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.

It’s easy to be cynical about the constant stream of awards we are all treated to in the media. But where they work best is at the regional level. The PR they generate is of some use to smaller businesses, who often serve a local rather than national market. And the chances of winning or getting shortlisted is greater.

A case in point is the NW Women in Business Awards 2009, which is the only business award in the region to focus exclusively on women (regardless of age).

For more information on how to enter and to download an entry form you can visit www.nwda.co.uk/women. The deadline for nominations is soon - the 30th November 2008.

The winners of the awards will be announced at an Awards Dinner to be held at the Park Royal Hotel in January 2009. This will also provide an opportunity to network with business women from across the region and also meet representatives from the Northwest’s key business support providers and women’s business networks.