The agreement, signed on 27 March 2025 between the Isle of Man Government, Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, provides a formal framework to strengthen long-standing ties and unlock new opportunities for collaboration.

At an anniversary event held at the Comis Hotel, Santon, on Friday 26 June 2026, leaders from government, business and education reflected on progress and set out ambitions for the next phase of delivery.

Among the key visitors were Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, and Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce.

Councillor Robinson, who is Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Public Service Innovation, said: ’The Isle of Man is one of our nearest neighbours, with strong links dating back generations and the 2025 MoU is testament to ensuring this enduring relationship thrives.

‘We’ve spent the last year building relationships across many different sectors and business organisations, laying a strong foundation for growth over the coming years which will benefit Liverpool and the wider city region.’

Liverpool’s economic scale and growth potential underpin the partnership. The city region has a £43 billion economy, supported by an £800 million investment programme expected to create 8,000 jobs, alongside a wider £10 billion growth plan. Global companies such as AstraZeneca, Unilever, Jaguar Land Rover, Sony and Bosch all have a presence in the region.

The Isle of Man Government’s own investment in the city is also delivering tangible returns. The multi-million-pound Liverpool Ferry Terminal, opened in 2024, provides a permanent base and strengthens a key strategic route.

Passenger figures demonstrate the impact of that investment. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company carried 312,000 passengers and 76,000 vehicles on the Liverpool route in 2025, with forecasts rising to 338,000 passengers and 82,000 vehicles in 2026. Sailings are increasing from 618 to 680 over the same period – a 10% increase, reflecting sustained demand.

The route is being further enhanced through commercial partnerships and promotion, including broadcast campaigns and travel packages linked to major sporting and cultural events, as well as collaboration with Peel Waters and opportunities around the Tour de France Grand Départ in July 2027.

Air connectivity also remains critical. Liverpool is designated as a core route within the Isle of Man’s Strategic Air Services Policy, ensuring year-round links between the two economies.

As part of the visit, Councillor Robinson undertook engagements showcasing the diversity of the Manx economy, including visits to Zurich International and Astrea Biometrics.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister Jane Poole-Wilson MHK said:

‘The Irish Sea separates us geographically, but it has always connected us economically, culturally and personally. This agreement has given us a clear framework to strengthen those connections further and to turn shared ambition into practical action.’

Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce said:

‘Liverpool City Region businesses have a superb opportunity to build connections and maximise opportunities in – and with – the Isle of Man.

‘Beyond geographical proximity, the respective economies provide excellent opportunities for collaborative growth, including across professional services, innovation, talent and skills and our visitor economy.

‘We look forward to supporting the ongoing collaboration between our City Region and the Island and to forging an increasingly exciting partnership delivering real and tangible benefits to businesses and the wider economies.’

Claire Watterson, President, Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, said:

‘The MoU celebration is a timely reminder that this type of regional collaboration delivers results, so it provides inspiration for the Isle of Man Government, Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, and the wider business community to seek other similar opportunities.’

Over its first year, the agreement has focused on building relationships across economic development, tourism, culture, transport and public services, with growing collaboration in innovation and digital sectors.

Stronger links with higher education are also helping to attract talent, while business engagement has increased through the renewed relationship between Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and the Isle of Man Department for Enterprise.

Tourism and culture continue to play a central role, with collaboration on promotion and visitor engagement supporting growth in the visitor economy on both sides of the Irish Sea.

A panel session at the event brought together leaders from both jurisdictions to reflect on achievements and future opportunities, reinforcing that the Isle of Man and Liverpool are on a shared journey – using their complementary strengths to deliver economic growth, innovation and long-term mutual benefit.

The next phase of the Cooperation Agreement will focus on targeted delivery, including further university partnerships, digital collaboration, business engagement and maximising use of the Liverpool Ferry Terminal.