A MASTERCLASS IN ATTRACTING THE OVER 50’s
Louth is leading the way in preparing businesses for the needs of the over 50’s market. It’s a lucrative market with the over 50’s making up the fastest growing sector of the population with the largest disposable income. EU estimates indicate that the over 50s market, also known as the “Silver Economy”, will be worth over €5 trillion annually by 2025.
Recognising the importance of this market, Local Enterprise Office Louth, supported by Louth County Council, partnered with the ERASMUS+ AgeFriendlyEconomy.eu programme. Project Manager Sarah Mallon explains “We delivered a dynamic, interactive 2 day Boot Camp in April for businesses wanting to adapt to the needs of the over 50s market. Now we want to showcase these companies and the changes they have made to help inform and educate other business owners about the opportunities and supports available.”
Sarah continues “We’re inviting business owners (or potential business owners) along to a free half day seminar on Wednesday 26th June from 9.30am -1.00pm at An Tain Theatre in Dundalk. We’re calling it our Erasmus+ Age Friendly Economy Multiplier event because we’re sharing the knowledge and experience of others who have already tapped into the Silver Economy.”
The event will feature stories of business owners like Peter Mangan of The Freebird Club who has already knows the benefit of appealing to an over 50’s audience. His award winning social and travel club for the over 50’s is a shining example of how to design and/or adapt a business to suit this audience.
“Hear all about the Silver Economy Toolkit, Digital Technology for SMEs and collaboration tools available to your business. Discover the supports and mentoring available to businesses wishing to tailor their services. Learn about the Age and Disability Friendly Project and the Louth Age Friendly County Business Programme which is being piloted by Louth County Council in Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk.”
Sarah Mallon concludes, “Whilst there are great business opportunities available, this programme is also really important on a societal level. As a nation, we are all growing older and living longer. Getting business to focus on the needs of an older age group means that services adapt to suit us as we grow older. This is good for us all as it enhances our quality of life and helps us all to feel included in society.”
The Local Enterprise Office in Louth are leading out on this project for Ireland, working in conjunction with other groups in the UK, Spain, Poland and Denmark. This event is open to anyone in business or thinking of starting a business, not just in Louth but across the country. Places at this event are free but limited so pre-booking is advised. To register contact Stephen.McQuillan@leo.louthcoco.ie.
For more information contact:
· Sarah Mallon, Local Enterprise Office Tel. 042 9324184 / email sarah.mallon@leo.louthcoco.ie
· Karen Devine, WhiteLight Consulting Tel. 041 9830142 /email karen@wlc.ie
Editor’s Note:
Age Friendly Economy is an EU Erasmus+ project bringing together partners in the UK, Ireland, Spain, Poland and Denmark. Further information can be found at the Age Friendly Collaborative Learning and Knowledge Exchange Platform: www.agefriendlyeconomy.eu
