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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-04-15 | TT prize money | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department for Enterprise regarding TT prize money, travel expenses, corporate costs for Rob Callister, and complimentary marquee passes. The authority disclosed that prize and travel details are in the 2019 regulations, confirmed no payments were made to Rob Callister, and stated 56 VIP tickets were issued. | ||
| 2019-04-09 | Firework TT cost | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department for Enterprise regarding the cost of the previous year's TT firework display. The authority responded by disclosing the total expenditure for the event. | ||
| 2019-03-25 | Manx Radio | All information sent |
| The requester sought details on the contract and payment for Manx Radio's TT 2019 coverage, including why no tender process occurred. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the total contract value but withheld specific contract provisions citing commercial interests. | ||
| 2019-03-14 | Manx Radio Tender | All information sent |
| The requester asked for documents regarding the award of a contract to Manx Radio, alleging it violated Financial Regulations. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the approved contract papers and a Treasury confirmation email, clarifying that a valid exemption from specific financial regulations was obtained prior to the contract. | ||
| 2019-01-03 | Enterprise Development Scheme | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department for Enterprise regarding the Enterprise Development Scheme, specifically asking for total payouts, job creation figures, and fees paid to the scheme manager. The authority disclosed that £3.937 million was invested, 20 jobs were created, and £631,372 was paid to Spark Impact. | ||
| 2018-12-17 | Steve Mercer TT accident | Information not held |
| The requester asked if the Department for Enterprise conducted an investigation into the 2018 TT accident involving Steve Mercer and a Course Inspector Car. The Department responded that it does not hold the information because it did not carry out the investigation, noting that independent investigations were commissioned by the Race Organisers and their insurers. | ||
| 2018-11-26 | Chief Executive Contract | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for the employment contract of the Department for Enterprise's Chief Executive, resulting in the disclosure of a 2012 Statement of Written Particulars for an Interim Director role, though the response was partially exempt. | ||
| 2018-10-01 | Enterprise Development Scheme 2015 and Spark Impact | Not upheld |
| The request sought the total payment to Spark Impact and the number of jobs created under the Enterprise Development Scheme 2015. The authority disclosed that 16 jobs were created as of June 2018 but stated it could not provide the final contract payment amount because negotiations were ongoing and fees depend on future application approvals. | ||
| 2018-09-26 | TT 2018 figures | Some information sent but not all held |
| A request for detailed figures regarding the 2018 Isle of Man TT was partially fulfilled, with the Department for Enterprise providing survey reports and economic assessments for some questions but confirming they do not hold data on the percentage of visitor income spent off-island. | ||
| 2018-09-26 | Enterprise Development Scheme (EDS) - remaining funds | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for detailed payment lists, company status, and bonus information regarding the Enterprise Development Scheme (EDS). The Department for Enterprise disclosed the total number of payments and companies but withheld specific amounts and dates under a public interest test citing economic prejudice. | ||
| 2018-09-24 | ISLEXPO costs and revenue | All information sent |
| The request sought a full breakdown of costs and revenue for the ISLEXPO event from 2016 to 2018, which the Department for Enterprise provided in aggregate form while noting that a granular breakdown for 2017 and 2018 would require substantial research not mandated by the FOI Act. | ||
| 2018-09-04 | To Motorsport Department - Qualifications of drivers | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department for Enterprise regarding driver qualifications, speed restrictions, and risk assessments for official vehicles used during the TT and Manx Grand Prix. The authority responded by disclosing the full 'Manx Grand Prix & Classic T.T. Road Races Authorisation 2018' document, which outlines the legal framework and regulations for the event. | ||
| 2018-07-23 | Information regarding Motorsport Organisation | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department for Enterprise regarding motorsport safety, Clerk of the Course qualifications, and investigations into recent incidents. The authority disclosed the number of qualified clerks and confirmed contact with safety directors, but stated it held no information on contingency plans or specific investigation reports as these are managed by the event organizers. | ||
| 2018-07-11 | New car promotion | All information sent |
| The request asked how much money the Department for Enterprise sought from Audi for a new car launch event. The response disclosed that no money was sought because the event was viewed as a mutually beneficial partnership for worldwide promotion. | ||
| 2018-07-10 | Micro business scheme | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| The requester asked for the names and grant amounts of businesses supported by the Micro Business Scheme for 2017/18 and 2018 to date. The Department for Enterprise withheld this specific information citing an exemption regarding economic interests but provided aggregate statistics on applications and training numbers. | ||
| 2018-06-27 | Enterprise Development Scheme | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for names of companies, directors, and beneficiaries receiving Enterprise Development Scheme funding, along with campaign costs. The authority disclosed eight company names and directed the requester to the Companies Registry for director details, but withheld beneficiary information and future company lists citing exemptions. | ||
| 2018-06-20 | TT Funfair | All information sent |
