McDonald’s in the Isle of Man is bucking the global trend.

The fast food giant shut 700 restaurants worldwide last year as demand dropped.

But it’s expanding its Douglas branch.

The fast food outlet will be shut for about one month as it undergoes refurbishment.

The restaurant, on Peel Road, closed on Sunday and will reopen on October 11.

When the store reopens, customers will be able to place their orders at new kiosks and there will be interactive tablets for customers to play games on and browse the web.

Planning consent was granted in May for extensions and reconfiguration works to the site including parking layout and kerb lines.

More than 280 people attended the seventh annual KPMG eGaming summit in the island.

Reflecting on a hugely successful day, Micky Swindale of KPMG Isle of Man said: ‘One of our many visitors said on his way out of the Villa Marina that he thought it was our best yet, so that will do for me.

‘There was a real diversity of views and topics over the course of the day; from technology, to regulation, to mergers and acquisitions, but it was great to see that the Isle of Man’s eGaming proposition is thriving.

‘As Paul Richardson, group director of corporate strategy and development for Rank PLC, said: ‘‘Keep doing what you’re doing’’ ’

Isle of Man proposition

Of particular note was the panel session ‘The Isle of Man Proposition for eGaming Post-Brexit’ which featured local experts Mark Robson, head of eGaming for the Isle of Man Government, Steve Brennan of the Gambling Supervision Commission, and Philip Vermeulen of the new ICT University, as well as entrepreneur Ashley Sandyford-Sykes, whose company AdoptIt Publishing recently established in the Isle of Man.

The panel reflected that although Brexit will be significant globally, its effect on the Isle of Man might be less of an impact, indeed, in many ways, it could be positive for eGaming.

For example, operators looking to hold multiple licenses are more likely to consider the Isle of Man over other UK territories as a base to set up their business now, itwas argued.

And a message came across that the island’s own connections to the EU remain undiminished in the wake of Brexit.

Mr Sandyford-Sykes noted: ‘As a relative newcomer to the Isle of Man, it’s clear to me that there is a tangible benefit to being here: the government is very receptive to new business, the infrastructure is pretty agile, and the business community is still small… I get the feeling we can really work together and grow.’

Steve Brennan of the Gambling Supervision Commission pointed out that 17 licensees had left over the year but seven new licences had been approved.

And he later confirmed a further seven licence applications were in the process of being looked at.

Mr Brennan later told Business News the majority of licencees that had left were ‘what we considered to be at the smaller end of the scale in terms of operations, player base, funding.’

He added that the additional cost of licensing, compliance and tax in the UK coupled with running an IoM operation was too much for some smaller operators with a UK focus.

For some small operators funding and investment was an issue.

He pointed out difficult trading conditions in a very competitive sector meant some didn’t get the foothold in the market they anticipated. Additional investment was needed, but often not repeated leaving the fledgling operator no choice but to withdraw from the sector.

positivity

There was however a distinct atmosphere of positivity in the Villa Marina, Douglas, during the day-long event last Thursday.

A wide range of topics were covered, including regulation, innovation, M&A activity and the UK implemention of NOSES (National Online Self-Exclusion System) and eMoney (in particular Bitcoin).

This year there was a break with tradition as KPMG ran four workshops and two pitches, held in the Broadway Cinema, alongside the main talks and panel sessions held in the Royal Hall.

A hugely informative market view was provided by Simon French of Cenkos Securities, as well as two pitches by industry innovators Dion Croom of 3D Creative Web and Sam Huber of Kout.

As per last year, the IMGL provided three stimulating masterclasses, this time focusing on data protection & AML, Continuing Consolidation (M&A Activity and Trends) and the Top 10 Risks for Gaming Operators.

Fiona Palmer of Sky Betting & Gaming provided an account of the NOSES scheme, and the event was closed by the Minister for Economic Development Laurence Skelly.

The Featurespace sponsored workshop sessions kicked off with a highly interactive session presented by Errol Larson, Mike Guelpa and Geoff Walton from Derivco.

Games such as Pokémon have catapulted augmented reality games into the mainstream and the team discussed how we will see this further impact on the market over the next few years.

The Derivco team had virtual reality headpieces for the audience to try out and actually immerse themselves in a poker game, illustrating how virtual reality games will impact the online gaming arena and indeed other industry sectors.

The workshop sessions also included Dr Daniel Gonzalez-Ordonez and James MacDonald Turner from Featurespace discussing the dynamics and analysis of real-time player behaviour alongside responsible gambling and how to understand when to intervene to protect players.

The annual event has many sponsors and in particular KPMG wanted to thank the following for their generous support: the Isle of Man Government, Continent 8, Manx Telecom, Featurespace, NedBank Private Wealth, Derivco Isle of Man, IMGL and the Palace Casino.

Onion bhaji mix, produced by one-man business Leela’s Kitchen, based in Douglas, has been shortlisted in the 37th U.K Quality Food Awards.

Kumar Menon said: ‘I’m delighted to have been shortlisted in the Quality Food Awards. I’m sure my grandma Leela would be proud of this achievement.’

