is looking for a ‘damn good reason’- one that ‘will hold water’ - why the losses of the concert should not be revealed.

Mr O’Hanlon replies that he can issue a contract ‘dated pre-event’ that states that fees, commissions, profit and losses for shows booked by tinyCOW cannot be revealed.

The next day Ms Maddrell emailed back: ‘Thought you would like to know the T&C did the trick. Hopefully this will be the end to the matter!!!’

But the DED insist the original contract was not amended and that they have an email from Mr O’Hanlon confirming that terms and conditions, including a confidentiality clause, were provided before the show and others apparently showing that he refused to waive that confidentiality clause.

However, an external investigation is being carried out into whether the terms and conditions were in force and whether there was any collusion to prevent financial information being published.

In other allegations, Mr O’Hanlon claims the DED failed to comply with financial regulations over the booking of Tom Jones.

Again, the DED denies this, insisting Treasury approval had been secured.

But Mr O’Hanlon told the Examiner: ‘The position of the DED has become untenable. They refuse to discuss the matter with me insisting everything goes through the Attorney General’s chambers.

‘In my opinion, they are doing this because they know they are in the wrong.’

In a full statement responding to the allegations, the DED said: ‘The department remains in a financial dispute with tinyCOW relating to the Tom Jones concert.

‘The department offered to resolve the matter by mediation which tinyCOW initially accepted but then reversed its decision. The department has since repeated its offer of mediation as the best way to resolve this dispute fairly for both parties.

‘A number of allegations have been made directly to the department by tinyCOW chief executive Mr Lee O’Hanlon as well as via a social media page falsely claiming to be a “Newspaper, Douglas, Isle of Man”.

‘In the public interest the department wishes to respond to those allegations.

‘Firstly, it is alleged that the department failed to comply with government’s financial regulations in relation to the booking of Sir Tom Jones. This is untrue. Treasury, as is required by the financial regulations, gave approval to the department’s request. Secondly, it is alleged that The Jacksons contract was amended retrospectively.

‘The department can confirm that the original contract for The Jacksons event, signed by the then Minister for Economic Development John Shimmin in April 2014 with The Jacksons’ agent Marshall Arts Talent, was not amended subsequently. The concert took place in September 2014. Laurence Skelly became Minister for Economic Development in July 2014.

‘Separate from this contract, there was an arrangement with the booking agent for the event, namely tinyCOW. The booking agent provides terms and conditions relating to such events, including the confidentiality of any related financial information which is common practice in this industry.

‘The department is in possession of an email from Mr O’Hanlon stating that the agent’s terms and conditions were provided prior to the event. The department is also in possession of emails from Mr O’Hanlon refusing to waive the clause relating to the confidentiality of the event’s financial information.

‘Postings on social media in the last few days indicate Mr O’Hanlon is now claiming that his email to the department dated 27 October 2014 stating that the terms and conditions were provided prior to the Jacksons event was untrue.

‘These postings also indicate Mr O’Hanlon is claiming he colluded with a member of staff within the Villa Gaiety to prevent financial information being published.

‘Due to the seriousness of this allegation and the extent of further allegations emanating from Mr O’Hanlon, the department has commenced a number of internal investigations as well as an external investigation to ensure complete independence and so retain the public trust.

‘As part of the ongoing investigations, the department can confirm that an officer has been suspended and all relevant authorities have been contacted.’ The department said it will release further statements once the investigations are concluded.

Its statement adds: ‘The department notes with concern the growing trend for serious allegations to be made anonymously often via social media against named individuals within government including members of staff with little if any evidence provided.

The department has a duty of care to its staff and will consider all of the options available to protect the public interest and staff welfare.’

Soon after Isle of Man Newspapers contacted the DED about the story, the chief executive of the department, Chris Corlett, sent an email to all staff, which was then leaked to other media.

It read:

Dear Colleagues

I want to further update you on the ongoing dispute with Tiny Cow.

A number of allegations have been made directly to the department by Tiny Cow chief executive Mr Lee O’ Hanlon regarding the Jacksons concert in 2014 and the Tom Jones event earlier this year. Also, allegations have been made anonymously via a social media page.

We have been contacted by IoM Newspapers and made statement defending the department against these allegations. We expect this will be in tomorrow’s Examiner.

