An entrepreneur is set to launch a brand new food ordering service in a bid to support local food businesses and sole traders.

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in businesses within the hospitality industry being put under immense strain, with some going bust.

Abi Laditan, a 36-year-old Canvey resident and foodie, hopes her Benfleet Eats business will help independent eateries which are struggling to cope in the current climate.

She believes Benfleet Eats will be a more affordable option for small and growing firms who cannot afford to pay the set up fees for the likes of Just Eat and Deliveroo.

Abi said: “I have quite a few friends that run businesses and they always complain about the costs of using companies such as Just Eat and Deliveroo.

“It’s seen as a necessary evil because it helps to boost businesses in terms of sales, but it’s very expensive to be on those websites when you take commission into account.

“More needs to be done to give small businesses exposure at less cost and that’s where I want to help.”

Benfleet Eats, which has been in the pipeline for close to a year, has also received promising feedback from potential clients.

Abi added: “When I have suggested the idea to business owners, they see Benfleet Eats as a breath of fresh air.

“Using Benfleet Eats will be so much cheaper for them because it is less than half the cost in terms of commission.

“Also, they like the fact it is just me in charge of the business because there is that personal touch.

“When it comes to Just Eat and Deliveroo, no-one is going to see the owner of the company.”

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Abi hopes Benfleet Eats will enable independent businesses to avoid going bust as we recover from Covid.

She admitted: “I am all for supporting local businesses. More people should want to keep the money in the local economy. Since the end of January, 11 eateries have signed up to be part of Benfleet Eats. I’m looking to get that number up to 20 in order to launch the business.

“I’m particularly interested in getting firms on board who are not on platforms such as Just Eats due to costs.

“I want to open a door that is currently closed to them.”

For more information, email info@benfleeteats.co.uk or visit facebook.com/BenfleetEats.