Isle of Man Director of the Year Awards 2026 - tickets now on sale

This award is designed to celebrate those directors working in a business that employs under 10 employees.

This award will go to the business that can show outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination in enterprise, sustainability, as well as sound management practice, good corporate governance and commercial success.

This award is designed to celebrate those directors working in a business that employs 11-49 employees.

This award will go to the business that can show outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination in enterprise, sustainability, as well as sound management practice, good corporate governance and commercial success.

This award is designed to celebrate those directors working in a business that employs 50 or more employees.

Judges will look at how KPIs have been met/exceeded, innovation, the vision for growth, sustainability, evidence of good corporate governance, a focus on people and culture within the workplace and the leader’s understanding of key challenges, customers and the changing business landscape.

This award recognises upcoming directors and entrepreneurs who are senior managers, have started to operate at director level or have set up their own business in the last three years.

You should already demonstrate excellent innovation of thought, ability, ambition and vision, as well as a recognition of the importance of good corporate governance. What sets you apart from other aspiring leaders on the island business scene?

This award recognises directors that have achieved success through bringing an innovative or disruptive approach to their marketplace. These improvements may include but are not limited to improved commercial performance, operational effectiveness, and customer engagement.

Key factors to consider are the level of innovation, time taken to market, design process, competitive edge, USP, and potential for growth and profitability. Additional factors could include job creation, environmental sustainability, strong corporate governance, effective teamwork, project management capabilities, originality and the use of market research.

Leadership is critical to good public governance, including good planning, efficiency, communication, transparency and accountability. This award is open to directors of third sector organisations and leaders of public services, including public agencies, national bodies and governmental departments.

The judges are looking for leaders that can demonstrate how to get the best out of others’ professional expertise and their contribution to civic society.

Wider considerations include how leaders have explained their societal contribution and impact to their stakeholders in the context of the environment in which they operate, their viability and good corporate governance.

This award is aimed at directors who can demonstrate how they integrate the success and smooth running of their business with a strong sense of social responsibility and corporate values. Judges are looking for directors that are aware of the impact of their business on all aspects of society, including their engagement with UNESCO Biosphere initiatives.

Appleby is one of the world’s leading international law firms. Our global teams of legal specialists advise public and private companies, financial institutions and private individuals.

We have offices in ten highly regarded, well-regulated global locations. Our global presence enables us to provide comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional legal advice at the times most beneficial to our clients.

Canaccord Wealth is a leading wealth manager across the Crown Dependencies, providing expert portfolio management, stockbroking, and integrated financial planning. Clients benefit from locally based specialists supported by global resources, offering comprehensive portfolio, retirement, and estate planning. As part of Canaccord Genuity Group, we combine international strength with a highly personal, relationship‑led service.

Atla Group is an independent, locally owned professional services firm offering accountancy, audit, advisory, fund services, retirement solutions, wealth services and business brokerage. With over 115 colleagues, including around 50 qualified professionals, we deliver trusted guidance and expert execution, helping clients navigate complexity with confidence.

We are a fully integrated professional services firm, boasting access to expertise that caters for every business need where numbers are involved. From start-up to wind up, our experience and reputation for quality, integrity and timeliness provides services that you can trust

KPMG in the Crown Dependencies is a leading provider of Audit, Tax and Advisory services. Locally owned, we employ over 500 people serving key industry sectors across the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. Our people are our greatest asset, bringing depth of qualification and experience to deliver quality and added value. We help clients address complex business challenges through a global, integrated approach across disciplines, sectors and borders.

Conister Bank is an Isle of Man-based retail bank focused on the consumer and small business (SME) markets in both the Isle of Man and the UK. Our mission is to lead by example, driving positive change in banking, putting our customers first every time

SW Legal is a leading specialist Isle of Man law firm based in the south of the island, serving the business law needs of both local and international clients. The firm focuses on the provision of corporate and commercial advice across a wide range of areas, including corporate transactions, commercial contracts, restructuring, finance, and regulatory matters often with a cross-jurisdictional element. It is known for a pragmatic, commercially minded approach and is recognised by The Legal 500 for delivering clear, concise and client-focused legal advice.