The UK food service industry is at breaking point. Since Covid, it’s been one shock after another: lockdowns, the war in Ukraine, spiralling energy bills, supply chain chaos, and the cost-of-living crisis. Every week, more food businesses close for good. On top of this, government policy changes and budget uncertainty continue to keep businesses on edge. Customers have less to spend and are more careful with every penny, while competition is tougher than ever.
In these challenging economic times, the old ways aren’t working. Relying on passing trade, good reviews, or even great food isn’t enough. If you want your business to survive and attract new customers in 2026, you need to stand out—and know how to get noticed. This post explains how to give your food service business a competitive advantage.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Table of Contents
Why Are So Many UK Food Service Businesses Invisible?
According to Forbes Advisor poll in 2025, a quarter of UK small business owners still don’t have a website—instead, the majority rely on a Facebook page as their only online presence. In fact, around 20% of small businesses just use social media, with Facebook as the most popular choice.
Yes, public Facebook and Instagram posts can now be indexed by Google since mid‑2025, but the reality is these platforms alone rarely give you the control, branding, or trust signals you need. (See: SiteGround update).
Meanwhile, businesses treat their 5-star hygiene rating stickers like wallpaper—stuck on the window, ignored everywhere else. Some businesses know just how powerful a top hygiene rating can be for trust and sales—which is why there have been cases of fake 5-star hygiene stickers appearing on shop windows. (Read more about the Sainsbury’s fake hygiene sticker story).
Instead of hiding a low hygiene rating, why not turn your hard work and genuine food safety achievements into a powerful marketing advantage?
That being said, if your business is only on Facebook, you’re missing out on thousands of people who are searching for food in your area. Google is the most visited website in the UK, which means that if people can’t find you—and don’t know why they should trust you—they’ll spend their money somewhere else.
A Facebook Page Isn’t Enough In ''An Age of AI''
A lot of food businesses think a Facebook page is all they need.
It’s easy to set up, free, and everyone’s on social media… right?
But here’s the problem:
- People searching for food don’t start on Facebook—they start on Google.
- Relying on social media leaves you at a big disadvantage because you lack control over how your business appears.
- AI search (like ChatGPT or Google’s new AI Overviews) looks for websites with clear, trustworthy information.
- Unless you’re posting every day (and paying for ads), your Facebook pages will get buried, so you’ll be invisible to anyone who doesn’t already know you.
- If your only online presence is a Facebook page, you’re missing out on the 80%+ of customers who start their search on Google.
What does this mean for you?
Competitors with a real website and proper Google listing are already one step ahead.
“A Facebook page is like putting your menu in a back alley. A real website puts you front and centre on the high street—and on Google, where customers are actually searching.”
Food Safety Is Your Competitive Advantage
Food safety isn’t just a legal requirement —it’s a competitive advantage for all food service businesses. And an opportunity to differentiate your brand and win more customers.
Back in 2017, Dana Johnson Downing argued in FoodSafetyTech that “food safety not being a competitive advantage is a myth… consumers are increasingly looking for transparency, and companies willing to show how they manage risk are positioning food safety as a clear differentiator.”
More recent studies back this up. Research in the hotel and food service sector found that:
“Food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices among staff significantly improve a business’s reputation, market share, cost savings, and competitiveness. These habits are a true quality differentiator—not just a legal requirement.” (Qoura & Ali, 2016).
Industry leaders now agree:
“It’s no longer enough to keep food safety standards behind the scenes. The most successful businesses transform food safety practices into customer-facing communication, branding, and marketing—using their website, social media, and even in-store signage to show customers why they can trust them. Make food safety part of your story, not just a silent standard.” (AIB International, 2023).
The message is loud and clear:
🔷 The health and safety of your customers is a vital driver if you want to boost customer loyalty.
🔷 Failing to use food safety in your marketing means falling behind your competitors and missing out on more market share and sales.
🔷 Strong food safety practices are critical for standing out and winning customer trust.
Why Combine Food Safety With A Professional Website?
Because the market has changed—so use what works to make your business not just visible, but stand out:
- Customers do their homework
Before they spend, they’ll check your reviews, social media, and your food hygiene rating. - According to the Food Standards Agency, 86% of consumers now check a business food hygiene rating sticker before buying food. (FSA Consumer Attitudes Survey, 2024).
- Trust wins business
If you look just like everyone else, or if your website looks dated (or worse, you don’t have a website) you lose that chance to stand out. - Google rewards trust signals
Showing you’re a reliable, safe food business helps you to get found on Google using SEO (search engine optimisation) and Google’s EEAT Algorithm —it’s an opportunity to attract more local customers.
But here’s the problem: most small food businesses don’t have a website—just a Facebook page. In 2026, that’s not enough. You need a website that gets found and uses your food safety standards as a trust signal. PLUS, you need SEO so your site appears in front of local customers who are ready to buy.
Give Your Food Business A Competitive Edge
We teamed up to offer something new to small food service businesses in Wales. If you want to see what’s possible, check out some real examples of stunning, hand‑coded dynamic websites at Futur Media. These aren’t templates—but instead hand crafted to fit your business, your food story, and key trust signals.
What you get:
A gorgeous website, built for your business (not a copy‑paste template)
Super‑fast speed (because slow sites lose customers and Google’s interest)
Food safety trust signals baked in—your food hygiene rating, your standards, your story by a food safety expert
SEO set up locally so your business gets found on Google—not just on social media
Special Offer:
As a launch promotion until 31st December 2025, use discount code Christmas10 to get 10% off your new website or Shopify store with Futur Media.
Why are we doing this?
Most food businesses in Wales (and the UK) are at a disadvantage compared to big chains with huge digital budgets. You deserve more than just a Facebook page. This is your chance to stand out, get found, and win trust—at a fraction of the usual cost.
Is This Right For You?
If you’re wondering whether this offer fits your business, here’s who will get the most from it:
🔷 Small food businesses in the retail or food service sector—cafés, takeaways, dark kitchens, restaurants, hotels, fine dining, supermarkets, and food retailers who want more leads and an automatic lead booking system.
🔷 Food business owners ready to do things differently (and stand out).
🔷 Anyone who’s relied on Facebook (or word of mouth) and knows it’s time to get found on Google—after all, Google accounts for nearly 90% of all search engine traffic.
FAQs
I’m not good with tech—how easy is it to get started?
No problem! We’ll handle the setup, design, and tech bits for you. You’ll be asked to provide your menu, story, and other details, and we’ll do the rest.
What makes these websites different from just using Facebook?
Facebook pages and posts can easily get lost. With your own website, you control your online presence and look more professional. Take the control back – show up for Google searches for terms you decide are important!
Is this just a template?
No—each website is custom-built for your business, not a one-size-fits-all template. You get something that fits your brand, your menu, and your story using innovative new technology to set your business apart.
Will my food hygiene rating and trust signals be visible?
Absolutely! We’ll highlight your hygiene rating, food safety standards, awards, and reviews—because Infinitas Food Safety consultants are specialists who know exactly which trust factors customers and EHOs look for. Our partnership with Futur Media means you get the best of both worlds: deep food safety and compliance expertise, plus cutting-edge web design and SEO. Unlike generic agencies, we know what matters in your industry and how to make you shine online.
Will I get found on Google?
Yes! Your website will be set up with basic SEO. We make sure that Google will put your website in front of the right audience and local customers can find you when they search online.
What does the discount cover?
The discount applies to our all-in-one package: your hand-coded website, initial SEO, trust signals, and launch support.
Is there any long-term contract or hidden cost?
No hidden fees or surprise charges. We’ll tell you everything upfront—just simple, honest pricing.
How To Find Out More?
Want to see if this is right for you? Book a call with Geth at Futur Media—no pressure, just friendly advice and answers to your questions. He’ll show you some examples, talk through your options, and grab your 10% discount code if you decide to go ahead.
Don’t miss your chance to get found by more customers. Let’s put you on the Google map Wales!
Need a Hand with Your Food Safety Compliance?
If you want to boost your food safety compliance, make your business EHO inspection-ready, or just need clear advice on food safety, we’re here to help.
Whether you need support with your food hygiene rating, in-person CIEH accredited food safety training, or practical tips for standing out online, get in touch for straightforward, friendly help.
Book a free call to discover how we can help your business stand out online:
📞 02920 026 566
✉️ [email protected]
