Representatives of the Manx government are going to take part in a big business festival in Liverpool, while people from that city’s economic development agency are to visit the island.

The Department for Enterprise has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Liverpool’s economic development agency, Liverpool Vision.

The new Memorandum of Understanding follows previous agreements, reinforcing political and civic links to the city that have been developed in recent times through joint interest projects such as ISLEXPO, the International Business Festival and initiatives in China.

Representatives from the DfE and businesses from the Isle of Man will be supporting Liverpool Vision and attending the 2018 International Business Festival (IBF).

IBF 2018 aims to celebrate and support businesses through conferences, seminars and bespoke business brokerage meetings.

Running over three weeks from June 12 to 28, it is anticipated that 25,000 business visitors will attend and the department is currently finalising its plans to take part formally in the event to promote the island and its links to the North West to a high quality UK and international audience.

Representatives from Liverpool Vision will also be attending the island’s business conference, ISLEXPO 2018.

Taking place on May 16, ISLEXPO is free to attend and will include information about funding, and a focus on networking.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said: ’Liverpool and the North West region is a key strategic partner for the Isle of Man, bringing mutual economic opportunities and shared goals of investment and promotion.

’The signing of a new MOU with Liverpool reinforces this ambition and gives us the opportunity to raise awareness of the Isle of Man as a competitive and dynamic place to do business through Liverpool’s flagship International Business Festival.

’As an island we continue to invest in and support businesses at all stages of growth, as well as attract new enterprise.

’Our support for Liverpool Vision and planned participation in the International Business Festival allows us to develop a complementary offering for businesses, binding the expertise and assets of the North West with the skills and talent of the Isle of Man. We have worked together in the past to attract new trade from China and we will continue to collaborate on important initiatives going forward.’

Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, said: ’We have a lot of common interests in areas such as maritime, financial services and tourism, as well as long-standing cultural links.’

Max Steinberg, chief executive of Liverpool Vision, said: ’We’ve established a successful relationship with the Isle of Man in recent years, and the renewal of this Memorandum of Understanding further underlines that. The Isle of Man has developed outstanding expertise in maritime, clean tech, e-Business and aviation, which we see as very complementary to Liverpool’s economic strengths.’