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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-05-05 | Radio TT | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester sought documentation regarding the 2019 tender process for radio broadcasting of the Isle of Man TT and associated events. The Department for Enterprise disclosed tender criteria, invitations, agreements, and adverts, but noted that no contract was awarded due to the cancellation of all events between 2020 and 2021. | ||
| 2021-05-04 | TT Spending | All information sent |
| The requester asked for a breakdown of £1m spent by the Department for Enterprise on motorsport events and the TT. The authority responded that the £1m figure represented remaining contractual spend after significant savings were made due to the 2020 event cancellation, and provided economic impact data from 2019. | ||
| 2021-04-07 | How much money has been given to the Hospitality sector? | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department for Enterprise for data on financial support provided to the hospitality sector (pubs, cafes, and restaurants) since March 2020. The authority confirmed the scope of the request and stated that all information was sent, though the specific monetary figures are not included in the provided text. | ||
| 2021-03-29 | Urban Development Agency Models - PWC Report | All information sent |
| The request sought details regarding the PwC report on Urban Development Agency models, including costs, distribution, and internal memos. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the report cost, dates, and distribution lists but withheld internal memos under a public interest exemption. | ||
| 2021-03-23 | Land Registry Fees | All information sent |
| The requester asked for details on how Land Registry fees are used and the justification for tiered pricing on the Isle of Man. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that all income goes to the General Reserve, provided 2020/21 budget figures, and noted significant capital investment in digital services. | ||
| 2021-03-12 | How much money has been given to Accommodation Providers? | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought total funding for accommodation providers and specific grants for Ballahowin Courtyard Accommodation under three government schemes. The Department for Enterprise disclosed aggregate figures for two schemes but exempted the specific business data and noted the third scheme is managed by a different division. | ||
| 2021-03-08 | Print breakdown by print suppliers. | All information sent |
| A request was made for a breakdown of print spending by the Department for Enterprise with six specific suppliers for the year 2020. The authority disclosed the full net spend for each supplier, totaling approximately £34,778, along with a detailed transaction ledger. | ||
| 2021-01-22 | Medical Cannabis Policy | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Department for Enterprise regarding the reasoning, human rights compatibility, and voting records of the Isle of Man's medical cannabis policy. The authority responded that it does not hold the requested information as policy decisions fall under the Department of Health and Social Care, not Enterprise. | ||
| 2021-01-04 | Manx Solidarity Fund | All information sent |
| The requester asked how much money the Department for Enterprise applied for, was granted, and used from the Manx Solidarity Fund. The authority responded that the department did not apply for any funds, meaning no money was granted or used. | ||
| 2020-12-17 | Strategic Capacity Scheme | All information sent |
| The requester asked for details on personnel, beneficiary lists, and specific funding allocations for the Strategic Capacity Scheme and the Department for Enterprise during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authority confirmed that no specific additional budget or overtime funds were allocated to the department, that beneficiary lists are not required to be published, and provided links to complaints procedures. | ||
| 2020-12-14 | Spend local media campaign | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for a total spend and breakdown of media outlets for the 'Shop Local' campaign, but the Department for Enterprise partially withheld the information citing commercial interests. | ||
| 2020-11-30 | Campsite funding for covid-19 | All information sent |
| The requester asked for statistics on permanent and temporary campsites receiving or not receiving COVID-19 financial assistance from the Department for Enterprise. The authority disclosed that zero temporary campsites received funding because they are ineligible, while noting there are 25 registered temporary campsites. | ||
| 2020-10-12 | Chamber of Commerce Payments | All information sent |
| A requester asked for financial records of payments from the Department for Enterprise to the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce between January 2018 and June 2020. The authority disclosed all requested information, providing copies of records and stating the total amount paid was GBP 129,767.88, including a payment made shortly after the requested period. | ||
| 2020-10-09 | Glamping proposal South Barrule plantation | Information not held |
| A request was made for financial details and officer time regarding a glamping proposal at South Barrule plantation, but the Department for Enterprise stated they do not hold the information. | ||
| 2020-10-08 | Key Workers | Withdrawn |
| The requester asked for copies of entry certificates for Key Workers issued by the Department for Enterprise under coronavirus regulations. The request was withdrawn because the Department does not hold the information, as certificates are issued by the Cabinet Office. | ||
| 2020-10-08 | Eagle Labs Funding Update | All information sent |
| The requester asked for an update on the amount paid from a £324,062.50 underwriting figure for Eagle Labs between March 2018 and June 2019. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that a total of £120,299.54 had been paid under the guarantee arrangement between March 2018 and October 2020. | ||
| 2020-09-28 | TT | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for details on TT trademark infringement legal actions since 2017, including costs and locations of accused parties. The Department for Enterprise provided some information but withheld specific details regarding personal data and ongoing investigations. | ||
