Specialist ham and cured meat shop

Local shoppers, food lovers, people buying for gifts and family meals, and nearby cafes or pubs that want good quality ham.

You buy from producers or wholesalers and sell at a mark-up, by weight or whole joint. Sliced to order, gift boxes and deli add-ons help lift the value of each sale.

• Knowledge of hams and cured meats
• Safe food handling and slicing
• Customer service and recommending products
• Stock buying and cost control

• Register your food business with your local council well before opening, as this is usually required
• Food hygiene and a food safety management system (check Food Standards Agency guidance, or Food Standards Scotland)
• Allergen labelling and rules for pre-packed and loose products, check what applies to you
• Cold storage costs and waste, as cured meats and sliced stock have limited shelf lives
• Lease terms, business rates and shop fit-out costs
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability insurance once you hire staff

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, cold storage and opening stock. These are estimates, so also check lease terms, business rates and shop fit-out costs.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on location, range and customer numbers. Cold storage costs and waste can reduce what you keep, as cured meats and sliced stock have limited shelf lives.

Check food business registration with your local council well before opening, and food hygiene and food safety management guidance from the Food Standards Agency or Food Standards Scotland. Also check allergen labelling rules and your insurance cover.