How to start a food truck business in the UK (2026)
Updated 19 October 2026
To start a food truck business in the UK, you need to register with your council at least 28 days before trading, get permission to trade wherever you park (a street trading licence or consent, or the landowner's agreement), have your gas and electrics safety-checked, buy insurance, and find pitches. Most people start with a second-hand van or trailer and spend roughly £8,000 to £40,000 to get going (a typical estimate).
This guide covers food trucks, food vans, trailers and gazebo stalls. UK owners use all four terms, and the rules are mostly the same.
Not legal advice. Street trading rules are set by each council, and the four UK nations differ. Always check with the council where you'll trade.
Step 1: Pick your unit (van, trailer, cart or gazebo)
Your unit decides where you can trade, how you drive, and most of your start-up cost.
| Unit | Typical cost (estimate) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gazebo stall | £1,000–£4,000 for gazebo, tables and kit | Cheapest way to test a menu | Weather, set-up time, some events won't accept them |
| Food cart / trike | £3,000–£12,000 | Small, fits indoor and busy sites | Limited cooking and storage |
| Catering trailer | £3,000–£15,000 used; £10,000–£35,000 new | Cheaper than a van, leave it on site at multi-day events | You need a vehicle to tow it |
| Motorised food van / truck | £8,000–£30,000 used; £20,000–£80,000 new conversion | Drive and trade, quick roadside set-up | Dearer, MOT and road tax, a breakdown stops trade |
All costs are typical estimates for 2026.
Things to check before you buy:
- Weight and your licence. A car licence (category B) lets you drive a vehicle up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) and tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM. Vans between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg need a C1 licence. If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, check your licence, as you may have extra entitlements.
- Clean air zones. Older diesel vans can face daily charges in London's ULEZ and other city clean air zones.
- Paperwork. Buy from a reputable converter, or get any used unit's gas and electrics inspected before you pay.
- Counter height and hatch. Customers should be able to see the menu and pay without stretching.
Step 2: Choose your food and price it properly
Street food rewards a short menu of 4–6 items you can serve in under three minutes. Long menus slow the queue, and the queue is your income.
Price each item so your food cost is around 25–35% of the price before VAT. Our free GP calculator does the maths. Remember that pitch fees are often a share of your takings, so build that in too.
VAT: if you become VAT-registered, hot food is standard-rated at 20%, and cold items like a salad box or cake are usually 0% to take away. Read our VAT on takeaway food guide.
Step 3: Register your food business
You must register with your local council at least 28 days before you start trading. It's free and can't be refused.
- For a mobile unit, you normally register with the council where the van or trailer is kept overnight, not every council where you trade.
- Some councils also ask where your food is stored. Check your council's guidance.
- The council will inspect you and give you a food hygiene rating. Displaying it is the law in Wales and Northern Ireland. In England it's voluntary, but many event organisers set a minimum rating, so ask what they need.
- Some foods (for example, making your own cured meats or dairy products) need approval, not just registration. Ask the council if you're unsure.
Step 4: Get permission to trade where you park
Can I park my food truck anywhere in the UK?
No. You can't just pull up on a street and start selling. In most places you need one of these:
- A street trading licence or consent from the council. This covers trading on public roads, pavements, lay-bys and other public spaces.
- Permission from the landowner for private land, such as a pub car park, business park or farm. Even then, some councils still need you to hold a consent, and regular trading on one spot may need planning permission.
- A booked pitch at a market, festival or event. The organiser deals with the site, and you deal with them.
How street trading rules work (England and Wales)
Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, each council can label its streets as:
- Prohibited streets: no street trading at all.
- Consent streets: you can trade with the council's consent.
- Licence streets: you need a full street trading licence.
Councils set their own fees, conditions and waiting lists. Trading without permission can mean a fine of up to £1,000, according to GOV.UK.
