Q&A By Trevor Baylis

Did you know one in five older workers is self-employed?

Q: What contribution do older workers like yourself bring to the workplace?

A: Experience

Q: Is there a 'secret' to your inventive success?

A: Look outside the square, and follow your heart.

Q: When employing people for your own company, is age a factor you consider?

A: No

Q: What, in your opinion is your greatest achievement?

A: I have a happy life. I am 70, and look back on my life and ask what else could I want. I never wanted to be the richest man in the graveyard. There are no pockets in a shroud. It makes me happy to think that my invention, the clockwork radio, is helping improve the lives of millions of people.

Q: When do you plan to retire?

A: Never

Q: What do younger workers bring to the workplace?

A: New technology, and they keep the workplace buzzing and keep everyone on their toes. They brighten the atmosphere.

Q: Where did you have the 'eureka moment' for the wind up radio?

A: When I was watching TV a programme was reporting on the spread of AIDS in Africa. One of the problems was getting health information to people who lived in very remote areas where electricity was not available and batteries were horrendously expensive. I had a vision of one of those old wind-up gramophones blasting out arias by Dame Nellie Melba, and then thought this technology could be applied to a modern radio, and the Clockwork Radio was born.

Q: Do you have any advice for older workers who are trying to get back into employment?

A: Do not get discouraged. Make sure you emphasise all the positive aspects of your past work experience and what you can bring to the workplace. I sometimes think older people are their own worst enemy when it comes to job searching. It is important to have lots of self confidence.

Don't be afraid to start at the bottom again. It is wonderful vantage point to view the workings of the company, and to discover possible 'openings' for you.

Q: What do you think holds older workers back from getting back to work? How should they get round obstacles placed in front of them?

A:

1: Employers prejudice, the wages an older experienced worker expect (young people are less expensive to hire), and I think lack of confidence can be a real problem.

2: To get around obstacles you need to exercise sheer grit and determination.

Q: Do you think your ideas have got better/more considered with age?

A: Absolutely - I take more time to consider them, and pay more attention to details.