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Mean Business Companies Thrive in Polmont
On 21 May 2008, Direct Essentials, a Mean Business company to run at Polmont HMYOI was successful in securing a £150 interest-free start-up loan.
The group of 6 boys gave a presentation to a large audience of prison staff, Governor Derek McGill, Deputy Governor Chrissie McGeever, and Keith McLauchlin (Officer and Personal and Social Development Unit Coordinator who helps support the YES companies).
Most knew what to expect, as YES has been running in Polmont for over 4 years. Direct Essentials has a huge product range of puzzle packs, crosswords, memo packs, plastic containers/hooks, bowls, cups, toothbrushes, ashtrays and colouring packs! One might wonder how they will all sell. In response to this question, the team of 6 Direct Essentials ‘staff’ were able to confidently explain their market research, using some clever ad-libs!
Not only was the boys’ presentation deemed the “best one yet” but the decision on whether or not to grant the loan was opened out to the audience, who voted unanimously to allocate the funding!
The Mean Business Programmes at Polmont are coordinated by YES trainers
Ron Bernard and
Peter Byrne. Known locally as “Jack and Victor” – due to their chemistry and humour! (their names are even these on the attendance board!) – they work with Keith McLauchlin over 10-13 weeks to help the boys set up and run their companies then visit fortnightly to check up on how things are running, help with the accounts etc.
The YES trainers also run vital ‘ice breaker’ sessions in the jail for new inmates. It’s at this point that the “culture” of YES in Polmont is an asset: as the inmates acclimatise to their new surroundings, they become aware of the YES companies – through buying their products and word-of-mouth. Many decide they’d like to be involved and there is now a considerable waiting list. The boys of Direct Essentials would definitely recommend involvement –one even described it as “the best course I’ve ever done!”
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