Meet the Team

Tim Cowsill

Chief Executive

What is your business background?

My first connection with Business IOM and the Department for Enterprise is when I was at university when I worked for the department under the step scheme. After successfully finishing university I then went to work for RBSI on the Island and have worked there under a number of different roles. I then decided that the experience I had gained in the bank put me in a good position to add value to the Business Agency supporting and helping businesses develop.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

It was a no brainer for me to join the Business Agency. I have been such a supporter of Manx businesses that this business development role seemed to fit my skills set. Supporting the domestic economy is a real challenge but the welcome I have had from the sectors I look after has been brilliant. It’s a great job to be the link between government and businesses.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

Like many Isle of Man Residents I am a petrol head. My absolute favourite place and thing to do on the Island is riding my motorbike (Bonnie) up the Sloc (I actually prefer it to the mountain course) then go the long way home via Peel for a crab bap from the breakwater kiosk. Perfection

How can you be contacted?

Tim.Cowsill@gov.im

Kirree Gooberman

Head of Business Development

What is your business background?

Born and educated on the Isle of Man, I joined the merchant navy from school and ran away to sea, qualifying as a Deck Officer through Plymouth University and South Tyneside College. I served worldwide with Shell Tankers on oil, gas and bulk carriers, responsible for navigation and cargo operations; my favourite place to trade was the Far East, exploring Singapore, Vietnam and Japan and enjoying experiencing the cultures, people and food of the region.

Seconded from the Shell Fleet into London head office, I worked in the bustling, frenetic and fast paced environment of the shipping and oil trading floors, working in ship operations and post fixture. I returned to the Isle of Man to work for Shell in Recruitment, Management and Development of their international ship staff, continuing to travel worldwide for recruitment and to facilitate training. During this time I studied a Masters for Business Administration at Warwick University.

After a career break, during which I volunteered on the IOM Food and Drink Festival Committee, I returned to work for Assystem IOM, an engineering service provider in the aerospace industry, initially as Project Manager then as Business Manager for IOM and Prestwick offices. I worked on multiple projects for Airbus, Spirit, Bombardier and Safran, on aircraft including A320, A350, A380, A400M and Global 7000/8000.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency Board?

I joined the DfE in July 2018, as Development Manager for Exports.

I applied for the role as it was a job that really excited me: working in a variety of sectors, with each one interesting in its own right, containing some gems of businesses right here on the Isle of Man.

Within the role I am able to use my skills, knowledge and passion for the Isle of Man to support the sectors and individual businesses to ensure the Isle of Man is a prosperous and vibrant place to live and work.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

Kayaking from Port St Mary to The Sound, exploring the coves and caves around the Chasms.

Stephen Moore

Policy Manager

What is your business background?

35 years in Built Environment related activities involving Architecture, Building Conservation and Planning.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

To make a difference in the quality of the built environment we all experience on the Island.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

Niarbyl.

Rachel Hopkinson

Business Development Manager

What is your business background?

I graduated from the University of Bath in 2017 with a degree in Business. During my four years at Bath I completed two 6-month industry placements. The first was working for a tech start-up company in London where I was Junior Marketing Manager. The second was a dual-role at SMP Partners (now Suntera Global) in the Isle of Man where I spent half of my time in the eGaming licensing team, and the other as a Marketing and Communications Assistant.

Following this, I returned to the Isle of Man to work as I secured an ACA training contract with PwC. Here I worked in the audit team and completed my certificate level of ACA studies.

In October 2018, I joined the Department for Enterprise Marketing team. I worked for a short time as the Marketing Executive for the Business Agency before moving to the Enterprise Team to develop my management skills and gain a broad overview of the work going on within the Department. In this role I primarily assisted the Department’s Enterprise Support team, promoting their range of financial assistance schemes to local businesses. I also supported Central Registry and other overarching Department initiatives.

In 2020 the opportunity came up within Business Isle of Man for a Business Development role looking after Retail, Hospitality & Leisure just before COVID-19 hit. During the pandemic I was seconded to support with financial schemes to businesses and then later was involved in Economic Recovery Projects.

I had a year out towards the end of 2022 to have my first child, and have since returned to Business Isle of Man in a slightly new role, now looking after the Engineering & Manufacturing businesses, including those in the Cleantech space.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

I am passionate about making a difference to living, working and investing in the Isle of Man. I wanted to take this role within Business Isle of Man as I care about supporting businesses and making a change.

I am also a people person with a customer-oriented approach who sees the value in collaborating, developing relationships and listening to feedback.

I enjoy the variety between account management, business development and policy work which the role brings. Supporting my existing accounts as well as new businesses that are considering calling the Island ‘home’ in some way excites me, and I hope that I can make their experience of working with Government a positive one.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

I love the South of the Island. You’ll find me on Port Erin beach playing with my little girl, or watching the sunset from Foraging Vintners.

