YOUNG PEOPLE TURN TO DIRECT SELLING - 29% INCREASE IN UNDER 25S

New figures released by the Direct Selling Association reveal a boom in the amount of young people in direct selling, with the average number of under 25s at member companies in 2012 increasing by 29 per cent compared to 2011.

Of the 400,000 direct sellers in the UK, over 75,000 are now under 25.
The trade body’s survey also revealed that 30 per cent of direct sellers in the UK are educated to degree level.
Direct selling allows anyone, regardless of age, background or prior experience, to set up and run their own business.

It is a flexible option with minimal outlay that permits people to work the hours they choose with no dependency on the traditional jobs market.

The majority of direct sellers work from home.

“For many young people, the jobs market is incredibly difficult to break into and there is a real desire to work for themselves and get up and running quickly,” Lynda Mills, director of the Direct Selling Association, says.

“Direct selling offers just that and a chance for people, whatever their age, to be their own boss and make a very successful career.”
 
Emma Sangster, 27 and from Glasgow, is typical of the new breed of direct seller.

An Arbonne independent consultant, she was recently named as the DSA’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

After graduating, Emma launched her Arbonne business as a hobby aged 22, but after significant success turned it into her full time source of income, growing her business by over 100 per cent in 2012.
Emma explains: “I first got involved with direct selling at university.

“Initially it was just a hobby to support me while I studied, but it grew into a serious business and my full time career.

“I found I was quickly able to build my business and work how and when I wanted to.

“I now enjoy working with other young people, helping them to become successful in direct selling too.”
Direct selling is the UK’s largest provider of part time independent work.

Data from the Direct Selling Association shows that revenue generated by its member companies has grown seven per cent from £1.4 billion to £1.5 billion in the last year.
The Direct Selling Association is the trade body for the industry, responsible for promoting the sector and regulating member companies, who include Avon, Herbalife and The Pampered Chef.

All member companies sign its code of conduct – an independently administered set of guidelines that ensures that direct sellers and customers can be safe in the knowledge that any member company will uphold the integrity of the industry.