New skills matching website promises to boost small businesses affordably
Award-winning website Trading Times matches small businesses with local over-50s who have the skills, experience and flexible availability they need to grow.
Launched nationwide last month and funded by Nominet Trust, the Department of Health, UnLtd and London Borough of Barnet, Trading Times is on a mission to boost small businesses across the UK.
There are 2.3 million active SMEs in the UK, 95% of which are sole traders or micro-businesses with under 10 employees. Many cannot afford to employ staff, even part-time. Trading Times enables them to build a team, flexibly and affordably.
There are also millions of people in early or semi-retirement. People who have 30- or 40-year careers behind them. People who are at the top of their game, are IT literate and as productive in the workplace as people half their age. Peri-retirement workers are also more positive, balanced, emotionally intelligent and resilient than younger workers. And typically they’re not looking for full-time careers – just to keep active, stimulated, keep their hand in, and give something back. They’re also usually available flexibly and at short notice, and equally happy to be employed, self-employed or work as a freelance contractor.
It’s quick, easy and free for employers to register and post jobs on Trading Times (the site was given a Four Star rating by WebUser magazine; issue 337, 29 Jan ‘14). It’s also free to be matched and to view the anonymised profiles of matched candidates.
Employers only pay if they want to connect with their shortlisted candidates. And then they only pay £35 for up to 10 candidates per job. There are no other fees or commissions. And it’s confidential – names and contact details are not shared until the connection fee is paid.
All businesses need to do is register at www.tradingtimes.org.uk, post their jobs, and let Trading Times match them with local people who have the right skills and availability.
Trading Times enables small businesses and startups to build the team of their dreams for less than the cost of a full-time employee – helping them to grow and fulfill their potential.
