The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture will be co-ordinating its popular series of marketing workshops designed for anyone involved in food and drink on the Isle of Man.
 
The workshops are being offered as part of Government’s commitment to growing the economy as outlined in Agenda for Change and in support of the Department’s new food business development strategy ‘Food Matters’.

The series of workshops will start on Thursday 26 February, and continue on each Thursday in March 2015 at 7pm at the Department’s Headquarters, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s IM4 3AS.
 
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: “We would welcome representatives from all areas of the food and drink industry, including farmers, retailers, artisans and restaurants, to take up this workshop opportunity to gain a better understanding of marketing in the industry.  Growing a sustainable, competitive and profitable industry will form a vital cornerstone of our future expanding and diversified economy.”
 
To book a place and obtain details of the course, please register with Audrey Fowler by email audrey.fowler@gov.im or call 685856 by 29 January 2015 – places are limited.  The series consists of five workshops at a cost of ?25 per person, per workshop.
 
The course will be led by Heather Blackley, a Director at the CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) accredited study centre.  Heather will share a wealth of experience with delegates including marketing planning, identifying customers, meeting business needs and marketing communications including news releases.
 
Marketing is a critical part of running a business and this course will help delegates to understand and enhance marketing decisions 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 in developing their enterprises. 
 
Janette Qualtrough, Ballakarran Meats commented: “I attended the marketing workshop held by the Department in 2014.  We had just launched the boxed meat sector of our business.  We knew what we wanted to do but not all the processes along the way. Heather really helped me to make a plan and consider other areas.  I found the whole course invaluable.  The information, materials and skills that I gathered are something that I still rely on.  It came at the right time for the business.  I would certainly highly recommend this course to anyone considering starting a new business or those who have just started.”