Sometwo years ago, my friend Andrew and I were in pub in Lewes. It was a business meeting - Harveys followed by sausage and mash.
We had a problem. We were both of a certain age and needed a job. Andrew had been retired from BT and was better qualified. But I had always fancied myself as an Ideas Man.
I thought we should set up a recruiting agency for people like ourselves.
Last week, I was delighted to learn that such an agency has been established in Brighton.
Thinkwell Recruitment, specialising in third age employment, has offices in Robertson Road.
I spoke to Craig Anderson, one of the directors, and asked him where I could find his road.
"It's in the Preston area, very close to the PDSA. Everybody knows the PDSA." He was right, I did.
A strange place for his type of business. But think about it -
easy parking, a pleasant office, near a bus route and well away from city congestion. I was welcomed by Mr Anderson, a New Zealander, and Alain van Gils, from the Netherlands.
They were both aware of the social imperative of finding jobs for the third age. I admired their enthusiasm and the pleasure they took from having set up their business.
They think they have a growing niche market and I am bound to agree.
Iwrote earlier in the year about pension problems and things are getting worse.
The company gave me a briefing on the subject. The fact is that most pensions are declining in value and this will have significant social consequences.
A couple of weeks ago, I hopped on a bus. A large lady sat next to me. She was reading a newspaper. I caught the headline Retirement Age To Be 70. I leant over her to get a better look. "Do you mind!" she exclaimed in a loud voice. If I were younger, I might have blushed.
Mr Anderson and Mr van Gils told me something more about their company. They've had a good reception from many local businesses and established a growing list of customers and prospective candidates.
They told me they were having more problems finding people than jobs. "I thought it would be the other way round," I said.
"So did we," was the reply.
Thinkwell is in the running for a Sussex Best Small Business Award. I wish the directors the best of luck. "What's in it for you, Parker?" you may ask.
Well, when you're 68, it's handy to have a foot in the door.
Thinkwell can be contacted on 01273 560440.
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