Local ingredient supplier for food producers

Local bakeries, caterers, sauce and snack makers, and small manufacturers.

You buy in bulk at lower prices and sell at a mark-up, with delivery charges or minimum order values. Regular standing orders give steady income.

• Sales and account management
• Stock control and organising
• Driving and handling heavy goods

• Food businesses must register with the local council, and storing some products may need extra checks, so confirm with your council
• Check food hygiene, storage and traceability requirements, including allergen handling
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus goods in transit cover for deliveries
• Tied-up cash in stock, plus the risk of out-of-date products, so start with fast-moving lines
• Check the unit's permitted use and business rates before signing a lease
• Lifting and handling heavy sacks and pallets

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit, the stock you buy and your delivery setup. Cash is tied up in stock, so start with fast-moving lines to limit the risk of out-of-date products.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on how many food makers you supply and their order sizes. This is revenue before the cost of stock, rent, deliveries and other expenses.

Check with your council about food business registration and any extra checks for storing some products, plus food hygiene, storage, traceability and allergen handling. Also check insurance including goods in transit, and the unit's permitted use and business rates.