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Carlyle provides financing package to Suntera Global
Global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) today announced that its Global Credit platform has provided a financing package to Suntera Global (“Suntera”), an independent global provider of bespoke fund, corporate and private wealth services.
Founded in 1980, Suntera provides a full suite of professional services to corporates, fund managers, and private clients (including their family offices). Through a comprehensive range of administration, accounting and governance services, Suntera helps its longstanding international base of loyal clients navigate the complex and evolving demands that come with managing wealth and cross-border capital, focusing on reducing clients’ compliance, regulatory, and reporting risks. The company employs more than 500 specialists in offices across Europe, Asia and North America.
This financing package will strengthen the company’s financial foundation by refinancing its existing indebtedness and provide additional capital to support Suntera through organic growth initiatives and strategic acquisitions.
Nicola Falcinelli, Deputy Head of European Private Credit at Carlyle, said: “We are delighted to support Suntera’s continued growth story through this strategic financing. We believe Suntera is strongly positioned to meet growing and resilient demand for specialized professional services, particularly within the context of a rapidly evolving and complex regulatory landscape. This transaction underscores Carlyle’s established strategy of supporting high-quality businesses with flexible capital solutions.”
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SINCE THE MANAGEMENT BUY OUT IN 2019, SUNTERA HAS BUILT ON ITS CORE HERITAGE AND ESTABLISHED A REPUTATION FOR ITS HIGHLY SPECIALIZED CAPABILITY AND DIVERSIFIED PROPOSITION WHICH SPANS MULTIPLE STRATEGIES, GEOGRAPHIES AND SERVICE LINES
David Hudson, CEO of Suntera, said: “Since the Management Buy Out in 2019, Suntera has built on its core heritage, grown its international footprint through strong organic and inorganic growth, and established a reputation for its highly specialized capability and diversified proposition which spans multiple strategies, geographies and service lines. We are grateful for the support of Carlyle, which enables Suntera to continue to pursue its growth ambitions through its first-class customer offering, and the continuation of its highly successful consolidation strategy.”
Carlyle’s Global Credit platform manages $192
billion in assets under management, as of December 31, 2024. It regularly pursues investments in privately negotiated capital solutions partnering with highquality sponsors and leading family or entrepreneur-owned companies. The Suntera transaction follows an active last few months for Carlyle’s European credit platform, recently announcing investments including Argon, Sanoptis, and Bianalisi.
Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit, and Global Investment Solutions. With $441 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2024, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies, and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 2,300 people in 29 offices across four continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group. Suntera Global is a multi-jurisdictional provider of fund, corporate and private wealth services. We believe in empowering responsible ambition through the professional delivery of fund, company and trust administration as well as outsourced compliance, accounting and tax services. Suntera employs over 500 specialists supporting a global client base from offices in the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Luxembourg, the UK and the USA.
DAVID HUDSON
Grant to support capital investment project secured
King William’s College and The Buchan School is pleased to confirm that it has secured a fully repayable grant of £2.2 million from the Isle of Man Government’s Department for Enterprise (DfE). This support will assist with construction costs associated with the School’s campus consolidation project, forming part of a broader strategy to ensure a sustainable future for the Island’s only independent school.
The offer of the fully repayable grant was received and formally accepted by the Governing Body at its meeting on Friday 4th April, following an application under Appendix 5 of the DfE’s Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS). The FAS forms part of the Department’s discretionary schemes which are designed to encourage economic development and help protect and grow jobs in the Island.
The matter was raised in the House of Keys, demonstrating the openness of the process and the Government’s ongoing support for key sectors within the Island’s economy.
King William’s College and The Buchan School is a significant employer in the south of the Island, providing nearly 200 jobs and generating substantial annual benefit for the exchequer. The School also plays a vital role in offering high-quality education to both local and international families, contributing to the Island’s broader economic health.
Peter Clucas, Chairman of Governors, commented: “This is a fully repayable grant rather than a gift or subsidy. The funding enables us to move forward with an important capital investment project that underpins the School’s long-term financial sustainability. We are grateful for the support from the Department for Enterprise through the application process.”
The project will consolidate and enhance the School’s facilities, supporting transformational change that aligns with the School’s sustainable business plan and financial forecast. The works are being carried out by local contractors, with support from Manx professional advisers, ensuring that the investment benefits the wider community.
Enabling works for the project are already underway. The School will confirm the construction schedule with contractors this week, working towards a completion date later this year. An update will be provided at the start of the summer term, and it is hoped that tours of the site will be available during the School’s Open Day on Monday 5th May.
Mr Clucas concluded: “This investment represents an important step forward for King William’s College and The Buchan School. It ensures that we can continue to deliver an exceptional education while supporting the Island’s prosperity and long-term future.”
Sarah Dunnage to step down as Ardan CEO
Sarah Dunnage will step down as CEO of Ardan International, International Financial Group Ltd (IFGL’s) wealth platform in June.
Steve Weston, who will also continue in his current position as Customer Services Director for IFGL, will assume leadership of Ardan at the beginning of next month and will join as CEO in June.
Sarah will move into a project role within IFGL, ahead of her retirement at the end of January 2026.
“IFGL’s new CEO Rob Allen takes over from David Kneeshaw on 1 May and we wanted to ensure Ardan had a stable management team right from the start, given that I plan to retire early next year,” said Sarah.
Steve added: “I’m looking forward to getting even closer to the Ardan business and helping the team build on the foundations of Sarah’s success.
“Our continued goal is ensuring Ardan is the best platform out there, through investment in technology and servicing and supporting the sales team.”
Sarah has worked for IFGL companies for 38 years, having moved to the Isle of Man in 1996.
“I came into Ardan in 2018 from the role of IFGL Head of Finance, with the remit of turning the company around from a start up to a profitable business, and that’s what I’ve done. I’m really proud of my work with the excellent Ardan team and also of my time with IFGL.”
Following her retirement, Sarah is looking forward to more travel with her husband and family.
Outgoing CEO David Kneeshaw said: “Sarah has been an integral part of the IFGL journey to date. She is the longest serving member of IFGL staff, having clocked up an amazing 38 years, and we are grateful that she will be staying on for a few more months before she retires to share her experience on various IFGL projects.
“In the seven years she has spent as Ardan CEO, she has transformed the company in terms of culture, strategy and technology. I would like to personally thank Sarah on behalf of IFGL and wish her all the very best for her much-deserved retirement.”
Chamber members given Wind Farm update
REBECCA GEORGE, ISLE OF MAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CEO, AND JOHN GALLOWAY, ØRSTED DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR FOR THE ISLE OF MAN
A presentation to Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce gave members of the business network an update about Ørsted’s proposals for the Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm.
John Galloway, Ørsted Development Director for the Isle of Man, began by setting the scene regarding all offshore wind farms in the Irish Sea (including those in UK waters) that are currently operational or under development. He then covered key points about the Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm proposals and answered questions from the audience who were from a cross-section of the business community.
Rebecca George, CEO, Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, commented: “Many thanks to John for his excellent presentation about the Mooir Vannin project. It was great to get this update and hear about the latest proposals and developments following the public consultation last year.”
Ørsted is proposing to build the first offshore wind farm within the Isle of Man’s territorial waters. The project has the potential to provide the Island with business, economic, net-zero and energy security benefits.
SARAH DUNNAGE
Boal & Co acquires business from IOMA Horizons
Local retirement benefits solutions provider, Boal & Co (Pensions) Limited (Boal & Co), has acquired a book of business from IOMA Horizons Limited, trading as IOMA Pensions (IOMA)
The transaction, which completed on 25 March 2025, involved the retirement of IOMA as Trustee and Registered Schemes Administrator on four Isle of Man master trust personal pension schemes. Boal & Co has subsequently taken on both roles as well as the day-today administration of the schemes. All members of each of the pension schemes have consequently been transitioned to Boal & Co following regulatory approval.
Manoj Patel, Managing Director, IOMA Horizons Limited, commented: “After some 50 years IOMA Group has been rationalising and running off its business. In this context, Boal & Co has been selected as the best fit for the pensions arm of the group, primarily due to its sole focus on pension trusteeship and administration, but also its shared philosophy, impeccable reputation and the expertise of its teams.
“Our priority throughout this process has been ensuring continuity for our members and finding a provider that will deliver service excellence going forward. We are confident that Boal & Co will achieve both.”
Mark Kiernan, Chief Executive Officer, Boal & Co Group, added: “We are delighted to welcome the transferring members to Boal & Co. Established as a family business in 1995, we have been serving the local market for 30 years. As a specialist pensions trustee and administration company, we offer a level of expertise and focus that many other providers would find difficult to match. Our new members and their advisers will be warmly welcomed and can expect the highest levels of governance and service standards on their pension schemes.”
Mark Doyle, Director, Personal Pensions, added: “Members can rest assured that nothing fundamental is changing with regard to their pension plans, other than the responsibility of the administration and oversight now sitting with Boal & Co.
“A proudly local business, based at the Isle of Man Business Park, we place great importance on our service standards, whether that be over the phone, by email, or face to face. Our long-standing, specialist personal pensions team look forward to working with our new members and their advisers.”
The affected pension scheme members and their advisers have been informed of the changes and reassured that they do not need to take any action at this time.
Westminster Seminar ‘opportunity to examine, connect and reflect’ says MLC
Attending the 73rd Westminster seminar on effective parliaments ‘provided a unique opportunity to examine and reflect on parliamentary processes and procedures’, Dawn Kinnish MLC has said.
Mrs Kinnish was speaking after returning from the five-day Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK) event that opened on March 10, Commonwealth Day, with a service of celebration in Westminster Abbey.
She said: “It was an honour to witness the celebration of Commonwealth tradition and culture in Westminster Abbey and for members of the Commonwealth “family” to be united in celebration, in the presence not only of The King and Queen but also the future King and Queen – the Prince and Princess of Wales - and the Princess Royal.”
CPA UK chief executive Sarah Dickson said in her welcome message that the focus of the Westminster seminars had always remained the same: “the coming together of parliamentarians to exchange expertise and ideas [with] the emphasis on peer-to-peer learning.’ Her message prompted Mrs Kinnish to comment: ‘Engaging with parliamentarians from around the Commonwealth, I was proud to be an unofficial ‘ambassador’ for the Isle of Man and to reinforce the message that Tynwald is the oldest continuous parliament in the world. It was also quite revealing how few of the delegates were aware of our tricameral system.
