Online butcher and meat boxes

Households who want quality meat delivered, plus some local caterers and small restaurants.

Sales of boxes and individual cuts, with repeat orders and subscriptions. Delivery charges or minimum order values help cover costs.

• Meat cutting and portioning
• Food safety and hygiene
• Online selling and photography
• Organising orders and deliveries

• Register your food business with your local council, and check whether your premises need approval for meat handling
• Keep the cold chain unbroken in transit, and check packaging and courier limits
• Distance selling rules apply to online sales, including labelling and allergen information, so check current guidance
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Delivery costs and spoiled orders can reduce margins
• Check home use rules if you consider preparing food at home, as most meat cutting needs suitable premises

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on your unit, equipment and packaging. Monthly revenue is estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on how many customers you reach and how you deliver.

Check that you register your food business with your local council and whether your premises need approval for meat handling. Also check labelling and allergen information for distance sales, cold chain packaging limits, insurance, and home use rules, as most meat cutting needs suitable premises.

Useful skills include meat cutting and portioning, food safety and hygiene, online selling and photography, and organising orders and deliveries. The estimate is at least around 20 hours a week. Delivery costs and spoiled orders can reduce margins.