Morgan will replace the current CEO Declan Kenny who will move in to the role of group executive chairman.

Morgan joined First Names Group as the buy out from IFG was completed in July 2012.

He was appointed as chief financial and operating officer to drive the development and growth of the Group through deep functional management strength, processes and systems.

He has also worked together with Declan in driving the Group’s acquisition strategy, so far securing fund business Moore Management and reaching an agreement to acquire trust and corporate services provider Basel – both within the first three months of the independent Group’s rebrand.

The appointment became effective from Saturday, June 1.

Morgan has enjoyed a successful career in financial services.

Since arriving in Jersey in 1999 he has worked for Walbrook Group, Barclays Wealth and Mourant International Finance Administration (MIFA).

He then operated independently for two years, providing strategic advice to fiduciary and fund administration companies together with helping global organisations through the integration process following mergers and acquisitions.

First Names Group now has more than 300 staff operating out of eight strategic locations. The Group is aligned to a robust five-point vision statement that clearly defines its objectives.

Vigorous plans for growth, both organic and inorganic are high on the agenda.

Speaking about his new appointment Morgan said; ‘Since gaining our independence last year we set very clear aspirations of what we wanted to achieve.

‘Very good progress has been made to date and I’m very excited and focused to lead the Group through the rest of the journey.’

Declan, who has served as CEO since 2003, said: ‘Morgan is a strong leader with a passion for finance and deep understanding of the business.

‘His track record of execution and strategic leadership, combined with his open-minded approach to problem solving has earned him the respect of employees, clients and partners group wide.

‘He has the right combination of knowledge, depth and experience to lead the company during this period of rapid change.

‘Morgan’s appointment means that I will be able to concentrate on my new role and I am really looking forward to that challenge.’

First Names Group is the parent company of Moore Management and FNTC.

The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission and Estonian Tax and Customs Board have signed an agreement to cooperate and share information between the two gambling authorities.

Based on the principles of protection of consumers and preservation of public order, the agreement’s objective is to improve regulatory standards both in the online and land based sectors, through exchange of knowledge, provision of assistance and establishment of a good working relationship.

Both regulators look forward to building on the provisions within the agreement to explore and improve the consumer protection opportunities that cooperation offers, to streamline processes and to create efficiencies for business.

In welcoming the agreement, Steve Brennan, chief executive of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission said: ‘The agreement builds on the Isle of Man’s commitment to international co-operation and provides a strong endorsement of the excellent reputation and international standing that the Island has earned through more than a decade of sound regulation of gambling activity.’

The organisation that established the Spring Valley Estate, the Isle of Man Development Company Limited, celebrated its 40th year in the island by holding a reception.

In May 1973 John Finlan was invited by the then Government’s First Minister, Percy Radcliffe, to play a part in a re-organisation of the island’s infrastructure; and the company’s objectives were, and still are, to ‘support the development objectives of the Manx Government’.

Conditions requested at that time were that the Board of Directors should be Manx, as should the company’s bankers, accountants, lawyers and other professionals, and this is still the case today.

The reception not only marked this notable anniversary, but it was also an opportunity for the company to demonstrate its support for two local charities.

John Scott, chairman of the Isle of Man Development Company Limited, said: ‘Our investment has produced the Spring Valley Estate you see today and many tenants have made notable contributions to Manx life. With our shareholder’s complete agreement, we celebrate our 40th anniversary with a donation of £100,000 to Isle of Man charitable organisations concerned with children and aged persons in need. We thank the Isle of Man Government, the Manx public and the Island’s companies for their ongoing support.’

Crossroads Care and The Children’s Centre each received £50,000 to support their charitable projects. Crossroads Care will use the donation to develop its newly taken over premises at Masham Court in Douglas, and will help to support psychological services for elderly carers and those with disabilities or illness.

Work has been ongoing at Masham Court over the last few months to make it more accessible and to create a greater social atmosphere.

The building houses Crossroads’ Adult Services and provides a Day Centre for individuals with illness, disability or learning difficulties where people can socialise, get involved in activities, undergo work-based training, and plan trips and outings. Most importantly the Centre gives respite to carers, those unpaid family members who look after someone with an illness or disability. Respite gives carers time to be themselves, do a bit of shopping, have a bath, or go to the doctors – small things that we all take for granted that are made almost impossible when you become a carer.

The donation will be used to upgrade the outside facilities at the Centre, to create more space and to make the building more accessible; and it will also be used on a programme of respite and psychological support for carers, helping them to deal with the effect that looking after someone over a long period of time can have on a person’s wellbeing.

The Children’s Centre will use the £50,000 donation to develop an Island Gap Scheme for young people, giving them a chance to experience work within a sector of their choice for a period of between nine and 12 months. Against a backdrop of rising unemployment on the Island, the scheme will complement work already undertaken by The Children’s Centre to support young people who are Not in Education or Training (often referred to as NEETs).

The Gap Scheme will be modelled on one run successfully in the UK for the last 20 years by The Rank Foundation (www.rankfoundation.com), and which is generally accepted as good practice in supporting young people to investigate and experience a work setting whilst also deciding if they have a long-term commitment to and interest in that field of work. They are paid ‘out-of-pocket expenses’ plus a small living allowance.

