Success Stories: Taste by Design

In November 2006 Leeds Met student Hussein Mohamed conducted a market research event for his new business, Taste by Design, a catering service that specialises in Somali, Indian and Middle Eastern food for all types of occasions.

The event took place at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Leeds City Centre in November 2006 where guests were invited to sample and give feedback on Taste by Design’s cuisine.

Hussein, originally from Somalia, felt that his country’s traditional food was not represented in the Leeds area. After conducting research it became apparent that there weren’t any catering services in Leeds or Yorkshire that offered Somali food. Hussein felt that there was a gap in the market and wanted to use his skills and experience to open a catering service offering customers a different option. Wanting to provide his customers with an even wider choice, Hussein extended his business idea further to include Middle Eastern and Indian Cuisine.

Attending the Annual Entrepreneurial Summer School in 2006 run by Business Start-Up @ Leeds Met gave Hussein the skills and knowledge needed to help start his business.

Shortly after the Summer School, Hussein applied for and received £1000 funding through the Proof of Concept Fund which is available from Business Start-Up @ Leeds Met. The aim of the fund is to provide financial assistance to test the feasibility of a business concept. Hussein used the funding for market research, promotional activities and food samples.

Hussein is intending to officially launch Taste by Design in February 2007.

For more information visit Taste by Design’s website www.tastebydesign.co.uk