By Carole Dennett
The Chairman of Visit Isle of Wight, Kent-based David Curtis-Brignell, has refused to answer questions about the organisation’s finances and governance – despite mounting controversy over its failure to follow its own rules on director appointments.
Funded by a mandatory levy on tourism businesses, Visit Isle of Wight requires at least five elected directors chosen by levy-payers. Following three resignations this year, only two elected directors remain – both in post since 2017, despite rules requiring re-election every three years. They are outnumbered by statutory directors, representing the three ferry companies, IW Council, and Southern Vectis.
Mr Curtis-Brignell described the breach as an “oversight”. However, the board is no longer quorate and cannot make valid decisions. He claims legal advice confirms past decisions remain valid, but has offered no explanation. When asked whether he had read the Articles of Association and understood their requirements, he failed to respond.
The organisation is now seeking to elect 12 new directors. Mr Curtis-Brignell, believed to earn at least £10,000 a year for one contracted day a week (though he says he works more), has refused to disclose basic governance details. On October 1, he told the IW Observer that board meeting minutes would be shared. A week later, he reversed that decision, citing “personal, confidential and sensitive information.”
Questions about a £5,000 interest-free loan, made to a director in September 2022, also went unanswered. Many levy-payers were dismayed to learn that, while they were being taken to court for unpaid levies, the organisation was handing out interest-free loans. Mr Curtis-Brignell later indicated the loan was made under the Companies Act, suggesting it went to MD Will Myers – the only director who is also an employee. The chairman said the loan was repaid a year early but refused to explain why it was granted.
Asked whether any directors had received grants from Visit Isle of Wight, Mr Curtis-Brignell replied on behalf of the board, stating only that “there are no existing conflicts of interest.” All board members were contacted directly, but only John Allen and Rachael Randall responded, confirming they had not received any grants.
One frustrated levy-payer commented: “BID-payers have been treated appallingly. We’ve had no oversight of how money is spent. It’s hard to believe this level of secrecy is acceptable in a publicly-funded organisation. Whoever gets elected next will need to dig deep to uncover what’s really been going on. Unless this is addressed – and soon – I believe there’s no chance at all of the BID being renewed next year – which would leave the Island in a dreadful position.”
With elections looming, it’s clear that whoever wins the support of IW levy-payers will face a major challenge in restoring confidence among those who are forced to fund the organisation.