“The seminar served as a useful forum in which to meet with many other Commonwealth parliamentarians, especially those from African nations, and to hear about their work on social issues. I also found what the female politician from Kenya had to say
about the ongoing challenges for women in politics and her campaign to end female genital mutilation compelling. I also shared with delegates how Tynwald’s strong female representation had happened organically, without the need for quotas, a development that many delegates found particularly interesting. My conversations with delegates from Africa, Australia, Canada, Gibraltar, Jamaica, BVI, Cyprus and Malta highlighted how, although we may be different in many ways, fundamentally we have many common challenges.”
Mrs Kinnish praised the Westminster educational outreach team for their work in engaging young people in parliamentary democracy. She also valued the panel discussion with Layla Moran MP about her committee work on the health and social care committee which she chairs, which now adopted a proactive, rather than reactive approach, identifying potential issues and topics which may arise. “I also heard how recommendations were ‘set in stone’ with no opportunity for amendment, which prompted me to reflect on our own processes.
“I was also interested to hear how Westminster is looking at House of Lords reform again, which may consider whether members should be publicly rather than directly elected and measures to reduce the number of Lords, which is currently in excess of 800.
“What I took away from the seminar is that clearly there’s no such thing as a perfect parliamentary system and that there is unity amongst Commonwealth countries. It was evident that parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth value the support the CPA provides, and that CPA members recognise and respect how Tynwald has stood the test of time.”
DAWN KINNISH MLC AT THE 73rd WESTMINSTER SEMINAR
MANOJ PATEL, MARK DOYLE
BEYOND TRANSACTIONS. BESIDE YOU EVERY STEP.
Smarter FX, personal service and local expertisebuilt around your business.
PORTFOLIO
GOVERNMENT
Visit of the South African High Commissioner to Island
The South African High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Kingsley Mamabolo, has been on the Island for a series of meetings with political and business leaders.
The High Commissioner is the South African Government’s most senior representative in the United Kingdom, and his area of responsibility extends to cover the Crown Dependencies as well. With a relatively large South African community living and working in the Isle of Man, there were many business representatives who wanted to meet with him to explain the benefits that the Isle of Man has to offer.
The Chief Minister, Alfred Cannan MHK, commented: “I was delighted to welcome the High Commissioner to the Isle of Man. We continue to work hard to develop our international relationships and to seek mutually beneficial economic opportunities and I am grateful the High Commissioner saw fit to visit us.
“With such a large South African community based here, it is also a great chance for them to meet with the High Commissioner to explore ways that we can build on our good relationship.”
The visit included meetings with the collective South African business Indaba group – who themselves have recently visited South Africa to promote the Island, with the support of the Department for Enterprise.
His Excellency also met with the Lieutenant Governor at Government House and with the Council of Ministers. The High Commissioner visited the Laxey Wheel and the Manx Museum where he was given a guided tour, including the new Archibald Knox exhibition.
Basil Bielich, Director of the Isle of Man Indaba said: “The companies making up the Isle of Man Indaba are delighted to welcome the High Commissioner to the Isle of Man. This visit highlights the close relationship between our two countries and creates opportunities for businesses and individuals in both jurisdictions.”
In addition, Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented: “The Isle of Man and South Africa share long-established links across various sectors of the economy. These are further strengthened by the Department for Enterprise’s on-theground presence in South Africa, and the annual Isle of Man Indaba roadshow which is supported by Finance Isle of Man.
“Our ties are also enriched by the Island’s South African community whose business and familial connections reinforce our commitment to continuing to work together. I trust His Excellency’s visit has been insightful and productive and has served as an opportunity to further strengthen our important partnership.”
Domestic Event Fund supports over 150 events across the Island
The Domestic Event Fund has offered support for over 150 events in the last 12 months, generating an estimated footfall of nearly 70,000 into the Island’s city, towns and villages.
Business Isle of Man’s Domestic Event Fund, first launched in 2020 during the pandemic, supports up to 80% of eligible costs to event organisers and local authorities hosting events. The Fund aims to help drive footfall into the Island’s city, town and villages, while boosting spending with nearby businesses.
In the past 12 months, the main Domestic Event Fund has approved support for 23 events, offering over £82,000 towards events which generated an estimated footfall of 57,000. Examples of supported events include the Douglas City Day Drone Show, Fire Island Chilli & BBQ Festival, Euro 2024 Big Screen on the North Quay in Douglas, RamseyFest - Radio Caroline North Weekend and Peel Carnival.
Douglas City Council, which ran the Douglas City Day Drone Show, commented: “It was extremely heartening to see an estimated 5,000 residents come out to watch the show and share such positive feedback. It was a true team effort between Douglas City Council, the Domestic Event Fund, Star Symphony Drone Shows, and the ELS Group, who worked together to create an event to remember.
“Choreographed to music, the stunning display is one we hope to repeat. The sight of more than 120 drones forming images that captured the essence of Douglas and the Isle of Man will be remembered for years to come.”
From November 2024 to March 2025, the Winter Event Scheme, an extension of the Domestic Event Fund, approved applications for 138 single venue events across the hospitality, leisure, and retail sectors. Offering £49,000 in funding, the Scheme supported a potential footfall of 13,000 into local businesses during the winter months.
Event organisers who utilised the Winter Event Scheme completed a post-event survey, with 90% of respondents reporting the event(s) had a positive impact on their business.
Mad Jack’s, which hosted the Ariana Turns Wicked tribute show with support from the Winter Event Scheme, commented: “The funding helped offset the costs of bringing first-class performers to the Island from the UK. The support provided financial security and allowed us to plan with confidence. January is notoriously tough for hospitality businesses, and the Scheme helped us stage an event that drastically increased footfall during an otherwise difficult trading weekend.”
Tim Cowsill, Chief Executive of Business Isle of Man, commented: “Business Isle of Man is committed to driving footfall across the Island to support local businesses and sustain them in the long-term.
“New schemes, including an enhanced version of the Domestic Event Fund, were launched at the start of this month. These initiatives demonstrate our ongoing commitment to invest in the local economy, ensuring the Isle of Man remains a great place to work and live.”
CHIEF MINISTER, ALFRED CANNAN MHK; HIS EXCELLENCY KINGSLEY MAMABOLO
Central Registry leverages digitisation of services for greater operational efficiency
The Isle of Man Central Registry has enhanced its online service provisions to now enable customers to submit company filings and make payments using card or BACS online. These enhancements provide quicker, more efficient access to services, and contribute to substantial efficiency gains for both the Registry and its customers.
The expanded platform will soon replace the current email filing option introduced during the pandemic and assists Corporate Service Providers in meeting a new one-month filing requirement for director changes under the Companies Act 2006, which came into effect from 1 April 2025.
It is hoped that the new filing requirements for companies operating under the provision of the Companies Act 2006 will result in a significantly higher number of annual returns being filed electronically via the Registry’s Simple Online Annual Return Service (SOLAR).
The introduction of the SOLAR service in December 2021 and its recent enhancement has enabled the Registry to redeploy two team members to a new Data Assurance Team. In common with other companies’ registries, the Isle of Man Central Registry is evolving to become an active gatekeeper of company data on registers, rather than a passive recipient. The Data Assurance Team will
be responsible for this approach and will continue to be developed over the next year.
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented: “The extension of the Central Registry’s online services represents a key milestone in its digital transformation efforts, improving service delivery for customers and streamlining administrative processes.
“This move aligns with the Isle of Man Government’s efficiency programme, which focuses on optimising public sector operations, with digitisation forming a key element of the programme of work to find efficiencies and improve public services.
“By transitioning these key services online, the Registry has identified that it can reduce staff-managed administrative tasks, freeing up resources for strategic work and enhancing overall effectiveness.”
The Registry will continue to evolve its services to ensure they meet the changing needs of customers and international expectations, while enabling a more sustainable and efficient environment for its operations.
Recent legislative changes have provided the Central Registry with greater powers to challenge corporate information presented to it. It is also establishing closer links with regulators and law enforcement agencies to drive compliance and improve data quality.
CPA workshop ‘an eye-opener’
DELEGATES ATTENDING THE COMMONWEA LTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION (CPA) SMALL BRANCHES WORKSHOP
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Small Branches workshop ‘Building Strong and Independent Parliaments in Small Jurisdictions’ has proved to be ‘an eyeopener’ Alvina Reynolds, the President of the Senate of Saint Lucia, has said.
President Reynolds was speaking on the final day of the workshop, which ran from April 1 to April 3 and was organised by the CPA HQ Secretariat and supported by the Clerk of Tynwald’s Office.
The capacity-building event brought together parliamentarians from across the Small Branches network. Jurisdictions represented included Australian Capital Territory, Fiji, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Maldives, Northwest Territories of Canada, Samoa, Saint Lucia, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Tasmania, and Tuvalu.
She continued: “Having served as President of the Senate for some two years now, I found the workshop to be a valuable way of learning from other jurisdictions about how to be an effective presiding officer. To have had the opportunity to observe the Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson SHK, to attend case study presentations, explore financial oversight and accountability practices and the management of the separation of powers were all real-life learning experiences, elements of which, such as the public accounts committee function, I will definitely be taking back to Saint Lucia.”
Seve Paeniu MP from the Parliament of Tuvalu said: “I’m now in my fifth year in parliament and to attend this workshop and be exposed to different practices and processes - in particular the separation of powers - helps to crystallise one’s thoughts. Learning from others will provide opportunities for us to apply tailored solutions and integrate best practice into our own parliamentary system. I’ve also found it interesting
learning from the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey about the “consensus” parliamentary model. That was new to me and something I will take home for discussion with my colleagues.”
President Reynolds said: “For my part, I was particularly keen to know more about how you can serve the electorate as an MP and carry out the presiding officer function. I was also curious about Tynwald’s tricameral system and I count myself very fortunate to have been exposed to such a wealth of knowledge and skills. When we visited the House of Commons I couldn’t really “get” how it operated. In Tynwald, though, I found it far easier to follow the practices and procedures and was struck by the respect members showed to one another.”
States of Guernsey Deputy Adrian Gabriel, vice-chair of the CPA Small Branches network, said: “Observing a sitting of the House of Keys, we noted not only how respectful members were to each other, but also towards Mr Speaker. I found the proceedings civilised and conducted with professionalism, and there was clearly great respect for the traditions of Tynwald.’ Mr Paeniu added: ‘I was also impressed by the practice of prayers being said before the sitting began. And the visit to Tynwald Hill gave a very real sense of tradition.”
Concluding, Deputy Gabriel said: “The workshop has been tremendously worthwhile and we’re very grateful to our hosts, the Isle of Man. This event is more than just about providing networking opportunities, it’s about helping parliaments to grow and make a difference. I’ve been pleased at the level of engagement of all the delegates - there’s been lots of participation, with everyone confident to speak openly, and I’ve been impressed by the scope and quality of the presentations. Events such as this bring home how we all share many similar problems but reach solutions in many different ways.”
