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Grill cracking 
Hello, I have noticed that the Grill on my catering trailer is starting to crack and the paint is just flaking away. Is there any way to treat this as ...

Help Tendering ~Please 
Hi David

I wrote to you a few mths back, thanks for the prompt reply.

Anyway, I really need your help right now as I have tried to seek help from ...

What does a mobile catering trailer legally need to have???? 
Hi- really helpful site..Mobile catering appears a bit of a minefield!!!!!!
I'm new to this, but like many people, I'm sick of the employee thing and ...

Soon To Buy a Catering Trailer 
i am buying a catering trailer soon and want to park it on a newly built complex for offices.i do not know who owns the land.can i just turn up and start ...

Generator Help - Catering Trailer Business 
Hi, further to previous message, we did the charity event and it went well!! Only a couple of sausages left over which the dog loved!!

Anyway, on to ...

I am at college doing my NVQ level 3 and i am trying to set up my own catering business from home 
I am a qualified chef and currently doing my advanced course, i would really like to start looking at setting up a catering business from home to help ...

Help On Quantities For Mediu Size Catering Event  
Hi we have been up and running for a couple of weeks now and doing ok. We have been asked to do a charity event this Sunday where they have 100 confirmed ...

Housing & Council Tax Benefits - Starting a Small Business 
I have two children and a partner who is disabled and we receive various types of benefit's and i am seriously considering starting up my own burger van ...

Concessions Mobile Catering Trailer Business 
Hi I have now reserved a prime pitch in B&Q. Does it depend on the area and council on whether you need a license to trade or would it be different rules ...

Should Be Purchase This Food Trailer Business? 
We have been asked if we want to purchase a hot food trailer. It is already on a pitch. Can we get the landlord to assign the licence to us, and what legal ...

I am Starting my Mobile Fast Food Business Shortly 
Hi I have a question....possibly a silly one. I am starting my mobile fast food business shortly and have a Honda generator (petrol) Where do I purchase ...

Mobile Snack Bar - The Best Way To Start? 
I am interested in starting up my own snack bar business and was looking to find out the best way to go about this.

Catering Trailer Insurance - Do I Need It? 
I am almost ready to start trading, I have public liability insurance but would like to no if it is a legal requirement to get the catering trailer insured ...

Can Children Help Out In Business? 
I was thinking off starting up a mobile business in a catering van and was wondering if my daughter who is nine years old is allowed to help out?

For ...

Catering Van For Sale - Griddle - Fryer - Baine Marie 
I am selling a white Ford transit catering van which I bought 2 weeks ago. Reason for sale is due to job relocation. I paid £3000 for the van but I am ...

Catering Business Situated In Conservation Area 
I am completing a Council Planning Application form to trade within a car park situated across the road from where I live during busy summer months (I ...

LPG Gas/Electric Running Costs For Mobile Catering Business 
Hi I am just finishing off my Business Plan to take to the bank to open a business account. Do you know roughly what a months running cost would be for ...

Catering Van vs Trailer! Also What Are Realistic Earnings a year? 
I’m interested in buying a burger van but have read that events do not like having live petrol tanks at them (even though often the vans that tow them ...

Taking a Catering Pitch - DIY Stores? 
Hi,

Thanks for the inspiring story and for the help you offer others here.

I have been offered a permanent pitch in a B&Q DIY store in my city.

The ...

Caravan Snack Bar - On The Verge Of Starting My Own Catering Business 
Hi, I have just finished converting a caravan into a mobile snack van. I am an ex HGV driver and was fed up with standing outside a snack van in the cold ...

Catering Trailer Set Up Time For 2 Separate Business Locations 
Hi David many thanks for your prompt reply again.

How long does it take to set up a trailer in the morning ready to trade.

The reason im asking ...

Public Liability Insurance For Mobile Catering Business 
Hi I am very close to starting my business - I am made redundant 16/12 and am looking to purchase trailer and start trading early Jan. We have a pitch ...

Best Portion Sizes For Fillings for Jacket Potatoes 
Hi

First of all, well done on your site David.

Anyway, quick question. I am hoping to start selling jacket spuds soon, but I know different serving ...

Becoming Self-employed and Starting My Own Business  
Hello this is a great site so I thought I would post a question too.

How do you keep track of expenses throughout the year for the tax man? Also how ...

Pricing of Food At Large Events 
Hi,
I am seriously considering buying a catering trailer and have found your website and Q&A page to be really useful, thank you.
I have noticed that ...

