Start a neighbourhood kosher grocery shop

Local Jewish households who shop regularly, plus others who want kosher products or specialist foods.

You buy from kosher wholesalers and suppliers and sell at a mark-up. Sales are often busiest before Shabbat and Jewish festivals, so careful stock planning matters.

• Understanding kosher requirements and certification
• Stock buying and cash flow management
• Friendly customer service
• Knowledge of the local community

• Register as a food business with your local council before opening, and check how far ahead you must do this
• Check which products and services need supervision from a recognised kosher authority, especially fresh meat, deli or baked goods
• Alcohol, including kosher wine, needs a premises licence and a personal licence holder, so check with your council
• Allergen labelling and food hygiene rules for any food you pack or prepare yourself
• Opening hours around Shabbat and festivals, and heavy seasonal peaks that can strain cash flow and stock
• Public liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire staff

Startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £100,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and how much opening stock you buy. These are estimates, so get your own quotes before committing to a lease or supplier.

Monthly revenue is typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on location, range and the size of your local community. That figure is revenue, not profit, so allow for stock, rent and wages. Expect to work at least 40 hours a week.

Check how far ahead you must register as a food business with your local council. Also check which products, such as fresh meat, deli or baked goods, need kosher supervision, and whether selling alcohol needs a premises licence and personal licence holder.