, and work to a preplanned budget for personal development and training, amounting to approximately £10,000 during the period of

their placement. As with the UK scheme, the Island Gap Scheme will focus on the community, youth and social care

sectors rather than the corporate or commercial world, since the underlying ethos is a social one.

th

May at the Sefton Hotel. In 1973 the

Isle of Man Development Company Ltd

Outcomes for the young people who take part in the UK scheme are outstanding – they gain immediate personal

development and often long-term full employment.

Further details about the work of both charities can be viewed on their respective websites – www.crossroadsiom.org

and www.thechildrenscentre.org.im

PHOTO CAPTION

Jackie Betteridge, far left, CEO of Crossroads Care, and John Knight, far right, CEO of The Children’s

Centre, accept cheques on behalf of the charities from the Isle of Man Development Company (IOMDC).

Representing IOMDC are, left to right, Geoffrey Ellis, Director; John Scott, Chairman; and Pauline Macready,

Managing Director.

– ENDS –

Media contacts:

The Isle of Man Development Company Limited

The island’s Chief Minister has been interviewed in UK media ahead of the G8 meeting in Northern Ireland next week.

Allan Bell is due to meet David Cameron in London tomorrow (Saturday) as the international spotlight falls on ‘tax havens’.

‘Tax haven’ is a term that Mr Bell, Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK and mandarins in the Manx civil service hate because of its pejorative overtones.

They have been trying to distance the island from any suggestion of sleaze or secrecy with several initiatives, including tax information sharing agreements with dozens of countries and the FATCA deals {http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_Account_Tax_Compliance_Act|Click here to read Wikipedia’s take on FATCA} with the US and the UK.

In the Guardian’s article today, the term ‘tax haven’ is used to describe the island, but the article is not as hostile as the Guardian tends to be when reporting about the island’s political and fiscal status.

{http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/13/g8|Read the Guardian’s story here}

Mr Bell has also told the BBC that big countries ‘love scapegoats’ and that the Isle of Man could be seen as one by bigger nations eager to blame others for their financial plight.

{http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22888306|Read the BBC’s account here}

eGaming company boss Garth Kimber believes the growing industry will continue to be a success in the island despite potential challenges ahead.

Father of two Mr Kimber, 49, who says he has entrepreneurial instincts at heart, is behind 138.com, a company which has just signed a major shirt deal with Watford FC.

He was formerly the government’s eGaming supremo before returning to the private sector.

Speaking from his office in Armitage House, Ridgeway Street, Douglas, Mr Kimber told Business News he was loving the work, and said: ‘I have grown fascinated by the betting business and moving from the government to being an operator in the island has offered a fascinating challenge. I’m loving it.’

Mr Kimber, who lives in Castletown with wife Liz and children Rory and Scarlett, grew up in Amersham, Buckinghamshire and is a lifelong fan of Watford, known as the Hornets.

He says Watford are a club going places and said of the shirt deal: ‘Of course it suits me, but it was a business decision.’

Watford, managed by charismatic Gianfranco Zola, reached the Championship play-off final against Crystal Palace but just missed out on a place in the Premiership by a Kevin Phillips penalty in extra time.

Mr Kimber told Business News he left the government 18 months ago after working for more than four years in the Department of Economic Development helping to push the island’s offering to betting companies, and had been kept ‘busy’ since.

He said that shirt sponsorship was ‘a heck of a good advertising method into Asia. They are absolutely nuts for football in Asia. Shirt sponsorship and global betting partnerships are a proven method of player recruitment and retention in Asia.’

Mr Kimber is chief executive officer with Xela Holdings.

Xela has also invested in The Gaming Platform (TGP), which Mr Kimber is a director of, that helps run a number of other brands including 138.com

Mr Kimber said the brand 138.com has a committed marketing budget. He added that the first deal was with Watford but other plans were in the pipeline including a possible deal with a side in the Premier league.

‘If you look at Asian gaming business, it’s fair to say that 90 per cent of it is on football, followed by seven per cent on basketball and three per cent on everything else.

‘Under Xela we run brands or part of brands out of the island and with the Gaming Platform we are effectively running other people’s brands.’

Mr Kimber said that he has plans to grow the business considerably in the island with more jobs in the offing.

Mr Kimber said there was a good relationship with the government. ‘It’s a good regulator to work with. ‘

He said he knows Peter Greenhill, the recently appointed new head of eGaming development in the island and wished him well.

Mr Kimber spoke of one of the challenges ahead. He said: ‘In the UK we will all have to be licensed by the end of next year in the UK because if we want to take UK players or if we want to carry on using UK advertising methods, such as premiership football, we will have to have licences in the UK

‘As long as they are only taxing us on our UK players then the Isle of Man remains a competitive place to be because the rest of our world wide income will be taxed at Manx rates rather than UK rates (gambling duty)’.

He acknowledged this will be quite a big issue coming up and said: ‘We all need the Isle of Man regulator to make it as easy as possible for us to get our UK licences.’

Asked about the best time for eGaming companies to start preparing for this he said: ‘It needs the UK to be able to tell everybody how you apply and what you need to do and they are not quite there yet. They have announced that they will be regulating like that in the future but they have not yet really involved themselves in dialogue with all the potential licence holders as to what they have to do.’

