As award winning experts for the Isle of Wight Economy we deliver key regeneration projects, attract investment & business to the South East, assist local companies & help with relocation to the Isle of Wight.

Economic Organisation of the Year 2007

The Isle of Wight Economic Partnership has been awarded the “Economic Development Organisation of the Year 2007” by top industry publication Regeneration and Renewal Magazine, ahead of tough competition from finalists MIDAS (Manchester) and Milton Keynes.

The awards recognised projects and organisations across the country who have made a real difference to their communities, judged by a panel of private sector and industry experts.


One of the Judges, Richard Green, Director Eye, said about IWEP “we were impressed with the breadth of their offer. They seem to be able to convince people it’s worth taking a look at the Isle of Wight …….. I thought they had their act together really well.”

To put this into perspective MIDAS covers the whole of Greater Manchester, which is one of the largest conurbations outside London with a population of over 2.5million.

The entries are judged on achievements and activity over a twenty month period, as well as the day to day activities of the organisation. In the case of the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership these achievements have been impressive:

Written the new economic strategy for the Island “Creating More Value” currently in final consultation phase.

  • Developed the “Vision” and marketing strategy for The Bay – a new regeneration programme for Sandown & Shanklin Bay
  • Attracted 5 new inward investments
  • Helped create a further 3 new businesses 
  • Creating 149 jobs (full time equivalent)
  • Inspired more than 1100 young people through Inspire and the Gipsy Moth projects
  • Helped generate £4.3 million pounds worth of media coverage for the Island 
  • Harnessed approximately £4.6 million of private and public sector spend to market the Isle of Wight. 
  • Developed a Pan European portal for the composites sector bringing together academia and major corporate uses such as Renault.

The work of the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership is partly funded through the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), and also receives some funding from the Isle of Wight Council to undertake economic development on behalf of the authority. The remainder comes from commercial activities such as the Innovation Centre serviced office complex.

Andrew Turner, MP for the Isle of Wight, said "Congratulations to the IWEP for winning this major award against fierce competition . This further highlights the expertise and enthusiasm that is so prevalent on the Isle of Wight.”