New business on road after tasty idea

catering: Catherine Thomson has achieved her goal of a more balanced lifestyle with Tasty Tatties & Bites

Finding a good work/life balance coupled with a desire to offer healthy food options led Catherine Thomson, from Kirkcaldy, to launch Tasty Tatties & Bites.

Q What does your business do?

A I had a 1951 Citroen HY van converted into a baked potato kitchen. My aim is to promote healthy options for the public.

My speciality is baked potatoes with various fillings. I also do other potato dishes, home-made soup, cakes, biscuits, tea, coffee, juices and bottled water.

Q Why did you start in business?

A I had to give up my career to become a carer, and this gave me the opportunity to reassess my work life. I’ve always enjoyed cooking and thought I might as well capitalise on that and focus on providing healthy options.

The van added another dimension. Being quirky, I thought it may attract attention, and the bright yellow colour also helps.

Q How did you get where you are?

A I started the business in April. Over the summer I attended galas, Highland games and the Fife farmers’ markets.

Q Who has helped you?

A Business Gateway Fife gave me a lot of help in the early stages and continue to be a great resource.

My business adviser Shona Morrison listened to my business concept, advised on training, strategies and business planning, and was on the end of the phone to answer any questions I had.

Fife Council was also a great source of advice, with the food safety officer guiding and advising me on my journey.

My family’s support has been invaluable, and other vendors have freely offered advice too.

Q Your biggest mistake?

A At events, thinking people would always choose healthy options over deep-fried options. Also preparing too much food at the early events and being left with considerable waste.

Q Your greatest achievement?

A Being considered for large events like T in The Park. However, I thought it was too early for the business and wanted to trade at smaller events so I could learn from experience.

Q What do you hope to achieve?

A Continue to gain experience, build-up a positive reputation and provide a quality food service. I would also like to have a presence at lots of local events all year round and add a different perspective to all kinds of parties and weddings.

Q Do you want to recruit?

A Tasty Tatties & Bites is a small family business so I do not see myself recruiting in the future, but ‘never say never’.

Q What is the hardest thing about running your business?

A Getting bookings for events takes up a lot of administration time, and promoting the healthy options.

Q Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?

A All I would say is, if you have a vision or a dream, ‘go for it’.

Catherine Thomson with her Tasty Tatties & Bites van.