The department notes with concern the growing trend for serious allegations to be made anonymously, often via social media, against named individuals within Government including members of staff with little if any evidence provided. The department has a duty of care to its staff and we consider all of the options available to protect the public interest as well as our staff welfare.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations emanating from Mr O’Hanlon, the Department has commenced a number of internal investigations as well as an external investigation to ensure complete independence and so retain the public trust. As part of the investigations, Dawn Maddrell, general manager of the Villa Gaiety has been suspended.

Fiona Bryans and Seamus Shea will be working with Robin Bischert to manage VMGT until the investigations are concluded.

I believe that the story will continue to be covered on social media and the local press over the coming days and so I must instruct you all, while it may be frustrating, to refrain from commenting publicly as this may impair the ongoing investigations.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult period.

Chris Corlett

Chief Executive Officer

Department of Economic Development.

Steve Burrows puts the spotlight on a Castletown firm set up by ex-Carphone Warehouse executives

Tucked away in sleepy Castletown is probably not the first place you would look for a global FinTech (Finance Technology) leader, but nevertheless in quiet upmarket offices on the edge of Parliament Square you’ll find one.

Virtual Systems is a spin-out from EIP, a consultancy and managed service provider to the mobile phone insurance industry, set up by ex-Carphone Warehouse executives.

Phone insurance is a lucrative business, and through having the captive insurer for Carphone Warehouse on the island the Isle of Man has developed world-class expertise in this niche.

EIP staff travel the world helping mobile operators and insurers to set up phone insurance schemes, devise products, market them, and establish claims processes and all the logistics of replacing or repairing lost, stolen or broken phones.

complexity

Given the complexity of processing claims it’s perhaps not too surprising that it needs a sophisticated IT system to make the process efficient and join up all the business partners in the supply chain.

While working through the IT barriers of creating such a system at a client it occurred to EIP’s directors that it would be much simpler and quicker to bring new schemes to market if there was an IT system available off the shelf.

Thus Virtual Systems was born, in 2010, to create such a system.

Starting with a single senior developer Virtual Systems has developed the CIAD system which automates mobile phone insurance claims processing.

Deployed into telcos and insurers call centres, CIAD holds the policy database.

When a customer calls in to report a lost, stolen or broken device the CIAD system requires the call centre agent to enter the customer’s answers to a few questions, and then the system takes over.

Currently 83 per cent of claims are decided automatically by the system’s Rules Engine, a huge saving in call centre and second-line time.

With the claim decided CIAD then sets up the logistics for repair or replacement of the phone, actioning transactions with couriers, repairers, replacement warehouses and salvage operators, and producing all necessary correspondence to remove the cumbersome and costly administration work associated with replacing or repairing equipment.

The first deployment of CIAD was to a Vodafone partner in Europe, BITE Telecommunications in Lithuania, which enabled Virtual Systems to continue development and test with a real live customer.

When the system came out of beta testing in 2013 Vodafone took a global license to use the system and have now deployed it to the Netherlands, Greece and Hungary.

In 2015 Dixons Carphone came on board and have deployed into the Netherlands, Portugal and Germany.

Chubb Insurance has gone live in Germany, and Regenersis (a major repairer of mobile devices) has taken the CIAD system into Poland, meaning that 2015 was a frantically busy year for Virtual Systems.

remarkable

Virtual Systems’ CIAD system is clearly a success; for a small company in Castletown to engage as a supplier to so many major corporates so quickly is remarkable - but their CIAD system is the only publicly available system of its type in the world.

Prior to CIAD all telcos and mobile phone insurers had to develop their own in-house systems.

Unsurprisingly the Virtual Systems team has been growing quickly, and has grown to seventeen people.

Most of these are based on island, but some of the customer account managers and business analysts are off-island in order to be closer to customers.

Ross Sinclair, CEO of EIP and Virtual Systems, counts himself fortunate to have been able to assemble a very high quality development team on-island.

Recruiting technical staff has been a major challenge, but to date only one of the development team has come from abroad.

The company is however clearly on the crest of a wave and the plan sees it growing to around thirty people by the end of 2017, which will be tough.

Despite the problems of recruiting in an environment with ICT skills shortages and minimal unemployment the company has shown strong commitment to the island and island staff, promoting them into leadership positions so that the original financial controller and senior developer are now managing director and chief technology officer respectively.

expand reach

Growing the company will enable Virtual Systems to expand its reach into more regions and countries around the world, which is the plan, and also to introduce new functionality.

