Bright prospects for Manchester businesses

Nadine Monteith's products have hit the market at the right time.

Under the brand name Tropic Flair, she makes candles for air purification, mosquito/fly repellent, aromatherapy and sinus congestion relief.

"My candles are made with lemon grass, rosemary and a range of other organic essential oils; we have been testing them for more than three years and we are now a registered business," Monteith told THE STAR.

Monteith's candles come in recyclable glass containers. She was among scores of exhibitors at the recent fourth annual Made in Manchester Expo, held at The Mandeville Hotel.

She was one of more than 45 exhibitors at the event, held to showcase Manchester-based businesses.

Her business is located in the parish and products are also available in St Ann and St Elizabeth.

"We will make candles to order for your weddings and other events, as well as environmentally friendly gift packages," she said.

The ebullient Christine Wright grasped the opportunity to showcase her Wright Pepper Marinade and Sauce at the expo, because she thought it was an excellent opportunity to see how a wider cross section of persons would respond to her product.

"I have only been doing this for a short time, so my only market has been my church brethren, some jerk centres and friends," Wright said.

Lovers of ice cream stopped by in droves to sample the flavours of #Hashtag Everything Sweet, the eight-month-old sweet spot that has been delighting customers in the mid-island capital.

The young women behind the business are Monique Nash and Anesica Samuels. There are now eight flavours in the line, including strawberry and coconut, and the delectable treat is made fresh daily.

"I learnt to make ice cream in St Martin, because I wanted to return home and do it here," Samuels said. The duo also carry pastries, smoothies, parfaits, iced tea/coffee and cappuccino.

Conceptualiser of Made In Manchester, Annette Salmon, is pleased with the steady growth of the expo.

"This year we had a good number in our start-up village, some faithful exhibitors who have been with us since the first year and some new faces. I am confident it will continue to grow," she said.

Also on show were event planners, castor oil, furniture, semi-precious stone jewellery, paper products, office furniture, housewares, spa services and more.