Minister acknowledges challenging conditions for new small businesses

Two food producers announced closure this week

The Enterprise Minister has acknowledged the difficulty faced by some small businesses to become established and develop an export market for their products and services.

Tim Johnston says the current economic situation is challenging but government will help where it can - an example being the recent launch by the Business Agency of its Food and Drink Export Development Group.

It comes after two Manx food producers announced plans to cease trading this week.

Mr Johnston says the group is focussed on helping businesses export their products through identifying opportunities to expand: