Business Startup

WHEN Pat Thornely retired from work there was no way she was going to put her feet up – instead the 68-year-old Grandmother took this opportunity to start up her own business.

“I didn’t want to retire but I had no choice” said Pat, “I felt that I still had a lot more to give, so I did something that I had been thinking about for years, and started up my own training consultancy business.”

Pat, who is from the Knowsley area, had worked as a nurse and a midwife during her early career before taking up employment with the Liverpool PCT delivering training courses – and it was her previously gained skills and experienced gained in training that led her to the decision to set up Pat Thornley Training Consultancy.

Through her business Pat provides training around training and long term health conditions which she delivers to carers in the Knowsley and surrounding areas.

After deciding to start up her business Pat came along to Train 2000 where she received free advice and support funded through the Intensive Start-Up Support (ISUS) programme and Knowsley Fresh Start.

Pat said: “I knew that Train 2000 had an excellent reputation so I went along to see what help they could give. I worked on a one-to-one basis with my adviser Amanda, who was brilliant. She was extremely supportive and helped me to put together my business plan.”

Since starting up the business Pat has already been contracted to do a number of training courses and says that she is as busy now as when she was working.

“I have always toyed with idea of becoming self-employed” continued Pat, “there was a huge fear factor and I was used to having a steady income, so it made it very difficult for me to make that jump.

“But, now that I am retired I’ve got nothing to lose and being my own boss is working extremely well.”

She added: “Because of my age I had to retire, but there was no way I was ready to put my feet up and just because you’re older it certainly doesn’t mean that your skills and experience are any less valid, so I just went for it and I honestly feel as though setting up my own business has done a great deal for my confidence.”

Pat, who was widowed at age 51 has grown up children and two young grandchildren, says she is getting the most out of retirement and is very much looking forward to developing her business further and gaining new contracts.

Anyone who would like to find out more about Pat Thornley Training Consultancy should contact her on 0151 292 4305.

For further information about the FREE services delivered by Train 2000 to women in the Merseyside area visit www.train2000.org.uk or call 0151 236 6601.