Young Enterprise Scotland

Enthusiasm was evident when 65 students from 8 schools in Dunbartonshire and Helensburgh gathered on 7 September at the University of Strathclyde Student's Union for the annual Masterclass run by the Dunbartonshire Area Board.  This exciting day event provides an opportunity for the young entrepreneurs to receive coaching from experienced business specialists in a workshop environment, as well as enjoying an instructive business game.

Delegates attended three of five workshop themes during the morning session:

Help with Business Planning was led by Kai Karlsen (below), Economic Adviser to West Dunbartonshire Council.  Kai led the students through the contents of a good plan, how to decide what was right for the their company, and how then to use the plan to keep the company on course.

Julian Westaby of Dunning Designs (below) provided insight on "Branding your Business" in a highly interactive workshop where the students worked at creating their own brands with input and coaching from Julian.  Plenty of ideas on what creates a good brand, and how and where to apply branding, were exchanged.

An increasing interest in Social Enterprises provided a third workshop theme led by Gilbert Grieve (below), Manager of East Dunbartonshire Council for Voluntary Service.  Gilbert led a discussion on the nature and shape of social enterprises and when they might be appropriate.

Steven Tag (below) of the Marketing Department, University of Strathclyde, coached groups on developing an effective Marketing Strategy and assessing the market.  Steven talked groups through the benefits of a clear strategy and plan of implementation including ideas on how to review the market, and assess product acceptability and price.

Many YE students find the mysteries of Finance and Accounting side of running a business a challenge.  With the assistance of some entertaining visual aids Liz McHard of McHard Consulting Ltd (below) provided a straightforward and clear explanation of this topic showing how a simple approach to record keeping provides the basis of accurate monitoring and continuous assessment of the business.

A simple demonstration of the Company Programme website and registration process was provided before breaking for lunch.

In the afternoon session, Leone Gordon-Cooper of YES led a colourful and exciting business game which allowed teams to develop their communication, creative and organsiational skills whilst working in a team.  The challenge was to build and sell towers of a minimum height from a variety of materials including mugs, straws and balloons.  Intensive negotiation with the potential buyers then followed.

The Dunbartonshire Area Board would like to acknowledge the contribution of their workshop coaches and of the game leaders as well as the support of the Marketing Department of the University of Strathclyde in making this event a success.