Edinburgh Napier University

Organised by Bright Red Triangle, the University’s entrepreneurial incubator hub, the event welcomed Jimmy McLoughlin to Merchiston campus in Edinburgh for two special sessions with some of the brightest start-up businesses in Scotland.

Throughout the two round-table sessions, 20 entrepreneurs – all with business interests in a range of sectors including food and drink, energy and tourism – were given the chance to introduce their business and share reflections on some of the challenges they have faced on their entrepreneurial journey so far. In return, they received advice and guidance on the government support available to help growth and expansion.

The event was chaired by Sydney Chasin, Director of The Healthy Crop Ltd and Bright Red Triangle entrepreneur, Nick Fannin, Head of Bright Red Triangle and Fiona Godsman, CEO of Scottish Institute for Enterprise.

Jimmy McLoughlin has been part of Theresa May’s team since 2016 and was previously deputy head of policy and head of external relations at the IoD, leading on areas such as entrepreneurship and the digital economy.

The event was made possible after current Bright Red Triangle entrepreneur Sydney Chasin visited 10 Downing St earlier this month as part of a young entrepreneur delegation with Enterprise Nation that spent the day with Jimmy and colleague Niamh Mulholland.

Sydney said: “Having Jimmy join us for a couple hours was a unique opportunity for us young, ambitious, entrepreneurs to be heard. It’s often just the big businesses that get their voices heard, so many thanks to Jimmy for taking the time out to listen and discuss the prospects for young entrepreneurs.”

Nick Fannin, Head of Bright Red Triangle, was also delighted to welcome Jimmy to Scotland.

He said: “Edinburgh Napier is committed to supporting our student entrepreneurs and the community of small businesses, across our networks, with ambitions to scale. In the current political and economic climate it is vital that we provide a platform for the voices of our future entrepreneurial talent to be heard and we welcomed the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the Prime Minister’s Office. ”

Fiona Godsman, CEO of Scottish Institute for Enterprise, said: “Scottish Institute for Enterprise works with some of the most innovative students and recent graduates from across Scotland. This was an important opportunity for these young entrepreneurs to explain what support they need in order for their businesses to grow and thrive.”

Bright Red Triangle (BRT) is Edinburgh Napier University’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship practice building a confident, resilient, ambitious, resourceful and connected community.

Working with respected and engaging partners, BRT provides Edinburgh Napier students, graduates and staff with a range of services and opportunities to develop themselves and their ideas, to the point where they can have a commercial and/or social impact.