Liverpool self-employment course from Royal Charity helps over 50s bring new business to the area

 Unemployment amongst over 50s is rising in the North West, but HRH The Prince of Wales’ charity, The Prince’s Initiative, is tackling the problem by bringing its successful self-employment course to Liverpool.

 There are 3.5 million people between the age of 50 and 64 out of work in the UK. Redundancy and unemployment is a huge problem for the over 50 community; many of whom possess a wealth of skill and ambition, yet are turned away from employment because of their age. The Prince’s Initiative believe that self-employment is a fantastic and fulfilling solution for the over 50s; 48% of over 50s are more likely to succeed in business creation than any other age group.

The Prince’s Initiative is the only national organisation dedicated to supporting unemployed over 50s explore self-employment. With 29,545 over 50s claiming job seekers allowance in the North West, The Prince’s Initiative’s “Preparing to Run Your Own Business” course taking place in Liverpool could not have come at a more appropriate time. The course kicks off on 9^th September and takes entrepreneurs over the age of 50 in straightforward steps through the challenging process of planning to start a business.

Rod Boyes, attended one of the “Preparing to Run Your Own Business” courses and has since gone on to create his own company Pinegrove leather. He says of the course, “The course was fantastic and helped me learn all the necessary skills needed to set up in business - such as cash flow and negotiating with customers and suppliers - as well as providing an inspiring and fun environment to learn within”.

If you are unemployed or facing redundancy, why not join The Prince’s Initiative at their “Preparing to Run Your Own Business” course in Liverpool by emailing info@prime.org.uk, calling 0845 862 2023 or visiting prime.org.uk/courses for more information.

 

Rainbow Years now at a much cheaper price

We have been concerned for some time at the price asked for our book. We are glad to be able to announce that it can now be bought on Amazon.co.uk for £5.95 plus £2.80 p&p. Each book will also be signed by Mike Scally and myself. Go onto the site and you will see it under NEW books. These are not second hand and are in pristine condition.

Ways the over 50s may surprise you

The over 50s are often portrayed in the media as old has-beens that simply love nothing more than gardening, watching daytime TV and eating Werther’s Originals! The truth is the over 50s are far from ready to kick the bucket just yet.

Rebels & Innovators: Johnny Rotten, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Madonna – all of these celebrities are over 50 and continue to innovate and cause a stir. This group is hardly the conventional stereotype of the older generation often depicted in the press. When it comes to innovation the over-50s are in a league of their own: Bill Gates is in his 50s, as was the late Steve Jobs when he died last October at just 56. In the years shortly before his death Steve Jobs launched a range of innovative products – the iPod, iPad and the iPhone.

Carers: While the over 50s are older, they are not too old to not find themselves caring for older relatives. Most over 50s offer in some shape or form provide support to their parents.  This can include anything from stairlift solutions to helping out with bills and shopping. They look after people; they are not looked after. This is something that is often forgotten about by younger people – and advertisers!

Entrepreneurs:  Most entrepreneurs are over 55. Research by Nominet Trust found that, contrary to popular belief and the best efforts of TV shows like The Apprentice, in London, the largest number of British entrepreneurs are 55 years and over, rather than 20-somethings like Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter's Jack Dorsey.