A RECRUITER who was left jobless due to Covid-19 started his own fresh food delivery service which saw business boom and is now ready to hand over his beloved project free of charge to return to the job he loves.
Matt Foster, who owns Fitzwilliam Fine Foods Home Delivery based in Wath-upon-Dearne, was determined to start his new venture back in March after work at his recruiting agency in Huddersfield halted due to the outbreak.
Not one to rest on his laurels, the 49-year-old got to work with getting his business off the ground by delivering fresh produce from local grocers including Keith’s Quality Meats at Barnsley Market.
Throughout the year, the business started to pick up momentum and quickly established a loyal customer base who relied on the service while self-isolating at home.
Now that Matt can return to the recruiting job he loves when lockdown eases, he is determined to give a budding business owner the opportunity to own Fitzwilliam Fine Foods free of charge.
He told the Chronicle: “This time last year, I was running a recruitment company focused on the hospitality sector and it suddenly became a very scary place to be.
“As things went south quite quickly, I decided to use this free time to buy a chiller and get busy. I don’t like to sit on my hands.
“I was fortunate enough to be able to buy fresh fish, meat and vegetables to kick-start the business that was needed during the pandemic.
“I was inspired after trying to place a weekly shop at a large supermarket and having to wait weeks for a booking slot.
“Fitzwilliam Fine Foods always provided next day deliveries to ensure those who were vulnerable got their food fast.
“I’m really proud of the business its become and the relationship we’ve built with our amazing customers.
“But now we can see the green shoots at the other side of this, I’m ready to move back to my day job but want to make sure our customers are provided for.”
To help support a local resident who may have been massively affected by the pandemic, Matt wants to hand over the reins to his beloved service - free of charge.
“I think of where I was this time a year ago, I would’ve jumped at the chance at something like this with how tough everything is,” Matt added.
“I’m fortunate to be able to return to my full-time job, but a lot of people in my position aren’t so lucky so I want to help give them a leg-up.
“I didn’t want to put this thing I’ve worked towards on ice, and thought it would be a brilliant opportunity for someone.
“I’m not asking for anything in return, they will receive all of the equipment, the customer base, the website and the app to essentially run the business as usual.
“During the hand-over period, I will be working alongside the person chosen to show them the ropes.
“All I ask is that the customers are looked after with fresh, locally-sourced Barnsley produce.”
For more information, message the Fitzwilliam Fine Foods Home Delivery Facebook page.
