Department for Enterprise
359 FOI requests | Full disclosure rate: 45.1%
The Freedom of Information requests to the Department for Enterprise reveal an authority that is selectively transparent, often disclosing aggregate statistics and operational timelines while rigorously guarding specific financial details and commercial relationships. A dominant theme is the 'commercial interest' exemption, which is repeatedly invoked to withhold data on the Isle of Man TT (357873, 357871) and major business grants (1373637, 522836). While the Department readily provides figures on trademark income (357847) or website development costs (1060362), it consistently refuses to compile or release data on safety expenditures, rescue operations, and the specific financial terms of government support for key industries like Triumph and Eagle Labs. This pattern suggests a strategy of maintaining public confidence in the event's popularity while obscuring the true fiscal risks and subsidies involved.
Key Cases
Case 357873 — This case represents a significant transparency failure regarding public safety. The Department withheld all information on the costs of rescue helicopters, safety equipment, and road barriers for the TT, citing 'commercial interests'. Given the life-or-death nature of these expenditures, the refusal to disclose safety spending is highly contentious.
Case 1060362 — A rare instance of full financial disclosure for a digital project. The Department revealed the exact cost (£137,144.18) of developing and running the 'iomttraces' website and timing system, providing a clear benchmark for the cost of government digital infrastructure that contrasts with the redactions seen in other tech cases.
Case 1373637 — This case highlights the 'economic prejudice' exemption used to shield major corporate relationships. The Department confirmed no grants were given for a new Triumph factory but withheld specific details on grants awarded since 2013, preventing public scrutiny of the financial support given to one of the island's largest employers.
Case 1854325 — A politically sensitive case involving the Chief Minister. The Department withheld details on whether Howard Quayle received public COVID-19 support for his holiday cottages, citing personal data and breach of confidence. This refusal to confirm or deny high-level political financial interests undermines public trust.
Case 357847 — This case provides a crucial baseline for the TT's commercial value. By disclosing the total income generated by licensing the TT trademark from 2012-2016, it reveals the revenue stream that often offsets the massive undisclosed costs seen in other cases, painting a partial picture of the event's financial reality.
Related FOI Stories
The True Cost of the Isle of Man TT — #357847, #357853, #354749, #357861, #357867
Enterprise Development Scheme & Business Support — #357891, #462337, #514142, #522836, #617366
Infrastructure: Broadband, Telecommunications & Digital Strategy — #1206549, #1327609, #1368137, #1470773, #1050263
Land Registry, Housing & Development — #354735, #357743, #357859, #357863, #357885
Immigration, Work Permits & Employment — #357739, #449057, #455234, #498133, #881965
All (359)
All information sent (162) ·
Some information sent but part exempt (59) ·
Information not held (53) ·
Some information sent but not all held (43) ·
No information sent - all held but exempt (18) ·
Not upheld (8) ·
Not required to fulfill request (6) ·
Upheld - partial (3) ·
Upheld - full (2) ·
Request lapsed - requested information not provided (2) ·
Withdrawn (1) ·
Neither confirm or deny information held (1) ·
Information Notice (1) ·
| Date | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-16 | Locate Isle of Man | All information sent |
| The requester asked for financial breakdowns, funding sources, employee counts, and budget details for Locate Isle of Man. The Department for Enterprise disclosed full information, including 2024/25 expenditure figures, staffing levels, and the 2025/26 allocated budget. | ||
| 2026-01-27 | Road Racing Insurance cost 2025/6 | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made for insurance costs for the 2025 and 2026 Isle of Man road racing events (TT, Manx Grand Prix, Southern 100), but the Department for Enterprise withheld all information citing commercial and economic exemptions. | ||
| 2026-01-20 | Digital IOM CEO's salary | Not upheld |
| A requester sought the CEO's salary maxima, organizational structure, and staff details for Digital IOM, but the Department for Enterprise refused to disclose salary information citing commercial interests while providing an organizational chart. | ||
| 2026-01-20 | Civil Registry | Information not held |
| The requester asked for policies and records regarding the recruitment, due diligence, and conflict of interest checks for Registrars in local authorities. The Department for Enterprise responded that the Registrar General has no authority over local recruitment processes and therefore holds no such policies or records, though it does require training and competency assessment before granting a warrant. | ||
| 2026-01-08 | Serious Border Entry and Exit Failings | All information sent |
| The requester alleged serious security failings at Ronaldsway Airport regarding passport gender checks and asked for details on security measures and new protocols. The Department for Enterprise clarified that no new measures were introduced because current legislation only requires verifying name and likeness for baggage security, not passport gender, and that immigration matters fall outside their jurisdiction. | ||
| 2025-12-16 | easyJet Discussions | Information not held |
