We take a look at some of the steps you need to think about to get your bakery business up-and-running and make it a sweet success.

Find your jam
As with any business, your main aim is to consider what sets you apart from the crowd. Do you make delicious vegan cakes? Is baking for events your thing? Or do you prefer a traditional, rustic style?  Even if you can do a bit of everything, it’s worth marketing yourself as an expert in a certain field in order to stand out from the rest.

Pipe out the finer details
If you’ve decided to make a go of baking as a career, you will need to register yourself as self-employed to the HMRC. This is crucial even if you’re only doing it part-time. Setting up as a limited company means there is a little more work to do, but there’s plenty of online help to support you. You could even hire an accountant to take over the finer details.

Source your sweet spot
Your food preparation area needs to be compliant with food hygiene practices and standards. If your kitchen is based in your home it should be spotlessly clean and protect against factors such as contamination and pest control. You will need to register your premises with the local authority’s environmental health service at least 28 days before you start trading and a visit will be arranged.

Whip up a social media frenzy
In the millennial era of Instagram, people want to eat tasty food which also looks beautiful, so you should try presenting your baked goods in the best light possible. Set up a website that fits the tone of your brand and take advantage of social media across a variety of platforms. People are interested in the process of baking as well as the end product, so don’t be afraid to include videos of your work in action.

Don’t settle for half-baked insurance
It’s often tempting to go for the cheapest insurance option, especially as a sole trader, but this may not sufficiently cover you should something go wrong. Lockyers will work with you to find an affordable and suitable policy to cover you against liability claims made against you by the public, alongside protecting your stock and equipment against damage, loss and theft. Please get in touch.