At an age when most are enjoying a well-earned rest, 93-year-old Dr Henry (Harry) Gray is embarking on a new chapter, launching an international business venture from his home in Scotforth.

Dr Gray, a seasoned professional with more than five decades of experience in the public sector and higher education, is the founder of Scotforth Connection International (SCI), a network designed to connect retired professionals with businesses seeking expert guidance.

Dr Gray’s innovative platform challenges the traditional notion of retirement, offering a space for seasoned experts to continue utilizing their vast knowledge and experience.

SCI provides a network for “Emeritus Professional Consultants” to offer their services to a wide range of organisations, from healthcare and education to local government and small businesses.

The network already boasts consultants in the UK, Ireland, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

When not pioneering new business models, Dr Gray enjoys learning Italian, taking lessons weekly.

This passion for continuous learning is a testament to his belief that age is no barrier to personal or professional growth.

“Retirement means different things to different people and for most it means taking life easy, cutting back on activity and increasingly trying to fill time when boredom surfaces,” said Dr Gray, quoting from his blog post, A New Way of Looking at Retirement.

He added: “By and large most people see retirement as a time of leisure and few see it as a time of new economic opportunities and new directions.”

Scotforth Connection International aims to change that. The network offers a flexible model where consultants can provide their services on a pro bono basis for worthy causes or for a negotiated fee.

This allows retired professionals to remain economically active and engaged, sharing their expertise on their own terms.

Dr Gray, a recognized authority in health education and strategic leadership, offers consultations via Zoom, telephone, or in-person meetings in Lancaster.

His areas of expertise include strategic leadership development, healthcare systems, higher education management and organisational development.

For more information about Scotforth Connection International or to connect with Dr Gray, go online at www.scotforthconnectioninternational.com or email him at [email protected]