Wirral Chamber strengthens links with IoM construction sector

Business leaders from Wirral Chamber of Commerce Construction Forum have returned from the Isle of Man after taking part in a day-long trade meeting with the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce.

The Construction Forum, which took place at the Salmon Lake Centre in Laxey, has enabled a number of positive links to be made and collaborative discussions to take place on a wide range of construction-related areas with counterparts from the Isle of Man Construction Sector.

This included best practice, knowledge transfer, skill development and a brief regarding developments, particularly on projects such as the coastal defence, Douglas Promenade redevelopments, and investment schemes which are proposed for Wirral.

Leading the Wirral sector group were Paula Basnett, chief executive of Wirral Chamber of Commerce, and Paul Cardwell, from Bromborough-based Capital Reinforcing and vice chair of the Wirral Chamber Construction Forum.

Mr Cardwell highlighted the importance of the visit to the island, saying: “We have developed a very strong, vibrant Construction Sector Forum in Wirral and it is key to its continual development that we look to create positive partnerships, such as the links we have built with the Isle of Man.

“In this way we can enable members of both the respective forums to learn from each and have a platform to strengthen links and look at possible project opportunities.”

This view was echoed by Paula Basnett, who added: “We have developed a very strong relationship with the Isle of Man Chamber, and also with the Manx Government and many businesses contacts.

“The sector forums we organise provide members with a perfect stage in creating discussion, making new contacts and joint venture opportunities and this partnership is enabling businesses from both our region and the island to meet and look at building long term business relationships.”

During the day more than 60 delegates from the Isle of Man and Wirral took part in discussions with representatives from the Manx Department’s of Enterprise, Infrastructure, together with Wirral Council and the Wirral Met College.

Greeted by Stephen Smyth, Construction Sector Lead, Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, and Gary Crittenden, Construction Forum Chair, delegates were updated about the recent merger between two of the representative bodies within the Island’s construction industry –Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce’s Construction Committee and the Construction Forum – which joined forces in a move to strengthen the collective voice of the industry, which is known as the Isle of Man Construction Forum, incorporating Chamber of Commerce Construction Committee.

Stephen Smyth said,: “The Forum was a great success, the large number of local attendees and visitors from Wirral being testament to this.

“It was great to see businesses from our respective areas exploring ways in which they can complement each other, and work together for mutual benefit.

“The forum also provided a platform for discussing and comparing notes on issues which affect the construction industry generally, such as infrastructure, skills and training, regeneration and attracting inward investment.”

Rebecca George, chief executive at the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, added: “I was delighted and encouraged to see so many representatives from the construction sector from both the Wirral and the Isle of Man coming together to attend the forum.

“The level of commitment from the Wirral members to continue visiting the island, building relationships and collaborating with our businesses, is admirable.

“The partnership between the Wirral Chamber of Commerce and Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce is growing from strength to strength and we look forward to continued development in the months ahead.”