Company Programme provides a real-life learning opportunity that introduces young people aged 15-19 to the realities of the world of work.
Students work in teams to set up and run their own Young Enterprise company under the guidance of a Business Mentor. Working together they make all the decisions about their business; from deciding on the company name and individual roles to managing finances, branding and selling to the public through pop up shops and Trade Fairs.
Young people gain the practical business experience, enterprising mindset and employability skills needed to help them build successful futures.
For more information: companyprogramme@yes.org.uk
At Young Enterprise Scotland, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence and experience they need to achieve their full potential.
Every year we support around 16,000 young people, from all backgrounds, to develop business knowledge, entrepreneurial skills and ultimately become more employable.
We aim to support Scotland’s young people to:
Learn and develop through enterprise and financial education
Gain practical experience via learning by doing
Develop employability skills to strengthen work readiness
Our dedicated team are supported by over 400 volunteers from the Scottish business community to help realise our vision for Scotland to be a place where all young people have the opportunity to experience a rewarding future in work and life - no matter where they start their journey.
COMPANY PROGRAMME SCOTTISH FINALS 2025
GTG - Thursday 29 May th
I am delighted to welcome all to the 2025 Company Programme Scottish Finals; a huge event in the enterprise calendar every year and the culmination of many months of hard work.
As the leading enterprise and financial education organisation for young people in Scotland, we work throughout the year, across every region in Scotland, inspiring young people to learn and succeed through enterprise, entrepreneurship and financial capability.
Today is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate some of the great achievements by young people, their educators and our volunteers.
My most sincere thanks to our sponsors and supporters who have generously backed us not just tonight but throughout the last year without whose support we could not achieve the results we deliver.
Tomorrows leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators are todays learners. Thankyou for being part of the journey with us.
Emma Soanes Chief Executive Officer Young Enterprise Scotland
1.30pm
AFTERNOON AGENDA
Teas & Coffees, opportunity to view trade stands and chat with YE Scotland finalists.
2.304pm 4pm 4.30pm
Judges Deliberations & Guest Panel
Welcome and introductions from Host, Graeme Easton
Judged Presentations
1.Aqua: Alva Academy
2.Everyday Affirm: Bishopbriggs Academy
3.Study Stars: Dumfries High School
4.Sip-sational: Dunoon Grammar School
5.Solasta: Fortrose Academy
6.Inverse: Grove Academy
7.Eco Sip: Earlston Academy
8.Food for Thought: Johnstone High School
9.Bonnie Wood: Kemnay Academy
10.Aqua Informed: Levenmouth Academy
11.Affirmations: Lochend Community High School
12.P.A.W.S: Stewarton Academy
Awards & Photos
1.Business Mentor of the YearSponsored by Business Gateway
5pm
2.Educator of the Year - Sponsored by DYW
3 Creativity Award - Sponsored by Tunnock’s
4.Marketing Award - Sponsored by The Marketing Society of Scotland
5.Sustainability Award - Sponsored by SSE
6.Innovation Award - Sponsored by Arnold Clark
7.Teamwork Award - Sponsored by Monarch Transport
8.Social Impact Award - Sponsored by Optimat
9.People’s Choice Award - Sponsored by Peroosh
10 Journey Award - Sponsored by City of Glasgow College
11.Director of the Year Award - Sponsored by Glasgow Kelvin College
12.Best Interview Award - Sponsored by Skills Development Scotland
13.Best Business Report - Sponsored by University if Strathclyde
Closing remarks from Emma Soanes, YE Scotland CEO 2.15pm
13.Mind the Island: Stromness Academy
14.Cozy Companionzzz: The Mary Erskine School
14 Best Presentation Award - Sponsored by University of Glasgow
15.Scottish Company of the YearSponsored by Lyreco
OUR HOST Graeme Easton
If you don’t know the face, you might know the voice. Graeme is the regular announcer at Hampden Park for Scotland games and Cup Finals.
