Farm shop with a proper shop unit

Local households, people who drive out for quality food, and visitors in rural or tourist areas.

Retail sales of your own produce and bought-in local products. Many shops add a small cafe or seasonal events to bring people back.

• Retail and stock management
• Sourcing from local suppliers
• Food hygiene and handling
• Managing staff

• Planning permission and change of use, especially on agricultural land, so check with your council
• Food business registration with the council and an inspection, plus a food safety management system
• Business rates may apply, check whether any relief is available
• Stock waste on fresh and chilled items can eat into margins
• Public liability, product liability and employer's liability insurance if you hire

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £75,000, depending on whether you convert an existing barn or unit, how much fitting out and chilled equipment you need, and the stock you buy. These are estimates only.

Monthly revenue is typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on location, footfall, product range and opening hours. Stock waste on fresh and chilled items can eat into margins, so it is worth planning for.

Check with your council about planning permission and change of use, especially on agricultural land. Also check food business registration and inspection, whether business rates or relief apply, and which insurance you need, including employer's liability if you hire.