An island business group will be putting the spotlight on virtual events.

Incoming Isle of Man Business Network chairman Alex Wilson said: ’Looking to the year ahead, and the challenging times many individuals and businesses will likely face, community has never been more powerful and our support network will remain open to everyone to access.

’During May, we will turn our focus to virtual events to bring together and support in any way we can and continue to provide a friendly outlet to socialise, learn and develop together.

’Our new committee will embrace this new world, and I’d like to thank our long-standing and new committee members for their dedication to the role.’

She added: ’The Isle of Man Business Network’s primary purpose is to provide a platform for professionals to connect informally as well as regular opportunities to learn from relevant speakers.

’In more recent years, through Team IoMBN, UNESCO Biosphere and the British Irish Trade Alliance, we have grown to support wider community initiatives and charities, largely thanks to the support of our membership network and volunteers connections.’

The IoMBN announced its new leadership team following the organisation’s annual meeting which was held virtually owing to the Covid-19 crisis.

Following a successful year as chairman, Dearbhla Doyle, brand manager at Microgaming, will now assume the role of president.

Vice-chairman Alex Wilson, internal communications manager, also at Microgaming, graduates to chairman.

Carrie Allen-Snell, marketing manager at Cains, will take up the role of vice-chairman and following a three-year term in the leadership team, Katie Nicholson, director of Petra Consulting, will resume a role within the voluntary committee.

During Dearbhla’s stewardship, the IoMBN held 15 events, ranging from learning events, community activities, and topical updates through its close relationship with the Isle of Man Government, local businesses and international speakers.

Dearbhla Doyle said: ’It’s been a fantastic year and I’ve truly enjoyed working alongside so many people from different areas of the Isle of Man’s business community.

’We’ve delivered another year of great events, which has only been possible because of the IoMBN’s committee of volunteers who spare their evenings and weekends to help pull these together for our community.

’I can’t thank Katie Nicholson enough for all her support and an exemplary three years as vice-chairman, chairman and president, and I wish Alex and Carrie all the best of luck for the upcoming year.’

Carrie Allen-Snell, said: ’Since I moved to the island in 2019, I have found the I0MBN and its events an incredibly supportive network and I’m delighted to be taking on the role of vice-chairman, supporting the Network’s exciting event’s calendar over the next 12 months.’

During the annual general meeting, the Isle of Man Business Network also officially welcomed new members Alex Toohey (Canaccord Genuity), Rachel Hopkinson (Department for Enterprise) and Luke Adebiyi (Capital International Group) to the network’s committee.