Finalists of the 2025 Innovation Challenge announced
Fifteen businesses from across the globe will face their industry peers on 26 June, as they present cutting-edge solutions at the Isle of Man's highly anticipated 2025 Innovation Challenge Finale Day at the Comis Hotel.
The Challenge, aimed at promoting innovation and collaboration in the technology sector, attracted a diverse range of applicants. Over 100 registrations were received from countries including the UK, India, South Africa, Brazil, Austria and Singapore.
Following a rigorous selection process, 15 finalists were chosen for their FinTech, Data & AI, and Cleantech solutions addressing some of the Island’s most pressing needs. In the lead up to the Finale Day in June, finalists will be provided with tailored mentoring and support from leaders in the Island’s tech industries, as well as networking opportunities with industry peers and local businesses as they bring their solutions to life.
Organised by the Isle of Man Department for Enterprise’s Executive Agenciesled by Digital Isle of Man and in collaboration with Business Isle of Man, Finance Isle of Man and Visit Isle of Man - from today, the finalists will collaborate with the Agencies, as well as regulators, industry leaders and local businesses to bring their solutions to life.
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said: “I am pleased to see the return of the Innovation Challenge for 2025, continuing to position the Isle of Man as a thriving hub for global innovators. As the Challenge grows each year, attracting ambitious businesses from around the world, it brings forward real-world solutions to sustainability, technology, and financial challenges facing our Island and economy. With the support of our dynamic business community and experienced mentors, this initiative not only drives innovation locally but also reinforces the Island’s role on the global stage.
“I look forward to seeing the breadth of ideas and talent showcased in this year’s cohort, culminating in what promises to be an exciting Finale Day.”
The competition will conclude at the Finale event on Thursday 26 June, during which finalists will have the opportunity to present their solutions to an expert panel of judges, digital technology businesses and wider industry
The event will include notable speakers from the industry and key professionals in the financial, business and tech industries.
Categories for this year’s challenge will be in association with local charities, Love Tech for Digital Isle of Man’s Data & AI category, Beach Buddies for Business Isle of Man’s Cleantech category and Junior Achievement for Finance Isle of Man’s Fintech category. The Biosphere Award will also be in association with The UK National Commission for UNESCO.
The winners in each category will receive promotion and publicity both locally and internationally, as well as extended access to the Isle of Man’s marketplace of mentors, potential investors and customers, as well as regulators and Government officers for six months.
THE 15 SELECTED PARTICIPANTS FOR THE INNOVATION CHALLENGE INCLUDE:
FINTECH FINALISTS:
Binderr (Malta) - binderr.com
Offering the world’s first professional and financial services marketplace, streamlining compliance, onboarding, and risk management through a trusted, independent network.
Zumo (UK) - zumo.tech
Zumo’s innovation, Oxygen, enables ESG-aligned digital asset offerings by transparently offsetting crypto emissions with renewable energy certificates.
Spixii (UK) - spixii.com
Automated 24/7 Digital Self-Service for Insurance and Banking: Offers Conversational Process Automation to enhance customer service for insurers, reducing costs and improving engagement through AI-driven personalisation.
Own Group (Isle of Man) - own-group.com/en
Rent-to-Own Homeownership Solution: A proptech platform enabling renters to build deposit savings over 3-5 years, facilitating homeownership for those stuck in the private rental sector.
Staple AI (Singapore) - staple.ai
AI-Powered Unstructured Data Processing: Automates document workflows for financial institutions using AI, machine learning, and OCR, handling 300+ languages and complex layouts with 98% accuracy.
DATA & AI FINALISTS:
Carbon Happy World (UK) - carbonhappy.world
Carbon Data Stewardship Foundation: Establishing the Isle of Man as a global leader in sustainability by securely centralising carbon data for public and private sectors.
RuleWise (Guernsey) - rulewise.net
AI Compliance Intelligence (CORE & CREW): Provides specialised AI agents to streamline regulatory workflows and automate compliance. CREW offers dynamic multi-agent compliance solutions.
Joggle (UK) - joggle.ai
AI Assistants for SMEs: User-friendly AI tools for small businesses, helping reduce costs, save time, and grow with AI-driven support.
Janus AI (Isle of Man) - janusai.io
AI-Powered Sales and Service Automation: Develops AI agents for businesses and governments to enhance sales and customer service.
Early Ideas IOM (Isle of Man) - earlyideas.org
AI-Powered early childhood development through their product, Tandem, which provides AI-generated resources for parents, supporting children’s development with expert-driven guidance.
CLEANTECH FINALISTS:
Earthscope Isle of Man (Isle of Man) - earthscope.im
AI-Powered Sustainability for Businesses: Provides board-level sustainability expertise, aligning businesses with environmental values.
Lnk Technologies (UK) - lnktechnologies.co.uk
Carbon Emissions reduction platform, CarbonLnk, optimises energy usage, reducing carbon emissions and energy costs for businesses.
UniteVerse (Guernsey)
Inclusive venue insights platform & nightlife gateway to a world of nightlife and events, tailored to your unique preferences, while supporting DE&I, safety, and mental health through data-driven insights for venues.
Big Bower (Isle of Man) - bigbower.com
AI Marketplace for sustainable manufacturing: Connecting brands and manufacturers, focusing on sustainable practices and supply chain efficiency.
Werk Solutions (UK) - werksolutions.co.uk
Delivering tailored solutions to address capacity challenges for students with special educational needs by integrating sustainable practices and innovative technologies to create inclusive, efficient, and responsible educational environments.
INNOVATION
FEATURES PORTFOLIO
NOVENTRE IS NEW NAME FOR LEADING IT PROVIDERS ELITE GROUP IT AND WI-MANX
LEADING IT AND TELECOMS FIRM ELITE GROUP IT – WHICH PROVIDES TECHNOLOGY SERVICES TO LOCAL BUSINESSES AND HOME BROADBAND TO WI-MANX CUSTOMERS
ACROSS THE ISLAND – HAS CHANGED ITS NAME TO NOVENTRE.
The Braddan-based company has launched its new name, logo and website (www.noventre.com) as part of a business development strategy which will deliver benefits to all customers.
The company was the first Isle of Man IT provider to attain Microsoft Solution Partner Designation for Modern Work accreditation which demonstrates its expertise in designing and supporting modern IT solutions that drive productivity, collaboration, and efficiency for businesses.
Noventre Business is the new brand for business customers, Noventre Home has replaced the Wi-Manx brand which provides ‘Velocity Fibre’ ultrafast home broadband services, and NoventreGlobal is for international telecoms solutions. All of the company’s customers – which include nearly 500 business and over 1,500 residential customers here on the Island – have been informed about the changes.
Jayne Hartley, CEO, Noventre Limited, said: “The Elite Group IT and Wi-Manx brands have served us well. As the needs of our customers and the company have evolved during the 20 years we’ve been in business, we needed a fresh new look to reflect where we are now, and most importantly the exciting future that lies ahead. Our new name and brand symbolise our unwavering commitment to investing in the business and our people to ensure we remain the first choice as the trusted technology partner for business. While the new name and brand are big changes, our valued customers will continue to be served by the great team they know and trust. This means that Noventre is built on firm foundations that enable us to explore innovation with the solutions, services and support we provide. The launch of our new brand is a major milestone for the business, but they signal the start of what will be an exciting era of growth and development, so watch this space!”
Noventre offers a comprehensive range of IT solutions – including connectivity, cloud and security solutions – to private sector clients such as major international businesses in key sectors of the Isle of Man’s economy, SMEs and sole traders. The company also provides services to public and third sector customers here on the Island. Off-Island, it is a rapidly growing service provider to businesses in Malta, Jersey and Guernsey and has plans for further expansion in these jurisdictions.
INSIDE MFX:
MEET THE TEAM POWERING THEIR SUCCESS
MFX IS BUILT ON DEEP EXPERTISE, PERSONAL SERVICE, AND A COMMITMENT TO DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY. IN THIS EXCLUSIVE Q&A, MAY HOOPER (MANAGING DIRECTOR), JULIE MOY (ONBOARDING OFFICER), AND NIALL CAREY (BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER) SHARE THEIR PERSPECTIVES ON LEADERSHIP, CLIENT SERVICE, AND WHAT DRIVES THE COMPANY FORWARD.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO MFX AND YOUR CURRENT ROLE.
May Hooper:
I joined Manx Financial Group in November 2018 as Group Treasury Manager. An opportunity came along in early 2019 to head up MFX Limited as Managing Director. With my previous experience and background in foreign exchange and relationship management, these were ideal attributes for the role which I was thrilled to accept.
Julie Moy:
A typical day at MFX starts with checking my emails for new business requests and enquiries from existing relationships, which could be platform or payment related. I prioritise responding to these promptly to ensure smooth communication and client satisfaction.
Next, I review all overnight trades and record the income generated from these activities. This step is crucial for maintaining accurate financial records and assessing our performance.
Throughout the day, I handle various administrative tasks. These include onboarding new clients, invoicing, producing management information reports, updating our database, and reviewing new accounts to ensure they are funded and actively trading.
Niall Carey:
Helping local businesses manage their currency exposure to protect them against volatility in the markets and provide them with certainty.
WHAT INSPIRED THE CREATION AND EVOLUTION OF MFX?
May Hooper:
MFX was incorporated in July 2014 and is part of the Manx Financial Group, MFG PLC.
MFX is a local company, employing Island residents with Island and international knowledge. The team has a wealth of knowledge in the foreign exchange/relationship management space. Of equal importance is how we interact and work with clients. A personal, professional relationship is adopted, listening and working with businesses and individuals in sourcing the most efficient and effective solution to their requirements.
HOW DO YOU SUPPORT THE TEAM INTERNALLY AND CLIENTS EXTERNALLY?
Julie Moy:
My tasks are essential for providing operational efficiency and supporting our clients effectively as well
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OUR CORE VALUE IS TO LISTEN, AND SOURCE SUITABLE FINANCIAL SERVICES, VIA OUR REGULATED PARTNERS, TO BOTH EXISTING CLIENTS AND PROSPECTS. OFFERING FIRST CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE IS CORE TO OUR BUSINESS.
as maintaining accurate financial records to assess our performance.
WHAT MAKES MFX A GREAT PLACE TO WORK AND TO WORK WITH?
Julie Moy:
MFX Limited is a fantastic place to work, with each day bringing something new and interesting. We take great pride in delivering first-class service to all our clients. It's also rewarding to know that our efforts contribute to the broader success of the Manx Financial Group.
