Hoped to create 'unified voice' for the sector
Government's announced a new board aiming to tackle issues faced by the hospitality industry.
It's the latest support measure for the sector announced by the Department for Enterprise.
The 'primary objectives' of the Hospitality Isle of Man Board are said to be fostering collaboration, enhancing food and drink tourism and proactively addressing the challenges facing the sector.
Experts from across the industry have been appointed, including cafés, restaurants, pubs, bars, takeaways and hotels following the expression of interest process which was carried out in July.
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, Chief Executive of Business Isle of Man, Deborah Heather, Chief Executive of Visit Isle of Man, and Robert Hunter, Chef Lecturer at University College Isle of Man, will join the board as non-voting members.
Minister Tim Johnston revealed the plans at this year's Isle of Man Government Conference (17 September).
He said: "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."
Chair Jamie Lewis said: "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.
"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.
"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."
The board held its first meeting on 5 September where it decided to bring back the Manx Menu contest - which took pace for the first time earlier this year.
It saw members of the public vote for their favourite local business to celebrate the Isle of Man's chefs, mixologists, waiting-on staff, producers, growers and suppliers.
It'll take place in February 2025 with business entries opening from November 2024.
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