He said it was important the island regulator and the UK regulator made it a ‘simple transition process’ for getting UK licences. Mr Kimber said investors were attracted to setting up businesses under the island’s jurisdiction and he predicted exciting times ahead. On a personal and professional level Mr Kimber is also hoping Watford FC will progress.

Equiom’s team, who recently undertook the Three Peaks Challenge, were successful in their attempt and have raised £10,000 for Hospice Isle of Man.

The team of seven including Equiom chairman, Larry Kearns and group managing director, Sheila Dean undertook the UK’s premier mountain challenge with the initial aim of raising £1,200 to cover the first print run of a cookbook project, which had been brought to their attention by Hospice’s Northern Committee.

However, cheque presentations were made to Hospice Isle of Man and to Northern Hospice Committee for £7,500 and £2,500 respectively. Sheila Dean speaking at the presentations said: ‘So many of us have personal attachments to Hospice on the island, and the fantastic work they do.

‘So to be able to give something back and support them was something very close to my heart.

‘Having bonded closely with the team, training in all kinds of weather – nothing could have prepared us for the challenge that lay ahead.’

Sheila added: ‘I speak for the whole team when I say that this is a personal achievement to be extremely proud of, as it was definitely more challenging than we all expected.

‘A big heartfelt thank you to all those who kindly supported us and by doing so helped us to raise funds in excess of what we set out to achieve – friends, family, staff and colleagues all contributed.’

Margaret Simpson, chief executive of Hospice Isle of Man speaking on accepting the donations said: ‘We were deeply touched when presented with this amazing amount, as it had been kept a surprise for us until the actual presentation.

‘To say we were stunned would have been an under-statement.

‘Huge congratulations and many thanks to Equiom and their supporters for raising such a significant amount and well done to the team on their fantastic achievement.’

The team, who completed the daunting challenge with Sheila and Larry, were James Horrigan, Robert Cattle, Mike McHale, Fiona Noon, Emma Corlett and Andy Wilson.

The Northern Hospice Recipe book is expected out in print at the end of November in time for the Christmas shopping season.

Thomas Miller Investment (Isle of Man) Limited have donated £1,500 to the Island Games Association of Mann.

The money will be used to fund the travel costs of team doctor Frank Vaughan to the 2013 Natwest Island Games in Bermuda, which continues this week.

Thomas Miller Investment have previously supported individual sports for the Island Games, but on this occasion, given the high cost of travelling to Bermuda, were looking for a way to support all Manx athletes competing.

The company recognises the importance of the role Dr Vaughan will play in such unfamiliar surroundings.

Ian Jarrett , chairman of Thomas Miller Investment (Isle of Man) Limited, lived and has played sport in Bermuda. He said, ‘The team will have a great time in Bermuda – for many it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity but in the heat and humidity there is no question that it will be extremely challenging. We wish everyone concerned, but particularly one of our employees - Karen Faragher (Tennis) who is competing in her 12th Games, the very best of luck and we look forward to hearing about all the successes on their return.’

Continent 8 Technologies have announced the appointment of Stephen Trimble as head of product, based at the company’s headquarters in the island.

Stephen brings more than 15 years of experience in Telecommunications, IT and Data Centre operations to lead Continent 8’s global product management function.

He will take responsibility for the management, definition and delivery of both existing and new products and services for the global business.

John Stone, for the company, said: ‘Continent 8 are delighted to have attracted such an experienced and well-respected individual.

‘Stephen’s skills and experience greatly complement our plans for the expansion of our global footprint and the enhancements we are currently making to our portfolio of services.

‘With the Isle of Man data centre expansion currently underway, Stephen’s appointment also underlines our commitment to further growth in the island.’

Stephen said: ‘It is extremely exciting to be joining a company as dynamic and forward-thinking as Continent 8.

‘At a time of local and global expansion I am looking forward to assisting with the introduction of further world-class products and services.

Michael Tobin, Continent 8 chief executive officer, said: ‘Building the Continent 8 organisation can only be accomplished through the creation of a world class team.

‘Stephen is a welcome addition to help continue our growth on the Isle of Man and throughout our global footprint.’

Gary Hepburn is the new managing director of the island trust and corporate business of the First Names Group.

Gary was appointed to the role after working as client service director at First Names Group for nine years.

Gary is well known within the industry, he has a wealth of experience in financial services placing him as the natural choice to lead the Isle of Man operation.

Originally from Zimbabwe he worked in the UK, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands before moving to the Isle of Man with his family.

Gary is a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers; he holds the trustee diploma as well as a Finance degree from the University of Manchester.

He is also a long-time member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and the Securities Institute.

First Names Group now have more than 400 staff operating out of eight strategic locations and is one of the world’s largest offshore trust, funds and corporate service providers.

Gary said: ‘First Names Group has grown very strongly over the last few years.

‘I am excited about the future and am really looking forward to helping deliver responsible growth, whilst crucially ensuring we continue to provide unrivalled client service.’

Morgan Jubb, chief executive of the Group, said: ‘First Names Group has ambitious plans for the future, a strong leadership team is imperative if we are going to achieve our objectives. I am delighted with Gary’s appointment. He is a strong leader and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of client service. He is well respected by clients and colleagues alike.