London is different. Most boroughs use the London Local Authorities Act 1990. Several boroughs say you need a licence if you trade within 7 metres of the public highway, even on private land. Check with the borough.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
- Scotland: street traders usually need a street trader's licence from the council under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (s.39).
- Northern Ireland: street trading is licensed by councils under the Street Trading Act (Northern Ireland) 2001.
For a council-by-council breakdown of fees, see our street trading licence guide.
Other licences you might need
| You want to… | You need… (England and Wales) |
|---|---|
| Sell hot food or drinks between 11pm and 5am | A late night refreshment licence (or the event's licence must cover it) |
| Sell alcohol from your van | A premises licence covering the van, or a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for a one-off event |
| Play recorded music | Usually a music licence (TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS covers businesses that play music to customers) |
Step 5: Gas, electrics and water
Gas safety (LPG)
Most food vans cook on LPG. The law requires anyone working on your gas equipment to be Gas Safe registered and qualified for the specific appliances in a mobile catering unit (Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998).
In practice:
- Get your installation checked and certified every year by a Gas Safe engineer with mobile catering LPG qualifications. No law sets a yearly test for a food van, but gas appliances must be kept safe, and event organisers and many councils ask for a current certificate.
- Check the engineer's card online on the Gas Safe Register, and make sure it lists mobile catering, not just domestic LPG.
- Fit and test flame failure devices, keep cylinders secured upright and outside the cooking area where possible, and carry a fire blanket and the right extinguishers.
Electrics and generators
- Have the van's wiring inspected by a qualified electrician and keep the certificate, because many events ask for one.
- Keep portable appliances checked. HSE says the law requires electrical equipment to be kept safe but doesn't set a fixed PAT-testing interval.
- Choose a quiet generator. Many events ban loud ones or supply hook-up power for a fee.
Water and handwashing
You need a separate handwash basin with hot and cold (or mixed) running water, plus soap and paper towels. You'll also need a way to wash equipment. Carry enough clean water for a full day, and a waste water tank.
Step 6: Food safety and allergens
- Food safety system: use the FSA's Safer Food, Better Business pack (or a HACCP plan) and keep your daily diary.
- Training: the law says food handlers must be trained to a level that fits their job. Most operators get a Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate for everyone, and Level 3 for the person in charge.
- Allergens: you must be able to tell customers which of the 14 allergens are in every dish. A clear allergen chart on the hatch saves time in a queue. Make one free with our allergen matrix maker. If customers order ahead on Menuthere, you can tag the 14 allergens, calories and a halal mark on each dish (every plan, including Free), and they see them when they open the dish.
- Temperature: chilled food at 8°C or below (the law in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and recommended in Scotland), with fridges set at 5°C or below. Hot-held food at 63°C or above.
Step 7: Insurance
- Public liability insurance: not a legal requirement, but almost every council and event organiser asks for it, and each sets its own minimum cover.
- Employers' liability insurance: a legal requirement if you employ anyone, with at least £5 million cover. You can be fined £2,500 for every day you're not properly insured.
- Vehicle insurance: your van or tow vehicle must be insured for business use, and the trailer and equipment covered too.
- Product liability and stock cover: often bundled into a mobile catering policy.
Step 8: Find pitches and events
Good pitches make or break a food truck. The main options:
| Pitch type | How it usually works | Typical fee (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly street food or farmers' market | Apply to the market operator; there may be a waiting list | £25–£100 a day, or 10–15% of takings |
| Business parks and offices | Agree with the landlord or facilities manager | Free to a flat weekly fee |
| Pub car parks and breweries | Agree with the pub; they gain food for drinkers | Often free or a small share |
| Festivals and big events | Apply or tender months ahead | £200–£3,000+ flat, or 15–30% of takings |
| Private hire (weddings, parties) | You quote a fee or per-head price | You set the price |
| Roadside lay-by | Needs council consent or licence | Licence fee varies by council |
Typical estimates. Fees vary hugely by location and event size.
