Often, after working in the industry for a long time, professional chefs decide to set up a food business of their own. A number of well-known chefs have been able to set up their own restaurants across the country and there are so many other professionals that have pursued their culinary passions also. If you’re looking to do the same, whether that be starting up an eatery or a catering service, becoming a supplier or anything else, be sure to read our advice below to give you the best head start:
Know Your Stuff
People set up businesses because they have a certain skill that they’re passionate about. Whatever your idea, you need to love what you do and be able to execute it well if you’re serious about setting up a business. Luckily, if you’re already a professional, you’ll be one step ahead of the game because you already know what works in the culinary industry, both with consumers, and with kitchen functionality.
Firstly, you need to do some research: is there a demand for what you want to offer? What’s the competition like and how can you stand out? Knowing this information allows you to create your brand and to formulate a business plan.
Get Registered
Next up, you need to register your business so that you can trade legally. You will need to apply for various licences to ensure that you can employ your staff and advertise your business, etc. You must also apply for employers liability insurance and register for VAT.
Know the Laws
This includes general food laws and health and safety. You must ensure that your business complies with these laws, and your business will be inspected regularly to confirm this.
Keep Allergy Records
Keeping allergen records of your food’s content will allow you to tell your customers exactly what ingredients are in your recipes. This is useful for when a customer wants to know the allergens during busy service as you’ll be able to refer to your records quickly, and not have to rifle through various packets and boxes.
Branding
This is the really fun bit! Your branding allows you to express the brand and what it stands for. Use different fonts, images, colours and textures to give your new food business a beautiful design that is reflective of the brands personality. Play around with words to create bold and impactful messages that can be used to promote your business.
If you’re unsure about coming up with a design or message, you could employ a graphic designer and/or a copywriter to generate a strong and professional looking and sounding brand.
For more information about starting up a business, visit the Food Standards Agency website here.