For the past week the Isle of Man LinkedIn Group of more than 2,000 Isle of Man business people has been running a poll of members to discover the impact of the recent degradations in air links to the island.

Some 150 members have responded to the poll, which asked what effect the recent reductions in air links to London, Scotland and Southampton would have on them and their businesses.

l 11 per cent said the changes would have ‘little or no effect’ on them or their businesses

l 54 per cent answered that the changes would ‘inconvenience them and / or raise costs’

l 32 per cent expressed the view that the reduction in air links would ‘seriously harm or restrict them or their businesses’

l three per cent responded that the changes would ‘make them consider leaving the Isle of Man’.

Steve Burrows, administrator of the group, said: ‘These responses are significantly worse than expected, over a third of respondents expect the reduction in air links to seriously harm or restrict their business, a few to the extent that they are considering leaving the island, which by any measure is a matter for grave concern both in business and government.

‘The results of the poll provide strong backing to the recent comments of SMP Partners chairman Steve McGowan when he labelled the changes to the London City schedule as ‘a disaster for Isle of Man residents and businesses.’

The poll opened on Sunday July 7, so the very negative responses received would seem to show that the statement issued by the government on July 4 has failed to provide adequate reassurance to the island’s business community.

Several respondents took the opportunity to comment on the poll to further express their concerns.

Their thoughts included the following remarks:

l ‘The island needs good communication with London or it will become an irrelevance in a globalising market.’

l ‘The loss of the LCY (London City) and eventually LGW (Gatwick) morning and evening flights will make a difficult intercontinental journey more complicated.’

l ‘The main really serious problem is the timings. I can visualise for a three hour meeting say 1 until 4 on a Tuesday in central London requiring flying out on a Monday and back on a Wednesday, i.e. two overnights etc. that is unsustainable!!’

l ‘My understanding is that no-one is looking at the overall picture. I would expect some body at national level to be setting some kind of minimum framework for air services to and from the island. This is the 21st century and we can no longer rely on boats, yet communications with elsewhere are essential for a variety of reasons. At minimum there has to be regular reliable air connections to major cities in England, Ireland and Scotland that IoM has economic and social ties with (not ones that the air operators find convenient).’

And this came from an e-gaming executive currently based overseas: ‘Given I’m part of a team thinking about relocating to the IoM, this is concerning. Knowing that the links to London are being affected does weigh in on our thinking and planning, that is for sure.’

The poll is still running and can be found in the Isle of Man Group on LinkedIn.

The Manx Co-operative Society continues to show ‘resilience’ against a backdrop of challenging trading conditions Society chairman Eric Calderwood has said.

Mr Calderwood was speaking at the Manx Co-operative Society’s AGM at the Mount Murray hotel where he told an audience of shareholders and colleagues that for the 2012-2013 financial year sales achieved across the Island’s 10 stores were £25.8 million and underlying profits £1.7 million.

The figure represented a continuing turnaround in the Society’s fortunes over the past three years and was, he observed, ‘an incredible achievement’.

Factors contributing to the year-on-year rise in profits included a stronger retail offering, benefits from securing improved buying terms, robust cost control, store refits and new IT systems.

These combined with the dedication and hard work of store teams and management had led to increased customer numbers and more than 18,500 members now sharing profits.

Regional operations manager for Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man Gary Macaulay went on to explain that the Manx Co-operative Society was working towards making the shopping experience ‘memorable’.

Enablers driving that strategy included providing enhanced ranges; a focus on quality and freshness; carefully chosen products; fair and competitive value; and promoting flair and salesmanship among in-storeteams.

The future would be marked by more customer service training and freeing up store teams to be on the floor engaging with customers. ‘The customer is at the heart of all we do; we’re not selling disappointment,’ he said.

In tandem with its retail operations the Manx Co-operative Society remained committed to supporting local causes. £12,000 was raised in 2012 for the Noble’s Hospital special care baby unit and during 2013 fundraising efforts would be directed to Crossroads Care. The AGM was also attended by The Co-operative Bank’s chief operating officer, Bruce Hope-MacLellan who said: ‘I was delighted to attend this year’s AGM and given the opportunity to share with members the Bank’s strategy, including its plans in the Isle of Man. The Co-operative aims to be at the heart of communities and it is clear that the Manx Co-operative Society is having a positive role in the Isle of Man.’

The best people to write a book on a subject are those who live, work and breathe it.

Twenty six authorities on eGaming – working across a broad cross-section of the island’s eGaming industry – joined forces to write a book on how to form, license and run an eGaming company in the Isle of Man, entitled: ‘You Can!’

The islandhas become a fiercely competitive place of residence for some of the most influential online operators in the industry, such as PokerStars, Microgaming, Full Tilt, SBOBET, 188bet, PaddyPower, 12bet; a list that grows year-on-year.

Co-editor, R Paul Davis, a Canadian barrister and solicitor who established Counting House, a leading consultancy for eGaming worldwide, said: ‘This book went from idea to reality in less than four months, and was ready for release at the annual ICE Gaming Conference in London, where the first edition of 350 copies sold out in under two days.

It is an extraordinary demonstration of the level of integration and co-operation in the island’s business community, leaving competitor jurisdictions coughing in the dust.’

