How to start a food business

This workshop provides practical guidance to anyone who is considering starting a food-based business – whether it's a simple market stall, a mobile food van or a commercial café/restaurant.

Key topics covered include regulations and licences required to start your business, and how to comply with health and safety standards and local legislation. You will also be taken through how to work out the cost of setting up and running and how to conduct market research to test your business ideas.

Main topics covered

• the benefits and challenges of being your own boss
• types of food businesses and cost of setting up
• market research and pricing
• finding a suitable location
• low cost marketing strategies
• choosing packaging and minimising wastage
• licensing and regulations.