Over-50s get entrepreneurial tips on course

THEY are the entrepreneurs of the future.

With the current economic situation meaning there are fewer jobs and opportunities to gain employment, more and more people are considering starting their own business.

In a bid to give residents aged 50 and older a helping start, several have attended a course to help turn their business dream into a reality.

Rachael Mather, chief executive of Age UK Hull, said: "Hull and the surrounding area has been severely hit by the economic recession and job cuts.

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"Every week, job losses are announced at the council, the NHS and recently announcements about Seven Seas, Kimberly Clark and Comet will take thousands more jobs out of the economy.

"Combined with massive cuts and job losses in the public sector locally, this is a very worrying time for anyone over 50, including those at risk and contemplating a new year on the dole.

"The situation is extremely worrying, particularly for older people, because it is unlikely they will find similar work, because the jobs are just not there in sufficient numbers.

"That is why we are offering a free course, designed to help people set up their own business because it really can be a positive alternative to finding employment as an employee."

Several people attended the Prince's Initiative for Mature Enterprise (Prime) event at Age UK Hull, Bradbury House, yesterday.

It was the first of a three-day course spread over three months.

They cover subjects such as researching their business idea, planning finances, start-up costs, cash-flow and how to market and sell their product or service.

At the end of the three days, participants will have developed a robust business plan and taken the first steps to develop their ideas.

Ms Mather said: "This course is ideal for anyone out of work, worrying about losing their job or stuck in a job they don't enjoy anymore.

"How many people dream of leaving work and becoming their own boss and being paid for doing something they love?"

Liz Pacey, of Hull, is a success story from a previous Prime course.

The 59-year-old has turned her lifelong passion for knitting into a thriving business, Knitsperation Hull, which offers knitting workshops.

She said: "As I'm close to 60, I was worried no one would take me seriously as a self- employed businesswoman.

"However, my experiences with Prime made me think about myself differently. I am loving self-employment."