{"id":1449,"date":"2021-05-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/hospitality\/how-to-start-a-food-truck-business\/"},"modified":"2026-02-03T12:17:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T12:17:59","slug":"how-to-start-a-food-truck-business","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/hospitality\/how-to-start-a-food-truck-business\/","title":{"rendered":"A guide to street food and starting a food truck business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether it\u2019s tacos, sourdough pizza, or plant-based burgers, the street food industry brings cuisines from around the world to our doorsteps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From the first spark of imagination and settling on your big idea to understanding health and safety regulations, this article explains how to start a street food business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#1-decide-on-your-big-idea\">Decide on your big idea<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#2-budget-for-initial-start-up-costs\">Budget for initial start-up costs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#3-get-to-know-the-rules-and-regulations\">Get to know the rules and regulations<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#4-spread-the-word\">Spread the word<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#5-protect-your-food-business-with-insurance\">Protect your food business with insurance<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is street food?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Street food is often sold from mobile food vans in public spaces like markets and events. It\u2019s quick to order, ready to eat, and should be made from high-quality ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to chefs interviewed by Food and Drink magazine on trends for 2021, comfort food and old classics like mac and cheese, stews and curries are high on the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other popular street food examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Mexican burritos and tacos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">burgers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">pizza<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Indian masala dosa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">bao buns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">paella<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and cons of starting a street food business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s likely that you\u2019ve already got some experience in the catering industry \u2013 perhaps in a pub or a restaurant \u2013 but now you want to go it alone and be your own boss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As with anything, there\u2019s going to be some pros and cons with setting up your food truck business \u2013 so it\u2019s important to do your research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">start-up costs are much lower than opening a restaurant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">low-risk investment with low-cost rents for a market stall space<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">cook and create recipes all the time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">meet like minded traders at markets and festivals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">long hours and early starts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">regulations mean you can\u2019t just park up anywhere, and pitches are limited<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">unpredictable British weather \u2013 a rainy day can really limit your trading<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">it\u2019s a very competitive market<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howtostartafoodvanbusinessintheuk\">How to start a food van business in the UK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting a food van business in the UK requires excellent cooking skills, passion and a good portion of creativity. You\u2019ll probably be self-employed too, so you\u2019ll need a range of business and marketing skills, as well as the ability to plan and create menus that delight your customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1decideonyourbigidea\">1. Decide on your big idea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we\u2019ve mentioned above, street food trading is a competitive market. So what is it about your idea that\u2019ll attract customers? Is it unique? Do you bring specific experience of a culture to your cooking? Think about your skills and what type of food is going to appeal to potential customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s always worth putting time and effort into <a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1199\">writing a business plan<\/a> and doing a <a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/how-to-do-business-swot-analysis-template\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"944\">SWOT analysis<\/a> so you have a clear idea of how you\u2019re going to start and grow your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your business plan will cover important areas, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">a summary of your business idea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">how you\u2019re going to fund your business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">a marketing plan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">details of your menu and how much you\u2019ll charge customers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">potential locations and events you\u2019ll attend<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">start-up costs and overheads (including equipment and initial stock)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2budgetforinitialstartupcosts\">2. Budget for initial start-up costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s relatively low cost and low risk to get your food truck going \u2013 compared to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/hospitality\/how-to-open-a-restaurant-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"892\">opening a restaurant<\/a> for example \u2013 but you still might like to start your business as a <a href=\"\/knowledge\/self-assessment\/tax-on-second-job\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1546\">side hustle<\/a> first to minimise any financial risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The good thing about a street food business is you can start small and scale up as you grow. The cost of <strong>renting a pitch is around \u00a330 to \u00a3100 a day<\/strong> depending on the location (the market stall will usually take a percentage of your takings).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try creating a limited menu first so you can focus on getting a few dishes right. You\u2019ll have the flexibility to expand your options or change the menu later as you learn more about your customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To keep things really simple, you could even set up your stall with a gazebo before buying a van. Once you\u2019re more established, you can buy a second-hand van, install your equipment and brand it with your business name and logo without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make sure you <a href=\"\/knowledge\/income\/how-to-budget-calculator-and-guide-for-the-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"956\">keep track of your budget<\/a> and can afford stock and supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3gettoknowtherulesandregulations\">3. Get to know the rules and regulations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selling food to the public understandably comes with certain rules and regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Register your business<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a food business, you\u2019ll