| 2020-09-16 | Request fir information regarding Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) | All information sent |
| Prospect Trade Union requested data on Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) policies and balances for the Department for Enterprise. The authority disclosed employee counts, TOIL balances, approval processes, and financial equivalents, but withheld net savings data as it required new analysis. | ||
| 2020-09-14 | 2020 Worldwide Broadband Speed League | All information sent |
| A requester asked for all correspondence and internal documentation regarding the 2020 Worldwide Broadband Speed League, and the Department for Enterprise responded by providing the National Telecommunications Strategy document. | ||
| 2020-09-10 | Retail concerns | Information not held |
| A request was made for documentation regarding retail research and strategy for the Crosby Coop and its impact on Douglas and Peel. The Department for Enterprise responded that they do not hold the requested information and suggested contacting the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture. | ||
| 2020-09-08 | Purchase of Triumph | Not required to fulfill request |
| A request was made for the purchase date and cost of the Triumph building in Onchan, but the Department for Enterprise stated they do not hold the information. | ||
| 2020-08-10 | Comis Hotel appointment for repatriation | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought details on hotels approached for COVID-19 quarantine accommodation and the appointment date of the Comis Hotel. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the list of approached hotels and the date of approach, but noted it did not hold the specific contract appointment date, referring the requester to a previous response from the Department of Infrastructure. | ||
| 2020-07-17 | Grants to Triumph | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for details on grants awarded to Triumph since 2013, including amounts, purposes, and caveats, as well as whether grants were given for a new factory. The Department for Enterprise withheld specific grant details citing economic prejudice but confirmed no grants were given for a new factory and provided links to aggregated annual reports and sample terms. | ||
| 2020-07-15 | Gef the Mongoose correspondence & financial transactions | All information sent |
| The requester sought all contracts, invoices, and correspondence regarding 'Gef the Mongoose' and 'Mongoose Media Limited' for 2020. The Department for Enterprise disclosed ten PDF documents containing the requested information, including details of financial payments totaling GBP 2,225.00. | ||
| 2020-07-15 | National Broadband Plan specifications | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for detailed service specifications and rollout obligations for the National Broadband Plan from both the tender process and the final contract, excluding financial data. The Department for Enterprise provided the requested non-financial specifications but withheld specific financial information regarding subsidy payments. | ||
| 2020-06-11 | National Broadband plan procurement process | All information sent |
| The request sought details on the National Broadband Plan procurement, including the chosen partner, technology type, and cost breakdown. The response confirmed Manx Telecom as the winner for a £10m project to deliver FTTP to 99% of premises, but withheld specific cost breakdowns citing trade secrets. | ||
| 2020-05-28 | Companies registry late filing charges | All information sent |
| The requester asked for annual statistics on late filing charges for Annual Returns between 2009 and 2019, but the Department for Enterprise disclosed that specific data is unavailable due to system limitations and payment methods. Instead, the authority provided a general estimate that late fees account for approximately 5% of the Companies Registry's total income. | ||
| 2020-05-26 | Communication for Pedestrianisation of Parliament St | Information not held |
| The request sought correspondence between the Department for Enterprise and Ramsey Town Commissioners regarding the pedestrianisation of Parliament Street in May 2020. The authority responded by providing email correspondence and calendar appointments, though the official outcome is recorded as 'Information not held'. | ||
| 2020-03-16 | Work Permitts issued By the Department of Enterprise to Walker Fire Uk | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for details on work permits issued to Walker Fire UK over five years, including checks on local labor availability and advertising. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that 15 applications were received, confirmed statutory considerations are always applied, but stated it does not hold information on other departments' involvement or enforce self-isolation rules. | ||
| 2020-03-10 | Dept for Enterprise Payments to Manx Radio | All information sent |
| The request sought details on Department for Enterprise payments to Manx Radio and other media organizations between 2014 and 2019. The authority confirmed payments to Radio Manx Ltd, provided a breakdown of contracted coverage and sponsorship costs, but stated no records exist for payments to other media outlets. | ||
| 2020-03-02 | Request for a copy of the Analysys Mason report | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for a 2016 Analysys Mason report on the Isle of Man's telecommunications infrastructure commissioned by the Department of Economic Development. The Department released the report but redacted specific pages citing commercial interests and trade secrets. | ||
| 2019-12-10 | Katya Katkova / eastlondonmornings | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester sought all correspondence and financial documentation between the Department for Enterprise and Katya Katkova regarding the Isle of Man food festival in 2019. The authority disclosed that it held no direct correspondence as the PR agency Lansons managed the relationship, but confirmed a payment of £615.00 was made to the agency for these services. | ||
| 2019-11-19 | iomttraces website finances | All information sent |
| The requester asked for a financial breakdown of the costs to create and run the iomttraces.com website and associated Isle of Man TT social media outlets. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that the total cost for development and operation up to December 2019 was £137,144.18, detailing specific expenses for website creation, hosting, transcription services, and a live timing system. | ||