Kumar added: ‘I strive to ensure my products use the best ingredients, and feedback from my customers is extremely positive, I’m glad the judges thought so too.’

Leela’s Kitchen onion bhaji mix was among thousands of products, from across the British Isles to have been called in for a rigorous judging process.

After four weeks of judging, the onion bhaji mix has been shortlisted in the home baking category.

Offering the chance to be crowned the best product on grocery shelves, the Quality Food Awards are considered the ultimate endorsement of food products on offer to consumers.

And, because each product is put through a rigorously fair judging process by a prestigious team of more than 200 food experts, consumers and entrants can buy products safe in the knowledge that each shortlisted and winning accreditation is credible and deserved.

Kumar’s onion bhaji mix is available to buy online from leelaskitchen.co.uk

It is also available at a number of outlets including The Food Assembly, Robinson’s, Tynwald Mills, The Good Health Store, Port Erin, Vivaldi catering, Bride, The Welcome Centre at the sea terminal and Mostly Manx.

Kumar said: ‘I’m always looking to expand, so if any companies out there would like to be part of my distribution family, give me a shout.’

Kumar was busy last weekend exhibiting his work at the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival.

As reported in Business News the man behind Leela’s kitchen in the island has been making a name for himself spicing up people’s lives with his cookery products.

He gives people across the island an opportunity to experience the exotic tastes of Indian cuisine in their own home, and he is involved in cooking workshops and other projects. Kumar who lives in Douglas, named Leela’s Kitchen after his late grandmother and his 11-year-old daughter, both called Leela.

The awards are organised by Metropolis Business Media. Group publisher Helen Lyons said: ‘Now in its 37th year, these prestigious awards are perfect for small and large producers alike.’ The winners will be announced at London’s Grosvenor House on November 10,

Derivco Isle of Man is sponsoring the award for Innovation and Independent Thinking at this year’s Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence. Julie Blackburn takes a look at what it’s like to work in ‘techie heaven’

You can’t help but be inspired by a visit to Derivco.

There is a real buzz about the place, from the vibrant game graphics on the wall to the relaxed dress code (flip flops aplenty) and the chill area where colleagues gather for a coffee and chat.

The work is done in a large open plan office with multiple screens on each desk and laptops standing by as well. The very best technology for the very best IT technicians, people who are at the top of their game.

This, quite simply, is techie heaven.

But make no mistake there’s complete commitment too – everyone is keeping an eye on the big screens on the wall that indicate a potential system interruption, allowing the team to pre-empt system failure.

Because the team of technical specialists on the island, working closely with Derivco offices around the globe, is there to ensure that Microgaming’s software and systems are delivered to gaming operators flawlessly, 24 hours a day, every day.

The two companies are closely associated; Microgaming, in effect, is Derivco’s customer.

In turn, Microgaming’s customers are a range of betting and online gaming sites, offering everything from sportsbetting and roulette, to bingo and slot games.

With over 500 gaming brands on Microgaming’s books, Derivco has plenty of work to keep them busy.

There are a number of different teams in the office, ranging from Tech Ops and Casino, to HR and Admin Support. And as the industry continues to grow, as is the company itself.

This means that they are recruiting furiously: there are currently 15 vacancies at Derivco covering a variety of IT roles.

‘We brought around 50 staff and their families over here from South Africa in December 2012 to set up the company – now we have over 90 people working here – we’ve almost doubled in four years,’ explains Sean.

Derivco will be celebrating its fourth anniversary this December.

They have largely grown by employing local talent; 42 per cent of the current workforce are IOM workers.

If you have the skills, they have the benefits: not just competitive salaries but huge training opportunities, free lunches and gym as well. Plus the chance to work somewhere that’s genuinely cutting edge:

‘Our technical people deal with the most complex issues. Their job is to solve problems, find answers and implement solutions.

‘What you learn working here in a year you wouldn’t be able to learn anywhere else in two years – it’s an incredibly fast-paced atmosphere,’ says Sean.

Personal development is a real focus for the company, and their values of ownership, passion and care underpin every instance of success.

What’s more, they are always looking at ways to develop the skills they can use on the island, working with local organisations such as MICTA, to inspire individuals to start a career in IT here.

They are not only investing in their own people, but the island too.

As a company that is continually innovating Sean says that it was ‘completely apt’ that Derivco should be sponsoring the award for Innovation and Independent Thinking at this year’s Awards.

Derivco was itself a proud finalist in this category last year:

‘You need the freedom we have found on the island to be able to flourish and to innovate and achieve excellence.’

Are you entering this year’s Awards? Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence offers 16 awards categories, including Innovation and Independent Thinking. There are categories for companies of all sizes, individuals, public sector teams and charitable and community organisations. Entries close on Monday, September 26. You will find full details of all the categories and entry forms to download at www.iomtoday.co.im

Treasury officials have denied that figures given for the island’s rate of inflation are misleading.

