Chamber hosts Budget & Beyond briefing with Treasury Minister
23 February 2026
Treasury Minister Chris Thomas MHK attended a Chamber of Commerce event to give a Budget update to the business community.
The ‘Budget & Beyond’ business breakfast briefing was held at Looky’s Lounge Bar in Douglas on February 20th and sponsored by Grant Thornton, one of Chamber’s Gold Members.
After a welcoming address by Chamber CEO Rebecca George, Simon Nicholas – Head of Practice at Grant Thornton – gave a short speech about the event and Grant Thornton’s views about the Budget.
The Treasury Minister then gave a presentation which went into the details behind the ‘stability, security and confidence’ headlines which are the themes of the Budget, particularly the drive to increase personal income. This was followed by a Q&A session with the Treasury Minister which was led by Chamber President Claire Watterson. Themes raised and discussed included:
· The strategy to drive economic growth
· Government efficiency
· Health care spending and funding
· Public sector pay and pensions
· Net-zero and energy security
· Air links & off-Island connectivity
Chris Corlett – Chamber’s Legislation Group Lead – then gave a short presentation about his new, additional role as Chamber’s Election Task Force Lead. He explained the Election Task Force’s mission to inform candidates and the electorate in the countdown to the General Election in September, and thanked the Treasury Minister for recognising the economy as a key election issue.
Chamber President Claire Watterson thanked the Minister, guests and the event sponsor, and after the event commented: “As this was the final Budget of the current administration, today’s event offered a timely opportunity to understand not just what has been announced but also what it signals for the Island's economic direction, public finances and policy priorities. The briefing was designed to help businesses cut through the headlines, assess the real-world implications of the Budget, and engage directly with the new Treasury Minister on the choices made, the trade-offs involved, and the challenges still ahead.”
Treasury Minister Chris Thomas MHK said: “Events like this provide an invaluable opportunity to discuss the choices set out in the Budget and to hear directly from the businesses who help drive the Island’s economy. I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce for hosting today’s session, Grant Thornton for its generous sponsorship and all those who took the time to attend or submit questions. Continued dialogue between government and the business community is essential as we work together to support sustainable growth and ensure the Island continues to prosper in the years ahead.”
Grant Thornton – which is one of Chamber’s Gold Members – said the business was pleased to sponsor the Budget & Beyond event to support informed discussion about decisions that will shape the future of the Island's economy. Grant Thornton supports organisations operating in a complex and increasingly international environment by combining its deep local knowledge of the Isle of Man with the strength of Grant Thornton's global organisation.
Click here to read Isle of Chamber of Commerce’s detailed response to the 2026 Isle of Man Budget. For all the Treasury’s Budget 2026 documents – including the ‘Pink Book’ plus useful summaries, guides and infographics – go to www.gov.im/budget