When is it getting serious?

[Paulypaul]

I started beekeeping 18 months ago, and have a strong case of bee fever.

I currently have 16 colonies across 2 apiaries (garden and out apiaries).
I'm quite entrepreneurial, having previously run my own little consultancy. I now work full-time as a business consultant.

I can see the trajectory I'm on. I'm letting things grow organically, with the aim of building a significant side business. I've booked my wife in to do the local BKA beginners course - who says romance is dead? So, I potentially have some additional labour to hand.

I have a branded website, which I use to promote my bee products (honey and candles), locally.
Reulations state small-scale beekeeping is anything below 150 colonies.
At what size of operation will I be at when I need to start thinking about contacting Trading standards and food H&S?
I'm not there yet, I would like to be prepared for it.

 

[enrico]

I started beekeeping 18 months ago, and have a strong case of bee fever.

I currently have 16 colonies across 2 apiaries (garden and out apiaries).
I'm quite entrepreneurial, having previously run my own little consultancy. I now work full-time as a business consultant.

I can see the trajectory I'm on. I'm letting things grow organically, with the aim of building a significant side business. I've booked my wife in to do the local BKA beginners course - who says romance is dead? So, I potentially have some additional labour to hand.

I have a branded website, which I use to promote my bee products (honey and candles), locally.
Reulations state small-scale beekeeping is anything below 150 colonies.
At what size of operation will I be at when I need to start thinking about contacting Trading standards and food H&S?
I'm not there yet, I would like to be prepared for it.

I congratulate you at 18 months in with that many hives. You are far braver than I ever was. I have never reached the dizzy heights of making it a business so I cant answer your questions....just stand in awe that you are not a shivering wreck on the floor

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Reulations state small-scale beekeeping is anything below 150 colonies.

who decided that?

At what size of operation will I be at when I need to start thinking about contacting Trading standards and food H&S?

As you sell honey on a 'commercial' basis I would contact your local EH soonest to arrange a food/food preparation hygiene inspection and subsequent certificate. Once creep up towards 40+ colonies, get in touch with the Bee Farmer's Association, in fact, I'd start making enquiries now - with a sound business case and evidence of growth you should have no issues getting membership with all its benefits, and to be honest, with your aspirations the BBKA will be as much use to you as a chocolate teaspoon.

 

[sipa]

Join the Facebook group Small Scale Commercial Beekeepers. Lot's of commentary and advice from, and for, people on a similar trajectory to yourself.
This is run by Ben of Ben's Berkshire Bees, a sister company to our own.

 

[Newbeeneil]

who decided that?

As you sell honey on a 'commercial' basis I would contact your local EH soonest to arrange a food/food preparation hygiene inspection and subsequent certificate. Once creep up towards 40+ colonies, get in touch with the Bee Farmer's Association, in fact, I'd start making enquiries now - with a sound business case and evidence of growth you should have no issues getting membership with all its benefits, and to be honest, with your aspirations the BBKA will be as much use to you as a chocolate teaspoon.

I agree with JBM (Did I just write that? )
Speak to EH and get your paperwork sorted and it will be a breeze with your background.
I had a similar number of hives within a couple of years and now maintain nearly 100 after 9 years and have found the BFA useful for insurance, treatments and jars.
Good luck.
Edit,
I would say the biggest step is to a decent extraction and jarring facility, it’s a big commitment but necessary and makes everything flow much better

 

[SWEET]

My 2p - I'd concentrate on level of skill not hives, I've always thought 5 years min to become semi-decent and that is after 1000's hours graft (it's a complex business). After 5 years 50, after 10 - 100+ etc and bolt on all the extra skills needed.

You need to figure out what works for you, forget joining groups and watching YT vids (the bulk of which are useless) - look at EU and how they do things and speak to the bee folk out there (not the English ones). Try everything and test out what actually works (most the time).

Early on, think about kit/scaling up (long-term) - you can gather info and learn fast but you can't beat seasons under the hat and testing stuff.

Keep fit and strong.

PS. Swarming/Queens - needs a solid plan.

 

[ericbeaumont]

after 1000's hours graft

concentrate on level of skill not hives,

Very good advice, Sweet. The BFA suggest similar, to increase numbers in line with experience.

Experience is the main factor that will determine success, but logistics is the other: maintain commonality of equipment, find storage, set up a honey room, and be observant of security of the lot.