| The requester asked for correspondence regarding discussions between the Department for Enterprise, Department of Infrastructure, and easyJet about the Isle of Man Airport's future and reliability. The Department for Enterprise responded that it does not hold this information as operational matters are the sole responsibility of the Isle of Man Airport. | ||
| 2025-12-15 | Love Manx Christmas Ad 2025 | All information sent |
| A request was made for production costs, business contributions, and internal planning documents for the 2025 Love Manx Christmas advertisement. The Department for Enterprise disclosed all requested information, including specific costs, confirmation of no business fees, and the full marketing brief. | ||
| 2025-11-05 | Energy & Cleantech Forum 2025 | All information sent |
| The request sought detailed cost breakdowns, attendance data, and strategic documents for the Energy & Cleantech Forum 2025. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the total event cost, funding source, and attendee demographics, noting that specific staff time was not recorded. | ||
| 2025-11-04 | Request for information on payments made to non-governmental members | All information sent |
| The requester sought details on payments and benefits for non-governmental members of Department for Enterprise agencies over the last three years. The authority disclosed that most board members are voluntary and unpaid, while clarifying that ConstructionIoM and HospitalityIoM are industry bodies not receiving direct government salaries or expenses. | ||
| 2025-10-30 | TT Economic data | All information sent |
| The requester asked for economic figures and visitor statistics for the Isle of Man TT from 2022 to 2025, including breakdowns by airport and boat arrivals. The Department for Enterprise responded that all requested information is contained within the 2025 Visitor Report published on September 4, 2025, and provided a direct link to the document. | ||
| 2025-10-27 | Departmental Expansion and Agency Staffing | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester sought details on the Department for Enterprise's organizational structure, staffing numbers, salary expenditure, and vacancies following the creation of internal agencies. The authority responded with a partial disclosure, providing an organizational overview and a detailed staffing table for specific units, but did not include salary figures or a complete list of all requested agencies. | ||
| 2025-10-22 | Reasons for moving to the Isle of Man | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Department for Enterprise asking for statistics on how many people move to the Isle of Man due to the TT and what the most common reason for moving is. The authority responded that it does not hold or collate this specific information. | ||
| 2025-10-06 | Wanderlust Travel Awards 2024 & 2025 | Information not held |
| The requester sought information regarding the Isle of Man's nomination for the 2024 and 2025 Wanderlust Travel Awards, including documentation and associated costs. The Department for Enterprise responded that no such information is held because there was no communication with the award organizers and no expenses were incurred. | ||
| 2025-09-22 | Amount of land registered at Land Registry | All information sent |
| The request sought the percentage and hectare area of Isle of Man land that has been first registered as of the request date. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that 28.22% of the total land area, equating to 16,146 hectares, was registered as of September 2025. | ||
| 2025-09-08 | Legal Costs | Information not held |
| The requester asked for legal costs and correspondence regarding a trademark infringement case against Target Therapies, but the Department for Enterprise responded that no such legal proceedings occurred and the matter was resolved administratively without cost. | ||
| 2025-09-02 | Paddock First Aid | All information sent |
| The requester asked for emails regarding 2025 First Aid Provision at the Grandstand between the Department for Enterprise and MRMS. The authority released two emails but applied an exemption for personal data contained within them. | ||
| 2025-08-28 | company information | All information sent |
| 2025-08-22 | Changes to Manx Grand Prix Race Schedule 2025 | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought a complete breakdown of emails, business cases, meeting minutes, and correspondence regarding changes to the 2025 Manx Grand Prix schedule, to which the Department for Enterprise responded with a strategic review document while withholding some specific records under exemption. | ||
| 2025-08-15 | Polls | All information sent |
| The request sought records of all social media polls published by Digital Isle of Man between July and August 2025, including any deleted content. The authority disclosed details of four published polls and one removed poll, providing supporting screenshots and internal chat extracts while redacting personal data. | ||
| 2025-08-12 | Income Plus Services | Information not held |
| A request was made for all records of payments, grants, and loans made to Income Plus Services by the Department for Enterprise. The authority responded that no such information is held because no payments have ever been made to the organization. | ||
| 2025-08-08 | TT Feature Film | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought details on the selection process and contracts for a TT feature film involving nine interested parties. The Department for Enterprise confirmed a selection process was used and identified the winning consortium but withheld the specific contract under commercial confidentiality exemptions. | ||
