IRISH Nationwide (IOM) Limited has been rebranded as Permanent Bank International Ltd.

The new bank, based in the heart of the island’s financial sector on Athol Street, Douglas, was formed following the acquisition last year of Irish Nationwide by Irish Life and Permanent - which trades as Permanent TSB in Ireland.

Carlton Freegard, managing director of Permanent Bank International Ltd, said: ‘We are proud to announce the establishment of the Permanent Bank International brand in the Isle of Man.

‘The change of name not only reflects our new ownership, but represents a new and exciting development for the bank, its customers, and the island.

‘We will draw upon our heritage and combine the best values of the mutual with those of the private bank.’

Permanent Bank International Ltd is based on the second floor of Britannia House, Athol Street, and employs 11 staff, many of whom have been with the bank for more than a decade.

David Fulton, business development manager at Permanent Bank International, said: ‘The bank may be a new name and a new brand, but our staff have a wealth of experience in banking in the island. We have an excellent team of client focused staff, each with their own clients.

‘My colleagues in the client relations team look after the majority of our personal depositors, whereas my main responsibility is to develop relationships with the local professional adviser community along with corporate and trustee depositors.’

Permanent Bank International Ltd is a specialist international savings and deposit bank offering competitive sterling and euro accounts for up to five years. The Irish State is the major shareholder of the Irish Life and Permanent Group. Recent International Monetary Fund publications continue to recognise the significant progress which Ireland has made over the past two years and has praised Ireland’s ‘strong programme implementation’.

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INVESTMENT company Creechurch Capital has grown its assets under management to more than £100 million in its first year of trading.

In line with its ambitious three-year growth strategy, a high proportion of this expansion was achieved off-island, where Creechurch has been competing against more well-established household names.

This year will see the business extend its reach in the UK market through organic growth and consideration of complementary acquisition targets, which will in turn provide a real boost for business in the Isle of Man.

Creechurch, headquartered at the historical Knox House on Finch Road, Douglas, will also introduce two new brands − Creechurch Private Wealth and Creechurch Advisory Services − to define growth areas within the business.

John Greenwood, chief executive officer at Creechurch Capital, said: ‘Our first year of business has seen us exceed our own targets and build on our already solid client base. The growth we’ve achieved is testament to the vision, expertise and hard work of the entire team.

‘We also credit our success to the unparalleled support offered by our growing group of businesses and the Isle of Man Government. The Creechurch team was brought together following a significant and high-profile investment which pulled together individuals with an excellent track record in business and investment. This was a huge vote of confidence within the island’s business community.’

Glen Cochrane, investment director and head of investment strategy at Creechurch, said: ‘Given the continued growth of the business, we feel it’s crucial to retain clarity through separate branding for the services we offer.

‘Our priority is our clients and offering a robust and specialist investment process which remains unchanged and addresses the challenges of today’s financial markets. We’re proactive in ensuring risk is minimised, but confident to take a contrarian approach when we have conviction, which our clients welcome.’

IT’s billed on the website as ‘the salon just for kids where the haircuts are cool and fun rules’.

In fact you could say there’s never a dull moment at Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids, at St James House, Market Street, Douglas.

The place is geared firmly with children in mind.

Girls are made to feel like little princesses while lads are kings for the day.

Sharkey’s is already a big name in the United States.

Lee Astin, 29, and partner Roxanne Mottram, 27, took on the franchise - the island shop was the first in Europe - in 2010.

The couple, who live in Onchan, have two children, Wayne, eight, and Naomi, four.

Lee, an accountant, said: ‘Roxanne and I form a good partnership in the business as she deals with the salon, customers, and hair cuts, and I work on the business matters such as suppliers, invoices, VAT, accounts, reports and administrative matters.

‘This allows Roxanne to really focus on the customers and delivering the best quality customer service possible.’

The couple are celebrating after scooping £3,000 worth of free advertising with Isle of Man Newspapers after winning the Business Accelerators contest which was judged by members of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce.

Two other new businesses - Checkout 14 Limited and Hazel Walsh Photography - also tasted victory in the same contest and have been profiled in recent editions of Business News.

Everything in Sharkey’s is geared to youngsters - and adults even feel young at heart.

There are offers galore including ‘mums and kids’ and ‘dads and lads’ deals.

Roxanne, who completed her hairdressing and barbering course at Isle of Man College in 2004, said customers have ranged in age from seven months to a nanna in her late 70s.

She said: ‘We have really enjoyed our first year in business since it started in November 2010. There is never a dull moment when cutting a child’s hair.’

And it really is a little paradise for children.

The little ones can choose between three special fun chairs that have been specially imported from the United States. There is Lightning McQueen (from the Disney film Cars), a Barbie jeep and a blue Mini Cooper. And as their hair is being cut they can watch from a large selection of DVDs including Peppa Pig, Thomas the Tank Engine and Sponge Bob Square Pants.

There’s a couple of chairs where youngsters can play computer games and an upstairs room is geared towards older girls as they listen to the latest pop tunes.

All first-time visitors receive a special certificate and a pouch containing a lock of their hair.

Lee said: ‘We are finding an increasing number are regular customers returning time and time again because they love it here so much.’

Among the regulars is three-year-old Harriet, daughter of Berni Kneale from Onchan.

Harriet headed straight for the Barbie jeep and plumped for a viewing of Fireman Sam as she was prepared for a wash, cut and dry. Her visit was rounded off with her nails being painted and collecting a balloon and a lollipop.

Berni said it was a real treat for Harriet. ‘We usually come here every six weeks and they do a very good job. My older daughter McKenzie, eight, also has her hair cut here. The youngsters have a lovely time.’

The business also offers themed parties in the room upstairs. There’s the Glamour Party, Cookie the Clown events and Dolittle’s. The parties are proving very popular .

Lee and Roxanne say they were delighted at winning the prize. ‘The advertising will be a great help in putting our message across about the business,’ said Lee.

There’s all sorts of fun ideas and products on sale such as chocolate shampoo!

People can read all about Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids on a colourful website and the Douglas shop has a thriving Facebook page with nearly 3,000 followers and growing all the time.

Tel: 666501

www.sharkeyscutsforkids.com