Starting a new food business

The main purpose of the registration process is to let the council know where premises are and what type of business is being operated. In this way, we can ensure that every premise receives an inspection and resources can be allocated and targeted in the appropriate areas.

If you own, have taken over or intend to start a new food business within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, you are required legally to register your business with us at least 28 days before taking ownership or opening. If you have more than one premises at different addresses, you will need to register all of them. For mobile food business such as a takeaway van you need to register with the council where your vehicle is stored overnight.

Registration is free of charge.  We will check that the registration form is properly completed and enter the details on to our database. The registration form is a public document and available to view. 

Please note that if the business is being operated by a Limited Company you must record the name of the company as the food business operator on the registration form. 

Once you have registered, you must notify us in the future if there is a change in ownership or a change in the nature of the business.

Registration may be applied for by using this Registering a food business website.

Before you may need to carry out some checks:

• Check with the Planning Team to ensure you have appropriate planning permission for your intended business. 
• Check with Building Control if you need to carry out any construction work or alterations to find out whether you need building regulation consent.
• Check with the Licensing Team if you plan to sell alcohol, trade after 11pm and/or operate a mobile food business which trades on any street within the borough.
• Check with the Waste Management Team as you may need to arrange for a trade waste contract for the disposal of the waste generated by your business.

Following registration, you will receive your first food inspection. In the main, an appointment is not made as officer’s assess compliance at the time of the visit. Businesses that serve the final consumer will receive a Food Hygiene Scheme Rating (FHRS) showing their compliance with food safety requirements. 

Certain more complex food businesses must be approved to produce, process and sell foods of animal origin to other businesses. 

These products include meat products, minced meat and meat preparations (such as sausages), milk and dairy products, fish and fish products and egg products. Generally these products must display a health mark.  

Premises requiring approval are obligated to comply with different legislation. If you need to be approved, you do not have to register as well.  An approval application form can be completed on line.