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If, like us, you’re still waiting for your invitation to the Royal Wedding, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s still time to brush up on your fine dining etiquette before any other big day. Even if that invitation didn’t come through your door, our helpful hints for proper table manners will hopefully keep you on the right side of the royal family if an opportunity ever comes up. (image by Bright Side)

1. The invitation

For formal occasions, you will receive an invitation, which you should always reply to, even if only with a quick phone call. Your invitation should specify if “plus ones” or children are allowed, but it’s OK to check with the host if it’s not specified. Don’t just bring them and hope it’ll be OK. Do take a gift with you for the host or hostess, such as a bottle of wine, but don’t be offended if it’s not used during your meal. The host has probably set out their menu well in advance.

2. Getting started

For a rectangular table, the host or hostess takes the seat at the narrow end of the table, and if their partner or co-host is there, they take the opposite end. The guest of honour sits to the host’s right. The host may say grace, or offer some sort of religious blessing. If you’re not comfortable joining in, it’s good manners to sit silently and observe. Some hosts may raise a glass to toast a guest, which you should join in with. Clinking your glass with another guest’s is not necessary.

3. Napkins or serviettes

Always remove them from the table and place them on your lap. If you leave the table to use the bathroom, the napkin can be left on your chair. When your meal is finished, the napkin goes back on the table, on the left side of your plate.

4. Cutlery

Don’t pick up your cutlery until everyone has been served. If there’s more than one set of knives and forks, you start from the set on the outside, and work in, towards the plate. During the meal, if you need to stop eating temporarily, point your knife and fork into the centre of your plate, crossing over at the tines of the fork. When you’ve finished eating, the knife and fork sit parallel to each other, with the handles pointing to about 4 o’clock.

5. Passing dishes of food

It’s good manners to pass the serving bowl anti-clockwise, unless a person across the table has specifically asked for it. If you’re passing a loaf of bread, cut yourself a few slices (Ideally without touching the bread) which can be shared with the person on your left, before passing the loaf on. Your bread plate should be on your left.

6. The end of the meal

Once the meal is finished, what happens depends on your venue. At a restaurant or formal venue, there will be staff to take away plates. At somewhere more casual, it’s down to the host or hostess to clear away, although it’s fine for one or two of the guests to help. Traditionally, the signal that the meal is over is for the host or hostess to place their napkin on the table, stand, and suggest everyone leaves the table for coffee in another room.

7. After the event

While you should always thank your host or hostess as you leave, formal events call for a written thank you note, simply thanking them for the meal, and noting something you particularly enjoyed. This should be sent within a couple of days of the event.

There are plenty of other common sense rules, which are probably obvious, such as turning off your mobile phone before the meal begins, keeping elbows off the table, and not talking with food in your mouth.

Now you’re ready to sit down at even the finest restaurant and enjoy your meal like a true society maven. If you didn’t get your invitation to Harry and Meghan’s big day, we’re sure you’ll find somewhere to put your skills into action, and it could well be one of the many restaurants which Banksford supply!

Banksford’s A to Z of uniform

At Banksford, we think we stock one of the most comprehensive ranges of workwear uniforms, so
we’ve come up with a complete A to Z of our catalogue.

