Local trade wine supplier with delivery
Buy wine in bulk and deliver it to pubs, restaurants and shops in your area on trade terms.
- £8k-30k
- Part-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
6,532 UK companies in this field, 25% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 46342 “Wholesale of wine, beer, spirits and other alcoholic beverages”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
You buy a curated range of wines from producers or other UK suppliers, store it in a small unit and deliver to local businesses. You focus on service, quick delivery and a range chosen to suit your area.
Your first three steps
- List the venues within an hour's drive and find out who supplies them and what they might be missing
- Agree trade accounts with a few suppliers and build a small, focused range with a tasting set for prospects
- Register for the alcohol wholesaler scheme with HMRC and arrange a secure, suitable storage space
Who pays
Local pubs, restaurants, cafes, delis, farm shops, hotels and event caterers.
How it makes money
You sell cases at trade prices above your buying cost. Regular weekly or monthly orders from a core group of customers build steady income.
Skills that help
- Selling and customer service
- Knowledge of wine styles and pricing
- Driving and lifting cases
- Stock control and invoicing
Watch out for
- Alcohol wholesalers generally need to register with HMRC under the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme, so check this first
- Check with your local council whether your storage or delivery set-up needs any licence or planning permission
- Public liability, stock and motor insurance for business use
- Customers on credit terms may pay late, so set clear payment terms
- Check VAT registration and duty rules for the stock you buy
- Lifting cases is physical work
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: local trade wine supplier with delivery
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a trade wine supply business?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on your unit, van, opening stock and insurance. Check VAT registration and duty rules for the stock you buy.
How much can a local wine supplier earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your range, area and number of trade customers. Customers on credit terms may pay late, so set clear payment terms.
What registrations should I check before supplying wine to businesses?
Check whether you need to register with HMRC under the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme first. Also ask your local council whether your storage or delivery set-up needs any licence or planning permission, and check public liability, stock and motor insurance for business use.
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