MOBILE CATREING UNIT FOR RENT/SALE 
Hi,I AM PETE FROM DONCATER,SOUTH YORKSHIRE,
I LENT SOME MONEY TO A "FRIEND" HUH... WHICH I HAVE NOT RECOVERED....I HAVE HIS CATERING TRAILER WHICH I HAVE ...

The Possibility of Losing Everything Including My House  
I have been on a pitch for over 8yrs with a contract and have now been told to move off within 2weeks or go to court. With out this snack van I will lose ...

Setting Up a Small Catering Van Business 
Would like to set up a catering van on an a road in Yorkshire,however this road runs through National Trust land. Do we need permission from them or can ...

Chip Man Used to Drive Up On Our Estate with His Mobile Fish and Chip Van  
Hello I am thinking of investing into a mobile catering trailer.

As a kid I remember the chip man used to drive up on our estate with his mobile fish ...

Is An Online Food and Hygiene Certificate Sufficient 
The council have advised of a few places where I can take the hygiene course and the fee varys from £50-60.
Thses courses are also available online, you ...

Catering Van Or Trailer For Catering Business 
Hi I Would Like To Start A Catering Business. But unsure whether to buy catering van or trailer.

I find the vans are quite expensive and also at certain ...

What Certificates, Licenses Do i Need To Start and Run a Catering Trailer/snack Bar Business 
Hi, i am going to start my own catering trailer/snack bar, just need to find out what certificates licenses do i need to start and run catering trailer/...

Parking a Catering Trailer in a Residential Area?  
Hi David, I have another question about future parking for my fast food trailer. Depending on the chosen site I choose to trade from I may need to bring ...

The Best Place To Purchase Stock? 
Hello, I have a couple of questions and on looking at your site I can see you offer sound advice and could with a bit of guidence. Myself and my partner ...

Signage?? 
Are there any restrictions to adding large, temporary Signage to a stationary van/trailer? I want to be able to be flexible with my output and tailor it ...

Second-hand trailer - what should I look out for? 
Hi David and all readers

I have arranged to view a used mobile catering trailer and pitch, but I've no experience in the business. Do you have any advice ...

Wanna do it! 
I wanna open a van, but not a burger van. Thinking more like a health food, organic, coffee type place. I have found 2 great sites in a real affluent area....

Have burger wagon...cant find pitch..what happens when parked up illegally? : ( 
Hi we are a couple in late forties we have an 11 year old child, my husband made redundant a week before Christmas.

We have never had our own business ...

Renting a Mobile Trailer First! 
Hi David

I loved your story and am thinking of starting up too.
However I'd like to taste the waters first to see if it's the right thing for me to ...

Does My Catering Trailer Need To Be Garaged At Night....?? 
Hi David and All,

I have recently been made redundant and my partner already managed a sandwich shop...we have talked for months of going into business ...

FOOD HYGIENE CERTIFICATE 
should I be aware of doing my food hygiene course online. It's a lot cheaper then what the council want for the same course... any advice please

many ...

Are You Limited To What You Can Sell? 
hi
what a great site. been thinking of setting up mobile unit for a year or so and feel its time to move in the direction that i cant stop thinking about....

I Would Like to Set Up My Own Homemade Cake Business 
What a brilliant website loads of info great, I would like to set up my own homemade cake business but would like to do it from a trailer in my driveway ...

Small Business Information Needed 
I am looking to set up a mobile catering business and I have a query about the right license in UK. What kind of license do I need to start my business,...

How to Gain Permission To Start Small Business 
Dear Mr.and Madam:

My husband and me planning a small business which is selling chinese food in a van .I would like to locate this van in pentland straition ...

Single or double axle? 
Hi David,

Once again thank you for answering my previous questions so promptly. I was involved in a serious accident in Feb 09 and have spend quite ...

David, just got to say thanks. 
David, all.

I have been thinking for about starting my own catering business over 6 months as i am coming to then end of a long 23 year career in the ...

Festival and Local Council Licence 
Hi I am planning on running a mobile catering trailer at county shows, festivals ect.

From a variety of locations and councils not from a permenent ...

Took the Plunge & Brought a Catering Trailer 
Hi,

After reading the articles & info on this website a few weeks ago i decided that this was right for me & today i picked up my first catering trailer....