Graeme has presented and hosted events for over 20 years – everything from basketball to marathons to archery to school conferences and awards.
Graeme is also one of our many valued volunteers.
Volunteering within our Company Programme as the chair of the Lothian Local Area Team. Graeme provides a vital role within the programme providing support to and organising events for the participants within the Lothian region.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS
ALUMNI GUEST P NEL
OWEN MCCARRY
Owen completed the programme in 2022 - 23 and it had such an impact on him that he changed his pathway to continue practical learning. He’s now a Business Graduate Apprentice at Leidos
LARA MCGOWAN
Lara completed the programme in 2018 - 19 and is now the Chair of the Borders Local Area team supporting our students taking part in Company Programme. She runs McGowan Marketing with her Mum – who also happens to be an alumni!
LAURA MCKECHNIE
Laura is a Senior Customer Success Manager at Qodea. She completed the Company Programme in 2011 -12 and volunteers with the Dunbartonshire Local Area Team.
MEET THE JUDGES
Lyle Hamilton
Head of Commerical Operations, Covetrus, Young Enterprise Trustee and Company Programme alumni
Hayley Welsh Director at Optimat
Roy Aitken
Monique Wong
John Clark
Strategic Account Manager, Lyreco UK & Ireland
Senior Business Development Manager, JA Europe
Senior Curriculum Manager, Glasgow Kelvin College
Sandeep Sasikumar Director, BlackRock
Lizzy Lambley
Jennifer Miller
YE Scotland Trustee and PR expert
Early Careers Operations Manager, Arnold Clark
noon Grammar
FIN LISTS
water bottles, we strive to raise awareness of the importance of educing single use plastics within our local community. s include fonts, colours and images produce by the help of a cricut anised marketing nights to bring our school community together hunt As a team we succeeded at our main goals; operating within loping strong relationships within our community, as well as ectors as we engaged in team building activates
on Academy
S. is a student-led business creating high-quality, handcrafted and sustainable oducts from solid oak wood. Driven by a strong work ethic and a passion for , the team combines innovative thinking with traditional craftsmanship to ce durable, stylish pieces ranging from raised feeding stations to upcycled bird s. Each product reflects the team’s ingenuity, blending smart functionality with ut aesthetics While mindful of sustainability, the focus remains on originality, , and precision PAWS is proof that with creativity, dedication, and skill, students ild d cts that elevate pet living and bring something truly unique to the
ton High School
educe glass waste by giving discarded bottles a second life as bold, nking glasses. Through partnerships with local businesses and generous ollect used wine bottles and turn them into something genuinely ass is cut, sanded, and finished by hand, then sealed with a sleek iving it a modern, industrial edge that suits any kitchen We’re a tightstudents driven by purpose and our brand has grown through real chool events, and a shared passion for turning waste into something
firm, Bishopbriggs Academy shire
yone! We are Everyday Affirm and our aim is to bring positivity to s lives, allowing them to find their calm, one card at a time Our t is a deck of 52 cards which has a positive affirmation on one side and journal prompt on the other side We aim to raise awareness of mental ng, encourage personal growth and positively impact lives through our es
tars, Dumfries High School es and Galloway
FIN LISTS
s specialises in creating personalised study packs for students preparing for e have a commitment to enhancing studying journeys, we design our packs mative, budget friendly, and easy to use. Each study pack is carefully crafted verything needed and includes a variety of resources, such as flashcards, and revision tips. Our goal is to provide students with the tools they need to r confidence and achieve academic success. We believe that effective study can make a significant difference in exam preparation and achievement.
med, Levenmouth Academy
a stainless-steel water bottle with different personalisation options annable QR code This is our unique selling point and allows all our can, Learn, Refill and Go Once scanned the user will be directed to our you can find the Scottish Water top up tap map and engaging ographics which highlights the benefits of hydration and the impact of ic bottles. This helps us meet our goals and follow our values to educate e convenience, and promote healthy choices to benefit our customers e the planets.
