The PTYBS Awards

Craig Dunlop, Elly Knight and PTYBS Regional Manager, Alithea Watson, at the Awards

What a great time we  had at the PTYBS (formerly PSYBT) Awards held on Tuesday at the City Chambers in Glasgow. 

Of the six Regional Finalists, Highland was represented by EllyKnight (no relation!) and Craig Dunlop from the Red Roof Cafe in Skye.  We didn't win but Elly and Craig took away a cheque for £750 and made quite a few new friends at the Event,  which was hosted by Fred MacAulay.

The overal Winner was Bright Care from Edinburgh.

For more information, contact PTYBS or in Highland, Alithea Watson on 01463 228340

"The Greatest"

© Christina Jansen

Probably one of the most haunting and touching pictures you'll see this year.  The unmistakeable profile of Muhammad Ali at the Olympic Stadium - reflected in a portrait by Lola Nicol.

Lola, who lives in Brora, Sutherland, is a recently-supported PTYBS business and was commissioned to produce a piece to commemorate "The Greatest's" 70th Birthday.  The painting is part of a major exhibition being held at the Smokehouse Gallery in London.

Link to Lola's website: 

Link to PTYBS/PSYBT:

Farewell to Mark

Last Thursday saw the retiral party for Mark Strudwick CBE, outgoing Chief Exec of PSYBT.

At a packed event in Sloan's, Glasgow,  Mark's career with PSYBT was celebrated by staff, volunteers, clients and other friends.  We all had a great time and, personally, it was an opportunity to thank Mark for his work as a true friend of the Highlands; supporting not only our clients but also me and, latterly, Alithea Watson in our roles as PSYBT Regional Managers.

We all wish Mark the very best - and we're sure that a pipe and slippers won't play a significant part in his retirement...

Part of the Highland contribution to Mark's considerable hoard of leaving gifts was a specially-composed tune from PSYBT client, Graeme MacKay

All photo's © Malcolm Cochrane Photography

PSYBT - The Top 100

The PSYBT has published a list of its top 100 clients, which features several significant businesses from the Highlands...

From PSYBT:

"This independently verified research, supported by The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, identifies the 100 best performing businesses funded by PSYBT since the charity's launch in 1989.

Every year PSYBT helps in excess of 600 young people to start up and continue in business. In the last 23 years we have supported over 12,000 young people, and feature 100 of the businesses in this report. With a combined turnover of some £157m, their collective achievements have had considerable impact on Scotland's economy, in terms of both job and wealth creation.

This report celebrates all of the young people PSYBT has supported and highlights that with motivation, ambition and determination comes great success."

For more information visit the PSYBT site (Link) and to download a copy of the illustrated report (560kB)  follow this Link

PSYBT to Merge with The Prince's Trust

The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) is to merge with the Prince's Trust on 1st April 2012.

Here's a message from PSYBT's outgoing Chief Exceutive, Mark Strudwick CBE:

"After two decades of operating as a distinct Scottish charity, The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust is to merge with The Prince’s Trust.

Both charities value the tremendous relationships they have with individuals and many stakeholders across Scotland and we plan to harness the strengths of both organisations to provide cost effective, timely and tailored provision for Scotland’s young people.

I am delighted to say that PSYBT will not lose its unique identity. We will be renamed The Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland and will retain full control over our assets and Revolving Loan Fund.

Geoff Leask will become Director (Designate) the Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland with effect from Monday 13th February and will lead on the integration process prior to merger taking place with effect from 1st April 2012."

 
Link to Press Release.

Congratulations to Geoff on his new role and we wish the new combined operation every success in the future.

Henrietta's New Shop

Henrietta Ludgate, ace fashion designer & PSYBT client from Strathpeffer has opened her first store.  Based in Whiteley's Centre in London, the store will showcase Henrietta's work and house her design studio.

Full story from Tellusfashion.com
Henrietta's website: (Link)

Apparently, Christmas is Coming...

OK, it's the first mention of the Festive Season on this blog but, in addition to brilliant gifts from makers across the Highlands, there are some extremely talented young people supported by The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust who can solve all your Christmas gift uncertainty.

