Thinking of opening a farm shop?

With supermarkets currently often having gaps in their fresh produce, is it the right time to grow your own and open a farm shop? Before clearing out that barn and bringing in the builders, there are things you will need to consider.

Considerations

1. Are you a tenant farmer? If so, check your lease. Consent from the Landlord may be required.
2. Do you need planning consent? Even if you are using an existing building you may need consent, and if required and granted, make sure you carefully consider any planning conditions attached to it. Signage may also be require consent depending on size and type.
3. Do you need sign off from Building Control? Most construction work, whether on an existing building or a new build, will require a degree of Building Regulation compliance.
4. Are you employing staff? Speak to our Employment team for advice on all matters including drafting contracts and advising on policies.
5. Have you reviewed your business structure? We can advise on the most tax-efficient trading structure for the new venture and deal with the set up.
6. Do you need additional finance? We’ll work with your finance adviser to advise on options and security.
7. Speak to a specialist to ensure you have everything covered including premises, goods, employers and public liability insurance.
8. Regulatory Compliance. Health and safety, fire safety, food safety – a breach of any applicable regulations could close your shop down. Make sure you are compliant.

How can we help

The advice is to have an experienced professional team on board from the very beginning of your diversification project.

At Butcher & Barlow we have a team of specialists that can assist with the legal aspects of farm diversification or any rural business related matters. You can contact our Agriculture and Rural Affair team on 01606 334 309 or email agriculture@butcher-barlow.co.uk

 

This article was first published in the May edition of the Farmart magazine.