View from a business volunteer...

Two of the region’s fund managers are investing their time in the future of young people by volunteering to run Young Enterprise North East’s (YENE) enterprise education programmes in schools across the region.

Nick Edgar of IP Group plc and Simon Johnson of NEL Fund Managers have worked with YENE for a number of years and are currently involved in the Company Programme working with students aged 15 to 19 from Church High School in Newcastle.

Nick is also a member of YENE’s Volunteer Committee, which is responsible for the strategic involvement of all business volunteers and aims to encourage even more businesses to get involved with enterprise.

IP Group and NEL are both venture capital companies that are managing two of the region’s Finance for Business North East Funds. IP Group manages the Finance for Business North East Technology Fund and is looking to fund and support 60 high growth SMEs in the region over the coming years. NEL is focussed on funding and backing well-established companies from all sectors in the region and has twenty years’ experience in supporting North East businesses.

Nick was first introduced to YENE when he worked with the charity as part of a graduate placement and has remained a strong believer in what Young Enterprise aims to achieve ever since. He said: “My first experience in the classroom was really good; I had a very supportive link teacher and great support from the Young Enterprise team.

“For anyone in business that has the chance to work with young people I’d say grab it with both hands; it is such a good experience, as young people teach you as much as you could ever hope to teach them, not least in terms of their enthusiasm and generation of creative ideas.”

Nick believes that only by business people going into schools and having direct contact with these young people that we as a region will produce an enthusiastic and entrepreneurial workforce of tomorrow.

Simon added: “As the recent Young Enterprise alumni report highlights; YE students are twice as likely to run their own business in the future, and alumni feel that Young Enterprise contributed more than anything else to their development of transferable skills, such as teamwork, decision-making, and self-motivation.

“Both our day jobs see us work with lots of entrepreneurs and I think it is definitely something that should be encouraged from as early an age as possible. Enterprise education taught by no other than real people in the business world gives young people a good, all-round sense of business acumen. I would encourage anyone in the business community to see how they could get involved.”

They have also had a lot of fun along the way Nick adds: “Hurdles that I have had to overcome include battling with broken staple guns as well as cutting wood and painting – a massive achievement for someone who certainly isn’t Mr DIY!”

www.ipgroupplc.com regional website: www.thenortheasttechnologyfund.com
www.nel.co.uk

Young Enterprise North East chief executive Catherine Marchant responds to the appointment of Lord Young as Enterprise Tsar.

Young Enterprise North East chief executive Catherine Marchant says: “Young Enterprise North East welcomes the appointment of Lord Young as the new Enterprise Tsar. He has shown strong commitment to enterprise education during his career and clearly recognises the importance of educating young people about business and enterprise from an early age.

“We look forward to working with him to inspire a strong sense of enterprise among all young people in the region and to create a clear road for young entrepreneurs to set up their own businesses unhampered by unnecessary red tape.


“Anything that lessens the burden on small North East businesses can only be positive for the region.”

CHARITY URGES BUSINESSES NOT TO FOLLOW IN QUEEN’S FOOTSTEPS

UNLIKE the Queen businesses in the region are being encouraged not to ditch their staff Christmas party this year and instead still celebrate whilst giving something back to the economy.
The Queen has cancelled this year's Christmas party for her staff because of the "difficult financial circumstances" facing the country it was announced last week (14 October).
In response to this North East-based enterprise education charity Young Enterprise North East is inviting local employers to think twice about cancelling staff parties and attend its fundraising Christmas bash instead.
Young Enterprise North East volunteer committee chair David Wilson said: “Of course businesses are feeling the pinch now more than ever. However, instead of businesses ditching their expensive annual Christmas celebrations altogether, going along to the Young Enterprise North East Ball allows them to thank staff for their hard work, boost morale and network with other business in the region, whilst also giving something back to the local economy. All money raised on the night will go directly back to the region’s young people by providing them with enterprise lessons and inspirational role models.
“Unlike the Queen you don’t have to cancel Christmas for your staff; you can still have a great night whilst contributing to the economic wellbeing of your region through its young people.
“And with David Cameron pushing his Big Society vision to businesses where he is calling on firms to increase their corporate and social responsibility budgets, our fundraising Christmas party ticks all the right boxes.”
The Young Enterprise North East Christmas Charity event will be held at the Gosforth Marriott Hotel on Saturday 11 December. As well as a disco and 3-course meal, highlights of the evening include Christmas Carol singers provided by YENE students and a special visit from Father Christmas.
Business in the region already attending the ball include, the BIC and BlueSky Chartered Accountants.
£600 for a table of 10. To book a table please contact YENE on 0191 495 9500.

