Courier Business talks to Steffie Arnold of Arnold’s Catering as the business moves into a new era with expanded premises in Dundee.
Q Why did you start your own business?
A I was about to start a course in entrepreneurship at Aberdeen University when a local kitchen unit in Newport came up for lease.
I made the tough decision to take on the lease and start my own catering business there and then.
Q What was your inspiration?
A I’ve always loved good food; going out to eat at restaurants and cafs, tasting new dishes and cooking for friends and family. So, from the start, it was an easy choice for me to begin in the catering sector.
As well as that, as long as I can remember, my mum has worked for herself and so I guess she was an inspiration.
Q What did you do before you started your catering business?
A At college I earned a diploma in social sciences.
I then went on to run my mum’s bed and breakfast. There were eight bedrooms and I pretty much ran it single-handedly for a couple of years.
I used to cook all the guests their breakfasts and started cooking evening meals for them where I would try out lots of new dishes to get their feedback.
Q What is your biggest achievement in the company?
A In the outside catering industry every event feels like an achievement. There is so much planning that goes on beforehand, and every venue and kitchen is different.
Q What difficulties have you come across in running your own business?
A Trying to fit in a social life! Apart from all of the corporate lunches on weekdays, most weekends are filled with parties, gatherings and weddings although it makes it easier being a part of my clients’ events and seeing them all enjoying themselves.
Also, peak times can be challenging, like in summer when we are catering for a different wedding most weekends; or in December when we travel all over, cooking Christmas dinners for our customers.
Q Describe what your business involves on a day-to-day basis.
A Usually a bit of everything,.
I normally start quite early, say 5 or 6am. I can start by making various lunches or preparing food for hot meals or buffets, delivering lunches, ordering stock, emailing clients, answering phones, filing, updating accounts.
The days go pretty fast and I enjoy what I do, so it makes it all worthwhile.
Q How did your business get to where it is?
A Mostly by word of mouth. Our clients speak about our food and service and recommend us.
Also, business Gateway have been a great help. An adviser came to meet me and we discussed all the different aspects of my business from marketing, gaining new contacts and the best way to go about expanding Arnold’s Catering.
It’s helped me to focus on the right parts of my business and move forward more positively.
Q How far has the business come?
A I would say the business has progressed quite far since it began five years ago.
We have just moved into a new kitchen unit in Dundee which is around five times the size of our original unit back in Newport, so it’s a very exciting time.
Q What are your business goals?
A I would love to keep on expanding and, hopefully, build a great team of staff and continue making our customers happy.
Q How important is it to keep your business local and family-run?
A I think it’s very important. Local businesses should all support each other. We use local suppliers where possible.
The business is run on a day-to-day basis by myself and my mum.
My dad, boyfriend and two younger brothers are often involved in the larger functions and can be relied on at the last minute in times of need.
Q Any advice for those wanting to start their own business?
A Stick to what you’re good at, stay motivated and be prepared to work hard.