EVERYTHING, from luxury beauty products to blinged-up trainers, will be on sale at St. Enoch Centre as the Glasgow shopping destination hosts an unique market showcasing young entrepreneurs.
The YEZ (Youth Enterprise Zone) showcase, which takes place at St. Enoch Centre this Friday [March 6] is being staged to highlight the achievements of the city’s young entrepreneurs and encourage more young people to start up their own business.
As part of the event, more than 20 up-and-coming Glasgow businesses will set up stalls to sell their products and services directly to the public.
The initiative, in its second year, puts the business skills of the young entrepreneurs taking part to the test.
Among the businesses hoping to persuade St. Enoch shoppers to part with their money is Shadeen 27, an all-natural range of skincare and beauty products founded by Glasgow biochemist, Mariam Mahmud, and Tinkerbling, established by Natalie Dobbs, which customises Converse shoes with colour and crystals.
Natalie, who has styled shoes for a number of celebrities, said: “It’s hard work to set up and run your own business, but for me it’s worth it. I’ve customised shoes for celebrities and their kids, but a recent highlight was designing a special pair for the recent SPFL goal of the month winner, Jay Beatty.
“I’d encourage any young person who wants to be their own boss to come along to the YEZ event at St. Enoch Centre to find out more.
“Gaining the right support and advice can be a real boost to a new business.”
The majority of the 23 young people exhibiting at the event are women.
YEZ was established to assist young people aged 16-25 who are considering starting a business.
In addition to offering support and advice, it helps young people to access funding and training.
YEZ is funded by Glasgow City Council and administered by Jobs & Business Glasgow in conjunction with a range of other partners.
St. Enoch Centre has been working with Jobs & Business Glasgow to offer the city’s jobseekers access to work and training opportunities for several years. The centre’s Glasgow Skills Shop initiative has helped thousands of people to secure employment since it was founded in 2009.
Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “I am fully committed to supporting young people to improve their economic circumstances. The YEZ Showcase is a platform for the excellent efforts of young entrepreneurs to establish sustainable businesses as well as promoting business start-up as a viable option for those starting their careers.
“Start-up and small businesses are a crucial part of Glasgow’s economy, and I am determined to give them whatever support we can.”
Calum Graham, chief executive of Jobs & Business Glasgow, said: “The Youth Enterprise Zone provides opportunities for under-30s to start up and grow successful enterprises, seek new business opportunities and take on staff.
“The YEZ Showcase builds on JBG’s partnership with the St. Enoch Centre and gives young business people the chance of testing their products and ideas in a busy retail environment.”
Anne Ledgerwood, general manager of St. Enoch Centre, said: “We welcome the opportunity to showcase YEZ and the young talent and ideas coming out of Glasgow.
“Young people are the future of our city and our economy. As the second best shopping destination outside of London, business innovation is crucial to maintaining our competitive edge.”
For further information about YEZ, please see www.yezglasgow.org.uk.
About St. Enoch Centre
St. Enoch Centre is located in Glasgow’s busy city centre, one of the UK’s top shopping destinations outside London. The first of its kind in Scotland, St. Enoch Centre was officially opened in 1989 and has since become one of the city’s favourite shopping destinations.
An image of this year’s participants is attached.
Issued by The Big Partnership on behalf of St. Enoch Centre.
For further information, please contact Patrick Baxter on 0141 333 9585 / or email patrick.baxter@bigpartnership.co.uk
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Contact: Patrick Baxter
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Email: patrick.baxter@bigpartnership.co.uk
