Coffee roastery supplying cafés and shops

Independent cafés, restaurants, delis, farm shops, offices and some direct customers.

Wholesale sales of beans by the kilo on regular orders, plus higher-margin retail bags. Extra income can come from lending or servicing equipment and offering barista training.

• Roasting and tasting
• Selling to businesses
• Production planning and stock control
• Reliable delivery and customer service

• Register as a food business with your local council and check hygiene requirements for the unit
• Commercial roasters need ventilation and afterburners or filters; check emissions, smell and planning rules with your council
• Fire safety and insurance, including public and product liability and cover for stock and equipment
• Cafés often expect credit terms, so watch cash flow and late payments
• Green bean prices can change, so check whether you can adjust your own prices
• Employer's liability insurance is needed once you hire

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £25,000 to £100,000, depending on the unit you rent and the commercial roaster and equipment you buy. Green bean prices can change, so check whether you can adjust yours.

Check you register as a food business with your council and hygiene requirements for the unit. Also check emissions, smell and planning rules, fire safety, insurance including product liability, and employer's liability insurance once you hire.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how many cafés, delis and offices you supply. That is revenue, not profit. Cafés often expect credit terms, so watch cash flow.