’Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence is a wonderful event that showcases the Isle of Man,’ says Department of Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly.

This year there is a new category in the Awards, Promoting the Isle of Man as a great place to visit, live and work

It aligns closely with the department’s Locate strategy as Mr Skelly explained: ’The programme for government headline is "The Isle of Man - a special place to live and work" but I think if you think about tourism and you think about the Isle of Man being a great place to visit, any place that is a great place to visit is usually also a great place to live and work so it is clearly naturally aligned.

’Creating this particular award around Locate is really important: many times people misinterpret Locate because they think of it being about people moving to the Isle of Man but we are also very keen to reach out to those Manxies across the water or across the globe to say: "Why not return and relocate to the Isle of Man?"

’There’s never been more opportunities in numerous sectors here on the Isle of Man - 24 business sectors in total - and, when we’ve got more jobs than people, we need people to fill those jobs.

’So, whether it’s people who are new to the island or returning Manxies, we welcome them back.’

A category that celebrates businesses which encourages visitors to the Isle of Man or makes their stay more enjoyable when they’re here, clearly offers an great opportunity for the island’s food and drink producers and hospitality providers.

Mr Skelly said: ’We have some incredible, phenomenal, food and drink offerings here and, thinking of the average visitor to the Isle of Man who enjoys the history, the heritage, the culture and the arts, they are very much the same type of visitor that would enjoy a fascinating and delicious culinary experience which is what we offer here.

’The choice is abundant and it is all over the Isle of Man and again this is a celebration of the wonderful environment we have for food and drink

’We would strongly encourage the island’s food and drink producers and hospitality providers, whether relatively new or established businesses, to enter the Awards.

’Gin and vodka distillery, Fynoderee, was a winner at last year’s Awards for Excellence: it’s been very quickly established on the island and is now internationally recognised.’

Mr Skelly went on to explain why he enjoys the Awards night: ’It’s obviously very business focused which is why we’re very interested in it and keen supporter of the event.

’It’s the one event in the year that it all comes together: we’re very patriotic for Tynwald Day about the Isle of Man and in many ways this is a Tynwald Day for business and being proud of all the businesses her on the Isle of Man.’

lThere are 16 award categories at this year’s Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence offering opportunities for businesses of all sizes, individuals, public sector teams and charity and cultural organisations.

For more infrmation and to download entry forms visit www.excellence-awards.im