Tips for getting pitches:
- Have your documents ready in one PDF: food hygiene rating, registration, gas certificate, insurance, allergen chart, risk assessment and photos of your unit.
- Start with smaller local events to build a track record.
- Private hire usually pays best and is booked in advance, so it's reliable income.
Step 9: Take payments and orders at the hatch
Most UK customers pay by card or phone, so a card reader is essential. Card surcharges on consumer cards are banned in the UK, so build card fees into your prices.
Queues are where food trucks lose money. People leave if the line looks long. Three ways to speed it up:
- QR code menu on the hatch. Customers read the menu while they queue, so they're ready when they reach you. Menuthere QR codes are free. See our free QR code menu.
- Order ahead. Let customers order from their phone and collect when it's ready. This works brilliantly at office parks and events. Menuthere gives you a commission-free ordering page, free for 50 orders a month; scheduled orders and Stripe card payments are on the Lite plan, from US$17 a month (billed in US dollars; your bank converts it). Read how a food truck can take online orders.
- Tell regulars where you are. A weekly "where we are this week" message brings your fans to you. With Menuthere Pro, you can send WhatsApp broadcasts and let customers order by WhatsApp. See WhatsApp ordering.
Let customers order from the queue, not the hatch. with 0% commission and free QR codes. Need scheduled pre-orders and card payments? (a card is needed to start; nothing is charged until the trial ends).
Step 10: Set up the business side
- Business structure: most people start as a sole trader. A limited company limits personal liability but adds paperwork.
- HMRC: register for Self Assessment if you're a sole trader with gross trading income over £1,000 in a tax year, by 5 October after that tax year.
- VAT: you must register once taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in a rolling 12 months.
- Records: keep receipts and daily takings from day one. A separate business bank account helps.
How much does it cost to start a food truck business in the UK?
Here's a summary. For a full line-by-line breakdown and an earnings model, see our food truck cost guide.
| Cost | Gazebo stall | Used trailer | Used van | New van conversion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit | £1,000–£4,000 | £3,000–£15,000 | £8,000–£30,000 | £20,000–£80,000 |
| Cooking and fridge equipment | £1,000–£3,000 | Often included | Often included | Included |
| Gas safety check and certificate | £100–£250 | £150–£400 | £150–£400 | £150–£400 |
| Generator | £300–£1,500 | £500–£3,000 | £500–£3,000 | £500–£3,000 |
| Insurance (first year) | £300–£800 | £500–£1,500 | £800–£2,500 | £1,000–£3,000 |
| Street trading licence or consent | £0–£1,000+ | £0–£1,000+ | £0–£1,000+ | £0–£1,000+ |
| Branding and signage | £200–£800 | £500–£2,000 | £500–£3,000 | Often included |
| Opening stock and packaging | £300–£800 | £400–£1,000 | £400–£1,000 | £400–£1,000 |
| Card reader | £20–£100 | £20–£100 | £20–£100 | £20–£100 |
| Food business registration | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Typical total | £3,000–£11,000 | £5,000–£23,000 | £10,000–£41,000 | £22,000–£89,000 |
Typical estimates for 2026, not quotes. Street trading fees range from free to several thousand pounds a year, depending on the council and site.
Monthly running costs to plan for: pitch fees, ingredients and packaging, fuel and gas, vehicle tax and MOT, insurance, phone and card fees, and repairs. Plan for quiet winters. Many traders earn most of their year's profit between May and September.
Your food truck start-up checklist
- Menu of 4–6 items, priced for 25–35% food cost
- Unit bought and inspected
- Registered with your council (28 days before trading)
- Gas Safe certificate (mobile catering) in date
- Electrics checked, appliances PAT-tested
- Handwash basin with hot and cold water
- Food safety records (SFBB or HACCP) set up
- Allergen chart for all 14 allergens
- Public liability (and employers' liability if you have staff)
- Street trading licence or consent, or landowner permission
- First pitches booked
- Card reader, QR menu and ordering page ready
- Self Assessment registered with HMRC
FAQs
How do I start a food truck business with no experience?