NEWCASTLE STUDENTS DESIGN OWN FUTURE

STUDENTS from Newcastle and Northumbria Universities have helped shape how enterprise education will be delivered nationally in a new programme to help bridge the ever widening gap between university and a crucial first job.

As part of a national review of its programmes the Young Enterprise ‘Start-up’ Programme has launched this month after students, their business mentors and lecturers from local universities were chosen to help make the former Graduate Programme fit more closely with the reality of starting a business.

The students have been chosen to pilot the new programme, which is supported by global bank Santander, and will see them working more closely with business owners in the region.

Through working together to set up and run their own companies and with mentoring from Young Enterprise North East business volunteers, students taking part in the programme will gain vital first-hand experience of business.

Young Enterprise North East chief executive Catherine Marchant said: “With the job market remaining an increasingly competitive place for graduates, Young Enterprise has launched the Start-up Programme to universities in the North East this month.

“Research shows that nearly two-thirds of UK businesses have found employees joining from University are lacking in business acumen and commercial awareness.

“As the coalition Government beds down and economic uncertainty continues, it is essential we ensure our future workforce is prepared to help the North East compete globally.

“We are in danger of failing our young people by not providing them with the necessary business skills and experience they need to succeed. A workforce lacking in business acumen simply cannot drive an economic recovery.

“But it seems the recession has spawned a new entrepreneurial spirit. These young people aren’t waiting for a job to land in their lap but creating their own opportunities. Recessions, as many top business people will know, can lead to people exploiting niches, creating new business models or going it alone- and this is what the new Start-up Programme aims to inspire graduates to do.”

Newcastle University lecturer Katie Wray, who was involved in consultation process of the new Start-up programme said: “At university, students are used to living on very little, so it’s not much of a sacrifice for them to go on doing that while they build up their own company. It’s sink or swim for thousands of gradates, the new Young Enterprise Start-up programme means it’s graduates will be more equipped to enter the real world and see the recession as an opportunity.

“Students and graduates should seek support, have a go at starting their own business or learn to be more entrepreneurial within one.

“Unfortunately a university degree in itself is no longer a passport to a great career, these days you need more than that and participating in the entrepreneurial activities whilst at university is one piece of advice I would give to people going to university this year.

“There has never been a better time to think imaginatively and create your own future."

The survey, carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, found that employers would like to see their employees more equipped with leadership skills, customer services skills, communication and interpersonal skills and work ethic.

With graduates fearing more than ever that they won’t be able to bag the job they want, Young Enterprise North East is calling on universities and businesses across the region to work together and ensure that graduates are equipped with the confidence, ability and ambition to be the driving force behind the North East’s economic recovery.

For more information about how universities can get involved with Start-up Programme visit www.young-enterprise.org.uk.

One person who has gone through the Start up programme and has set up their own business as a result is Pip Lawrence: Case Study Below:

CASE STUDY

Part of the Northumbria University student team that set up vintage clothing company Mango Moon, young entrepreneur Phillip Lawrence has used the experience he gained to go on to set up the successful Naughty Knitwear Company.

As part of the Young Enterprise North East Start Up programme (formerly known as Graduate Programme), Phillip worked alongside his third year team mates to get to grips with business planning, raising finance, marketing and a range of other issues involved in running a business.

The Mango Moon team was supported by business mentor Sheila Walker, who owns Gosforth-based vintage clothing agency the Dressing Room, and whose years of experience in the fast-moving clothing sector made her input invaluable.

By the end of the year-long project Mango Moon was firmly established as a thriving name in the North East vintage and retro clothing market, with a band of devoted clients.

Graduating in summer 2010 with a 2:1 in Business Management, Phillip said: “I learnt such a lot by setting up Mango Moon. Not just in terms of how to go about raising finance for example, but also about assessing what I wanted to do, and about taking calculated risks to get there.

“I’d always wanted to be my own boss, but before the YENE programme I had no real idea how to go about it. Setting up a business is portrayed as scary, mainly because it’s an unknown quantity. But the biggest thing I learnt was that it’s all do-able, if you have the right advice and support.

“YENE gave me the toolkit – and the confidence - to go ahead and set up a business on my own, which I couldn’t have done before. I was busy setting up the Naughty Knitwear Company before I graduated, and six months down the line I’m busy selling at vintage and craft markets around the region, as well as building up an online presence through Facebook and Twitter.

