Starting a Chocolate Company

[SkyRobo1]

Hello Everyone,

Its nice to meet everyone! I am planning to start a bean to bar chocolate company in one years time. So far what I've done are;

- Business Plan
- Sourcing of Raw materials
- Accumulating of Starting Capital
- Brand Creation


And to begin I plan to start my business at home in my kitchen for a year as a way of "Proof of concept". I'll also use a company formation like Tide or Companies Made simple. So that should cover the registration for HMRC, Company house and bank business account. My question really is what else am I missing in my steps? Do I need a food license? What other licenses do I need to consider?

Also my plan is after I've proven my concept works I plan to move into "Containerville" in london to start a bigger production before ending with my end goal. My sales channel at the start will be solely online, family and friends and my towns local market days.


Thank you and if you guys have any advice that I didnt cover please do as Im trying to absorb as much knowledge as I can as I prep for my business.

 

[percyjack]

Hi SkyRobo1,
I came across this thread and hope the chocolate business is going well and the move into Containerville worked out! Good luck with everything.

For any new members reading this who are planning something similar, here’s what you can do. Register your food business with your local council at least 28 days before trading (it’s free and covers home kitchens), get a Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate, and put together a basic food safety plan using the FSA’s free Safer Food Better Business pack. Sort out allergen controls and labelling, get product liability insurance before selling, and check your tenancy or mortgage terms. It’s also worth asking markets what paperwork they want before you apply for a stall.