Gourmet delicatessen and grocery shop

Food-focused local shoppers, people buying gifts and hampers, and nearby cafes or households wanting something better than the supermarket.

You buy from wholesalers and producers and sell at a markup. Extra income can come from gift boxes, sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie platters, and tastings.

• Good food knowledge and a keen palate
• Buying and stock control
• Friendly customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Register your food business with your local council before you open, usually at least 28 days ahead (check with your council)
• Food hygiene and allergen rules, including labelling for any food you pack yourself, plus a food safety plan
• Public liability insurance, stock insurance and employers' liability insurance if you hire staff
• Shop lease terms, business rates and any reliefs you may qualify for
• Fresh stock such as cheese and cured meats can spoil, so order carefully
• If you want to sell alcohol, you will need a premises licence and a personal licence holder (check with your council)

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, shop fit-out, initial stock and insurance. Check the lease terms, business rates and any reliefs you may qualify for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on location, range and footfall. That is revenue before stock, rent and staff, and fresh items such as cheese and cured meats can spoil if you over-order.

Register your food business with your local council before you open, usually at least 28 days ahead, and check food hygiene and allergen rules. If you want to sell alcohol, you will need a premises licence and a personal licence holder, so check with your council.