Leeds-based Next-Up, which helps people use their skills in “unretirement” has launched a mentoring scheme to support tech entrepreneurs in Leeds City Region.
The firm is now looking for business leaders who have retired or are coming up to retirement to share their knowledge and skills with a younger generation.
The first event is sponsored by Leeds City Council and supported by NorthInvest and Walker Morris, who are hosting the Meet-up in their new Leeds office.
Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “The city is full of innovators, entrepreneurs, and social pioneers.
“We are pleased to support Next-Up’s initiative which will bring together the excellent wealth of experience we already have in the city for the benefit and growth of our new generation of business leaders.”
Victoria Tomlinson, founder and chief executive of Next-Up, added: “At the event entrepreneurs can talk through whatever is keeping them awake at night – or just get a second opinion on issues from raising finance and dealing with people to scaling up and opening doors to the right contacts.”
“We are creating new ways to use the skills of an experienced generation who have so much to offer and can make a difference to entrepreneurs and many others.
“To date, there has been a tendency to do this just through non-executive and trustee roles. But many people actually want to be more hands-on and will achieve more impact through things like mentoring.”
Cllr Blake added: “People are at the heart of everything we do in Leeds, and as our inclusive growth agenda continues to expand, we are seeing a range of initiatives coming forward and our city ambition is shining through.”
Leeds City Council is a key partner in the two-year Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme (REAP) run by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston. The University of Leeds secured the place on the programme which aims to bring significant economic and social change in the region.
Next-Up was launched in 2018 and is working with organisations and professional firms, including large accountancy firms and lawyers, to inspire people coming up to retirement with ideas, expand their networks, build a plan and create a new personal brand as an individual.
The first City Meet-up will take place on Tuesday 22 October in Leeds. Places can be booked through Eventbrite.