Slough Borough Council

Setting up a new food business

What you need to do before setting up a food business:

Plan ahead

Seek advice from your local food hygiene inspectors and organisations such as Business Link.

The publication "Success with a small food business – a guide to starting, developing and expanding your business" by  Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is very helpful.

Inspect the premises that you intend to use. Contact the planning department to check whether the premises’ category matches what you want to use the premises for. The main planning categories are A3 - resturants & cafes, A4 - pubs & bars, A5 - takeaways.  For all other queries contact our planning department on 01753 875837 or e-mail planning@slough.gov.uk

Use the self-audit/inspection guide to help you to decide if the premises are suitable for your needs or if major works are required. Carrying out an outline hazard analysis will help you decide if the facilities and equipment are suitable.

Obtain food safety and hygiene training for yourself as well as your staff. This is very important. If you do not know what the legal requirements are it could lead to costly mistakes. Basic food hygiene courses are available in many languages. Please request an up to date list of local trainers from us.

Register your food premises 28 days before you start food activities and at any occasion where the name of the business or owner changes.