Liam Gunn - Plant Business In Its Nursery Stage

13th February 2003

Caithness entrepreneur LIAM GUNN (23) of Quoys of Reiss near Wick has used his experience of heavy vehicle operation and knowledge of the local area to go into business with the help of the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT).

Liam, as LJ Gunn (Plant), started trading on 1st December 2002 and at present is kept busy during the winter with work throughout Caithness with his 360 degree tracked excavator, providing ditch cleaning, drainage and other services.

Liam says: "At the moment I am very busy, and the excavator is being used to full capacity. However, I hope in the future to make use of my other heavy vehicle skills by adding to my available plant."

"The PSYBT, through their business counsellor JENNIFER IRVINE, has been a great help and a definite asset to my business."

Commenting of this venture, Jennifer Irvine, Business advisor based in Highland Council's Caithness development office, said: "It is encouraging to be involved with a new local business. Liam was able to make use of his existing skills and recognise an opportunity in his home county."

The PSYBT provided Liam with a £5000 low cost loan as well as continuing aftercare advice to help him through the early stages of self employment.
Liam added: "Setting up my own business is definitely the right decision for me and with careful planning, and advice through PSYBT, hopefully I will be able to expand as demand for my services grows."

The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust helps young people from the age of 18-25 start up and continue in business and has helped 6,700 entrepreneurs since it was formed in 1989.

For further information about the PSYBT please contact David Knight, Regional Manager on 01463 228343 or Jennifer Irvine on 01955 605858.

Liam Gunn can be contacted on 07876 583363

Photograph and words courtesy of Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust