ForesterGloucester

Thank you for that. As I say, it is only at the research stage, but I am fairly friendly with our mairie and I know of other food businesses nearby that he has helped, so I suppose he should have been my first port of call.

I am in the process of researching the viability of a small food preparation business in France. Does anyone know where I might be able to get a guide to the French food hygiene regulations- I have been told that everything must be stainless steel, which is fair enough from a food hygiene point of view, but does that mean everything in the food prep area has to be, especially with regard to walls and ceilings?

I see that Flybe are selling flights from Southampton to Angers. Does anyone know where the airport at Angers is?

I would like to know more about childminding in France. I am having some problems sending e-mails so I will need to sort out another way of communicating with you. I assume you are living in France- which department? I am a qualified nurse, would this help?

Are there registered childminders in France? Would English childminding qualifications be recognised in France or would more exams be necessary?

We are currently trying to purchase a property in France but are having some problems getting a mortgage. The cost of the property is around 100,000euros and we have a deposit of 40,000euros. We are both employed in the UK and intend to use the house as a holiday home. My wife is in full time employment as a nurse, and although I am in full-time employment, I am employed on a fixed term contract which seems to be the stumbling block. Has anyone encountered this problem before or know of where we could get help in resolving things so that we can buy our house in France?