Food and drink businesses are invited to sign up for marketing workshops being run by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).
The workshops are delivered as part of Government’s food business development strategy, ‘Food Matters’.
Geoffrey Boot, 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 wishing to gain a better understanding of marketing.
‘Marketing is a critical part of running a business and this course will provide new starters and more established set-ups with a range of tools and techniques to improve their profitability.
‘Developing a sustainable, competitive and profitable food and drink industry is important to growing and diversifying our economy.’
Workshops take place over four Thursday evenings – 23rd February, 2nd, 9th and 16th March 2017 – at DEFA’s headquarters, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s.
They will be delivered by Heather Blackley, a marketing consultant who has 25 years’ experience with both large and small businesses on and off the Isle of Man, including the food and drink industry.
Previous participants have rated the workshops highly and commented on their value in developing their enterprises.
Kirree Callow, who runs The Dairy Shed, a new start-up, said: ‘The marketing side of the business was something I was completely unfamiliar with. However, after going through the process week by week at the workshops, I felt much more confident that I had the tools to formulate a practical plan to take the enterprise forward.
‘I would highly recommend the workshops to anyone involved in, or thinking of becoming involved in, the food industry.’
DEFA meets half the cost of the workshops, so participants pay ?30 per session.
To inquire about/ book places on the workshops, contact Audrey Fowler, DEFA Marketing Officer, via audrey.fowler@gov.im or 01624 685856, or complete the application form at
www.gov.im/categories/leisure-and-entertainment/manx-food-and-produce/marketing-course-for-local-food-and-drink-businesses/ by 30th January 2017.
