LEADER aids OK

We are very pleased to be able to announce that the Argyll and the Islands LEADER Programme has agreed to assist Opportunity Kintyre as it develops local capacity for economic sustainability. Enterprise Facilitation in Kintyre now seems secured until September 2009.

Vince Cable found time to attend OK's September Ball

Ernesto Sirolli won a bottle of Opportunity Kintyre special edition Springbank Whisky!

The LEADER Programme is part of a European Union initiative that aims to support rural development at a local level. (LEADER is a French-language acronym, and stands for Liaison Entre Actions pour le Developpement de L'Economie Rurale - links between actions for the development of the rural economy).

The grant is recognition that the Sirolli Enterprise Facilitation method of business development has the potential to be delivered across the whole of Argyll and Bute. Opportunity Kintyre can now provide "Introduction to Enterprise Facilitation" workshops to other localities and move forward as a Social Enterprise with appropriate evaluation and quality standards information.

The project will help Argyll & Bute Council to meet its "vibrant communities priority objective" by contributing to a robust and dynamic economy.

Economics experts meet in Campbeltown

On 27th. September 2008, Opportunity Kintyre held its September Ball, and brought together the meeting of Ernesto Sirolli and Vince Cable, both renowned experts in economic development.

The ball was held in Campbeltown Grammar School, where guests were treated to a champagne reception, great buffet dinner, speeches by Dr. Vincent Cable MP, Ernesto Sirolli and Alan Reid MP, entertainment from Pipe Major John McGeachy in full regalia and dancing to the Twisted Melons and Archie & Alex McAlister's Ceilidh Band.

Another highlight of the evening was the display in the foyer which attracted a lot of interest. Talented local sculptor Jenny Dossor exhibited examples of her work, which includes studies of owls, owl characters and the Nobody Collection of whimsical heads.

Ably led by Master of Ceremonies Kenny Johnson, it was an evening to remember.

OK services

Opportunity Kintyre is about helping local business thrive. If you'd like to explore your business ideas in confidence, call Lynn (Enterprise Facilitator) on 07901 550 928.

Or, if you'd like more information about joining the panel [new members are always welcome], send an enquiry today and we'll get someone to give you a call to discuss it further.

OK & the Third Sector

No, it's not a film! OK is currently helping to review third sector provision across Argyll & Bute, as a member of the Third Sector Steering Group (TSSG). A link to progress is available at http://www.argyllcommunities.org/TSSG/