The Federation of International Employers accused the Manx government of getting the figures for the Retail Price Index ‘seriously wrong’ - and claims this could cost island-based companies dear.

Robin E.J Chater, the Federation’s secretary-general said: ‘The latest government statistical agency to get their statistics seriously wrong is the UK Crown Dependency of the Isle of Man.

‘The error could cost companies operating on the island a considerable amount - as it involves the Retail Price Index.

‘The latest figure for August 2016 gives the annual rate as 4.0 per cent, or 4.6 per cent excluding housing. This compares to a consumer price index that is much lower at -0.5 per cent for the same period.

‘However, when calculated using the official weights for each item in the constituent ‘shopping basket’ the annual rate should be +0.33 per cent whilst the rate without housing would be even lower, not higher.

‘The difference between the correct figure and the published “official” figure is 3.67 per cent. If translated into a cost of living payroll adjustment for a typical 100-person company it would amount to a needless additional cost of over £130,000.’

Mr Chater said the Federation had advised the Manx government to consult HM Treasury to get some guidance. ‘However, officials are usually angry and defensive when we point out their mistakes (which we frequently do),’ he added.

A government spokesman said: ‘It is a presentational issue, the numbers are not wrong.

‘The column being referred to is the “12-month change” column of the CPI/RPI report. This shows the contribution to the overall rate of inflation derived from each sub category and is intended to show how much of the 4 per cent overall figure comes from say food or travel.

‘The actual rate of inflation within each category is not shown and therefore the calculation as made by Mr Chater cannot be done from the information provided.’

The spokesman said that from next month, the tablulated summary for the rate of inflation will be altered with the heading for the 12 month change column altered to “Contribution to all items 12 months percentage change” to avoid any further confusion.

Inflation is measured by both the Retail Price Index and the Consumer Price Index. Each take a basket of goods – food, clothes, petrol - looking at what they cost last year, looking at what they cost now, and finding the proportional difference. RPI always gives a bigger figure for inflation than the CPI.

Employees from international eGaming company Newfield have raised thousands of pounds for charity after enduring the gruelling Toughmann Challenge.

Alexandria Smith, Victoria Creasey, Sam Jones and Hollie McGowan took on the 10-kilometre course and its 25 obstacles to raise money for the Hyperbaric Chamber, facing steep climbs, an ice bath and plenty of mud.

Through a JustGiving page and donations from colleagues, family and friends they collected £2,421.70. Entry fees for the event, held in Ballaugh last month, were paid for by Newfield.

The Hyperbaric Chamber, which uses hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat conditions like decompression sickness and aid recovery from injury, was chosen by employees at Newfield as it its charity of the year for 2016. The Toughmann Challenge was just one of a series of events which will raise money for the Chamber during the year.

Newfield director Mark Reynolds said: ‘Toughmann is a test of physical and mental strength which attracts hundreds of competitors every year. Just completing the course is an accomplishment, and Alex, Victoria, Sam and Hollie achieved that as well as raising an amazing amount of money for the Hyperbaric Chamber.

‘I’d like to congratulate all four for their dedication and determination, and thank everyone who supported them by making donations.

The money will make a real difference in supporting this important charity continue to offer its vital services.’

Newfield is committed to the Isle of Man, supporting events and sports through sponsorship and encouraging staff to get involved in community activities.

Stephen John Maguire and Olga Maguire, both of 1 Pinehurst Avenue, Saddlestone, bought 40 Ashberry Avenue, Douglas, for £285,000.

It was bought from Anne McCombs.

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

Graeme Mark Peate and Gemma Cookson sold 10 Church Avenue, Onchan, for £190,000, to John Malcolm Crebbin, of 9 Ballahane Close, Port Erin.

Nicholas Charles Harris, of The Haven, Agneash, Lonan, sold 31 All Saints Park, Lonan, for £188,000, to Christopher Declan Carroon, of 7 Cronk-y-Berry Avenue, Onchan, and Sarah Louise Boyd, of 150 Fairways Crescent, Mount Murray, Braddan.

Oliver David Hibbert sold Eastfield, situate on Ramsey to Bride High Road, Lezayre, for £185,000, to Paul William Watterson, of East Craig, St Judes.

Mark Tarleton Hodgson, of Hampshire, and Edward Tarleton Hodgson , of Rotherham, sold 10 Somerset Road, Douglas, for £185,000, to Michael Forbes Batey and Laura Jane Batey, both of 96 Cronk Liauyr, Tromode Park, Douglas.

David Brown sold 70 Erin Way, Port Erin, for £178,000, to Gillian Ruth Lockett, of Flat 1, The Brambles, Traaie Meanagh Drive, Port Erin.

Petra Doris Dudek, of 5 Devonshire Crescent, Douglas, sold 12 Linden Grove, Douglas, for £170,000, to Rachel Sarah Quayle.

Jonathan Mark Summers Christian, of Canada, Adrian Summers Christian, of Riverside Lodge, Lower Foxdale, and Steven Michael Christian, of Thie Eoin, 13 Harcroft Road, Saddlestone, sold Unit 3, The Wine Cellar, Tennis Road, Douglas, for £165,000, to Prepositus Limited, whose registered office is situate at 4 Ballaquane Road, Peel.