With a foreword written by the Minister for Economic Development, John Shimmin MHK, the book is the first comprehensive start-to-finish guide on starting and running a licensed eGaming enterprise. A contributing lawyer, Claire Milne, a partner at Appleby (Isle of Man) LLC, said: ‘I decided to contribute because it was an excellent opportunity for a cross-section of the Manx eGaming sector to share its experience with those interested in the island as a jurisdiction.

‘This jurisdiction is a business friendly jurisdiction on many levels and I think that this publication is an excellent example of that.

‘Appleby has been committed to the eGaming industry for many years and was delighted to collaborate in this venture.’

New opportunities in e-Gaming are making headway as technology advancements proliferate, motivating innovative entrepreneurs to seek their fortunes by both refining discoveries and filling gaps in the market.

David Hudson, director of the SMP Group, said: ‘Choosing a jurisdiction can bring about a melting pot of reservation.

‘Here, the Isle of Man is offered up as a strong and viable option with a well-established reputation in eGaming, a secure fiscal platform, remarkable support services and a great quality of life, underpinned by a business-friendly government.’

Mary Linehan, chairman of B-Localiom.com, said: ‘The book combines a broad range of guidance, making a convincing case for operators and prospective newcomers to the eGaming industry to choose the Island as a home for their business.’

Business News has looked at the book and at more than 200 pages, it could becominvaluable as a record of the eGaming indistry here.

You won’t find this book in retail stores. It is made available to prospective licensees and related professionals at eGaming shows all over the world.

Copies may also be requested by e-mail: paul@countinghouseltd.com.

Sue Hammond once considered putting her feet up and retiring to her home in Cyprus.

But Manx woman Sue was homesick for the island and returned to continue her career and be close to her family and friends.

Now Sue, 56, a mother of two grown up sons and grandmother to identical twin granddaughters, has embarked on her latest challenge, running her own business.

Sue is director of newly-formed Connect2HR, based in the serene surroundings of a former church turned into offices at St Mary’s , The Parade, Castletown.

She has high hopes for the human resources management company and does not regret changing her mind about retiring to Cyprus.

She recalled how she and her husband Robert went to the Mediterranean isle around eight years ago with the possible intentions of staying there for the rest of their lives.

‘I went to work in a fund management house and did that for four days a week.

‘I used to commute from our house in Paphos to Limassol. One of the highlights was driving to work. I saw the Red Arrows practising in the bay. I thought that was fantastic. But I was homesick actually for the Isle of Man, and my two sons Michael and Christopher were here. I’d been there three years and I thought if I stay any longer I will be out of the market. I felt my professional career might go so I came back. At first I thought I might temp for six months and then go back to Cyprus for six months.’

In the end Sue accepted an offer from Abacus to work with them in the island. Eventually she was made HR manager there.

She stayed there for eight years until the opportunity came up to run her own company. It came about after she linked up with Mark Schofield and Maureen Quayle of Optimus Fiduciaries Ltd.

Her office is in the same building as Optimus and on the day Business News visited it was sweltering hot and, Sue pointed out, not unlike Cyprus where she still goes for holidays. Sue said the decision to

set up in Castletown was the right one.

She said Mark and Maureen run Optimus after a management buy-out and they run their business from the offices in the centre of Castletown.

Fully qualified HR professional Sue ‘made the jump’ to run her own business after consulting with Mark and Maureen.

‘It appealed to me to be out of Douglas. Many reasons, one of which is that I believe people want some anonymity and these offices in Castle town are ideal and provide a perfect platform.

‘I lead this business but Mark and Maureen are there for back-up if needed.’

Sue said the service she offers is particularly pertinent for small to medium sized companies who do not necessarily have their own HR manager of department.

‘With the best will in the world directors don’t always necessarily know, or have the skills to deal with the sort of very sensitive, what I call the sensitive areas, the human interest.

‘That’s how sometimes things can go terribly wrong, messages can be misconstrued, communications can be blurred.

‘Sometimes an independent, impartial person is really helpful in those situations and that’s why I thought there could be opportunities for the business skills that I have.

‘To be ab le to deal with sensitive situations such as redundancy which is not easy, so I felt they were areas where I could add value to a business.

‘And then on the other side it is general HR administration.’

Sue who employs an assistant, said she knows that in this environment there are also takeovers and acquisitions which bring a whole new set of challenges for businesses.

She that in the Isle of Man, with a diversified workforce where there are new outlets for business, talent management and training is a very important issue in terms of human resources.

‘HR can make very valuable contributions to business,’ she said.

Sue is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.

She has more than 20 years’ experience developing, advising on and implementing policies relating to the effective use of personnel.

Between 1986 and 2004 she worked for Coutts in the island.

She joined as an investment administrator and was promoted to supervisor within the securities department gaining extensive knowledge of offshore markets and people management.

It was after working at Coutts that Sue left for Cyprus and she acknowledged retirement was definitely on her mind for a while.

But she has never regretted the decision to return.

Sue, who lives in Santon with her husband, who runs a security business, said that the work life balance is perfect and out of work she is kept busy with her two granddaughters, Ava and Mischa, aged two and a half.

