Looking at the people who keep the wheels of commerce turning on the Island; features, profiles, achievements and stories with a human dimension. ISLE OF MAN DIRECTOR IS BIG WINNER AT 2019 IOD DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS The North West’s top business talent has been celebrated at the annual Institute of Directors (IoD) Director of the Year awards – with  the Isle of Man’s Paul Kerruish a big winner on the night. Paul’s Fynoderee Distillery has been a success story for the island in recent years, growing in size, distribution and increasing its exports. It was founded by Paul who flew to Manchester to accept his accolade on the night having been recognised as the Start-Up Director of the Year. With a gin brand now exported to the mainland UK and other countries fast putting in orders, Paul’s business is putting Manx tradition and folklore on the world’s stage; his brand, is inspired by the Fynoderee story with local artist Julia Ashby Smyth creating the original artwork for the labels and branding. Former Manx advocate Paul, who is located in the north of the island, said of his entrepreneurial success story: “We really are thrilled with this accolade, an acknowledgement of our hard work on the mainland and crucially, in front of a room full of brilliant, inspiring national and international directors. “We are proud to be a growing an Isle of Man-based business and have deep roots here – the community we operate within has undoubtedly contributed to our success so far.” Embodying the IoD’s objectives in the North West by bringing the best leaders in the region to the fore, the event celebrates the diverse achievements of entrepreneurial and inspiring business leaders. Awards ranged from ‘Young Director of the Year’ to ‘Director of the Year Award – Corporate Social Responsibility’. Hundreds of business people, influencers and luminaries attended the awards ceremony, which was held at Hilton Manchester Deansgate. The awards have gained a coveted reputation for highlighting the success of North West directors - from young businesses leading a small but driven team, to large corporations based regionally, but overseeing operations throughout the world. Paul shared the stage with other winners including James Timpson OBE of the renowned Timpson Group of busineses as well Marnie Millard OBE of Newton-le-Willows based Nichols PLC – famed for numerous beverages including Manchester’s own Vimto. Claire Ebrey Regional Director for the North West and Isle of Man concluded: “We offer our warmest congratulations to everyone who has won an award, as well as to all of those who were shortlisted. The IoD is proud to work closely with directors and their teams here in the North West and Isle of Man - something that the organisation has been doing since 1903. | 29