Adrian William Gilmour, by personal representatives, Gillian Elizabeth Gilmour-Huber, of Germany, as personal representative, and Gerard Michael Hanny, of Ballavilley, Kirby Hill, Douglas, as personal representative, sold 10 Africa Court, Douglas, for £155,000, to The PSV Pension Scheme, by trustees, Boal & Co (Pensions) Limited, whose registered office is situated at Marquis House, Isle of Man Business Park, Braddan, as trustee, William Alan Teare, as trustee, and Jean Marion Teare , as trustee, both of Creg-Dy-Shee, The Lhargan, Port St Mary.

Joanne Cubbon, of Glebe Farm, St Mark’s, sold a parcel of land situate at St Mark’s, for £62,500, to Simon Alvin Harding and Carole Victoria Harding, both of Arragon Lodge, Arragon, Santon.

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

Ronaldsway Aircraft Company has taken delivery of a £400,000 machine that could help propel the manufacturing business to new levels of success.

Some of the company’s 250 staff are now being trained on the huge milling and turning device made by Japanese firm Mazak.

Managing director Nigel Brown told Business News the new machine was bought because ‘we are a growing business and our order book is growing and we need additional capacity and it is a very capable machine.

‘And it is the first part of a phased programme of increased capital investment in the business.’

‘Essentially the machine will do some of  the more complex parts for some of our existing customers and also some of the new work that we are quoting for at the moment and new work that we have won.

‘We are continually investing in people and technologies so that we can service both our current and potential customers now and into the future.’

And boss Mr Brown revealed to Business News the Ballasalla based business is bidding to play a part in doing work on the legendary Large Hadron Collider, (LHC), which could be worth up to £1million a year for the firm.

‘We have started doing work for CERN, only in a small way at the moment, but we are now on their preferred bidders’ list for major projects.’

Geneva, Switzerland, based CERN, the European Centre for Nuclear Research, that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world, has a large project to upgrade the LHC in a project known as the Hi Lumi Project that will take 10 years to complete.

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is said to be the world’s largest and most powerful particle collider, the largest, most complex experimental facility ever built, and the largest single machine in the world.

Managing director Mr Brown confirmed that the newly installed  Mazak Integrex machine  will certainly  play an active role in the production of  some of the parts for CERN.

Mr Brown said the company was looking to diversify into new areas such as science and technology.
And the company was also forging links with the STFC -The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) which is a UK government body that carries out civil research in science and engineering and effectively is a purchasing body for UK major research projects.

Why do they see it as a good opportunity for the company?

Mr Brown said: ‘The type of work we are looking at are very technical components some of which are used in the particle accelerators.

‘We can provide the complete solutions and also it’s using the skills and knowledge of our engineers and help CERN in developing the design of these components.’

He confirmed it was good news for the Isle of Man that the long established company was linking with CERN and STFC and they are two organisations at the forefront of physics research.

Asked how much it could be worth for the island company Mr Brown said: ‘The market could be worth £1m to £2m a year for us.

‘My business manager’s been over to visit CERN and in a couple of week’s time we are going over for a business seminar.

‘This is part of a regular programme of events at both CERN and STFC that we go to.’

Mr Brown admitted it was a ‘feather in the cap’ for the Isle of Man to be involved with this level of technology.

In the history of the company RAC had done a wide range of work for the main OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] in the aerospace sector. RAC are now looking to diversify into two key areas, the Defence and Scientific markets.

So in addition to the new work for CERN, they are bidding for major work packages on a number of current defence projects.

The company has been working hard to raise its profile within its key markets and this is now showing success in being asked to bid for these projects.

The company is also celebrating the launch of its new website, www.rlc-ronaldsway.com, which is getting its message out to the world.

Mr Brown said there was a great optimistic feeling among the workforce who include a batch of new apprentices.

‘It is very exciting for all our staff to be involved in such high profile work’.

A delegation from the Department of Economic Development visited the factory last week to see the £400,000 machine for themselves.

DED minister Laurence Skelly and department member Graham Cregeen were impressed with what they saw.

Mr Brown praised the links and positive help provided by the government.

l Mr Skelly is a candidate standing for Rushen in the general election today (Thursday). Also standing for Rushen are Lee Cussons, James Hampton, Mark Kemp and Juan Watterson.

l Graham Cregeen is standing in the Arbory, Castletown and Malew constituency. Also standing are Stephen Crowther, Phil Gawne, Richard McAleer, Jason Moorhouse, Carl Parker and Carol Quine.

Rossborough Healthcare International Limited has strengthened its team with a string of new appointments including a new managing director

The specialist healthcare division of the Rossborough Group is said by the company to be the only local healthcare insurance broker based in the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

Richard Clarke is the highest profile appointment being appointed as the new managing director business.

