Or even Burger Van help...;)


Thinking of starting a mobile catering van business.

What are the aspects I need to be thinking about with this idea.

I have a location currently in mind to pitch.. Is it as simple a just turning up in that location ?

What Legal requirements does the van need (it would be a trailer)
I presume you need a Council Hygeine type inspection, how do you go about getting this ?

What is the best times.. I was thinking from 7.00am til 3.00pm

I have some great ideas for different types of foods, not just the greasy burger / hot dog stuff and have a great passion for cooking..

All help appreciated..

I have a location currently in mind to pitch.. Is it as simple a just turning up in that location ?

No, you need a licence for that pitch from, I believe, the council.

IME of burger vans (I go to loads ;)) the thing that annoys me the most is that you never know when they are open. I often drive by at times around 2ish but can never tell whether they are actually still open or are just closing up so end up in a cafe or petrol station for dinner as it's easier. Also if you are going to be somewhere, be there all the time. There's a couple I know who turn up randomly in different places at different times on different days. Annoys the hell out of me so I tend to stick to ones that are where they're meant to be! Above all though, don't just leave all the grease to just stick to the outside of the trailer in the belief that cos it's clean inside you're fine, it's not a good look. ;)

Yeah you need a license.

Have you got all the Food Hygiene certificates?

I would assume you will need insurance etc aswell

You would need to contact The Licensing & General Section at the town hall for a license. They would require you to have Public liabilty insurance, A letter from the enviromental health stating that they have inspected the trailer, a map with the site marked on it, the details of the towing vechicle with insurance and MOT and all the staff have to have badges with photos on them. And there are no quarantees they will let you have the pitch.
I hope this helps.

Hiya, I just seen your message, you maybe sorted by now, but I just thought I would mention that if you are still looking to set up a mobile catering business and need a trailer or van you can contact Excel Trailers on 01279 414195 or visit their website exceltrailers.co.uk I recently set up a mobile catering business and did a fair bit of shopping around and these guys were by far the best, not only was the trailer built really nicely and looks great but they gave me so much advice on setting up the business, the companies that I rang were only interested in selling me a trailer and would not give me any advice. I give Excel Trailers 10 out 10, although they are based in Essex, they offer a nationwide service and delivered the trailer to me in Sheffield. Hope this helps if you are still thinking about it

if u want cheap liability insurance j gill 01226 248188 mine is 75 quid a year

its in barnsley

Andrew - all of the advice/comments above are, I'm sure useful.

However, and do forgive me if you've already covered this, a really robust business plan is way more important than just about anything else.
Issues like: what will be your total business outgoings? how much money do you need to take care oif the basics (mortgage, car, househiold - personal survival budget)? Who will be your customers? Why will the buy from you? What will they buy from you? How much will they pay?
It's fairly straightforward and you can get a template from any number of websites (most of the banks)

If you are in Sheffield, start with: thebigwebsite.org.uk

Good luck