| 2025-08-06 | Applications to the Local Economy Fund from NCOC | Information not held |
| The requester asked for details of Local Economy Fund applications from the Northern Chamber of Commerce since April 2025. The Department for Enterprise responded that no such information is held because the Chamber has not submitted any applications. | ||
| 2025-07-31 | DfE Processing of KWC Related FOI Requests | Not upheld |
| The requester sought internal Department for Enterprise documents generated during the processing of two previous FOI requests regarding King William's College funding and due diligence. The Information Commissioner's Office review concluded the request was not upheld, citing that disclosure would harm commercial interests and business confidence. | ||
| 2025-07-22 | IOM TT Feature Film | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the number of parties interested in producing an Isle of Man TT feature film in the last three years and a copy of a contract between Box to Box and the Department for Enterprise. The authority disclosed that nine parties expressed interest but confirmed that no contractual agreement exists between Box to Box and the Department. | ||
| 2025-07-15 | Monty Halls' Big Blue Bag initiative and ambassadorial role | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought details on delays to the 'Big Blue Bag' marine conservation initiative, correspondence with ambassador Monty Halls, and procurement compliance for his £20,000 contract. The authority released partial information including strategy documents and email chains but withheld specific correspondence and procurement details under exemptions. | ||
| 2025-06-30 | Department for Enterprise and Tax Avoidance-Linked Business Attraction | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department for Enterprise regarding its support for companies linked to tax avoidance between 2015 and 2024. The authority confirmed that no such companies were actively attracted, supported, or provided with financial assistance, and staff performance targets were not linked to these entities. | ||
| 2025-06-26 | Interview Panel | All information sent |
| The requester sought the names of the interview panel for the non-executive Chair of Visit Isle of Man and clarification on political involvement. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the full list of panel members, confirming that one Member of the House of Keys participated in the process. | ||
| 2025-06-23 | Visit IOM Chairman Resignation | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made for correspondence regarding the resignation of the Visit Isle of Man Board Chairman, including his reasons and resignation letter. The Department for Enterprise refused to disclose any information, citing an absolute exemption for personal data under Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015. | ||
| 2025-06-23 | TT race cancellations | All information sent |
| The Department for Enterprise responded to a request for statistics on Isle of Man TT race cancellations and rescheduling over the last 10 years. The authority disclosed the number of scheduled races, weather-related reschedules, and races not held for each year from 2016 to 2025. | ||
| 2025-06-13 | KWC Financial Support Applications 2020-2024 | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought details on seven financial support applications made by King William's College between 2020 and 2024, excluding one under internal review. The Department for Enterprise disclosed a table containing dates, amounts, and statuses for six specific applications, noting that some were withdrawn or pending completion. | ||
| 2025-06-10 | Domestic Event Fund funding for events during IoM TT (2023-2025) | All information sent |
| The request sought a breakdown of Domestic Event Fund allocations for Isle of Man TT events between 2023 and 2025, and the Department for Enterprise disclosed that no funding was awarded in 2023, while specific grants were approved for 2024 and 2025 recipients. | ||
| 2025-06-10 | TT 2026 | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought a breakdown of costs for the 2025 Red Arrows display at the Isle of Man TT, which was partially fulfilled with specific financial figures provided while the name of the Flying Display Director was withheld. | ||
| 2025-06-10 | Contracts | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The Department for Enterprise responded to a request for contract details regarding QIA Services Limited, providing the redacted contract, procurement specifications, and board papers while withholding specific cost data and extensive correspondence. | ||
| 2025-06-04 | Free hospitality and passes etc for TT 2025 | All information sent |
| The request sought details on free TT 2025 hospitality and passes given to Tynwald members and government employees, including their value and purpose. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that 6 Tynwald members and 3 employees received hospitality access, while 4 of each received Promoter Passes, explaining these were for strategic hosting and economic development. | ||
| 2025-05-22 | King Williams College £2.2m grant/loan | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought details on a £2.2m loan to King William's College, including agreements, repayment schedules, and approval documents. The authority disclosed that no repayments have been made and directed the requester to previous FOI responses for most details, while withholding specific approval documents due to breach of confidence. | ||
