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Starting up a food business

 
If you are starting a new food business, or taking over an existing one, you must register it with the Council.

Find out more about registering your food premises.

Before registration

Before registration, we suggest that you discuss your plans with our team, as you need to ensure that the food you sell is safe and that you are complying with food hygiene law. 

We can then sort out any problems before you start trading. We are happy to visit premises, talk through your proposals, and advise on all aspects of food safety.

Food hygiene inspections

You will receive regular inspections from Environmental Health Officers. To find out what to expect when a member of the environmental health team inspects your premises, please follow the links on the left.

If you pass inspection you will be given a Food Hygiene Award certificate to display. Customers can also check your status on the Food Hygiene Awards database held on this website. 

Food premises register

All food premises are required by law to register with the local authority within whose area they are trading.

Registration is non-conditional and does not indicate any approval of the listed premises by the Council.

Standards of hygiene at catering premises within the Borough can be viewed on the Food Hygiene Awards Scheme page.

View the Food Premises Register.

Further information

Further information is available from the Food Standards Agency.

Their website 'Safer Food, Better Business’ is designed specifically for caterers.

They have also produced a booklet, Starting Up, giving advice on starting a new food business.

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