Richi Blues is a marinated meat specialist offering a bespoke catering service to Nottingham. Here they offer some top tips for hiring catering suppliers and share how Add to Event has helped them secure repeat clients!

What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?

For us to provide a comprehensive quote to a customer, ideally we need the event date, a brief explanation of the type of event they are hosting, the estimated number of guests, and potential venue, whether it's an indoor or outdoor event. From this, we can use our experience and expertise to put together a suitable service.

What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

You would ideally need to hire somebody with the experience and expertise to cater for your event no matter how big or small it is. Food hygiene is paramount, ask for their hygiene rating from their local council, 5 star is the best rating. Check their social media and their reviews. It's your event, you are hiring the caterer, the caterer should give you the confidence your event will run smoothly.

Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.

Richi Blues is a vision I had many years ago. As a chef I have worked in many restaurants and catering environments and I have always delivered a professional service. I worked hard to get where I am today but this is only the start, I fully intend to create a brand in which customers/clients are fully satisfied. The end game is having my own fixed location/restaurant and gaining customer satisfaction continuously.

Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?

I have had some great bookings from Add to Event but more importantly, I have had great positive customer feedback in which I am very proud of. I have picked up repeat clients from using the platform, the busiest one being Pendragon PLC. Starting off initially from a corporate party I then catered for the director's personal parties and crossing back over to corporate catering for businesses I had been recommended for. No matter how big or small your requests Add to Event will help you get the service you require and I for one always advice other caterers to use the platform.