A – Aprons
Aprons are a key part of so many uniforms, and whatever you need an apron for, you can be sure
you’ll find a suitable apron at Banksford. Full aprons, cotton aprons, waist aprons, and even
tabards, all of which are designed specifically to put up with the demands of a hard working
professional environment.
B – Branding
Your brand is something which is unique and individual to you, so why not take the opportunity to
keep it on show by branding your uniforms? Banksford’s personalisation services can introduce you
to new ways to get your brand in front of the people who matter.
C – Clogs
Chefs are on their feet for hours, and it’s crucial that their footwear is comfortable and protects from
kitchen hazards like spilled liquids, slippery floors and extremes of temperature. Banksford stock a
wide range of professional grade clogs and other chef shoes to keep catering staff safe and
protected.
D – Denim
It’s not just for jeans! This tough cotton fabric makes it ideal for jobs where uniform needs a little
more protection than a standard cotton or polycotton fabric. Check out Banksford’s denim aprons –
contemporary and rustic in appearance, with a little more safety for its wearer.
E – Embroidery
There are many ways to personalise your uniforms, but for longevity and durability, we don’t think
you’ll beat our embroidery services. Wash, iron and tumble dry it – embroidery gives you a clear,
crisp premium way of putting your branding onto your uniform pieces.
F – Fabric
There are so many different fabrics to choose from, and Banksford offer something to fit every
budget and requirement, from budget friendly polycottons to tough leather.
G – Gilet
A great way to take your inside uniform to the great outdoors, these sleeveless jackets, sometimes
called bodywarmers, are really easy to wear, and can be colour matched to the rest of your uniform.
H – Housekeeping
Working busily behind the scenes to keep your premises neat and tidy, modern housekeepers are
so much more than cleaners. That’s why Banksford have uniform choices specifically designed for
them, including tabards with practical pockets, and polo shirts to keep them cool and comfortable all
day.
I – Identity
Each business has its own unique identity, derived from your vision and values. If you’re looking for
a uniform to reflect this – maybe you want eco-friendly pieces, or a really bespoke look – Banksford
can help source key items to define your identity.
J – Jackets
If your staff work outside, they’ll thank you for a warm jacket as part of their uniform. Banksford
have smart fleece and soft shell jackets to keep them cosy, no matter what the weather has in store.
K – Kids
Kids love to be part of the team, so whether you’re looking for uniform for young members of staff,
or company branded items for little visitors, we’ve got plenty of options for youngsters. Aprons, polo
shirts, caps and many other items in our catalogue are available in child sizes.
L – Leather
Trusted for centuries, leather is one of the hardest wearing materials you’ll find at Banksford.
Leather aprons for the most extreme conditions, leather shoes and boots for kitchen staff, and
safety footwear for people working outside. Breathable, and easily waterproofed, leather items are a
high quality investment.
M – Modern
Image is everything, and that’s why Banksford moves with the times, stocking the latest items from
some of the industry’s top brands. Gone are the days of stuffy, starched hospitality uniforms in
monochrome colours. Say hello to contrasting colours, patterns and designs.
N – Natural
If you’re trying to keep your uniform choices as eco friendly as possible, Banksford can make that
happen. We stock a range of items made with natural fabrics like cotton and leather, and wherever
possible, we’ll source from Fairtrade suppliers.
O – Offers
Everyone loves a bargain, and because our stock moves so fast, we’ll occasionally have end of line
or out of season stock for sale at reduced prices. That’s on top of our already low prices on all items
we sell. Keep in touch with our social media Banksford Facebook and
Banksford Twitter for details on our latest offers.
P – Pockets
Who doesn’t use pockets? Particularly useful in the hospitality trade, they let your waiting staff stow
payment machines, notepads and pens safely, housekeeping staff keep their cleaning essentials to
hand at all times, and front of house staff keep phones, keys and tablets ready for action. Add
practical pockets to your uniform and you’ll never look back.
Q – Quality
You can be sure of great quality items and customer service when you buy from Banksford. Look at
our reviews from existing customers to see how happy they were with the Banksford experience
Banksford Reviews.
R – Retail
Retail workers need a uniform which is both practical and presentable, so take a look at some of the
smart options in Banksford’s extensive catalogue. Traditional shirts and blouses, smart trousers,
and ties and scarves to match your colour scheme are all available.
S – Screen printing
Looking for a quick and easy way to get your logo or message onto your uniform items? Screen
printing is a budget friendly way to do it. Ideal for those starting up, or looking for items for a one-off
special event, we use the latest technology to give you the crisp result you want.
T – Tie
An easy and affordable way to take your uniform up a notch, a classic tie from Banksford takes a
shirt from something casual to something more upmarket. Choose from a range of vibrant colours to
link ties to your colour schemes.
U – Unisex
Unisex outfits are becoming more popular each season, and Banksford stock uniform pieces which
look great on both men and women. Polo shirts, fleece jackets and sweatshirts are a great choice
for guys and girls.
V – VAT
You may not know it, but if you wear a uniform, the tax man might actually want to give you money.
Because Banksford do more than just sell you a uniform, our blog is full of useful information for
uniform wearers and purchasers – take a look at Tax Rebate on Uniforms.
W – Waterproof
Hot, steamy kitchens, al fresco dining, and the chill of a walk-in refrigerator – all of these scenarios
mean that your staff are going to encounter water. Be ready for it with waterproof options like shoes,
aprons and jackets from Banksford.
X – added eXtras
Sometimes small accessories can make or break a look, and Banksford offer the perfect
accompaniment to your uniform. We can provide the finishing touches to your uniform with our ties,
scarves and hats.
Y – Your logo
Banksford have been customising workwear since 2009, so we’ve got it down to a fine art. Choose
your items, select which of our methods of personalisation you’d like and send us your logo. We’ll
send you a full cost breakdown of what it would cost to add your logo to your uniform. Because we
do everything in house, we think it’ll be cheaper and easier than you think!
Z – Zandana
No, we didn’t make that word up. A zandana is something a chef wears on his head as an
alternative to the tall white hat, or the snugly fitting skull cap. You learn something new every day!