I'm Very Suprised That You Have Not Mentioned NCASS 
Hi,Im very surprised you havent recomended NCASS to a lot of the questions posted on here,

Is it achievable for an individual to get a peice of the festival catering market? 
Im 25 and I am a regular festival goer. when at festivals I love all the interesting and different types of caterers, from the little tents with straw ...

pitches for catering vans 
this is a fantastic and helpful website.My question is when looking for a pitch, how do we know that we're not treading on someone elses territory.

what ...

We Want to Be Able to Trade at Festivals and Sometimes at the Road Side 
Hi I am looking to start a similar business to the one you described in your story. I am a 25 yr old guy looking to set up my own business with my girlfriend ...

Setting Up a Small Catering Business- How Much and In What Oder. 
Can you please list initial cost of setting up a mobile catering van. Please include insurance cover for the van and any other insurances needed.

In ...

What Sort of Stocks etc Do you Carry and How Often Do you Re-stock 
Hi I was really impressed with your articles, they have realy made me think. I am looking at setting up a mobile catering van for my brother and nephew ...

Mobile Pitches / Events 
I am starting my business plan for a mobile catering business and need some help......

1. Who do I contact to get a roadside pitch?

2. How much ...

Advice needed on how to use a generator and gas etc 
hello, i have been working in the catering industry for years now and have decided to set up my own mobile catering trailer.

I have done alot of research ...

Selling SHRIMPS! On My Catering Truck  
David,
A quick question, with your experience, how well do you think a shrimp truck would fare?

I am planning the site in a shopping mall and would ...

Online Food and Hygiene Certificate 
hi sorry if this question has already been posted.

i am thinking of starting a jacket potato stall. to trade at local carboots initially. i need a food ...

Starting a Fish and Chip Catering Business 
Hi,i would love to get my own mobile fish and chip van,and maybe do my local area at weekends,however would there be much call for fish and chips during ...

Have Recently Purchased a Mobile Catering Trailer 
Your story is of great motivation to myself, i have recently purchased a mobile catering trailer and have trained a friend so she can work full time for ...

What Gas and Elect Safety Certs do I need? 
Good afternoon all, I have recently ventured into the mobile catering business and am having extreme difficulties finding anyone that will give my trailer ...

CARPENTRY TO CATERING ,WHAT ARE MY CHANCES? 
I have been self-employed for over 30 years; but would dearly love to get out of the building trade.

I am in a position to buy a catering trailer/van ...

Started a Catering Business, But told to move on Help!! 
I recently set up a burger van business after being made redundant. I did not want to be a jobcentre statistic so took the plunge.

It started well ...

Mobile Catering Insurance  
I have a catering trailer which i recently bought and i am wondering how i go about getting a lpg certificate? Where? And What insurance or public liability ...

I have Taken Delivery of a Catering Trailer 
Hi David
Firstly- your site is a terrific help - thanks.

I have taken delivery of a trailer and am starting up on my pitch next month - I am sooooo ...

Interested in Running a Catering Trailer in Ireland 
im interested in running a catering trailer for events and fairs etc in ireland.

Do you know what licences, permissions, i may need, it will be mostly ...

What about fridges/freezers at night? 
Like everyone else I would like to thank you for the effort you put in to this section.

I took delivery of a starter trailer yesterday, very excited ...

Should I invest In a Mobile Coffee Van, Cost £14,000 
I am interested in starting a mobile coffee (proper coffee done the traditional way) with a purpose built mobile coffee van that will cost me £14,000. I ...

Thinking Of Starting Up Our Own Catering Business 
Hi,

My husband and I are thinking of starting up our own catering business, like yourself, by using a catering van.

We live in Sittingbounre Kent,...

£2200 For A Street Trading Consent???????? 
So i've found a nice little 2nd hand starter trailer, got my 4x4 for the trailer.

Passed my NCASS food hygeine online course, had the trailer certificated ...

Starting Out With a Mobile Catering Business. 
hi Ive been reading about your experience and must say its a great help knowing you went through what i am now!

I'm due to be made redundant in 2 weeks ...

Waste Materials and Your Catering Business 
Hi, i am seriously thinking about getting into the mobile catering business.

My main concern revolves around getting rid of waste water/materials etc....

Is The Catering Business Market Flooded? 
hi i was just wondering if building my own burger van would be cheaper.Also do you think that this market is flooded at the moment?

Pay Tax or not to pay Tax, that is the question...lol 
We are starting out in the business very soon, have received the pitch, got a trailer in mind, food hygiene courses completed and the money available (luckily)...

