The Isle of Man Business Network’s annual meeting saw a change in the leadership team.

Existing chairman Katie Nicholson of Bridge Angel Network now assumies the role of president.

Vice chairman Dearbhla Doyle of Microgaming becomes chairman for the April 2019 to March 2020 term, with head of marketing Alex Wilson of Bold Consultancy joining the leadership team as vice chairman.

Under Miss Nicholson’s stewardship, the Isle of Man Business Network has put on 12 events over the last year attended by more than 1,000 members and non-members at 10 different venues, and with 19 guest speakers and various event sponsors, achieving solid year on year membership growth with numbers currently at an all-time high.

Miss Nicholson, now president, said: ’The Isle of Man Business Network has had a fantastic year which is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our volunteer committee.

’In March we saw the return of our annual ’’Carnivale’’ charity ball in association with Newfield supporting their chosen charity for 2019 - Alzheimer’s Isle of Man.

’As an organisation we have continued to strengthen our relationships with local companies and key sponsors including ILS World, Barclays, Cannacord and Estera. Through the support of our growing membership we have raised over £5,000 for local charities".

’We have partnered with the Department for Enterprise to bring key updates to the business community through events such as our Brexit Breakfast and Digital Isle of Man Blockchain Breakfast.

’We regard these events as being key to our annual calendar to ensure our members are kept up to date with new initiatives and changes that will impact business.’

Incoming chairman Dearbhla Doyle said: ’The Business Network is an organisation where individuals can grow in a professional capacity.

’Members benefit from learning events that refresh knowledge on national and international trends and change that affects business operations and can socialise to broaden their contact network in a safe, inclusive and diverse environment.

’Our hard-working voluntary committee gave over 490 hours to support the events programme last year.

’With Annabel Heap, Tom Wilson, Jessica Cocker, Savannah Ingham and Tamiko Ross joining the committee this year, we’re on a positive footing to continue to produce quality events and experiences for members and guests.

’We will also see the Network develop partnerships with sponsors, co-hosts, educators, new and existing businesses, and be seen as the go-to networking platform for business relocators to integrate and form strong connections with the local business communities here’.

Miss Wilson, former head of marketing, and incoming vice chairman, said: ’Since 2016, the programme of events has grown and diversified.

’We offer something for everyone cross industries including your non-typical business event attendees, which is what we’re striving to achieve as a committee of volunteers - an open network where everyone is welcome to participate and take benefit.

’Initiatives including Team IOMBN, a CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiative whereby members can participate in charitable, community and sporting events through the Business Network, partnering with Locate.im to close the Isle of Man Graduate Fair with Grad Talks and events marketing have helped improve the network’s visibility locally.

’And with a dedicated committee of volunteers, this year will be about continuing to grow our appeal and respond to members’ feedback so we continue to deliver an events programme that meets the local business community’s needs.’

Isle of Man Business Network is a membership organisation that provides local businesses with an annual programme of learning and social events, designed to upskill future leaders across a broad spectrum of interest topics, and instigate cross industry collaboration through expanding members’ immediate networks.

Events are open to members and non-members, with monthly events published online.

Upcoming events include a summer barbecue, annual debate sponsored by ILS World and various Team IOMBN community initiatives including a feeding station at the Parish Walk, End2End and committee beach clean with Beach Buddies. Membership is open year-round from £30 for individuals and £150 for corporate organisations. For more information, visit www.iombn.im or email [email protected].

Left to right, Alex Wilson, vice chairman, Katie Nicholson, president, Dearbhla Doyle, chairman