Rice cake and asian snack shop

Local Asian communities, students, food enthusiasts and shoppers buying gifts or festival treats.

Margin on goods bought wholesale and sold in-store. Gift boxes, festival specials and regular customers help keep takings steady.

• Sourcing and buying stock
• Stock control and keeping food fresh
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Register your food business with your local council before opening
• Check food hygiene, allergen and labelling rules for pre-packed foods, especially imported products
• Lease terms, rent, business rates and deposits, so get advice before signing
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability insurance if you hire staff
• Short shelf life of fresh products can lead to waste if you over-order
• Check whether your premises have the right planning use for a food shop

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the premises, shop fit-out, opening stock and deposits. Get advice on lease terms, rent and business rates before signing.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on location, range and footfall. Short shelf life of fresh products can lead to waste if you over-order, so plan stock carefully.

Check that you register your food business with your local council before opening. Also check food hygiene, allergen and labelling rules, especially for imported products, plus whether your premises have the right planning use and what insurance you need.