Former SSI steelworker launches Jamaican restaurant and takeaway

A former steelworker has launched a Jamaican restaurant and takeaway with the help of Redcar and Cleveland Council’s SSI Task Force.

Mark Hill set up Irie Jerk to bring flavours and cooking techniques from Jamaica, where he was born, to Parliament Road in Middlesbrough.

Irie Jerk received funding from the Business Advice Start Up Fund.

Mark said: “I’m originally from Kingston in Jamaica, where the cooking skills and recipes are handed down by generations. I was very close to my grandmother, who taught me how to do it.

“At Irie Jerk, I want to give people an experience. We have just changed the menu, and spiced it up a bit, but I want to emphasise that it isn’t overly spicy. There’s something here for everyone to try.”

Mark worked as a production operator at the SSI steelworks in Redcar until the facility closed down in 2015 with the loss of 2,200 jobs.

He continued: “It was a really hard time. This was supposed to be a career for life, and I had only worked there for four years.”

Prior to working at SSI, Mark joined the British army. However, after serving a few tours he was shot in the leg and had to be medically discharged.

Speaking further, Mark said: “After SSI, I was really fed up. I had already lost what I thought would be two life-long careers and thought to myself, why even bother getting a job if I’m just going to lose it again? That’s why I decided to set up my own business, so I could do something for myself.”

He heard about the council’s Task Force through two friends who had gone into painting and decorating.

SSI Task Force chair Amanda Skelton said: “Mark clearly has a passion for cooking and I’m pleased that the Task Force has been able to help him into a new career after SSI closed.

“So far we’ve helped over 260 new businesses start up, and money is still available to help people who are interested in doing something new.”

She continued: “When SSI closed, many people took the first job that came along which in many cases meant a big cut in pay.

“We are offering targeted support to help people improve their circumstances by setting up in business or training for a better career.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →