Harris PSYBT Panel Give Go Ahead To New Business

14 April 2003

An agricultural contractor has become the first young entrepreneur in almost three years to start a business in Harris, with assistance from The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust. The local PSYBT Panel approved an application by Timothy Armstrong (26), of Northton, for financial assistance to help him start his Agricultural and Land Management services business.

Timothy, who has a natural interest and knowledge of the country and wildlife, tested the market and found a demand for a range of agricultural services. He then sought advice from PSYBT, who helped him develop a Business Plan and financial forecasts. His successful application was for a grant of £1000 and a loan of £3,000.

No time was wasted following the meeting, as Timothy left for Pabbay the next day, where he will spend the next six weeks assisting with the lambing. On his return Timothy will offer a range of croft improvement services such as fencing, ditching, cutting of rushes, spraying herbicides & pesticides and drainage as well as lambing, sheep shearing, dipping, and pest control. He also intends to promote schemes which will benefit the crofters and surrounding wildlife, such as the Corncrake Scheme, Peat-land Scheme, as well as planting trees and shrubs.

Timothy is looking forward to being his own boss, as he enjoys the nature of the work and the variety of jobs he will be undertaking for his clients. He has already secured work for the next eight months, much of which is seasonal, and therefore required each year.

Local Panel Chairman, Norman Mackay - who had also extended a special welcome to Donalda MacAskill, attending her first Panel meeting - said,
"I commend Timothy on his idea, his confidence and his courage in starting his own business. I am delighted that PSYBT were able to assist Timothy and I would encourage more young people in Harris to contact PSYBT with their business ideas, as it is well over two years since the Harris Panel met to consider an application."

Donald MacLean, Regional Chairman for PSYBT in the Western Isles added,
"With the Trust's maximum age-range increasing to 30 years old, there will certainly be a greater opportunity for young entrepreneurs in the Western Isles to get a helping hand in starting their own business from the PSYBT."

PSYBT in the Western Isles offers start-up funding and advice to young people aged between 18 & 30, who have a business idea of their own. For further information contact: Jane Campbell, PSYBT Regional Manager, Enterprise Youth, Town Hall, Stornoway, on 01851 707475.

Enterprise Youth is part-funded by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the European Regional Development Fund, through the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme - HISTP.

ENDS

Jane Campbell
Youth Enterprise Development Officer
Department for Sustainable Communities
Business Advantage
Town Hall
Point Street
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2BE
Tel: (01851) - 707475
Fax: (01851) - 703657
Email jane.campbell@cne-siar.gov.uk

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk