Chambers of Commerce in the Isle of Man and Wirral will be working together to promote the visitor economy in both regions.

That’s the main outcome from the latest in the series of Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce ‘sector forums’.

The sector forum series – which is sponsored by Manx Telecom – is organised through a partnership between the Isle of Man and Wirral Chambers of Commerce and aims to allow businesses to share ideas and benefit from networking opportunities.

The forums focus on a different sector of the island’s economy each month, building links between business sectors here and in the north west of England.

This month’s sector forum, about the visitor economy, was held at the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Athol Street, Douglas.

Rebeca George, chief operating officer, Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, said: ‘As always, we were delighted to welcome our colleagues from Wirral Chamber of Commerce to the island.

‘Some very interesting discussions took place.

‘In particular, we looked at ways in which the Isle of Man and Wirral can work together to create a mutually beneficial relationship and co-operate to promote both areas as a destination of choice for visitors.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank Isle of Man and Wirral colleagues that supported the forum, and look forward to seeing the development of a joint framework.’

Paula Basnett, CEO, Wirral Chamber of Commerce, said: ‘The Visitor Economy Forum was very important in developing working links and collaboration between Wirral and the Isle of Man.

‘Over the forthcoming months both Wirral and the Isle of Man Chambers will have a better understanding of how we can better work together in bringing economic benefits, introducing joint initiatives and in creating new and fruitful partnerships with the sector.’

This view was echoed by Lorna Tyson, chairman of the Wirral Visitor Economy Network, who said: ‘It is clear that both Wirral and the Isle of Man have many areas of the visitor economy in common and we are confident that through creating links it will lead to new opportunities for collaboration.

‘The importance of understanding why people come to both the Isle of Man and Liverpool City Region area by air or by sea can ensure that we are providing the right information and opportunities to enhance the respective visitor experiences.

‘We will work closely with the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce in formulating a framework in which both regions will reap benefits from developing visitor offers.’

Wirral Chamber of Commerce was also represented at the forum by Graham Maddrell, marketing manager, Tanya Leary, business development manager, and Gemma Nichols, head of visitor economy).

Other forum delegates included Angela Byrne, head of Visit Isle of Man; Brett Martin, chief executive, Sefton Group; Peter Hannay, patient transfer manager, Department of Health and Social Care; Linda Maddrell from Sleepwell Hotels; Rom Kesa, chairman of Isle of Man Chamber’s Visitor Economy Committee; Ann Reynolds, director of ports; Edmund Southworth,director, Manx National Heritage; and Renee Caley,marketing and online manager, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Here are the details for sector forums in the months ahead (all run from 10am to 2.30pm):

Construction: September 2018 (date and venue to be confirmed)

Digital: October 30th, Eagle Lab, Victoria Street, Douglas

All the forums are free to attend, and open to both Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce members, and non-members.

However, booking in advance is essential.

Email Rebecca George, chief operating officer at Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce) at [email protected] to book your place. For more information about both Chambers of Commerce, go to www.iomchamber.org.im and www.wirralchamber.co.uk