A new scheme to encourage self-employmant is arriving in Jobcentres across the country on the 1st of August 2011. With little more than a week to go it’s not yet clear whether all Jobcentres will be ready. But, after earlier pilots and trials, the New Enterprise Allowance is scheduled to go live across the UK - – - read more >

With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry and 15 years service with the same employer, Tony was made redundant in October 2009. Since then, he applied for countless jobs but due to the recession and being over 50, the outcome was fruitless. He still had to maintain all his regular outgoings which - – - read more >

Bob Rawal, 57, contacted PRIME in April 2010 and was sent a free start-up pack. Later that month he went onto apply for a Zopa-PRIME Olderpreneur loan. Bob decided to start up his own business after being made redundant twice in three years. Up until this point he had spent 35 years in the medical - – - read more >

The High Street banks are by far and away the main source of start-up loans in the UK. But they won’t always lend to older people, particularly if you have a poor credit history or no collateral. So here we list some organisations that might be worth approaching if the banks have turned you down. - – - read more >

John Connolly, 52, realised there was an opportunity for him on eBay when he sold some of his possessions on the auction site after being unemployed for six months. He has now moved on from clearing out his house to selling and repairing cameras internationally. John, a former photographer, discussed and developed his business plan - – - read more >