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 commitment to growing the economy and in support of the Department’s food business development strategy, ‘Food Matters’.

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 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 Wednesday evenings between 24th February and 16th March 2016 at the Department’s headquarters, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s, IM4 3AS.

They will be led by Heather Blackley, a chartered marketer with 20 years’ experience working with businesses. Heather is on the board of the Isle of Man Agricultural Marketing Society.

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

To obtain further details about and book places on the workshops, contact Audrey Fowler, DEFA Marketing Officer, via audrey.fowler@gov.im or 01624 685856 by 30th January 2016, 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/.

Delegates on previous workshops say they proved invaluable in growing their businesses.

TT star Conor Cummins, who runs Coffee Mann, said: ‘The workshops are a brilliant way of understanding how the industry works. By attending, I now have a solid foundation of knowledge to build my new business.’

Susie Cox, Venue and Events Coordinator at Laxey Pavilion, said: ‘Each workshop focuses on a different aspect of marketing that can be adapted for specific business.

‘The workshops help you think about marketing in a strategic way to grow your business, products and customer base. I would recommend the workshops to anyone who is in involved in food and drink, hospitality and retail – whether just starting out or more established and seeking innovative ideas.’

Photo - Conor Cummins with his Coffee Mann business.