Business relationships within the construction sectors in Wirral and the Isle of Man were strengthened thanks to an event organised by Isle of Man and Wirral Chambers of Commerce.

It was the latest in the series of Isle of Man Chamber sector forums - sponsored by Manx Telecom - organised through a partnership with Wirral Chamber of Commerce with the main aim being to allow businesses from both regions to share ideas and benefit from networking opportunities.

A wide range of issues were discussed at the construction sector forum, including the economic value of construction, ongoing work to upgrade the Isle of Man’s coastal defences, and plans to redevelop Douglas Promenade.

There were opportunities for guests to network in the afternoon.

key speakers

Key speakers included Stephen Smyth (Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce construction sector lead); Carl Hawker, (deputy chief executive, Department for Enterprise and executive director of policy and strategy); Paul Salmon (asset manager, Transport and Maritime Structures) and his Isle of Man Department of Infrastructure colleague Keith Podmore (Design Team Leader, Highways Division); and Geoff Chatwood vice-principal from University College Isle of Man.

Speakers from Wirral were Paul Cardwell (vice chairman of Wirral Chamber’s Construction Forum and director at Capital Reinforcing); Alan Evans (assistant director, Growth, Regeneration and Place, Wirral Council); and Phil Jones, assistant principal at Wirral Metropolitan College.

Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce chief executive Rebecca George, said: ’I was delighted and encouraged to see so many representatives from the construction sector from both the Wirral and Isle of Man attending the forum.

’The level of commitment from the Wirral members to continue to visit the island, build relationships, and collaborate with businesses here, is admirable.

’The partnership between the Wirral and Isle of Man Chambers is going from strength to strength and we look forward to continued development between the two organisations.’

Paula Basnett, Wirral Chamber of Commerce chief executive,said: ’We have developed a very strong relationship with the Isle of Man Chamber, and also with the Manx Government and many businesses contacts.

The sector forums we organise provide members with a perfect stage in creating discussion, making new contacts and joint venture opportunities and this partnership is enabling businesses from both our region and the island to meet and look at building long term business relationships.’

Stephen Smyth, Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce construction sector lead, said: ’The forum was a great success, the large number of local attendees and visitors from the Wirral being testament to this.

’It was great to see businesses from our respective areas exploring ways in which they can complement each other, and work together for mutual benefit.

’The forum also provided a platform for discussing and comparing notes on issues which affect the construction industry generally, such as infrastructure, skills and training, regeneration and attracting inward investment.’

The two Chambers are also collaborating on sector forum events held in Wirral - dates and details will be released shortly and posted on www.iomchamber.org.im

Events in Wirral are open to Chamber members and non-members - Isle of Man residents interested in attending need to register their interest by emailing [email protected]

Left to right are Stephen Smyth, Isle of Man Chamber construction sector lead; Phil Jones, assistant principal, Wirral Metropolitan College; Paula Basnett, chief executive, Wirral Chamber of Commerce; Carl Hawker, deputy chief executive, Department for Enterprise and executive director policy and strategy; Jonathan Quinn, CEO, Blockwalls; Sara Davies, senior business development manager, Wirral Chamber; Alan Evans, assistant director, growth, regeneration and place at Wirral Council; Sandra Kirkham, group MD, Progress to Excellence Group; Paul Cardwell, director, Capital Reinforcing; Gary Crittenden, projects director, Stewart Clague Services; and Tim Crookall MLC