The enthusiastic and over-achieving students of Gairloch High School have involved us in two of their projects which we are, of course, pleased to publicize.
First, they are re-running last year's successful Back Pack Appeal where used but serviceable backpacks and the like are filled with useful items and sent, in this case, to Malawi.
Second, the pupils are organising a Fashion Show in September and our PSYBT Ambassador, Anne MacDonald, and yours truly have been helping in a small way to provide some links to additional resources. This project under the watchful eye of teacher and enterprise enthusiast, Jim Sutherland, encompasses a wide range of enterprise skills including project management, negotiation with sponsors and fundraising, budgeting and marketing. We also hope to involve some of Highland PSYBT's clients in the Show (Anne Metzler of Inner Strength has already been signed up. Thanks, Anne). It is however, very much the students' event, with a lot of impressive work already carried out. I'll be providing regular updates, of course.
For further information about these projects contact the school: Email
Friday, 25 May 2007
Thursday, 24 May 2007
Talented Volunteers
And just to show that it's not just the clients with musical talent, Alison MacLeod, Ross & Cromarty Panel Member has asked to give a bit of publicity to a series of concerts that her singing group is holding in the area. Here's the programme:
- Thursday 31st May 2007: Fortrose Community Theatre at 7.30pm
- Friday 1st June 2007: Inverness High School at 7.30 pm
- Saturday 2nd June 2007: Invergordon Academy at 7.30pm
Ticket Price: £8
The programme features songs, arias and ensembles from the world of music theatre, including The Music Man, Yeoman of the Guard and Blood Brothers.
It concludes with a fully staged production of Sir Arthur Sullivan’s short comic opera Cox and Box, set on a space ship in the year 5007, with new lyrics and a new script by Colin Lewis entitled ‘Losers in Space’.
For bookings contact: voiceworksscotland@yahoo.co.uk
It concludes with a fully staged production of Sir Arthur Sullivan’s short comic opera Cox and Box, set on a space ship in the year 5007, with new lyrics and a new script by Colin Lewis entitled ‘Losers in Space’.
For bookings contact: voiceworksscotland@yahoo.co.uk
Saturday, 19 May 2007
The Food of Love?
If anything has typified the last couple of PSYBT years, it has been the growth of the creative industries sector and, in particular, the music industry which has provided PSYBT Highland with some of its more dynamic businesses. Encouraged by RSAMD, the Feis Movement and initiatives such as Go North, clients and support agencies alike are recognising the potential of musicians to develop viable businesses and act as ambassadors for the Highlands as they travel the world.
I' ll be featuring some of these businesses in future posts but let's look at a couple that are fresh in the news.
We first helped Julie Fowlis as part of the musical talent-fest that is Dochas but we were able to assist again with the production of her amazing album "Cuilidh". In partnership with HIE Ross & Cromarty, PSYBT put together a funding package to help Julie record, produce and promote her stunning music.
By the time you read this Julie will have made an honest man of Eamon in Strathpeffer and, as part of their honeymoon, they'll be recording a set for Later with Jools Holland to be broadcast on 25th May (link).
Meala naidheacht oirbh!. (This monoglot really hopes he hasn't offended yet another section of the population.)
In another part of the musical spectrum, Injuns have just released their new album and, even to an old folkie like me, it really is rather good. Go grab a copy of "Lionel, it's a Complicated World" as soon as you can. One of the minor tragedies (and there have been quite a few) of this year was my missing the launch party on Skye at the end of March.
I' ll be featuring some of these businesses in future posts but let's look at a couple that are fresh in the news.
We first helped Julie Fowlis as part of the musical talent-fest that is Dochas but we were able to assist again with the production of her amazing album "Cuilidh". In partnership with HIE Ross & Cromarty, PSYBT put together a funding package to help Julie record, produce and promote her stunning music.
