A new Chamber of Commerce forum has been launched to inspire the island’s next generation of business leaders.

Called ’Chamber Think Tank’, it provides a way for business people to join and make a positive, long-term contribution to the organisation.

Rebecca George, Chamber’s chief executive, told Business News: ’Think Tank has evolved from our FUEL (Future Emerging Leaders) Group which began in 2017 and has been very successful in providing a platform for forward thinking ideas and discussion.

’The group has recently undergone a re-start to ensure it is in line with Chamber’s strategy and priorities, and the Think Tank rebranding reflects that development.’

The main aims of Think Tank are to:

l Provide an inclusive platform for talented business people to develop and share their views with other Chamber members, and the wider business community

l Give the next generation of business leaders the knowledge and skills they will need to help the Chamber of Commerce to successfully lobby government and ensure that the organisation continues to provide a strong voice for the business community

l Develop, showcase and promote talent within companies that are Chamber members

lHelp develop political awareness in younger workers

l Offer mentorship via Chamber’s business advisory programme

For the year ahead, Think Tank aims to have an important role to play in supporting Chamber’s activities during the general election campaign.

The Chamber of Commerce plans to have its own business manifesto for members to take forward in the run-up to election day, including key questions to ask prospective candidates regarding their views on all issues that affect business on the island.

A Chamber of Commerce spokesman said that in 2021 and beyond, Think Tank will focus on the major issues affecting the island’s economy, including the impact of new ways of working, emerging business sectors, the challenges posed by an ageing population, plus climate change and the government’s aim for the island to become carbon neutral by 2050.

The first Think Tank meeting was held last month. (November).

Those attending included forum chairman Claire Watterson, from Grant Thornton, along with representatives from Eniac Solutions, Hansard, HSBC, Manx Telecom, MC Consulting Services, Paragon, Pokerstars, Santander, Suntera, Swagelok and The Governance People.