Baking - business or not??

trixiepix

I've been making cakes to order for friends and family for a couple of years, a few weeks ago i did my first school winter fayre selling cupcakes and made a fortune (well not quite!!) - i'd like to start doing the summer fayre/winter fayre's at schools next year but need advice on what to do from here.

I'm employed part time (office job) which i love and wouldn't want to give up but although the cake baking isn't a job as such i feel as though i should be more 'official' - i've yet to get my kitchen inspected as i'm due to move shortly and i'm going to arrange to get the new kitchen inspected and in turn hopefully issued with a hygiene cert (will be no problem i'm sure as i'm a cleanaholic).

Someone recently asked me to invoice them (duh?? - i'm not a business) and i'm kinda stuck between it being more than just occasional baking but no where close to making a living from it.

If i make it official then presumably it would entail 'creating' a business/tax/ public liability insurance etc - which scares the life out of me :eek:- plus it would probably cost more than i would earn (insurances etc) - should i take out public liability insurance just incase??? should i be declaring my earnings???, can i register my kitchen with the local authority without being a business??? - my head is spinning at the moment!!!!

Thanku, xx //('_')\\ xx

stardrops42

Hi trixiepix

I'm in the same boat as you;) I work in an office part time and do cakes as a hobby really but I'm getting more and more orders for cakes and am wondering if I should make it official:think: I will be following this thread with interest.

I can't really advise you on anything I'm afraid just want to wish you luck:)

trixiepix

Hi Stardrops,

Good to know it's not just me!!!!! - hopefully we can both sort ourselves out with what to do next !!!

XX

GoodNewmover

1. If you are thinking of going official do get some research done and some questions asked first. Ask a local accountant. Ask the HMRC. Read Startups.co.uk/catering-business. And when you're satisfied I'd still fund the beginning steps of it before giving up the day job completely, if I were you.

2. In general, Sue Roberts started Topline Catering from her home in Bristol as a part-time business. The business has grown gradually over 20 years, moving from sandwich delivery to business lunches, and finally to corporate and private events for anything up to 1000 guests. From first-day takings of £13, the business now turns over £300,000 a year.

She remembers, “When we moved into premises, we got the Environmental Health Service (EHS) in at the start and said “What do you want us to do here”. Like everyone, we still get regular visits from the EHS, but it was useful to get them in from the start.”

Wish you well.

redned_2

Hi Trixiepix.

I think you should go for it!

This could turn out to be a great standalone business - however you could certainly fit it round a full time job while you are getting it of the ground if you're willing to work evenings and weekends during busy times. I would certainly do this at first while you are establishing it although you will possibly find it seasonal to summer and christmas!

It can seem intimidating but a lot of things sound harder than they are. You will need to get your kitchen inspected - phone your local council and ask for the Environmental Health. Hopefully they will be helpful and friendly, tell them your just starting and ask them what they will be looking for when they inspect. It is a good idea to get a (personal) food hygiene certificate which you can do online. Search online for public liability insurance and phone a few companies for a quote, NB if you are going to sell to the public you MUST have this! Then you need to register as self employed.

By this point I would highly reccomend getting some business cards done(vistaprint free) as people will ask for them at events and if you feel brave enough a website (mrsite would be great for this) and a few well placed adverts should get the customers in!

Hope this helps, I'd love to know how you get on

skintbint_2

hi trixie - here's a current thread that should give you some ideas and point you in the right direction

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2167151

trixiepix

Thanks so much red ned you make it sound so relaxed and easy - i think i'm definately gonna go for it in 2011 - think i'm gonna need to be doing it more than ever as my DH and i, i think will be going our seperate ways.

Thanks too skint bint - i'll be hooking up to the thread you suggested after i've finished writing this.

Thanks again,

XX