It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know

The Isle of Man’s Department for Enterprise is a Government department, which is responsible for the economic development of the Isle of Man. Its mission is to create an environment for businesses to thrive on the Island, through innovation and collaboration, where the economy thrives.

Whether you are a start-up, an existing business on the Isle of Man or looking to relocate your business to the Island, they offer a wide range of business support services including financial assistance schemes, training and mentoring.

The Department for Enterprise has also established executive agencies (Business Isle of Man, Digital Isle of Man, Finance Isle of Man, Locate Isle of Man and Visit Isle of Man) each with dedicated teams that help to promote and develop specific sectors.

Do you want your businesses contact details to be easily accessible?

Directory.im is the Isle of Man’s online business directory, which provides a comprehensive A-Z listing of local businesses and organisations on the Island.

Accessible 24/7, it is a cost effective way to have an online presence in the local marketplace that shares your business’ location, website and contact details.

They offer a variety of other advertising opportunities including display adverts and banner advertising, and have a dedicated sales and marketing team to assist you throughout the process. Basic listings are free – classification adverts or premium listings start at circa £300.

Find Us On Web is a results driven advertising and consulting firm who offer a one stop solution for the key business growth needs of businesses in the community, buy creating value, bringing benefits, operating programmes, offering services and addressing challenges.

They offer a broad range of services that enable businesses to identify potential prospects, generate more leads, drive more sales.

They have an online business directory, a digital magazine publication and host a range of events including speed networking, tradeshows and exhibitions, awards nights and an annual conference.

There are six memberships, each offering a variety of advantages, that range in cost from £0 to £599.

Members can also take advantage of event sponsorship and speaking engagement opportunities, PR and media promotions, as well as vouchers and local deals.

Founded is dedicated to helping a new generation of start-up founders pave the way by providing information, business inspiration and opportunity to start, grow or sustain their big venture. They offer access to a comprehensive range of tailored services including business consultancy, finance, marketing, mentoring, fund raising and can provide introductions to some of the Island’s leading advisors, should you need assistance or specialist advice.

They can also arrange a ‘hosted visit’ for individuals that have an aspiring business idea, through which they aim to give visitors a real taste of the business environment on the Island.

Their website contains an extensive resource library of interviews, blog posts and news from start-up experts and serial entrepreneurs, and they host regular events including fireside chats, panel discussions, parties, investor dinners, workshops and pitch battles – all that offer the opportunity to expand your network.

They also assist with high potential start-ups that are ready to scale, raise funding and connect with early stage angel investors to achieve their desired next level of growth.

NB: No ‘success fee’ is applicable should your business secure an angel investment.

The Isle of Man Business Network (IOMBN) is a not for profit organisation that is ran by a dedicated committee of volunteers.

With 200+ active members, it provides networking opportunities for likeminded business professionals on the Isle of Man via a range of monthly events including breakfast events, seminars, presentations, business visits, networking activities and social events.

They encourage self-development through training, education and mutual support, hosting a variety of learning events for their members suited to all stages of their career.

Membership is open to both individuals and corporate who wish to stay up to date and involved in the Island’s constantly evolving business community and changing economic environment.

Corporate Membership costs between £37.50 and £150 and Individual Membership costs between £7.50 and £30.

With over 500 members, the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce is a high profile network and business community that represents all of the key sectors of the Isle of Man economy.

The Chamber has been a leading advocate and organisation for creating growth and success within the Island’s business community for more than 60 years.

It offers a range of benefits to its members, including open and inclusive networking opportunities, access to workshops, free advisory services, member discounts and access to expertise and specific support.

There are also additional opportunities for new business start-ups and sustaining members via sponsorship, advertising and their training and knowledge based events.

Standard membership fees range from £0 – £350 and a Sustaining Membership from £225 – £650.

NB: Membership is free to start-ups and businesses that have been trading for less than a year.

Isle of Man Local is an online marketplace for new experiences and inspiration for locals and tourists of the Isle of Man.

Listed businesses are handpicked by experts that understand their audience and what they are looking for in order to provide businesses with the best opportunity to become acquainted with, and impress, waves of new customers by advertising and presenting independent businesses. They also offer complimentary promotion to listed businesses across their ever growing social media channels.

It is a simple and efficient process to become a partner in order to list your business and offers/products.

Subsequently they will work with you to plan your campaign and promotional activities. They also provide listed businesses with a monthly sales marketing report to monitor their progress and success.

Isle of Man Maritime is a not-for-profit organisation, which was established to help promote and support the development of the Isle of Man’s maritime sector. Its key objectives are to provide a forum to discuss ideas, opportunities and issues related to the Isle of Man maritime sector, and to promote its members and the Island as a maritime centre of excellence.

They have an extensive resource library with useful links and a news and events section listing upcoming events and a range of articles from industry professionals.

They currently have more than 50+ members consisting companies and individuals who provide services or have a keen interest in the Island’s maritime sector.

Membership costs between £50 and £500 depending on the type of membership.

NB: To become a member you must be eligible, the criteria for which is on their website.

Founded in 2008, the Private Dining Club is a leading global networking platform dedicated to professionals in the private wealth sector who have HNW and UHNW international clients.

They are dedicated to providing their members with new networks, new ways of thinking and new commercial opportunities.

They deliver a mixture of exclusive digital and live events, designed to give professionals the maximum opportunity to network and explore business development opportunities as well as get involved in upcoming trends and skills that are ever changing.

There are three membership packages – Digital membership (£250), Prime membership (£500) or a corporate membership (£1,200). They each offer a range of benefits including guaranteed tickets to their networking dinners, access to online forums and webinars, discounts on online training, banner adverts within their digital magazine and the ability to submit articles for inclusion in their magazine, on their website and across their social media channels.