Chef and Caterer Profile on Websta in the United Kingdom

What to include on your profile

Your profile page should tell people what you do and how to reach you. Start with a clear description of your catering business - whether you cook for private events, corporate functions, weddings, or other occasions. Mention any specialities, dietary requirements you can accommodate, or cuisines you prepare.

Add a section for the services you offer. For a chef or caterer, this might include menu planning, food preparation for a specific number of guests, delivery, setup, or serving. List each service separately so customers understand what is included and what costs extra.

Include high-quality photos of your plated food, prepared dishes, or catered events. People searching for caterers rely on photos to judge the quality of your work. Add a section with your contact information and a contact form so potential clients can ask questions before booking.

You can offer online booking for set packages, or use a quote request system where customers describe what they need and you provide a price. Many caterers use both - fixed prices for standard services and quote requests for custom menus or large events.

Language and reaching customers

Publish your profile in English. This is the working language for the vast majority of customers searching for catering services in the United Kingdom. If you work with specific client communities and speak other languages, you may add descriptions in those languages, but English should be your main language.

Customers in the United Kingdom search for caterers by service type and location. On Websta, people nearby can find you through the marketplace by searching for chefs or caterers and filtering by your area. They may search by postcode, town, or region depending on where you operate. If you travel to multiple towns or regions for events, mention this clearly on your profile.

How people search for your service

In the United Kingdom, people looking for a chef or caterer typically search by location and the type of event they are hosting. On Websta, customers use the marketplace to find chefs and caterers nearby. They may also post a task describing their event, budget, and requirements, and you can make an offer on that task.

Your profile helps when customers search by location and service type, so be specific about where you operate and what services you provide. If you serve a wide area, list the towns or regions. If you specialise in particular cuisines or event types, mention these clearly - they help potential clients find you when searching for exactly what they need.

What to sort out before you start

Before setting up your profile, confirm that you meet the requirements for working as a self-employed chef or caterer in the United Kingdom. You will need to register as self-employed with HMRC and understand your tax obligations, including VAT if your turnover exceeds the threshold. You should also check what food safety and hygiene standards apply to your work - these vary depending on whether you cook in a commercial kitchen, your own kitchen, or at a client's location.

Liability insurance is highly recommended when working with clients' food and events. Check what insurance products are available for caterers and what level of cover suits your work. If you plan to work from home, confirm that your home insurance and any lease or mortgage terms allow a catering business to operate from that address.

Payment through Websta uses Stripe, which requires a UK bank account in your name. Set this up before you activate payments on your profile.

What to write in your first hour

Start by writing a short description of what you do. Aim for two or three sentences explaining your catering style, the types of events you handle, and what makes your service distinct. Mention any specialities - for example, whether you prepare vegan menus, cook for dietary restrictions, or specialise in a particular cuisine.

Add at least three services with clear descriptions. For example: 'three-course meal for up to 20 guests', 'cocktail catering with hot and cold dishes', or 'menu consultation and meal prep for private clients'. Include enough detail so customers understand what is involved.

Upload three to five photos of your best work. These can be plated dishes, a prepared table, or dishes in progress. Quality photos make a significant difference in how potential clients perceive your work.

Add your location or the areas you serve, your phone number or email, and set up a contact form or quote request system. This gives customers a way to reach you directly. If you offer fixed-price packages, you can enable online booking for those services.

Payment and managing your business

When a customer books or pays through your Websta profile, the payment goes to your own bank account via Stripe. You set your own prices for each service, and you keep the full amount (minus Stripe's processing fee). You are responsible for invoicing, managing your accounts, and paying tax on your earnings.

Keep records of all bookings and payments for your tax return. Websta does not issue invoices on your behalf, so you may want to send customers an invoice or receipt for their own records. Ensure you have a clear cancellation policy and communicate it to clients before they book.

Getting started on Websta

Create your profile by filling in your business details, location, and the services you offer. Use your real name or your trading name - whichever you use in your catering business. Add your best photos and write clear descriptions so people searching for caterers can understand what you do. Verify your bank account details and enable payments through Stripe so you can accept bookings.

Once your profile is live, keep it updated. Add new photos from recent events, refresh your service descriptions if your offerings change, and respond quickly to customer enquiries. A well-maintained profile attracts repeat business and recommendations.