Workshops to help growth of small businesses

Workshops will be held tomorrow for small businesses on how to help them grow and succeed for the future.

Business Isle of Man, in partnership with the IOM Chamber of Commerce, will host two sessions on Thursday (October 8) to discuss the challenges smaller organisation face in the current climate and how they can develop in the next six months and beyond.

Taking place at the Eagle Labs in Douglas, those who attend will have the choice of a morning session between 8am and 9.30am or an afternoon one from Noon until 1.30pm to take part in.

Each one will start with a presentation from Head of Business IOM, Tim Cowsill, who'll give an update on the work of the government's Economic Recovery Group.

Attendees will then be split into small groups to draw out the key areas and topics that their businesses are struggling with the most.

Representatives from the Department for Enterprise will also be present at both sessions to answer questions about their wide variety of support schemes available.

Political Member for Business IOM, Lawrie Hooper MHK, says: "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."

Anyone interested in being involved are being invited to register for the event, which is free, at www.businessisleofman.com/events.