| PSYBT Support on target for £1 million funding | 18 April 2007 | ||
 Funding totalling almost £1 million has been awarded to 222 small businesses in the Western Isles by the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT). This was announced at a trio of PSYBT Annual Reviews held in Stornoway, North Uist and Barra last week which were attended by PSYBT supported businesses, PSYBT volunteers and representatives from the business community. The Reviews were chaired by Councillor Donald Maclean, who has served as Chairman of the Western Isles Regional Committee since 1999. Loans and grants amounting to £906,577 have been awarded by PSYBT to young people aged 18-30 to enable them to start or expand their own businesses. Based on the current level of funding per year, funding is expected to reach the £1 million mark within the next two years. Jane Campbell, Regional Manager gave a detailed insight into the Western Isles operations and Mark Strudwick, PSYBT Chief Executive followed with an update of developments from a national perspective, explaining why HRH The Prince Charles had set up the Trust to help young disadvantaged people and how it had developed since. He also spoke about the decision the PSYBT Board had made in 2002 to increase the age range maximum from 25 to 30 in the Western Isles. This has proven to be of great benefit to the islands with many more young people being supported than would previously have been possible. The Western Isles also continue to have the highest number of business start-ups per head of population. Mr. Strudwick also thanked outgoing PSYBT Regional Chairman, Donald Maclean, for the support and commitment given to the PSYBT over the past 8 years. Donald Maclean retires as Chairman in May. Those attending the Lewis Annual Review, held in An Lanntair Gallery last Wednesday, were also interested to hear the individual experiences of setting up and running a business from Aonghas Campbell, A Campbell Electrical Services and Dawn Mackenzie, Outer Hebrides Web Design. They were also entertained by recently supported business Colin Macleod, known as “The Boy Who Trapped the Sun”, who sang one of his songs - and was then presented with a cheque for £1,300 from the PSYBT Chief Executive, to assist him with his goal to produce an album. The Uist Annual Review was held in Tigh Dearg on Thursday and although not able to be present at the meeting, progress reports from Artist Olwen Macleod, and Amanda Macdonald, Hebridean Equestrian Services were heard by those attending. The Barra Annual Review, held in the Heathbank Hotel on Thursday evening heard from PSYBT supported businesses, Linda Maclean, Tigh na Mara, John O’Carroll, Builder and Angus MacIsaac, Builder. 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, on 01851 707475 or visit www.psybt.org.uk
Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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