Cheese stall at local markets

Market shoppers, foodies, locals buying for weekend meals and people looking for gifts.

You buy from cheesemakers or wholesalers and sell by weight at a mark-up. Samples and bundles like cheeseboard packs can raise the average spend.

• Knowing and tasting cheese
• Friendly customer service
• Handling and cutting food safely
• Basic stock and cash management

• Register as a food business with your council, usually at least 28 days before you start trading
• Food hygiene training and a food safety plan (HACCP-style records) are expected, check what applies to you
• Temperature control for chilled stock, especially in summer
• Public liability insurance, which most markets ask to see
• Street trading licence or consent may be needed if you are not on an organised market, check with your council
• Allergen labelling rules for milk and other allergens

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on your stall, chilled display, scales and cutting equipment, opening stock, insurance and pitch fees.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,200 to £6,000, depending on how many markets you trade at, your range and your hours. The estimate starts from about 12 hours a week.

Check registering as a food business with your council, usually at least 28 days before trading, plus food hygiene training and food safety records. Also check chilled temperature control, public liability insurance, street trading consent, and allergen labelling rules.