Despite being the global market leader in its space the company is not resting on its laurels and there is a development roadmap to enable customers to make claims for their phones online, 24x365, taking the telcos and insurers call-centres out of the process entirely.

Ross anticipates that in the near future a third of all claims will be processed without any human participation, and the system will provide a next-day phone replacement capability even if the customer has dropped it on the way home from the pub long after the call-centres have shut for the day.

The company is also looking at increasing the payments processing services it provides for clients; the system already handles hundreds of thousands of direct debit payments from policyholders, but Ross clearly has an eye towards expanding that to include credit card payments.

Aside from the universal difficulty of recruiting staff, the logistics of getting off and on island is really the only other major challenge the company experiences in being on the Isle of Man.

With a truly international customer base the island’s current travel troubles are frustrating, but it’s a good place to be.

clear advantages

On the upside, our datacentres and off-island Internet connectivity are clear advantages. CIAD is a web based system, and most customers are running on systems hosted here.

Virtual Systems will supply the system to run in a customer’s private data centre, but to date their experience has been that the system runs better when it’s hosted in one of the top-class data centres in the Isle of Man, despite the remoteness of the customers.

Providing a hosted system has enabled Virtual Systems to generate collateral benefits for the EIP consulting business. CIAD processes millions of policies and claims meaning that the company has possibly the most extensive database of policy history outside of the major mobile phone suppliers, and can analyse that to generate and sell performance and risk information to insurers considering the design of new policies. Leveraging this unique information resource is one of the clear priorities for the coming year.

grown a real FinTech leader

In summary, without fuss or ado, the Isle of Man has grown a real FinTech leader addressing a multinational customer base of major corporates, based on homegrown technology hosted in homegrown data centres - exactly the sort of technology-based economic diversification anticipated in the government’s Vision 2020 strategy.

Visual Systems is proof that specialist technology development is a viable path for the island, and that we can do it on our own, without having to import business or technology expertise.

Rapid growth is never easy, and whilst the company is currently a world leader in a niche where the barriers to entry are high, it must clearly keep growing quickly or bigger players will try to muscle in to the new market that Virtual Systems has created. With this in mind, despite being profitable with a multi-million pound turnover, the company is currently arranging additional financing to fuel the rapid growth it must deliver if it is to stay on top.

You may by now be wondering why the UK does not feature in the Virtual Systems user base, I certainly was.

Ross explained that the UK is among the most mature of mobile phone markets so the incumbent suppliers already have in-house solutions.

Most of these however are not automated to the degree achieved by CIAD, so with the efficiency gains evidenced from the continental European deployments the company is starting to consider the possibility of displacing those old in-house systems.

If Virtual Systems can crack the UK the company’s growth potential will be stratospheric.

You can read more about EIP and Virtual Systems at http://www.eip.eu.com

Litigation specialist Gough Law has announced the appointment of Victoria Murphy as advocate to the practice.

Victoria, a fluent French speaker, has experience of both English and French legal systems and will work in the commercial department.

Raised in Standish, near Wigan in Lancashire, Victoria read English and French Law at the University of Manchester and also studied at l’Université de Bourgogne in Dijon, France.

She completed a Legal Practice Course at Chester College of Law before passing her Manx Bar Examinations and qualifying as an Advocate and Commissioner of Oaths.

Victoria has worked for the past two years as associate advocate with M&P Legal.

Her role there focused on civil litigation including breach of contract disputes, debt recovery, professional negligence, personal injury, immigration, employment and matrimonial and family law.

Prior to this she trained with Laurence Keenan Advocates and Gavan Law.

She has also worked for Europe Direct Picardie, an information centre for the European Union based in Amiens, France.

A keen sailor, rower and motor sport enthusiast, Victoria has an active life outside work, earning a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award which was presented to her by Prince Phillip himself.

Victoria said: ‘Gough Law is a highly regarded litigation practice and I am delighted to join a firm which has both so much respect and in-house expertise.

‘I look forward to developing my specialist skills in commercial litigation and drawing on my earlier experience to assist and represent a broad range of clients.’

