Don't know where to start with new business idea. Any advice gratefully received!

[messylittlemonkey]

I've got an idea for a small catering business with a twist.

It is basically serving cakes, sandwiches, teas on vintage china. I'm planning to target hen parties, anniversary parties and so on.

Anyway, so far I've got as far as checking with local council that my kitchen is suitable for this kind of venture and that's all fine. I know I need to do a food hygiene cert but can do one online apparently, so easy enough.

I just don't know where to begin in terms of actually getting it off the ground.

Your local Business Link are a good place to start, loads of info online on their site eg: starting a business guides

I saw your other thread and think that you probably need to just start 'doing' - you struck me as a bit bogged down in thinking/procrastinating.

How about beginning by making a simple flier or leaflet on your computer? Get a nice photograph of the china/cakes and use it to illustrate the flier.

Get some of these into shop windows, hand them out all over the place and see if you get any interest.

The main questions I can think of are:

How will you transport your equipment to where the party is taking place?

Will you need refrigeration for milk, sandwiches, cakes etc?

Will you stay on hand to provide waitressing or will it be 'help yourselves'?

You've summed me up well, branchingout! I am very good at thinking and terrible at just getting on with it!

I know this isnt quite the same thing but sort of similar so might give you some ideas. The business was featured on dragons den. search for ' vintage patisserie ' or try these links if they are allowed

www.deborahmeaden.com/investment/-new--vintage-patisserie/12/

www.vintagepatisserie.co.uk

Good luck.