How to start a catering business in Australia

Ever dreamed of sharing your home-tested recipes with the rest of the world? Starting your own catering business in Australia can help you to earn money quickly.

This guide will help you understand what you need to know, both inside and outside the kitchen. It also includes what legal and business knowledge you should have before starting a catering company.

What are the skills, knowledge and requirements I need to open a catering company?

A passion for food is the foundation of any successful catering business. Cooking on a large-scale is a skill that every caterer should have. Time management, interpersonal skills, and the ability to promote your business are also important skills.

All food-related business are required to adhere to food safety laws in Australia. A food safety supervisor is required in the following states: New South Wales (NSW), Queensland, Victoria, and Australian Capital Territory.

It is important to understand the guidelines of your local authority and how they will affect your catering business.

What are the courses and qualifications I need to run a catering business?

It's not necessary to be a formal chef to start a catering company, but it will help to have some experience. You can also get certificates in cooking and catering. The certificates range from Level I to Level IV and can be completed in person or online.

You must also possess the appropriate certificates for food safety and hygiene. These certificates show any inspector of environmental health that your business operates in a safe and ethical manner.

You can also get ahead by obtaining qualifications in marketing, business or project management. You will learn how to handle the business side away from the kitchen.

Start a catering company with the right equipment and tools

You can have an almost endless list of kitchen equipment available to you. As you begin, your toolkit should include many key items. Some of these items include:

• Fridges, ovens and freezers . They are the foundation of your kitchen, so make sure you buy high-quality products.
• Knives, spoons, spatulas. These are the tools you need to be a good cook.
• Pots & pans. You will need a variety of pans including stockpots and woks.

• Glasses, crockery and other. Crockery and glassware are essential if you plan to do full-service events. Stock up on replacements as they are often broken.
• Packaging supplies. It goes without saying that catering box will need a wide range of package supplies such as catering box, takeaway food containers, and kraft paper bags.

Software can boost productivity in any business. There are many resources available for catering software. You should keep an eye on FoodStorm Catering and Flex Catering.

What are the business structures I should consider before starting a caterer business?

There are many ways to organise a business. The right structure for your business will depend on the unique circumstances of you and your company.

Most common business structures include:

Sole Trader

The sole proprietorship business structure is characterized by the fact that there is only one person who is responsible for running the business. This person is responsible for all business decisions, and both success and failure. The sole trader is responsible for any failures, debts, or lawsuits.

Partnership

Two people, who want to launch a business jointly, adopt a partnership structure. This model is perfect for couples or close friends who want to start a business together.

Companies

You can treat your business as an independent entity by registering it as a corporation. If the company becomes public, shares can be offered to the public.

Do I need any legal documents before I begin my business?

It is important to be able to provide the right legal documentation when running a business. The legal documentation required for a catering company can be quite extensive.

You'll need to consider the following legal documents:

• It's important that you create a contract with your client if you run a catering company. Both parties will be legally bound to fulfill their end of the bargain.
• You may hire more staff as your business grows. You'll need to create an Employment Agreement if you do this.
• You may wish to create an agreement for work, health, and safety to ensure that all employees understand the rules of your company.

Many of the websites that provide legal advice offer free products. These sites can be used to get legal advice about all kinds of business issues.

How can I increase my customer base?

There are many ways to increase your customer base. From tried and true methods like word-of-mouth to modern techniques such as a website that is well designed, there are many options. These include:

• Boosting your social media presence. Social media seems to be the best place to advertise your business in today's world. It is an excellent way to reach thousands and thousands of customers at once.
• Set up a stand at a local farmer's market. Your catering business will be promoted to a new audience by allowing your culinary skills shine at a local farmer's market. They can also sample your food.

A marketplace can also be a good way to connect your business with potential new customers. Hipages, Airtasker, and Oneflare are all popular marketplaces.

Calculating how much to charge your customers

How much you charge for catering services is determined by a variety of factors. These factors include:

• What are similar caterers charging in your area?
• What type of food and how much service you provide.
• You can provide a full service or just the food.

For more information and tips on running a catering or hospitality business in Australia, read more articles on the Atpack news site.