Me and My Local Business

After hearing from individuals, we were contacted by a business owner who told us of their struggles to survive in increasingly difficult challenges.

I started my business in strand street nine years ago today. After 18 months in the street works kicked in and I saw a drop in revenue but was told no need for help it’ll all be good shiny and new business will flood in…

Next came the prom works.

Don’t worry gov said it’ll only effect you for six months while we do Loch Prom… my income dropped £2k per month in the first three months when the parking was removed.

Time to move to some where cheaper. £30k business loan. Nice shiny new store. No help again as I didn’t qualify for prom relief.

Covid 19 we’ll we all know how that went. I came out of lockdown three £15k in debt and what I had left to pay on my business loan. Some of my costs have increased by 200% but to see now help when I pay VAT and employers NI it really does make feel like giving up.

I’ve had to increase my time working to 45hrs plus a week and take a second job. I’m even exploring the chance of a third job. My home rent has just dumped £300 per month because I had to move due to my landlord selling up. I want to spend at least some time at home awake but I can’t see that happening any time soon.

Today we are giving over Gef to you our readers.

Throughout the day, we will be running a series of articles which reflect the challenges people on our island are already facing ahead of a a rise in fuel bills and others costs heading into the winter months.

We are doing this because tomorrow sees CoMin meet before all Tynwald members gather for a behind closed doors discussion on what to do to help people on our island.

We hope members read these articles, they are after all the experiences of their constituents and our fellow islanders. You can also email your MHKs and all members of Tynwald with your feelings, thoughts and concerns. All their email addresses and some of their phone numbers can be found here.