Isle of Man Attends GDC Europe to Discuss Relocation Grants and Zero Percent Corporate Tax Rate
Computer Game Companies Can Benefit from Government's Financial Initiatives and Flourishing Economy
DOUGLAS, Isle of Man and LONDON (September 1, 2005) - The Isle of Man Government, located in the British Isles and internationally recognized for its pro-business environment, is sending a representative to GDC Europe in London to promote the Isle of Man's thriving technology industry. The representative will meet with computer game professionals about the Government's pro-business tax initiatives as well as grants offered to help companies grow their business on the Isle of Man.
"We are very excited to be attending GDC Europe," said Tim Craine, the Isle of Man Government's E-Business Director. "We look forward to meeting with members of the computer games industry and discussing the benefits of doing business in the Isle of Man."
The Isle of Man recently announced that it is abolishing its general corporate tax rate. Scheduled to take effect in April 2006, the zero corporate tax initiative is part of the Government's strategy to expand the Island's technology community and enhance its reputation as a AAA rated jurisdiction. This combines world-class standards of regulation, transparency and telecoms infrastructure with extremely beneficial rates of direct taxation.
Because of its pro-business and responsive government policies, the Isle of Man has become the home to a flourishing interactive entertainment and film industry. Many companies are establishing operations in the Isle of Man to access the UK and European Union markets. To assist in this process, the Isle of Man Government provides generous grant packages of up to 40% to help offset the cost of moving, setting up operations, and acquiring new office equipment.
In addition to progressive government policy, more than $90 million has been invested in the Island's telecommunications infrastructure over the past five years. The Isle of Man is leading Europe with innovative technology investments which include implementation of Europe's first Super Fast (HSDPA) 3G network, two self healing (SDH) fiber rings connecting the Isle of Man to both the UK and Ireland, 100 percent broadband coverage and free ADSL and ISDN connections available for businesses and individuals.
The Game Developers Conference Europe, which is being held in London on 30 August - 1 September 2005, is produced by the CMP Game Group which also produces the Game Developers Conference, Game Developer magazine, Gamasutra.com, the Game Developers Choice Awards and the Independent Games Festival. GDC Europe provides the pan-European game development community an essential forum in which to learn, network, and focus on the future of next-generation interactive entertainment. The event's Expo hosts a variety of game development tool and technology vendors, offering an opportunity to meet with exhibitors for product demonstrations and private face-to-face meetings.
About the Isle of Man
Located off the coast of the United Kingdom and situated in the center of the British Isles, the Isle of Man is recognized worldwide for its pro-business environment. The Isle of Man Government supports companies with a team of experts who advise on international tax, legal and banking issues. The Government's political stability and vibrant business economy, as demonstrated with AAA ratings from Standard & Poor's and Moody's, make it a perfect location for North American companies looking to establish a European headquarters. The Island's colorful heritage, diverse scenic beauty, enhanced by many annual cultural events, hotel, conference and leisure facilities provides the basis for its flourishing technology, tourist and film industries. With excellent educational, health and social amenities, the Isle of Man provides a unique quality of life, which is appreciated and treasured by all its residents both old and new. For additional information on the Isle of Man visit http://www.gov.im and to learn more about its E-Business Division, visit http://www.ebusiness.gov.im.
Media Contact:
Dave Murray, ClearImage (For the Isle of Man)
919-863-2393 ext. 210
dave.murray@clearimagepr.com