If you are taking over an existing business or are planning to start a new one, there are a few things you need to know.

It is important to get things right from the start. On this page you will find information, advice guides to download and links (underlined) to other web pages and websites.

Planning Consent: If you open a business that does not have the right planning consent you may face legal action.  To check if your premises has planning consent contact the Council’s Planning Services. For further information on classes of premises under the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 follow the link 'Planning portal'.

Business Laws, Finance and Support

Before you start trading you must decide what type of business you are setting up, a sole trader, partnership or limited company. For more information about business types follow the link ‘Business Link’.

Whatever your type of business you must be registered with HM Revenue and Customs. If you employ other people you are responsible for employees tax and national insurance contributions and these must also be registered. For more information follow the link ‘HM Revenue and Customs’.

The Council provides help and support to businesses in Middlesbrough. For information on business support go to Business support.

Licensing Laws: If you want to trade after 11pm or if you want to sell alcohol at any time you must have a license.  If you are mobile trader and would like to trade in the centre of Middlesbrough you may need a street consent for this. For information on licensing laws contact the Council's Licensing Team on (01642) 728011.

Registration of Food Premises: Registration is a legal requirement. It is free and simple and must be made at least 28 days before the date you intend to start trading.

Food Safety Management and Training: Good premises need good management and many use 'Safer Food Better Business' as their written food safety management system. It is a practical approach to food safety management developed by the Food Standards Agency.

Hygiene Standards for all Food Businesses:  Food hygiene laws are not simply a list of rules. They are intended to let food business operators assess the risks to food safety in their business and apply controls that are relevant to those risks.

Food Hygiene Awards This scheme provides a source of public information, helping consumers to consider hygiene standards before they eat or buy food. The scheme also acts as an incentive for food businesses to improve and maintain good hygiene standards.

Food4Health Healthy Eating Awards  This is a voluntary scheme  for food businesses in Middlesbrough. The awards recognise and reward the contribution made by businesses to help their customers eat healthier foods and make more informed food choices.  

Food Safety Advice We provide a variety of advice and guidance on our web pages including videos, useful links and documents to download.

Managing Waste: Handling, storing and disposing of waste from your business needs careful management. Not looking after your waste properly can cause nuisance, eye-sores and public health risks. There are legal requirements which you must follow. Here you will find information about managing your waste, including recycling.

Pest Prevention and Control: Pests such as mice, rats and cockroaches have the potential to carry and spread disease and cause nuisance and damage. Effective prevention of pest activity and prompt control if pests are found is essential in all workplaces, especially food premises.

Managing Workplace Health and Safety:  All workplaces must be safe for employees and visitors.  Follow the link for information and advice on assessing risks, developing safe working practices and making your workplace a safe environment. Information can also be obtained by following the 'Health & Safety Executive' link. Here you will find a useful 10-point start up plan.  

Workplace Fire Safety: Commercial fires claim around 20 lives, injure 1400 people and cost businesses over £3 billion every year. By ensuring you comply with legislation and following some common-sense guidelines you can help to reduce the risk of fire and protect your business. Follow the Fire Safety or Cleveland Fire Brigade links for more information.

Smokefree Laws: All enclosed and substantially enclosed (more than 50%) workplaces and public spaces must be smoke-free by law. Approved no-smoking signage must be displayed at entrances and you must ensure that people do not smoke in your premises. For further information follow the 'Smoke-free' link.

Trading Standards Laws: If you are selling goods or services, you must comply with trading standards laws. These including protecting consumers from unsafe goods, misleading or false descriptions, counterfeit products, pricing, under-age sales and weights and measures.