Teesside University student revolutionising Middlesbrough’s takeaway scene
A Teesside University finance student is transforming takeaways in Middlesbrough with a successful independent online food platform.
Jamaal Ali, 20, has been working with the burgeoning online platform for three months and has taken on the role of Business Development Manager to support takeaway businesses in Middlesbrough and boost the local economy.
He is currently in the second year of his BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance at Teesside University International Business School, using his business acumen to make a difference in his hometown.
Boro Eats was developed to support local businesses and provide people in the area with a community-based platform which includes a food ordering and delivery service.
Customers are rewarded for supporting local takeaway businesses on the app with special discounts from Boro Eats.
The businesses also benefit from reduced commission rates compared to those offered by national competitors.
The expanding online platform currently works with over 60 small and large food businesses in the region and is continuing to grow, with 15,000 customers registered on the app.
Boro Eats also uses 50% of its profits to promote the local businesses it works with through social media, providing additional support.
Jamaal said: ‘The Accounting and Finance course has helped me a lot as it helps me to understand the real issues facing organisations and what can be done to improve them.
The Accounting and Finance course has helped me a lot as it helps me to understand the real issues facing organisations and what can be done to improve them.
‘The main issue facing the takeaways is the higher commission rates and my knowledge from this course has helped me to improve current organisations through the Boro Eats platform, as not only does it help the business user to understand how much they are getting charged, but most importantly how much money they are saving compared to bigger food platforms.’
The young entrepreneur is showcasing his talents for business development while making a real difference to local businesses.
He also works in a call centre part-time while he completes his studies.
Dean of Teesside University International Business School, Warren Harrison, said: ‘Teesside University is committed to embedding enterprise and entrepreneurship education into the curricula to provide students with the skills and confidence they need to make a real-world impact.
‘It is fantastic to see Jamaal take this knowledge and his passion for making a difference in our area to support local businesses and the economy.’