Business groups have welcomed changes to the Council of Ministers announced by the Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK.
The groups have said the reshuffle offers renewed hope for more constructive engagement with government, particularly on minimum wage policy.
The Local Economy Forum (LEF) said it supports and applauds the changes, citing long-standing frustration over what it described as a lack of meaningful engagement from Treasury.
Forum Secretary Brett Martin said proposals for a partnership approach to delivering sustainable minimum wage improvements had been “rebutted from the outset”, leaving members feeling ignored.
Renewed Hope
“The Chief Minister’s comments this morning and his appointment of Chris Thomas as the new Treasury Minister have given our members renewed hope that they will be listened to,” Mr Martin said.
The Isle of Man Licensed Victuallers Association (LVA) also welcomed the reshuffle and voiced its support for the LEF’s position.
The association said it has shared similar concerns, particularly around the impact of minimum wage policy on labour-intensive sectors such as hospitality.
LVA Chairman Andrew Gibbs said businesses had repeatedly called for partnership working, but felt their proposals were dismissed without proper consideration.
He said the appointment of a new Treasury Minister presents an opportunity for a change in approach.
Both organisations stressed that collaboration between government and business is essential to protect jobs, support employers, and improve living standards without undermining economic viability, and said they now look forward to engaging constructively under the new Treasury leadership.
