The pandemic created a lot of uncertainty for many businesses, not least for the hospitality sector. The challenges facing businesses
and the economy inspired Wakefield-based entrepreneur Ali Gordon to step up and make a difference.
The Eat Out Round About mobile app was created and trialled in Wakefield after Ali secured the backing of an Innovate UK Award. The idea was inspired when Eat Out to Help Out was delivered by the government in August 2020 and was unsustainable. Ali saw a way that a scheme could be funded by the private sector, help businesses to grow, reward customers and employees with the ability to dine out with 50% off,
drive revenue into hospitality and stimulate local economies.
Eat Out Round About trials generated over a 600% return on investment for the local Wakefield economy.
Ali Gordon CEO, Eat Out Round About:
“Creating an idea to stimulate dining out during a global pandemic has not always been easy. I am truly humbled to be recognised
nationally for my achievements with this prestigious award. As an ambassador for innovation, I am looking forward to raising the
profile of innovation across Wakefield, Yorkshire, and The North of England over the next 12 months, and to inspire women and girls
as we continue to innovate and expand Eat Out Round About”.
The award will be used to carry out further trials with the backing of Wakefield Council’s economic growth team and reaching out into
wider local authorities to maximise economic impact. Eat Out Round About will be working in partnership with local business
communities, high street retailers, cultural destinations, events and festivals to help make vouchers more accessible. The funding will
also be used to build a free online tool for businesses to access employee and customer reward Eat Out vouchers and a marketplace
with dining out incentives for staff and their customers when they source with local suppliers.
“As a business community we are passionate about our members supporting their local economy. We are delighted to partner with
Eat Out Round About, so that our community can connect and save as they dine out together and help the local economy” Claire
Sutherley, Managing Director of We Are Wakefield.
“With the ever-increasing challenges for the economy and rising living costs, it is ever more important to come together and think
outside of the box in ways to help everyone continue to enjoy more of their local area and have the affordability to dine out together”
Ali Gordon CEO, Eat Out Round About.
Eat Out Round About is hosting an event along with their partner Theatre Royal Wakefield at 5.30pm on Monday 4th April, where Ali
welcomes users of the app to learn more and for businesses to join us for a pie and pea supper, entertainment, networking and an
evening to learn about opportunities for Yorkshire businesses, local authorities, BIDs, cultural destinations, and hospitality arising
from the award. Tickets available https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/292206937817