Information for new businesses

If you're planning to set up a food business, there are lots of things you need to think about.

Here's a list of things you need to do before you can trade as a food business:

• contact our Planning team to see if planning permission is required
• For mobile units seek permission from the owner of where the unit will be located; in most cases this will also involve contacting the Highways Department at Derbyshire County Council
• get in touch if you would like an advisory visit from one of our officers - we will be able to offer advice on what is required to comply with food safety and health and safety laws
• register your business by printing the form at the bottom of this page and returning it to us - the form must be completed and returned no more than 28 days before your business is due to open, contact us if you need us to send you a form through the post 
• get a 'Safer Foods Better Business' pack from the Food Standards Agency - several versions are available including catering and retail versions and various foreign languages - the Food Standards Agency will be able be able to advise on which pack you need
• contact the Trading Standards Department at Derbyshire County Council for advice on any labelling issues which may be relevant to your business
• contact our Licensing team if you are likely to be serving food after 11pm as you may need a special licence.