Mediaboss Marketing

07 March 2012

The Isle of Man's Economic Development Minister John Shimmin has highlighted the recent tax relief measure introduced to stimulate economic and employment growth on the island which will provide National Insurance Contribution exemptions for new hires.

From April 6, 2012, an employer will be able to apply to the Assessor of Income Tax for exemption from having to pay the secondary National Insurance Contributions where certain conditions are met, namely: the employment must be of an employee that has not been connected to the entity in the last two years; employment must last at least twelve months and be for at least 30 hours a week; and staffing levels must exceed that in the previous year. Employers must also be up to date in terms of payment of Income Tax Instalment Payments and National Insurance Contributions. The scheme is to run for a period of two years.

Welcoming the boost the measure will give to the island's economy, Shimmin said: "The Treasury are to be applauded for introducing this scheme. I believe it will boost the islands competitiveness as a location for business and is another tool we can use to encourage economic growth."

He added: "Coupled with the existing support the Department offers to businesses, such as the Financial Assistance Scheme, the new National Insurance initiative can help achieve the main priorities that I have outlined for the Department, namely: supporting existing businesses in the island to ensure their continued presence and development; encouraging new businesses to establish in the Isle of Man; identifying and pursuing the development of new business sectors; and promoting the Isle of Man as a world class international business centre."

Chief Executive of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, Mike Hennessy, added: "[The] Chamber has supported this type of initiative in prior discussions with Treasury and as such welcomes the move. Every economy around the world has its challenges presently and any move to encourage job creation aligned with ongoing economic prosperity will be well received on the island."

See original here:
IoM Employment Tax Holiday Begins From April

by Martin Norbury

The Chief Executive of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA), Simon Osborne FCIS, Solicitor, visited the Island earlier this week. As well as seeing the House of Keys in action, Mr Osborne met with the Chief Minister and key government department representatives and relevant bodies, as well as addressing and meeting ICSA IOM members and students.

Simon Osborne said, It was very useful to learn more about the Island first hand, and to meet some of the 200 qualified Chartered Secretaries and over 250 ICSA students in the Isle of Man. We want to forge stronger links with our members on the island and one of the main purposes of my visit was to find out what is important to them and what further support we can offer. Were asking members to tell us what they think our priorities should be so that we can work together to build a strong future for ICSA. Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK said: The Isle of Man has a successful and diversified economy and organisations such as the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators enhance our reputation as a professional and well-regulated international business centre.

Gillian Prestwich, ICSA IOM Chairman, We were delighted Simon was able to make this visit. Chartered Secretaries here operate in different legislative environs compared to the UK, so were very pleased that the ICSA are keen to understand our roles better, and the need for relevant ongoing training opportunities.

http://www.icsaiom.org

-ENDS-

If you'd like to send any information or news releases to us then please feel free to do so and we would be more than happy to consider sharing your news with the Isle of Man!

Send your Isle of Man news to:webmaster@manx.net

Manx Telecom Ltd 2012

Manx Telecom Ltd, Isle of Man Business Park, Cooil Road, Braddan, Isle of Man IM99 1HX Registered in the Isle of Man Reg no.5629V Vat Reg no GB 003-2919-12

Go here to see the original:
ICSA Chief Executive visits Isle of Man

by Manx Rally Media

Mark Higgins, one of the foremost names in the world of rallying, has accepted an invitation from Rally Isle of Man to become the events first Patron.

Amongst his many claims to fame, Manxman Mark, now based in Wales, holds the record for most victories on the event, uniquely including wins in Formula 2, World Rally Car and Production eras that helped land three British Rally Championship crowns.

His five victories started in 2000, but it was stellar drives on his home rally as far back as the early 1990s that helped make his name and set him on the path that has seen him drive with factory teams for Vauxhall, Nissan, Renault, Ford, Volkswagen.

John Gill, Rally Isle of Man Chairman is delighted that Mark has accepted the role. We are proud to have a Manxman accept the position as our first Patron, and it will be a huge boost for the event to have our own local hero, synonymous with this event, at the top of the letterhead.

More importantly Marks knowledge and experience will hopefully prove a terrific sounding board for the exciting ideas we are currently working on, and who knows, we may even encourage him into a car come September!

Mark has welcomed the opportunity to take on the role.

The Manx has always been a very special event for me and the reason I was lucky enough to fulfil my dream to become a professional drive.

This is a great honour and I hope we can all work hard to get the event back to where it deserves to be, as one of the most unique and best tarmac rally's in the world.

Go here to read the rest:
Mark Higgins Becomes First Rally Isle of Man Patron

by Stephen Ritch

The Rt.Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst MP is to be guest speaker at the Isle of Man Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) dinner on Tuesday, March 13.

Conservative MP for Saffron Walden since 1977 Sir Alan chairs the UK CPA and in July 2011 was elected chairperson of the CPA international executive committee. Knighted in 1995 he is a former deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and has spoken of the need for the CPA to focus on the diverse and complex issues facing island states and smaller branches.

The self-funded event, with a guest list of present and former CPA members, will be held at the Claremont Hotel and include entertainment provided by the senior guitar ensemble from the Isle of Man Department of Education and Childrens music service.

While in the Island Sir Alan will visit the Legislative Buildings where he will be given a tour of Tynwald Court conducted by the President of Tynwald the Hon Clare Christian MLC and of the House of Keys led by the Speaker, Hon Steve Rodan MHK, during which the Tynwald voice recognition transcription technology will be demonstrated. Sir Alan will also meet with the executive committee of the Isle of Man branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and visit Tynwald Hill and the Royal Chapel at St Johns.

CPA Isle of Man branch chairman Mr Juan Watterson MHK said: We are honoured to welcome Sir Alan to the Isle of Man following his election as CPA international executive committee chairperson. He brings strong leadership and direction to the association at a time of change across the Commonwealth and we very much look forward to what, I am sure, will be an insightful speech.

-ENDS-

If you'd like to send any information or news releases to us then please feel free to do so and we would be more than happy to consider sharing your news with the Isle of Man!

Send your Isle of Man news to:webmaster@manx.net

Manx Telecom Ltd 2012

Original post:
UK CPA Chair To Be Guest Speaker at Isle of Man CPA Commonwealth Day Dinner

The decision caused outrage among Liberal Democrat supporters, many of whom are students. A call to increase the cost of being a student by hundreds of pounds through the introduction of council tax is likely to prove deeply unpopular.

It is understood that the Conservatives are strongly opposed to ending the student exemption on council tax.

The Liberal Democrats have been broadly criticised over the issue of tuition fees, after reneging on pre-election promises not to raise university charges.

While in opposition, leader Nick Clegg pledged to abandon the fees altogether and won the support of thousands of students across Britain.

Before the election, he signed a promise not to raise tuition fees, saying unequivocally: We want to abolish tuition fees. We think they're wrong.

But after joining the coalition government, he claimed the economic situation forced him to accept the rise.

His party signed up to government policy allowing institutions to charge up to 9,000 pounds a year, a change which saw student fees rocket.

Tens of thousands of students took to the streets to protest against the rise, wielding effigies and placards accusing the Lib Dem leader of conning them.

He later admitted he had not been able to deliver the policy that we held in opposition and blamed the financial situation for the change.

At the time, Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman ridiculed Mr Clegg, claiming he had hawked his way around university campuses seeking student votes ahead of the general election.

Go here to see the original:
Students should face paying council tax, Lib Dems say