By the time you read this Julie will have made an honest man of Eamon in Strathpeffer and, as part of their honeymoon, they'll be recording a set for Later with Jools Holland to be broadcast on 25th May (link).
Meala naidheacht oirbh!. (This monoglot really hopes he hasn't offended yet another section of the population.)
In another part of the musical spectrum, Injuns have just released their new album and, even to an old folkie like me, it really is rather good. Go grab a copy of "Lionel, it's a Complicated World" as soon as you can. One of the minor tragedies (and there have been quite a few) of this year was my missing the launch party on Skye at the end of March.
Monday, 14 May 2007
Volunteers' Conference
Well, hopefully, we're all safely back from the PSYBT Volunteers' Conference last Friday. Held at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, it was another great event and thanks to Ranald Coyne, Cameron Sommerville, Stephen Foster, Alistair Danter and Jennifer Irvine for making the journey and representing the Highlands.
Held every couple of years, the Conference is primarily a networking event for PSYBT volunteers combined with lots of information and updates. This year, the keynote speaker was Sir Tom Farmer who held the audience enthralled with his anecdotes and advice.
David Campbell (left) , Ayrshire Regional Chairman, took the opportunity to present Bill Hughes, PSYBT's national chairman, with a leaving present on behalf of the volunteers. Bill retires after seven years with both PSYBT and the Prince's Trust-Scotland.
There were well-attended workshops on topics such as marketing, bookkeeping, PSYBT developments and also a guided tour of Murrayfield Stadium itself. There was also a taster of the new all-singing, all-dancing PSYBT website which will be introduced over the next few months. (Watch this space).
Held every couple of years, the Conference is primarily a networking event for PSYBT volunteers combined with lots of information and updates. This year, the keynote speaker was Sir Tom Farmer who held the audience enthralled with his anecdotes and advice.
David Campbell (left) , Ayrshire Regional Chairman, took the opportunity to present Bill Hughes, PSYBT's national chairman, with a leaving present on behalf of the volunteers. Bill retires after seven years with both PSYBT and the Prince's Trust-Scotland.
There were well-attended workshops on topics such as marketing, bookkeeping, PSYBT developments and also a guided tour of Murrayfield Stadium itself. There was also a taster of the new all-singing, all-dancing PSYBT website which will be introduced over the next few months. (Watch this space).
Article in Scotland on Sunday
There was a very complimentary article by Douglas Friedli about PSYBT in yesterday's Scotland on Sunday . It's an interesting summary of what the Trust has achieved but is also useful as an external insight on what we do. Well worth a read.
(link).
(link).
Wednesday, 9 May 2007
European Business Game
The European Business Game has kicked off in fine style. EBG is a business game for schools across Europe and currently eight countries take part. It is a part of the curriculum in several countries (Denmark is expecting 1000 young people to participate in its own national competition). A recent meeting in Prague, attended by yours truly, set the agenda for EBG's development over the next five years.
Last week, Brian Weaver (HIE), Jillian Munro (Frame Kennedy, Forrest) and your author judged the Inverness Final where Fortrose Academy took the honours and will represent Scotland at the Final.
This year is special as the International Final will take place in Inverness at the end of June. In addition to the award ceremony itself, the week long event will involve business visits, networking and the best of Highland hospitality for the 80 participants. We will also link up with the Highland Final of the ICT Challenge with a grand day out at the Strathpeffer Pavilion for all the youth enterprise agencies. The ICT Challenge is the foremost schools competition for innovation and enterprise (http://www.youth-challenge.co.uk/).
Highland teams have always done well at the International Awards. Last year's Final in Dubrovnik was won by the home team with Inverness Royal Academy taking second place. (It's hard to put into words how hot that week was. Enjoyable but hot.)
Here's the IRA team with the Provost of Dubrovnik. (The sweaty one on the right is Kenny MacInnes , EBG Coordinator).
Last week, Brian Weaver (HIE), Jillian Munro (Frame Kennedy, Forrest) and your author judged the Inverness Final where Fortrose Academy took the honours and will represent Scotland at the Final.