Rob Green

Business Development Manager

What is your business background?

Before joining the Business Agency, I worked as a finance and operations manager within the e-gaming industry. Prior to that, I was the co-owner of a retail business selling on Island and online.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

I enjoy learning about creative, product-oriented businesses and I am eager to play an active role in ensuring the Island has a resilient and diversified economy.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

Glen Roy in Lonan

Katy Ashwell

Development Coordinator

What is your business background?

I moved to the Isle of Man in 2012 while working in the private sector for an IT company. In October 2018 I joined the Department working for Visit Isle of Man. This was a varied role working with the tourism industry on the island, and my primary focus was supporting visitor accommodation businesses.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

When an opportunity arose in the Business Agency I was excited by the diversity of the sectors they work with and the new challenge this would provide.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

I love the variety of landscapes you can find so close together here. Drive for 20 minutes and the scenery can change so dramatically. However, and I am biased as I am fortunate to live down that way, but my favourite spot on the island is Port Erin beach.

Hira Modan-Kherati

Marketing Manager

What is your business background?

Having studied Marketing as a specialisation for my MBA degree I joined Procter & Gamble Pakistan as an Assistant Brand Manager on their flagship babycare brand Pampers and worked on driving market share and category awareness as well as launching a brand re-stage. After 2 years with P&G I moved to Guernsey, where I joined Specsavers Optical Group as an Assistant Marketing Manager for their stores in the East and West Midlands region. In 2014, I moved to Dubai and took a career break to focus on my family.

What was your inspiration for joining the business agency?

After relocating to the Isle of Man in 2021, I successfully interviewed for the role of Marketing Executive for the Department for Enterprise's Digital Agency. I have developed great respect and appreciation for on Island businesses while working in the Department for Enterprise and I opted to move to Business Isle of Man in July 2022 to focus more closely on promoting the Island's export focused businesses.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

The Island's beauty is beyond words but my favourite spot has to be where I spent the longest time after relocating. Groudle Glen, with its meandering walk along the river, miniature railway and a lovely picnic at Sea Lion Rocks (with an ice cream in hand) has to be my favourite.

Clare Townsend

Marketing Executive

What is your business background?

I studied Business and Management at Durham University, where I gained a strong foundation in business principles and developed my interest in Marketing. Between my second and final year, I undertook a summer placement at Greenlight Television, assisting with social media for its various motorsport channels. During my final year at university, I continued working for Greenlight through weekly social media management and worked as a Production Assistant over the Isle of Man TT Races, which were being filmed live for the first time. After graduating, I joined Greenlight full-time in a Marketing and Sales role. In 2023, I moved to the Department for Enterprise as a Marketing Executive for Locate Isle of Man.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

I joined Business Isle of Man in July 2024 and was thrilled to become part of a team dedicated to supporting the Island’s business community. I was inspired by the opportunity to work across such a wide variety of sectors and play a role in helping local businesses to thrive.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

My favourite spots in the Isle of Man have to be the south of the Island. I especially love Port Erin Beach, and the walk from Fleshwick to Bradda Head is another favourite.

Steve Pickett

Chair

What is your business background?

My career in logistics began in 1988, as an 18 year old. Initially as a driver, then moving into the transport planning department, promoted to a management position and a sales development role responsible for establishing the Isle of Man as a key territory. During this period, I worked with many local retailers, wholesalers, many of the Island's existing businesses and was offered a Directorship with my employer then in 1997.

Over the next 3 years I developed a national UK home delivery service for a major mail-order retailer and national delivery service to a high street retailer, from which I gained a valuable insight of what large organisations require from a logistics partner. Establishing Trade distribution Limited (TDL) in 2000, which is part of the H&B Group of Companies, TDL is now recognised as one of the leading freight operators in the Isle of Man, with several operating centres running multiple contracts in the UK and employing over 100 staff. During my time with H&B, I have also worked closely with my fellow colleagues in hospitality, wholesale drinks & brewing, convenience & forecourt retailing, where I have been able to develop a deep knowledge of the local markets.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business IOM Board?

Having spent the past 30 years connected in one way or another with the Isle of Man and resident for almost 20 years, the Island has played a major part in my life and lifestyle. My wife and I have raised three children who have benefited from all that the Island has to offer and I am very grateful for the business opportunities that have developed from my decision to move to the Island all those years ago. Now is the time that I am ready to give something back, if I can help in any way to make this beautiful place even more attractive to those who are already living and operating here, or if I can influence and promote economic growth for the benefit of all, then I am willing to give up some of my time. With the blessing and support of H&B, I hope that I can assist the Business Isle of Man Agency with their endeavours to support island businesses to sustain future growth and prosperity, and through collaboration with my fellow board members, ensure that the Isle of Man fulfills its potential.