He now leads a team of 12 specialist healthcare advisors across the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. Mr Clarke had previously looked after Rossborough Healthcare’s Jersey office, and will now assume responsibility for the overall business as well as continuing with client work.

Mr Clarke said: ‘This is a very exciting time for our business as we look to take the Rossborough Healthcare business into a new era.

‘We have a dedicated, specialist team here that takes a huge amount of pride in providing healthcare solutions for individual and corporate clients.’

‘Our business is in a very healthy position and with the significant growth we’ve seen in recent years it was important that we made some changes to our structure by making some strategic appointments.’

As well as providing an independent healthcare insurance broker service to clients, Rossborough Healthcare is also actively involved in promoting health and wellbeing initiatives in the islands.

Mr Clarke said: ‘We are primarily a specialist healthcare insurance team and while that remains our core business, we are also passionate about encouraging people to take a more proactive approach to their health.

‘Health issues such as heart disease and diabetes present a huge problem to islanders, and as our team continues to grow we hope to put on more events that encourage people to take preventative measures to protect their health.’

Three other appointments were in Jersey and Guernsey.

Julie Blackburn popped to Tynwald Mills to look at what young professionals might wear to work

Not so long ago, you knew what you had to wear at work.

For a man it was a suit, navy or grey non-negotiable, and for a woman it was some sort of female equivalent that implied that she was just as much of a contender.

But things have changed - and in a most confusing manner.

Because, while it is no longer de rigeur for male professionals to wear a traditional suit and tie combo to work these days, a number of large UK high street retailers are reporting that sales of suits are on the rise.

So clearly people are still wearing suits because they want to, not just because they have to.

So, is life simpler with a less rigid dress code or does adding a little choice make it a bit scarier, a bit more – dare we say it – like the sartorial minefield women have always had to negotiate?

Basically you want to look smart but not as though you have tried too hard, so how is this apparently effortless ideal achieved?

We went to visit Tynwald Mills to take a look at what young professionals might be wearing to work these days.

We took with us Ali Champion Clark, who has recently qualified as an accountant, and his wife, Claire, who is an HR manager.

For Ali’s outfits we teamed Hackett suits and casual jackets with one of Tynwald Mills’ new arrivals, Thomas Pink shirts and ties.

When it came to dressing Claire we went to another new range, Warehouse, a big UK brand new to the island which launched at Tynwald Mills last weekend.

The results are smart, but relaxed, with a look that will take you happily through your day at work and even onwards for a cheeky cocktail afterwards.

First picture, Ali wears: Casual jacket in charcoal, £450, Hackett; blue shirt Thomas Pink, £79; trousers, £120, Tommy Hilfiger; belt, £45; shoes, £120, Jones Bootmaker

Claire wears: sparkle tweed dress, £55, with soft faux leather jacket, £55, and semi-precious pendant necklace. £20, all Warehouse; black patent shoes, £65.95, Moda in Pelle

Second picture, Ali wears: Blazer and trousers, £545, Hackett; shirt, 3115, tie, £69, pocket square, £35; shoes, £89, Jones Bootmaker

Claire wears: Black faux leather skirt, £39; blush pink top, £42, both Warehouse; shoes as before.

Third picture, Left, Ali wears: Trousers, £120, Tommy Hilfiger, shirt, £115, Thomas Pink; shoes, £120, Jones Bootmaker

Claire wears: Sparkle tweed skirt, £39; cream jersey top with chiffon sleeves, £9; handbag, £25; black jet bracelet, £12; rose gold colour necklace, £16, all Warehouse

Last picture Right, Ali wears: Jacket, £400, Hackett; trousers, £120, and belt, £42, both Tommy Hilfiger; shirt, £115, and tie £69, both Thomas Pink; shoes £120, Jones Bootmaker

Claire wears: Jacquard dress, £55, with navy coat, £85, both Warehouse; shoes, £65.95, Moda in Pelle

A Douglas bookshop is celebrating its 80th anniversary tomorrow (Saturday).

The Lexicon Bookshop on Strand Street first opened in September 1936 as a fee paying library by a Mr Hodges from Jersey and was initially known as the Lexicon Library.

It used to get packed due to its central location and the fact that holidaymakers could borrow books for a small fee during their stay.

In 1938, the Library was enlarged. Business increased throughout the 1940s and 1950s and during that time the Lexicon also started to introduce books for sale.

During this period it also became one of the British Isles’ first chain stores with branches opened in Oswestry, Llandudno, Wrexham, Burnley, Ashton-under-Lyme, Jersey and Guernsey.

By 1962 Mr Hodges was wanting to retire and the bookshop was bought by Sally Murray, who had taken over as manager in 1959. It remained under her control until 1965 when it was sold to Olive Ranscombe with Ken Rose brought in as manager. Under Olive’s tenure, book sales increased dramatically.

In April 1973, the thriving Lexicon Bookshop was sold to Mike Castle with Ken Rose staying on as manager. It was ahead of its time with the introduction of a computer-based ordering system.

