Local businessman Roddy Macleod of Macleod IFA is the latest volunteer to join The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) as an Aftercare Adviser. Following a career in management and insurance, Roddy, who is originally from North Uist, started up his own business Macleod Independent Financial Advisers at 46 Church Street, Stornoway in 1997. Roddy's portfolio of business has since expanded to include Macleod Insurance, Hebridean Hotels and Insure Scotland. He has been a keen supporter of the work of PSYBT for many years and feels the time is right to help other young people turn their dream of self employment into reality and to put something back into the business community. The Aftercare Programme is the most critical part of the support that the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) gives to helping young people start up and continue in business. Every new business that PSYBT supports is allocated an Aftercare Adviser, for at least the first two years of trading, whose experience and guidance will be of real benefit. The role of the Aftercare Adviser is to provide business support and guidance to young business people, funded by PSYBT, through regular communication, including visits.

Roddy is pictured at his introductory meeting with his first Aftercare client, Carmen Chisholm (27) of Stornoway Salmon. Carmen was recently awarded a loan of £2,000 by PSYBT to help her start her own business. Stornoway Salmon specialises in marketing and selling locally produced quality hot and cold smoked Scottish salmon. Carmen has worked hard getting her product, which makes an ideal Christmas gift or treat, ready for the Christmas market. Stornoway Salmon can now be purchased exclusively at Islander Shellfish and Charles Macleod Butchers.

Stornoway Salmon will receive 10 visits from Roddy over the next two years and he will also be available for interim consultation by telephone, email or for additional meetings.

PSYBT in the Western Isles offers start-up funding and advice to young people aged between 18 and 30, with a business idea of their own. For further information on starting a business or volunteering as an Aftercare Adviser contact: Jane Campbell, PSYBT Regional Manager, Business Advantage, Town Hall, Stornoway, on 01851 707475.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

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