**Think Local**

**No Quick Fixes, Steady Progress**

There is no single policy or campaign that will suddenly transform the Isle of Man’s economy. Sustainable growth comes from consistent, practical actions that strengthen local businesses, develop the skills we need, and keep more money circulating on the Island.

**Cost of living and shopping local**

Many households are under real pressure from the cost of living. When budgets are tight, people naturally look for the cheapest choice, and that can make “shop local” feel difficult or out of reach. This is a genuine barrier. If families are struggling to cover essentials, they cannot be expected to prioritise local businesses every time.
That is why cost-of-living pressures and local economic support must be tackled together. Measures that help household budgets – whether through energy costs, housing, wages, or targeted support – make it more realistic for people to choose local shops, producers, and services when they can. At the same time, keeping money circulating on the Island through local spending helps sustain the jobs and businesses that many residents rely on. The two are linked: a stronger local economy and better household finances reinforce each other.

**Shop local – every pound still counts**

When residents and visitors can choose independent shops, Manx food and drink producers, local tradespeople, and Island hospitality, that spending stays here. It supports jobs, helps high streets remain viable, and creates a stronger tax base for public services. The “Love Manx” message is not just a slogan; it is one of the most direct ways ordinary people can contribute to economic resilience. Encouraging and making it easier for people to shop local should remain a priority, especially in places like Port Erin, Port St Mary and across Rushen, while recognising the real pressures many face.

**Supporting sustainable Manx farming and food security**

Agriculture is vital to the Island’s economy, landscape, environment and rural communities. I support practical measures that help farmers remain viable and sustainable, and I actively prioritise buying Manx produce wherever possible. Strengthening local food production and food security must be a priority if we are to reverse the decline in agriculture and keep more of our food supply local. I will speak directly to the Farmers Union to clarify what they feel needs changing.

**Skills and training from school onwards**

Skills shortages stay one of the biggest constraints on growth. Businesses across engineering, manufacturing, finance, construction, care, and hospitality continue to struggle to find the right people. Addressing this starts in schools.
More employer-aligned training and careers education in schools, stronger pathways into apprenticeships, and better links between classrooms, University College Isle of Man and local employers will help build the workforce the economy needs. This is not a quick fix it takes years to develop a reliable pipeline of skilled but it is essential if we are to fill the 5,000 new jobs targeted in the Economic Strategy and reduce reliance on off-Island recruitment.

**A longer-term approach**

Real progress requires:

•speaking to local businesses and finding out there need
• I will be speaking to and working with local trade associations and the chamber of commerce
•  Continued support for the Local Economy Strategy so town centres and high streets can regenerate.
•  Practical help for businesses through existing Enterprise schemes that improve productivity, energy efficiency, and competitiveness.
•  Steady focus on tourism value, food and drink, advanced manufacturing and other sectors that bring income onto the Island.
•  Policies that ease cost-of-living pressures, so more households have the ability to support local businesses
•Supporting local farmers less importing and more shop local
None of these measures will deliver overnight results. What they will do, if pursued consistently, is build a more resilient, skilled, and locally rooted economy that benefits residents across Rushen and the wider Island.


**Supporting Hospitality and Tourism**
Our hotels, restaurants, pubs, and tourism businesses are under real pressure from rising costs, staffing shortages, and the high cost of travel to the Island. These businesses are vital to the local economy and to the character of Rushen, Port Erin, Port St Mary and the wider south.
I will push for:
Practical government support that helps hospitality businesses manage rising costs without losing staff or closing their doors.
Stronger career pathways into hospitality so young people see clear routes into skilled roles such as chefs, managers, and front-of-house.
Clearer and faster routes for genuine skilled workers needed in hospitality and related sectors while protecting local housing and services.
Measures that help the visitor economy grow without placing unfair burdens on local businesses or residents.