Home-Based party and buffet caterer

Families hosting parties, small offices, community groups and anyone planning a gathering of around 10 to 60 people.

A price per head or per package, agreed per booking, often with a deposit upfront and a delivery charge.

• Cooking in batches
• Costing menus and portions
• Good organisation and timing
• Food hygiene

• Food business registration with your local council, usually needed before you start trading
• Allergen rules: you must be able to give accurate allergen information for every dish
• Check your landlord, mortgage lender or insurer allows business use of your home
• Public liability and food-related product insurance
• Food hygiene rating inspections and a documented food safety plan

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your equipment, packaging, delivery set-up and the menus you offer. Treat this as an estimate and cost your own menu and equipment list before you commit.

Check food business registration with your local council, which is usually needed before you start trading. Also check allergen rules, whether your landlord, mortgage lender or insurer allows business use of your home, insurance cover, and food hygiene inspections and your food safety plan.

Estimates suggest from around 8 hours a week at the minimum. Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on order size, pricing and how often you cater. That figure is revenue before your costs, not profit.