| The requester asked for details on government financial contributions to the TT Funfair, including payments to organizers and travel costs. The Department for Enterprise confirmed that no financial contribution is made by the government and that the funfair covers its own expenses. | ||
| 2018-06-15 | Grant for a Commercial Equestrian Enterprise | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Department for Enterprise regarding government grants for commercial equestrian enterprises in the Abbeylands area over the last two years. The authority responded that it does not hold any records of such grants, though it suggested contacting the Department for the Environment, Food and Agriculture. | ||
| 2018-06-06 | Proposed changes to the Employment Tribunal rules | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought details regarding proposed Employment Tribunal rule changes, specifically concerning an individual referred to as 'Person A' and consultation responses. The Department for Enterprise released some consultation responses but withheld information about Person A and a confidential response citing data protection exemptions. | ||
| 2018-06-01 | TT Isle of Man the game | All information sent |
| The requester asked if the Isle of Man Government provided financial support for the 'TT Isle of Man' video game and sought details on spending and returns. The Department for Enterprise confirmed there was no direct financial support, but rather a commercial licensing agreement involving revenue sharing and non-financial promotional assistance. | ||
| 2018-05-15 | TT | All information sent |
| A request was made for costs related to the 2018 TT promotional video, programme printing, and ACU payments, to which the Department for Enterprise disclosed specific figures for the video and ACU licence, while providing an estimated variable cost for the programme. | ||
| 2018-05-14 | Gifts/Hospitality | Information not held |
| The requester asked for the total value of gifts and hospitality declared by specific political and staff members of the Department for Enterprise for the 2017/18 tax year. The Department responded that the information is not held because no such declarations were made by the individuals in question for that period. | ||
| 2018-05-08 | Grant | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| The requester asked for details on grants and payments under the £50 million Enterprise Development Scheme, specifically regarding Spark Impact. The Department for Enterprise clarified that the fund provides loans or equity rather than grants and withheld specific 2017/18 data under Section 41 as it is scheduled for future publication in government accounts. | ||
| 2018-05-01 | Number of work permits issued | All information sent |
| The requester asked for annual data on work permits issued and denied between 2011 and 2018, distinguishing between EEA and non-EEA nationals. The Department for Enterprise provided the total numbers of issued and denied permits for the requested period but noted that the figures include renewals and that non-EEA nationals often use Immigration Rules instead of work permits. | ||
| 2018-04-27 | Expenditure on single use plastics within the department | Not required to fulfill request |
| A request for expenditure figures on single-use plastics within the Department for Enterprise was refused because the department does not individually record such costs and compiling them would require substantial manual collation. The response noted that the department has appointed a champion for this issue and the government is developing a reduction plan. | ||
| 2018-04-27 | Consultation on changes to Employment Tribunal Rules | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought details on the origin and consultation process for proposed changes to Employment Tribunal Rules regarding cost awards, specifically questioning if they targeted the Sutton v Creechurch Capital case. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the internal decision-making process and consultations but withheld the identity of the initial contact citing data protection exemptions. | ||
| 2018-04-24 | Holiday brochure | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department for Enterprise regarding the costs associated with the 2018 Isle of Man Holiday Brochure, including design, printing, and postage. The authority disclosed that the total production cost was £36,347.40, with 30,000 copies printed, and the total cost including postage reached £42,992.81 by May 2018. | ||
| 2018-04-16 | MICTA | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for detailed financial records, membership data, and meeting logs regarding the Manx ICT Association (MICTA) and its funding from the Department for Enterprise. The authority released a 2014 management agreement but withheld specific financial details and reports citing commercial confidence. | ||
| 2018-04-16 | Transparency expectations for Department for Enterprise's Agencies | All information sent |
| The requester asked for confirmation that four specific arms-length agencies would be subject to the same transparency levels and timescales as the Department for Enterprise under the Freedom of Information Act. The Department responded by clarifying that requests for information regarding these agencies must be submitted directly to the Department for Enterprise under the Freedom of Information Act 2015. | ||
| 2018-04-09 | Tourist Advertising budget | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| The requester asked for a breakdown of the 2016-2017 tourist advertising budget between on-island and off-island spending, including payee details. The Department for Enterprise refused to send the information directly, citing that it was already reasonably accessible via a public Hansard document. | ||
| 2018-04-04 | Unpublished FOI requests | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for statistics on Freedom of Information requests received, refused, answered, and published by the Department for Enterprise over the previous 12 months. The authority provided a detailed breakdown of request outcomes, noting that while some information was exempt, all responses had since been published on the government log. | ||
| 2018-03-06 | Lord Street/North Quay development | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for communications, tender documents, rent details, and a draft lease regarding the Lord Street/North Quay development. The Department for Enterprise released correspondence from the three months prior to the request but redacted personal contact information for developer staff. | ||