Needing the Loo! 
Hi

I have sought out a pitch on a medium sized industrial estate and am now taking my hygiene certificates etc. to start trading from a trailer selling ...

Good Small Business-But We Need More Sales 
My partner runs a burger van and has a site on an industrial estate in Wales.

Custom is ok but we cannot seem to attract the office workers on the ...

Coffe and Muffin Van 
Hi,
I am looking into purchasing a small mobile coffee and muffin van. I intend to make the muffins and cookies from home so i wont actually be cooking ...

Inspired Me To Start My Own Small Business 
Hello, Your story inspired me to start my own business. If you could answer my question it would be great..

What legal requirements do I need to gain?...

Selling Grilled Food On My Catering Trailer Business 
Hello,

Your page is very useful :D

I have a idea to sell grilled food on weekends, and as I have no idea how will it work I Have decided to pick ...

Do I need to apply for a HGV license  
Hi my name is Noor,

I am a chef and used to work in a restaurant.Now i am trying to open a fast food trailer but, i am a bit confused and need your ...

Start Part Time and See How It Goes.. 
Me and my friend are very interested in starting up our own burger van business on the side of our every day jobs.

We are looking to start off doing ...

Insurance Prices For Mobile Catering Trailers 
Hi there, first things first great site!

I'm looking at working from a mobile burger van. I have max no claims and the best price i got was £1275 for ...

Need more Info Looking For Venues 
I would like to go and work in the festivals around england with a burger van but I haven't purchased one yet.

Could you tell me a good way of getting ...

Thinking of Trading Outside a College 
I thought your story and tips are great I'm actually looking to do this myself asap.

I already have a vehicle in the pipeline and poss contacts for ...

Thinking of Buying a Jiffy Van to Sell Pies 
Hi there,

I loved reading your article... if your food is as good as your article then you must have made some great money ;)

I am toying with the ...

Can I Get All The Facts 
Hi

I found this very useful indeed, i am in accountancy and it sounds silly but i have wanted to do this for so long.

Your story has really inspired ...

catering on prison land 
hi i have been giving permission from the governor of our local prison.To set up my catering van three days a week to serve staff and visitors

Do i ...

start cooking 
hi based in Ireland and want to start catering trailer business.

I have a spot to park on my own property along road where cars can pull in. Do i need ...

Rent a Catering Trailer ? 
Please could you let me know where best to hire a catering trailer ?

thanks
karl

Waiting for the Local Council Planner  
Hi you have inspired me to take the plunge and i am now waiting for the local council planner to let me know whether i can trade from a lay by off the ...

ice cream wars - burger van wars? 
How prevalent is 'family' and 'extortion' in the burger van world? I'm interested in the business, but not interested in entering a world with potential ...

Can I Use a Parking Bay? 
Hi enjoyed your story, i have a question for you, i have found a pitch in a busy area of students, however the only parking in the area is a pay and display ...

Gas & Electric Certificates 
Your story is very inspiring and I'm so glad to have come across it.

We have just purchased a second hand trailer and would like to get the electric ...

I'm not considering working in the catering trailer? 
hi I'm considering buying a catering trailer, and read your thread which i thought was absolutely brilliant.

It was a very informative and exactly ...

Sell Champagne on New Years Eve? 
Hello

My plan/idea is to sell champagne on New years eve
at Embankment(Opp London eye, during fireworks display.
I will be providing disposable glasses,...

I Don't Want To Be Tied Down To a Shop 
It was wonderful to find a site that told me exactly what had to be done by experience. Your story was great and gave me the courage to continue.

My ...

I would like To Trade Legally-So That Idon't Have any Problems 
Hi, i have found your site very helpful, but i wanted to ask what would be a reasonable rent if and when i find a suitable pitch for a catering trailer....

Catering Business In Scotland-Good Idea? 
Hi there,

I have just read your article and am keen to start a catering business in a remote but beautiful part of the west coast of Scotland.(during ...

Park up at the A1 somewhere ? Wait for Police to Arrest Me... 
Hello there mate, its a really nice story , I've been looking into this for a few days now.I've moved up from London and staying in the north east where ...

Thanks For Sharing Lot's Of Questions To Ask Myself 
Thank you for the article you have posted to share the knowledge and experience. I am the one who wants to run such a business but I still have lots to ...

