Home business where to start

[Ditzytwizzle]

I so want to start my own business from home, but I've no idea where or how to start! How do you get the word out there? How do you get people to know what you are doing?
It's only going to be a small business involving baking, do I need hygiene certificates? Who do o register with? Any help gratefully received x

You need hygiene certificates, a visit from your local council to give you a hygiene rating and a discussion with trading standards about labelling as a first and foremost.
You need insurance, product liability and public liability if you are selling in person. You also need to register with HMRC as self employed and complete an annual tax return.
With regard to getting your name out there, word of mouth is the best way. In person or social media. Attend fairs to sell your wares or approach local cafes and ask if they want to collaborate.

Hi ditsy - mind if I shamelessly place mark as I'm in the same boat?

I posted in Chat earlier about selling baked stuff at craft fairs,etc but not had any replies yet though your questions are also on my list. (Is it me or is it a bit mind-boggling, all the things you have to think about?!)

It's so mind boggling it hurts! But I have been asking around. I need to contact my district council to see if I need to register with them. Then contact Environmental health and inland revenue. So that's what I shall be doing this week!
I really have no clue so am after all the help I can get.
How do people keep track of what they spend and what they earn? Keep receipts and write it all down then write down any money or orders you make? Help!!! I don't know

I know, I think spreadsheets and receipts are going to be a must. There's quite a bit of info online, check out ://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/everything-need-know-make-money-baking (sorry can't do proper links on the app) - it's pretty good and is a bit less daunting than some of the others!

We need a to-do list. A big one.

Following... as I'm in the same boat! Absolutely no idea where to start. Hopefully someone comes along with an actual step by step to do list

I watched some YouTube tutorials on this a while ago, there are some good ones.

I’ve started!!
So I made a fb Page, I invited everyone possible to like & share it! I went to a winter fair. I have public liability insurance, told my home insurance & mortgage company. And contacted my local district council who have been & done a hygiene inspection (which I’m very proud to say I got a 5 rating ) and I’ve had 3 orders and more booked in. Go for it if you really want to, it so isn’t as bad as I thought it would be!

Well done! Just to double check, do you have product liability insurance? All it takes is someone to sue you for food poisoning or similar.

Hi @Ditzytwizzle I realise the last post on this thread was a month ago but have just found it while googling for advice on environmental health home visits. I'm in the process of setting up a confectionery business from home and have got EH visiting next week. Would you mind letting me know what sort of things they were looking for? I've been researching it and have a pretty good idea but it's always good to hear from first hand experience! I'm still at the stage where it's giving me all a headache but I think I'm getting there. Hope your new business is going well

Hi, yes I was fretting about the visit but actually it was fine, he went straight up to use loo, (checking bathroom & hygiene facilities I’m guessing) then it was all about handling storing foods, what you would wear, quick check in kitchen, made sure I had a separate storage cupboard for my dry goods, made sure I had a double or 1 1/2 sinks. Questions about cloths and antibacterial spray, I use disposable cloths and leave a surface for 5 mins after cleaning with antibacterial spray. I got a 5 hygiene rating which is top marks! Good luck

That's really helpful, thank you. Fingers crossed for next Wednesday then!