Self-Serve dessert and sweet bar

Families, teenagers, shoppers and visitors, plus local people ordering boxes for parties and gifts.

Customers pay by weight or by box size, with extra income from gift boxes, party orders and seasonal treats.

• Retail and customer service
• Stock buying and cost control
• Food hygiene and allergen awareness
• Display and merchandising

• Food business registration with your local council, and a food hygiene inspection (check what applies to you)
• Self-service food needs good hygiene controls, such as scoops, covers and clear allergen information
• Lease terms, rent, business rates and any planning use class for the premises (check with the council)
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability insurance if you hire staff
• Sales can be seasonal and stock may go out of date, so order carefully

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises, the shop fit-out, display equipment and your opening stock. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own unit and lease terms before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on location, footfall, opening hours and whether you take party and event bookings. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for stock, rent and wages. Sales can be seasonal.

Check food business registration with your local council and what a food hygiene inspection involves. Self-service food needs good hygiene controls, such as scoops, covers and clear allergen information. Also check lease terms, business rates, planning use class and insurance.