Business Isle of Man & Visit Isle of Man Chairs Announced

The Department for Enterprise has announced the appointment of two Chairs to lead its new executive agencies, Business Isle of Man and Visit Isle of Man.

Stephen Bradley MBE will take on the role of non-executive Chair for Business Isle of Man, while Ranald Caldwell takes on the same role for Visit Isle of Man.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise said:

‘I am delighted that such highly respected and successful individuals have been appointed to lead these two agencies, which collectively cover sectors providing employment for around 20,000 people in the Isle of Man.

‘The appointments of Stephen and Ranald will give us the necessary influence and guidance to help drive the work of the agencies to enable the economy to thrive and to support key sectors in our industry.

‘The creation of these new roles and the further appointments to be announced in the near future have been achieved on a cost-neutral basis as part of a re-focused department better equipped to deliver the needs of the economy and businesses in the Isle of Man.’

Stephen Bradley MBE has had an extensive career in retailing and property development and has been a long term supporter of the Chamber of Commerce through various committees including the main council and as lead for its Retail Committee. Stephen will be standing down from these other commitments to support the agency.

In 2014 Stephen was awarded an MBE for his services to the retail sector and the wider community in the Island.

Stephen Bradley, Chair, Business Isle of Man commented:

‘I am looking forward to the challenge of helping to forge a new structure that supports business by working closely with business, incubating new ideas and supporting existing organisations. The Business Agency is perhaps the most diverse of the new agency structures containing sectors involved in the export of physical goods such as precision manufacturing and BioMed, through to associated domestic-facing sectors that are vital to the functioning of a successful economy such as construction and retail.

Before retiring in 2013, Ranald Caldwell held a variety of senior roles in banking and financial services, latterly with Lloyds Bank International and the Bank of Scotland International, and has a strong strategic and operational background with experience on several International boards. In recognition for his services to banking Ranald was made a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers in Scotland in 2007.

Ranald is on the board of the Erin Arts Centre and is often seen welcoming guests and artists to the renowned Mananan International Festival in Port Erin. He has also been a walking leader with a UK-based walking company and has supported Isle of Man Blue Badge Tour guides with walks for cruise visitors. Ranald is also a volunteer with the Isle of Man Civil Defence, which supports all the major Island sporting events.

Ranald Caldwell, Chair, Visit Isle of Man, commented:

‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the tourism team within the Department and also the champions within the industry who will collectively drive the identified actions of the Destination Management Plan.

‘As residents of the Isle of Man, we all have a stake in creating the best visitor experience we can which will lead to enhanced facilities for ourselves and a stronger Island economy.’