PSYBT on Tour - The Western Isles

Kate (Argyll), Sara (Operations), Peter (Aftercare) and our host, Jane at the Butt of Lewis lighthouse

Just back from the Western Isles for a meeting with my other Northern Area colleagues. Every quarter the Highlands & Islands regional managers meet up to discuss matters which affect our special part of the world and,
occasionally, we take the opportunity to make an extended visit to each other's regions.

This time, the meeting was hosted by Jane Campbell in Stornoway and was combined with a training session with Sara Luxmoore (PSYBT Operations Manager) and Peter Mawer (Aftercare Manager) led by training consultant, Helen Miller.

PSYBT is undergoing a major process of organisational and personnel development involving analysis of training and communications needs for the next five years. This includes feedback from a range of contacts about staff performance (gulp) and some in-depth coaching of individuals within PSYBT. Helen and her colleague, Anna West, have been contracted to facilitate this process.

Following the training, we took the very enjoyable opportunity to meet some of Jane's clients including textile designer and artist, Alison MacLeod and beauty therapist, Joanne MacLean before an adrenalin-inducing ride back to the ferry via Callanish.

For more information about PSYBT in the Western Isles, contact Jane.

Next week: Orkney

Sara Luxmoore and Alison MacLeod

Rhythm of the Sea

Our good friends at Youth Business International keep us informed of youth enterprise projects across their own network. (PSYBT is a very active member of this network; regularly hosting visits from, and sharing best practice with, YBI members).

The latest project brought to our attention is a book "Rhythm of the Sea" recounting the experiences of a Sri Lankan community as it rebuilds its economy after the tsunami.

YBI's Mary Mills-Brown says:

(this is).... a beautiful and uplifting book by our YBI programme in Sri Lanka entitled Rhythm of the Sea, charting events in the district post-tsunami.

The book costs £10.00 plus P+P and all proceeds will go to tsunami economic regeneration projects in the Hambantota District of Sri Lanka.

If you are able to support HYBT by purchasing a book or two, it would make a tremendous difference and you in turn would receive a beautiful book full of inspirational colour photographs and moving stories."


For further information, E-mail Here or Contact Mary Mills-Brown

Vote Early, Vote Often

Glasgow Science Centre has been shortlisted for a National Lottery Good Causes Award in the Education Project Category - the only Scottish project in this category! The Awards celebrate the UK' s favourite Lottery-funded projects and the difference projects have made to people, places and communities all across the UK.

The GSC has been really helpful to PSYBT over the years and is playing a major part in getting young Scots to consider the sciences as a career option.

Every vote counts and I would be grateful if you would take the time to vote for GSC by clicking here

Nancy in Romania

Our Chief Exec's PA, the lovely Nancy Pearson is off to Romania this week, doing good works for the Smiles Foundation.

She's travelling with a team of twelve from St Andrews church in Ayr and will, no doubt, bring her cheerful efficiency to help some really disadvantaged young people and their families.

Nancy raised money earlier this year by intrepid sponsored expeditions up mountains and around castles, so this week in Romania is the product of a lot of hard work and commitment by Nancy and her friends.

If you wish to support Nancy and her friends, contact the Smiles Foundation or email Nancy

Bye Bye Pauline

Pauline Munro, PSYBT's Grampian Manager is heading for pastures new. Pauline has been a great member of the Northern Area team; we'll miss her commitment, enthusiasm and friendship but we know she'll keep in touch.

During her time in the role, Pauline steered many of her clients in Grampian and Moray to considerable success, the latest being Brewdog's performance at the Shell LiveWIRE Awards.

We all wish her every success in her new position as Business Propositions Manager for VisitScotland.


Pauline and DK in the Western Isles

European Business Game 2007

Last week , Inverness hosted the fifteenth Grand Final of the European Business Game and 9 teams from across Europe took part in a range of business, networking and entertainment opportunities. Coordinated by Highland Council's Kenny MacInnes, ably assisted by Karen Harbison (last year's EBG Highland team captain) the week involved teams from Italy (Ravenna and Bolsanno) Faroe Islands, Highland, Denmark, The Czech and Slovak Republics, Croatia and for the first time, Greenland.

Most arrived in a cold and wet Inverness on the Sunday evening and stayed at the Inverness Youth Hostel, as did your author. Hostels have certainly come on a bit since my far-off youth.

After introductions and a visit to Fort George on Monday, the delegates attended a Civic Reception kindly provided by Inverness City Council at the Town House.

Tuesday. Off to Glen Ord distillery and then to Ullapool for a boat trip and the chance to tour Ullapool High School. We had coffee at PSYBT's very own North West Outdoors and The Tea Store . A quick dash to Fairburn Activity Centre for a spot of teambuilding and a barbecue with the teams from the ICT Youth Challenge which was also taking place that same week.

Wednesday: Visit to PSYBT business Fisherman Direct to see David Skea's new factory. A great lunch was provided by Michael and Abby at the Pier Shop Cafe in Invergordon . Back in Inverness, the Danish team made their presentation as they had to return to Denmark before the official final owing to a changed school year over there.

Thursday's main event was an Industry Open Day at the Strathpeffer Pavilion, hosted by HIE and, in addition to EBG and the ICT Challenge, there were representatives from other youth enterprise and support agencies.

Friday. The day of the Grand Final in the Chamber of the Highland Council. Compered by yours truly, the teams made their presentations and were questioned by the judges from each country. A team from Umbria made a "practice" presentation as they will be competing next year.

The presentations make up a very small part of the marks, (the bulk of which go to viability, innovation and transnational cooperation) but they do make for a very dynamic and involving Final. The winners were Fortrose Academy (in spite of a severely depleted team) and a trophy made by Glasstorm was presented by Councillor Drew Hendry, Chair of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee.

A farewell dinner at the hostel was followed by various entertainments on Friday night. Most of the teams left Inverness during Saturday morning. Only the lovely Croatian team were victims of the incidents at Glasgow Airport and had the pleasure of staying with Kenny MacInnes until they could leave on Sunday morning.

A great time was had by all. I think everyone was truly sorry that the event had to end but we're all hoping to take part in next year's Final in Bolzano.

For more information about EBG , contact Kenny MacInnes

Orkney

It's been a couple of weeks since I posted anything . Trust me, I've not been idle and I'm now back in the bosom of the Highland Opportunity office so let's catch up...

Apart from another two fantastic clients going through the Orkney Panel, it was good to catch up with Kenny McGregor and our Panel Chair in Kirkwall, Karen Scholes (see picture). Orkney started 6 businesses last year and now takes a full part in PSYBT activities following the relaunch a couple of years ago. Through the efforts of Karen, Kenny and the volunteers, PSYBT has helped some really exciting and innovative businesses. This builds on Orkney schools' considerable achievements in Young Enterprise Scotland and the support of HIE Orkney.

I also met with Fashion Designer Kirsteen Stewart (Fresh from her Six Cities triumph at the Lighthouse in Glasgow) and Illustrator, Britt Harcus who both have great ideas for developing their businesses.

If you're based in Orkney and want to explore a business idea, contact us or HIE Orkney