Winter Support Initiatives for Local Economy

The Department for Enterprise’s Business Agency has announced the launch of two targeted winter support initiatives for the Isle of Man’s hospitality, entertainment and leisure sectors; the Winter Event Scheme and the Manx Menu contest.

Both initiatives are designed to increase footfall and stimulate local spending during the winter months. These outcomes align with the objectives of the forthcoming Local Economy Strategy, which seeks to ensure the long-term prosperity of these sectors.

• Applications for the Winter Event Scheme are now open, closing March 2025. The Scheme provides funding of up to 80% (capped at £1,500) towards eligible costs for hospitality, leisure and entertainment venues to host in-house-events.

Example events eligible for support include but are not limited to; live music, quiz nights, film screenings, comedy nights, theme-based dining events, indoor markets, and craft workshops.

• The Manx Menu contest, a celebration of the Isle of Man's talented chefs, mixologists, waiting-on staff, producers, growers and suppliers, will be back for its second year. To participate, businesses have to enter new or existing menu items that are made primarily using Manx ingredients. Award categories also cover customer service, products, innovation and sustainability. Businesses wishing to participate can submit their entries from now until 31 January 2025, with public voting to begin from 14 February ending on 31 March 2025.

Jamie Lewis, Chair of Hospitality Isle of Man and Managing Director at Extra Fancy Ltd, commented:

‘As a hospitality business owner, I believe initiatives that stimulate demand and drive footfall can have a real positive impact during typically quieter winter months. The Manx public has always shown a strong commitment to supporting local businesses, and I have no doubt they will continue to engage with and support participating establishments over the winter.

‘The Winter Event Scheme provides businesses with an opportunity to embrace their creativity and utilise this Scheme to explore new ideas that can attract footfall to their venues and create meaningful entertainment options for residents over the winter.

‘The Manx Menu contest, held for the first time earlier this year, attracted 123 entries from over 60 businesses and was received enthusiastically by the public. The recently formed Hospitality Isle of Man Group are pleased to be able to take this forward and further enhance the contest for 2025.

‘The 2025 contest will be focused on broadening participation among businesses, alongside a retained focus on showcasing Manx produce. In response to feedback from the inaugural Manx Menu, we will be introducing two additional categories to celebrate innovative and sustainable practices, providing even more opportunities for local businesses to gain recognition through these awards.’

Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘While for many people Christmas is a busy season for parties and shopping, I recognise that many local businesses face additional pressures during the winter months, in particular over the first quarter of each year. Both the Winter Event Scheme and the Manx Menu contest not only aim to help businesses drive footfall and stimulate demand, but also encourage them to be creative and try new ideas to engage with their communities.

‘The announcements today set in motion some of the initial recommendations from our ambitious Draft Local Economy Strategy, and I look forward to bringing the final Strategy, together with proposals for additional support Schemes, back to Tynwald in the new year.  Subject to approval, I believe the Strategy will lay a strong foundation from which to further drive the regeneration of our towns and villages, in turn supporting a vibrant and sustainable retail, hospitality and leisure sector.’

Both the Winter Event Scheme and Manx Menu contest will be complemented by the ‘Love Manx-Shop Local’ Christmas campaign which encourages residents to support local retail, hospitality, leisure and food and drink businesses throughout the festive season. The campaign spreads awareness of the many gifting options available in the Isle of Man and businesses looking to get involved are encouraged to email contact-business@gov.im.