Business Isle of Man to host workshops to explore what small businesses need to develop and grow

Business Isle of Man, an Executive Agency of the Department for Enterprise, is working in partnership with the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce to host two free workshops for small business owners, specifically to discuss the challenges small businesses face in being able to develop and grow now, in six months, and beyond.

Taking place on Thursday 8th October at Eagle Labs, there will be a choice of two times: a breakfast workshop between 8:30 - 9:30 and a lunch workshop between 12:00 - 13:30. Light refreshments will be provided at both sessions.

Each workshop will start with Tim Cowsill, Head of Business Isle of Man, providing attendees with an overview and update on the work coming from the Isle of Man Government's Economic Recovery Group. Attendees will then be split into small, facilitated groups to draw out the key areas and topics that their small businesses are struggling with the most. The feedback received from the workshops will then be used to deliver a robust, fit for purpose suite of workshops that meet the requirements and needs of the local business community.

Representatives from the Department for Enterprise will also be present at both sessions to answer questions about their wide variety of support schemes available to support starting, growing and developing businesses in the Isle of Man.

Lawrie Hooper MHK, Political Member for Business Isle of Man, commented:

'In order to build a prosperous business community in the Isle of Man, we need to understand first-hand from business owners themselves what barriers are preventing them from developing their businesses. The insight gained from the workshops will be absolutely pivotal in assisting Business Isle of Man to prioritise and tailor information, guidance and support according to what our small businesses need both imminently and in the long-term.

'The workshops will also provide an excellent opportunity to network with other small business owners to share and gain useful insight and knowledge from past experience. All small business owners are welcome to attend, regardless if they are an Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce member or not.'

For more information and to register for the free event, please visit: www.businessisleofman.com/events