As the sun blazed through the windows with a perfect view of Castletown harbour, Sue said she loves nothing better than strolling to places such as Scarlett for the occasional lunch break.

As to the future she plans to build the office and its potential. Things are still in their infancy but her name is getting about by word of mouth and she plans to eventually take on more people as business grows.

She has also embraced social media.

And no guessing where holidays will be taken. Sue told how one of her famous neighbours in Paphos is the Scottish actor and impressionist Stanley Baxter.

Once a household name on TV Baxter was one of the best-known entertainers around.

He’s still fondly remembvered in Cyprus where local restaurants proudly show off his signed photo.

l If anyone wants to contact Sue for an informal interview she can be contacted on 678900 or 485728.

email: sue@connect2hr.im

website: www.connect2hr.im

Michael Crowe, the Chamber of Commerce’s new president is typical of the ‘can-do’ attitude of business folk in the island.

Just a fortnight after taking over from Mike Shaw he has hit the ground running.

And like many people involved in the chamber, Mr Crowe puts a lot of voluntary time into the organisation which has more than 300 members island-wide in a whole range of sectors.

He likened it to a case of ‘we are all in this together’ and added: ‘We can’t deny that we are in challenging times.’

Mr Crowe, 44, is a director in the audit and assurance department at BDO at Analyst House, Peel Road, Douglas. It used to be PKF until February when it joined forces with BDO.

He spoke to Business News in his office at BDO shortly after attending a busy chamber meeting. He was also preparing to meet a high-profile party from China.

He has been involved with the chamber for a number of years and since 2004 was treasurer and also a committee member. Sarah Sanders is the chamber’s new treasurer.

He says his job put him in good stead for the challenges ahead as chamber president.

‘As a chartered accountant and auditor, a lot of my job has meant going out andmeeting people and seeing clients in their premises. That has given me a fascinating insight into the economy of the island.

‘I have also found the chamber fascinating because it has exposed me to getting involved in discussions about busines s and the economy of the Isle of Man. The chamber is quite a broad church.

‘Dozens of our members give up their time freely to sit on committees and without them and people volunteering to chair committes and do that work there would not be a Chamber of Commerce.’

Mr Crowe reiterated some of the chamber’s priorities for the coming months: working with government to ensure the workforce is equipped with the skills they need to support the primary sectors of our economy; working to ensure government procurement policy adequately addresses the considerable benefits of keeping their spending on island and maintaining stable transport links.

Issues such as minimum wage, work permits, government spending, town centre planning and economic development are also high on the busy agenda.

Mr Crowe is married to Clare, who teaches PE at Ballakermeen High School. They have a little boy called Alexander who is eight years old.

Mr Crowe was born in Liverpool but moved to the island when he was a small lad.

The family have always lived in Port Erin. ‘We are very happy living down south.’

Mr Crowe’s mother is Pam Crowe who was a prominent politician in the island having been MHK for Rushen and then a member of the Legislative Council. Mr Crowe said his mother now runs a bed and breakfast business in Port Erin. He said he has no plans to go into politics himself.

She says it is an innovative business where women can shop by their body shape.

Laura, 22, said she founded Love My Figure, Love My Fashion after the ideas stemmed from her own experiences.

She said: ‘Having a classic British ‘‘pear’’ shape, I struggled to find clothes to fit my figure, especially with dresses.

‘After speaking to lots of different women, I realised I wasn’t the only one struggling. I needed to be educated in the art of dressing for my body shape.

‘After a lot of research, I put together the basis for Love My Figure, Love My Fashion, a dress shop where anyone, no matter what their body shape, could find the perfect dress and feel a million dollars.’

When you enter the site, you can enter in three simple measurements to find out your body shape.

You are then shown a range of dresses that suit your particular figure.

Twenty-two year old Laura works as a PA to the board of directors at an island corporate service provider.

But she recently set up the new business and is finding more and more of her time is spent involved in it.

She said: ‘Each dress has been carefully handpicked for each body shape.

‘My ethos is about feeling confident and looking good, no matter what your shape. Everybody has a different figure – small or large, curvy or skinny, we want women to love their figures, and find that perfect dress.

‘We’ve spoken to a lot of women, and the feedback was that they find it hard to find the right fit, especially when shopping online.

‘You can’t see what the dress will look like on you, from looking at a straight up and down size 6 catwalk model on your computer screen. It’s not realistic. We are very proud to say that we use ‘‘real’’ everyday women from the Isle of Man, to model our dresses on the website.

‘This way you can see what a dress will really look like, on someone with the same body shape as you’.

Also on the website is a blog section, where women can have a read of the latest fashion tips, dress styles and on trend topics.

Bloggers on the website include professional industry experts and style gurus, as well as everyday fashion lovers.

Laura, who lives in Onchan said: ‘Bringing variety of input on to the website is really important.

‘We encourage our customers to send in snaps of themselves looking fabulous in their new dress, so we can show everyone how great they look!

‘It’s a massive confidence boost.’

Despite only being 22, Laura is remarkably focused and has big plans for the future: ‘This is the next step in online shopping.

‘It’s a tailor-made experience.’

She maintains: ‘Our approach is different. We want customers to love every single dress they buy, we want them to look good, and most importantly, feel good about themselves’.

