Dan Williams has been Commercial Manager for our Isle of Man titles, now under the group name Media Isle of Man, since 2014.
He talks about the commercial effort by the team, the increasing role of digital and the pleasure of working on the scenic Isle of Man.
What are the main responsibilities in your role?
I am responsible for the total income for Media Isle of Man, which includes advertising and newspaper sales. We have really focused on diversifying this income over the last five years and have seen over 100% increase in digital advertising over the last 12 months.
The business has a new head company name of Media Isle of Man as we are truly a media company now, specialising in digital, events, supplements and newspapers for the local people and businesses.
What was the appeal of joining the company?
The appeal to me was being part of a locally trusted business that was embedded in the Manx community that I felt I could make a difference with, helping people locally support each other and share success and change across the island.
We have a responsibility to hold people to account, however. WE also give credit where it is due so that we can encourage future generations to support the overall success of the Isle of Man and drive the right positive behaviours within our community.
What does a typical day in your role involve?
Every day is different, that’s probably what I enjoy the most. You can have a clear plan which helps you deliver on our budgets and income. You never know what is going to happen and that what I really love and enjoy.
Which colleagues do you interact with the most in your working day?
Mainly my commercial team who all do a fantastic job. They continually look at how we can support local businesses to achieve the best return on their investment so that they can continue to succeed and therefore we succeed in business. This can be delivered in many different ways from social media support to digital and print campaigns. We always work with businesses to ensure they achieve their maximum reach and potential for each campaign at the right price.
How does your work fit into the wider business?
Our work is essential to the future of our trusted news. Without income we would no longer exist and therefore a massive part of the community would be lost forever. The history of our news is in the fabric of the community and titles such as the Examiner and the Manx Independent have been in the community for more than 100 years.
What do you enjoy about working for Tindle?
What I enjoy most about working for Tindle is the people we get to interact with every day, be that team members, clients or our community. Again this gives you a perspective on what is great about living and working on the Isle of Man. Lovely people trying to make a difference for each other, that’s what I believe anyway.
How do you use digital in your role?
We use digital every day from working in partnerships with local events and businesses to communicating the latest news. We are continually looking to improve on how we can be first to the market in the most cost effective and trusted way. Our clients trust our expertise and so do our community. It is a great privilege to feel trusted in such a way which is why it is so important that we leave a strong legacy.
What jobs did you have before you joined Tindle?
Before I joined Tindle I was Head of Banking Operations across the Isle of Man and Channel Islands for Barclays Wealth Private Bank, where I worked for eight years. I worked for Egg.com for six years from 2000 before moving to the island. I have 20 years of experience in banking and now nine years’ experience in media.
What are your interests outside of work?
I have a lovely large family with my wife Lorraine. We have four children who we spend most of our spare time with, which is great. I am also a keen golfer which I love playing at Castletown Golf Links in Langness, which is such a beautiful part of the world.