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Event to encourage self-employment in the over-50s

19 January 2010

The South West RDA is pleased to be sponsoring a unique event aimed at encouraging the over-50s to set up their own business.

The event will be held at the Plymouth Guildhall on January 25 from 10am to 2pm. It includes lunch and is free to attend.

It will offer the opportunity to:

  • Hear from and meet local people who have successfully started their own business
  • Get the lowdown from experts who will boost your knowledge and confidence to tackle problems and enhance your chances of success
  • Meet a wide range of organisations that will provide practical advice, guidance and support to help you realise your business potential.

In the UK almost one person in three aged between 50 and 65 is without work. Of these less than 10 per cent are retired on adequate incomes. However, more than a quarter of the businesses set up in Britain are started by people between 50 and 65, and statistics show such business stand a greater chance of success With the South West, having a slightly older population than the UK as a whole, it has never been more important for this age group to engage in business.

“People who are 50-plus are an untapped pool of potential when it comes to entrepreneurship. This is why we are behind this event which aims to unlock that entrepreneurial talent. I look forward to an inspiring day, where practical advice will also be available to attendees thinking about setting out on their own enterprising journey. To avoid disappointment, book your place now! ” said Andy Youl, Employment and Skills adviser at the South West RDA.

Alan Ward from the Innovation School will be the keynote speaker. The event is being held in partnership with: A4e (action for employment), Business Link, Enterprise Plymouth, Job Centre Plus, Plymouth City Council, PRIME (PRinces Initiative for Mature Enterprise), University of Plymouth, Working Links and YTKO.

Business advice organisations confirmed as attending include, amongst others: HSBC, Government Office of the South West, HM Revenue and Customs, Enterprise Plymouth Ltd and Business Link.

To book your place e-mail: enquiries@blpeninsula.co.uk or telephone: 0845 600 9966

For more details contact: Andy Youl, Employment and Skills Adviser, South West RDA, 0117 933 0226, andy.youl@southwestrda.org.uk

Ends

Notes to editors:

1. The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It is helping companies respond to the economic crisis and charts a course for recovery.

2. More information about Alan Ward and the Innovation School can be found on the Innovation School website.