Popcorn shop or kiosk unit

Shoppers, families, tourists, cinema and leisure visitors, and people buying gifts or party supplies.

Walk-in sales by size and flavour, plus gift packs and bulk orders. Footfall and location drive takings, so a busy site matters.

• Running a small shop
• Cooking and product development
• Managing stock and costs
• Customer service and hiring help

• Lease terms, deposits and service charges, so take advice before signing
• Business rates, which may be reduced by relief schemes (check with your council)
• Register your food business with the council and expect hygiene inspections
• Planning permission or change of use for some premises, especially with cooking smells or extraction
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire staff
• Quiet seasons and high fixed costs, so keep a cash buffer

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on your premises, equipment and fit-out. These are estimates. Lease terms, deposits and service charges can add to the total, so take advice before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your location, footfall and gift or party orders. Quiet seasons and high fixed costs mean it helps to keep a cash buffer.

Check lease terms, deposits, service charges and business rates, plus any relief schemes with your council. Also check food business registration and inspections, planning or change of use for cooking smells, and insurance, including employer's liability if you hire staff.