Success for entrepreneurs in Scotland
The 40 businesses participating in the First Minister’s flagship entrepreneurial development programme Unlocking Ambition have raised a total of £6.5m since its launch, new figures have revealed – with the majority gained from external funding.
Launched in July 2018, the £4m Unlocking Ambition two-year programme is delivered by Scottish Enterprise and the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and supports entrepreneurs with the talent, mindset and potential to scale their business, while at the same time adding significant value to the Scottish economy.
Social impact plays a significant role in the businesses, from ending period poverty and delivering access to clean water for all around the world, to safeguarding the lives and security of those working on commercial vessels at sea.
In addition, more than 50 jobs have been created to date across the businesses, with more in the pipeline. The funding and job creation has enabled the entrepreneurs to focus on building their business and accelerate the development of new products or services. To date, a total of 59 new growth projects have been delivered and 19 new products or services have been developed by the 20 members of the SE cohort
In a bid to reduce single use plastics, Glasgow-based Phox Water has developed a highly sustainable water filter which is leading the way with reusable cartridges. Funding secured through the Unlocking Ambition programme has enabled Phox to have the product fully manufactured in Scotland. Ayrshire-based property management company Pillow has appointed a sales manager to free up owner Scott Weir to explore opportunities with the American market.
The entrepreneurs have also notched up a number of awards, with Celia Hodson of Hey Girls picking up the prestigious accolade of Great British Entrepreneur of the Year, following in the footsteps of fellow Unlocking Ambition ambassador Alan Mahon of Brewgooder who won it for the Scotland & Northern Ireland region in 2018. Alan was invited earlier this year by President Barack Obama to his town hall meeting and Celia addressed a House of Commons event on ending period poverty.
STV Summit Social Entrepreneur of the Year also went to Celia Hodson; Institute of Directors Start Up Director of the Year to John Robertson of Drinkly; Ayrshire Business of the Year to Pillow, Best Food & Drink Start Up at the Made in Scotland Awards to Start-up Drinks Lab; and Online Business of the Year at the Scottish SME Awards to Drinkly.
The entrepreneurs have also taken the time to give back to the next generation by mentoring 30 young entrepreneurial college students from a diverse range of backgrounds across Scotland in a partnership with Young Enterprise Scotland and Unlocking Ambition – Unlocking YOUNG Ambition.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“The Unlocking Ambition programme is already making a significant contribution to Scotland’s economy and wider society. The cohort’s achievements in the past year in attracting funding, creating jobs and delivering pioneering new products and services demonstrate the talent and enthusiasm of these entrepreneurs.
“The social missions which drive many of these businesses forward continue to benefit communities in Scotland and beyond, having a positive impact at the heart of our vision to become a world-leader in creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, with inclusive economic growth at the centre.”
Find out who’s in the Scottish Enterprise cohort here, see some video testimonials from those involved https://www.unlockingambition.scot/about/ and to watch the ‘story so far’ film go to: https://vimeo.com/326788024