Over the past year, lots of people across the UK decided to start their own business. Flyer and leaflet specialist instantprint discovered nearly half a million new businesses were registered in 2020. The printing company also reported almost a fifth of UK adults had firm plans to start a business in 2021. If you include yourself in that figure and are aiming to start a new home baking business later this year, you’re in the right place.
Sort Out Legalities
When you’re setting up a baking business from home, there are legal requirements you have to follow. You need to register as self-employed with HMRC, even if your venture will be part-time or you have another job. There are also regulations you have to follow if starting a food business at home in the UK. There are hygiene standards your kitchen needs to meet, but these are at not the same level as for a commercial food vendor. It’s also important to get insurance to protect your business.
Create a Menu
Once you’ve completed all the required paperwork, it’s time to start thinking about your products. What kind of baked goods would you like to sell? During this stage, it’s also worth figuring out how you’re going to deliver your confectionary. Will you use a postal/courier service, or will you be delivering them yourself? For instance, tray bakes travel better than intricately decorated, three-tier occasion cakes. Be realistic with what you can offer your customers.
Conduct Research
You also need to make sure people want to buy your products. You can test your baked goods at local markets and food fairs. Keep a note of which products do well and which don’t. It’s also worth exploring neighbouring food stalls. Is there something unique you could offer that hasn’t been done yet? Ask your family and friends for feedback. The more research you do, the better chance you have of creating a successful baking business.
Promote Your Business
Your business won’t be successful if you don’t tell people about it. Make sure to promote it in every way you can. There are traditional methods you can follow. Make use of word of mouth by encouraging your family and friends to tell other people. You can also post leaflets and put posters up around your neighbourhood. It’s also important to establish an online presence to further promote your business. Create social media pages for your baking venture. You can reach more people and start to grow an online following.
Starting your own baking business might not be a piece of cake, but all the hard work and careful consideration you put into your products before promoting them will be worth it.
