- Memorandum of Understanding signed to strengthen ‘economic, cultural and political ties’
- Key focus on business, tourism, transport, health and energy
A landmark agreement between Liverpool City Region and the Isle of Man was signed today signalling an era of increased cooperation between the regions.
The joint commitment pledges that the Isle of Man and Liverpool City Region will improve the prosperity and wellbeing of their communities ‘through further strengthening our economic, cultural, and political ties’.
Relationships between the Isle of Man and Liverpool City Region have historically been strong, and further amplified by the opening of the new Isle of Man ferry terminal in Liverpool last year – the construction phase of which generated £3.2m for the regional economy.
Today’s Memorandum of Understanding between the Isle of Man Government, Liverpool City Council, and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, is a major step forward in forging new opportunities for growth and development in areas including:
- Economic opportunities
- Tourism and cultural cooperation
- Transport connections
- Health and public services
- Infrastructure, energy and net zero
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram said:
“From being a go-to tourist destination favoured by Liverpudlians for decades, the Isle of Man has always been a highly valued neighbour to our region, and this agreement is a reflection of our commitment to strengthening that bond.
“For centuries, our people have been connected through travel, trade, and shared culture, and today we are taking that relationship to the next level.
“This MoU marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation, one that will unlock new opportunities for economic growth, skills development, and sustainable innovation. By working more closely together, we can create a more dynamic and prosperous future for our businesses, our communities, and our residents.”
Isle of Man Chief Minister, Alfred Cannan said the agreement would help usher in a new era of opportunity.
He said:
‘The Isle of Man and Liverpool have deep and historic ties of mutual cooperation. I am delighted to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with our neighbours across the Irish Sea to forge new opportunities for growth and collaboration between our two regions.
‘Our investment in the new ferry terminal in the city is our biggest single investment in the UK, ever, and has been a catalyst for these discussions. The significance of us signing the agreement in the new ferry terminal should not be lost, it is a clear commitment to how important the connection between the two regions is.
‘The Isle of Man and Liverpool have been connected via the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company – the oldest continuously running ferry company in the world – which has seen the continuous movement of people, goods and ideas across the Irish Sea – for business, education, sport, tourism or visiting family and friends – for two centuries.
‘The signing of this MoU is a clear statement from both administrations that forging closer economic ties is a strategic priority and one which offers mutual benefits.
‘But the opportunities for both regions go beyond the economic benefits of business collaboration and the opportunity for the wider sharing and cooperation on public services will have positive impacts for our communities.
‘I look forward to continuing to work closely with colleagues to realise the potential that this exciting partnership will offer.’
Leader of Liverpool City Council, Cllr Liam Robinson, said:
“Many people from the Liverpool City Region have long, fond associations with the Isle of Man dating back generations.
“It makes sense for us to forge closer ties with one of our nearest neighbours, exploring opportunities for collaboration and mutually beneficial associations.
“By signing this MoU, we are opening the door to greater innovation, technology exchange, and investment opportunities.”
There are approximately 24,800 businesses on the Isle of Man with strong links into the UK. They provide reciprocal benefit to UK companies through supply chains and collaborative working, with total trade in goods and services between the UK and Isle of Man around £2bn a year.
Today’s agreement comes after the Isle of Man Department for Enterprise became a strategic partner of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce last year, aiming to foster trade opportunities between Isle of Man businesses and the 600 members of the Liverpool Chamber.
The MOU will include an annual conference between partners, alternating between the Isle of Man and Liverpool as hosts, and will be reviewed regularly and ‘expanded where possible’ to further enhance cooperation.
A self-governing Crown Dependency with a rich history – including the world’s oldest continuous parliament, the Isle of Man has never been part of the European Union or the United Kingdom, maintaining its unique identity and governance.
Situated in the Irish Sea with a population of 84,000, it has a strong economy with an Aa3 Moody’s credit rating and an exceptionally low unemployment rate of 0.7% (in comparison, the UK’s rate is 4.4%).