On top of this, Love My Figure, Love My Fashion is working in conjunction with BEAT, an eating disorder charity in the Isle of Man and United Kingdom.

Laura said: ‘The flip side of being happy with your body is those that really struggle. We have been fundraising for BEAT to give something back. They do a great, much needed job and support over 100,000 people a year with an eating disorder’.

www.lmflmf.co.uk

The RBS International group in the Isle of Man encompasses not only RBS International but also the Isle of Man Bank, Coutts, NatWest and Lombard Finance.

They employ 470 staff across the group. Like every other banking organisation they have been affected by tough times and they are responding in a positive manner.

Isle of Man Newspapers Awards for Excellence launched

Island director Bill Shimmins explains: ‘I think we’re in a time of change and change is affecting us all, including the banks. It’s important that we strive for excellence, to help us manage through that change and focus on the fundamentals which is customer service, because our customers are at the forefront of what we do.’

‘As more and more customers are discovering the convenience of online banking, the group has been facilitating this whilst rationalising the number of its branches on the island.’

RBS International Victoria Street and NatWest Prospect Hill branches will merge and from Friday, August 16, Prospect Hill branch will close. The following Monday, the ground floor of the Victoria Street building will open as a full service NatWest branch.

At the same time, the group has invested heavily in internet banking, mobile phone banking and iPad banking apps, which have all been a great success with customers.

‘If our customers are looking for different ways of interacting with the bank rather that the traditional way of going into the branch, then we must react accordingly,’ maintains Bill, adding: ‘All organisations, whether in the public or the private sector, are having to look at the way they do things and make some changes.

‘Ultimately, it’s the way they make those changes and implement them that will ensure how successful those organisations are.’

He believes that currently one of the most important themes for any business is sustainability.

‘Social trends have meant more people connected to the worldwide web, whilst regulatory changes and international developments have meant that consumers perhaps have less free cash,’ he says. ‘It’s an environment which has given organisations in the public and private sector the chance to show how they are adapting to the modern world, whilst continuing to achieve excellence.’

It’s a theme which is also reflected in the aims and ideals of the Awards for Excellence and Bill is proud that RBS International is once more the event’s major sponsor.

‘It reflects our commitment to the local community,’ he explains. ‘The Awards for Excellence is one of 92 events we sponsor through the year, some large, some small. We are very keen to play a part in the community in which we operate.’

He hopes that more local businesses than ever will take up the challenge and enter the Awards:

‘I think they should enter,’ he says. ‘Because it provides recognition for the hard work that they’re doing on the island. It also provides, for the whole team in these organisations not just for the person who heads it, confirmation that they’re respected and valued by the community.’

With more than 100 feature films and TV dramas produced to date, a 10 per cent share in Pinewood Shepperton Studios and a host of Hollywood names, Isle of Man Film has been making its mark in movie making since 1995.

But in an industry where the box office and distribution deals decide financial fate, what measures are being taken by members of the Department of Economic Development to safeguard the Manx tax payers’ £12m investment and £25m media development fund, how does this sector contribute to the economy and what might it look like in future?

Introduced by Laurence Skelly MHK, political member with responsibility for film and media, and presented by Steven Christian of Isle of Man film, Junior Chamber of Commerce members and guests can expect a cinematic experience with popcorn and light refreshments.

JCC chairman Chris Darnill said: ‘Film is one of our greatest exports, showcasing and raising awareness of the Island to a worldwide audience.

‘We’ve seen some great names grace our shores such as Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and John Malkovich, along with our very own Samantha Barks and are hoping to fill the 150 seat Broadway Cinema for this entertaining and insightful presentation.’

It takes place tomorrow (Wednesday July 24, 5.45pm to 6.45 pm with registratin at 5.15 pm.

It’s at the Broadway Cinema, Villa Marina Complex, Douglas Promenade.

To find out more or book your place, visit the JCC IOM website www.jcc.im or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jcciom or join the JCC IOM LinkedIn group.

Entry: £5 each for JCC IoM members, £10 each for guests, including refreshments and popcorn.

The Junior Chamber of Commerce Isle of Man was established in 1992, JCC IoM is an independent not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to promote high standards of leadership, integrity and fellowship throughout all sectors of economic endeavour on the Isle of Man; to inform, protect and promote members’ interests.

Germaine Greer is to be the after-dinner guest speaker at this year’s Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Admiistrators (ICSA) annual dinner, sponsored by RBS International, at Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club, Santon, on Friday, September 20.

Australian writer, academic, journalist and scholar of early modern English literature, Germaine Greer is widely regarded as one of the most significant feminist voices of the later 20th century and is listed in Prospect Magazine's 100 Greatest Thinkers.

Her ideas have created controversy ever since her book The Female Eunuch became an international best-seller in 1970, turning her into a household name and bringing her both adulation and opposition.

She is also the author of many other books including, Sex and Destiny: The Politics of Human Fertility (1984); The Change: Women, Ageing and the Menopause (1991) and Shakespeare's Wife (2007).

Gillian Prestwich, ICSA Isle of Man chairman, ‘We are delighted to welcome Germaine Greer and grateful to RBS International for their support, and to Appleby for sponsoring the pre-dinner Drinks Reception and to our MC Ron Berry for what promises to be a great event.’

