Karen visits the Isle of Man

Tynwald - the oldest parliament in the world

As a frequent visitor to the Isle of Man, Karen was delighted to return to the island when invited by Tynwald, the Isle of Man Parliament. Did you know Tynwald is over 1000 years old and the oldest continuous parliament in the world?   

Citywealth has had close ties with the Isle of Man ever since the company was founded in 2005. The island's excellence in the financial sector has been recognised by many Citywealth awards over the years.

                 

During the busy two day trip, organised by the Finance Isle of Man-an executive agency of the Department for Enterprise, Karen had the    opportunity to learn about new initiatives to attract jobs and businesses to the island.

It was also a good opportunity to strengthen relationships and promote the excellence of the Isle of Man as an International Financial Centre globally.

The oldest shipping company in the world

Amongst the key figures Karen met, was Peter Greenhill, member of Tynwald, to discuss developments, including the new £78 m ferry from the Steam Packet company. Founded in 1830, The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Ltd is the oldest continuously operating passenger shipping company in the world.

Isle of Man Powerwoman

Karen also met up with Joanna Crookall, CEO of Ramsey Crookall, the Isle of Man’s longest established independent firm of stockbrokers and investment managers founded 70 years ago. She was greatly impressed by Joanna’s long list of achievements and her dedication to her career. She declared her to be a true Powerwoman - an inspiring example in female leadership.

Orchid plants and rain forests

During a meeting with John Hunter,  who is a Board Member of the Isle of Man Finance Agency and was formerly Head of Banking and Fiduciaries; is a trustee at The Manx Wildlife Trust and also a Non Executive Director at Cherry Godfrey an insurance and lending business in Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Wight, Karen was interested to hear all about orchid fields and the plans from Aviva to replant the first temperate rain forests as part of a wider strategy with £100 million being invested globally. 

Insurtech

As the insurance sector accounts for 22.4% of the island's economy, Karen was particularly interested to catch up with the latest developments within that sector and hearing about new initiatives with insurtech. She was expertly guided through the topic by Simon Pickering, head of insurance and pensions in the Department for Enterprise.

 When most business meetings are conducted remotely these days, Karen's time and effort to engage in face to face meetings was much appreciated by the government of the Isle of Man and its business community.

Hee'm oo dy gerrid! We believe it means See you soon! in Manx 😊