Start small. Work a few shifts on someone else's van or run a gazebo stall at a local market first. That tests your menu and speed for a few thousand pounds before you buy a van.
Can I park my food truck anywhere in the UK?
No. On public streets you usually need a street trading licence or consent from the council, and some streets ban trading completely. On private land you need the owner's permission, and some councils still require consent. In London, trading within 7 metres of a road often needs a licence.
Do I need a licence for a food truck in the UK?
There's no single "food truck licence". You need to register as a food business (free), get street trading permission from the council where you trade, and get extra licences for alcohol or for hot food after 11pm.
Where do I register a food van?
Usually with the council where the van is kept overnight. You only need to register once, not with every council you trade in.
Do I need a gas safety certificate for a food van?
Gas work must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer qualified for mobile catering. An annual gas safety certificate is the standard proof, and most events and many councils ask to see one.
How much does it cost to start a food truck in the UK?
A gazebo stall can start for around £3,000. A used trailer or van setup is usually £5,000 to £40,000. A brand-new van conversion can cost £20,000 to £80,000 or more. These are typical estimates.
How much do food trucks make in the UK?
It varies a lot. A good festival day can take thousands of pounds, while a quiet weekday pitch might take a few hundred. Profit depends on your food cost, pitch fees and how many days you trade. See our food truck cost guide for a worked example.
Is a food van or a trailer better?
A trailer is usually cheaper and can stay on site at multi-day events. A van is faster for roadside and daily pitches, but costs more to buy and run.
Do I need food hygiene training to run a food van?
The law requires food handlers to be properly trained or supervised. A Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate is the usual way to show that, and event organisers often ask to see it.
Sources (15)
- Food Standards Agency, Register a food business, food.gov.uk/register-a-food-business (accessed 11 Oct 2026).
- Council food registration pages on mobile units registering where the vehicle is kept overnight, e.g. Medway Council, Wakefield Council (accessed 11 Oct 2026).
- GOV.UK, Street trading licence (England and Wales; fine up to £1,000), gov.uk/street-trading-licence (accessed 11 Oct 2026).
- Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, Schedule 4 (prohibited, consent and licence streets), legislation.gov.uk (accessed 11 Oct 2026).
- London borough street trading pages on the 7-metre rule, e.g. Richmond, Haringey, Ealing and Royal Greenwich (accessed 11 Oct 2026).
- GOV.UK, Alcohol licensing (late night refreshment 11pm–5am; premises licences), last updated 8 August 2025 (accessed 11 Oct 2026).
- GOV.UK, Temporary events notice (fewer than 500 people, up to 168 hours, £21 fee), gov.uk/temporary-events-notice (accessed 11 Oct 2026).
- NCASS, mobile LPG safety guidance and gas checklist for vehicles and trailers, ncass.org.uk (accessed 11 Oct 2026).
- Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, legislation.gov.uk.
- GOV.UK, Towing with a car and Driving licence categories (category B: up to 3,500 kg MAM and trailers up to 3,500 kg MAM; C1: 3,500–7,500 kg), gov.uk (accessed 11 Oct 2026).
- GOV.UK, Employers' liability insurance (£5 million minimum; £2,500 a day fine) (accessed 11 Oct 2026).
- HSE, Portable appliance testing FAQs (no fixed legal testing interval), hse.gov.uk (accessed 11 Oct 2026).
- FSA, Safer Food, Better Business (8°C legal in England, Wales and NI; recommended in Scotland; 63°C hot holding), gov.uk (accessed 11 Oct 2026).
- Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, s.39; Street Trading Act (Northern Ireland) 2001, legislation.gov.uk; PPL PRS, TheMusicLicence; GOV.UK, Tax-free allowances on property and trading income (accessed 11 Oct 2026).
- GOV.UK, VAT registration threshold (£90,000), gov.uk/vat-registration (accessed 11 Oct 2026).