By Makai Cake Decorating Supplies

 

 

Thinking about turning your love of baking into a small business?

Whether you’re dreaming of making birthday cakes from your kitchen or launching a side hustle with cupcakes and cookies, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to legally and successfully start a home baking business in the UK.

 

 

1. Register as a Food Business with Your Local Council

 

Before you sell even one cupcake, you must register your home kitchen as a food business. It’s free and must be done at least 28 days before you start trading.

 

Where to register? Go to your local council’s website and look for the “Food Business Registration” page.

 

 

 

 

2. Complete a Food Hygiene Training Course

 

You’ll need at least a Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene certificate (available online for around £10-£20).
This proves you understand safe food handling, storage, and cleanliness.

 

 

Top tip: Display your certificate in your kitchen or include it on your social media to build trust.

 

 

 

 3. Prepare Your Kitchen for Inspection 

 

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) may inspect your kitchen. They’re looking for basic standards:

• Clean worktops and tools
  
  
• Pest-proof storage
  
  
• Separate storage for raw and cooked ingredients
  
  
• Fridge temperature logs (a simple notebook will do!)
  
  

 

You don’t need a commercial kitchen – just a clean, well-organised domestic one.

 

 

 4. Understand Allergy Labelling Requirements 

 

By law, you must inform customers of any 14 major allergens in your products – such as eggs, milk, nuts, or gluten.

Use:

• Labels on packaging
  
  
• Printed allergen info with each order
  
  
• Clear descriptions in online listings
  
  

 

Consider creating a template with tick-boxes for each allergen.

 

 

 5. Handle Orders and Collections Like a Pro 

 

Even small businesses need structure. Set up a simple system:

• Order confirmation via email or message
  
  
• Collect deposits or full payment upfront
  
  
• Offer collection slots
  
  
• Provide a cake handling guide with each order
  
  

 

Download free templates to help you stay organised:

Cake Order Form Template (PDF)

Cake Handover Disclaimer (PDF) 

 

 

6. Set Your Prices Wisely

 

Consider:

• Ingredient & packaging costs
  
  
• Time spent (don’t undervalue yourself!)
  
  
• Energy bills and utilities
  
  
• Extras like ribbons, boards, toppers
  
  

 

Use a pricing calculator or spreadsheet to stay consistent.

 

 

 7. Promote Your Business 

 

Start simple:

• Create a dedicated Instagram or Facebook page
  
  
• Share photos of your work
  
  
• Ask happy customers for reviews
  
  
• Join local Facebook groups or directories
  
  

 

Pro tip: Add your food hygiene rating once available to build trust.

 

 

 8. Know Where Your Responsibility Ends 

 

If customers collect cakes themselves, you’re not liable for damage during transport – as long as you’ve provided handling instructions.

If you deliver, it’s your job to ensure the cake arrives safely (flat surface, AC in car, non-slip mats, etc.)

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

Starting a home baking business in the UK is more achievable than you might think. With some preparation, professionalism, and passion, you can turn your kitchen into a trusted cake studio that delights your community.

 

Stay tuned for our next post: "Customer Complaints – How to Handle Them as a New Cake Maker" – where we’ll guide you through real-life scenarios and show you how to protect your business without losing your smile or check out How to Open a Cake Shop if you’re ready to level up.