Yorkshire businesswoman launches platform for 'unretirees'

An online membership platform for people leaving executive careers, who aren’t ready to retire, has been launched by Yorkshire businesswoman Victoria Tomlinson.

Next-Up helps “unretirees” find paid and unpaid roles, sharing the experience of peers for inspiration and tips.

A former director of EY in London, Victoria founded Next-Up after 30 years as the CEO of Northern Lights, a communications agency operating in the UK and the UAE.

Victoria commented: “Over the last four years we have helped around 100 individuals and that triggered the realisation there is a real need here.

“Typically, it started with writing a LinkedIn profile and went on to helping them with everything from starting a business or consultancy to finding speaking opportunities and helping charities.”

Next-Up was formed following months of research into the market, including interviews with senior business figures who plan to carry on working in retirement, and commissioned research with more than 1000 people aged over 55.

Next-Up has online resources and provides ideas and guidance on what recent retirees can do next, helping them to re-work existing skills to take on paid and unpaid roles after they leave full-time careers.

Victoria added: “We have worked with dozens of executives who retired without a plan for their next step – they were so busy working they did not have time even to think about this.

“At work they have been surrounded by teams to help them – now we provide help with ideas, new skills and practical support to make their plan happen. Anything from building a website and writing blogs to networking to win business.

“We’re creating a community where they can find like-minded people and opportunities suited to their skills and stage of life.”

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