Current owners David and Moira Ashworth purchased the business in 1992. They have faced a David and Goliath battle against internet shopping but won through by placing a huge emphasis on customer service and new product lines that reflect the Lexicon being a local business serving the Manx community.

It specialises in local interest books and gifts.

Plans for a mobile food retail unit on Douglas Head have been refused by planners.

Coastline Catering Limited applied (16/00512/C) to government planners to change the use of a parking space on Douglas Head Road, near the turning area, for the retail unit.

But the application was turned down, with planners saying it was contrary to the Isle of Man Strategic Plan.

In the decision notice, it states: ‘The siting of a mobile catering trailer, situated in such a prominent location would create a visually incongruous feature in the street scene which would detract from the character of the area and have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the Douglas Head area.’

It continues: ‘The use of the car parking space to accommodate the mobile trailer and the nature of the hot food business and its position would encourage indiscriminate short-term on-street parking in the turning head at the top of Douglas Head Road to the detriment of highway safety.’

In the application, it outlined their intention was to sell hot dogs, burgers, fries and salads.

The self-contained unit would be equipped with hot plate grills, microwave and bain-marie.

The plan was to trade there initially for six months, 11.30am to 6.30pm each day, subject to demand.

Douglas Council opposed the proposal saying the site was not zoned for retail use.

They submitted that while there would be ‘potential amenity benefits to users of the public open space, these do not outweigh the planning considerations’.

Meanwhile, an application by Colin Kinnin for a mobile snack van to be sited at the Point of Ayre (16/00513/C), submitted at a similar time to Coastline Catering’s application for Douglas Head, was later withdrawn.

An international payment processing company headed by an island-based businessman says it will vigorously defend itself against allegations of money laundering made by the US Department of Treasury.

The US Office of Foreign Assets Control last week listed the PacNet Group as a ‘significant transnational criminal organization’.

It claimed PacNet had a ‘lengthy history of money laundering by knowingly processing payments on behalf of a wide range of mail fraud schemes that target victims in the United States and throughout the world’.

The president, partner, shareholder or corporate director in several PacNet companies is Paul Davis, who owns or controls Manx Rare Breeds Ltd based in the Isle of Man.

The US authorities claim PacNet Air, also located in the Isle of Man and a subsidiary or affiliate company of PacNet Services Limited, was used to move illicit bulk cash within Europe.

PacNet Services has denied all the allegations. It has stopped processing payments for direct mail companies.

It said in a statement on its website: ‘We absolutely and categorically reject the allegations made against us regarding our processing for direct mail campaigns.

‘We will vigorously defend ourselves against these unproven allegations which we only learned about yesterday through media reports.

‘As a result of this investigation, it is our understanding that several associated companies have been added to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list which we are also working to address.

‘PacNet has a rigorous compliance programme in place. We follow all global standards in client due diligence and continually update policies, procedures and training.

‘In an effort to better safeguard the public, the company decided today to immediately stop processing payments for direct mail companies. Affected clients are being notified.’

The US Department of Treasury described PacNet, which has operations in Canada, Ireland and the British Isles and subsidiaries or affiliates in 15 other countries, as the ‘third-party payment processor of choice for perpetrators of a wide range of mail fraud schemes’.

It claimed PacNet had a near ‘20-year history of knowingly processing payments’ relating to fraudulent lottery and other mail fraud solicitation schemes that victimised the elderly and vulnerable and resulting in the loss of millions of dollars to US consumers.

The Isle of Man has enjoyed economic growth of 5 per cent over the last 12 months, government figures reveal.

But, as always there were winners and loser, with some sectors - notably e-gaming - racing ahead while some declined.

Our Gross Domestic Product reached £4.51 billion in 2014/15 after real growth of 5 per cent during the year, according to the latest national income report published.

The report, from the Economic Affairs unit of the Cabinet Office, confirms that this was the 32nd successive year of growth for the island’s economy.

Key results include:

Growth in GDP of 4.5 per cent, or 5 per cent in real terms (compared to 4.5 per cent in 2013/14).

Growth in Gross National Product of 0.9 per cent, or 1.4 per cent in real terms (compared with 5.1 per cent in 2013/14).

E-gaming grew by 22 per cent and insurance rose by 7 per cent respectively in real terms. E-gaming remains the largest economic sector at 19.5 per cent, followed by insurance on 14.9 per cent.

A reduction in losses incurred by companies from the tourist accommodation sector has allowed it to strongly bounce back, with growth of 80 per cent compared to 2013/14.

But agriculture shrank by 21 per cent, manufacturing dropped 19 per cent, and transport and communications fell by a quarter.

Chief Minister Allan Bell: ‘The headline figures are reassuring, showing growth returning to pre 2008/09 levels and confirming the overall strength of the island’s economy. However, it is clear that some sectors are not doing so well and the reality of a two-speed economy has to be recognised.’

The accounts contained in the report relate to the year 2014/15 and do not necessarily reflect the current position of the island’s economy.

Click here to read the full report

The Treasury is giving more help to people who are completing their tax forms online.

