£1 billion fund drives up competition for new business
A renewed UK focus on the so-called Northern Powerhouse offers both challenges and opportunities for the Isle of Man.
That view from tax partner at Island Big Four accountancy firm PwC Kevin Cowley.
In his autumn statement, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced a £1 billion Productivity Investment Fund, reviving plans to boost the northern economy.
It'll mean competing for new business with the north-west of England - but a vibrant northern economy is widely seen as a good thing for the Island.
Mr Cowley says the fund is designed to do much the same as the Isle of Man's £50 million Enterprise Development Fund:

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