Salute to Allan Bell's contribution to Isle of Man

Chief minister honoured for service to Island

Islanders involved in the public and private sector, in business, tech, charities and volunteering have been recognised for their work in the community.
The annual Isle of Man Newspapers Awards for Excellence - hosted by presenter and comedian Alexander Armstrong - also included a special lifetime achievement award, presented to former Chief Minister and Ramsey MHK Allan Bell, for his contribution to Manx life.

He stood down in September after around 40 years in public life, 32 of which were as an MHK and during which time he became one of the most established figures in the Island’s political history.

He received a standing ovation in the Villa Marina Royal Hall and gave an emotional acceptance speech (except attached):

Prize winners:

Corporate Social Responsibility - Zurich International Life

Innovation & Independent Thinking - Noa Bakehouse

Business – Equiom

Small Medium Enterprise - Expol

Public Sector Achievement of the Year - UNESCO Biosphere status, Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture

IoM Volunteer of the Year - Bill Dale, Beach Buddies

Excellence in the Use of Technology -Triumph Actuation Systems

Company of the Year - Isle of Man Creamery

Charity, Cultural & Social Enterprise - Victim Support

Isle of Man Customer Service - The Lady Chauffeurs

Teamwork – Estera

New Business/Innovation - Manx Ultrasonic Window Blind Cleaning

Young Achiever of the Year - Sam Murphy, PB Sports Performance

International Business of the Year - First Names Group

Digital Champions - Riva Financial Systems

Freedom to Flourish – Derivco

IOM Lifetime Achievement- Allan Bell CBE