There is just one week to go until the October 6 deadline for the submission of personal income tax returns.

An out-of-hours telephone service starts on Sunday afternoon (October 2) and will be also be available in the evenings next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The times are Sunday, 2pm to 8pm; Monday and Tuesday 5.30pm to 8pm and Wednesday 5.30pm to 10pm.

Gerard Higgins, business support manager with the Treasury’s income tax division, said: ‘To assist new users the online enrolment process can be completed to enable immediate submission of their return online by calling 685400 (option 2) during normal office hours or through the extended hours telephone service as announced.’

He added: ‘If everyone submitted their personal returns online the saving of taxpayers’ money would be more than £600,000 each year.’

Paper returns can be put through the letterboxes at Government Office’s front entrance or on the second floor.

If the income tax division has not received personal tax returns for the year ended April 5 2016 by October 6 2016, taxpayers will be charged a £100 penalty.

If the return has still not been received by the division by April 6 2017, a further £200 penalty will be charged.

Even if the penalties are paid, the return must still be submitted and people may be prosecuted for failing to do so.

Pizza chain Domino’s could open a takeaway and restaurant in two vacant units at The Village Walk, in Onchan.

Domino’s has applied (16/00774/B) to government planners to convert Units 24 B/C, which have lain empty for at least four years.

In the application it says that if opened, the takeaway and restaurant would create approximately 30 jobs.

And it says it would result in the ‘beneficial reuse of a prominent building within The Village Walk centre’.

In amended plans submitted to planners, the applicant has included an external security spotlight to the drawings and added details of the CCTV and security systems to be installed. It follows discussions with crime reduction officer Roger Midghall.

A planning appeal against proposals to extend Broadcasting House on Douglas Head has been dismissed.

Manx Radio was given planning consent in May (16/00105/B) for an extension, which includes three studios and even a green room on the second floor, together with a news room, interview room and news studio on the first floor as well as an office area for BBC news.

This was despite planners’ reservations about the design.

In the planning officer’s report, it said the extension ‘could not be said to reflect a particularly exciting architectural statement, and in some ways is reminiscent of office blocks of the 1980s, and a continuation of this kind of approach would not, in an ideal world, be encouraged’.

Douglas Head Apartments Ltd had objected to the plan due to concerns about parking provision.

The application includes an increase of parking spaces from 20 to 26.

But in its appeal, Douglas Head Apartments said this would be totally inadequate.

It said that its concerns over parking and the safety of its residents had not been considered or addressed. The practice of Manx Radio and its visitors parking on a shared driveway was potentially dangerous and there had already been a number of near misses, the appellant argued.

It expressed concern over the visual impact the proposed extension would have on the headland and criticised the ‘very strange mismatch of styles’ that would leave Broadcasting House ‘very much the ugly duckling in the middle’ when two planned properties directly in front are completed.

A church-like glazed window would create an ‘unwelcome blaze of light’, it added.

But the planning inspector said the design was not so insensitive or distasteful as to warrant the refusal of planning approval. He said the proposed spaces would clearly help ease the present parking problem. The practice of parking on the shared driveway is unsatisfactory but appeared to be a private matter.

He recommended that the appeal be dismissed and this was supported by the Environment Minister Richard Ronan.

In March, Treasury Minister Eddie Teare told the House of Keys he was ‘concerned’ about the broadcaster’s proposals. He said nothing had been agreed with Treasury and Manx Radio would have to provide a ‘robust’ business case.

And he hinted changes may be needed, given that the state-subsided radio station is the only part of government to have its funding ring-fenced.

The Manx government has retained its Aa1 credit rating.

Credit ratings agency Moody’s hailed the wealth and resilience of the economy, which it said is more diverse and less volatile than that of other offshore financial centres.

It said the island’s creditworthiness was supported by reserves totalling close to 40 per cent of GDP, and the absence of outstanding direct debt. Our Aa1 rating outlook was revised from stable to negative in June following the UK’s Brexit vote.

The UK also has an Aa1 negative rating.

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare said Moody’s verdict showed the island is far from imminent bankruptcy, as one election candidate had claimed.

He said: ‘The report highlights that we are a diverse economy which has stood us in good stead. I was aware this was coming out but I could not actually refute the comments made by the candidate because it was embargoed.’

Stefan Triendl, an analyst at Moody’s and author of the report, said: ‘The diversification away from traditional banking and towards high growth sectors such as ICT and e-gaming helps to balance the economy’s small size.’

Moody’s said the only other jurisdiction with no direct debt outstanding is Macao, which is rated Aa3 negative.

But it warned the key credit challenge for the Isle of Man is the uncertainty created by the UK’s vote to leave the European Union which it said would lead to reduced confidence, lower spending and investment levels and weaker growth.

It forecast growth averaging 3 per cent over the next two years, lower than the long-term average.

Another challenge is the international pressure put on off shore financial centres.

Moody’s praise the efforts made to sign up to international agreements on tax avoidance and transparency but said there were limits to the ability of a small jurisdiction to mitigate these threats.

