The regulations for home-based baking in the United Kingdom vary from council to council. You may have to submit an application, answer questions about your bakery business and products; and participate in a site visit from authorities regulating your home bakery.
Bakers living in the London area will want to visit the British Library, Business & IP Center for numerous courses and advice on how to start your small business.
For new bakers your local councils may require you to notify them with a specified number of days (28 days) before you start selling cakes; and whether or not you receive a home visit is up to your local council.
Some of the requirements may include, but not be limited to the following:
- At least one and a half bowl sink
- A thermometer in the refrigerator
- A separate utility room (Separate your laundry room from where you prep cakes)
- Contact the Food Standards agency to review Safer Food Better Business
- Contact HMRC to learn more about starting a business
- Learn VAT requirements
- Obtain business and product liability insurance
- Notify your automobile insurance agent if you plan on delivering your cakes for added coverage.
Register with Companies House (the official UK government register of UK companies) if you plan on going Ltd.; if you do not remain in business, some of your debts may be written off to the company and not absorbed by you personally.
Starting a Cake Decorating Business from Home
by Kathy Moore
Kitchen Measurement Conversions
The British Sugarcraft Guild
