Start an Event Catering Business

Couples, private hosts, businesses and venues that do not have their own catering.

Per-head pricing or a quoted package, plus extras such as staff, equipment hire and delivery. Larger events are usually paid with a deposit and a final balance.

• Cooking for groups
• Event planning and timing
• Managing helpers on the day
• Quoting and customer service

• Food business registration for each place you prepare or store food, check with your council
• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability once you hire staff
• Allergen information and food safety records for every event
• Some venues have approved caterer lists or their own rules, check before quoting
• Alcohol needs a licence, check the venue's arrangements or temporary event notices
• Cash flow, as you buy ingredients before the client pays the balance

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on whether you hire a kitchen or van, your equipment and insurance. Treat these as estimates and get quotes before you commit to any purchases.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on how many events you take and their size. These are estimates, and you buy ingredients before clients pay the balance, so plan your cash flow.

Check food business registration for each place you prepare or store food with your council. Also check public liability insurance, allergen information and food safety records, and whether alcohol needs a licence or venues have approved caterer lists.