More communication needed between government and small businesses

Douglas shop owner says he's only been visited by one prospective MHK

A Douglas business owner is calling for more communication between government and small businesses in the next administration. 

Josh Moore owns Renegade: Cuts & Clobber on Bucks Road in Douglas.

He says, in the run up to next week's General Election, he's only spoken to one prospective MHK. 

In a post on social media Josh said: "Like many independent businesses on the Island we’ve had some brilliant moments but there have also been plenty of challenges, frustrations and times when you genuinely question how sustainable running a small business is becoming on the Island.

"It feels like we’re being squeezed from both directions."

He's urging candidates to think about what they could do to help increase footfall, strengthen the local economy and help independent businesses 'survive and grow' and, crucially, he wants to know how the ideas would be funded. 

Josh told Manx Radio small businesses are "feeling the pinch":

The General Election will take place on 24 September - you can find out more HERE.