Starting a new food business
The information provided here is to help if you are considering setting up a new food business or taking over an existing one. It is not meant to be a statement of the law.
When you start thinking about your food business, we can help with business planning, funding, employment, premises and tax issues.
Business Gateway Midlothian
To access dedicated support to help you start your business, get in touch with Business Gateway Midlothian.
Business Gateway Midlothian provides free business support to help you set up, develop and grow your business covering:
- Business planning
- Marketing
- Funding
- Finding premises
- Taking on staff
We can also connect you with partners to access specialised support.
Contact Business Gateway Midlothian
Check with your Planning and Building Standards Officers
If the place you have in mind has not been a food business before, contact our Development Management team for help with planning permission.
If you plan on doing work on the building, contact our Building Standards team about building regulations.
Environmental Health certificates
- Street trader selling food: Section 39 Certificate of Compliance
- Food business selling alcohol: Section 50 Certificate for Food Hygiene
Register your business
You must register your food business at least 28 days before you open.
Selling alcohol
If you plan on selling alcohol at your business, you will need a licence.