This week, 8 members from our class went to West Lothian College for the launch of Global Entrepreneurship Week.  We were all very intrigued and interested in what was being said at this conference.

At the start, we were given cards on our seat with different words on them; passion, tenacity, self-belief, flexibility and maverick. Later, we found out that all of these words were key skills which are needed to become an entrepreneur in life.

We were, then, given the chance to listen to entrepreneurs and ask them questions about their businesses. One of them was a person called Josh Quigley, who is in the process of setting up a  new business called the Tartan Explorer.  It’s a business aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues.  He is planning to visit around 80 countries to speak to people of all ages about this. 

Josh already has another business called Shark Dog which manages social media accounts. He called it Shark Dog because he likes dogs and he likes sharks.  There is another reason for this name.  He told us a short story about how there was once a ‘shark’ and he could get the customers but could not keep them.  And there was a ‘dog’ that could keep customers but not get new ones. So they joined forces, formed a new company and, together, they became ‘Shark Dog’.

We also learned that Scotland is one of the best countries in the world to become an entrepreneur because of all the facilities and opportunities we are given in Primary and Secondary schools and colleges.

We all had a great time at West Lothian College and found this trip very worthwhile.  There was also a speech from Angela Constance, the Education Secretary and MSP about how Global Entrepreneur week is so important for people of all ages. 

Finally, we know it’s not exactly about Global Entrepreneurship but the shortbread was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed this too.

Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity West Lothian College.

 Written by Callum