Event held on the Isle of Man was the first in a series of monthly sector forums and each one will focus on a different sector of the respective economies and business opportunities of Wirral and the island

Wirral Chamber of Commerce has held its first joint event with the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce – the first in a new series of monthly sector forums taking place on the island.

Each forum will focus on a different sector of the respective economies and business opportunities of Wirral and the island, and both chambers objectives will enable businesses to share ideas, create collaboration and benefit from networking.

The first sector forum – Manufacturing and Engineering – took place at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre in Douglas and was attended by organisations and companies from both Wirral and the Isle of Man.

A number of Wirral Chamber of Commerce members made the short journey across the Irish Sea to participate in discussions and to hear presentations, including Machfab Engineering, Proform Laser, Wabtec Faiveley, Liverpool John Moores University, Cammell Laird, Manufacturing Technology Centre, Wirral Met College, Goodwin Electronics and Hoist UK.

Paul Jordan, technical director of lifting & handling equipment designers, distributors and manufacturer, Hoist UK, said: “This was very a worthwhile event and presented us with opportunities through the new links formed and a clear understanding of the Manx manufacturing sector.

“We will be very happy to work closely with Wirral Chamber of Commerce to develop supply chain and engineering contacts within the Manufacturing and Engineering forum.”

Paula Basnett, chief executive of Wirral Chamber, added: “This was an excellent beginning to what we see as building a strong, long term relationship developing with the island.”