Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce’s new chief executive has set out her vision for what promises to be an exciting 2019.

Rebecca George recently took up the post after a very successful two years as chief operating officer and has drawn up plans, in partnership with Chamber’s Board, which aim to strengthen the organisation’s position as the Island’s biggest business network, and the strongest collective voice for the business community.

She said: ‘Chamber is in a strong position with more than 300 members representing all sectors across the island. Not only do we have many long-standing, loyal businesses that have been with us for many years, we are also welcoming a cross section of new members including well established and new businesses. By continuing to build on this diverse membership we have more potential to be an even more influential voice for the island’s business community.’

2019, she says, will be a year for building on the success of initiatives such as the popular sector forums series run in partnership with Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

Forum events here in the island, and in the north west of England, have created many opportunities for businesses to collaborate on shared interests.

Chamber has also introduced a series of networking events, and this will also be expanded next year.

Rebecca said: ‘We’re very fortunate that many of our members play an active role in Chamber, and utilise the benefits which membership offers.

‘Having said that, there is a lot of scope for even more of our current members to fully engage with us and to realise the benefits we can offer – whether that’s exclusive opportunities to attend workshops and seminars, networking, or contributing to Chamber’s responses to Government consultations.

‘Chamber is a business network which gives all members access to a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources – and my main aim for 2019 will be to ensure that as many members as possible are aware of, and utilise, the advantages we can provide to help their business flourish.’

Campaigning to promote discussion of important issues such as air links and barriers to banking and commercial property will also be a key focus for Chamber in the year ahead.