How To Start A Food Business In The UK

The UK’s food industry is one of the largest sectors contributing so much to the economy. With an annual net worth of £121 billion, it is understandable why people keep venturing into this lucrative space. It is also evident in the number of mobile food services around the UK. However, it is crucial to know how food businesses operate in the UK, with specific reference to elements authorities would require. So, if you’re starting a food business here, these essential tips will be useful.

Get in touch with a trading standards officer

A person who works as a trading standards officer basically protects consumers and businesses. Their core responsibilities include creating a trading environment devoid of safety issues and unfairness. Your main purpose for getting in touch with this expert is to learn more about consumer laws in the UK and how they influence your food business. Remember that it would be best to do this before commencing your food business. 

A trading standards officer can provide information on all the food product testing that may be required. It is worth noting that if your food business flouts a safety regulation, consumers will lodge complaints with the trading standards officers, who will, in turn, investigate them. Although they have no direct powers over your food business, they can restrict your activities by applying to the courts for injunctions. 

Understand the checks relevant to your sector

Did you know the UK has strict regulations on food movements across the border? You will discover that not everything is permissible under the laws regarding food and animal products. It will be beneficial to upgrade your knowledge of these vital checks with courses like ClearBorder online. Particularly when you intend to send food across the UK border, this training would come in handy in the future.

Apply for the environmental health and food hygiene certificates

Without certain certificates, your food businesses will not take off in the UK. As long as you plan on selling to consumers, the law requires that you apply for these legal documents. Some food entrepreneurs may want to avoid the high cost of renting or building a commercial kitchen. For this reason, they find it more cost-effective to use their personal kitchen. However, even in this scenario, you will still need to comply with strict hygiene requirements before the certificates are awarded.

Furthermore, you will have direct responsibility for your staff’s food hygiene training. In the UK, food handlers do not require a hygiene certificate. However, various Councils demand that the employer provide adequate food handling training, so keep this in min. As a yet-to-be-confirmed entrepreneur in the food business industry, you may want to cover this area before the inspectors come around.

Last but not least, take steps to identify your distributors and which channels would work best for your food business. It would be a good idea to study your competitors that have been successful in the field and learn from them.