Cured ham and charcuterie shop

Local food lovers, gift buyers, nearby restaurants and cafés, and shoppers looking for something special for a party or the festive season.

You buy from producers or importers and sell at a mark-up, by weight, by the whole leg or as gift and platter boxes. Extras and tastings can add to the basket.

• Knowledge of cured meats and how to serve them
• Careful slicing and handling food safely
• Customer service and recommending products
• Basic stock control and buying

• Register your food business with your local council before trading, usually at least 28 days before opening (check locally)
• Food hygiene and a written food safety plan (HACCP-style), plus allergen labelling rules to check
• Cold chain and storage: whole hams and sliced meat need correct temperatures and shelf-life tracking
• If you import from the EU, check current customs, health certificate and import rules for meat products
• Public liability insurance and shop lease terms; stock can be costly and slow to sell, so start with a tight range

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, chilled equipment and opening stock. Stock can be costly and slow to sell, so it helps to start with a tight range.

Monthly revenue is typically around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on your location, your product range and how much you sell to restaurants, cafés and gift buyers. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check that you register your food business with your local council before trading, usually at least 28 days before opening. Also check food hygiene, a written food safety plan, allergen labelling, and current import rules if you buy from the EU.