What is your favourite thing about doing business on the Island?

The Isle of Man has provided me with many opportunities, but not just locally. Through contacts made here, we have developed a significant UK logistics network, in fact the UK is now the largest regional sector of my business. Without the loyalty and support I have been shown from the Islands businesses, this may never have happened. The great thing about doing business locally, you are often dealing with business owners and leaders, who know what they want and who would prefer to deal with a local operator. I meet with my customers on a regular basis and don’t have too far to travel to see them.

What is the Island's best-kept secret?

The Island's best-kept secret is its natural beauty. I often take a ride on my motorcycle, traveling down valleys and over mountains, the views are just stunning.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

There are so many fantastic views on the Island but one of my favourites is looking out to sea on the west coast from Dalby or Niarbyl.

Alex Fray

Biomed & Medicinal Cannabis

What is your business background?

Alex is the CEO and Founder of Grow Lab Organics (GLO), the first IOM based medicinal cannabis company to be approved in principle by the regulator. Prior to GLO, Alex spent two decades working in regulated financial services industries in the UK and IOM at C-suite level taking in start-ups, SMEs and PLCs along the way.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business IOM Board?

Effective collaboration between the public and private sectors is the key to unlocking economic growth on the island. The Agency model enables exactly that, so the opportunity to join the Business Agency Board - which incidentally represents the largest and most diverse part of the Manx economy - was extremely attractive.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

White Strand beach - hard to find, deserted, 1/2 kilometre of sand, stunningly beautiful, dreamy sunsets and perfect for wild camping.

Brian Butler

Construction

What is your business background?

I have always been in construction. I am a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a Member of the Association of Project Managers. I am a partner at Bell Burton Associates, Chartered Quantity Surveyors, Construction Cost Consultants and Project Managers having joined the practice in 1990 from university.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business IOM Board?

I have a strong desire to give back to a sector that has provided for me and help develop an efficient and vibrant construction sector. Having been the first Chair of Construction Isle of Man I saw the huge benefits Construction Isle of Man brought to the economy, particularly during the Covid pandemic, and realised that a seat on the Business IOM Board could help the Island achieve the aims of a growing, successful economy. Construction is the foundation of any economy and the catalyst to prosperity. Working with Business IOM I hope to influence the strategies to promote development and cut unnecessary bureaucracy to achieve these aims.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

Home is where the heart is - in my kitchen cooking with a nice bottle of very cold wine.

Christian Murphy

Entrepreneurship

What is your business background?

I studied Chinese and Korean at London University followed by 25 years in Asia trading cashmere, alpaca and mohair and established manufacturing companies in Beijing, London and now Isle of Man.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business IOM Board?

I hope to bring energy and fresh thinking and contribute towards achieving the business goals of the Island’s economy.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

There are many, on two wheels would be the Sloc, and on foot Laxey and Maughold Head are particular favourites.

Dave Hester

Engineering & Manufacturing

What is your business background?

My background is all engineering related. Since graduating in Mechanical Engineering in the mid 1980’s, I’ve had roles from pure R&D through to design and manufacturing; and I'm now the managing director of Swagelok Limited, an Isle of Man company employing 240 people working across all of these engineering disciplines.

I’ve worked for large multinational companies as well as smaller start-ups; and across several sectors from aerospace to food and drink; and in several countries. I’ve lived and worked on the Isle of Man for almost 20 years and have chaired the Chamber of Commerce Engineering and Manufacturing committee for seven of those, been a Director of Bladon Jets; and currently a Director of Junior Achievement, a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the IMechE, a Chartered Director and FIoD.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Isle of Man Board?

The Island’s engineering & manufacturing sector has had a strong partnership with Government over the past several years which has resulted in several businesses growing; and an expansion of the vocational training programmes being supported at UCM and in the schools. I see this public/private partnership as a good way to align the needs of industry and Government and form strategies and policies that are mutually beneficial.

Business Isle of Man is a vehicle for expanding this partnership across several sectors that are all important to the economic success of the island. I think that my skills, background and interests will enable me to make a useful contribution to the Board.

What is your favourite thing about doing business on the Island?

The Island offers a rare combination of natural beauty and accessibility to the countryside with the ability to find challenging and interesting roles in world-class businesses. It has a unique history and values its heritage but can also be bold an innovative in its approach to new business opportunities.

Findlay Macleod

Food Production

Ieda Gomes Yell

Cleantech

What is your business background?

