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Making it Happen for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Enterprise North East Trust Launches First National Youth Conference for 16-26 Year Olds

Think you have what it takes to equal the success of Michelle Mone or give Lord Alan Sugar a run for his money? Take the first step on the road to success at the ‘Making it Happen’ conference, the first national event for young people in Scotland, which takes place on Wednesday 23 November at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre. Organised by Enterprise North East Trust, the event is aimed at 16-26 year olds and will feature a line up of inspirational speakers, passionate about fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs. Whether you have started your own business or just dream about being your own boss, the conference will explore entrepreneurship and show that this is a very viable career path, helping to create jobs rather than take jobs. Successful business owners and mentors will share their experiences and offer advice to attendees thinking of starting up their own business. The conference is first in a series of enterprising events which will run over the next 12 months.

The Making it Happen conference is part of Enterprise’s commitment to support the development of the next generation of entrepreneurs in Aberdeen City and Shire. Motivating attendees to consider an enterprising future, a stimulating panel of speakers have been confirmed for the event including Jamie Andrew who lost both hands and feet as a result of a horrific accident in the French Alps. He will share his awe inspiring story, including how he managed to find the courage and determination to not only carry on but continue to take on challenges. Ryan Longmuir, owner of award winning Regis Banqueting, will show how he turned his life around, following a battle with drugs, to launch his own company in 2003, which now employs 20 staff and has a turnover of £500K. One of the country’s top entrepreneurs, Chris Van Der Kuyl, CEO of Brightsolid Ltd, owners of Friends Reunited will take attendees through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Known for his motivational speaking skills, Frank Dick, former Director of Coaching for the British Athletics Federation will explain what really makes the difference between winners and losers and what it takes to succeed in any chosen field.

Gary McEwan, chief executive of Enterprise says, “Creating new entrepreneurs and cultivating an enterprise culture is the key to building a prosperous and strong economy for the future. The ‘Making it Happen 2011’ conference has been a dream of mine for some time, it aims to inspire and encourage young people to think in an enterprising way and consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path. On leaving school, I was in a difficult position as I never had the guidance and support that I needed to understand my options, this has made me committed to ensuring that young people are aware of the opportunities available, whether they are academically qualified or not.

“The speakers we have secured, I believe are our dream team. They all have inspirational stories to tell of how they have overcome adversity to become successful in business and in life. We are confident that their experiences will have a lasting impression on attendees and encourage them to take action and follow their dreams.

“I am extremely passionate about supporting and mentoring young people in order to build entrepreneurship and believe that this conference will be a great success. Our aim is to make this an annual event in Scotland. We will also be encouraging delegates to pursue their goals after the event, each attendee will be expected to create a plan during the day detailing what they hope to achieve in the next six months. We will then hold follow up events in the next 12 months, to encourage and support them through their journey.

“Social networking will also play a big part in this event to encourage further communication between attendees. Before the conference, we will be encouraging people to submit questions, requests for help and advice from the speakers through Facebook and the Enterprise website. A live Twitter feed will also run throughout the day and attendees will be encouraged to continue communicating post event.”

In addition to the speakers there will be an exhibition space where delegates can meet with representatives of PSYBT, Enterprise North East Trust, Business Gateway, Young Enterprise, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and others. The ‘Making it Happen’ 2011 conference will take place from 9am – 5pm on the 23rd November. For more information or to book your place visit www.wearemakingithappen.com.

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