To book individual tickets (£50 each) and corporate tables please visit http://icsa2013.eventbrite.com/ For enquiries please contact Gillian Prestwich, ICSA Isle of Man Chairman at gillianprestwich@manx.net

Germaine Greer has written for many periodicals and was a regular pundit on BBC2's The Late Review. She's also made frequent appearances on the BBC's satirical television show Have I Got News For You. Germaine Greer was one of the contestants on Celebrity Big Brother (2005). She'd previously said that the show was "as civilised as looking through the keyhole in your teenager's bedroom door" - she walked out of the show after five days inside the Big Brother house. In 2006 she appeared twice in an episode of Ricky Gervais' Extras playing herself.

ICSA President David Venus and Chief Executive Simon Osborne are to attend the dinner and David will present prizes and awards to students as part of the evening. Ron Berry has again kindly taken on the role of Master of Ceremonies.

The evening will also include a charity raffle in support of the new dedicated breast care unit at Noble’s Hospital.

Bill Shimmins, Isle of Man Director, RBS International: “After the successes of 2011 and 2012, we are delighted to again be involved with the ICSA Isle of Man Annual Dinner, a perfect occasion to highlight and celebrate the invaluable work of Chartered Secretaries in the Isle of Man’s ongoing success as an international business centre.”

net<mailto:gillianprestwich@manx.net> Booking deadline is Friday 30 August.

The Cayman National Group announced the appointment of Ken Watterson as a non-executive director to the boards of both Cayman National Bank and Trust Company (Isle of Man) Limited and Cayman National Fund Services (Isle of Man) Limited.

Ken Watterson has more than 27 years experience working in the investment, banking, fiduciary, insurance, IFA and funds sectors with regulated financial companies based in the Isle of Man, UK, Jersey and Guernsey, Switzerland, the Caribbean and the Middle East.

With a background in NHS and research medical science, Ken joined Peat Marwick (later to become KPMG) in 1986.

In 1990, he moved from audit and accountancy to international private banking joining Nat West International Trust Corporation which became part of the Coutts Group.

He gained valuable experience in Coutts’ trust, banking and investment businesses and was given the task of establishing the Isle of Man office’s offshore risk and compliance function.

Following a year’s sabbatical in which he studied the island’s basking sharks and whales and travelled extensively to lecture on the subject in Japan, Australia and South Africa, he joined Close Brothers Private Bank in 2000 as director of Risk and Compliance.

Ken was awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship for his work with basking sharks and co-authored a book for BBC Television.

In 2006, Ken moved to Tufton Oceanic, one of the island’s few hedge fund managers, as their chief operating officer and a director where he gained further valuable experience working with the UK FSA and the Dubai Financial Services Authority.

One of Ken’s particular areas of interest is corporate governance an area in which he specialised when studying for his Masters degree in Financial Regulation and compliance management.

He holds the Institute of Directors, Chartered Director qualification and has undertaken a number of corporate governance assignments in his current role as a compliance and corporate governance consultant.

Ken is also a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Ian Bancroft, managing director of Cayman National’s Isle of Man operations said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Ken to the boards of our Isle of Man businesses.

‘He has a significant wealth of experience in the international corporate and private sectors with a strong focus on risk and compliance.

‘This strength will prove invaluable as we continue to grow our business into new markets and channels of business.

‘We have exciting plans for further development. I anticipate that Ken will make an enormous contribution to our future corporate growth’.

Ken Watterson said: ‘I am looking forward to working with the Cayman National team. They offer a comprehensive wealth management proposition and I am keen to support their development objectives as well as ensuring there is robust oversight of their regulatory obligations.’

The company which guides businesses through complex but increasingly important ISO certification standards has been invited to join the influential Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster (IOMAC).

The invitation to ISO QA Isle of Man Ltd came from IOMAC chairman Adrian Moore and the company’s directors, Kevin Burnell and Lee McLellan, were officially welcomed during the Cluster’s latest forum at St John’s Mill, Tynwald Mills.

Mr Moore said: ‘We are delighted that a company of the calibre of ISO QA Isle of Man has accepted the invitation that sees the Cluster become a collaboration of 22 companies.’

The forum was also attended by David Bailey, executive director of North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA), and Kelvin Davies, of BAE Systems, along with Cluster representatives.

Mr Burnell said: ‘We regard membership of IOMAC as important recognition of the work we do in guiding companies through the complex requirements of very diverse standards they are now expected to achieve and maintain.’

These include ISO9001 Quality, ISO14001 Environment, ISO18001 Health and Safety, ISO27001 Information Security and ISO50001 Energy.

ISO QA Isle of Man Ltd also conduct commercial energy audits, looking at how companies can best use the energy and also how to save energy costs.

The Cluster offers cost-effective, joined-up solutions for its global blue chip client base.

As part of the North West Aerospace Alliance, one of the most active aerospace clusters in Europe, the IOMAC is part of one of the most influential ‘aerospace hotspots’ in the British Isles.

Mr Moore said: ‘We are able to provide design and manufactured solutions with a reputation for one-stop shop capability and the utilisation of an international supply chain.

‘We are proud to say we are partners to virtually every major civil and military project in the world today.’