Business Bootcamp For Firms Hoping To Target Over 50's

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is planning a two-day business advice session for entrepreneurs and managers hoping to make a break through in the over 50's consumer market.

The Innovation Bootcamps will be held on Friday 05 and 12 April at the Lisburn Enterprise Organisation, a council project in collaboration with the ERASMUS+ funded Age Friendly Communities Project.

Business owners, designers and managers who are keen to tailor their products and services to suit the over 50 demographic are encouraged to make use of the sessions.

Speaking about the Bootcamps, Chairman of the Council's Development Committee Alderman William Leathem said: "This Erasmus + Age Friendly Project represents a new and exciting opportunity for the local economy giving businesses the resources to focus on the over 50s or the 'Silver Economy' as it is known as.  Over the last decade consumer spending among this sector grew on average 4.4% a year, which is faster than any other demographic. It is also widely recognised that this age group is the fastest growing and highest earning segment of the population.

"We want companies to really think about how they can best serve the over 50s and the Bootcamps will help businesses focus on this. Overall the Age Friendly Communities Project seeks to develop entrepreneurial, innovation and digital skills that will enable businesses to innovate new responsive products and services required by our ageing population. This opportunity is open to all sectors so I would encourage you to think about what attending the Bootcamps could mean for your business." 

Age-Friendly Champion for the council, Cllr Amanda Grehan, added: "Collaborating with our European Partners we are keen to develop a more age-friendly local economy. Ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to support our ageing population is key so that our residents and visitors can continue to enjoy older life. This latest initiative will certainly contribute to our overall vision and I look forward to hearing about the great results it will bring."

Local company Ignite IT has already signed up to the Bootcamps. Managing Director, Ken Callaghan, wants to explore new opportunities for further adapting their services: "Ignite IT already provide age-friendly training offering a number of courses to the over 50s. This can sometimes be a sector that can be overlooked but we have found tailoring our work to this age group has led to significant growth in the business. I am looking forward to the Bootcamps to see how we can build on the success we are already experiencing."

Participating businesses can expect to gain an increased understanding of the needs, opportunities and trends represented by the older consumer; gain insights from guest speakers successfully operating in this market and take away a bespoke commercialisation plan for their product or service.

For more information or to register your attendance email sarah.johnston@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or phone 028 9244 7447.



(JG/CM)