My background is in energy, environment and business development. I graduated in Chemical Engineering, followed by a post graduation in Environmental Engineering and an MSc in Energy. I’ve worked for a large multinational energy company and was the CEO of the largest gas utility in Brazil. Over the last 13 years I have acted as a non-executive board director at companies in Brazil, United Kingdom, USA, Central America, France, Singapore and the Isle of Man. I’ve lived in the Isle of Man for almost 7.5 years and have been quite active as a director and contributor. I am involved with not for profit organisations promoting Diversity and Inclusion, Governance and Energy Transition. I am also a Visiting Fellow of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies and a member of the Superior Council of the Sao Paulo Federation of Industries. I am a Non-Executive Director of the Institute of Directors (UK), a Fellow of the Energy Institute (UK) and a Senior Accredited Director at the Singapore Insititute of Directors. 

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Isle of Man Board?

I believe the Isle of Man is a great place to live and to do business and it is everyone's responsibility to contribute to the Island's economy and to raise its profile internationally. In order to achieve that goal we need to develop strategies to develop local talent and attract people from other regions worldwide and promote the Island as a safe and thriving business jurisdiction. Therefore joining the Business IOM Board was a great opportunity to contribute to that vision and promote the Island to a larger audience.

What is your favourite thing about doing business on the Island?

I really love walking and trekking down the glens and also visiting the magnificent Chasms, with its great variety of birds and seals. Niarbyl beach is another wonderful and peaceful place, with its quaint thatched houses  and million-old rock formations. It is also a real treat for myself, family and friends to have a special dinner on the Steam Dining Car every year. 

Ollie Neale

Drink Production

Richard Frear

Local Economy - Large retail

What is your business background?

In my 34 years working for Tesco, I have had the opportunity to learn about retailing in Large and Convenience businesses across the UK including Wales, The West Country and London. This has allowed me to contribute to both the Tesco organisation and work with local businesses and communities to support and grow local economies. I am delighted to be able to bring this experience to Business IOM and support business development across the Isle of Man.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business IOM Board?

To be able to represent Tesco on the Board is a great pleasure and privilege. As I learn more about the Isle of Man, I feel well placed to bring a positive contribution to the local economy and Island. I look forward to working with other Board Members, generating ideas and plans that encourage prosperous careers and development for individuals on the Isle of Man, supporting a great place to live and work.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

I have family connections to the Island so have many fond memories albeit a day at the beach in Port Erin is hard to beat! I am a keen runner and have participated in Race the Sun twice, so I have run a few of the beautiful routes on the Isle of Man and look forward to finding many more!

Scott Pearse

Local Economy - Small Retail Businesses

What is your business background?

Scott is a scientist by background and made the move from academia to industry 20 years ago. He has worked for multinationals in the USA, Europe and the UK in a number of technical roles from analytics to data science. Scott returned to the Isle of Man in 2015 to join the Business Intelligence Department at PokerStars, later working there as their Head of Data Science and a Business Intelligence consultant. In parallel, Scott and his wife Claire set up Element Isle in 2018 to bring Claire's jewellery designs to a wider audience. Since shifting his full focus to Element Isle in 2020, they have brought their collective knowledge together to grow their business from grass roots into an established brand with followers worldwide.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business IOM Board?

Through the ongoing growth of Element Isle, we've encountered and overcome various challenges, many of which are shared by other small and retail businesses on the Isle of Man. Common themes include the complexities and nuances of operating a business here, and also issues regarding the import and export of small to medium volumes, which often differs significantly from handling larger, palletised freight. There are also other creatives on the island, yet these individuals and their contributions are often under-represented. This contrasts with other islands where creative industries are not only promoted but are also pivotal in defining their unique visitor economy. There is an opportunity for the Isle of Man to redefine itself as a destination by embracing and celebrating our distinctiveness and the unique qualities that make us special.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

It has to be the west coast looking south from Dalby and Niarbyl. The dramatic hills plunging into the sea and uninterrupted sunsets over the horizon.

Tim Cowsill

Business Isle of Man, Chief Executive

What is your business background?

My first connection with Business IOM and the Department for Enterprise is when I was at university when I worked for the department under the step scheme. After successfully finishing university I then went to work for RBSI on the Island and have worked there under a number of different roles. I then decided that the experience I had gained in the bank put me in a good position to add value to the Business Agency supporting and helping businesses develop.

What was your inspiration for joining the Business Agency?

It was a no brainer for me to join the Business Agency. I have been such a supporter of Manx businesses that this business development role seemed to fit my skills set. Supporting the domestic economy is a real challenge but the welcome I have had from the sectors I look after has been brilliant. It’s a great job to be the link between government and businesses.

Where is your favourite spot on the Island?

Like many Isle of Man Residents I am a petrol head. My absolute favourite place and thing to do on the Island is riding my motorbike (Bonnie) up the Sloc (I actually prefer it to the mountain course) then go the long way home via Peel for a crab bap from the breakwater kiosk. Perfection

How can you be contacted?

Tim.Cowsill@gov.im

Hira Modan-Kherati*

Business Isle of Man, Marketing Manager

Andy Stewart*

Interim Chief Officer, Department for Enterprise