Why the Gold Licence™ Matters for Caterers

Clients place a tremendous amount of trust in caterers. Whether it is a wedding, a boardroom lunch or a community event, they expect safe food, professional service and reliable delivery. The Gold Licence™ Caterer’s Accreditation exists to give clients confidence and to support caterers who hold themselves to the highest standards of practice.

A symbol of quality

The Gold Licence™ is a recognised sign that a catering business meets the expectations of food safety, compliance and professionalism. Accredited caterers can display the Gold Licence™ logo and their licence number across promotional material. For clients, that logo is a clear signal that they are working with a business that has been independently assessed and approved.

Why it matters for caterers

In a competitive market, reputation is everything. The Gold Licence™ is a way for caterers to demonstrate commitment to quality and to stand out when clients are making decisions. It shows that a business operates responsibly and can be trusted to deliver. It is also a professional benchmark that aligns with best business practices, reinforcing that a caterer is organised, compliant, and well-managed.

What accreditation involves

The application process is designed to be thorough and practical. Caterers are asked to provide supporting evidence across key areas, including:

• Food safety practices and HACCP planning

• Proof of staff training and a designated Food Safety Supervisor

• Current public liability and workers’ compensation insurance

• Registration as a food premises and evidence of recent health inspections

• Details of industry experience and professional background

• Compliance documents, such as liquor licences or vehicle photographs, where relevant

This ensures that accredited caterers are operating at a standard that protects clients and the reputation of the wider industry.

Ongoing accountability

Accreditation is valid for one year. Caterers must reapply annually, ensuring that compliance is not a one-off but an ongoing commitment. This gives clients confidence that standards are being actively maintained and offers caterers a reason to review their business practices regularly.

Why it matters for clients

For the public, choosing a Gold Licence™ caterer takes away uncertainty. It provides reassurance that their event is in safe hands, that food will be handled correctly, and that the caterer is properly insured and compliant. For corporate clients, it can also meet procurement requirements, reducing risk and giving peace of mind.

The bottom line

The Gold Licence™ Caterer’s Accreditation is about trust, professionalism and accountability. It helps caterers demonstrate their commitment to quality, and it enables clients to make informed choices. By supporting and promoting this accreditation, the industry reinforces its commitment to excellence and safeguards its reputation.

A full list of accredited caterers is available on the R&CA website.