Agencies appointed to promote Isle of Man TT in 2006 – new Motorsport Development Manager also appointed The Isle of Man Department of Tourism and Leisure has appointed a new agency to develop the commercialism of the TT, re-define the branding and promote the races to a wider audience. The department has also appointed Paul Phillips to the position of TT and Motorsport Development Manager. Signature Sponsorship has been appointed to manage commercial and sponsorship contracts for The Isle of Man TT for a period of three years from 2006 to 2008. Signature Sponsorship (IoM) Ltd. is an independent sponsorship and event management consultancy, with specialist divisions in sponsorship consultancy and managing global events. Signature has extensive experience in sponsorship, event and hospitality management in Formula 1 motorsport for Shell and Fosters as well as playing a significant role in Moto GP and the World Superbike Championships with Ducati. Signature will work closely with the department of Tourism and Leisure in the setting up, negotiating and account management of all of the commercial contracts associated with the event. They will be to looking to generate new commercial opportunities and increased revenue and investment for the TT and the Island. M Louise Wilson, CEO of Signature Sponsorship commented: “The TT races is the most exciting road race in the world and Signature will be looking to maximise the potential revenue opportunities associated with the event’. As part of their remit, Signature has led a PR agency competitive pitch and London based PR company The Media Foundry has been appointed. The agency will focus on generating increased press coverage in the national and lifestyle press, as well as ensuring continued positive press in the traditional bike media. The agency will also be charged with running the press office during the races. The account will be lead by Simon Crellin, formerly a resident of the Isle of Man and someone familiar with both the races and the Island. The Media Foundry has widespread sport, leisure and tourism experience and this year is running a UK Home Nations football tournament for under 13’s on behalf of Tesco. The Isle of Man Department of Tourism and Leisure has also appointed Paul Phillips to the position of TT and Motorsport Development Manager. Paul has worked alongside Richard Quayle for the past twelve months as Rider Liaison Officer for the TT Races, during which time he has been responsible for a sustained period of change and development. Paul’s key role will be to develop the TT and Motorsport on the Island in consultation with the key stakeholders and service providers to help raise the profile and quality of the TT, and other Motorsport events, to world class standard. As well as the duties of the Rider Liaison post, the job will also include having overall administrative control of the TT. This includes controlling the budgets to ensure its long-term future and working with the media. David Cretney, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, commented: “With the return of established teams from British Superbike and representatives from World Superbike in attendance for the first time, as well as strong representation from all four Japanese manufacturers, this year’s races are expected to be the most exciting for many years. These appointments will mean that we are maximising the commercial opportunities associated with the races”.