cademy
team from Alva Academy made up of four S5 members who all share a ainability Aqua sells handmade sea glass products including jewellery, and earrings and frames All of the sea glass used is collected from local es - mostly from Elie Beach in Fife By reusing the glass found on e helping to clean up our Scottish beaches, while repurposing the new products to give them a new lease of life We are proud that enjoy our products while also helping an important environmental
, Lochend Community High School
m Lochend Community High School is a young enterprise company ut mental health and the power of daily rituals We combine the science with the positivity of affirmations to support emotional wellbeing Our I am n of reed diffusers are designed to create calming, uplifting spaces while ging mindful self-reflection Each product pairs a unique fragrance with a l affirmation, helping users feel grounded, inspired, and cared for At ons, we believe that small daily moments can lead to lasting positive change
@scotfinschools Supporting the implementation of financial education in schools.
E-Learning Modules
Pupil Workshops
Downloadable Resources
To view our full list of resources and support options, head to our website: IDL Projects
nnie Wood, Kemnay Academy ampian
FIN LISTS
nie Wood is a Scottish brand dedicated to crafting high-quality, ainable wooden coasters and seasonal hampers that celebrate the rich tage of our country Handcrafted using locally sourced and repurposed erials our products reflect a deep commitment to ethical practices, craftsmanship. By minimising our carbon bility, we honour both nature and tradition. ion and purpose, delivering pieces that nd authenticity of our region.
my
created an intergenerational journal called ‘In Their
ies of thoughtful questions designed to encourage ween younger generations and their older relatives. ate a physical keepsake filled with personal stories, memories and leaves no room for the well known “I wish member” moments.
ust a book It's a way to preserve cherished memories etween generations for years to come
he Mary Erskine School
pany dedicated to crafting joy through handmade g in adorable crochet animals and charming ity, quality, and care into every stitch Each product is a unique, cozy companion that brings warmth and ether you're looking for a heartfelt gift or a decorative add a little extra comfort to your life At Cozy crafting products: we’re creating smiles, memories, creativity, sustainability, and handmade charm
ness Academy
e are Mind the Island, our product is a high-quality wooden jigsaw precisely cut o the shapes of the parishes and isles found on the Orkney map It is aimed at ople with dementia and/or dexterity issues, to remind them of childhood emories of the isles We also have a version of the product which can be more namental. The product is close to our team’s heart as many of us have familial periences with both disability and dementia. Our proudest moment as a team s being able to gift our jigsaws to all of the care homes in Orkney."
Food For Thought, Johnstone High School
Renfrewshire
How about a little FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
113 million people in the UK experience food in-security, yet 95 million tonnes of food is wasted
At FOOD FOR THOUGHT, we’re on a mission to fight food poverty and waste Shocked by the UK’s hunger crisis, it was time to act We sell handmade, reusable wax food wraps that reduce plastic use, keep food fresh, and cut waste Every purchase funds food bank donations and community initiatives, ensuring good food doesn’t go to waste and people do not go hungry.
Support us in “taking a bite out of food poverty”
Inverse, Grove Academy Tayside
Inverse, a Young Enterprise company from Grove Academy, has been recognised as the 2025 Tayside Company of the Year for their innovative approach to business and sustainability. This talented team has developed eco-friendly solutions that align with their mission to create lasting fashion with a positive environmental impact. Their oneof-a kind selling point stems from combining sustainability with creativity, offering handmade products that are not only environmentally responsible but also stand out in the market. Through their strong social media presence, including Instagram, they effectively communicate their values and inspire others to embrace unique, sustainable and innovative practices
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Young Enterprise Scotland rely on volunteers to enhance the learning experience for many of the young people we work with.
Becoming a Young Enterprise Scotland volunteer will challenge and reward you. The excitement and satisfaction of mentoring, transforming attitudes, and helping young people open their eyes to the world of enterprise keeps many of our volunteers coming back year after year. Please get in touch with us on volunteer@yes.org.uk for