Mr Teare said the change to Aa1 negative following the Bexit vote mirrored that of the UK and was beyond our control.

He added: ‘Whilst it is undeniable that there are future uncertainties and risks, it is vitally important that the main message from this report is heard. Public finances are strong and the island can be relied upon by its investors to provide a stable, pro-business environment in which they can flourish.’

l Although he has retired as anMHK, Eddie Teare remains Treasury Minister until a new Council of Ministers is formed. The election for Chief Minister will take place on Tuesday in Tynwald.

According to the latest statistics, the number of days workers take off sick is increasing.

Figures for the UK say that the average number of sickness absence days in the UK is 6.9 days a year and that costs £554 per employee.

The situation is likely to be similar for the Isle of Man.

So what can be done to improve things?

Senior managers from across the island are being invited to a free event that will examine wellbeing in workplaces.

The event, next Friday (October 7), is the first of its kind in the Isle of Man and a result of a collaboration between the Department of Health and Social Care and the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce.

initiatives

Organisers say organisations should have their own wellbeing initiatives that encourage employees to look after their health and provide support when needed.

Minister for Health and Social Care Howard Quayle said: ‘A key component of our strategy for future health and social care services is to support people in taking responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.

‘We cannot achieve this without working with employers and supporting them to make workplace wellbeing a priority. People spend a great deal of their time at work, so we must engage with employers in our efforts to improve the population’s overall health.

‘There is also a considerable economic impact to sickness absence. An engaged and healthy workforce is more productive, which, for a small jurisdiction such as the Isle of Man, can make a considerable difference to our economy.’

The event, sponsored by Celton Manx, will demonstrate the importance of promoting wellbeing in the workplace for both managers and employees.

Gary Hogman, an associate of Derek Mowbray’s Management Advisory Service (MAS), will lead the presentation. Mr Hogman has 20 years’ experience working in mental health in the areas of research, policy, communications and campaigns. Most recently, Gary was the national programme lead for the UK Department of Health’s mental health awareness campaign, ‘Shift’, which tackled the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental illness.

Mr Hogman will share the importance of introducing a wellbeing initiative in the workplace and the performance cost benefits it can bring to organisations of all sizes.

This presentation will be followed by a training conference on ecember 1 for organisations ‘health champions’.

The event is open to organisations of any size and type. To find out more or reserve a space contact the public health directorate on 642639 or email publichealthevents.dhsc@gov.im.

Flybe says it might restore the Isle of Man to Heathrow air link if the UK gives the go-ahead to a third runway.

UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling says a decision over where to site a new runway in the south east of England will be taken ‘shortly’.

Heathrow last week pledged that if its expansion is approved, it will add extra capacity to its existing runways by 2021 – four years before the new runway could open. That could create up to 21 extra daily domestic services and 13 long-haul destinations.

Now Flybe says it is reviewing the feasibility of 12 new routes from Heathrow, including to the Isle of Man.

And it says it will continue to lobby the UK government for nearby RAF Northolt to be used temporarily for scheduled commercial flights in the interim before the extra capacity is added in 2021.

EasyJet is also backing Heathrow’s £18bn expansion and has promised to launch around 20 new routes from there including direct flights to the Isle of Man if the London hub gets its third runway.

The island lost direct flights to Heathrow in 2002 after British Airways bought Manx Airlines.

TravelWatch spokesman Terry Liddiard was chief executive of Manx Airlines and believes the island’s Heathrow link could be restored in two years using Northolt.

He said: ‘A new runway wouldn’t be ready for 13 to 15 years. But Northolt is a great opportunity to provide additional capacity and it could get up and running in two years. There’s a runway already there, a Central Line tube station and the A40 goes just past the perimeter. It would need only a small terminal.

‘When Manx Airlines was coming under threat financially we spent many thousands of pounds on appraisals on the use of Northolt. We never gave up on the idea.’

Flybe boss Saad Hammad said: ‘I am confident we are now in a good position to explore the viability and commercial feasibility of introducing a number of critical new routes for domestic connectivity as soon as the new slots were to become available at Heathrow, to and from where many of our codeshare partners offer seamless onward long haul connections for regional passengers.’

Mr Hammad added: ‘To effectively compete in a post-Brexit environment whilst a third runway is built in the south east, and in light of the new Heathrow plans, Flybe would strongly urge the government to give an expanded Heathrow the green light.’

The routes under consideration by Flybe are Isle of Man, Carlisle, Dundee, Humberside, Liverpool, Londonderry, Norwich, Prestwick, Durham Tees, Doncaster, Jersey and Guernsey.

Heathrow Airport says a third runway could be operational by 2025.

It says if the government gives the go-ahead, it will enter into immediate consultation on a proposal to fast-track extra capacity within four years with an extra 25,000 new flight movements by 2021 on existing runways.

In addition, it will ring-fence this early additional capacity solely for domestic flights, extend until 2037 a £10 discount for every departing passenger flying from Heathrow to a UK destination, and bring forward a £10m ‘route development fund’ to 2021.