Gough Law founding director Alan Gough said: ‘With her excellent language skills and working knowledge of another legal system, Victoria brings a useful international perspective to Gough Law that will be particularly valuable when working on cross-jurisdiction cases.

‘We look forward to working with her and welcome her to the team.’

The woman who heads the island’s Financial Services Authority has told of how she has been ‘broadening’ her understanding of the industry.

Karen Badgerow also described the ‘historic decision’ by UK voters to leave the European Union.

And she has told of how the FSA has embarked on a ‘Programme for Change.’

She took over at the helm of the FSA last November.

At the time she told Business News she was vowing to do all she can to protect Isle of Man residents who invest their money with companies in the island.

She took up the post on November 1, the day the new Financial Services Authority replaced two bodies, the Financial Supervision Commission and the Insurance and Pensions Authority.

Now, in an update newsletter issued by the FSA, the Canadian says that during the first six months of her tenure she spent time introducing herself to the industry to ‘get familiar with the island’s financial system and key participants.’

But she says: ‘These last few months have been much more inward-focused, as I have been broadening my understanding of the industry through the lens of our processes and regulation and the work of our team. I look forward to engaging in a second round of more informal conversation with the industry in the coming months.’

She points out that the creation of the new authority has ‘been a continuing journey. Staff have become more familiar with how each of the previous regulators operated and have started to consider what the Authority ‘‘brand’’ should look and feel like, both internally and to our stakeholders.’

Ms Badgerow points out that earlier this year the FSA embarked on a ‘significant process review we have labelled the ‘‘Programme for Change’’.

‘This programme is intended to capture all significant change projects at the Authority, be it internal focusing or external facing.’

And she added: ‘We have taken a bit more of a stern to stern approach as we started our review focusing on the point of entry into the Authority, that being our vetting and authorisation processes.’

Over time the Programme for Change would also be looking at supervisory processes and policy.

The views of the industry were also important and informal discussions with representatives had already started.

Talking about the EU Referendum vote to leave the European Union Ms Badgerow says: ‘As these events continue to unfold, we will be thinking about any sector vulnerabilities and the opportunities and constraints this historic decision may impose.

‘Brexit also reminded us of the need to temper the desire for change with a reminder of what is good.

‘On that note, the Authority has been mindful of the need to remain focused on key priorities.

‘ Core projects such as the Insurance Core Principles project and the roll-out of new initiatives such as crowdfunding and alternative banking have seen significant progress over the last quarter and we continue to engage with numerous parties who are interested in the opportunities that these new regimes provide.

‘At the same time we have recently approved the first Isle of Man Credit Union for registration and wish Manx Credit Union Limited much success.’

l The newsletter reveals in a general update that there are 233 registered designated businesses and work continues to process remaining applications.

External accountants are said to represent the largestdesignated business sector, comprising 52 per cent of existing registrants.

The FSA says it will begin its first cycle of visits to designated businesses in quarter three of this year.

‘It is planned to visit all designated businesses within the first three years, with focus being given to higher-risk businesses in the first year,’ says the update.

l Details are also given in the newsletter of companies which have surrendered their licences.

They include Habib European Bank Limited on August 2 - as previously reported in Business News recently.

l The MONEYVAL on-site assessment of the island took place from April 25 to May 7, as reported in the Examiner.

The regulator’s update says work is currently being undertaken to agree the draft report.

It added: ‘Face -to-face meetings between the Isle of Man authorities and MONEYVAL are scheduled for October 2016. The plenary meeting to agree the report is scheduled for December 2016.

‘The report will be made public after the meeting.’

Rosemary Jane Corlett, of 31 Queens Drive, Peel, bought 2 Mourne View, Peel, for £530,000.

It was bought from Geoffrey Wall, by trustee, Michael Kuhlmann Wall, of Solihull, West Midlands, as trustee, and Christine Kuhlmann Sharp, of Derbyshire, as trustee.

Other recent transactions lodged at the General Registry in Douglas are as follows:

David Andrew Mackay and Kerry-Lynne Mackey sold 5 Pinehurst Glen, Douglas, for £465,000, to Peter Ian Downing and Sarah Louise Creer, both of 6 Bluebell Close, Saddlestone.

Timothy Allan Mann sold The Priory, Abbots Way, Ballasalla, for £420,000, to David Ian Souter and Angela Jean Souter, of Dubai, UAE.

