Open an independent health food shop

Local shoppers with dietary needs, people who follow vegan or gluten-free diets, older customers and regulars looking for advice and a personal service.

You buy from wholesalers and suppliers and sell at a mark-up. Loose or refill products, own-label lines and a small café counter or deli can add to sales.

• Interest in food and nutrition
• Stock buying and cost control
• Friendly customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Register your food business with your local council before you start selling food, and check what hygiene rules apply to loose items
• Check the rules on health claims for supplements and food labelling, and avoid giving medical advice
• Check lease terms, business rates and any reliefs that may apply to small premises
• Public liability insurance, plus stock and contents cover
• Shelf life and stock waste on fresh and short-dated items

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises lease, shop fit-out and your opening stock. These are estimates, and it is worth checking lease terms, business rates and any reliefs that may apply.

Monthly revenue is typically around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on location, the range you stock and how many regular customers you build. These are estimates, and shelf life and waste on short-dated items can affect what you keep.

Register your food business with your local council before selling food, and check hygiene rules for loose items. Check the rules on health claims for supplements and food labelling, avoid giving medical advice, and arrange public liability, stock and contents insurance.