IOMA Group celebrated its 50th anniversary with a lunchtime event at Portofino restaurant.
The company dates back to 1971 when its founder and chairman, Robin Bigland, established Isle of Man and General Life Assurance Company Limited, the first composite insurance company in the Isle of Man, which primarily wrote the business of St. Christopher Motorists’ Security Association Limited, an insurance policy designed to maintain the livelihood of those who lost their driving licence.
The IOMA Group has a long history of bringing to the market innovative products, tailored to client needs including the holiday property bond.
IOMA was also the first company to write extended warranty business in the UK motor trade.
-and-Tim-Foster-(right)-out-on-the-Atlantic-Ocean.png?width=209&height=140&crop=209:145,smart&quality=75)
Mr Bigland was at the forefront of the formation of the Manx Insurance Association and is a former chairman.
He holds a number of corporate directorships, is a fellow of the Institute of Directors and a patron of the Institute for Pain Relief.
He also, famously, initiated and funded the Odin’s Raven voyage to mark the Tynwald Millenium. This saw a Viking replica boat being rowed from Trondheim, in Norway, to Peel.
When the crew arrived there at the end of the voyage, 23,000 people turned out to greet them. Odin’s Raven is now in the House of Manannan.
King Olaf of Norway took a keen interest in the voyage and asked Mr Bigland to become the Norwegian consul in the Isle of Man, a role he carried out for many years. He was awarded the Knights Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit in 1987.