Eat Out Round About App moves to next stage of Wakefield trial

Innovate UK backed startup Not Usual Ltd have shared an update on the progression of their ‘Eat Out Round About’ trial in their hometown of Wakefield following a successful first stage of the trial in March and April. The first and shortest stage of the trial reached almost double its targeted number of customers and generated £1687 of revenue across three businesses offering takeaway in Wakefield.

Finding that 80% of new users claimed vouchers and with an average spend of £36.67 per head, Not Usual has now issued over 2000 more Eat Out Round About vouchers for use in outdoor dining settings across Wakefield for the second stage of the trial, already raising approaching £4000 into hospitality in the area. With more restaurants joining the scheme every day and businesses including Haribo, Chadwick Lawrence & Kolorcraft distributing vouchers to their employees, Not Usual Ltd are moving forward with their goal of bringing business and hospitality together to help our cities and towns recover.

Backed by the government’s Innovate UK fund, the ‘Eat Out Round About’ scheme has been designed to support hospitality by providing customers with vouchers for meal discounts as well as providing a platform for organisations to work together during the pandemic recovery. Ahead of a national roll out, the app will launch with a trial in Wakefield, hoping to inject up to £30,000 into hospitality businesses in the city.

'Eat Out Round About' is a simple idea:

1. Local businesses purchase Eat Out Round About vouchers for their employees and customers.

2. Employees and customers discover local places to eat out on the app.

3. Revenue is paid to the venue from the sale of vouchers.

Once given a code, customers can download the free app and redeem their voucher for up to £10 off at a participating restaurant.

Rolled out across three periods, each launching as hospitality reopens, the trial of this scheme is taking place in Wakefield with the backing of Wakefield Council and key local organisations including Theatre Royal Wakefield and the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

The second stage of the trial will run until the 14th May. Businesses and restaurants who are interested in being involved in the scheme are encouraged to contact Not Usual before the end of April: https://eatoutroundabout.co.uk/contact-faq/

Ali Gordon CEO & Visionary Officer said “We are delighted to see such enthusiasm and positivity of Wakefield businesses in helping their local economy! After the first stage of the trial and as word spreads, we’re finding ourselves speaking to new venues almost daily, it’s very exciting. I was having lunch in one of our venues the other day and a couple having lunch next to us were using their vouchers, it was a great feeling! To have businesses like Haribo coming on board and rewarding their staff just shows the potential this has to grow and grow.”