Young Enterprise Scotland

Young Enterprise Scotland 2019 – 2020

The Young Enterprise Companies start setting up their company in August and close down at the end of March. Every new company must deal with choosing directors, deciding on product ideas, selling at various school events and fairs, sitting an examination, writing a report, being interviewed and making a video and a presentation. There are prizes to be won at both the Young Enterprise Christmas Market in December and the final Awards Ceremony in March. This year we had to have a slightly different ending as we could not have our ceremony at Napier, Craiglockhart following the sudden closing of the schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead the students had to create and email their presentations during the last week in school.

The Young Enterprise year can be difficult and stressful at times but the rewards they recoup make it all worthwhile. This is not only in financial terms as they can also develop new friendships, learn how a business works and maybe even have some fun.

Year 2019 – 2020 has produced three diverse and lively companies who have had their ups and downs throughout the year.

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Collecti – cacti and succulents

2 Drip Dip – jewellery

3 Ankilles – ankle bracelets and jewellery I found Young Enterprise was a very enjoyable and create a product and sell it. I got to experience what it is like to start a business and all the aspects involved such as advertising and how to manage the money and create a profit. Alice from Ankilles At the Young Enterprise Christmas Market held at the Central Hall, Lothian Road on Saturday 7th December 2019 there was an exceptionally high standard of product display, where they proved they had good sales and marketing skills as they all managed to make a fair profit. They had an exceptional amount of detail in their display and a professional layout that was creative and appealing, encouraging the customers to stop and buy. All the students were enthusiastic and worked hard on the preparation for the day and on the day itself.

From the company reports and the video presentation that they submitted the following prizes were awarded.

Individual Awards Best Sales Director – 1st place – Caitlin (Collecti)

Whole Group Awards Best Presentation – 2nd place – Collecti

Congratulations to them all and well done to all the people involved who ensured that the Young Enterprise Companies at St George’s had a busy and prosperous year. The list to mention is long; the students themselves and their family support on many occasions, the link teachers who turned up regularly every week and supported the students throughout the ups and downs of their experience. Another

rewarding experience to take part in as we got to memorable year for St George’s! I found Young Enterprise very useful as it broadened my view of business and it got me working together as a team. It taught me about the importance of communication throughout the whole process. We also had an interview near the end of the process and that was beneficial as we got to experience what it was like to be in a real business meeting, which was nerve-wracking at first but we settled into the interview quickly and they were impressed. Megan from Drip Dip

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As sales director, Young Enterprise has taught me how a business evolves and how it is managed. There were a few difficult situations and stress involved but, as I became more accustomed to the situation, I have learned useful skills and tips such as the vital importance of communication with others and keeping on top of a schedule. From decorating Christmas market stalls to creating virtual presentations, it was a new and enjoyable experience. Caitlin from Collecti I learned a lot from the experience. I had to learn how to co-ordinate a team so we could get all the tasks done, and I learned loads about teamwork. It was such a great feeling when our work paid off in the end. Harriet from Collecti