The Isle of Man region of The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is inviting Manx small businesses along to a free marketing master class and advice surgery on Thursday, 15 May.
 
The master class, for up to 20 representatives from small businesses, will be hosted by Heather Smallwood, Fellow of the Chartered Institute, giving a brief overview of the importance of marketing and quick wins for small businesses.
 
A marketing surgery for small businesses will follow the master class, hosted by a group of some of the Island’s 25 Chartered Marketers, run on a first come, first served basis.  This unique opportunity will give small business the chance to seek guidance and advice from some of the Island’s top marketers, in complete confidence.
 
Chair of The Chartered Institute of Marketing Isle of Man committee, Daren Ward, said:
 
“Marketing is an integral part of succeeding in business.  Small businesses are the workhorses of any economy, but they seldom have the resources to think about or indeed adopt marketing in its simplest form.  Given the importance small businesses play in our local economy and the need to continue to drive economic growth on the Island, members of the local CIM Committee and the Island’s Chartered Marketers are keen to engage with and support local businesses.  We held an extremely successful marketing surgery in 2010, which was oversubscribed, and felt that the time was right to hold a second one.
 
“The surgery means that professional senior Island-based marketers will be available for small businesses to talk to on a one-to-one basis for free and confidential advice and support.  When you work by yourself or in a small team which may not have any professional marketing knowledge, it can be very beneficial to have an experienced professional to talk to and perhaps just bounce ideas off.
 
“I would encourage those running small businesses who may be interested to get in touch as soon as possible, as availability is limited.”
 
Both the master class and surgery take place on 15 May at Manx Professional and Educational Services on 41-45 Duke Street, Douglas.  Registration for the master class is 11am and will include lunch and time to network with other delegates.  The surgery will run between 1pm and 4pm.  Places are limited and those wishing to attend either the master class, the surgery, or both, should register by emailing cimevents@cim.co.uk or telephoning 01628 427340.  Full information is available online at http://www.cim.co.uk/Events/EventDetails.aspx?crid=63254