“Now that the business is taking off I’ve also got plans to launch another idea, which is something I could never have seen myself doing if I hadn’t been part of the Start Up programme.”
http://naughtyknitwearcompany.blogspot.com

YOUNG ENTERPRISE GIVES EMILY THE GREEN LIGHT FOR BUSINESS IDEA

A FORMER secretary has left behind her desk job in favour of her own coaching business after her enterprise spark was lit by enterprise education provider Young Enterprise North East (YENE).

Twenty-three-year-old Emily Keep from Jesmond, Newcastle quit her job as a senior secretary nine weeks ago and has seen her new business coaching company – Green Stag Solutions –go from concept to launch in just six weeks.

Emily, who completed the YENE Company Programme – where pupils set up and run their own trading business in an academic year - whilst at school five years ago, says she wouldn’t have had the confidence to set up the business without the enterprise course.

Green Stag Solutions director Emily Keep said: “I left education and tried to work in the corporate world but it just wasn’t for me. Enterprise and the urge to want to set up my own business got the better of me and so I left my full time job to concentrate on setting up Green Stag Solutions and working for myself.

“Young Enterprise North East certainly lit that enterprise spark for me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the encouragement and inspiration from the business volunteers.”

Green Stag Solutions is a personal and business coach and motivational speaking service which helps people overcome barriers and achieve goals. It also has an organisational arm, where Emily helps people de-clutter and reorganise their home after specific life events such as bereavement or children leaving home or people who just want to re-organise their wardrobes.

Emily has already built strong client relationships including business professionals and an international athlete. Emily says she wishes to expand her business by doing coaching sessions in schools and recruiting staff so she can outsource her services.
After graduating with a music degree and performing in some of the nation’s top venues, Emily set up the business understanding the pressure that comes from performing at high levels and maintaining a balanced life. Emily completed a life coaching course at Newcastle College and is now studying for her neuro linguistic programming certificate and a coaching and mentoring course from the Institute of Leadership and Management.
Emily said: “Young Enterprise North East opened my eyes to the highs and lows of running a small business as well as developing skills such as teamwork, creating brand identity and working with the public.
“The skills I learned during the Young Enterprise Programme were very influential in my decision to set up my business, hence the reason I now want to take my business coaching skills into schools to help young people succeed. It is crucial for students to interact with members of the business community to understand how the local economy is fuelled.”
Young Enterprise North East chief executive Catherine Marchant said: “With such a great success story, Emily is a role model and a positive result of Young Enterprise’s work throughout the region. Emily plans to give something back to Young Enterprise by promoting enterprise in the North East and delivering programmes within schools.”

The Young Enterprise North East Company Programme aims to teach and inspire young people to develop creative and successful business ideas. North East business people volunteer their time to mentor those participating. The programme creates an important link between young people and successful business leaders so that knowledge, skills and contacts can be passed on.

Emily is also an affiliate of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

JAMES TAKES HIS PRIZE FOR ENTERPRISE

A HARTLEPOOL teenager with severe learning difficulties has won an award for his outstanding contribution to enterprise.

James Dean, 17, who attends Catcote School Business and Enterprise College in Hartlepool, has won the Young Enterprise North East (YENE) Sir John Moores’ Special Achievement Award after overcoming physical and medical problems to become assistant managing director of his own company.

James has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative condition affecting one in 3,500 males, he uses an electronic wheelchair to move around school and has limited use of his hands, which makes it difficult for him to participate in writing and drawing activities.

However, since undertaking the YENE Team Programme and setting up Supercats, which designs and produces jigsaws and mouse mats, James’ teachers say they have seen a dramatic improvement in his academic abilities.

The YENE Team Programme inspires students aged between 15 and 19 years old with special educational and support needs to work together and set up and run their own real company, guided by a Young Enterprise business adviser.

Catcote School Business and Enterprise College director of specialism Alison Brown said: “Since undertaking the Young Enterprise North East Team Programme James has really developed his academic, social, and emotional well being.

“James finds academic work tiring and needs to be stimulated by activities that help him retain a positive outlook, which is exactly what the Young Enterprise programme allows him to do.

“James has learnt everything from how to set up a business, market research, establishing appropriate selling price to maximise profits, stock control and selling shares. He is very well respected by his peers and is an inspiration to others”.

James is the assistant managing director of Supercats, a business he set up in September 2009 with his fellow students and it is still going from strength to strength.

James has ambitious plans to capture an estimated one million customers by arranging to set up a stall at the Hartlepool stage of the Tall Ships event in August. This will involve working on the business in his own time during the summer holidays.