To prove this, PSYBT has produced a Gift Guide showcasing the work of dozens of their clients  - and you can download it from here : PSYBT Gift Guide 2011

By the way, if you're a Highland PSYBT client (past & present) and you'd like to be included in any future PSYBT promotions, please get in touch with PSYBT Regional Manager, Alithea Watson

Kirsteen's New Business is in the News

Kirsteen & Zac.  (Photo: Clive Grewcock)

There's a great feature about PSYBT/Business Gateway client, Kirsteen MacKintosh in this week's Northern Times.  Kirsteen was helped by PSYBT to start her own business "Star Stables" in Brora earlier this year, which offers all levels of riding tution to locals and tourists.

Here's the full feature from the Northern Times (link)

The Dead Man's Waltz - New Album and Tour

The Dead Man's Waltz (a direct descendant of PSYBT-supported Injuns) are touring prior to the release of their first album.  More details on the website (Link). In the meantime, here's a taster.

Henrietta is Young Designer of the Year

Henrietta (photo: Terry Chin)

PSYBT Alumni,  Henrietta Ludgate, has just won Young Designer of the Year at the Scottish Fashion Awards in Glasgow.  Following a tremendous amount of success and recognition in her first couple of years of trading, Strathpeffer-based Henrietta was watched by an audience which included Lulu, Dame Shirley Bassey and Samantha Cameron; in addition to Fashion Industry VIPs.

Congratulations to Henrietta from all of us at PSYBT and Business Gateway.

Nancy's Yomp

 
Nancy Pearson from PSYBT Head Office is taking part in the Cateran Yomp; walking 54miles in 24 hours to raise funds for PSYBT and the Soldiers Charity.

We're all spurring her on and Nancy has put in plenty of practice.  So it should be a doddle!

For more information,  and to sponsor Nancy, follow the link

It's Official! Alithea Watson IS the PSYBT Manager

Congratulations to Alithea Watson who has now been officially promoted to PSYBT Regional Manager for the Highland Region.  

Alithea has been Regional Co-ordinator for the past couple of years since the departure of the previous Manager (that'll be me, then) and before that she provided much-needed admin. support to the Regional Manager (me, again) so she's well-versed in PSYBT operations and well-known in the enterprise network.

She's already made her mark on the role; organising fundraising and networking events, and overseeing the changes which will carry PSYBT forward over the next few years.

You can contact Alithea by Email

PSYBT Volunteer of the Year - Edward MacKay

Edward MacKay receiving his gift from a bloke in a brown jumper

Edward MacKay from Brora has been awarded PSYBT Volunteer of the Year for the Highland Region.  Edward's been an active Panel Member for over 20 years and, in doing, so has supported over 150 young people to start and develop their own businesses.  

Edward, a prominent local businessman,  is passionately committed to Sutherland and is an enthusiastic supporter of youth and community development in the County. He runs the family business "Edward MacKay Construction Ltd" , runs a croft and maintains a collection of vintage vehicles.

PSYBT Volunteers are the backbone of the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust, making funding decisions and providing advice and support to fledgeling businesses.  For more information on PSYBT volunteers follow this link

Photo by Clive Grewcock

PSYBT Awards - Highland Final

 Henrietta MacKay-Ludgate and Cllr Helen Carmichael, Regional Chair of PSYBT

Congratulations to Henrietta MacKay-Ludgate for winning first prize at the Highland Final of the PSYBT Awards; the latest in a series of awards and accolades for this Dingwall-based business. 

Henrietta is a fashion designer, a graduate of Central St Martin's School of Art who is already making a significant mark in the industry.  For the full story, have a look the business website. Link

Her cash prize, sponsored by the Highland Council, and a framed certificate were presented at a Gala Event in Inverness Town House yesterday.   With only the briefest time for celebration, Henrietta  left almost immediately for London to take part in the Sustainable Fashion Show at Prince Charles' home in London, Clarence House. 
 
The PSYBT Awards recognise outstanding early-years business achievement among PSYBT-supported clients and Henrietta now enters the draw for a place in the Scottish Final to be held in Glasgow in November.

For more information about The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust in the Highlands, contact Alithea Watson

(Photo: Clive Grewcock)

Client Snapshot - Barbara MacLeod Jewellery Design

Barbara MacLeod, from Lochinver, started her jewellery business after graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone College and returning to her native North West Sutherland.  Her pieces are produced as commissions or in very small batches and combine the traditional jeweller's skills with the latest in 3D Modelling and photo-etching techniques.

She was assisted with marketing funds by Business Gateway and The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT). 

To find out more about Barbara's business visit her website here:  Link

Photo's Clive Grewcock