Representatives of Wirral Chamber were invited by the Isle of Man Chamber to be guests at its annual gala dinner, at which Chris Allen was inaugurated as the Isle of Man chamber’s new president

Wirral Chamber of Commerce is looking to forge closer economic ties with the Isle of Man after meeting with officials from the Island.

Representatives of Wirral Chamber were invited by the Isle of Man Chamber to be guests at its annual gala dinner, at which Chris Allen was inaugurated as the Isle of Man chamber’s new president.  

A Memorandum of Understanding agreement already exists between the two chambers from which new business and investment opportunities between Wirral and the Isle of Man will be developed.

It was agreed a further meeting would take place in October with a reciprocal visit to Wirral by the Isle of Man Chamber and Manx Government officials planned for November.

In the past couple of years the Isle of Man has stepped up its efforts to attract new investment to the island and has also signed agreements with Liverpool City Council and trade body Mersey Maritime.

Mr Allen said: “Our core theme is collaboration between businesses and local government here on the Isle of Man and also extends to the British Chambers of Commerce, particularly Wirral Chamber of Commerce, with whom we already have established links we wish to strengthen this year to the mutual benefit of our respective members.”

Wirral Chamber chief executive Paula Basnett said: “From our discussions it is clear that we both share a common goal, and by working together we can strengthen the links created which will support both organisations in moving forward.”

Wirral Chamber has also signed up Liverpool John Lennon Airport as a “patron member”, helping Wirral tap into the opportunities offered by the airport’s expansion plans.

Ms Basnett added: “It is very important that as Wirral and the Liverpool city region moves forward with investment and development plans we continue to discuss with our key organisations how, together, we can build a strong and vibrant future for the area.

“Our relationship with Liverpool John Lennon Airport has been excellent and now, as a Wirral Chamber Patron Member, by working closer we can develop this partnership even further.”