Why I left well-paying job to promote jollof rice on London road – Buckingham varsity graduate

Aziz Alayed, a enterprise economics graduate from the College of Buckingham, England, talks to BIODUN BUSARI about his journey and the rice enterprise within the UK

How did you get the identify, 2 Nigerian Boys?

It was a gesture from two associates who work within the metropolis serious about what they might do. Then we thought of beginning a enterprise. We considered bringing Nigerian meals to the town. At the moment, there was no Nigerian or African meals. It was in 2019. We began 2 Nigerian Boys in Spitalfields Market. Spitalfields was our first market anyway. We began there on the primary day, we went to Fenchurch Road, Fenchurch station. That is nonetheless in central London as properly, in order that’s how we received began.

Do you solely promote jollof rice or different African delicacies?

We solely promote jollof rice as a result of it is just for lunch. We promote jollof rice, hen, beef and lamb.

Do you’ve got a job aside from promoting jollof rice?

I haven’t got another job.

What initially took you to the UK?

I left Nigeria in 2005 to check. After I completed my research, I made a decision to attend and work.

What did you research?

I studied Enterprise Economics on the College of Buckingham.

Does your research mirror the jollof rice venture you began?

Nicely, I would not say that. The whole lot in life is about simply attempting. And generally it really works. The work I used to be doing was high quality. It was a well-paying job, however we determined to see the place this jollof rice enterprise would take us. It is about taking management of our lives. That is what we did.

Are there challenges that examined your flexibility at work?

Sure, there are challenges. The whole lot in life ought to have ups and downs. Promoting meals within the UK is completely different from promoting meals in Nigeria. You need to undergo many phases earlier than you may even try the setup. You need to do your psychological assertion. It’s essential to have your individual meals hygiene score. The federal government ought to come and have a look at what you might be promoting and the place you might be promoting your meals. The UK authorities takes the enterprise atmosphere very critically. They must see everybody working with you. They need to have some sort of certification to work with you. However actually, it is not up and down if you understand what you are doing. To be clear, beginning a enterprise within the UK isn’t precisely like Nigeria.

How have you ever developed at work?

Sure, we now have opened one other department in Preston. We simply opened that up this yr anyway. However issues have been going properly as a result of we run quite a lot of personal workplaces for his or her lunches and in quite a lot of locations round London. It is good. We pay taxes and VAT.

How a lot did you make investments to start out the enterprise?

I am unable to detect the capital. I’ve to be personal with that.

Do you’ve got rivals within the enterprise?

Sure. There should be rivals too. I am unable to be the one one promoting jollof in London. Many individuals might do it higher and others do not. However one factor at all times stands out: In case your product is nice, your product will promote itself. In case your web site is nice, your web site will appeal to individuals to you. I at all times inform people who the advantage of enterprise, particularly in meals, is your location. Your location is at all times vital in the whole lot you do. Your web site and product play vital roles in rising what you are promoting. In case your customer support is superb, the critiques will go far.

Firm 2 Nigerian boys. The place is your associate?

The second Nigerian boy is a detailed buddy. He is good at what he does. He is artistic. It is the brains of the corporate, so, that is how we do issues. He does loads, and I do my half too. The enterprise is simply two Nigerian boys. He does not need to be in public proper now. That is why I at all times say that one exists and the opposite is magical. Do not ask a magician how he works his magic. Let me put it this fashion.

How do you rent your employees?

Nicely, I’d say some apply. Enterprise is the market. Individuals at all times come as much as inform you they’re on the lookout for work, and also you ask them about their expertise. With this, we’re hiring. For now, it’s restricted to Nigerians solely. If I’ve some Asians and Indians on the lookout for work, why not? They may do their half and see if they will cope. They’re simply serving individuals, and that is a superb factor.

What’s your loved ones’s response in Nigeria since you are promoting jollof rice within the UK?

No dad or mum desires their kids to develop into rice sellers. However they don’t have any selection as a result of the corporate pays the payments. I could learn economics, but when I really feel it is extra peaceable to promote rice, I do it. I’ve my very own time. The reality is, while you’re in your 40s, you do not have to elucidate something you do to your dad and mom. Your dad and mom have executed their half, and all it’s a must to do is inform them that you’re proud of what you might be doing. My mom is late, however my father is alive and properly. He has no complaints about it. I’m proud of what I do. And I am attempting to generate income from it. Not less than I am not asking him for cash, so he is okay with that.