Starting a new food business

Before you take on a new business it is worth checking that you have all the necessary planning and building regulation approvals for the premises to be used as a food business. Without these you will be unable to operate from your new premises.

We would encourage you to talk with an officer from the Environmental Health Service at an early stage to seek advice as to whether the premises are suitable for a food business, and to find out what you need to do to comply with the relevant legal requirements.

We are not only concerned with food safety, but also preventing accidents to staff and the public.

We will also consider what you need to do so as to prevent cooking smells or noise causing a nuisance to neighbouring properties.

Before you start trading you will need to register your food business with us.

Further information on setting up a food business is available from the Food Standards Agency.

You will also need to consider food hygiene training for your staff.