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Doing business & staying in touch

Businesspeople are generally expected to dress smartly (suits are the norm). Appointments should be made and the exchange of business cards is customary. A knowledge of English is essential.

Office hours: 

Mon-Fri 0900-1700/1800.

Economy: 

The island's economy relies principally on tourism and financial services attracted by banking secrecy laws that render assets deposited on the island less vulnerable to disclosure requirements than those on the mainland. Taxation rates are also, on the whole, lower than those of the UK. There is a small agricultural and fishing sector, and limited manufacturing. Financial incentives offered to film and television producers have led to an increase in the number of major productions shot on the island in recent years. The island has also attracted online gambling sites.

The unemployment rate was a mere 1.5% in 2006, and growth was a healthy 5.2% in 2005.
Seating is available for up to 1,500 persons, although facilities on the island lend themselves very well to meetings of 100 persons or less. All conference hotels have superb back-up services. For further information, contact the Department of Tourism (see Contact Addresses).

GDP: 

US$2.7 billion (2005).

Main exports: 

Tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, beef and lamb.

Main imports: 

Timber, fertilisers and fish.

Main trading partners: 

UK.

Mobile phone: 

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.

Internet: 

There are a number of Internet cafés on the island.

Post: 

Services are administered by Isle of Man Post, which issues its own postage stamps.

Post office hours: 

vary, but most are open Mon-Fri 0900-1730 and Sat 0900-1230. Some have half days on Wed or Thurs.

Media: 

Local papers include the Isle of Man Courier, the Manx Independent and the Isle of Man Examiner. Local radio stations include Manx Radio, Energy FM and 3FM. There are no TV stations based on the Isle of Man; residents can receive UK channels.

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