New Hospitality Isle of Man Board established

As mentioned by Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise at the Isle of Man Government Conference 2024, Business Isle of Man and Visit Isle of Man are pleased to announce the development of ‘Hospitality Isle of Man.’ This is a new representative Board for the industry, which aims to provide the sector with one driving voice to promote and develop in the Island.

The Hospitality Isle of Man Board membership encompasses representation from a wide range of local businesses, including cafés, restaurants, pubs, bars, takeaways, and hotels, following the expressions of interest process conducted in July 2024.

The primary objective of the Board is to foster collaboration, enhance food & drink tourism, and proactively address the challenges faced by the sector.

The Board is chaired by Jamie Lewis, Business Isle of Man Board Member and Managing Director at Extra Fancy Ltd, who is joined by the following Members:

• Andrew Gibbs (Jaks Bar & Steak House), Licensed Victuallers Association (LVA) Representative
• Enzo Ciappelli (Enzos Restaurant), Isle of Man Restaurateurs Association Representative
• Ken Kneale (Kneale Ltd.), Licensing Qualification Representative
• Robert Cowell (Bourne Place), Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Representative
• Steven Taylor (Okells Inns Ltd.), Visit Isle of Man Board Member and Okells Inns Representative
• Andrea Bartlett (Shore Hotel Laxey), Independent
• Jamie Blair (Roots), Independent
• Luke Mckeown (Mannin Hotel), Independent
• Robin Mowat (The Boatyard Peel & Vibe Café), Independent
• Rory Dorling (Gelatory), Independent
• Sacha Horsthuis (Cycle 360), Independent
• Vicky Quirk (Victory Cafe), Independent

Tim Cowsill, CEO of Business Isle of Man, Deborah Heather, CEO of Visit Isle of Man, and Robert Hunter, Chef Lecturer at University College Isle of Man, will join the Board as non-voting members.

Jamie Lewis, Managing Director at Extra Fancy Ltd and Chair of Hospitality Isle of Man, commented:

‘We are thrilled with the level of interest we received during the recruitment process, and I would like to thank everyone who applied for the board positions.

‘I am delighted to Chair Hospitality Isle of Man at such a pivotal time for our industry. The formation of this Board marks a significant step towards unifying the diverse voices within our sector, from small independent cafés to larger establishments, and for the first time, bringing together both domestic and tourist-focused hospitality businesses.

‘Hospitality is an industry built on diversity, creativity, and community. It thrives when we work together, and it is essential that our approach is collaborative. By bringing together key industry representatives and independent businesses, I have no doubt that we will create a strong platform for growth and innovation, as well as develop industry-led solutions to current challenges.'

Hospitality Isle of Man will liaise directly with both Business Isle of Man and Visit Isle of Man, Executive Agencies of the Department for Enterprise, to explore opportunities and improvements to the sector and wider economy in the Island.

Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘I am pleased to see the formation of Hospitality Isle of Man, which will provide a unified voice for the sector. By having a direct line with decision makers through both the Visit and Business Agencies, the Board will ensure that the unique challenges and opportunities within the hospitality industry are heard and addressed at the highest levels.

‘The formation of this Board follows the release of the draft Local Economy Strategy, which emphasises the importance of business voices in shaping the future of the Island’s local economy, including hospitality. Additionally, the Board’s work will play a crucial role in supporting the Island’s tourist offering, enhancing the visitor experience and promoting the Isle of Man as a vibrant destination. We look forward to the Board’s input in guiding the sector towards sustainable growth.’

The Board held its first meeting on 5^th September 2024 to agree on its future workstreams and priorities. An outcome from the meeting is the decision to bring back Manx Menu in February 2025 with business entries opening from November 2024.