Energy and the environment were the subjects for discussion at another Chamber of Commerce sector forum.

It was held at Douglas Water Treatment Plant and was the second event in a series of monthly forums looking at different sectors of the island’s economy.

The series, which is being run in conjunction with Wirral Chamber of Commerce, allows businesses to share ideas and benefit from networking opportunities.

Business News previously reported on the first forum which concentrated on the engineering and manufacturing sector.

The morning session of the energy and environment forum featured presentations by Isle of Man Chamber’s FUEL Committee, and energy and environment experts from Isle of Man Government.

After lunch and a tour around the Water Treatment Plant, the afternoon began with a forum led by Dr Richard Bujko from the Manx Utilities Authority which focused on future energy scenarios to the year 2050.

This was followed by presentations and discussions with Tom Kelly, director, Inteb Managed Services and chairman of Wirral Energy and Environment Sector Forum; and Jonathan Quinn, CEO Owner Founder (Blockwalls, Bullion Tech, Hygienic Innovations and EncapsUwaste Ltd) and vice chairman of Wirral Energy and Environment Sector Forum.

Isle of Man organisations represented at the event included Cyber Science, Ellan Vannin Fuels, HSBC, SCS, Strix, SPARK Impact, TUM, The Energy Savers, and representatives from Isle of Man Government’s Cabinet Office and Department for Enterprise.

Representatives from Wirral-based organisations included Bagnall and Morris, Blockwalls, EcoGrid Limited, Envirolyte ECA UK Ltd, Inteb Managed Services, Modpack System, Nauticuas, PSW Integrity Ltd, Stiebel Eltron, Trim Technik, Ukled limited, and Vehicle Charging Solutions.

Rebecca George, chief operating Officer at Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, said the second forum was very successful with a busy agenda and an impressive list of attendees which included leading experts from the island and the north west of England.

There was opportunity for businesses from the Wirral and Isle of Man to network and discuss areas where they see benefit for collaboration across the two jurisdictions.

Tom Kelly, chairman, Wirral Chamber Energy and Environment Sector Forum and operations director at Inteb MS, said: ’The importance of the aims and objectives of this forum, and working with like-minded colleagues in the Isle of Man, offer great opportunities for collaboration between our two areas.

’From the event held with the Isle of Man Chamber, and meeting with both government representatives and Manx businesses, it is clear that we have similar goals, so it is very important that we succeed in making this network grow and become stronger.

’We will be looking forward to further engagement and ways in which we can work together in the future.’

Here are the details for Isle of Man Chamber’s sector forums in the months ahead (all run from 10am to 2.30pm):

lFinance and professional services: April 17th (venue TBC).

lVisitor economy: May 22nd (venue TBC).

lConstruction: June 20th (venue TBC).

lDigital: July 17th (venue TBC).

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

Booking in advance is essential. Email Rebecca George at [email protected] to book your place.

Sara Davies, business engagement lead, Wirral Chamber of Commerce, and Stephen Smyth, general manager, Island Aggregates and chairman of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Construction Committee

Dr Ken Milne, director of Energy Policy, Isle of Man Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture

Zac Al Kahzrajie (left), Aquacast International, with Jonathan Quinn, CEO/Owner/Founder of Blockwalls and vice-chairman of Wirral Chamber’s Energy and Environment Sector Forum