| 2018-01-17 | Conference attendance | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for the names and attendance details of political members and civil servants at the ICE Totally Gaming exhibition, including hotel arrangements and accompanying family members. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the names of senior attendees and their schedule but withheld the names of junior staff and information regarding family travel under data protection exemptions. | ||
| 2017-12-24 | Funding to Jacksons | Request lapsed - requested information not provided |
| A request was made to the Department for Enterprise regarding government funding received by Jacksons for a new car dealership, but the request ultimately lapsed after the authority initially sought clarification and later cited exemptions regarding economic interests. | ||
| 2017-12-22 | "Isle of Man Government" legal identity | Information not held |
| The requester asked for the legal person status and the specific Act creating the legal personality of the 'Isle of Man Government'. The Department for Enterprise responded that it does not hold this information, noting that a sub-committee is currently investigating the merits of establishing the government as a single legal entity. | ||
| 2017-11-30 | Contract with Sparks | All information sent |
| The Department for Enterprise released a redacted copy of the contract with Spark Impact for managing the Enterprise Development Scheme 2015. Personal data and specific commercial fee details were withheld under exemptions for data protection and economic interests. | ||
| 2017-11-15 | Grants issued to Comis Holdings | Neither confirm or deny information held |
| A request for details on grants issued to Comis Holdings, including amounts, dates, and repayment terms, was refused by the Department for Enterprise. The authority neither confirmed nor denied holding the information, citing exemptions related to economic interests and public interest. | ||
| 2017-11-09 | Questions re. option granted on DED land | Some information sent but not all held |
| A request was made for details regarding an option granted to EFB (IOM) Ltd to purchase government-owned land at Ballafletcher, Douglas. The Department for Enterprise responded under the Access Code, providing a timeline of the 2010 approval process and financial terms, while noting the option has since expired. | ||
| 2017-10-31 | Current value of cruise passenger visiting Isle of Man | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request for the calculated value of a cruise passenger visiting the Isle of Man was initially withheld under a future publication exemption but was subsequently disclosed following an internal review. | ||
| 2017-10-28 | Deloitte report on berth for cruise ships | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made for a Deloitte report on deep water berths for cruise ships, but the Department for Enterprise refused to disclose it under Section 41 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 as the report was held for future publication. | ||
| 2017-10-19 | Homestay | All information sent |
| The request sought annual statistics on registered properties under the Isle of Man Homestay Scheme and details of investigations or prosecutions for non-registration between 2011 and 2017. The Department for Enterprise disclosed all requested data, showing registration numbers for each year and investigation counts, while confirming there were no prosecutions. | ||
| 2017-10-16 | TT/Festival of Motorcycling | Not required to fulfill request |
| The Department for Enterprise responded to requests for total costs regarding the 2017 TT and Festival of Motorcycling, disclosing specific salary and operational figures while refusing to provide a breakdown of individual costs due to the requirement for substantial compilation. | ||
| 2017-10-04 | TT/Festival of Motorcycling | Not required to fulfill request |
| The Department for Enterprise partially fulfilled a request for total costs related to the 2017 TT and Festival of Motorcycling, disclosing specific salary and operational figures while refusing to compile data on individual safety equipment costs as requested. | ||
| 2017-09-07 | TT/Festival of Motorcycling | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made for the costs of rescue helicopters, safety equipment, and road barriers for the 2017 TT and Festival of Motorcycling, but the Department for Enterprise withheld all information citing commercial interests. | ||
| 2017-09-06 | Tom Jones concert | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made for details on the profit or loss of the Tom Jones concert at Noble's Park and any taxpayer liability, but the Department for Enterprise refused to disclose the information citing commercial interests. | ||
| 2017-08-14 | Motorsport questions | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request for financial details regarding the Isle of Man Motorsport Development Group and the 2017 TT/MGP events was partially fulfilled, with specific expense figures provided but individual salaries withheld due to data protection exemptions. | ||
| 2017-08-03 | Deloitte report on berth for cruise ships | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made for a Deloitte report assessing the potential for a deep water cruise ship berth in the Isle of Man, but the Department for Enterprise withheld the document entirely. | ||
| 2017-08-02 | Breakdown of support to each rally/motorsport event that occurs on Island | Some information sent but part exempt |
| 2017-07-24 | Villa Marina/Gaiety Theatre policies and procedures for the disabled | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the Gaiety Theatre's disability policy and specific procedures for notifying disabled customers about seat suitability during online booking. The authority responded that no formal written policy exists, but detailed access information is available on their website and staff are trained to advise customers to contact them in advance for specific needs. | ||
| 2017-07-15 | What costs have been incurred by the Dept as it relates to Vision 9. | Some information sent but not all held |
| The Department for Enterprise responded to a request regarding costs incurred for Vision 9 by disclosing external costs for two procurement exercises but stating it could not separate specific costs for Vision 9 or estimate internal officer time. | ||
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