London: A Kerala student who recently completed a Master’s in macroeconomics at the London School of Economics (LSE) has launched a unique tour guide service to earn a living wage while helping fellow graduates navigate the UK’s tough job market.

Jame Thomas Mathew, 23, from Mallapally in Thiruvalla, has turned social entrepreneur with Thomas Tours, named after his grandfather. The initiative offers part-time employment to new graduates, combining meaningful work with flexible schedules.

Local experiences on a student budget

Drawing on his experience as a cash-strapped LSE student, Jame has curated itineraries that let visitors explore London like a local, without breaking the bank.

“Our unique selling point is that we provide authentic customised day tours, taking visitors around like a local using the Tube (London Underground) and famous red buses, while making the most of London's walking friendly landscape,” explains Jame.

“I have been a cyclist ever since I moved to London and have learned a lot of shortcuts, a lot of ways to navigate the city on foot and otherwise. So, I know how to create an itinerary at almost half the budget of other city tourism alternatives, backed up by a mission to empower graduates in the city,” he adds.

Supporting graduates in a challenging job market

On a Graduate Route visa, which allows post-study job hunting in the UK, Jame is acutely aware of the difficulties faced by international graduates amid anti-immigrant sentiment.

“I understand the financial plight of graduates like myself, who struggle to find formal employment in London. I've seen financial constraints force some of my friends to leave the city, while others worked in exploitative part-time jobs, often without so much as a smile in return,” recalls Jame.

His social enterprise aims to offer dignified work while ensuring a London Living Wage of £14.80 per hour, plus potential tips from impressed tourists.

Flexible work for graduates

“The idea is very simple: graduates need to have flexibility so they can do their formal job applications while earning enough to sustain themselves in the city. So, they can work for three days as a tour guide, have some certainty and financial stability, and devote the other days of the week to their applications and interviews,” Jame explains.

Thomas Tours offers itineraries ranging from the “Icons of London” to museums, shopping streets, sports, and theatre experiences. Within days of its January launch, the service had already secured bookings for June, signalling gradual growth.

Bespoke itineraries and personal touch

The model begins with a free online consultation, followed by a tailor-made itinerary that considers health and access needs. Payment is collected at the meeting point, and tours include cost-saving tips for attractions such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.

“Thomas Tours is a small effort to offer dignity and financial support to graduates like myself. Every penny goes directly to the graduate, who offers a personalised, thoughtful tour, while the client can feel satisfied that they are helping a graduate earn a fair wage in a city they have come to love,” Jame says.

Mental health and networking benefits

Beyond financial support, Thomas Tours also addresses the mental health challenges faced by young jobseekers, offering social engagement and confidence-building opportunities. Jame hopes that interaction with diverse travellers could also open doors to future career prospects.

Having guided family members visiting from India, including elderly relatives, Jame is well prepared to help tourists experience London fully and hassle-free.

“Every corner of London is steeped in so much history. This graduate-led initiative will guide everyone through famous landmarks, tastiest local eateries that most tourists walk right past and all at affordable prices,” he adds.