This year is special as the International Final will take place in Inverness at the end of June. In addition to the award ceremony itself, the week long event will involve business visits, networking and the best of Highland hospitality for the 80 participants. We will also link up with the Highland Final of the ICT Challenge with a grand day out at the Strathpeffer Pavilion for all the youth enterprise agencies. The ICT Challenge is the foremost schools competition for innovation and enterprise (http://www.youth-challenge.co.uk/).
Highland teams have always done well at the International Awards. Last year's Final in Dubrovnik was won by the home team with Inverness Royal Academy taking second place. (It's hard to put into words how hot that week was. Enjoyable but hot.)
Here's the IRA team with the Provost of Dubrovnik. (The sweaty one on the right is Kenny MacInnes , EBG Coordinator).
Monday, 7 May 2007
Happy Anniversary to Me
16 years today, I started with the Development Department of the Highland Regional Council as Highland Opportunity's "Agency Executive" looking after PSYBT (but not yet in the exalted position of "Regional Manager" - that career leap was still a while away).
Here's me as a callow youth.....
I was fresh from Albion's Plain and the glazing, brewing and engineering industries, more than a little unsure of local geography, culture, politics and young people in general, but happy to be in the job until "something better came along". Well, the Development Department and the HRC have gone, but PSYBT and HOL remain and so do I. It's still probably the best job in the UK (and no, you can't have it for a while yet) and that's why I'm still here. It's also the only job I've had that my Mum can see any point to.
A considerable number of the businesses that PSYBT helped in those early years are still going strong, being major players in their communities. I often see these "blasts from the past" as I wander around the Region. Some even get back in contact with us and, once they get over the surprise that, yes, it's still - otherwise unemployable - me, they are understandably keen to bring us up to date. And that's what makes it worthwhile. (This getting back in contact can be quite dangerous. We're always looking for volunteers and, when our lovely fundraisers get to hear of an "alumni" success.....).
Anyway, in the absence of a cake and a party, I'm going to have a glass of wine with my colleagues (a couple of whom, believe it or not, have been at this game longer than me) in Edinburgh after our meeting on Thursday.
Now look at me.
Here's me as a callow youth.....
I was fresh from Albion's Plain and the glazing, brewing and engineering industries, more than a little unsure of local geography, culture, politics and young people in general, but happy to be in the job until "something better came along". Well, the Development Department and the HRC have gone, but PSYBT and HOL remain and so do I. It's still probably the best job in the UK (and no, you can't have it for a while yet) and that's why I'm still here. It's also the only job I've had that my Mum can see any point to.
A considerable number of the businesses that PSYBT helped in those early years are still going strong, being major players in their communities. I often see these "blasts from the past" as I wander around the Region. Some even get back in contact with us and, once they get over the surprise that, yes, it's still - otherwise unemployable - me, they are understandably keen to bring us up to date. And that's what makes it worthwhile. (This getting back in contact can be quite dangerous. We're always looking for volunteers and, when our lovely fundraisers get to hear of an "alumni" success.....).
Anyway, in the absence of a cake and a party, I'm going to have a glass of wine with my colleagues (a couple of whom, believe it or not, have been at this game longer than me) in Edinburgh after our meeting on Thursday.
Now look at me.
youngbusiness.net
The Youngbusiness project came to a celebratory end last week at the Delfina, London Bridge. The project, led by Wandsworth Youth Enterprise and funded by the Big Lottery, links youth enterprise agencies from across the UK to research and develop innovative methods of outreach, incubation and support.
We took 4 businesses to London to display, sell and perform; joining the other programme partners and their clients and an invited audience of about 150.
David Skea of FishermanDirect made a brilliant presentation (in spite of being at Billingsgate Market at 5am that morning) and our clients were interviewed by Henry Bonsu for his new radio station.
