The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has arranged a subsidised marketing course designed for anyone involved in food, drinks and crafts on the Isle of Man.  The course will run on 27th February, 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th March 2014 commencing at 7pm at DEFA, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s IM4 3AS.
 
The course will be relevant to anyone running a business including farmers who may be thinking of diversifying their activities or who wish to gain a better understanding of marketing and of the help available to new and established businesses on the Island.
 
To book a place and obtain details of the course, please register with Audrey Fowler, audrey.fowler@gov.im or call 685856 by 10th January 2014 – places are limited. There are 5 workshops at a cost of ?20 per person per workshop.
 
The course will be tutored by Heather Smallwood, a Chartered Marketer and accredited marketing consultant.  Heather will share a wealth of experience with delegates including marketing planning, identifying customers, meeting business needs and marketing communications including news releases. Two new workshops have been added to cover Market Research and Digital Marketing.  Marketing is a critical part of running a business and this course will help delegates understand why as well as providing them with a range of tools and techniques to apply to their own situation and improve their profitability.
 
Delegates on previous courses have rated it highly and commented on its value to developing their enterprises.  Clare Lewis, Ballanorman Farm, Ballaugh said: “Attending the Marketing Workshops removed the mystique from this crucial part of our business planning. The Workshops really helped me to focus on what we are trying to achieve in our new business and which areas to concentrate on the most. The Workshops were a mine of valuable information about all aspects of marketing whatever the size of your business. This Course gave me the tools to take our business forward, to think outside of the box, and to ensure that we maximise all our marketing opportunities, especially those that are free or low cost. I would recommend the Marketing Workshops run by DEFA to any business person”.