Opportunity knocks for older generation looking for a change

Taking on a new business and running it by yourself doesn’t have to be something that’s strictly for the younger generation.

For many older people are quitting long-term jobs and snapping up a new role in charge of their own shop or business and enjoying the many benefits that come from being in charge.

Some are using voluntary redundancy payments or opting to take early retirement, and buying going concerns such as shops, restaurants, takeaways, post offices and cafes.

While others are choosing to walk away from the stresses and strains of high-pressure jobs to enjoy a gentler but equally satisfying way of life.

Many are taking the opportunity to escape to attractive parts of the country – with the opportunity to combine earning a good living with enjoying the outdoors in some of the country’s most attractive locations.

Lesley Amoura, 59, who has just taken over Brunch and Banter Coffee Shop in Market Place, Pudsey, says she simply wanted to keep busy after taking early retirement from their lifelong career.

Lesley said: “I was with Leeds City Council for 27 years working with people with learning disabilities but knew I didn’t want to just stop working altogether.

“So, when I took early retirement, I started to look around for a business that might suit me.

“I saw Brunch and Banter and thought it would be something completely different.”

Lesley discovered the business was being sold through business sales specialists Ernest Wilson and was soon signing her name on the dotted line.

And although she had no experience of running a café – and no baking expertise – it hasn’t held her back.

“I love talking to people and meeting the different customers who come in.

“The business is growing all the time and I am really enjoying being my own boss.

“I’m not frightened of hard work, and there has been a lot of things I’ve had to do myself to get it going.

“But I am really proud of what I have achieved.”

According to Paul Williamson for Leeds-based Ernest Wilson, many people are following Lesley’s route into becoming their own boss.

“Many people are taking early retirement from long careers and want to start a brand new chapter in their working lives.

“They might want to hold off accessing their pension funds for as long as possible, or just don’t feel they are ready to stop working.

“Taking over a business that is already up and running is a great way to hit the ground running. The new buyer can simply take over the books, the customers, the suppliers and even websites and social media that’s already in place.

“All they have to do is open up and start going.”

Ernest Wilson has more than four decades’ experience of helping people find the ideal business.

It currently has countless business opportunities available right across the country – from countryside post offices to busy town centre cafes, restaurants and takeaways.

To find out more about how you could become your own boss, visit www.ernestwilson.co.uk.