| 2019-11-14 | 5G testing and early trials as per the 2018 National Telecoms Strategy | Information not held |
| A request was made regarding 5G testing and trials under the 2018 National Telecoms Strategy, including public notification and opt-out provisions. The Department for Enterprise responded that it does not hold the requested information as it is not directly involved in issuing spectrum. | ||
| 2019-11-06 | All corriespondence between the Department and Cruise ship operators. | Information not held |
| A request was made for all correspondence between the Department for Enterprise and cruise ship operators regarding Manx laws, but the authority responded that the information is not held. | ||
| 2019-09-16 | Land Registry Rectification of Title | All information sent |
| The requester asked for statistics on Land Registry rectification of title applications under Section 65 of the Land Registration Act 1986 for 2017, 2018, and 2019. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that while the data is stored against individual titles rather than a central register, they collated the information and confirmed all applications are referred to the Land Registrar. | ||
| 2019-09-03 | Work permit request | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made regarding work permit details for a Faculty Manager Wellbeing role at the University College Isle of Man, including applicant numbers and interview history. The Department for Enterprise refused to disclose any information, citing absolute exemptions for personal data under the Freedom of Information Act 2015. | ||
| 2019-08-27 | Obelisks | All information sent |
| The request sought all documents regarding the proposed erection of Obelisks at Port Jack Headland and other sites by the Department for Enterprise. The authority disclosed four specific attachments including departmental papers, email exchanges, an engineering report, and a letter from Onchan Commissioners, while noting that phone transcriptions were unavailable. | ||
| 2019-08-06 | Ian Paisley Jnr MP (North Antrim) and the Isle of Man TT | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester sought correspondence, ticket/hospitality records, and meeting details involving Ian Paisley Jnr MP and the Isle of Man Department for Enterprise regarding the TT. The authority disclosed held correspondence, confirmed no tickets or hospitality were provided, and listed a single meeting in Belfast. | ||
| 2019-07-11 | Work Permits - Jacksons Isle of Man | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for work permit statistics and approval grounds for Jacksons Isle of Man, as well as data on non-resident workers without permits. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the total and active number of permits issued but stated it does not hold records of specific approval grounds or the number of workers operating without permits. | ||
| 2019-06-13 | Road Races Act 2016 | All information sent |
| The requester asked how visitors are informed about the Road Races Act 2016 and whether this information appears on travel documents. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that while they do not specifically publicize the Act, they provide safety guidance, road closure notices, and offence warnings via the TT website, local press, radio, social media, and physical leaflets, but confirmed they hold no information regarding travel booking documents. | ||
| 2019-06-10 | Training Handover to DESC | All information sent |
| The request sought details on the budget and staff numbers transferred from the Department for Enterprise to DESC regarding training services. The authority disclosed that a total budget of £1,795,346 and five staff members were transferred as part of the handover. | ||
| 2019-05-17 | Ramsey Marina | Upheld - partial |
| The request sought correspondence, meeting details, and minutes regarding the Ramsey Marina proposal between the Department for Enterprise and Mr. Robin Bromley Martin. The authority disclosed meeting dates and the timeline of awareness but withheld correspondence and minutes under a qualified exemption to protect free and frank advice. | ||
| 2019-05-17 | Enterprise Development Scheme | Not upheld |
| The request sought details on payments, fund manager fees, and job creation under the Isle of Man's Enterprise Development Scheme. The authority disclosed the total fees paid to the former fund manager and the number of jobs created, but withheld specific recipient names pending future publication under a qualified exemption. | ||
| 2019-05-16 | Blockchain Office cost | All information sent |
| A request was made to confirm the rental costs paid by the Digital Isle of Man Agency for blockchain offices located in the Hubb. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that the agency pays £30,000 per year in rent for these offices. | ||
| 2019-05-16 | Information on Government support of Eagle Labs | Information not held |
| The requester asked for details on direct financial support provided to Barclays' Eagle Labs by the Department for Enterprise. The authority responded that no direct financial support was held, but referenced a separate agreement involving a financial guarantee for rent. | ||
| 2019-05-14 | Eagle Labs funding | All information sent |
| The request sought details on government funding and loss underwriting for Eagle Labs. The response disclosed a joint financial guarantee agreement with Barclays Bank and the Chamber of Commerce, specifying the maximum cover amount and the actual sum paid to date. | ||
| 2019-05-14 | Furbate Limited / the Hubb funding | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made for details on government funding provided to Furbate Limited for 'the Hubb', but the Department for Enterprise refused to disclose the specific amounts. | ||
| 2019-05-13 | Subsidy to Manx Rally | All information sent |
| The request sought details on subsidies paid to the organizers of the Rally IOM held in May 2019. The Department for Enterprise disclosed a £10,000 marketing payment and underwriting agreements totaling £33,000 for potential losses across two events. | ||
| 2019-05-09 | Ship Registry Information | All information sent |
| A request for detailed data on Isle of Man Ship Registry fee changes and pleasure yacht registration statistics was largely fulfilled with eight documents, though specific income estimates were withheld. | ||
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