So, You’re Starting a Catering Business? Great!

Now let’s talk about the bits you can’t ignore.

Starting a catering business is exciting. You’ve got the menu sorted. The stall name is catchy. You’ve probably spent too long deciding between two shades of black for your branding. And now you’re ready to get out there and feed the people.

But here’s the bit no one wants to talk about until it’s too late: it’s not just about the food!

Running a catering business is amazing, but it’s also a legal responsibility. You’re not just cooking anymore. You’re running a business. That means risk, compliance, contracts, and knowing what to do when something goes wrong. Because eventually, it will.

Let’s talk straight for a second.

You won’t care about this stuff until you really care about it. Usually, when someone sends you a message saying they’ve had a reaction. Or when a customer spills hot coffee on themselves and blames you. Or when you’re owed £800 for a wedding you showed up for, but they “can’t pay right now.”

We have seen it. We get calls from business owners every week when it’s already gone sideways.  So, here’s what you actually need to have in place before you book that first pitch.

1. You need something in writing

Verbal agreements don’t count when money is on the line.

You need:

• A terms of business document (yes, even if you’re new)
• A booking form that clearly sets out deposits, cancellation rules, and payment deadlines
• Public liability insurance
• A risk assessment that actually reflects your setup – not one you copied from Facebook

If it’s not written down, you’re wide open.

2. Ask about allergies. Every. Single. Time.

Don’t assume. Don’t wait to be told. Just ask: “Any allergies I should know about before I get started?”

Stick a sign up. Add a disclaimer. Make it part of your process. It might feel repetitive until the one time it isn’t, and someone ends up in A&E.

3. When things go wrong, act fast

Have an accident book.
Write down what happened that day.
Get witness statements while people still remember – or before they disappear.

Make sure your first aid kit is stocked, and that staff know how to use it.
Because if someone’s hurt and your response is “I think there’s a plaster somewhere under the till,” that’s a problem.

4. You’re not just a caterer – you’re a business owner now

The moment you take bookings, handle payments, or collect personal data, you’ve stepped into full business-owner territory. And that comes with responsibilities.

Don’t skip this stuff:

• If you’re a limited company, you need to stay on top of Companies House filings, annual accounts, and HMRC compliance.
• If you have a website, you legally need a privacy policy, cookie notice, and terms of use – yes, even if it’s just a one-page site with an email form.
• If you store customer names, emails, or allergy info, you must comply with UK GDPR and may need to register with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office).
• If you take online bookings or deposits, you need to comply with the Consumer Contracts Regulations – including the 14-day cooling-off period for consumers.

It’s not red tape, it’s your buffer. Skip it, and you’re not just underprepared… you’re legally exposed.

Not sure where to start?

That’s what we’re here for.  We’re offering NCASS members a free 30-minute legal telephone consultation to discuss how to protect your new catering business.

Support available:

• Document reviews from £20
• Disclaimers from £75
• Ongoing legal support from £450

Send us a message. We’ll get you set up properly, so you can stop worrying about what might go wrong and focus on what you do best.

📨 [email protected]

☎ 0118 321 4188