After giving up his job as a barrister, Aziz spent four years working from home developing his idea into a commercial product. Mr. Patel’s pioneering invention attracted the attention of UK grocer Tesco and they agreed to launch his product nationwide. First Choice Airways also showed an interest and wish to trial his product in their aeroplanes.

 

Though Aziz Patel’s company has already gained lucrative business opportunities, he wishes to reach new markets and expand the Freshorize product line. However, being an entrepreneur who organizes his own business ventures can at times hinder progression and associations with larger corporations.

 “Because I was a one-man band working from home, many companies who I approached to discuss the possibility of them either licensing or distributing my product would dismiss me because they viewed me as being an inventor and not a businessman” comments Aziz. In an effort to counter this effect Aziz had joined forces with Knowledge Dock at the University of East London.

 

Since moving to Knowledge Dock, Freshorize has gone from strength to strength. During this period consultants at Knowledge Dock have helped Aziz to develop his business plan, distribution channels, marketing strategy, and they are currently in the process of helping him to attract a sizeable amount of external investment to fund the development of his business.

 

“In the short amount of time that I have been located at Knowledge Dock, Freshorize has developed at such a rate, it is almost unrecognizable to what it was when I first moved in. Immediately I noticed a big difference in the way potential customers perceived my business. Because I had a credible address linking my company to the University of East London and a network of consultants supporting me, they were much more willing to meet with me to discuss how we could work together.”