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 the Government’s food business development strategy, ‘Food Matters’.

Geoffrey Boot, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘Developing a sustainable, competitive and profitable food and drink industry is important to growing and diversifying the Island’s economy.

‘Marketing is a critical part of running a business and these workshops provide start-ups and more established businesses with tools and techniques they can use to improve their profitability.

‘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.’

Workshops take place over four Thursday evenings – 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd March 2018, 7pm to 9pm – 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 working with businesses on and off the Isle of Man, including the food and drink industry.

DEFA meets half the cost of the workshops, so participants pay ?30 per session.

Previous participants have rated the workshops highly and commented on their value in developing their enterprises. 

Tracey Ridgway, from Close Leece Farm, said: ‘I would recommend the workshops to anyone thinking about setting up in the food and drink sector or launching a product.

‘They made me analyse who my customer is and the best way to get the message to them about my rare breed meat and dairy products.’

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/marketingcourse by 31st January 2018.