Inspiring the next generation through Young Enterprise Scotland
As Johnston Carmichael celebrates 90 years of supporting businesses, communities and individuals across Scotland, we're taking the opportunity to recognise the positive impact our people have in the communities they serve.
For the past three years, Alison Cooper, Head of Business Support, and Andrew Mackenzie, Business Advisory Senior Manager, have volunteered as Business Mentors with the Young Enterprise Scotland Company Programme, working alongside pupils from Culloden Academy in Inverness to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The programme gives S5 and S6 pupils the opportunity to create and run their own business over the course of an academic year. Participants are responsible for every aspect of the business, including product development, sales, marketing, team management and financial planning. The experience culminates in a written report, judged interview and presentation, helping participants develop valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their education and future careers.
This year, the Culloden Academy team created Tidal Trinkets, a business dedicated to turning discarded scallop shells into luxury jewellery holders and decorative homeware. Alongside their sustainability-focused product, the team also sought to raise awareness of the role seagrass plays in supporting healthy marine ecosystems.
The team enjoyed considerable success throughout the year, securing funding through a Dragons' Den competition, participating in trade fairs and competing against schools from across the Highlands and Moray region.
Their innovation, teamwork and commitment were recognised at the Highland & Moray Finals, where they won six awards and were crowned Company of the Year. This achievement saw them progress to the Scottish Finals at Hampden Park, representing the region on the national stage.
Reflecting on the experience, Andrew Mackenzie commented:
I took part in the Young Enterprise Company Programme when I was in S6, and many of the skills I developed through the programme are skills I still use today. It's incredibly rewarding to support young people as they build their confidence, develop business skills and achieve success as a team.
Linda Thomas, Chair of the Highland & Moray Area Team for Young Enterprise Scotland, said:
We’re incredibly grateful for Johnston Carmichael’s continued support of Young Enterprise Scotland. They have sponsored the Best Finance award for more than two decades, and their colleagues give their time year after year to support and judge the competition. Over the years, we’ve developed a really strong partnership, and the impact that support has on our programme and the young people involved is significant.
We’re incredibly proud to support initiatives such as Young Enterprise Scotland that help equip young people with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the future. Our long-standing relationship with the organisation reflects our commitment to supporting education, developing future talent and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
