Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce welcomed members from across the island’s business community at its annual meeting.

Chamber adopted a more informal approach to this year’s AGM which was held at The Nunnery.

Climate change expert Professor James Curran was the guest speaker, via a live video link.

Professor Curran is currently chairman of both the James Hutton Institute, and Climate Ready Clyde which is a cross-sector initiative to create a shared vision, strategy and action plan for an adapting Glasgow City Region.

But he is best known here in the island for writing the IMPACT (Isle of Man Programme for Achievement of Climate Targets) report for Isle of Man Government which was published last year, and for being appointed as independent chairman to lead the work of the Government’s Climate Emergency Consultative Transformation Team to produce a Climate Change Action Plan for net-zero emissions.

Chamber president Caren Pegg thanked Professor Curran, members, and

sponsors.

In her speech she announced the organisation’s key objectives and strategy for 2020/2021, and explained Chamber’s business manifesto for members to take forward during the run-up to next year’s Isle of Man General Election, including key questions to ask prospective candidates regarding their views on all issues that affect business on the island.

There were several changes to Chamber’s board which were confirmed at the AGM. Deb Byron, director of IT at Hansard, and Stuart Colligon, managing director of Auxesia and chairman of Panacea, have joined the board, and 3FM managing director Ron Berry has stepped down. Deb Byron has stepped down as Chamber’s digital sector lead and has been replaced by poker and software design expert Alex Scott.

Caren Pegg congratulated the new board members, and new digital sector lead, on their appointments – and paid tribute to Ron Berry for his significant contribution to Chamber over many years.

Chamber chief executive Rebecca George thanked caterers Wild Thyme, and Fynoderee Distillery for providing reception drinks.

Celton Manx sponsored the event.