Requirements

So apparently you can’t just start a food business. there are laws and stuff you have to adhere too 🙄

While I knew there would be paperwork, just how much record checking, qualifications, insurance, H&S and other processes required were overwhelming and that’s without adding applying to your local authority (LA) having your home kitchens registered, building your trailer and sourcing your equipment, etc.

Thankfully NCASS who as ex traders themselves provide a wonderful online portal where you can complete all of the required qualifications and H&S training. They also offer a helpline to answer any questions you could possibly think of as a start-up food trader.

I have personally spent over an hour on the phone with them debating the purchase of a suitable oven. After boring my family with endless questions they no longer care about ovens … I know I can pick the phone up and muse till my heart is content on whether lpg ovens are more suitable for my needs than electric and if a BlueSeal TurboFan really is worth the extra money.

Spectacularly, for UK businesses adhering to the NCASS rules, guidelines and record management means you are covered under their ‘primary authority ‘ scheme. So instead of having to apply to every Local Authority, you wish to trade within you can simply register with your own LA and be covered for all. Boom!!!