Independent nut and dried fruit shop

Local shoppers, bakers, health-food fans, gift buyers and sometimes nearby cafes or offices.

Sales by weight and in bags at a mark-up on wholesale prices, with extra from gift sets, custom mixes and regular customers.

• Retail and customer service
• Stock buying and managing shelf life
• Basic bookkeeping
• Food hygiene awareness

• Register as a food business with your local council, usually well before opening
• Check lease terms, business rates and whether the premises need planning permission or change of use
• Allergen rules matter a lot with nuts, check labelling and cross-contamination requirements for loose and pre-packed food
• Scales used for selling by weight need to be suitable for trade, check with Trading Standards
• Public liability and stock and contents insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire staff
• Fixed costs like rent are payable in slow months, so test demand with a stall first if you can

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and opening stock. Fixed costs like rent are payable in slow months, so test demand with a stall first if you can.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £16,000, depending on location, footfall and your product range. This is revenue before rent, stock, business rates and staff costs.

Check how to register as a food business with your council, usually well before opening. Also check lease terms, business rates, planning or change of use, allergen labelling for loose and pre-packed food, and trade-use scales with Trading Standards.