SKILLSEEDER, an app that gives users the chance to learn or pass on their skills, was set up last year to address gaps in support for Scotland’s rural communities.

The range of classes on offer include learning a new language, fitness, dry stone walling and operating farm machinery. The company was co-founded by four entrepreneurs: Kerry Cowan, Simon Rigden, David Ritchie and James Ritchie. Cowan hopes the app will expand to the rest of the UK and go global in the next 10 years.

Name: Kerry Cowan

Position: Co-founder and marketing director

WHAT IS THE BUSINESS CALLED?

SkillSeeder

WHERE IS IT BASED?

Edinburgh

WHY DID YOU SET UP THE BUSINESS?

IT all happened in response to a tech initiative, CivTech 5 programme, by the Scottish Government to support learning in rural communities. There are four co-founders and we all came together to address the challenges of CivTech.

It has been difficult to run the business during the pandemic. Usually if you launch a business you would meet up daily as it’s so fast-moving but we’ve had to adapt so all meetings are done virtually. However, the calls became very efficient as people from anywhere in the world could dial in. Before this I worked in various sectors like marketing mainly for the drinks industry and Roxburghe Estate. I started a consultancy business when my kids were young.

WHAT IS YOUR TARGET MARKET?

IT’S all about rural Scotland – people might need to upskill but don’t live near a training centre or college. It’s not just rural skills. We provide training in everything from business to baking. Now more than ever before people are looking to diversify and look for a new income. There are lots of talented people out there. The pandemic has had a big impact on that. There’s a skill gap in many sectors.

Our beta testers have been professionals, with many from parts of rural Scotland. They’ve helped to shape the app and we’ve tried to tailor it.

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM COMPETING BUSINESSES?

THERE are a couple of businesses like us such as Skillshare which focuses on online learning and ClassBento which is a gifting experience – it was Australian but ventured into the UK. We’re different as we do face-to-face learning as well as online, it depends on the person. Our service is tailored to the individual.

We’re a green, forward-thinking business. We started it during a time of change [the pandemic] so we could look at values and we offer flexible working, a working from home forever policy and unlimited holidays.

We are also planting 1200 trees this year to offset each staff member’s carbon footprint, and we are planting those ourselves.

IS SCOTLAND A GOOD PLACE FOR THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS?

ABSOLUTELY. Technology is really important and a big focus in Scotland. It’s a diverse place to have the company as there is no better place for an app.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT RUNNING THE BUSINESS?

EVERY day is different. There are always new challenges and we have a really great team in SkillSeeder and the Scottish Government steering group. It’s pioneering and will make a difference.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN RUNNING THE BUSINESS?

THE biggest challenge is getting the word out there and telling people what we do. We have to find ways to make it relevant and spread the word.

WHERE DO YOU HOPE THE BUSINESS WILL BE IN 10 YEARS?

I WOULD love to expand to the rest of the UK and go international as well. It’s a universal product with lots of scope and opportunity. It really could make a difference for many people around the world. It’s Airbnb for skills.