A pair of young entrepreneurs are cooking up a storm with a healthy kick - thanks to a link up with a Masterchef champion.
Best friends Jordan Atkinson and Thomas Clasper, both from Whickham, have launched their own healthy eating shop under the guidance of chef Tom Rhodes. Rhodes won Masterchef in 2021 and has been giving some tips as to how the pals can grow their business, Protein Culture, in Felling, Gateshead.
The duo, who have been friends since primary school, serve and deliver meals for health-conscious customers as well as devising meal plans. The 20-year-olds attended Whickham School and while they have gone off to study at different universities, they have partnered up in business after spotting a gap in the market.
Read more: MasterChef champion Tom Rhodes swaps Newcastle Nandos for This Morning stardom
Jordan said: "I've always wanted to run my own business. Doing it with my mate is even better. We were both training at the gym and into our healthy lifestyle, but after training we just didn't know where to go for healthy food. There's lots of people like us who want to eat healthier but who also need help with preparing meals.
"That's why we decided to set up our own shop. We prepare meals for customers twice a week and we are hoping to develop other areas. Our aim is to make healthy food accessible and affordable to everyone.
Jordan called in a favour from an old work colleague, Masterchef winner Tom, to help guide the pair on some key elements of the food preparation.
"I used to work at Nandos and Tom worked there at the same time. A lot of what we were doing at the shop initially was trial and error so it was great being able to get advice from someone like Tom. He came down to the shop and did a six-hour course with us, and gave us advice on things like menus and the preparation. It's been invaluable.
"We are getting loads of support from our friends and family. I have an A Level in Business but hadn't given too much thought about starting my own business until this opportunity came along. We are learning on the job a bit and trying to do it on our own terms.
"We prepare meals for customers on a Sunday and a Wednesday, which helps them get through the week. We're on Just Eat soon too and continue to grow."
Read next:
