You’re probably reading this because you enjoy cooking, and you want to teach your skills to other like-minded individuals. But, you currently reside abroad and wish to make the UK your new home and perhaps settle down and raise a family here.
Moving to a new country can be both an exciting and anxious time in anyone’s life, and those emotions intensify if you’re also trying to set up a business at the same time. The good news is you can do both simultaneously without having a nervous breakdown.
Here’s what you need to know about setting up a cookery school in the UK and bringing with you some of the world’s best-kept recipe secrets to teach to your students:
Moving to the UK
First of all, you will need to plan your trip in advance. As you can imagine, there is a lot to consider when moving to Britain from another country. For example, you’ll need to organise packing your belongings and getting them shipped to the UK.
You will also need to organise your entry visa. You must choose the right one for your purposes, as entering the UK on the wrong visa could result in you getting deported and refused re-entry!
Once you’ve got approval for the relevant visa to stay in the UK and start a business, you can start planning your new cookery school venture. Note that you should begin the application process for an indefinite leave to remain UK so that you can stay permanently.
Other things to consider before setting foot on British soil include renting or buying a home and getting a car.
Registering Your Business
When you’re in the UK and can legally start a business, you’ll need to do so by registering it with HMRC. There are many different legal structures you can consider, ranging from sole trader to limited company.
The one you select for your cookery school business will depend on many factors, which is why it makes sense to discuss your ideas with a qualified accountant or business expert beforehand.
Finding Suitable Premises
Once you’ve registered your business, you’ll need to find a location that’s suitable to host your cookery classes. As you can appreciate, the premises should be large enough to hold a large class of students comfortably.
But, it should also provide a range of modern cooking appliances, storage, and cooking facilities. The premises you use for your business must also abide by all relevant UK health and safety laws and rules pertaining to food hygiene and safety.
You may also need to obtain a licence to run a food business. It’s worth contacting the Food Standards Agency, a UK government agency, for advice on what you need to do.
Setting Up Your Classes
One final thing to do, of course, is set up your cookery classes. You’ll need to think about what you want to teach (i.e., a curriculum of cookery courses for your students), how many people you want to teach simultaneously, and what you wish to charge for your lessons.
You’ll also need to market your cookery school so that you’ve always got plenty of regular bookings.
By considering all the points above, you’ll soon enjoy a new life in the UK and run your dream cookery school!
