Isle of Man Newspapers is giving its readers the opportunity to help our island’s economy.

There are so many advantages to living in the Isle of Man.

We know about the wonderful countryside and beaches, the low crime rates, the strong community, the low income tax and our short commutes to work.

There are a lots of jobs too. Our unemployment figures are low - but there is a downside to that.

It means companies - and some public sector organisations such as the health service - are finding it hard to recruit skilled staff.

That has a big knock-on effect for everyone.

It means longer waiting lists for services and it means that the economy’s growth is thwarted so the amount of tax gathered is lower than it could be if we were able to fill all the jobs.

That means you pay more tax than you might if those jobs were filled.

We must never be complacent. We need to attract more businesses to the Isle of Man to bolster our economy and give us an even more secure future.

Inside last week’s Courier there was a giant poster-style pullout - called Destination Isle of Man - that outlined the many advantages of living here, which was part of an initiative from the Department of Economic Development led by Minister Laurence Skelly MHK and interim chief executive Mark Lewin.

Now, after readers asked whether the information could be provided on the internet, we have created an online version.

It’s here http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk//launch.aspx?pbid=c7ec6c5f-a6be-4542-b2f9-ae49a7dc8828

Mr Skelly tells Destination Isle of Man: ’We’re always happy to hear from anyone thinking about moving their operation here and have a team of business development managers equipped to help anyone wishing to relocate.’

The Courier encouraged people to post Destination Isle of Man to friends and family elsewhere in the world who might be attracted to live and work in the Isle of Man.

The Isle of Man Post Office has kindly agreed to bag the Courier’s paper versions of Destination Isle of Man and post them for you.

All you have to do is fill in the name and address of anyone you think might be attracted to the Isle of Man in the space provided.

Then put it into any post box and the Post Office will do the rest.

Now, if you support this initative, you can send the link to friends and family who might be interested in moving to the island by email, on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social networks.

Chris Allen, the new president of the Chamber of Commerce, said: ’It is vital that we do everything we can to boost the Manx economy for the benefit of everyone. We hope this initiative will attract just the sort of people we need to help the island to thrive.’

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK said: ’Our island offers a unique combination of economy prosperity and quality of life.’

A lot of private sector companies have backed Destination Isle of Man and Isle of Man Newspapers would like to acknowledge that and thank them. We can only apologise to those we’ve not been able to fit in.

However, we are planning to produce another one at Christmas. Perhaps you’ll be able to persuade family members to stay when they’re visiting then.

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk//launch.aspx?pbid=c7ec6c5f-a6be-4542-b2f9-ae49a7dc8828