We hope you found our list very useful, Banksford are suppliers of uniforms and here to help you!

If your passion in life is food, you must have wondered about the possibility of turning your hobby into a business. Estimated to be worth £1billion per year by Ibis World, running a food outlet could prove to be lucrative if you get it right. This infographic reveals that only 40% of independent restaurants make it to the end of their first year, so you need to make sure you’ve covered all the bases.
There’s a lot to consider though, so at Banksford, we’ve put together a summary of the key things you’ll need to know.

Before you start
There are a lot of food outlets out there, so you need to make sure yours is going to cater (excuse the pun) for a need which exists. Perhaps you’re thinking of a specific type of food, or you’re directing your business at a particular audience? Check out the competition, get a feel for their style, prices and market. It may even help you identify a gap in their market. This preparation will help you to move on to the next step.

Writing your business plan
Your business plan is particularly important if you’re seeking financial backing from the bank, or looking for investors. Even if you’re not looking for start-up finance, it will help keep you focused in the early days of running your service.

It should cover:
1. A description of your catering service
2. The type and amount of space you need
3. A list of the equipment you need to have
4. Additional costs, such as insurance, phone and broadband
6. Your marketing strategy

One of the prime causes of catering business failure is lack of marketing knowledge, so don’t underestimate it. There are some excellent suggestions on this page.

To see a very comprehensive business plan example from a specialist catering provider, click here.

Choose a venue
If you’re working from home, this bit is already done. Make sure your equipment is up to scratch (more on that later), and you’re ready to go.
If it’s a commercial premises you’re looking for, it’s up to you to make sure it’s suitable. Don’t be lured in by a low rent – you’ll need to factor in utility costs, rates and any service charges. Think about how it could work for you. Does the layout seem appropriate? Is there enough storage?
If you’re running a restaurant where customers will be coming in, consider how many tables you canfit in, any access for disabled customers, toilet facilities and fire exits.
Commercial food outlets will have a classification, which may or may not need to be altered to fit the business you’re operating.

Common choices for food businesses are:
• A1 – Retail, including packaged food
• A3 – Cafés – but check the exact wording as there are restrictions
• A4 – Pubs or bars which will serve alcohol
• A5 – Hot food takeaways

Get registered
Now it starts to get official. Your next step is to complete the Food Business Registration form online, which has to be done at least 28 days before you begin operating. Registration is free, but must be done for every address where you’ll be preparing food.

