A JOBS boost has been served up by a health conscious businessman hoping to change Inverclyde's eating habits with his fresh food company.

Ian McAnally has launched Honest Meal Prep, which will deliver meals right to your door, and is initially looking to take on five members of staff.

The store is based on West Blackhall Street, at the former Greggs.

Ian, who also owns the Tokyo Joe's bar on Westburn Street, said: "People now more than ever rely on ready meals and because of this, it means that supermarkets almost dictate what we consume.

"The idea behind Honest Meal Prep is we use healthy ingredients to create meals that can be stored in the fridge and used when required.

"We're looking to offer people a healthy solution and hopefully this will make Inverclyde residents more aware of what they are consuming."

Ian is taking on a chef, two shop assistants and two delivery drivers to help his business grow.

He said: "The main focus is on helping Inverclyde people make healthy choices.

"We're hoping to make it as accessible as possible for everyone, so we have also added our services to JustEat meaning people can order through the app too."

The West Blackhall Street store is a trial as Ian has also purchased a unit at the new Riverside Inverclyde food and drink hub which will be opened on the land recently cleared at the corner of Baker Street and Drumfrochar Road.

His hope is to eventually move his business there and make it into a UK wide venture, but he is using the smaller shop to ensure he gets the service right and will see if it takes off.

Ian said: "Eventually we will operate solely out of the Baker Street unit, but by being in the centre of the town we hope that as many people as possible will be able to make use of our services, especially during these hard times."

The businessman is also offering free meals for carers for a limited period.

Honest Meal Prep will be giving away 100 free meals (one per person) on a collection-only basis.

To make use of this offer, quote 'Telegraph Carer' in the shop.