May Hooper:
Our core value is to listen, and source suitable financial services, via our regulated partners, to both existing clients and prospects. Offering first class customer service is core to our business. Each of the team has worked previously for large banking institutions, gaining knowledge and experience over the years which is crucial to serving in our roles.
WHAT MAKES YOUR APPROACH TO CLIENTS DIFFERENT?
May Hooper:
MFX adopts a customer-centric approach prioritising our customers’ needs, offering personalised solutions, tailored to their requirements.
Niall Carey:
We are local, unlike others, so we understand local requirements.
Being based here on the Isle of Man means we’re part of the same community as our clients. We
understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing Manx businesses. That local insight allows us to deliver solutions that are not just technically correct, but genuinely practical for how our clients operate day to day.
CAN YOU SHARE A CLIENT SUCCESS STORY THAT STANDS OUT?
May Hooper:
A local charity, where costs are vitally monitored and accounted for, could not obtain a service from their existing operational banking provider. They had to pay for a large capital asset in stage payments and wished to mitigate FX risk during this period. They approached MFX to assist. We sourced a cost-free solution, via our UK regulated partner, which saved the charity £11,000. This is what MFX is all about.
Julie Moy:
Building on that, working with the charity was especially rewarding for MFX Limited. By strategically purchasing euros when sterling was strong, MFX were able to save the charity a substantial £11,000. This significant saving allowed the charity to allocate more funds towards their vital programs and initiatives, making a real difference in the community. It's moments like these that highlight the impact of our work.
WHAT MAKES MFX A GREAT PLACE TO WORK AND TO WORK WITH?
Niall Carey:
One of the biggest misconceptions is not having a plan in place to manage risk - and assuming that if you don’t take action, you won't incur a real loss. The truth is, leaving your FX exposure open to market volatility is a risk in itself.
Movements in the market can have a direct financial impact, whether businesses choose to acknowledge it or not. Having a clear currency strategy is essential to protect future cash flows and avoid unexpected hits to profitability.
HOW DO YOU HELP SIMPLIFY A VERY COMPLEX SPACE FOR CLIENTS?
Niall Carey: Look at their cashflow to determine their future requirements. That’s the starting point.
WHAT SHIFTS ARE HAPPENING IN THE FX AND FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY, AND HOW IS MFX PREPARING FOR THEM?
May Hooper:
The FX market is still largely dominated by banks. However, the evolution and growth in non-bank financial institutions is having a notable presence. MFX partner with UK regulated partners who can source simple and flexible regulated financial solutions to a broad range of businesses. Having a dedicated point of contact is extremely important to our business to maintain and grow the relationship.
WHAT’S THE COMPANY CULTURE LIKE AT MFX?
May Hooper:
Open, honest and inclusive.
HOW DO YOU GIVE BACK TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
Julie Moy:
As part of our local community support, we recently volunteered to assist the Isle of Man Children's Centre on a project in their Wild Space. We built a new platform for beehives, creating a bee aviary. This project involved not only the MFX team but our colleagues from other areas of the group. It was fantastic to get outdoors and connect with nature. We've been invited back to carry out further work, including building a walkway, framework, and storage units to help manage the beehives.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A COMPANY STARTING TO THINK ABOUT FX RISK MANAGEMENT?
Niall Carey: Have a currency policy/strategy.
WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR ROLE?
Niall Carey: Supporting local businesses. It’s really rewarding helping local companies manage their currency risks and take some of the pressure off. It’s not just about locking in good rates — it’s about giving them a bit more certainty so they can plan ahead and focus on growing their business without worrying about what the markets are doing.
Julie Moy:
I get to collaborate with clients from all kinds of industries and sectors, which definitely keeps the work interesting. No two days are the same. Every client has different needs, different challenges — so there’s always something new to learn. It keeps me on my toes, and it’s really rewarding seeing the difference we can make for businesses across the Island and beyond.
SUM UP MFX IN THREE WORDS.
Julie Moy:
Collaborative, dynamic, supportive.
May Hooper: Client-focused, trusted, forward-thinking.
Niall Carey: Experienced, local, reliable.
FINAL THOUGHTS
MFX’s difference isn’t just in its solutions — it’s in its people: knowledgeable, approachable, and committed to delivering real value to every client, every day.
JULIE MOY
NIALL CAREY
Wherever your business or leisure travels take
Charge Cards: A Vital Tool for Business Travellers
In the years since the Pandemic, business travel has rebounded. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) estimates annual worldwide spending on business travel reached $1.48 trillion (USD) in 2024 and is expected to rise to $2 trillion (USD) by 2028.
As an island looking out far beyond the UK, international travel is an essential part of working life for many of us.
The resurgence of business travel
According to the GBTA, confidence in corporate travel is rising, with 27% of business travel professionals reporting that 2024 exceeded expectations and 45% noting growing demand for travel from employees. The shift back to in-person meetings post-pandemic is clear, with 59% of corporate travel buyers reporting that employees are attending more conferences and meetings than a year ago.
Business travel is also evolving. The rise of ‘linked’ business trips—where employees visit multiple locations in a single trip—is increasing, with 53% of professionals reporting growth in this area. Additionally, 46% of corporate travellers are engaging in blended travel (‘bleisure’), mixing business commitments with personal time. As firms focus on cutting costs, premium economy flights are on the rise, and business class travel sees a decline, making perks such as free airport lounge access via a Charge Card even more valuable.
Meeting traveller priorities
Unlike credit cards, Santander International Charge Cards require the full balance to be paid off each month, offering travellers a structured way to control and manage expenses.
For international travellers, multi-currency support in Sterling, Euro, and US Dollar eliminates exchange rate concerns and foreign transaction fees. Additionally, the Charge Card integrates with Google Pay and Apple Pay, ensuring quick and secure contactless payments wherever your travels take you.
To enhance financial control, the Charge Card app allows users to:
• Monitor transactions and balances in real time.
• Instantly freeze or unfreeze the card if needed.
• Access PINs, statements, and digital wallets at your convenience.
GBTA research reveals business travellers spend an average of $834 (around £645) per trip. 43% prioritise maximising comfort, while 41% prioritise minimising costs. Charge cards can help achieve both these objectives through premium benefits such as concierge services, airport lounge access, and travel insurance, while eliminating the exchange fees travellers may incur using cards abroad.
Whether meeting clients or colleagues, attending conferences or training, our reasons for travel are varied. However, one question is universal – how can we get the best travel
travel insurance, providing peace of mind for short getaways and business trips, with no annual fee. For frequent travellers,
• Complimentary global airport lounge access for a
• Premium concierge services for dining, entertainment, and travel arrangements.
• Extensive travel insurance covering international trips, car rental, and medical emergencies.
Driving forces for growth
The financial and insurance sector is poised to be the biggest driver of global business travel growth, with a projected 72% increase in travel spending by 2028. This trajectory aligns with key sectors of the Isle of Man Economy, where insurance makes up 17% of Gross National Income (GNI), followed by e-gaming (13.6%). Finance and business services contribute 8.3%, banking adds 7.6%, and information and communications technology (ICT), 7%.
Travel buyers anticipate 28% of trips in 2025 will be for sales and account management, 20% for internal meetings, and 16% for conferences. With longer trips becoming more common, and day trips declining, businesses will increasingly optimise their travel policies to improve efficiencies and control costs.
The Isle of Man has a diverse economy with strong links to global markets. As the way islanders travel evolves – with business trips becoming longer or being blended with leisure, it’s important to be able to make personal purchases in an efficient way on the go. Whether paying for an excursion on a break between meetings, or picking up souvenirs, a Charge Card offers a secure and practical way to manage expenses while enjoying premium benefits a company may no longer cover.
James Geldart, Managing Director of Isle of Man Branch, Santander International
TRUMP TARIFF TURBULENCE: A PROBLEM, A CHALLENGE OR AN OPPORTUNITY?
PROBLEM (NOUN): ANYTHING, MATTER, PERSON ETC., THAT IS DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH, SOLVE OR OVERCOME
CHALLENGE (VERB): IF YOU CHALLENGE SOMEONE, YOU INVITE THEM TO FIGHT OR COMPETE WITH YOU IN SOME WAY OPPORTUNITY (VARIABLE NOUN): A SITUATION IN WHICH IT IS POSSIBLE FOR YOU TO DO SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO
BY LEE PENROSE HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT THE FORTRESS GROUP
Some people believe that it is good to break things so that you can start anew. In the last few weeks President Trump and his administration, believing the old “rules based” world order just did not work for America, has unilaterally and radically attempted to rewrite the rules so that they are more favourable and re-establish America’s place in the world as the leading world power. It’s a logic of might makes right (Thucydides 410BC) or ‘only the weak follow the rules while the strong changes the rule’.
Whether righting an actual historic injustice or not, the recently introduced US tariff regime exacts a variable fee for any foreign entity wanting to access the US market and punishes entities in those countries that have been seen to be abusive in their treatment of US exports and investment until they change their ways.
Up until this point, whilst the world system was imperfect in many ways, there was a certain consensus that certainty provides predictability and stability. A globalised company could for instance source the technical parts and resources it would need by understanding the trading (and taxation) rules between countries. The US suddenly revising or scrapping these rules creates problems for almost every individual, company and country as they struggle to understand the new situation. The world model of business has changed overnight.
Of course, the United States’ view that they are the leading superpower and only they have power and entitlement to change things, has itself been challenged by other countries and trading blocs and in particular China which resulted in an escalating tariff war - in this sense the “problem” of the new Trump tariff regime has been seen a “challenge” that has to be fought and competed against.
Some in the US disagree so strongly with the administration’s approach and values that they have chosen to leave. In some cases, these “Donald dashers” are seeking a new home or base for their lives and businesses. Perhaps the Isle of Man could be a good location for them?
It may be that the imperfections and abuses of the past can only be overcome with radical change but there is always the danger that such extreme medicine might kill the patient. In any event the only new certainty is that everything has changed and will change, but whilst market forces still prevail
individuals and companies will need to adapt their plans and chart a different course.
Where practical some firms will relocate operations and business to the US. For others it will be necessary to look what are the optimal options and solutions to minimise the effects on their businesses. In recent weeks Apple switched some production from its suppliers in China to India to help circumvent some of the tariff issues. JLR has paused exports to the US, other foreign vehicle manufacturers are looking at developing plant in the US for their automobiles to escape the 25% tariffs on their products but building factories takes time and businesses need to consider all options now to protect their businesses.
“Treaty shopping” is not at all new though like the term “tax avoidance” the concept has been harshly viewed in recent times by intra-government agencies, nevertheless it has always been, and always will be, a specialised area of advice for international companies and has resulted in the growth of favourable business areas such as the Republic of Ireland which has been notable as the international base for many US connected firms.
