When Raj joined the Restart Scheme in February 2026, he spoke about his previous experience of being self-employed in Spain, where he worked as a taxi driver. He shared his goal of becoming self-employed again, with a business idea focused on providing affordable and healthy Indian meals to students through a tiffin service.
With support from, Zoe, his Serco Job Coach, Raj began exploring this pathway further. He attended a self-employment awareness session, where he developed his understanding of the responsibilities of self-employment in England and how this works alongside Universal Credit.
Following this, Raj was encouraged to build on his idea and begin developing a business pitch. He was introduced to the self-employment Job Coach, Louisa, who supported him in assessing the viability of his proposal and identifying the next steps.
Raj then went on to received structured self-employment support to develop a detailed business plan and marketing strategy. This helped him shape his idea into a clear and achievable plan.
With this support, Raj was able to bring his business to life. He secured a business unit and completed the necessary legal and regulatory requirements with Coventry City Council to launch his takeaway service.
Raj was later recognised as gainfully self-employed and continues to engage with the Restart Scheme for ongoing support as he develops and grows his business, Kaur B’s Catering and Tiffin Service Ltd.
He is now focused on expanding his business further, with plans to move into catering for events alongside his existing service and continues to build on the progress he has made.
