Substantial savings from IOM College-IBS merger

The Minister for Education and Children says the merger between Isle of Man College and the International Business School will provide a better experience for students, and save taxpayers a substantial sum.

Peter Karran told Tynwald today (Tuesday) the merger would produce savings of up to £200,000 a year, once changes were made.

The director's post at the business school has been axed, with college principal Professor Ronald Barr now in charge of both sites. Other savings will be made through streamlining administration across the two institutions.

Minister Karran claimed the new-look College of Further and Higher Education would respond better to the Island's economic and commercial needs.

He was asked if the college still aimed to award business degrees in its own right: