Resources hub

Everything you need to thrive

Explore our resources hub for everything you may need to manage a community food enterprise in the UK. From setting up on the Open Food Network platform to marketing advice and more – we’ve got you covered!

To get started, just scroll down for some highlights or use the navigation menu and search bar above to find what you are looking for.

 

Case studies

Be inspired by other food enterprises using the Open Food Network platform.

Public Procurement

The Open Food Network has been working with local authorities to procure locally sourced food from growers in their area. 

Learn more about features

in the Open Food Network user guide
Read more

Marketing tips & resources

Comprehensive marketing advice for community food enterprises.

How to build amazing customer relationships

Blog post: read now

Webinar and slides: watch now

Viewing time: 27 min

Simple ways to design & schedule social media posts for free

Blog post: read now

A 3 step guide to improve your social media marketing

Blog post: read now

How to immediately improve your food enterprise’s email marketing

Blog post: read now

Getting started on OFN

Open my Shop

Legal & regulation

The legal responsibilities of your community food enterprise and how to find help.

Food standards

Food labeling, allergens and legal requirements for food retailers.

read more…

Alcohol licencing

Licencing law and regulations around selling alcohol.

read more…

Business models

Eight Food Hubs on the OFN UK platform explain more about their business models.

View the playlist here.

Food equality

How community food enterprises work towards food equality.

read more…

Hints & tips

in the Open Food Network user guide
read more

Finance & accounting

From day-to-day book keeping to how to raise funds for your community food enterprise.

Crowdfunding

Advice and expert tips for hosting a crowdfunding campaign from Crowdfunder.co.uk in partnership with OFN.

read more…

VAT

More advice on handling VAT for food enterprises coming soon. In the meantime this document may be helpful.

Managing Stripe & payment methods

Webinar and slides: watch now

Viewing time: 23 min

Accounting

Blog post: read now

Webinar and slides: watch now 

Viewing time: 56 min