PRIME Initiative

Here in the Northwest we’ve compiled our own ageing framework – Everybody’s Future – A Northwest Regional Framework for Ageing. Within the framework, a number of priorities are highlighted. It calls for better support for over 50s enterprise and working together with our partners and stakeholders we’ve pushing towards a target of 80% employment for people aged 50 to 65.

In September I published the second issue of Prime in the Northwest – Stakeholder Newsletter. It’s features include an interview with Yvonne Sampson - Strategy Manager (Culture) in the Enterprise & Skills Directorate, here at the Northwest Development Agency. She talks about PRIME’s involvement with the regional Enterprise Forum and the importance of 50+ Ambassadors for Enterprise. There’s also a profile of Jill Molyneux talking about her work on the ground over in Doncaster.

PRIME and the NWDA are gearing up towards Enterprise Week in November – organizing events and activities to raise the profile of Over 50’s enterprise across the region. We’re looking for 50+ Ambassadors to demonstrate to others the benefits and opportunities self employment for over 50’s can offer.

If you or your clients would like to be involved in the NW Ambassador campaign or work with us during Enterprise Week, please get in touch with me, Heather Radley at PRIME in the NWDA and sign up today. We’ll actively raise your profile in the media and it’s an opportunity for you to help others realize the freedom self-employment can give.

Nationally the Government released ‘Building a Society for All Ages Strategy‘ back in July. One of its central objectives is to improve employment prospects for older people. This report highlights the value of self-employment - and PRIME itself is mentioned as playing an intrinsic role in delivering enterprise support for over 50s.