What is a mobile catering van?

Article Talk. Mobile catering is the business of selling prepared food from some sort of vehicle. It is a feature of urban culture in many countries. Mobile catering can be performed using food trucks, trailers, carts and food stands with many types of foods that can be prepared.

What is mobile food vans?

Mobile catering in food trailers, food trucks or other various food stalls is a popular way of delivering food and is useful for a range of different occasions and events across the calendar year. Examples such as weddings, festivals and other special events too.

Do I need a Licence to run a mobile catering van?

If you have more than one mobile catering unit or stall, make sure that you register them all. You will also need a license that allows you to serve food on the street. Your first port of call should be to contact your local council for more information about the process.

How much do mobile catering vans make?

On average a mobile caterer can earn around £1000 per day, dependent on the area your van is based. Obviously, this can be highly seasonal, so ensuring you spread your earnings across the year will be important to succeeding.

What is a catering van?

A catering van business is a low-cost, low-risk venture for those looking to set up a food business. Rather than simply being a convenient way of eating, catering vans have become a gastronomical experience in themselves. Food vans offer a unique eating experience and can be found at a variety of events and locations.

How To Start Mobile Catering UK. - Tips Advice and Information

Do you need a permit for a food van UK?

A Street Trading Licence or Street Consent Licence: As previously mentioned, you will need a Street Trading Licence or Street Consent Licence if you plan on trading in a public area. You can contact your local council to start this application process.

What van is best for catering?

Can you park a catering van anywhere?

The simple answer is 'no', you can't just park wherever you want and start trading. With towns and cities, local authorities have designated areas where street food vendors can operate as well as prohibited streets where you absolutely cannot work.

Can you put a burger van anywhere?

Can I start operating a Roadside Catering Business anywhere? Generally, the answer is no. Local by-laws relating to roadside trading vary greatly from one council to another. Some require a Street Trading Licence, whereas others have abolished them.

Is a food van a good business?

A great option if manoeuvrability is an important factor. Starting a catering van business is a more expensive option than a catering trailer based business but a great option if manoeuvrability is an important factor.

Is mobile catering profitable?

The profit margins can be incredible

A typical gross profit margin in the mobile catering industry is between 65 and 85% with some as high as 95%! Few businesses offer those kind of margins, meaning you've got great potential to make a lot of money here.

How do I start a successful mobile catering business?

What certificates do I need for mobile catering?

In a nut shell, you will need to register with your local council and also make sure you have an up to date level 2 food and hygiene certificate. It is also recommended that you have a LPG gas safety test certificate and electric certificate if you intend to use electrical appliances in the catering trailer.

How profitable is a food van?

Profits may be low, but most stalls can expect to turn over around £100,000 a year — even on a cold, wet day, they might sell £500 worth of food, and in a bad month could still take as much as £9,000, assuming they appear at four markets a week and a couple of private events.

How to start a mobile catering business UK?

According to NCASS, you will need a Level 2 food hygiene certificate. NCASS members can get this for only £12.50 (£30 for non-members). You will also need to register with the local council food safety team, arrange liability insurance and develop a food safety risk assessment also known as HACCP.

Can you make money from food vans?

Low start-up costs and running costs

Compared to a traditional restaurant, a mobile business requires a lower initial investment and low start-up costs. This means you will be able to turn a profit much faster. The low running costs associated with a burger van can also help to keep your profit margins high.

Can you turn a van into a food truck?

Purchasing a used step van, and converting it to a food truck, is a great idea. Mickey Genuine Parts has used trailers, vans, trucks, etc. We also carry used party trucks, if that's more your style.

What certificates do I need to open a food truck?

What certificates do I need to run a burger van?

Obtaining a level 2 food hygiene certificate is a crucial step in running a burger van business. It's absolutely essential for everyone involved in food handling to receive adequate training pertaining to food hygiene that matches their specific job responsibilities.

Do you need hot water in a catering van?

At least five gallons of cold water and 3 gallons of hot water should be available. Do not empty your washing up water onto the ground outside. You must empty it into a rainwater drain or road gully.

Can I sleep in my van anywhere?

As far as most motorhome and campervan experts can say, there is currently no specific legislation or law to prevent you from sleeping in a vehicle at the roadside. However, these laws vary when it comes to looking at camping versus sleeping in your campervan.

What is the most popular van in the UK?

Ford Transit Custom (2,841 sold)

The Ford Transit Custom is the best medium van you can buy, and plenty do. The UK's bestselling van since it was launched, and winner of the 2021 and 2022 Parkers Van of the Year award as well as the medium van category win in 2023, the Ford Transit Custom is an exceptional all-rounder.

What is the most economical van in the UK?

Enter the Ford Transit Custom PHEV and the TX taxi-based LEVC VN5, which are currently the only plug-in hybrid panel vans on sale in the UK. Of the two, the VN5 has the best on-paper fuel economy – LEVC quotes a 313.9mpg figure for the London taxi-based van.

What is the most economical van to drive?