How much can a coffee van make in the UK?

But is it possible to make serious money just by selling coffee from a cart or van? Absolutely! In fact, if you sell 100 coffees per day, working 6 days a week, you could generate a remarkable £100,000 in annual revenue.

How much does a coffee van make in the UK?

If you don't want to work your van or catering trailer every week don't worry – this is common in our industry. Average daily takings on a pitch can vary widely from £150 – £950, this will depend on location and footfall. At events this figure can increase dramatically.

Do I need a license to sell coffee from a van in the UK?

Do you need a license to sell coffee in the UK? As already mentioned, if you plan to sell coffee on public land then you will need a Street Trading Licence from the local council where you intend to operate. This licence allows you to sell goods on the street and the requirements and fees can vary by council.

Is coffee business profitable in the UK?

The average café business in the UK is generating revenue of £788,400 and profits of £56,763 in 2024, according to IBISWorld data. The industry's average profit margin stands at 8% – a significant increase of 3.7 percentage points year-over-year.

Can you park a coffee van anywhere in the UK?

Some people assume that with the right licence there are no limits on where you can park your food truck, but this is actually not the case. You can't park your food truck anywhere in the UK and start trading, as each town and city has designated areas where food vendors are allowed to operate.

Do NOT Open a Coffee Truck

How much does it cost to set up a coffee van?

1) Low Start Up Costs

You can start a mobile coffee / tea business at a relatively small price. Ready to go packages can be bought for as little as £7,500 for a no strings attached Piaggio conversion, and can range to over £30,000 for a full blown supported franchise with a long, solid track record.

Is a mobile coffee van a good business?

Whether you're looking for a career change, a side hustle, or a full-time venture with low overheads and high demand, a mobile coffee van offers the perfect blend of freedom, profitability, and community connection. Here's why launching a mobile coffee van franchise is one of the smartest moves you can make in 2025.

How much does a cafe owner make a year in the UK?

On average, a coffee shop owner can earn between £46,000 and £120,000 per year.

What business is most profitable?

How much does it cost to run a coffee shop per month?

However, how much does it cost to run a coffee shop per month depends on factors like rent, utilities, labor costs, and inventory. Monthly expenses typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for small to medium-sized coffee shops.

How much money do I need to open a coffee shop in the UK?

What are the typical initial investment requirements for a small coffee shop? To open a small coffee shop in the UK, you typically need a minimum investment ranging from £20,000 to £100,000. This includes expenses for rent, refurbishments, furniture, equipment, and initial stocking.

Do I need planning permission for a coffee van?

In addition to planning permission, other permissions may be required depending on where you plan to trade. For example, you may need consent from the Highways Department if you're planning to pitch your van or trailer on a public highway.

How much is a coffee machine for a cafe?

The price of a commercial coffee machine can vary from as little as £4000 to more than £10,000. The cost will depend on the size and features of the machine, as well as its manufacturing materials.

How much does a UK barista make?

Average Hourly, Monthly, and Annual Earnings of a Barista

As of 2024, the average hourly pay for a barista in the UK is around £8.86 to £10.68. This translates to an average annual salary ranging from £19,001 to £83,205.

How much does it cost to run a coffee machine in the UK?

In the UK, it costs on average 47p per hour to run a coffee machine on maximum power. However, the price can range from 10-50p per hour depending on which machine you choose. And the price you pay per KWh of electric. Based on the UK's recently announced Energy price cap of 36p per KWh.

How to convert a van into a coffee van?

The process involves stripping the van down to its shell and then installing all the necessary equipment, including a water tank, generator, and coffee machine for van. It's important to work with a professional conversion company to ensure that all the electrical and plumbing work is done to a high standard.

Which business is best to be rich?

What is the easiest business to start with no money?

What's the easiest business to start with no money? Service-based businesses are usually the quickest to get off the ground. Think tutoring, cleaning, freelance work, or virtual assistance. Anything where you can offer a skill without investing in products or equipment upfront.

What is the most successful small business?

How much money can you make from a coffee van?

But is it possible to make serious money just by selling coffee from a cart or van? Absolutely! In fact, if you sell 100 coffees per day, working 6 days a week, you could generate a remarkable £100,000 in annual revenue.

How to open a cafe with a low budget?

You can begin with a minimal menu, simple decor, and a smaller space to keep initial costs low. Look for investors who believe in your cafe concept. Consider pitching your idea to friends and family. Utilize crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to raise funds for your cafe.

Do I need a license to sell coffee from a van?

Street Trading & Location Permits

If you plan to trade on public land (streets, parks), you'll almost always need a street trading licence or consent from the local council. Permits for private land (like a market or station) are usually arranged with the landowner or event organiser, but written consent is a must.

How much does it cost to start a small coffee business?

Opening a small coffee shop can cost around $80,000-$400,000, depending on location, format, equipment, licenses, inventory, and initial marketing.

Do commercial coffee machines need plumbing?

The setup of a commercial coffee machine is not as simple as plugging the machine into an electrical outlet. You'll need a certified plumber to install the water line and ensure that it meets all local building codes and regulations.