need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/food-business-registration\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">register with your local authority<\/a> at least 28 days before you start trading and selling food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-become-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1418\">register as self-employed<\/a> and be aware of your <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/self-employed-tax-changes\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1514\">tax responsibilities<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Organise licences<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re in a public space you\u2019ll probably need a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/street-trading-licence\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">street trading licence<\/a>, plus additional licences if you plan on selling alcohol or playing music. The UK government\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/licence-finder\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">licence finder<\/a> is a helpful tool to tell you what\u2019s right for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Put health and safety first<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019re legally required to have a <strong>Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering<\/strong> certificate if you\u2019re preparing and selling food to the public. And all staff handling food in your business should have food hygiene training. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.food.gov.uk\/business-guidance\/food-hygiene-for-your-business\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Food Standards Agency<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hse.gov.uk\/catering\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Health and Safety Standards Executive<\/a> has more guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your food is pre-packaged but made on site, you\u2019ll also need to be aware of <a href=\"\/knowledge\/hospitality\/food-labelling-regulations-for-small-businesses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"870\">food labelling regulations<\/a> and changes in the law related to allergen information. Our article explains the details of <a href=\"\/knowledge\/hospitality\/food-labelling-regulations-for-small-businesses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"870\">Natasha\u2019s Law<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncass.org.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Nationwide Caterers Association<\/a> for more support and guidance on regulations \u2013 and you can become a member for access to additional training and advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4spreadtheword\">4. Spread the word<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re parked up at a busy lunchtime market or one of many food trucks at a music festival, you\u2019re going to need to stand out to potential customers. Think about your branding, social media presence, and if you want to offer deals to loyal customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a street food trader, your personality is going to be a big part of your branding as customers will know who you are and feel part of the local community. You could also think about partnering with any micro-influencers or offering delivery services to local offices and businesses as you grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See our guide on <a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/how-to-advertise-your-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1410\">how to advertise your business<\/a> for more tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5protectyourfoodbusinesswithinsurance\">5. Protect your food business with insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Importantly, you\u2019ll need to think about a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business-insurance\/by-industry\/food-business-insurance\/\">food and drink insurance policy<\/a> that best meets the needs of your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business-insurance\/mobile-catering-van-insurance\/\">mobile food van business<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Key covers include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> \u2013 this protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/employers-liability-insurance\/\">employers\u2019 liability insurance<\/a> \u2013 this is a legal requirement if you have employees. It covers you if a member of staff is injured or gets ill as a result of working for you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/stock-insurance\/\">stock insurance<\/a> \u2013 in case your stock is stolen, damaged or destroyed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also buy vehicle insurance \u2013 this isn\u2019t something we offer but is a legal requirement for driving on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More guides for small businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-name-generator\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"6\">Business Name Generator<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-start-a-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1444\">How to start a business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/hospitality\/opening-a-takeaway-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"903\">How to open a takeaway<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"913\" href=\"\/knowledge\/hospitality\/how-businesses-can-get-5-star-food-hygiene-rating\/\">How to get a five star food hygiene rating<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"readytosetupyourcover\">Ready to set up your cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\">business insurance<\/a> providers, we specialise in <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored quote?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tacos, sourdough pizza, plant-based burgers. Whatever your foodie idea, read our step-by-step guide to setting up a mobile food business in the UK.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3681,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[345,111,110],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[25],"class_list":["post-1449","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hospitality","category-marketing","category-business-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to start a food truck business: a 5-step guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tacos, sourdough pizza, plant-based burgers. Whatever your foodie idea, read our step-by-step guide to setting up a mobile food business in the UK.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/hospitality\/how-to-start-a-food-truck-business\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A guide to starting a food truck business\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you love street food, cooking, and want to be your own boss, read our guide to setting up your own mobile food van.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/hospitality\/how-to-start-a-food-truck-business\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Simply Business UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-03T12:17:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/how-to-start-a-food-truck-business.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"A guide to street food and starting a food truck business\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"Catriona Fuller\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/hospitality\/how-to-start-a-food-truck-business\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/hospitality\/how-to-start-a-food-truck-business\/\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Catriona Fuller\",\"description\":\"Catriona Fuller is a content and marketing professional with 12 years\u2019 experience across the financial services, higher education, and insurance sectors. 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