John Webster

Economist, business owner, loves family, dogs, humour, history & Isle of Man

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

@IOMVote2026 “Crowding out” of the private sector by government has many negatives & the Committee is right to sound the alarm, let’s hope Treasury hears it!

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

@joeyconc Tynwald website register of business

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

Tynwald’s Economic Review C’tee’s latest report is an excellent must-read analysis that could guide a much needed Manx recovery plan. I hope IOMG will act on it. #isleofman

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

IOMG must act now on the superb presentation by Manx business. Underlying problems are lack of economic growth & unsustainable spending. Until these basics are resolved we’ll have growing issues with living costs etc #isleofman

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

@roblikes2tweet That’s one of a number of reasons, the growth of HMOs is providing low cost accommodation for some & the use of IOM for “master slavery” has distorted many aspects of the economy & not helped our international reputation

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

IOM’s economy is in trouble yet this is officially disputed. Despite the lack of adequate data, a basic understanding of the Manx economy shows that we have problems. The honesty & credibility of those denying this must be questioned #isleofman

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

@roblikes2tweet Comparing IOM with UK is setting a very low bar considering how much in advance of UK per capita was IOM. Your guess is wrong, my business not directly affected by rise in minimum wage.

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

@roblikes2tweet Economy is running on empty; former growth sectors in decline, high paid jobs being replaced by low paid, low productivity no clear idea of a coherent plan to develop new industries etc

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

@PanicInTS Yes, those who seek the facts are accused of “talking down the IOM”

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

@NoMan_1976 Agree

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

IOM’s Chief Minister finally recognises that uncontrolled migration must be curtailed. A new plan is required which is based on quality rather than quantity & a focus on improving the lives of Manx residents #isleofman

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

@iom_fandliom @MichaelJosem This may explain the apparent disinterest in producing & analysing GDP data in a timely manner. Paying Moodys for an assessment is neither reliable nor acceptable as a measure of economic progress

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

IOMG’s confusion over tourism hides a real misunderstanding; they should be focused on income to the IOM not crude visitor numbers. A lesson that was learned years ago but apparently now forgotten. #isleofman

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

@joeyconc @MichaelJosem Agree, obsession with a simple metric without understanding the ramifications applies both to tourist & population policies. Simply put, look at quality, not just quantity

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

@MichaelJosem Exactly, it’s a lesson we once learned & one of the reasons the IOM sought other sources of income

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

@MichaelJosem IOM’s obsession with visitor numbers is a real distraction which distorts the direction & effectiveness of economic strategies

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

IOMG, in the absence of proper debate & data, pays for Moodys to produce a rating on questionable evidence. Manx electorate deserves better & should challenge claims of success based on this report given the agency’s history & methodology. #isleofman

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

@MickMills @ManxRadio Low paid immigrants actually reduce productivity, damage the labour market & depress wages, to the disadvantage of local labour. A sensible strategy with a thriving economy would require migrants to be paid high wages.

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

IOM regulators’ focus on process & tick boxes is crippling business yet is ineffective against real criminals. Business acumen, intelligence & judgement is needed to provide sensible balance. #isleofman

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

@NoMan_1976 Excellent questions, let’s hope IOMG has a cunning plan but I am concerned about our economic prospects

[John Webster @johnwebsteriom]

IOM’s focus on labour shortages may soon be replaced by worries over unemployment. Weak labour market in UK, along with our stagnant private sector & lack of a credible growth strategy is a cause of real concern & should be addressed urgently #isleofman