The YES programme encourages students aged 16 to 18 to set up and run their own company over the course of one academic year.

Achievers elect a board of directors, raise share capital and market and finance a product or service of their own choice and in doing so develop entrepreneurial skills and get invaluable practical experience about how to run a business.

At the end of the year they liquidate the company and present a report and final set of accounts. Achievers are encouraged to present their business idea at an annual awards evening.

Achievers work through the programme with support from a Link teacher in their school, a volunteer business adviser and the local area YES board who co-ordinate the programme and provide support throughout the year.

• The Lothian area has the highest YES participation rate in the whole of Scotland
• Around 30 schools and 400 students participate each year
• The Lothian Area YES Board consists entirely of volunteers and receives no funding
• The Achievers involved come from both state and private schools in the Lothian Area
• 20 companies provide support in the form of Business Advisors
• The Lothian Area YES Board organises three training workshops, one Christmas Market and one awards evening each academic year