In practice if you are the CEO of a successful international business, with the US a principal market, would you base your business in an area subject to a crippling 25% or more tariff rate and high corporation taxes or would you set up in a country with a lower tariff rate and perhaps lower corporation tax rate?
In these uncertain times of tariff wars some countries will be more favourable than others. How does the Isle of Man have relevance here when considered against competing locations?
Under the old rules-based system it was no longer enough to just set up a company in favourable jurisdiction like the Isle of Man. The OECD introduced rules many years ago covering central management and control and permanent establishment to enable companies to be taxed not just where they are incorporated but where the actual management and activities take place. These rules were augmented in recent times by the OECD and member countries to cover “economic substance” for certain types of activity which require companies in a relevant jurisdiction to demonstrate the company has adequate skills, employees and investment to manage and operate its core business in that location.
There is a tangible need for physical presence, but
not all jurisdictions are as accessible as the Isle of Man with the space to develop business - the physical limitations of the Channel Islands for instance precludes the development of larger scale businesses that can be set up on the Isle of Man.
Some international businesses, making decisions on location during these tariff wars may consider the Isle of Man has a unique, almost “goldilocks” situation. We are not part of the United Kingdom and have a much lower corporation tax rate, yet as a British firm, an Isle of Man company could potentially benefit from the lower UK tariff rate (and any future deal done with the US) but unlike our competing jurisdictions we have the real space and accessibility to establish a business with the necessary substance to comply with international rules. We can be a gateway for international business.
So, could this “opportunity” for the Isle of Man be even better?
A year ago, I dealt with a case where a prospective significant client wanted to set up an entity on the Island. They hadn’t wanted to save tax but instead wanted to reduce risk by holding assets away from potential regional conflict and saw the Island as a safe good quality location to hold assets.
In this case the Isle of Man zero corporation tax regime was a problem for them as their local tax authority would have looked to penalise companies set up in regimes with tax rates below an acceptable minimum level. Indeed, the client’s advisors asked whether the company could pay more tax to the Isle of Man to that minimum rate level so that the proposed Isle of Man company would not be penalised.
I raised this with the tax office and Treasury minister but as this seemed a one-off situation this did not proceed.
Under the proposed OECD Pillar 2 regime there is a mechanism for entities with annual revenue of over Euros 750m to pay a Domestic Top up tax to reach an acceptable minimum, so this concept is accepted internationally. I think if the Assessor has the ability to agree a Domestic Top Up Tax on a case by case basis for smaller businesses that want to pay more tax, often in accordance with a dual tax treaty, this could be a further opportunity to attract firms to the Island that want invest in real presence making a real contribution whilst being in a favourable and stable country during these problematic and challenging Trump Tariff times.
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SOME IN THE US DISAGREE SO STRONGLY WITH THE ADMINISTRATION’S APPROACH AND VALUES THAT THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO LEAVE. IN SOME CASES, THESE ‘DONALD DASHERS’ ARE SEEKING A NEW HOME OR BASE FOR THEIR LIVES AND BUSINESSES. PERHAPS THE ISLE OF MAN COULD BE A GOOD LOCATION FOR THEM?
EVOKE MARKS A DECADE OF LENDING SUCCESS ON THE ISLE OF MAN
ISLE OF MAN-BASED BESPOKE LENDING FIRM EVOKE IS CELEBRATING A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE THIS YEAR, A DECADE OF PROVIDING PERSONALISED FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS TO LOCAL INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES.
AARON HAWLEY, ZOE HAWLEY-SCOTT
Founded in 2014 by Zoe Hawley-Scott, Evoke was born from a simple but powerful idea: offer lending solutions based on personal relationships and real understanding. A decade on, the company has grown from a single landmark loan for a self-employed client into a trusted financial partner that has lent over £150 million to date, helping individuals, developers, and businesses turn ambitions into achievements.
Evoke’s origins were mostly in providing property secured bridging loans, for which the business remains well known, but has evolved into a flexible lending partner for Isle of Man individuals and businesses of all sizes and sectors. The firm now also offers asset finance solutions, further broadening its ability to support clients in achieving their goals.
help hundreds of people and businesses at critical moments in their journeys. Our anniversary is not just a celebration of the business, but of the clients and community who put their trust in us.
“We're proud to have built a vital community asset in Evoke, one that plays a pivotal role in helping individuals and businesses achieve their ambitions.”
Aaron Hawley, Co-Owner and Director and Zoe’s brother, added: "We’ve never seen ourselves as a ‘typical lender.’ Taking the time to get to know our clients and offering guidance on what’s genuinely right for them has been the backbone of our success. Seeing businesses thrive and individuals reach their goals, knowing we’ve played a small part in that, is incredibly rewarding.
WE'RE PROUD TO HAVE BUILT A VITAL COMMUNITY ASSET IN EVOKE, ONE THAT PLAYS A PIVOTAL ROLE IN HELPING INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES ACHIEVE THEIR AMBITIONS.”
To mark the occasion, Evoke hosted a special celebration at Cycle 360, welcoming 50 clients, friends, and special guests, including the Chief Minister, for an evening that honoured both its roots and its future.
At the heart of Evoke’s story is a family commitment to genuine customer care, inspired by their grandfather Les Mitchell, whose long career with Isle of Man Bank was built on personal connections and doing right by the client. That same ethos runs through the business today, with Zoe, her brother Aaron Hawley, and more recently their sister Donna, forming a sibling-led leadership team that puts people first.
Founding Owner and Director, Zoe Hawley-Scott said: "When we founded Evoke, we wanted to create a lending business where relationships came before numbers, just as our grandfather did during his years in banking. Over the last ten years, we've been privileged to
“Being part of our clients’ growth stories – whether that’s a first-time property investor or a long-established local business is incredibly rewarding, and it’s what drives us to keep evolving our offering.”
From its mobile office van days to its permanent home on Athol Street, Evoke’s growth has been steady and personal. Alongside its lending services, the company continues to back the Isle of Man Agricultural Show and young talent like local equestrian Rio Hall, underlining its belief in supporting growth at every level.
As Evoke looks to the future, its focus remains clear: to continue offering bespoke financial solutions with the same family values and personalised approach that have defined the business from the very beginning. With a strengthened offering that includes bridging loans, asset finance, and tailored lending solutions, Evoke is poised to support even more Manx individuals and enterprises through their next chapters.
CHIEF MINISTER ALFRED CANNAN, ZOE HAWLEY-SCOTT
KNOX
WORLD’S LARGEST ARCHIBALD KNOX EXHIBITION NOW OPEN AT THE MANX MUSEUM
The world’s largest exhibition of works by Archibald Knox is now open at the Manx Museum having officially opened last month.
Born on the Isle of Man in 1864, Knox was profoundly inspired by the Island’s natural beauty, as well as its Celtic and Norse heritage, elements that are evident in his designs, which are cherished and sought after worldwide.
‘KNOX: Order & Beauty’ offers a rare opportunity to delve into his enduring legacy, presenting a comprehensive collection of his work. The exhibition brings together more than 100 pieces from Manx National Heritage’s extensive collections, alongside 100 works from private lenders and museums across the British Isles including the V&A, Peartree Collection and Titus Omega.
Connie Lovel, Chief Executive of Manx National Heritage, said: “We are truly thrilled to be hosting and working with the Archibald Knox Forum to jointly curate this unique exhibition, bringing together the world’s largest-ever showcase of work from such an internationally renowned Manx artist.
“The Island’s cultural heritage helped inspire so much of his work and that continues to resonate around the world today. In fact, his Celtic-inspired works are now synonymous with Manx art and culture and this exhibition, in our National Art Gallery, will not only celebrate his legacy, but will be the first time many of the pieces will have been seen in public.”
Exclusive pieces of silverware, pewter and jewellery will be exhibited alongside rarely seen paintings, sketches, manuscripts, ceramics, textiles and furniture, whilst also showcasing his Island home by encouraging both residents and visitors to explore the landscape which inspired Knox’s work.
Already attracting great interest both on and off Island, it will form part of a wider ‘Isle of Knox’ campaign, supported by the Isle of Man Government’s Visit Isle of Man Agency, with associated events, walks, talks and workshops taking place later this year and in early 2026.
Last year was the 160th anniversary of the artist's birth.
Chris Hobdell, Founder of the Archibald Knox Forum, added: “It is an honour to have worked on jointly curating this outstanding exhibition with Manx National Heritage. Whether you live on the Isle of Man, or are planning a holiday to the Island, a visit to the
“It is only on the Isle of Man that one can begin to understand Knox and his work. He was inspired and motivated by the culture, history, spirituality and scenery of our extraordinary Island. We invite visitors to come and see what inspired him for themselves.”
Knox studied and taught art on the Isle of Man before his career took him to London where his collaborations with the Silver Studio and Liberty & Co. transformed him into a pioneer of modern design. Blending the Arts and Crafts movement, Art Nouveau, Modernism and Celtic Revival, Knox created a distinctive style that transformed the design landscape of his era.
The opening weekend of the exhibition included talks by three world leading experts on Knox, Dr Stephen Martin, Anthony Bernbaum and Paul Carter Robinson.
Dr Stephen Martin is the world authority on Knox. He is an accomplished author and editor. His works include ‘Archibald Knox’, published by London: Art Media. The second edition entitled Knox, will be published in two volumes by Art Media, the first of which will appear this year.
Paul Carter Robinson is the founder, CEO and Editor in Chief of Artlyst. He is a senior arts and culture professional, who began collecting and dealing in contemporary art 20 years ago. A respected and dynamic figure on the London art scene and the author of the book 20th Century Pewter Art Nouveau to Modernism, he has been an active art journalist, critic and editor for the last 15 years. Paul is a Fellow of the RSA, as well as member of the Critics Circle and the National Union of Journalists.
Anthony Bernbaum is the founder of the gallery The Peartree Collection, which specialises in Archibald Knox silver and jewellery and other designer British silver and jewellery from c. 1870-1939. He has written several articles on Liberty’s Cymric range of silver and in 2014 organised and curated the Archibald Knox centenary exhibition at Olympia, London.
Running 1 March 2026, the exhibition is accompanied by an official stamp collection released by Isle of Man Post and memorabilia, with original and Knox inspired pieces available to purchase at the Manx Museum.
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KNOX WAS INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED BY THE CULTURE, HISTORY, SPIRITUALITY AND SCENERY OF OUR EXTRAORDINARY ISLAND. WE INVITE VISITORS TO COME AND SEE WHAT INSPIRED HIM FOR THEMSELVES
Manx Museum is essential to understand the work of Archibald Knox, who was a pioneering Manx artist and designer.
IN TODAY’S EVER-MOVING ENVIRONMENT OF SCROLLS, SWIPES, AND SPLIT-SECOND DECISIONS, YOUR BRAND MESSAGE HAS MAYBE FIVE SECONDS - IF YOU’RE LUCKYTO MAKE A CONNECTION
CUT THE FLUFF
BEWARE OF GOING OVERBOARD WITH YOUR BRAND MESSAGING, SAYS ASHGROVE’S TERRY VAN RHYN – SIMPLICITY IS FAR MORE LIKELY TO STICK IN THE MINDS OF YOUR CUSTOMERS
TERRY VAN RHYN MANAGING DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER, ASHGROVE MARKETING
As marketing people we’ve all been there. That moment in a brand workshop when someone stands up and reads out a brand mission statement so long and convoluted it requires a compass and a thesaurus to navigate your way through it.
Someone, somewhere, probably decided it was clever to simply string a bunch of value propositions together and thought it good enough for an adverting message. But out in the real world? Consumers are busy, impatient, and, frankly, not that bothered.
In today’s ever-moving environment of scrolls, swipes, and split-second decisions, your brand message has maybe five seconds - if you’re lucky - to make a connection. And if that message is buried under a mound of corporate waffle, technical jargon or obscure metaphors, it will struggle to cut through, let alone resonate with your target audience.
I call this the ‘connect-the-dots’ syndrome: marketers working so hard to sound intelligent, disruptive or “nextgen” that they forget the golden rule of communication – to make it easy and distil the message down to its essence.
You’re not writing a thesis. You’re trying to get a message across that triggers a response. You want to stimulate interest, desire, curiosity… something that pulls the consumer closer, not pushes them into a coma.
Here’s a radical thought: say what you meanquickly and simply - and in plain English. One of my favourite quotes is by Abraham Lincoln (although recently I was surprised to learn that it could also have been attributed to Benjamin Franklin, Mark Twain, Blaise Pascal, TS Elliot, or Winston Churchill!) who allegedly said, “I have already made this paper too long, for which I must crave pardon, not having now time to make it shorter.”
Distilling a complex idea into a short, sharp message is one of the most profoundly difficult tasks that those of us in the advertising industry struggle with every day - and also the most valuable. It’s not about dumbing things down; it’s about finding that one thing that is important about your brand, product or service.
It requires deep understanding of the topic, ruthless focus, and a firm grip on what really matters to your target audience. You must strip away layers of competing priorities and stakeholder noise to uncover the single, resonant truth at the heart of your brand or offer.
That takes clarity of thought, creative courage, and a fair bit of restraint. But when you get it right - when you land on that one line that says it all - it’s pure magic.
A couple of good examples of brands who have nailed it are:
Specsavers: ‘Should’ve gone to Specsavers.’
Simple, memorable, and it pokes fun at everyday mistakes. No jargon. No fluff. Just a brilliant hook that’s stood the test of time and culture.
B&Q: ‘You can do it when you B&Q it.’
Rhyming aside, this is clear and empowering. It tells you exactly what the brand enables you to do: be a DIY hero. Done.
Less successful are these brands that could have done with a bit of editing (and a reality check):
British Gas: ‘Here to Solve.’
The slogan feels like it's halfway through a sentence. Solve what? A Rubik’s Cube? A marriage crisis? It’s so generic it ends up saying nothing. When you’re in the heating business, maybe just say, ‘We keep your home warm.’
BT: ‘Beyond Limits.’
This sounds more like a Marvel film tagline than a telecommunications service. It’s dramatic, yes, but what does it actually mean? Most consumers just want decent Wi-Fi that doesn’t drop out during a Teams call.
HSBC: ‘Together we thrive.’
A lovely sentiment but in a cost-of-living crisis and amid global bank scepticism, it can come across as hollow. Also, what does it mean practically for a customer? Cut the poetry, show the benefit.
At least these last three managed to keep it short. Marketers often fall into the trap of over-explaining because they care too much.
They’ve spent weeks agonising over positioning statements, product USPs and consumer personas, so of course they want to cram it all in. But consumers don’t need to know everything. They just need a reason to care.
Remember, the goal of a message isn’t to tell your whole story. It’s to get someone to lean in - to want to hear more.
A few quick tips to avoid message meltdown:
• Ditch the jargon.
• Unless your audience is made entirely of PhD students in quantum physics, keep it human.
• Say one thing well. Don’t try to list every feature. Lead with the most powerful benefit.
• Test it on your mum - or someone else who will be fairly blunt! If they don’t get it in five seconds, rewrite it.
Simple isn’t basic - it’s brilliant. A stripped-back message, when rooted in a powerful brand truth, does more heavy lifting than a ten-paragraph manifesto ever could.
Because the brands that win aren’t the ones that shout the loudest, they are the ones that say something worth hearing, in a way we can all understand…and remember.
THIS TIME IT’S DIFFERENT . . . BUT ALSO THE SAME
IT IS GENERALLY AGREED THAT THE OUTLOOK AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR C OULD BE DISTILLED INTO THE ONE-WORD SUMMARY OF ‘UNCERTAINTY’. AT THE TIME, WE ALL KNEW THAT THE NEW TRUMP REGIME WOULD COME OUT SWINGING WITH EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND, DESPITE THE NOISE, MARKETS HAD LARGELY RESPONDED FAVOURABLY, EXPECTING TAX CUTS AND DEREGULATION TO FOLLOW. THE WORLD WAS WELL AWARE THAT TARIFFS WOULD BE THE FLAGSHIP FEATURE OF US TRADE POLICY, AS MARKETS SEEMED TO PRICE IN THE FACT THAT ANY LEVIES WOULD BE OFFSET BY A MORE FAVOURABLE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT.
From where we now stand, however, I’d suggest ‘unpredictability’ might be a better fit for the first half of 2025, as headline tariff policy is proving more volatile than the price of bitcoin, to the point where it sometimes feels as though the key facts change before you even finish writing.
At the time I drafted this article, Trump had claimed that there was no room left for Canada and Mexico (where exports to the US account for about 20% of domestic GDP) to avoid the imposition of 25% tariffs, and further country specific tariffs could change or be eliminated daily, wherever an opportunity for a deal presented itself. With this, I would spare a thought for the teams of economists who parse through the potential impacts of these evolving announcements at granular level, so that information can be effectively distilled into reliable investment decisions. Economists
often get a bad rap, particularly after building up a reputation for being so consistently wrong (‘transitory’ inflation anyone?), yet, driving by candlelight is still worlds better than navigating in complete darkness.
So, where does that leave us, as investors, if the variables keep changing so fast that it’s difficult to keep up? I often remind myself to only stress about things that are within my control and, whilst it may sometimes be easier said than done, it’s a good reminder to simply tackle what’s in front of you, piece by piece. With investing, whilst it is important to have long and short-term views on where the world is heading, simply knowing what’s around the corner isn’t always enough. Not only do you have to be right on the call, but you must also be right on how markets will react. And whilst I’m adding to the countless reminders about diversification, it remains a cornerstone of
MICHAEL CRAINE
SENIOR INVESTMENT MANAGER
FIM CAPITAL
portfolio construction for a good reason. Having a onestock portfolio composed of Nvidia shares over the past 5 years will have been rewarding, to say the least, but that would not prevent it from being a very poor investment strategy, regardless of the bragging rights associated with it. Replace Nvidia with any other stock, or asset class, or crystal ball, and your investment strategy is just as inadvisable, no matter how well you think you know the company in question.
With that in mind, the first thing to remember is that not everything is Trump’s fault. Take out all the noise surrounding the new administration and instead think purely on investment terms and many of the arguments against piling into the US have commonly featured in industry articles for a long time. Even 5 years ago, there was a strong argument to say that US equity valuations were too stretched and were due an imminent correction. Any asset allocation calls away from the US in that time would have lost you money, but the argument was sound, nonetheless. Now, with US equities valued more highly compared to their UK and European peers than at any point in history, it wouldn’t take much of a catalyst for the valuation mismatch to start narrowing.
Fortunately, it’s not an all or nothing decision, as US equities account for about 70% of the global equity market. You wouldn’t want to exit the region entirely, because there’s ultimately no avoiding the impact of a US derating in any case, as poor results can often cause a ripple effect through other markets, something we observed last year, when disappointing employment data caused equities to fall across the world. Even in the UK, equities fell, despite the Bank of England announcing its first rate cut of the cycle, an event that should otherwise have supported prices. Instead, maintaining a strategically underweight position to the US (rather than exiting completely) would be a good way of minimising the downside exposure, should valuations swiftly revert to their historic averages, whilst also keeping your foot in the water, should the status quo of US exceptionalism be maintained. With expectations that this valuation gap will narrow, it merits adding exposure to European and UK markets. Of course, each of these regions are going
‘‘
TAKE OUT ALL THE NOISE SURROUNDING THE NEW ADMINISTRATION AND INSTEAD THINK PURELY ON INVESTMENT TERMS AND MANY OF THE ARGUMENTS AGAINST PILING INTO THE US HAVE COMMONLY FEATURED IN INDUSTRY ARTICLES FOR A LONG TIME
through trials of their own. The UK Government appears to be doing everything it can to put a spanner in its own growth aspirations and our neighbouring countries in Europe have been tackling political obstacles of their own. That’s before more recent developments on defence expenditure and US tariffs. However, just as US valuations have been waiting for a catalyst, a lot of the risk factors in European and UK equities may also be priced in. After all, the health of the economy is not the same as the strength of the stock market, and it wouldn’t need a significant shift in sentiment for valuations to move higher. We’ve already seen defence stocks rally in response to recent government announcements. A quicker than expected resolution to conflicts could be similarly supportive and should be much broader based.
Of course, we’ve heard all this before. As I highlighted earlier, being underweight the US market would have been painful over the last 5 years. Whilst I will stop short of saying ‘this time it’s different’, it’s important to remember that, whilst it’s always fun to outperform on the upside, the longer-term gains are won by outperforming on the downside. Fortunately, this is a lesson with which most longer-term investors will be very familiar.
