MHK insists TT trademark benefits event

A member of the Department of Economic Development says its 'TT' trademark generates £1m per year.

Onchan MHK Rob Callister - whose responsibilities within the Department include tourism and motorsport - revealed in a post on Facebook that the DED registered the trademark in 2006.

Mr Callister insists before the right to use the term was officially registered, the Government made just a few thousand pounds from the TT brand.

He also claims the cost of running the TT increases every year, but around 15 official commercial partners help support the event while Department budgets are being cut.

The DED released a statement yesterday insisting it must protect the TT brand.