FOUR YOUNG WESTERN ISLES BUSINESSES TO START UP WITH HELP FROM PSYBT

left to right: Angus Campbell, Jane Campbell, Kevin Murray, Ann Scott, Aonghas Campbell & Iline Afrin

At the Western Isles Annual Review of the Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) held on Monday in Lews Castle College Conference Centre, Ann Scott, PSYBT Director of Operations announced the funding of a further four young Western Isles businesses. The four young entrepreneurs had met with the Lewis Panel on Tuesday 13 April and all four applications for financial assistance were approved. One of the young entrepreneurs, Kevin Murray of Alba Engineering Design Ltd. was present at the Annual Review where he was presented with his cheque for £5000 by Ann Scott of PSYBT. Kevin had applied to PSYBT for a grant of £1000 and a loan of £4000 to help him set up his Engineering Design Company. Kevin spoke enthusiastically about his business idea, and the help he had received from PSYBT.

The three other young businesses to receive assistance were Emma Mackenzie, Kenneth Maciver, and Alex Liddle. Emma Mackenzie of Potters Corner was awarded a grant of £1000 to help her purchase a kiln and ceramic materials to start her pottery business. Kenneth Maciver, K. MacIver Floor Layer was successful in his application for a grant of £1000 and a loan of £500 to help him set up as a self employed Floor Layer. And Alex Liddle, Alex Liddle Music Teaching School, was awarded a grant of £1000 to enable him to set up as a Music Tutor.

Two other young PSYBT businesses present at the Review, also spoke about their experiences in business. Aonghas Campbell of A Campbell Electrical Services set up as an Electrical Contractor in November 2002 with a grant of £1000 from PSYBT. He recently won the title of Western Isles Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Aonghas talked of his surprise and delight at how quickly his business had become successful and thanked PSYBT for the assistance he had received from them. Iline Afrin of Body and Sole also spoke about her experiences in business. Iline returned to the Island in July 2003 and, with grant assistance of £1000 and a loan of £3000 from PSYBT, she started her own beauty and skincare business. The business has been an instant success and Iline is keen to encourage other young people to take the plunge and start their own businesses. Iline also recently achieved success by winning 2nd prize in the Western Isles Shell Livewire Awards.

Also speaking at the Annual Review were Comhairle Vice Convener and PSYBT Panel Member, Angus Campbell who chaired the event, Jane Campbell, PSYBT Regional Manager who gave a presentation on the year's regional activities and Ann Scott, PSYBT Director of Operations who gave an update on the developments of PSYBT on a national level. The Review was attended by a good representation of PSYBT volunteers, PSYBT clients and members of the local business community.

PSYBT in the Western Isles offers start-up funding and advice to young people aged between 18 and 30, with a business idea. For further information contact: Jane Campbell, PSYBT Regional Manager, Business Advantage, Town Hall, Stornoway, Tel. 01851 707475 or email westernisles@psybt.org.uk or visit our great new look website at www.psybt.org.uk.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk