A YOUNG entrepreneur is looking to take on the food delivery giants as his own business launches this week.

Jay Thomas, 18, founded Harwich Bites in a bid to bring great food from the community to residents’ front doorsteps.

Unflinching despite delivery giant Uber Eat’s launch in Harwich last month, Jay’s ambition to provide the best food delivery service in the area has driven him on, announcing a launch date of March 11.

At the heart of his venture is local business, encouraging cafes, restaurants, pubs and bakeries to get on board with the scheme.

The 18-year-old has no history in the food industry but saw an opportunity to help smaller businesses.

He said: “I’ve seen bigger companies like McDonalds come into the town and overshadow the smaller firms, this is an issue for their business.

“I want to help them fight the issue, I feel we are a lot different to the bigger brands.

“We know all the initial drivers personally, we aren’t just getting them to feed the rush. We all know the area well, we are more local and more friendly than the big companies.

“The little companies cannot afford to pay the fee the big delivery firms are charging, we are more affordable and I’d like to think customers will feel this too.

“I think we are going to provide another great asset to the town.”

Jay, who was born and bred in Harwich, although currently living in Clacton-on-Sea, has worked in web design for the last two years and created the website where orders can be placed.

He spotted a gap in the market as Uber Eats currently only deliver McDonalds; Jay will be promoting all kinds of independent businesses which wouldn’t be able to afford the giant’s fees.

He added: “The pandemic has caused a lot of sleepless nights but I am really excited to finally launch on the 11th.

“Smaller companies aren’t getting as much business since McDonalds came in and especially throughout the pandemic as a whole.

“Harwich Bites’ delivery service will help those who can’t leave their house to get food during the current restrictions, and it will help restaurants who didn’t have the facilities to provide a takeaway service.

“If it is a good business move in the end I can pat myself on the back and say good on me. If it’s not then it’s not but I will be happy I tried.”

Harwich Bites are looking for delivery drivers and are open for restaurants to approach them.