How to Start a Business with Igneus Wood-Fired Ovens

Starting a business that revolves around Igneus wood fired ovens can be a rewarding and scalable venture. Whether you’re catering private events, setting up a mobile pizza van, or creating a garden based cookhouse, the versatility and theatre of fire cooking with Igneus ovens helps you stand out in a saturated food industry.

This guide walks you through every step from setup to service and explains why these ovens are a top tier tool for turning flame into fortune.

Why Igneus Is a Game Changer for Business

Igneus ovens are built for performance, visual appeal, and fire cooked flavour. From the compact Minimo to the commercial-grade Ceramiko Pro 1200, Igneus offers a range of ovens that meet the demands of both personal and professional chefs.

Efficient Cooking: Most Igneus ovens reach over 400°C in under 20 minutes, allowing you to serve fresh pizzas every 60–90 seconds.

Unique Selling Point: Fire-cooked food creates a sensory experience — flames, aroma, theatre — that customers remember.

Consistent Results: The refractory materials and dome shape ensure even heat retention and baking performance.

Flexibility: Roast meats, bake bread, sear veg, or create cast iron masterpieces — it’s not just for pizza.

Scalability: Start with a single oven and expand to a van, events crew, or permanent outdoor setup as demand grows.

Step 1: Define Your Business Model

Before diving in, consider which model suits your ambitions and resources:

Catering Business: Offer wood-fired menus for weddings, parties, or corporate events.
Pop-Up Stalls: Appear at local breweries, farmers’ markets, or festivals.
Mobile Pizza Van: Build a mobile rig or trailer fitted with an Igneus oven.
Garden-Based Trading: Use your home garden as a private hire or local delivery base.

Licensing Note (UK):
Register as a food business with your local authority at least 28 days before trading. You’ll need:

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

• Public Liability Insurance

• Street Trading Licence (if operating from public land)

Pro Tip: Contact your council’s Environmental Health Officer early — they’ll be key allies when setting up legally and safely.

Step 2: Create a Business Plan

A business plan helps secure funding, stay focused, and make smart decisions.

Executive Summary: Outline your fire-cooked concept — what makes you unique?
Market Analysis: Research competitors, local demand, and seasonal trends.
Menu and Services: Detail offerings — e.g. pizza, flatbreads, roast joints, and fire-cooked sides.
Marketing Strategy: Include platforms, local partnerships, and referral systems.
Financial Plan: Budget for oven costs (£400–£2,500), accessories, setup, insurance, licensing, ingredients, and fuel.

Pro Tip: Use gov.uk’s startup grants directory or contact your local Growth Hub for mobile trading support.

Step 3: Secure Equipment and Supplies

You’ll need more than just the oven. Here's your starter list:

Igneus Oven: Choose a model that fits your scale — Bambino for home use, Ceramiko Pro for mobile or events.
Accessories: Pizza peels, brushes, thermometers, cast iron cookware, heatproof gloves.
Fuel: Kiln-dried hardwood (oak, beech, ash) for optimal burn and temperature.
Serving Setup: Tables, insulated boxes, biodegradable packaging, food warmers.
Transport Gear: Trolley stands, tent or awning, mobile prep station, refrigeration.

Pro Tip: Consider a foldable rig for compact vehicle storage if going mobile.

Step 4: Obtain Permits, Licences, and Hygiene Training

To operate legally in the UK, ensure the following are in place:

• Food Business Registration: Through your local authority.

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 minimum): Required for all food handlers.

• Business Registration: Decide if you’re a sole trader or limited company.

• Event & Street Trading Licences: Vary by location; always check council requirements.

• Insurance: Public liability, product liability, and employer’s liability (if hiring staff).

Pro Tip: Use NCASS (Nationwide Caterers Association) for food safety support and documentation templates.

Step 5: Develop a Signature Menu

Your menu should reflect the rustic, flame-kissed identity of the brand — simple, bold, flavourful.

Core Dishes:

• Neapolitan-Style Pizza: Quick-fire and customisable.

• Fire-Roasted Veg or Halloumi: Easy, low-waste add-ons.

• Cast Iron Specials: Skillets of baked mac, meatballs, or breakfast hash.

• Wood-Fired Flatbreads: For festivals or large-volume catering.

Upsell Options:

• Sauce pots, dips, sides (slaw, garlic oil, chilli honey)

• Dessert Pizzas with Nutella, marshmallows, or local fruit

Pro Tip: Rotate weekly specials using seasonal produce to build customer loyalty and keep menus fresh.

Step 6: Market Your Business

Marketing is where you win customers before they taste a bite.

Social Media: Post content that shows the fire, dough slapping, behind-the-scenes prep, and finished dishes.
Local SEO: List your business on Google Maps, with reviews and images.
Website: Include menus, contact details, booking form, and gallery.
Collaborations: Link with local distilleries, markets, or lifestyle brands.
Loyalty Cards & Vouchers: Keep customers returning and gift-giving.

Pro Tip: Get a photographer friend to do a one-day shoot of your setup and food — content like that pays for itself tenfold.

Step 7: Deliver Exceptional Service

Great food gets them interested. Great service brings them back.

Engage with Customers: Share the story of your oven and ingredients.
Stay on Schedule: Especially for events — time is everything.
Stay Clean & Compliant: Food hygiene should be visible and active.
Encourage Reviews: Follow up with Google or Instagram review links.
Build Community: Remember names, reward loyalty, and take pride in the experience.

Pro Tip: A single well-handled 5-star review is better than any ad. Earn it — then show it.

Benefits of Starting a Business with Igneus

Reasonable Startup Costs: Entry-level ovens start at £1,299.00, with low overheads compared to restaurant setups.
High Margins: Pizza and fire-cooked dishes offer strong returns — often 60–75% gross margin.
Unique Experience: The visuals and smell of fire-cooked food create a lasting impression.
Scalability: Start solo. Grow into a team or a fleet.
Versatility: Igneus lets you cook more than pizza — unlock a whole fire-powered menu.

The numbers for a 10-12" pizza! (roughly as of 2025)

Ingredients cost £0.95-£1.35 per pizza.

Igneus at 400-450°C will cook a pizza in 60-90 seconds meaning around 40-50 pizzas an hour.

The average RRP of a pizza cooked like this is £10 depending on location and event.

Meaning 50 pizzas is roughly £440 profit before overheads

That initial investment will be paid off in no time!

Final Thoughts: Take the First Step

Whether you’re firing up from your back garden or planning to hit the festival circuit, an Igneus oven can be the start of something incredible. With a plan, a fireproof mindset, and the right equipment, you can build a business that nourishes your community — and your future.

Why not explore our [BWFFI Igneus Bundle ➝] — it’s got everything we recommend to get you started.

Let the flames do the talking. We'll back you with everything else.