Expert advice for budding UK entrepreneurs during a cost of living crisis

Getting your foot on the career ladder can be a challenging experience. Looking for the right role within the right organisation or sector is often competitive, uncertain and stressful.These kinds of concerns may be partly what persuades some young people to strike out on their own instead – to pursue an entrepreneurial path that will allow their creativity and individuality to thrive.But of course, that is not a path without risk. Entrepreneurs face a wide range of other obstacles and pitfalls. Without the safety net of an employer, they operate at the mercy of the market, and failure rates are high.My research highlights some of the key attributes required to be a successful entrepreneur, particularly in the digital age, when social media makes any response from consumers immediate and intense

SNP leadership battle:where is the message of economic growth in Scotland?

The search for Scotland’s new first minister is in full flow. Three candidates have emerged to replace Nicola Sturgeon, arguing over subjects including independence, religion and gender recognition.But so far, these topics seem to have overshadowed detailed discussions about the state of the Scottish economy. None of those vying for Scotland’s top political job have been particularly vocal about the (admittedly complex) challenges of handling a cost of living crisis, or the best ways to respond to Brexit and the pandemic.These areas of policy are a key part of governing any country, and are likely to be a priority for any voter considering who gets to run Scotland. Crucially for the Scottish National Party (SNP), they are also vital for anyone wanting to make a sound economic case for independence.So what should the three candidates – Kate Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf – be talking about? At the very least, you might imagine they would be pointing to some of the SNP’s achievements since it came to power in 2007

Glass Onion shows the pitfalls of going into business with friends – here’s how you can succeed

The new Netflix murder mystery film Glass Onion is a cautionary tale – but not about influencers, tech bros or ironic architecture, as some have suggested. But Glass Onion (along with HBO’s Succession) is actually a warning about the potential perils of going into business with your friends or family.Such businesses are a huge contributor to any economy. Globally, between 70 and 80% of firms are co-owned or co-managed by family or friends. Close relations can be a great source of support and positive influence on a new idea or business.My research, focusing on new business development within universities, shows that friends can be successful business partners. For students especially, entrepreneurial colleges and universities offer a range of support for friends to realise business dreams

In The Flower Garden : Intermezzo Serenade

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Entrepreneurship Education and the Strategic Perspective:setting a research agenda for university-wide roles and responsibilities

This working paper outlines a prescribed, phased methodology, which shall be of benefit to a range of stakeholders, chiefly within the HE sector and amongst EE educators and researchers

Queen of the Roses : Valse Brillante

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Encouraging innovation:universities are implementing impactful entrepreneurship education

Are entrepreneurs born or can they be made? If an innovative business mindset can be made, can higher education help cultivate it? And how can our regional universities remove their institutional walls and become part of the wider business community – sharing ideas and creating innovative ventures?Dr Robert James Crammond shows us how to make this happen. He teaches us that ’education enlightens; entrepreneurship education emboldens.’ University can be a forum that inspires enterprise and transforms academic research into wealth-creating companies

On To Victory March

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Creatively confronting poverty amongst Scotland’s young people:the intervening role of supportive and systematic enterprise education and policy

In differing forms, schools, colleges, and universities aim to embed enterprise education, in developing creativity and innovative skills, increase employability, and realise business creation. For individuals, exposure to enterprising activity improve confidence, provide fresh economic opportunities, and promotes autonomy. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2024) state that poverty rates have increased, and children from deprived homes leave compulsory-level education years earlier, impacting already varied and uncertain career destinations. With only a third likely to progress into further or higher education, relatable curriculum including business and enterprise within latter secondary school years, as well as early college and university levels, is crucial. The ‘National Strategy for Economic Transformation’ (2022), from the Scottish Government, highlighted links between an entrepreneurial nation that includes a strong workforce and the reduction of child poverty, where more people are enabled into work through improved childcare provision, transport infrastructure, and start-up support. Upholding this ambition, organisations within Scotland promote enterprise, in changing socio-economic conditions and legacies. Young Enterprise Scotland, Social Enterprise Scotland, Elevator, and Converge are examples where programmatic support maintain a progressive community for enterprise. However, such endeavours and activities are not fixed or commonplace features of compulsory to further or higher learning.This presentation reviews existing rhetoric and roles concerning enterprising opportunities for Scotland’s young people, the distinct challenges faced post-compulsory education, and what further interventions through organisational support or systematic programmes within FE and HE are required. Recommendations are highlighted, as potential routes to bridge Scotland’s alienated youth with our invested enterprise ecosystem are outlined.<br/