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Accountants
Atla Accountancy Services Ltd, Ground Floor, 11-13 Hill Street, Douglas Tel +44 1624 777403 hello@atla.im
Callin & Co, 6-7 Fort William, Head Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 675528 callin@manx.net
CM Partners, 8, St George’s Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 665100 admin@cmiom.com
EY, Rose House, 51-59 Circular Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 691800 www.ey.com/im
Fryers Bell & Co, 27, Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 639850 fryers_bell@manx.net
Greystone LLC, 18 Athol Street, Douglas. Tel +44 1624 620711 mail@greystone.im
In Safe Hands, 75 Bucks Road Douglas, IM1 3EF Tel. +44 1624 616133 contact@insafehands.im
KPMG, Heritage Court, 41, Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 681000 info@kpmg.co.im
OrmCo Accounts Alma House, 7 Circular Road, Douglas. Tel: +44 1624 610547 sales@ormcogroup.com
Suntera Global Peveril Buildings Peveril Square Douglas Tel: +44 (0) 1624 683242 info@suntera.com
Baker Tilly Isle of Man, P.O. Box 95 2a Lord Street Douglas Tel. +44 1624 693900 info@bakertillyiom.com
Callow Matthewman & Co, Atholl House, 29/31, Hope Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 622752 Ramsey Office Tel 814494
Crowe Isle of Man LLC, 6th Floor, Victory House, Prospect Hill, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 627335 mail@crowe.im
Endor Consultants LLC 18-20 N Quay, Douglas. Tel: +44 1624 676550 info@endorconsultants.com
Grant Thornton, Exchange House, 54/62 Athol Street, Douglas . Tel: 44+ 1624 639494 info@im.gt.com
R. P. Harker, Maskani Yetu, Garey Close, Foxdale Tel. +44 1624 675450
Invicta Accounting Ltd, 24 Athol Street, Douglas, IM1 1JA Tel. +44 1624 672358
LK Accounting Limited ‘Ballabundu’, Chapel Lane, Baldrine, IM4 6DG Tel. +44 1624 664665 hello@lkaccounting.im
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC, Sixty Circular Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 689689
Thompsons The Accountants, 1st Floor, Royal Trust House, 60-62 Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 611108
Boothmans, Millennium House, Victoria Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 611926 bca@boothmans.com
Celtic Associates Ltd, Chartered Accountants, One, The Parade, Castletown. Tel: +44 1624 822022 Email: email@celt.im
David Gelling & Associates, 44 Main Road, Onchan. Tel. +44 1624 615500
Enigma Accountancy and Bookkeeping Ltd. Willow House, 61-69 Main Rd, Onchan Tel: +44 7624 618322
Greenfinch Accountancy Ltd, Shee Yee, 12 Ballachrink, Colby. Tel: +44 1624 833727
Hotchkiss Group, Suite D, Champion House, Tromode. Tel. +44 1624 872140 tax@hotchkiss.im
Jessup & Co, 44 Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 625666
Peter D. Lace, 17 Peel Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 661640
Red Accounts Ltd., 24 Hillberry Heights, Douglas. Tel: +44 1624 679924
E Thorn, 47 Buttermere Drive, Onchan. Tel. +44 1624 613782
Nicola Bowker & Co., Alexander Buildings, 37 New Road, Laxey. Tel. +44 1624 861271 nicola@nicolabowker.co.uk
UHY Crossleys LLC, P. O. Box 1, Portland House, Station Road, Ballasalla. Tel. +44 1624 822816 mail@crossleys.com
Deloitte LLP, The Old Courthouse, Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 672332
Fowler & Co., First Floor, Norton House, 41 Arbory Street, Castletown. Tel +44 1624 827848
Greenwave Accountants, Awin Ruy, Lower Ballachrink Farm, St Marks Road, Ballasalla Tel: +44 1624 838434
Hunter Tax Consultants Ltd, First Floor, Milbourn House, 13a St George’s Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 625765
K5 Tax & Accounts Ltd, Museum Buildings, Church Road, Port Erin. Tel. +44 1624 833776 enquiries@k5ltd.im
Moore Dixon, PO Box 25, 26-28 Athol St, Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 1BD +44 (0) 1624 662020 mail@mooredixon.com
Shimmin Wilson & Co, 13-15 Hope Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 627744 mail@shimminwilson.com
Michael Turner & Co, Ballanorris Court, Douglas Road, Ballabeg. Tel. +44 1624 822534 mbturner@manx.net
Licence Holders, Class 2 - Investment Business
Ardan International Wealth Platform, 2nd Floor, Goldie House, 1-4 Goldie Terrace, Upper Church Street, Douglas Tel. +44 1624 652555
Brooks Macdonald Asset Management (International) Ltd 3rd Floor, Exchange House, 54-62 Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 831320
Chase Financial Services Ltd, 10-12 Prospect Hill, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 612611
Hockney Stevens Chartered Financial Planners Kerrowglass, Stockfield Road, Kirk Michael. Tel. +44 1624 877864
JMR Limited, Finance Centre, Close Beg, Ballawattleworth, Peel. Tel +44 1624 842514
Moore Dixon Financial Services, 26-28 Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 662020
Resilience Asset Management (IOM) Ltd, St Georges Tower, Hope Street, Douglas. Tel: +44 1624 602020
Barclays Bank PLC Eagle Court, Circular Rd, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 684444
Canaccord Genuity Wealth (International) Limited, 55 Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 690100
Creechurch Capital Ltd, Atlantic House, 4-8 Circular Road, Douglas. Tel: +44 (0) 653800 info@creechurchcapital.com
HSBC Bank Plc, HSBC House, Ridgeway Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 684840
Knox D'arcy Asset Management Ltd, 3rd Floor, Analyst House, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 623994
Nedbank Private Wealth Ltd, St Mary's Court, 20 Hill Street, Douglas. Tel: +44 (0) 645000
The Royal Bank of Scotland International Ltd, Royal Bank House, 2 Victoria Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 646464
Insurance Managers
Aon Insurance Managers (Isle of Man) Ltd, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas. Tel +44 1624 692420
Isle of Man Insurance Management Ltd, IOMA House, Hope Street, Douglas. Tel +44 1624 681200 www.iomagroup.co.im
RL360 Services Ltd, International House, Isle of Man Business Park, Douglas, Tel. +44 1624 681681 csc@rl360.com
Canada Life International Ltd, Canada Life House, Isle of Man Business Park, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 820200 info@canadalifeint.com
Marsh Management Services Isle of Man Ltd, Rose House, 51-59 Circular Road, Douglas. Tel +44 1624 630500
Thomas Miller Isle of Man Ltd, Level 2, Samuel Harris House, 5-11 St Georges Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 645200
Blackford Financial Services Ltd, 34 Athol St, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 627674
Capital Financial Markets Ltd, Capital House, Circular Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 654200
DBAY Advisors Limited, 4th floor, 64b Athol Street, Douglas. Tel +44 1624 690 900 info@dbayadvisors.com
Independent Financial Consultants Ltd., 37 Ballanard Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 671679
LMS Partners Limited, 14 Athol Street. Douglas. Tel +44 1624 666888 enquiries@lmspartners.co.im
Oceanic Investment Management Ltd, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas. Tel: +44 (0) 1624 663616
Standard Bank (IOM) Ltd, Standard Bank House, One Circular Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 643643 www.sboff.com sbiom@standardbank.com
Capita Life and Pensions Services (Isle of Man) Ltd, 43-51 Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 (0) 1624 691000
Monument International PO Box 391
Douglas Tel. +44 (0) 1624 683683 ask@monument.im
Thomas Miller Captive Management Ltd, Level 2, Samuel Harris House, 5-11 St Georges Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 645200
Banks - Licenceholders
Barclays Bank PLC, Eagle Court, Circular Rd, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 684444
Lloyds Bank International Ltd, PO Box 111, Villiers House, Victoria Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 638200
Capital International Bank Ltd, Capital House, Circular Road, Douglas. Tel. + 44 1624 654200 cib-bd@capital-iom.com
Nedbank Private Wealth Ltd, St Mary’s Court, 20 Hill Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 645000
Blue Square Wealth Management Limited, 2nd Floor, Queen Victoria House, Victoria Street, Douglas. Tel: +44 1624 645313
Capital International Ltd, Capital House, Circular Road, Douglas Tel. +44 1624 654200
Edgewater Associates Ltd, 1st Floor, Clarendon House, Victoria Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 654000 enquiries@edgewater.co.im
Investasure Financial Services Ltd, Falcon House, 22-24 Ridgeway Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 615751
MAC Financial Limited, MAC House, 64 - 65 Athol Street, Douglas. Tel +44 1624 639450
Osborne Financial Services Ltd, Clearview, Shore Road, Ballaugh. Tel: +44 (0) 1624 898034
Thomas Miller Investment Samuel Harris House, 5-11 St Georges Street, Douglas. Tel +44 1624 645200 tminvestment.com
Friends Provident International Services Ltd, Royal Court, Castletown. Tel +44 1624 821212
Quilter International Business Services Ltd, PO Box 159, King Edward Bay House, King Edward Road, Onchan, Tel. +44 (0) 1624 655555
Utmost Administration Ltd, Walpole Ave, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 643345
Blythe Financial Limited, 11 Myrtle Street, Douglas. Tel: +44 1624 619180
Chartwell Financial Planners Ltd, Quayside House, 6 Hope Street, Castletown. Tel. +44 1624 801409
FIM Capital Ltd, 55 Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 681250 enquiries@fim.co.im
Investment Interest Management Ltd, Goldie House, Goldie Terrace, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 863125
Marriott Isle of Man Ltd, 55 Athol Street, Douglas.