| 2025-05-16 | Follow up for FOI request ref: 4613189 | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the absolute number of stillbirths registered in the Isle of Man for 2024 and the first four months of 2025. The Department for Enterprise confirmed that three stillbirths occurred in 2024 and two occurred between January and April 2025. | ||
| 2025-05-14 | Business Migrant - Innovator Visa | Information not held |
| The requester asked if the Department for Enterprise issued Business Migrant Visa endorsements for investors in Reayrt Vradda Glamping Limited. The Department responded that no such endorsements have been issued and the information is not held. | ||
| 2025-05-13 | Public transport | All information sent |
| The applicant requested correspondence and expert reports regarding the removal of the bus service to the Sound between the Department for Enterprise and the Department of Infrastructure. The authority disclosed three emails but redacted personal information under Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015. | ||
| 2025-05-12 | KWC - Due Diligence, Directors' Report & Financial Statements | Information Notice |
| The requester sought due diligence records, financial statements, and correspondence regarding a £2.2 million grant to King William's College (KWC) from the Department for Enterprise. The authority responded by disclosing four emails containing KWC financial statements for 2022 and 2023, though the provided text cuts off before confirming the full scope of the due diligence or economic impact data requested. | ||
| 2025-04-14 | Grant/Loan of Public Money to King William's College | Not upheld |
| The requester sought details regarding a £2.2 million loan to King William's College, but the authority responded with an unrelated letter demanding unpaid ground rent arrears for a Freeport property. | ||
| 2025-04-08 | Castletown Square | Information not held |
| The requester asked for documentation regarding the economic impact and consultation on the permanent closure of Castletown Square as a car park. The Department for Enterprise responded that it does not hold any such information as it was not consulted on the decision, which was made by the Castletown Commissioners. | ||
| 2025-04-08 | KWC | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request for internal and external communications regarding a £2.2m loan to King William's College was refused as all information was held but exempt under Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015. | ||
| 2025-03-20 | Douglas Drone Show | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the total cost and ancillary expenses for a drone show in Douglas scheduled for March 2025. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that they supported a £1,800 application to the Domestic Event Fund, but noted that the fund had not yet paid out against the application. | ||
| 2025-03-18 | Information on $$ Malaysian Endorsement | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester sought statistics on Business Migrant visa endorsements and details on the decision-making process for a specific refused application. The Department for Enterprise disclosed total application numbers and the general assessment workflow but withheld specific details regarding the individual decision-makers involved in the refusal. | ||
| 2025-03-13 | Darts | All information sent |
| The requester sought the underlying analysis and calculations supporting a press release claiming a 10% increase in visitor numbers for the 2025 International Darts Festival. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the methodology, visitor composition, and specific calculations used to estimate the event's economic impact. | ||
| 2025-03-06 | 4429413 further query | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester sought details on job creation figures, relocation numbers, and associated service costs from a previous investment report. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the specific job count and total indirect return but confirmed it does not hold data on relocation costs, family numbers, or long-term pension impacts. | ||
| 2025-03-05 | Financial Assistance Scheme | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for a list of companies and specific grant amounts received under the Financial Assistance Scheme between March 2021 and March 2025. The Department for Enterprise provided a link to annual reports containing company lists but withheld specific grant amounts citing commercial sensitivity. | ||
| 2025-02-13 | Staff bonus payments | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester sought details on 'special permission' for non-standard staff contracts and copies of individual bonus assessments and objectives for the Department for Enterprise. The authority disclosed the relevant Civil Service Order and Act granting the permission but withheld specific individual remuneration assessments and objectives, citing partial exemptions. | ||
| 2025-02-13 | DfE Executive Agencies Annual Budgets | All information sent |
| The requester asked for annual budgets of four Department for Enterprise Executive Agencies for years where bonus or performance pay was issued. The authority responded by providing hyperlinks to the relevant 'Pink Book' budget documents covering the years 2016 to 2024. | ||
| 2025-02-11 | Digital Isle of Man - Tech Awards 2024 | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester sought details on applications and judging for the 2024 Tech Team of the Year category, receiving a partial disclosure that included one specific application entry and evaluation criteria while withholding other requested data. | ||
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