An entrepreneur has been appointed to lead an innovation network's Isle of Man operations, with a focus on linking local businesses with investors across the Crown Dependencies.

Jenson Artus is the new Isle of Man jurisdiction lead for TEKEX, which organises events bringing together company founders, investors and business leaders.

The appointment comes eight months after the network launched on the island and ahead of its third Manx event, scheduled for Wednesday, November 4.

TEKEX held its first Isle of Man event in February, attracting more than 150 people, followed by a second gathering in May.

The latter featured Chris Sheldrick, co-founder of technology company what3words, alongside entrepreneurs and business representatives from the island and other Crown Dependencies.

Mr Artus will be responsible for developing partnerships and strengthening links between the public and private sectors.

His work will include approaching private investor networks to help connect businesses seeking investment with potential backers.

He also hopes to work with organisations including the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, the Institute of Directors and government.

Mr Artus said the island needed to look beyond existing business relationships to encourage growth.

He said: ‘We can’t expect to grow our island economy purely by circulating the same opportunities within the same relatively small community. We need new relationships, new businesses and new capital coming into the Island.

‘I know how valuable the right introduction can be. Sometimes one conversation can fundamentally change the direction of a business. If TEKEX can help create more of those opportunities for Manx founders, that’s something I want to be part of.’

Mr Artus founded MGS, an Isle of Man-based brand and marketing consultancy working with corporate clients across the UK and Crown Dependencies.

Alongside organising future events, he will seek to help Manx businesses establish commercial relationships outside the island.

TEKEX was founded by entrepreneur Ed Prow and also operates in Jersey and Guernsey.

The network says its events are intended to encourage collaboration between business owners and potential investors across the three Crown Dependencies.

Mr Prow said the response to its first two Manx events had been encouraging, but added that the longer-term value would depend on what followed.

He said: ‘The response to TEKEX on the Isle of Man has been fantastic, but the events are only the starting point. What really matters is what happens afterwards: the introductions that lead to partnerships, investment and new opportunities.

‘Jenson understands the Island and its business community, and having him lead TEKEX locally means we can build on that momentum and develop relationships that deliver real commercial value.’

Looking ahead to 2027, Mr Prow said the network intended to hold regular events and focus on introductions that could lead to commercial agreements.

He said: ‘Next year is about depth, regular events and introductions that turn into real deals.’

TEKEX says the appointment is intended to build on its initial Isle of Man events and develop business contacts between the island, Jersey and Guernsey through further meetings and introductions.