Business Isle of Man is at the forefront of driving sustainable economic growth and fostering global connections for the island. Kiree Gooberman, Head of Business Development, discusses their strategic vision and upcoming participation at the Interceltic Business Forum.
Business Isle of Man plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of the Isle of Man, serving as both a decision-maker and advisory body for sectors involved in exporting goods and services.
As an Executive Agency within the Department for Enterprise, it acts as a bridge between businesses and the government, fostering long-term sustainable economic growth through strong public-private partnerships. With the Isle of Man being a UNESCO Biosphere, the agency also highlights the island’s commitment to sustainability.
We caught up with Kiree Gooberman, Head of Business Development, just days before the Interceltic Business Forum to discuss these exciting developments.
Business Isle of Man is an Executive Agency within the Department for Enterprise, functioning as a public/private partnership. It plays a critical role as both a decision maker and advisory body for sectors involved in exporting physical goods and related services from the Isle of Man, as well as those operating within the local economy.
The agency acts as a direct link between businesses and the government, aiming to create an environment that fosters long-term sustainable economic growth. This is achieved by leveraging strong partnerships with the private sector to harness the Island’s expertise, creativity, and global connections.
It was a significant moment for the Isle of Man when, in 2016, it was admitted to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Biospheres connect people to the world around them, prompting awareness, care and action. This has never been more important. Our membership of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme affords us the chance to collaborate with, and learn from, other Biospheres worldwide, and they to learn from us, as we all seek sustainable solutions.
All Biospheres have two things in common: a special environment and a population committed to keeping it that way. Our Biosphere status celebrates what makes us special and tells the world we care about it, have a conscience and are committed to sustaining it. Islands need to be more self-reliant than other jurisdictions, establish a local perspective on sustainability and find local solutions to challenges. As an ‘entire nation’ Biosphere, the Isle of Man can work collectively to tackle issues that threaten sustainability and find balanced but innovative solutions that can be implemented locally and contribute globally.
The Island has a vibrant and diverse economy for its size, that supports both traditional and emerging sectors. Key sectors include agriculture, retail, hospitality, construction, financial services, digital technologies and advanced manufacturing.
Attending is crucial for several reasons. First, it provides the opportunity for the exchange of ideas and best practices with other Celtic nations, which leads to valuable partnerships and collaborations. It also allows us to showcase the Isle of Man’s unique position as a UNESCO Biosphere, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Finding balanced solutions to economic and environmental challenges, is a message that resonates on both a local and global scale, and it is fantastic to have this opportunity to explore this area further, to build relationships, learn from one another and identify opportunities where we can work together.
As we look forward to the Interceltic Business Forum, the insights and opportunities shared by speakers like Kirree are invaluable for driving economic growth and collaboration among the Celtic nations.
Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this dynamic event. Join us on August 12th in Lorient to network, learn, and help shape the future of our interconnected economies.
Sign up now and be a part of this exciting journey!
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