Cost of Corporate Catering Services
across the UK

# Corporate Catering Services Trade Body Accreditation

The main regulatory bodies and accreditation schemes for corporate catering in the UK include the Catering Association, the British Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), and various local environmental health certifications. Many catering companies also hold Food Standards Agency (FSA) hygiene ratings, which are publicly available and legally required. Additionally, some providers pursue membership with the Association of Professional Caterers (APC) or gain certification through schemes like HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), which demonstrates they meet strict food safety protocols. Understanding which accreditations are held signals the level of professionalism and compliance you can expect, though it is important to note that not all reputable caterers hold formal trade body membership, particularly smaller, specialist operators.

To verify a provider's credentials, you should ask for evidence of their accreditation and check independent registers where these exist. The FSA hygiene rating is freely searchable online, and you can request copies of current food safety certificates, insurance documents, and any relevant membership credentials. It is worth asking how long they have held their accreditations and whether they have undergone recent inspections or audits. Cross-referencing these details with official trade body websites ensures the credentials are genuine and current. This verification matters because accreditation demonstrates that a catering company has been independently assessed for food safety, hygiene, staff training, and business practices, reducing your risk of service failures, foodborne illness, or reputational damage.

Accredited corporate catering providers typically charge between 10 and 25 percent more than non-accredited competitors, reflecting the cost of maintaining compliance, insurance, and regular audits. While this premium may initially seem unnecessary, it generally represents genuine value when you consider that accredited providers have passed rigorous checks, carry appropriate liability insurance, maintain documented procedures, and