Young Enterprise companies are set to benefit from a range of expertise and advice this year thanks to growing support from local businesses.
Nine new advisors have joined the scheme for 2009/2010 and they bring with them experience from a variety of industries ranging from finance and accountancy to media and retail. The new additions bring the total number of advisors to 12.
The 12 industry professionals have now been assigned across four companies and will become an increasingly key source of knowledge and support for the students as they develop their ideas and products.
With a time commitment of two hours per week the advisors will consult with the companies and work with the Managing Director to motivate them and to provide advice on health and safety issues and discipline.
Kate Lenfestey, Chairman of the Young Enterprise Guernsey Area Board, is delighted to see Guernsey businesses backing Young Enterprise through the voluntary advisor scheme.
‘There is little doubt that Young Enterprise relies on, and succeeds through, the commitment of its volunteer business advisors,’ she said.
‘We have advisors on the panel from all walks of life and each and every one of them has invaluable experience and expertise to share. We are extremely grateful to all of our advisors who give their time to make a real difference to the companies and the future potential of the students they support.
‘Each company is supported by between two and four advisors who offer advice and guidance and provide a resource for the company. Their role is not to run the company but to oversee their activities and ensure that legal and safety guidelines are adhered to. In volunteering for Young Enterprise, advisors undertake an active involvement in the business education of the next generation.’
Ismael Kaunda, of KPMG Channel Islands Limited, was an advisor for Vibe, the winning company in last year’s competition, and has returned to the role this year to help out again.
Mark Thompson, Managing Director of KPMG Channel Islands Limited said:
‘KPMG has strong allegiance with Young Enterprise and our staff have been involved with the scheme for many years. We are delighted to sponsor the finalists again this year. Ismael has been an excellent ambassador for KPMG, strengthening our support of the scheme by volunteering as an advisor. He has found it to be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience and I believe he has developed his own management skills as a result of his involvement. It is great to hear that more advisors from local businesses have come forward this year. I have no doubt that they will find it a very worthwhile experience.’
Further information on Young Enterprise can be found at www.young-enterprise.org.gg
The committee is keen to hear from anyone interested in becoming an advisor for Young Enterprise. If you would like more information on the role please contact the area board as soon as possible on areaboard@cwgsy.net