Once you’re registered, it’s time to tackle your employment status. If it’s just you on your own, you’re going to be a sole trader, so head over to the gov.uk
website and set up as a sole trader. If you’re starting a business with employees, it’s slightly different, and you may trade as a limited company. Register here and pay the £12 set up fee.

Play by the rules
Your local council’s Environmental Health department are needed now, so get in touch with them and let them know your intentions. You’re probably aware of their role, their first job is to come and inspect your kitchen to ensure it meets their standards. They’ll be looking at things like proof of well maintained food preparation surfaces, facilities to keep chilled food at the correct temperature, and washing amenities. Working from home? You can also expect to be asked about hygiene risks from pets and visitors, and how your lighting and ventilation will cope with the demands of a commercial kitchen.

It would be a good idea to go over some of the laws regarding food preparation at this stage – if you
haven’t done so already. Have a look at the Food Standards Agency website for their guide to what you should know, and make sure you’re aware of the Food Safety Regulations.

Get qualified
Now you’ve put the basics in place, it’s time to get the qualification you must have if you’re going to be granted permission to run a catering business. Expect to pay about £100 per course, and allow a full working day. Courses are run by the Chartered Institute of Environmental
Health and the Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS). Without these qualifications, neither you nor your staff will be allowed to be involved in commercial food preparation, so make sure that everyone in your business is working within the law and has their certification.

Get stocked up
Obviously, you’ll be looking to purchase ingredients on a fairly regular basis, but don’t forget things like fire extinguishers, safety signs and stationery.
When you accept any delivery of food for commercial use, it’s not like signing for a parcel at home. Every delivery must be logged, with a note of the supplier, the date of the delivery and what was in the delivery. In the unfortunate event that someone is unwell as a result of your food, you will then have the means to trace back the ingredients or supplier that might have been at fault. It’s all about accountability.

With the legal requirements covered, you can shop for the equipment you identified in your business plan. If you’re working from home, you’ll probably have a lot of the equipment already. If not – or if you’re expanding your home setup – you’ll want the kit to cope with demand. Cookware, utensils and consumables should be on the list, along with the right chef wear. It’s really important to have the right uniform for your business, not only to keep you safe but to help you get into work mode.

In conclusion
The best businesses are those which come from the heart, so if your heart is set on entering the world of catering, why wait? Work through our printable checklist, and join Banksford’s existing customers in the world of catering and hospitality.

1) I’ve registered as a food business with my local council
2) I’ve decided whether I’m a limited company or sole trader
3) An environmental health officer has visited my premises and I have followed up their
recommendations
4) I’ve studied the laws around commercial food businesses
5) Everyone working in my business has completed food safety qualifications to level two or above
6) I’m ready to record all information about my suppliers and deliveries
7) Required firefighting equipment has been installed
8) I’ve ordered my catering uniforms from Banksford

It’s not just an astonishing range of colours and styles on offer here at Banksford. We’re also proud
to offer aprons in a large selection of tried-and-tested fabrics. Whether your first concern is budget,
origin or durability, there really is a fabric to match your requirements. Let’s take a quick look at
some of the most popular choices we have for our customers.

100% Polyester
Polyester has had a bit of a hard time in the past, and became associated with sweaty and
uncomfortable clothing. Anyone for a 1970s polyester suit? These days, polyester has evolved. It’s
still a man made fabric, which is essentially made from woven plastic thread rather than cotton, but
it’s developed some enviable qualities. Not only does it top the charts for durability, it resists
stretching and shrinking, and resists wrinkles with ease. Being an entirely man made material, it’s
been engineered to be strong and lightweight, easy to wash, and dries quickly. If you’re looking for
a practical and hard wearing choice, polyester might pleasantly surprise you.

