The Open Letter
Our ageing society is of significant importance to UK plc. Without action, our ageing society
poses a risk to the UK economy and our business. But action by all of us over the next five
years could make the UK a world leader.
Companies have a big part to play in tackling the challenges of demographic change. We
can create jobs for all ages. We can help our workforce age well. And we can ensure our
products and services are relevant for all.
As business leaders we have a vested interest. We need skilled workers yet are already
witnessing shortages in critical parts of our economy.
We know that a healthy workforce will be a vital part of addressing the UK productivity
puzzle as our society ages yet society invests too little in healthy ageing.
We want tomorrow’s older consumers active in the economy yet savings levels are not likely
to be adequate to allow many to enjoy the active retirement they want.
Next week, government, industry and voluntary sector experts will come together at the first
national Future of Ageing Conference. The conference will kick start a debate on the role
companies have to play in helping us adapt to demographic change.
As a group of companies, we will work with policymakers and key stakeholders the over the
next five years, to make our ageing society and economy more sustainable. We urge other
companies to join with us.
Jane Ashcroft, Chief Executive, Anchor
Andy Briggs, CEO, Aviva UK Life
Nick Sanderson, Chief Executive Officer, Audley Retirement
Rachael Saunders, Age at Work Director, Business in the Community
Shaun Crawford, Global Insurance Sector Leader, EY
Jilly Forster, Chair, Forster Communications
Bruce Moore, Chief Executive, Housing and Care 21
Douglas Anderson, Partner at Hymans Robertson & Founder of Club Vita
Martin Jones, Chief Operating Officer, Home Instead Senior Care
Stephen Lowe, Group Director, Just Retirement
Colin Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, Key Retirement
Fiona Dunsire, Chief Executive Officer, Mercer
Gary Day, Land and Planning Director, McCarthy and Stone
Andrew Rear, Chairman, Munich Re UK Services
Steve Groves, Chief Executive Officer, Partnership
Phil Loney, Group Chief Executive, Royal London
Romana Abdin, Chief Executive for Simplyhealth
Gary Shaughnessy, UK Chief Executive Officer Zurich Insurance plc