Below we have compiled a list of links to help businesses check if they are operating legally and safely:
Starting up
- Alcohol registration scheme
Find out if you need to apply for approval to sell alcohol to another business - The Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS) - Business Companion: Quick guides
Guides on how and where you sell, weights and measures, food labelling, selling food and drink - Business rates
This is a local tax that is paid by the occupiers of all non-domestic/business property. - Gov.uk: Setting up a business
Advice on setting up a new Business, plans, loans, tax self employment etc - Gov.uk: Business plan templates
Download free business plan templates and find help and advice on how to write your business plan. - Gov.uk: Tools and guidance for businesses
Information on setting up, licensing, import/export tax and more - Licence checker
Check to see what licenses you may need for your business
Food Safety
- Food Standards Agency (FSA)
Information about the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), allergens, packaging & labelling, food recalls and more
Planning / Building Control
- Change of use
Usually you will need planning permission to change from one use class to another. There are exceptions where the legislation does allow some changes between uses. - Planning / building control advice
Find out if you need to get planning permission or building regulation approval for your proposed work.
Health and Safety
- Business Fire Safety
Information on legislation, advice and guidance from Cornwall Fire and rescue Service - Health and safety at work
How to control risks at work such as electrical, gas and fire safety and risk assessments - HSE: Fire advice
Most fires are preventable. Those responsible for workplaces and other buildings to which the public have access can avoid them by taking responsibility for and adopting the right behaviours and procedures. - HSE: Toilets in a workplace (employees only)
Information about having toilets in the workplace - Cornwall Council does not insist that food establishments provide customer toilets, this is up to the Food Business Operator
Funding
- BIG2 Funding
BIG2 is an investment programme for small and medium businesses in Cornwall - Funding opportunities
LEADER funding is available to local businesses, communities, farmers, foresters and land owners. Eligible applicants can apply for funding through Local Action Groups (LAGs). - Government start up loans
Apply for a government-backed Start Up Loan to start or grow your business. - More start up loans
With the help of a government-backed Start Up Loan and free business support. A great alternative for individuals looking for business loans to fund their start up
Other useful resources
- Business Companion: In depth guides
Including consumer contracts, prices and payment and more - Business Companion: Ban on surcharges guidance
Information about what you can and cannot charge for - Buy with Confidence scheme
Help your business stand out by showing customers you operate in a legal, honest and fair way - Business scams
How to spot and then avoid getting caught out by scams targeting businesses - Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
Information about training courses run by CIEH - Chartered Trading Standards Institute
Find advice and guidance on trader disputes, consumer helpline and general advice - Citizens Advice
Information on employee Rights, problems, discrimination and accidents at work - Companies House
Access company and officer information for free - Surcharges Guidance
Information, advice and changes - Temporary Event Notices (known as TENS)
Allow applicants to either extend the times licensed activities can be undertaken on a site or allow new licensed activities to be undertaken on a site on a temporary basis. - Underage Sales resources
Information and posters for the sale of age restricted goods
Further support
If you would like support on how to make sure your business complies with regulations, contact our friendly hub team:
- by phone on 0300 1234 212 (option 4)
- by email at businessadvice@cornwall.gov.uk or
- or online via our contact form
We'll look forward to answering questions and helping you overcome any regulatory challenges you may have.
