Do You Really Need An Outside Events Caterer?

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If you are planning on hosting an event in a marquee or other outdoor location there are several things to consider. Decide on the venue, the size and contents of the event and the dates and times it will be open; whether admission will be free, by pre-sold tickets or by payment at the gate.

The next thing to consider is the risk assessment. Make a short written assessment of each of the attractions and/or activities that make up the event. Identify all the possible hazards that could occur. Remember any materials, structures or machinery on or around the site that might add risk to the event, such as ladders, water features, gas or other fuel containers, etc.

Start organising several months before the event, as far as possible as you can. This will give you time to carry out your risk assessments and obtain specialist advice where necessary. It will also allow time for the statutory authorities (ie, police, fire and ambulance services and local authority) and the voluntary organisations (ie, first aid societies, etc,) to make their arrangements, especially if they need to attend the event. This is important during the summer months when there may be several events taking place on the same day.

There are many things that you may want to organise personally yourself. However, if you can afford to leave one thing to the professionals, it's the outside event catering. Although, guidance notes and advice on all aspects of food hygiene at the event can be obtained from the appropriate local authority department, a professional outsourced caterer should be able to handle this for you.

Reputable caterers will have their own food hygiene certificate and other necessary paperwork such as insurance. They will be used to the red tape surrounding food standards. They will obviously guide you on other aspects of event organisation in addition to menus and types of food to offer. Is a hog roast what you're after or, would you like canapes to be circulated to your guests? However, they may also be able to assist you in other things such as the choice of venue, staff, cutlery, crockery and glasses. Some may be able to offer you some guidance on entertainment or, at the very least suggest recommendations from previous events they have provided outside catering for.

It is definitely worth asking your preferred outside events caterer to see what help, advice and assistance they can give. At the end of the day they are professionals at event scattering and their expertise and knowledge may be invaluable to you.

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For more information about outside events catering, speak to Gourmet Food on 01564 775268 or visit http://www.gourmetfood.co.uk/our-services/