Department for Enterprise publishes 2023-2024 Department Plan

The Department for Enterprise has today published its Department Plan for 2023-2024, setting out how it will contribute to Government’s vision for the Isle of Man over the next 12 months.

Following the approval of the Economic Strategy in November 2022, and subsequently the revised Island Plan in January 2023, the Department’s Plan for the coming year outlines how each division of the Department for Enterprise will contribute to delivering against the key objectives by 2026, alongside supporting the overarching long-term vision for the Island.

The document summarises the values and remit of the Department, highlighting achievements from the preceding 12 months and focus areas for 2023-24, aligned with each of the Executive Agency 2023 Programmes, all framed around activity which supports the ambitions of the Island Plan to build a secure, vibrant and sustainable future for the Island.

The Plan outlines how the Department aims to directly support the retention of over 37,500 private sector jobs, and create and fill a minimum of 600 new jobs over the next 12 months, utilising each of the Executive Agencies, Locate Isle of Man and Enterprise Support. Commitments also include the delivery of a new Workforce & Skills Strategy in conjunction with DESC, updated Employment Legislation, a Retail & Leisure Strategy, brownfield site regeneration through Manx Development Corporation and the Island Infrastructure Scheme and launching new and revised Enterprise Support Schemes to support and facilitate private sector investment and growth.

Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘With the Island Plan and Economic Strategy now in place, we move forward with a single set of interrelated objectives, clear economic aspirations and an evidence base outlining the way for us to build a better future for the Isle of Man and harness our potential to be a more secure, vibrant and sustainable place to live, work and do business.

‘Our 2023 Department Plan details how each division aims to capitalise on the progress of last year, and deliver key actions outlined in the Island Plan to bring positive change for our economy. With the Executive Agency annual programmes also published, we will continue our work directly with industry through our private/public model to expedite the economic opportunities for the Island aligned to our objectives, focused on policy input, product development and the strategic promotion of our proposition.

‘This Department Plan brings together cross-government and cross-industry ambitions, and sets us up to now progress a number of important initiatives which will deliver real, positive outcomes for the economy – not only impacting our businesses, but also each and every resident of the Isle of Man.’

The Department Plan will be laid before Tynwald in May 2023. A copy of the document can be accessed through Tynwald’s Register of Business.