Jennifer Port, harpist from Golspie, provided the entertainment, Anne Metzler of Inner Strength sold corsets, Judith MacGregor, Grantown, showed her textile designs and a good time was had by all.
Two of our new outreach volunteers, Anne MacDonald and Christie Goetz-Catto attended with Prince's Trust Rural Development Co-ordinator, Bridget Trussell. Bridget has been working with the project to develop enterprise outreach activities within the thriving youth cafe network up here.
The next stage is, hopefully, for the project partners to develop an initiative to expand and commercialise some of the outcomes from both the UK and Central European youngbusiness projects.
For more information, have a look at www.youngbusiness.net
I'll post some photo's when we get them but here's a pic of the Highland trainees who attended WYEC's outreach training in March. (L-R) Claire (Lochinver), Caroline (Kyle of Lochalsh), Anne (Kiltarlity), Christine (Bonar Bridge) with Richard and Phil from WYEC. The four will be part of the Prince's Trust/PSYBT outreach and social enterprise programme.
We took 4 businesses to London to display, sell and perform; joining the other programme partners and their clients and an invited audience of about 150.
David Skea of FishermanDirect made a brilliant presentation (in spite of being at Billingsgate Market at 5am that morning) and our clients were interviewed by Henry Bonsu for his new radio station.
Jennifer Port, harpist from Golspie, provided the entertainment, Anne Metzler of Inner Strength sold corsets, Judith MacGregor, Grantown, showed her textile designs and a good time was had by all.
Two of our new outreach volunteers, Anne MacDonald and Christie Goetz-Catto attended with Prince's Trust Rural Development Co-ordinator, Bridget Trussell. Bridget has been working with the project to develop enterprise outreach activities within the thriving youth cafe network up here.
The next stage is, hopefully, for the project partners to develop an initiative to expand and commercialise some of the outcomes from both the UK and Central European youngbusiness projects.
For more information, have a look at www.youngbusiness.net
I'll post some photo's when we get them but here's a pic of the Highland trainees who attended WYEC's outreach training in March. (L-R) Claire (Lochinver), Caroline (Kyle of Lochalsh), Anne (Kiltarlity), Christine (Bonar Bridge) with Richard and Phil from WYEC. The four will be part of the Prince's Trust/PSYBT outreach and social enterprise programme.
The Panel - Oooh Scary
PSYBT Awards revolve around The Panel. This is the bit that tends to terrify the clients, so I thought I'd remove some of the mystery.
Once a business plan is completed, it's forwarded to the panel members and the client is invited to attend the next available meeting in one of seven panel areas in the Highlands. Panels are made up of 3 to 5 members of the local business community who are volunteers, receiving nothing more than coffee, biscuits, a lapel pin and my heart-felt gratitude. As this blog develops, we'll feature some of the panel volunteers. They're not that frightening (most of 'em, anyway).
The Panel interviews the client, takes a few minutes to decide and then the Panel chair tells the client the result. The interview is not "Dragon's Den" (which probably has put more people off the entrepreneurial trail than anything else in recent years) but an opportunity for the client to discuss the venture with some very experienced business people . Sometimes a business plan just doesn't do justice to the idea and system enables an applicant to display their product, talent or experience direct to the decision-makers.
Here are a few facts:
- The panel members WANT to make the Award. PSYBT exists to help people set up businesses. Volunteers give their time freely to give young entrepreneurs the best possible start.
- The panel members can approve whatever they feel appropriate at the time. A client can always come back for expansion funding at a later date.
- The Panel can, of course, refuse an application or defer a decision. Full constructive reasons will be given and a client is welcome to re-apply if they can meet any recommendations.
- Wherever possible, the probable aftercare adviser attends the Panel so that the volunteers can make aftercare suggestions during the meeting. However, aftercare is another story.
Thursday, 3 May 2007
Annual Review 2007
We've just had our Annual Review in Inverness, held in our old home, the Highland Council, and attended by a range of PSYBT supporters.