Not Sure About Where To Trade My Catering Trailer 
hello there mate its a really nice story , I’ve been looking into this for a few days now , the thing is I’ve moved up from London and staying in the north ...

Do I Need a Street Traders Licence to Trade for My Catering Business 
Hi, read your story.. it was great, it was just what i needed, i have been getting my trailer ready to trade for 18 month now I m 99% ready to go, I have ...

I Myself Work In The Catering Business-But Want To Start Up 
Hi how are you and i hope all is well, anyway having read your story on how you started and achieved your goal regarding your catering bossiness i can ...

What Size Generator Do I Need To For My Catering Trailer? 
Hi there I found your article very informative and helpful. I have a question, I am about tot take the plunge with a van and need a generator that can ...

Do I Have to Pay Rent For My Trading Spot? 
I am interested in starting a mobile catering business. I wanted to know do I have to pay rent on my trading spot and since I do not have a mobile van ...

Permission To Trade On Private Land 
Hi found this site very useful, it gives a general but good insight into mobile catering. Just wanted to ask if i have a bit of land at the side of my ...

Just Been Offered A Jacket Potatoe Catering Site 
Hi i have just been offered a site for a jacket potato unit in my town centre The thing is i am not too sure what to do as there is another unit that ...

Fed Up With 9-5 Office Job-Dreaming Of Starting Mobile Catering Business 
Hi, i have just read your 'starting out ' and found it really really interesting and useful! its exactly what i was looking for.

I have always dreamt ...

Front Facing Griddle Or Back Facing Griddle For A Catering Trailer 
Hi great read and advice thanks, looking for my first trailer now.Seems to be a lot of trailers out there with a griddle positioned at the back
or end ...

I Approached a Lot of People About Mobile Catering 
hi i really want to start my own business in catering i have approached a lot of people for sites but to no avail. My local council have told me not to ...

Is £5000 to Much To Pay For a Catering Pitch 
Firstly, I would like to say how much I have enjoyed reading your story and pass on my congratulations with your success!

My sister and I are hoping ...

Bored..Bored..Bored With Office Job-Inspired By Your Success 
I have been working a stupid office job since finishing uni (management degree) and somehow ended up in a call centre. I have been enjoying the job less ...

It Stemmed From The V Festival 
Hi,I' m really keen to get into doing what you have been doing! It stemmed from going to V Festival last year and seeing the amount of people buying food ...

We Did Up Our Catering Trailer-Business is Really Picking Up! 
Hi, I come across you article whilst searching for information on burger vans. Like yourself me and my friend have bought a catering trailer (which was ...

Starting my Mobile Catering Business-Many Questions 
I have just read your article and it has given me the extra bit of encouragement I need to move forward in my ideas of starting a catering van business....

Enough of My Office Job-Thinking of Starting a Mobile Catering Business 
I have been working a stupid office job since finishing uni (management degree) and somehow ended up in a call centre. I have been enjoying the job less ...

Where is the loo? when you are working In Mobile Catering 
Hi,I read with much interest your experience in starting your own mobile catering
business.This is something I have always wanted to do.

Just a quick ...

Thanks For Sharing Your Mobile Catering Business..How Can I 
Hi there,Thanks ever so much for sharing your new business story with me, I found it very helpful. I to am looking to start a catering business but mine ...

Getting My LPG Safety Certificate  
hi, just starting out with a catering trailer and nearly there, but i am really having trouble finding someone to come and give me a safety check on my ...

I've been Thinking about Running a Curry Van for Years 
Very interesting stuff. I've been ruminating on running a curry van for years.

There's a possibility of redundancy from my job that would maybe give ...

Catering Business Opportunity -T/O £2400 - £2500 - Make You Lots of Money-   Not rated yet
pete,(doncaster),

thanks for the last post,david.
i purchased a very busy chip shop / takeaway earlier this year,(t/o was £2400/2500 p.w.),but as ...

High Catering Van Insurance Quote - Help!   Not rated yet
Hi there, I am trying to get an insurance quote for a catering van, and they are comming back with figures of over £2000. Do you know of anyone that could ...

NON DOMESTIC RATES IMPOSED ON OUR HUMBLE VAN!  Not rated yet
Currently trading in a private car park selling hot & cold snacks (etc) for a few years now.. Suddenly & without warning we receive a non domestic rates ...

£18 million Development and On site Catering  Not rated yet
I've just read your story of setting up a catering trailer business. I also want to do this but have some concerns and worries.

In the summer there ...

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