The economy is contracting
The Isle of Man’s economy contracted by 7.4% in the last two years for which we have data.
Growth IOM
House of Keys election
Growth pays for the Island we expect.
Manx jobs, health, pensions and prosperity depend on a strong economy. Our Island depends on growth. We campaign for the policies that create it.
The Facts
Six facts explain why restoring economic growth must be at the centre of the next Tynwald.
Public services depend on exports
Our export sector industries generate two thirds of Manx government revenue. If professional services and digital continue to decline, we can’t pay for public services, health, pensions, and transport.
Public services depend on jobs
Most Manx companies don’t pay corporation tax, and we don’t control VAT. Income tax and National Insurance make up approximately 56% of government revenue—and these mainly rely on employment.
We are losing high-quality jobs
Export sectors lost 1,000 jobs between 2024 and 2025. These jobs pay workers well, and provide the government with more tax revenue than typical roles in non-export sector jobs.
Small business is under pressure
Inflation, labour costs and energy prices are rising. If businesses can’t cover their costs, they close—and employment shrinks.
Young people can’t get work and can’t buy homes
Entry-level jobs are down by 30%.
In 1998, houses were 5.1× earnings; now they are 9.1× earnings.
If our young people can’t get jobs, they will leave the Island. If we can’t keep our young people, we lose our future.
The Island needs growth—and to get that growth, we need jobs, exports and housing.
Like the three legs of the Manx flag, prosperity depends on each part moving together - small businesses create local work, international exports bring income in, and housing and schools give people the foundations to build a life here.
Each must be strong. Each supports the whole Island.
The services people rely on.
Prosperity creates choices and capacity. Accountable government must still turn that capacity into services that work.
Health
Buses and Ferries
Homes
Education
Local services
International exports
Finance, eGaming, technology, tourism and manufacturing bring income and investment into the Island.
Small business
Local firms turn opportunity into jobs, wages, training and resilient communities.
Housing & schools
Homes and education give people the foundations to stay, work and build a life here.
Put growth at the centre.
We recognise that our Island lives and dies on the success of its economy. A stronger economy means more jobs and a broader tax base, creating more capacity for public services. It also means more work, more training and more prosperity for Manx workers and their families.
- 1
Growth
We agree that economic growth must be a priority for the next Tynwald, and commit to pursuing pro-growth policies.
- 2
Public services
We commit to improving public services. We recognise that the best long-term way to sustain those improvements is to generate more economic activity and a broader tax base to help fund them.
- 3
Housing
We commit to building more homes to help our community flourish. Affordable housing provides homes for young Manx people and for the skilled workers the Island needs.
- 4
Pensions
We believe a society has a particular duty towards vulnerable people, and that Manx pensioners should be supported in their later years. The strongest long-term foundation for that support is the jobs, taxes and economic activity that fund their pensions.
- 5
Energy
We believe in energy independence and energy abundance. We commit to reducing energy costs during the next Tynwald, including by increasing capacity.
- 6
The new economy
We recognise that our economy is driven by exports. We commit to making the Island a leading place for digital assets, an AI hub and an innovation zone.
- 7
Helping hospitality
Hospitality is a core part of the Manx economy. We commit to helping hospitality businesses and workers, including by reconsidering the minimum-wage framework.
Sign the pledge
Candidate and supporter submissions are reviewed before any name is published.
One debate.
One Island.
Join us in Douglas for an Island-wide public discussion about the economy, work, public services and the choices facing the next Tynwald.
The Growth Debate: Douglas
Tuesday 22 September · 5pm · MannBenham offices, Douglas
Reserve your placeRegistration is free. Join people from across the Island for a direct public discussion in Douglas.
Who is behind Growth IOM?
Growth IOM campaigns for economic growth on the Isle of Man. We are a non-partisan policy campaign launched with the aim of highlighting the economic issues faced by our Island and building a coalition for positive change. The Isle of Man has great potential, and we want to make sure it remains a wonderful place to live, work, raise kids and start a business.
James Kingston
Growth IOM is founded and led by James Kingston, a Manx-born digital asset entrepreneur and policy expert. He is the author of the Adam Smith Institute paper Profitable Peripherals , the founder of CDOT Future , and is an expert on both small island economies and the British Crown Dependencies & Overseas Territories.