Sunderland Echo

Business life begins at 50, so don’t be afraid of the plunge

- By Shirley Hermiston

from the BIC. Neil’s business, Discover Edventure, involves him working with schools, sports clubs and businesses by taking them on team bonding activities.

Neil, who is a former PE teacher, went self-employed to build on his passion for education and sport and he wisely utilised some of the contacts he built up from a long career in education to help him on his journey.

And it’s having the right contacts and knowledge where older entreprene­urs can have the edge over younger rivals.

In addition to having more life experience, ‘olderprene­urs’ often have dreams they have wanted to fulfil for years and may have more confidence to make it happen.

They are also more likely to have a greater idea of their own strengths and weaknesses and how to get on with others, which is so important when you are in business.

However, please remember: whatever weakness you may have – always remember that there’s support out there to help you develop. You don’t have to be alone when going self-employed.

At the BIC we understand that it can be daunting for anyone who wants to start a business, that’s why our experience­d and friendly business advisers are more than happy to support anyone who is thinking of going self-employed.

So if you want to go it alone but need that extra bit of support, contact our start-up team on 516 6111 or visit www. ne-bic.co.uk/starting-yourbusine­ss/.

 ??  ?? Neil Travis
Neil Travis

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