Ramsey Crookall & Co, Securities House, 38-42 Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 673171
Thornton Associates Ltd, Top Floor, St John’s Mill, Mill Road, St John’s Tel. +44 1624 660220
Hansard Administration Services Ltd, Harbour Court, Lord Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 (0) 1624 688000
SIGCo Management (IOM) Ltd, Level 2, Samuel Harris House, 5-11 St Georges Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 664095
Zurich Financial Services (Isle of Man) Insurance Manager Ltd, Isle Of Man Business Park, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 691111
Cayman National Bank (IOM) Ltd, Cayman National House, 4-8 Hope Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 646900
Santander International PO Box 123 19/21 Prospect Hill, Douglas Tel 01624 641888 info@santanderinternational.co.uk
Conister Bank Ltd, Clarendon House, Victoria Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 694694
The Royal Bank of Scotland International Ltd, Royal Bank House, 2 Victoria Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 646464
HSBC Bank PLC, 88-90 Strand Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 684840
Standard Bank Isle of Man Ltd, Standard Bank House, One Circular Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 643643 sbiom@standardbank.com
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Advocates
Advocate John Rimmer Ltd, Fort Anne, Douglas. Tel +44 1624 621466 mail@advocatejr.com
Athena Law Ltd, 3 Ballanard Woods, Ballanard Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 622100
Callin Wild, Bank Chambers, 15-19, Athol St, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 623195 mail@callinwild.com
Coren Law Ltd, 3rd Floor, Queen Victoria House, Victoria Street, Douglas. enquiries@corenlaw.im
DQ Advocates, The Chambers, 5 Mount Pleasant, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 626999 info@dq.im
Humphrey and Helfrich, The Old Courthouse, Athol Street, Douglas. Tel: + 44 (0)1624 651951 info@humphreyandhelfrich.com
Laurence Keenan, Victoria Chambers, 47, Victoria Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 611933 info@lklaw.co.im
Long and Co Ltd, ‘Eyreton’ Quarterbridge Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 319897
MannBenham Advocates, 49 Victoria Street, Douglas. +44 1624 639350
Paterson Property Law Ltd, 39 Ballagarey Road, Glen Vine, Douglas. Tel. +44 7624 315800
Travers Law Ltd, 4th Floor, Hillary House, Prospect Hill, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 649321
Advocates Smith Taubitz Unsworth Ltd, 77-79 Bucks Rd, Douglas. Tel +44 1624 677888 reception@advocates.co.im
BridsonHalsall, Havelock Chambers, 16-18 Mount Havelock, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 614422 reception@iomlaw.com
Carters, 9 Circular Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 662809 reception@carters.co.im
Corlett Bolton & Co., 4, Finch Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 676868 mail@corlettbolton.com www.corlettbolton.com
FinLaw, Cameo House, 19 Duke Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 855320
Ian Kermode Advocate, Court View Chambers, 14 Albert Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 611117 www.ik.im
Kerruish Law Ltd, First Floor, Bourne Concourse, Peel Street, Ramsey. Tel. +44 1624 623919
LVW Law, Museum Buildings, Church Road, Port Erin. Tel. +44 1624 836757 barrister@manx.net
Myerscough & Clegg, 6 Hill Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 616404
Pringle Law, Victoria Court, 16 Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 612200 mail@pringle-law.com
Wood Law, 16 Peel Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 625007 www.woodlaw.im
Alma Legal, 1 Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 652599 contact@almalegal.com
Cains, Fort Anne, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 638300 law@cains.com
Chambers of Paul T Rodgers, 8 Finch Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 7624 232242 paul@manxadvocate.com
David Reynolds Advocate, 23 Circular Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 610880
Gray Law Advocates, 87 Parliament Street, Ramsey. Tel. +44 1624 818058 reception@gla.co.im
Innova Law, Ground Floor, 16-18 Finch Rd, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 654900 innovalaw.im
Kinley Legal 4 Albert Street Douglas. Tel: +44 1624 640366 contact@kinleylegal.com
M&P Legal, New Court Chambers, 23-25 Bucks Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 695800 law@mplegal.im
Nicolle Plumley Advocate, Bellevue House East, Belle Vue, Peel. Tel. +44 1624 844445
Simcocks, Ridgeway House, Ridgeway Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 690300 enquiries@simcocks.com
Weatherill Advocate & Solicitor, 20 Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 674994
Appleby, 33-37 Athol Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 647647 www.applebyglobal.com iom@applebyglobal.com
Cains Gordon Bell, Auckland Chambers, Auckland Terrace, Ramsey. Tel. +44 1624 811311 law@cainsgb.co.im
Corbridges, Chancery House, 2 Albert Street, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 690060 mail@corbridges.com
Dickinson Cruickshank Ramsey, Masonic Buildings, Water Street, Ramsey. Tel. +44 1624 812107
Hannan Law, 5 Hill Street, Douglas. Tel: +44 1624 628900 mail@hannanlaw.im
Kelly, Luft, Stanley & Ashton, 2 Sydney Mount, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 674316 law@kellyluft.com
Kneale Advocates Ltd, 2nd Floor, Hillary House, Prospect Hill, Douglas. +44 7624 413712 www.knealeadvocates.com
Maher Law, Third Floor, 4 Athol Street, Douglas. +44 1624 770080
Nigel Cordwell Advocate, The Old Vicarage, Princes Road, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 677277
SW Legal, The Engine House, Castletown. Tel. +44 7624 479222 info@swlegal.im
John Wright, 16 Willowbrook Gardens, Douglas. Tel. +44 1624 611999 mail@johnwright.co.im
Abacus announce internal promotions and new hires
The Abacus Trust Group has strengthened its team with three internal promotions and three new appointments. Head of Compliance, Helen Edwards, has been promoted to Associate Director. Amy Shanahan becomes Assistant Trust Manager, while Sian WhelanFerris, steps up to the role of Senior Accounts Administrator.
Riaan Liebenberg joins the client services team as a Trust Manager, supporting the management of complex,
cross-border assets and working closely with both internal and external professional advisers.
Kimberley Neale has been appointed Senior Trust and Company Administrator responsible for the day-today management of a varied portfolio of client structures.
Michael Turley has been hired as an IT Systems and Support Analyst, ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of Abacus’s IT systems, infrastructure, and telecommunications.
Managing Director Kevin Loundes said: “It is always a great pleasure to recognise the efforts and dedication of our team through promotion. Helen, Amy, and Sian should be congratulated for their hard work and commitment.
“We are also delighted to welcome Riaan, Kimberley, and Michael to Abacus. Their appointments will help us continue to deliver the high-quality service our clients rely on.”
Promoted to Chief Technology and Security Officer at SQR
Locally based,
Technology and Security Officer. Since joining SQR in September 2024 as Security and Infrastructure Operations Manager, Mark has played a pivotal role in enhancing security measures, strengthening infrastructure, and driving innovation within the company. His exceptional contributions have now led him to take on the strategic role of SQR’s Chief Technology and Security Officer.
With over 25 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity, Mark brings a wealth of expertise to the organisation. Prior to joining SQR, he served as Head of Operational Security at Bumble, where he led initiatives to safeguard digital ecosystems and combat cyber threats. Over the past 13 years, he has specialised in Information Security, focusing on building and designing blue teams to proactively defend organisations from emerging risks.
SQR CEO, Shelley Langan-Newton said: “It’s been a pleasure and an honour to work with Mark in his role at SQR to date, his strong security background has already been a huge asset to us. With this promotion, Mark will be leading the charge to drive our cuttingedge technology initiatives, ensuring that SQR remains at the forefront of digital identity verification and cyber
security innovation to make the world a safer place.”
Armed with an MEng (Hons) in Electronic Engineering and a passion for solving security challenges through data, Mark is committed to ensuring SQR’s technology is robust, scalable, and future-ready.
“Since joining SQR, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an exceptionally talented team committed to advancing digital security and identity verification. Stepping into the role of Chief Technology and Security Officer, I am eager to build on this foundation, driving innovation and strengthening security in a space that has never been more critical. At SQR, our mission is to make the world a safer place through secure, efficient, and inclusive identity verification, and I look forward to leading the development of secure and scalable, future ready solutions that empower individuals and businesses alike", said Mark.
He thrives in SQR’s collaborative and dynamic culture, though he jokingly admits he’s not too keen on being seen as "the critical security guy". With Mark’s leadership, SQR is set to continue delivering top-tier, secure, and seamless digital identity solutions.
cyber company SQR is proud to announce the promotion of Mark Rodman to Chief
MARK RODMAN
RIAAN LIEBENBERG
KIMBERLEY NEALE
MICHAEL TURLEY
New CEO at IFGL
International Financial Group Limited (IFGL) has announced the appointment of Rob Allen as Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
He joins IFGL from Independent Wealth Planners (IWP), a leading provider of financial planning solutions across the UK, where he was CEO.
IFGL employs more than 520 staff across its two offices in Douglas and Castletown and is perhaps best known locally for its RL360, Friends Provident International and Ardan International brands.
Luigi Sbrozzi, Partner and Robert Perry, Senior Principal at Cinven, the majority shareholder of IFGL said: “Rob has significant leadership experience and a very successful track record of developing and growing large financial services distribution businesses. We believe Rob is the right person to lead IFGL through its next phase of growth.”
Rob brings more than 25 years’ experience across financial services to the role, having held senior leadership positions in some of the most well-known and recognised names in the industry, including NatWest Group Plc, HSBC, and Westpac Banking Corporation.
Rob Allen commented: “IFGL is a standout success story. It's clear that the business continues to thrive because of its outstanding people, deep relationships with advisers and its absolute commitment to both serving its customers to the absolute best of its ability and conducting itself in a highly ethical manner
“David and the team have built a formidable business, and with these strong foundations in place I am excited by the opportunities ahead.”
As a leading independent provider of investment, savings and protection solutions to expats and wealth management clients globally, IFGL has $27bn in assets under administration and 400 worldwide broker partners. The business has a welldeveloped strategy of organic growth by opening up new markets, and also through targeted merger and acquisition activity.
Outgoing CEO, David Kneeshaw, added: “Rob’s global background and key distribution knowledge were key factors in the selection process. I am delighted that Rob will lead IFGL as I retire and am confident the business will continue to develop at pace and with significant success.”
Senior associates rejoin Appleby
Appleby has welcomed back Senior Associates Emily Ashe and James Dean, who have recently rejoined the law firm’s leading Dispute Resolution team.
Emily and James both joined Appleby as trainees where they then went on the qualify as Manx Advocates in 2018, starting in Appleby Isle of Man’s Dispute Resolution team.
Emily, who has returned to the island after two years of travelling, has more than five years of experience in civil and commercial matters and has developed expertise in high-value contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters. She advises and represents liquidators, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers, and creditors on various aspects of the insolvency process.
James left Appleby in 2024 to join JMW Solicitors LLP’s commercial litigation department in Manchester and, since coming back to Appleby this year, he continues to act in a range of commercial and corporate disputes. He also has wider experience of fields intersecting with commercial litigation, including property disputes, insurance claims and insolvency matters.
Mark Holligon, Appleby Isle of Man Managing Partner and Head of the Dispute Resolution team said, “We are pleased to welcome both Emily and James back to Appleby. From initially joining the firm as trainees, to returning as Senior Associates, they are a great asset to our Dispute Resolution team and I look forward to them contributing to the continued growth and success of the firm.”
Emily said, “I am thrilled to return to Appleby and reconnect with both familiar colleagues and new faces. After a two-year break, I am excited to approach my work at Appleby and in the legal field with a refreshed perspective and renewed drive.”
James said, “It’s great to be back at Appleby. I look forward to helping to contribute to the firm’s successes going forwards.”
MATT WINTOUR
EMILY ASHE, JAMES DEAN
A Company & Trust Advisory Firm
Aston & Williams bring extensive experience in offering dynamic, pragmatic, and solution oriented guidance to private and commercial clients who wish to maintain more control over their corporate and trust structures.
Our advisory services are designed to assist both new and existing clients who wish to establish a physical presence for their businesses in the Isle of Man.
With over 500,000 square feet of available office space in the Isle of Man's capital, we're able to guide businesses, and present a prime opportunity to establish independence and self-reliance by enhancing economic substance, and ensuring compliance with developing legislation by converting an Isle of Man 2006 Act Company to a 1931 Act Company.