James designed the company logo, which is used in all literature and marketing materials.

The business showcased its wares at the Young Enterprise North East Trade Fair at Gateshead’s Metro Centre earlier this year, where James sold the company’s products to the public, which made a profit of £65.

James said: “I really enjoy the Young Enterprise programme as I am able to take ownership of something and have a lot of responsibility in the business. It has given me a real buzz for learning and the world of enterprise.”

James has worked with North Shields business owner David Bavaird of Scrap Tyre Exchange who has acted as his business adviser through the programme. He said: “I have been impressed by James’ contribution to the range of tasks and projects and he has demonstrated a sharp mind, problem solving skills and a willingness to learn. James is a credit not only to himself but to the day to day support and teaching he receives from the staff at Catcote School. I have enjoyed working with James and would encourage other businesses to get involved”.

Young Enterprise North East chief executive Catherine Marchant said: “The Sir John Moores’ Special Achievement Award 2010, sponsored by The Specials Laboratory has been awarded to James for demonstrating outstanding achievement and strength throughout the Team Programme. He is a team player and is a true inspiration to others.”

James is now working towards OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations) Young Enterprise Team Programme Entry three.

James received his award at the Young Enterprise North East Regional Final.

http://www.young-enterprise.org.uk/north_east/about_us

RONNIE THE RUNNER BEAN RUNS AWAY WITH TOP ENTERPRISE AWARD

RONNIE THE RUNNER BEAN RUNS AWAY WITH TOP ENTERPRISE AWARD

An evening that toasted the achievements of enterprising students, teachers and the regional business community, saw a team of youngsters from Newcastle Church High School recognised as the star performers.
BrightLife Books, a company set up by year 12 students from the city’s school, walked away with the Company of the Year title after producing two paperback books, 'Ronnie the Runner bean' and 'Sunny the Sunflower' with a global environment and healthy eating theme aimed at children aged three - 11.
‘Live the Rightlife, live the Brightlife, is the motto of this company. The students wrote and produced the books to help young people understand environment and healthy living issues. The books come with sunflower seeds so children can grow their own plants and a ‘Wheel of Good Health’ placemat to teach children about eating healthily.
BrightLife Books launched the product with a joint venture at Ouseburn-based Seven Stories book shop and has also delivered workshops to local school children.
The winners, revealed at an awards ceremony at the Gosforth Marriott Hotel last night, will go through to represent the region in the Young Enterprise National Final in London in July.
BrightLife Books managing director Francesca Thornton said: “Undergoing the Young Enterprise North East programme has been the most rewarding thing we’ve ever done. We have all learnt valuable enterprise lessons and knowing that we have produced something that other people find to be a good product is fantastic.
“We are unbelievably excited to have won the top award at the Regional Final and cannot wait to represent the region at the Grand Final in London. All the hard work has paid off.”
The winners of the Runner Up Company of the Year Award went to Cookii Doh – a company set up by a group of year 10 students from John Spence Community High School in North Shields, that produces high quality t-shirts and hoodies with unique designs for the teenage market.
Cookii Doh is already in talks with Cramlington-based men’s clothing company The Officers Club and is exploring possibilities with high street clothes retailer Next plc and play.com.
As well as representing the region at the National Final to be held in London this July, BrightLife Books will also receive a ‘five to keep your business alive’ business support package from five North East-based service providers.

The prize package includes free accountancy support from North Shields-based Blusky chartered accountants, green office supplies from Ethicalsuperstore.com in Gateshead, PR and marketing support from Newcastle’s award winning PR agency O Communications, an IT start-up package from Darlington-based Resilient Business Systems and a telecoms package free for a year from Eclipse Networks in Gateshead.

YENE chief executive Catherine Marchant said: “Every year I never fail to be amazed by the standard of business ideas from young people right here in this region.

“Their combined ideas highlight the vast amount of entrepreneurial talent that lies in this region – talent that surely must be nurtured and invested in, if we are to generate a lasting entrepreneurial culture in the region and show the rest of the UK that the North East really does mean business and compete on an international level with business across the world.

“The winners stood out as they put real thought into the nature of the product, their business and their market. It’s been a great competition.”
The other two finalist companies that were judged on the day include, Smarty Pants, a company set up by students from Teesside High School, that produces quality audio CD revision guides and online resources for the GCSE science market and Munchkins, launched by a group of year 12 business and textile students from The English Martyrs School & Sixth Form College in Hartlepool, that produces personalised aprons and recipe books for children.