Man on a mission: Peter wants to help Edinburgh's next generation of young entrepreneurs

Edinburgh businessman Peter McLean has been appointed Chair of the Young Enterprise Scotland team which aims to drive forward the charity’s mission to give local school children access to enterprise learning and entrepreneurial skills development.

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With his team of business advisers, Peter plans to work directly with senior school students who have set up their own commercial ventures as part of the Young Enterprise Scotland (YES) programme.

Last year, the YES programme saw more than 300 students across Scotland achieving an SCQF level six accredited qualification.

Man on a mission: Peter McLean

Many pupils in their last year take the experience of the Company Programme further, setting up their own business while for others, the skills gained from teamworking and communication provide them with a competitive advantage in the jobs market.

After taking part in the Company Programme himself, Peter has been involved with YES for more than two decades. Now a successful serial entrepreneur, he acts as a business growth adviser with Napier University, where he helps students, staff and alumni grow and establish businesses.

Peter said: “I have been involved with Young Enterprise for over 20 years, from being part of a team at school, judging and running workshops, a local board member now Lothian’s Chair. I am passionate about enterprise for all at every age but especially in education and look forward to helping Young Enterprise achieve its goals.

“I launched my own food and drinks business whilst at university and grew it to 36 staff over 13 years.

"There were many highlights over the years, but an equal number of failures and lessons learnt. It is these valuable lessons that has led to my current role as Business Growth Adviser at Edinburgh Napier University. I have a passion for the start-up community and hope that in my new role with YES I can steer others down this path and achieve their goals.”

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