100% cotton
The traditional choice for hundreds of years, a 100% cotton apron is still spotted on butchers,
bakers, and maybe even candlestick makers. Cotton is a natural product, from a plant lovingly
grown and harvested before being spun into thread. You pay a little extra for the TLC it gets, but we
love its natural appearance and feel, and it’s a great choice for keeping staff cool in a hot
environment. Reassuringly heavyweight cotton is a breathable, absorbent fabric which can handle
spills and abrasions with ease. If it does get messy, it can be washed in either a domestic or
industrial laundry, at temperatures around 60oC, and will come up nicely after tumble drying and
ironing. As with all natural woven fabrics, there may be some shrinking after the first wash, but this is
a quality garment which should last you a long time if properly cared for.

Fairtrade cotton
The fair trade movement has been around for some time. It ensures that the people who bring the
raw material to the market receive a fair wage for their hard work. Sadly, cotton is an easily exploited
trade, with some workers receiving as little as 5p per hour, and exposed to harsh, unregulated
chemicals. Buying fairtrade cotton protects workers from low wages, and the dangerous pesticides
used by some industrial growers. There is a slight price difference, but a few extra pennies from you
makes a world of difference to the people who need it most. By buying fairtrade cotton, you’re
ensuring that farmers receive a fair wage, and can afford healthcare and eduction for their families.

Poly-Cotton mix
Offering the best of both worlds, polycotton is fabric woven from both polyester and cotton threads.
The ratio of the blend varies from item to item, so can be anything from 50:50 to 20:80. You retain
most of the breathability of cotton, but gain a slice of the longer life and lower price of polyester. It
can be dyed into a rainbow of colours, so there’s sure to be a match for your organisation available.
Durability is very good – it’s more tear resistant than cotton, and can be engineered to look like
other fabrics, such as canvas, so you’d never know you were looking at a partially man-made
material.

Klopman fabric
Nobody knows the industrial fabric world like Klopman, and they’ve made it their business to
provide fabric solutions which stand up to the most demanding work day. Focusing on the principles
of comfort, image and durability, these engineered fabrics are behind the best selling workwear in
Europe. Lightweight, extremely strong and incredibly hardwearing, our Klopman polycotton blend,
Superbandmaster, is crease resistant and suitable for industrial laundry. A premium product like this does naturally come with a premium price tag, but Klopman’s reputation is well deserved.

You may already have made your mind up, or you may want to speak to us for further advice about
the best option for you. The great thing about buying from Banksford is not just our extensive stock
selections, but the fact that we know each item inside out. Whichever option you choose,
you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re looking for branded uniform or catering uniform then we can guide you through our easy ordering process. Our friendly and personal approach to quotes mean you always have contact with an account manager who you can speak to or email at any point during the process. Alternatively if you prefer a more automated process then you can order all your uniform online and we’ll only contact you to confirm your design and let your know your order has been dispatched.

Getting a quote

We recommend that if you are ordering less than 10 products it is simpler and quicker to order online instead of going through our quote form. The quote form is designed to get as much information as
possible from you to us in a simple way so that we can cost your potential order and give you an idea of timescale. We are also able to tell you if we can meet any urgent deadlines you may have. Once you’ve completed the quote form and uploaded your logo your information is delivered to one of our experienced sales advisors. We try to respond to all quotes within 3-4 hours, but it can take up to 24 depending on when you submit your quote and the complexity of your order.

Your quote will be emailed to you with a full price breakdown and estimated turnaround times. At this point we leave the quote with you and wait for your decision.

Progressing your order

If you are happy with the quote then simply email or call us and we’ll get the ball rolling. The first step is to ensure that we have the best quality artwork files. Once we have received these we will provide you with a digital proof of your order and an invoice. In general all orders must be paid for before production, but we do have account facilities for some clients. Please call us for more information on
eligibility for this.

The proof we supply to you can be amended if you are not happy with it. We want to provide you with clothing that you are happy with, which is why the proofing stage is vital. Once everyone is happy with the proof we move to production.

All our garments are personalised in house so that we can ensure the quality of your order. We will give you a guide of when your order will be dispatched and supply you with full tracking information from our couriers.

Reorders

Once your order is complete we keep all your design information on file so it’s simple to reorder at any point in the future.