How to register as a food business with your council

Ready to turn your culinary passion into a business?

One of the very first official steps you need to take is registering your business with your local council. It might sound like a bit of boring paperwork, but it’s a legal requirement for anyone handling, preparing, or selling food. The good news? It’s completely free and straightforward.

You must register any premises where you carry out food operations at least 28 days before you start trading. This includes your home, a mobile van, or a market stall.

Who needs to register?

If you're starting any kind of food business, this applies to you. The definition of a 'food business' is very broad. You'll need to register if you run (or plan to run) any of the following:

• Restaurants, cafes, or pubs serving food
• Food trucks, vans, or market stalls
• Catering businesses run from your own home
• Online businesses selling cakes, sweets, or other food items
• A B&B or guest house providing food
• Childminders providing food and drink

Essentially, if you're making or selling food for people to eat, you need to be on your council's list.

How to register: A step-by-step guide

Follow these simple steps to get your business officially registered.

1. Find your local council: The easiest way to do this is by using the GOV.UK local council finder. Just enter the postcode of the premises where your food is prepared or stored.
2. Locate the registration form: Once you're on your council's website, look for the 'Environmental Health' or 'Business' section. You should find a page for 'Food Business Registration'. Most councils now have a simple online form you can fill in directly.
3. Complete the form: You'll be asked for basic details about your business, including:
   • Your business name and address
   • The address of the premises being registered (this is your home address if you're a home-based business)
   • The name of the business owner or limited company
   • The type of food business you are running
   • The date you plan to start trading
4. Submit and you're done: Once you've submitted the form, that's it! You don't need to wait for a certificate to arrive. Your registration is considered active. You can legally start trading 28 days after you have submitted your application.

What happens next?

Registering your business lets the Environmental Health department know you exist. After you've opened, an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will likely visit your premises for a food hygiene inspection. This is a routine visit to check that you are operating safely.

Getting registered is the first key step. It lays the foundation for other important tasks like creating your food safety management system and getting the right training, which are all part of running a professional and safe food business.

Top Tip: If you have more than one premises, for example, two different market stalls or a prep kitchen and a separate cafe, you need to register each one with the relevant local council.

Getting registered is a simple but vital milestone. It makes your business official and shows your customers and the authorities that you are committed to high standards from day one. Tick this off your list, and you're one big step closer to launch!