A MAN who was made redundant has set up his own meals on wheels business has said the future of food delivery is providing extra services.

Dave Laithwaite launched his business Lancashire Fayre five weeks ago after losing his eight year job as head of meals for ICare in March.

He has pledged to provide a free mini care service that includes performing basic household chores and a free errand service such as picking up shopping and prescriptions for his customers if they are unable to get out of the house.

He has also introduced a free call service to their relatives after each visit to let them know they are well.

As reported last month in the Lancashire Telegraph, his former employer ICare has also launched a ‘groundbreaking’ pilot service in Lancashire – which offers basic home care to the elderly along with their food for a small fee.

Staff can perform small household tasks during its 15 minute delivery periods.

Already the initiative has won the support of Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans for supporting people who may be struggling to afford a full-blown care packages but want to remain in their homes.

Dave said he believed the future of meals on wheels services relied upon providing a more rounded service.

He said:”I think that service users and their families expect more than just a meal.

“Many of our customers are old, vulnerable and live alone so it’s important that we look after them and their overall welfare.

He said there was enough room for both companies to operate in Blackburn.

“I’ve sourced my meals from different providers to ICare so see it just as healthy competition.

“I’ve enjoyed my first few weeks and business seems to be picking up nicely.”

“Through the ringback service I am also able to reassure families who might not live near their relative that they are well. I make sure that I get to know each client so I know what signs to look out for that would tell me they are not well.”

Currently delivering to around 25 regular customers, Dave hopes to expand his business within the next few months including hiring additional staff when orders increase.

He was one of several staff who lost their jobs when the government changed the rules on how home delivered meals to frail and vulnerable elderly residents are subsidised and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council removed its funding.

A spokesperson for ICare said that they were unable to comment on the new business.