Isle of Man Firms Have More Sophisticated E-Business Strategies Than UK
by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London
09 December 2003

Whilst the rates of uptake of e-business strategies by firms in the UK and the Isle of Man are broadly similar, a recent survey has found companies in the latter jurisdiction are much more focused on winning new clients, whilst UK firms primarily use the internet as a means to cut costs.

The survey, commissioned by the Manx government and undertaken by PA Consulting Group and BMG Research found that 62% of firms on the Island consider e-business as ‘important’ in facilitating growth and finding new customers, whilst a quarter thought e-business was ‘vital’ to achieving this end.

The findings show also that Manx firms are typically generating 25% of their income via the internet whilst UK companies take on average 14% of their orders electronically.

Commenting on the results, Roger Williams of PA Consulting observed that e-business strategies on the Isle of Man took a much more “sophisticated” approach than other regions of the British Isles.

“Having connected to the internet, a larger proportion of businesses have gone on to apply more sophisticated e-business solutions”, said Mr Williams.

"This acceleration in uptake is driven by the use of e-business to grow business opportunities and expand island business through new customer acquisitions. Many firms are actively placing e-business at the heart of their business strategy”, he added.

Mr Williams also praised the Manx government’s “early efforts to inform and educate business leaders about the value and benefits of e-business” as a key to the island’s success in this domain.

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