St.Marys

The YES Business Programme and St.Mary's    

YES runs a number of business programmes across a wide and varied range of areas, in Oct 2011 the YES Business Programme was delivered in partnership with St. Marys a secure and residential school to a group of young boys. The programme funded by the Big Lottery challenges young people; aimed at facilitating ‘learning by doing’ the YES Business Programme engages with young people on many levels to support their development and enhance their learning.

Emphasising the importance of team work and cooperation; key skills required for any business, the team building exercises proved beneficial in identifying and matching individual skills (production line management, numeracy skills, creativity) to specific roles within the business. The group quickly pulled together a list of possible business names and by unanimous vote decided on ‘ALLSORTS’; a popular word of choice used by the young people at St. Mary’s to describe what they are doing, what they like and the ideas they have.  ALLSORTS spent no time deliberating over potential product ideas, these young men knew exactly what would make money... a good old fashioned ‘tuck shop’. The market research conducted by the group supported their idea and quickly products lists, costing’s, profit margins and prices were calculated. 

During ALLSORTS business meetings the group began to pull together their business plan as well as build the contents of a professional, detailed but concise business presentation. Overcoming their fears and apprehensions to face the wrath of a mock dragons den, ALLSORTS presented their business case to St Marys Head of Centre, Head of Care, Chief Operating Officer of Young Enterprise Scotland and other attendees present on the day. The young men responded to the question and answer session that followed successfully, confidently and a with a dash of good humoured wit.

On the 13^th Dec 2011 the school approved the start-up loan needed to get the business on its feet. Positive words of praise and encouragement from the panel of attendees:

“I am proud to be a staff member here at St Marys today….well done that presentation was fantastic…honestly I couldn’t have done any better myself”

Head of programme

“I’m impressed with how much thought you have given to the finer detail of how this business will operate and obviously your confidence and drive has a lot to do with this. I’d be delighted to give you my backing with this business”  

Head of Care

“I’ve worked with these young boys for a while now and given some of the things life has thrown at them I am extremely proud of what you have achieved over the last few weeks and how you have presented yourselves today…wonderful” 

Teacher

Early days though it may be for ALLSORT,  the young apprentices are already busy with activity as their business moves ahead into 2012. The first stock order has been made and customer purchase forms have been distributed all with a view to creating profit which they plan to re-invest into the young people’s own education and to a nominated charity of their choice. Clearly illustrating ALLSORTS of positive outcomes can be achieved when young people come together in a benefical learning environment.

Young Enterprise Scotland wishes the determined and dynamic business and the team every success moving forward!