Case Studies

Catherine Simpson - Forth Valley Volunteer

Catherine Simpson joined the Forth Valley volunteer team in 2009 during a business career break raising her family.  She quickly became a highly respected aftercare adviser and funding panel member. Having proved a great asset to the volunteer team in the short space of time she has been on board, she was nominated Regional Volunteer of the Year for 2011. 

Alison Gee, PSYBT Forth Valley’s Regional Manager says “Her friendly enthusiastic approach has been hugely appreciated by the young business owners in her aftercare role and her dedication meant that she always went that ‘extra mile’ to ensure they got the best support to enable them to develop their businesses.  She builds a great rapport with the young people she meets and offers valuable advice at the funding panels”.   

Starting her career as a corporate lawyer, Catherine then moved into banking and venture capital.  She was a founder member of Scottish Equity Partners (SEP) and has recently returned to the firm as Head of Operations.  Catherine still manages to find space in her diary to sit on panels and attend other PSYBT events.  She is also Joint Depute Chair and member of Stirling Children’s Panel.

Catherine comments “As a PSYBT volunteer I see how much the organisation helps young people with real spirit and entrepreneurial flair to succeed.  In the current economic climate it is encouraging to see so many credible plans coming to panel and the opportunity to assist a wide range of business start ups as an aftercare adviser has been incredibly rewarding.”