The Seminar has the following objectives:

• To provide an introduction to the book “The Next Step: Planning the road through Retirement”
  already in place;
• To instill enthusiasm in attendees so that they can start preparing for impending retirement which will complement the financial planning 
• To offer guidance to attendees in the use of the book and its place in the planning necessary for the creation of a productive, fulfilling and positive life through retirement.

Outline:
This seminar will be half-day in duration. They will use the book as the foundation on which the interaction and facilitation will take place and, ideally, the book will act as one foundation on which a retirement plan can be compiled. 

The seminar will involve;

• The presentation of information from the book and explanations on the use of relevant parts of the book content in the preparation and  planning of life in retirement;
• Extensive Q & A sessions in which aspects of planning are addressed and challenges resolved;
• Exercises using the book content as part of the planning process.

About the authors/facilitators:

Andrew Blaine:
After 11 years soldiering (1965 - 76) Andrew spent three years studying for a B.Sc (Agric) at University of Natal, Pmb (1976 - 78). He then worked in George area as the Technical Director of a farming operation, for the period 1978 - 1982. He moved back to Boston KZN in 1982 and bought a farm on which he grew vegetables and fruit, and milked a small dairy herd.  In 1983, Andrew and his wife started “The Pickle Pot” a small business that made and sold pickles and preserves, eventually exporting their products to UAE and Netherlands. In 2005 he sold the business and farm and moved to Hillcrest. This is where he started a small business consultancy advising small business and aspirant entrepreneurs on the intricacies and dangers of small business. Since 2005 he's been offering this type of advice and , as part of this service, decided to write the book. He encouraged Barry Smith to join him and offer some of his considerable knowledge to the project, from the corporate viewpoint and his experience. 

Barry Smith:
Barry was employed by Standard Bank for over 45 years, starting at the bottom and working in several branches mainly in KZN. The last appointment as Branch Manager was at Pinetown Branch. In his last few years before retiring in 2005 he was attached to the their regional office in Durban where he served in various capacities including as an area manager.  Barry was  a  board member of the Durban Chamber of Commerce for 4 years and served as Chairman of the Durban Chamber of  Commerce Western areas Committee for 3 years.

After he retired from Standard Bank, he was involved in various different positions including undertaking BBBEE score cards for clients, worked for a consulting business where it his responsibility to obtain finance for customers after their business plans had been completed. He also assisted an accounting practice to restructure their business. In addition, undertook training in 5 different African Countries. He was also employed by Standard Bank on a contract basic for over 2 years.At present he is mentoring a few small business owners.

The book focuses on Life Style Management and will be for sale after the seminar at the reduced price of R170.

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