Pamela Katherine Hall sold Pentwyn, Mill Road, Surby, Rushen, for £364,000, to S & S Motors Limited, whose registered office is situated at Alexander Road, Castletown.

George William Tiney, Chelmsford, Essex, sold Monks Bridge Cottage, Abbey Road Lane, Ballasalla, for £349,950, to Jane Marie Birchall, 31 Edremony Estate, Port Erin.

James David Mullineaux, of Hillcroft, Somerset Road, Douglas, sold Cleveland Lodge, 1 Albany Road, Douglas, for £335,000, to John William Blackshaw, of Woodvale, Glen Wyllin, Michael.

William Walter Adams and Anthea Mary Adams, sold Ballacraig Croft, Ballaugh Curraghs, Ballaugh, for £325,000, to Jason Mark Carter and Frank Russell Carter, of Regaby Mooar, Regaby West Road, Andreas.

Phyllis Waugh, of Apartment 6, Empress Apartments, Central Promenade, Douglas, sold 1 Harcroft Road, Braddan, for £309,100, to Samuel Andrew Williams and Sarah Jane Williams, both of 38 Ballabrooie Way, Douglas.

Stephen Gordon Berry and Janet Berry sold 12 Erin Lane, Port Erin, for £299,500, to Aidan William Mallinson, of 42 Erin Crescent, Port Erin, and Amanda Mallinson.

Darren Robinson and Lynn Catherine Robinson, sold Mount View, Four Roads, Port St Mary, for £293,000, to Paul Skelly and Louise Skelly, both of 35 Maghergarran, Port Erin.

Alexandra Joan Kennedy sold 26 Alberta Drive, Onchan, for £250,000, to Julia Susan Davies, 17 Royal Buildings, Main Road, Onchan.

Margaret Jean Nowak, as trustee, and Dorothy Hazel Sim, by trustee, sold Ailsa Craig, 13 Cooil Breryk, Grove Mount, Ramsey, for £235,500, to Carolyn Carey and Hugues Marie Paul Auclerc, both of Balmoral, Queens Promenade, Ramsey.

Claire Taylor sold 54 Farmhill Meadows, Douglas, for £225,000, to Timothy James Martin, and Zoe Lynne Henderson, both of 67 Nursery Avenue, Onchan.

Michael Dominic Ventre and Nicola Higgins, sold 17 Lancaster Rod, Douglas, for £221,000, to Jamie Lewis and Charlotte Jane Vale, of Flat 4, 25 Demesne Road, Douglas.

Carole McLear sold 32 Derby Road, Peel, for £218,000, to Kee Song Chang and Li Quen Chang, both of 2 Atholl Place, Peel.

Ronald Richard Kaighin, by trustee, and Steven Michael Boles, of 49 Willaston Crescent, Douglas, as trustee, sold 10 Auckland Grove, Douglas, for £217,500, to Christopher Edward Corrin Taggart and Janet Elizabeth Bell, of 4 Laureston Terrace, Douglas.

Elizabeth Campbell Sayle by trustee, Irene Jeanetta Cassidy, of 10 Close Cowley, Douglas, as trustee, sold 23 Ashbourne Avenue, Douglas, for £204,000, to Emma Lauren Betteridge, of 7 Manor View, Douglas.

A transaction was published in last week’s Isle of Man Examiner, relating to the sale of Ballawhite and Newlands House, Baldrine, by Robert Michael White and Anne Jeanette White to Lisa Nicola White, of Ballawhite, Baldrine, for £212,500. We have been asked to point out that no such transaction has taken place, and are happy to set the record straight.

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We publish details of all house sales unless we receive a written request from the police or probation services.

Manx Telecom’s landlines and website were disrupted yesterday.

Among other issues, 999 calls couldn’t get through.

The company says that all services are now back to normal.

Kevin Paige, Manx Telecom’s chief information and technology officer, said: ‘Firstly, I would like to apologise to all our customers that were affected by service issues yesterday afternoon.

‘Following routine maintenance, an unexpected issue occurred which impacted our landline services, including 999 calls.

‘Our customers may have also experienced difficulties accessing our website during this period.

‘We took immediate action to resolve these issues, with the 999 service being our top priority.

‘All services were restored by late afternoon yesterday and I can reassure all customers that the issues are now resolved. If customers have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to call our support team on 624 624.’