Neighbourhood off-licence shop

Local residents, people buying for dinners or gatherings, and passing trade from nearby streets or stations.

You buy from wholesalers or suppliers and sell at a mark-up. Extra income can come from gift sets, local craft products and convenience extras.

• Customer service
• Stock control and ordering
• Basic bookkeeping
• Knowing your products well enough to recommend them

• You will need a premises licence and a designated premises supervisor with a personal licence, check the process with your local council
• Licensing rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check the rules for your area
• Strict rules on age checks and refusing sales, so plan staff training and a clear policy
• Public liability and stock and theft insurance, and employer's liability once you hire
• Alcohol duty and VAT affect margins, and VAT registration is compulsory above the turnover threshold
• Rent, business rates and long opening hours can be costly, so check your numbers before signing a lease

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, your opening stock and how the shop is fitted out. Check your numbers, including rent and business rates, before signing a lease.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on location, opening hours and the range you stock. Alcohol duty and VAT affect margins, so work through your numbers carefully before you commit.

Check with your local council: you will need a premises licence and a designated premises supervisor with a personal licence. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Also check age-check rules, staff training and insurance.