These events are invaluable for keeping everyone informed as to our activities and also for us to gain some feedback from volunteers, clients and our partner agencies.
PSYBT-assisted accordionist, Graeme MacKay (http://www.mackaymusic.co.uk/) provided the musical entertainment and Angela Stewart Flowers (http://www.angelastewartflowers.co.uk/) provided a display.
We will be taking this particular show on the road during the Spring & Summer to reach the rest of our Region.
Sara Luxmoore, PSYBT's relatively-new Regional Operations Manager and Margaret Gibson, Director of Marketing and Communications, represented Head Office at the Review and, the next day , I took the opportunity of giving them a
whistle-stop tour of East Highland. Here's a shot of Sara and Margaret at the Struie viewpoint in Easter Ross.
These events are invaluable for keeping everyone informed as to our activities and also for us to gain some feedback from volunteers, clients and our partner agencies.
PSYBT-assisted accordionist, Graeme MacKay (http://www.mackaymusic.co.uk/) provided the musical entertainment and Angela Stewart Flowers (http://www.angelastewartflowers.co.uk/) provided a display.
We will be taking this particular show on the road during the Spring & Summer to reach the rest of our Region.
Sara Luxmoore, PSYBT's relatively-new Regional Operations Manager and Margaret Gibson, Director of Marketing and Communications, represented Head Office at the Review and, the next day , I took the opportunity of giving them a
whistle-stop tour of East Highland. Here's a shot of Sara and Margaret at the Struie viewpoint in Easter Ross.Flashback 2006
I'm just updating my Business Plan for the year and it seems a good opportunity to have a look at 2006. PSYBT helped about 30 businesses in Highland & Orkney. The Region did particularly well in the various Awards Schemes with Highland Eggs featuring in the Shell LiveWIRE Final and David Skea of FishermanDirect seemingly winning everything else.
One of our most experienced volunteers, Sally Cartwright from Alness won "Aftercare Adviser of the Year" at the PSYBT/Royal Bank of Scotland Awards last November. Congratulations to Sally who's been involved with PSYBT since 1992.
Off to the Big City Next Week
We're all getting ready for our quarterly manager's meeting in Glasgow next Thursday. It's where we discuss PSYBT operations across Scotland and is a great way of keeping in touch with the 16 other Regional Managers and to catch up with the news from Head Office.
This quarter is a bit special because we also have our volunteers' conference at Murrayfield on the 11th which is a major event for us. PSYBT Volunteers from across Scotland will be attending seminars and workshops designed to bring everyone up to date with some of the exciting developments within the Trust. More next week on this one.
This quarter is a bit special because we also have our volunteers' conference at Murrayfield on the 11th which is a major event for us. PSYBT Volunteers from across Scotland will be attending seminars and workshops designed to bring everyone up to date with some of the exciting developments within the Trust. More next week on this one.
First Post
Well, we have to start somewhere. PSYBT has been operating for nearly 18 years in Highland and (I've just realised with some horror) I have been around for 16 of them. Totally unemployable elsewhere.
It's tempting to spend the first post looking back but I'll compromise and promise to include at regular intervals a bit of retrospection; dragging some news back from the archives. Maybe even some pictures of your author when he was younger, thinner and hairier.
In the meantime, I'm just going to post current information, client and volunteer profiles and any news about forthcoming events. Maybe over time we'll create an archive of best practice, role models and networks which will provide some degree of guidance and inspiration to the next generation of young entrepreneurs.
It's tempting to spend the first post looking back but I'll compromise and promise to include at regular intervals a bit of retrospection; dragging some news back from the archives. Maybe even some pictures of your author when he was younger, thinner and hairier.
In the meantime, I'm just going to post current information, client and volunteer profiles and any news about forthcoming events. Maybe over time we'll create an archive of best practice, role models and networks which will provide some degree of guidance and inspiration to the next generation of young entrepreneurs.
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