Keynote Speakers

Hon Allan Bell, MHK, Minister for Economic Development of the Isle of Man Government

Hon Allan Bell, Member of the House of Keys (MHK) is the Minister for Economic Development, one of the newly created Departments of the Isle of Man Government. Minister Bell was the Treasury Minister from December 2001 until April 2010, when he was appointed to lead the new Department.

Previously, he has held several Ministerial positions with responsibility for Tourism and Leisure, Industry, and Home Affairs. An experienced and long-serving politician, Mr. Bell was elected to the House of Keys in 1984, and joined Government in 1986.

During his tenure as Treasury Minister, Mr. Bell instigated and oversaw initiatives to promote the strong growth of the Island's economy and its further diversification. In addition to the continued growth of the Island's banking, financial services, and insurance industries, the Minister was instrumental in the successful initiation of film and online gaming industries on the Island. The Minister has also been at the forefront in developing the Island's Space Industry. His prudent approach to Government finances and stable government led to the Island's economy being continually 'AAA' rated by both Standard and Poors and Moody's.

During his time at the Treasury, Minister Bell and his team worked tirelessly in raising the profile and reputation of the Isle of Man as a well regulated, co-operative and transparent international financial centre. He is a strong advocate of the need for positive engagement with the international community, and has played a key role in the Island's relations with the EU, IMF/World Bank and OECD, as well as numerous partners in various countries around the world with which the Isle of Man has entered into Tax Information Exchange Agreements.

Many of these achievements will stand him in good stead, as he now faces the new challenges of leading the Department of Economic Development and developing the Island's business profile in all sectors of the economy across global markets.

Minister Bell was born on the Isle of Man on July 20th 1947, and was educated at Ramsey Grammar School. Prior to being elected, his career spanned banking, accountancy and retailing.

Marcus Stuttard, Head of AIM, London Stock Exchange

Marcus Stuttard was appointed Head of AIM in April 2009, having previously been Deputy Head of AIM since 2006. Marcus is responsible for the management and development of AIM, the London Stock Exchange's international growth market for small and medium sized enterprises. Marcus is also a director of TOKYO AIM, the joint venture between the London Stock Exchange and Tokyo Stock Exchange Group to develop a new market for growing companies in Japan and Asia.

Marcus has been with the Exchange since 1994. During this time his various roles have focused on primary markets development and the management of the Exchange's relationships with the corporate advisory community, including nominated advisers, sponsors, lawyers and accountants in the UK and overseas. Marcus joined the Exchange as a Regulatory Adviser in the Listing Department after completing the Law Society's Legal Practice Course.

Michael Charlton, Director International Business Development, Dept of Economic Development, Isle of Man Government

Michael Charlton was previously Chief Executive of Think London, the official foreign direct investment agency for London. Michael's team, both in London and internationally, was responsible for worldwide promotion and business development of London. Michael has a wide experience working across global markets and sectors, and in developing business opportunities in Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and South America.

Michael is a member of the London Business Board's Olympic Business Steering Group for the London 2012 Games and is a board member of the Business Network : Compete For. He is also a member of the Financial Services Sector Advisory Board which supports the Chancellor's City and UK Financial Services Initiative.

Previously, Michael was Consul for Investment at the British Consulate General, Atlanta, Georgia, where he was on secondment from KPMG for three years. During this time, he was responsible for UK Trade and Investment for encouraging investment to the UK for the South Eastern USA.

Michael is a chartered accountant. He trained and spent ten years with KPMG where he managed both audit and corporate finance assignments. He has a BSc Honours degree in Management & Finance from Loughborough University of Technology.