Indian grocery shop

Local families from the South Asian community, home cooks, students and anyone looking for authentic ingredients they cannot find in big supermarkets.

You buy from wholesalers and importers and sell at a mark-up. Profit comes from steady weekly shopping, bulk sacks of rice and flour, and higher-margin items like spices and snacks.

• Knowing Indian ingredients and what customers ask for
• Stock control and buying
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• You must register your food business with your local council, usually at least 28 days before you open. This is a registration rather than a licence, but it is needed before trading (check with your council)
• Check food hygiene, labelling and allergen rules for imported and loose products
• Check whether the premises have the right planning use for retail, and read any lease carefully
• If you want to sell alcohol, you will usually need a premises licence and a personal licence holder from your council. Check the rules for your nation, as Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England differ
• If you sell tobacco or other age-restricted goods, check the age-check rules and any retailer registration that applies where you are
• Fresh produce and frozen goods can go to waste, so start with a small range and watch your stock
• Public liability insurance and stock cover are worth checking, plus employer's liability once you hire

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the size and location of the premises, the shop fit-out and how much opening stock you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on your location, range, prices and customer base. The idea suggests at least 40 hours a week.

Check food business registration with your council, usually at least 28 days before opening. Also check food hygiene, labelling and allergen rules, planning use for retail, and any licensing for alcohol or tobacco. Rules differ across the UK nations.