The Isle of Man will come alive in the next few weeks with TT fast approaching, a time that many local hospitality businesses need in somewhat challenging times.
A local chippy, Cod on The Block, has asked for the public to remember to support local businesses that employ locals all year round and contribute to the local economy.
It got me thinking, and it planted the seed for another opinion piece. Lucky you.
For Life
You might remember the criticism the other year when UK food trucks were at the Grandstand. Some said they were prioritised; others said the pitch fees were simply out of reach for Manx traders.
I’m not getting into that debate today. What I am getting into is the simple truth that, just like the Dogs Trust slogan, “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas”, your local businesses are for life, not just for TT.
Because when you support them, they support you. That’s the circular economy in action.
Support Both Ways
These local businesses employ staff all year round, whilst they may expand their workforce during busy periods such as TT, they will have people on the payroll all year round.
Not only is that giving employment opportunities to locals, that is enabling more money to be spent within the community, it gives people the opportunity to work that they so gravely need.
And here’s the part people forget: the more business they do, the more they pay our government in VAT and NI. Visiting food vendors don’t assist in propping up our public services. They don’t fund our healthcare, our schools, our roads, or our public services. Local businesses do.
They pay into the rates system, they are the vital people you need to keep a community vibrant and busy. Growing up all I heard from peers was that there was nothing to do and nowhere to go. Well, in order for those opportunities to arise and remain, people must support businesses that try and give us something to do and places to go.
Circular Economy
And when it comes to local hospitality businesses, they are far more likely to source local produce. That means traceable food, low miles, low stress, high standards, and yes, another loop in the circular economy.
Local producers, local jobs, local tradespeople fixing equipment, local suppliers keeping them stocked – even local payment solutions, accountants and cleaners. Every link in that chain is another Manx household supported.
These businesses are the backbone of our society. They’re your neighbours, your friends, the people you pass in the street or see at the school gate.
Just remember that. Support the ones who give back – not just the shiny newcomers who turn up for a fortnight, take what they can, and disappear.
