{"id":1834140,"date":"2026-11-05T11:46:30","date_gmt":"2026-11-05T10:46:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/start-a-food-truck-business\/"},"modified":"2026-11-05T11:44:11","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T10:44:11","slug":"start-a-food-truck-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/start-a-food-truck-business\/","title":{"rendered":"How to start a food truck or street food van business in the UK in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A food truck or street food van in the UK lives or dies on its pitches: the same right to trade costs \u00a3517 a year from a district council, \u00a38,219 in Birmingham city centre and up to \u00a313,636 for a prime pitch in Camden, while a private pitch can rent for \u00a350 a week. Every van on LPG also needs an annual CP44 gas certificate from a specialist engineer before most events will let it on site.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Updated in November 2026. The rules below are those of England unless stated, with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland covered where they differ. Figures come from council fee schedules, event organisers&#8217; trader terms, vehicles and food van businesses offered for sale, insurer data and the mobile catering trade body&#8217;s guidance. A food truck shares much of its regulation with a takeaway, set out in the guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-open-a-takeaway-in-the-uk\/\">opening a takeaway<\/a>; this guide covers what changes when the kitchen has wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1\">Starting a food truck business in the UK: key figures for 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Street trading<\/strong>: council consents from about \u00a3517 a year in a district such as North West Leicestershire to \u00a38,219 in Birmingham city centre for 2026\/27, with permanent Camden pitches up to \u00a313,636<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Events<\/strong>: from a flat \u00a3110 to \u00a3550 plus VAT a pitch, to 15% of takings at a council market and up to 35% at some corporate festivals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gas<\/strong>: an annual CP44 certificate from a Gas Safe engineer qualified for LPG and mobile catering; new pipework with certification was quoted at about \u00a31,000 to \u00a31,050 in 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vehicles<\/strong>: used catering trailers from about \u00a36,500 to \u00a312,000, new trailers from about \u00a317,000, converted vans from about \u00a322,500<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Registration<\/strong>: free, with the council where the vehicle is kept, at least 28 days before trading<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Insurance<\/strong>: 10% of catering vans paid \u00a3134.07 a year or less with one broker in 2026; its average mobile caterer claim was \u00a321,816<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Break-even<\/strong>: on illustrative figures, about 32 orders of \u00a37.50 a week on a private pitch before the owner is paid, and about 200 to leave the owner about \u00a3800<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/mexican-street-food-truck-birria-tacos.jpg\" alt=\"colorful birria tacos food truck in the city\" class=\"wp-image-1834177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/mexican-street-food-truck-birria-tacos.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/chinelos-birria-tacos-food-truck.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/chinelos-birria-tacos-food-truck-1.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/colorful-food-truck-street-scene-1.jpg 360w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/colorful-mexican-food-truck-street-scene.jpg 480w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/chanelas-birria-tacos-food-truck.jpg 960w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/chinelos-birria-tacos-food-truck-street-view.jpg 639w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/mexican-birria-tacos-food-truck.jpg 1167w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2\">What is a food truck business?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A food truck business sells hot or cold food from a vehicle, a towed trailer or a street stall, at fixed pitches, markets, festivals and private events such as weddings. Its costs differ from a shop in three ways: no rent or business rates on a building, but pitch fees that can run to a share of takings; a kitchen limited by the size, weight and gas set-up of the vehicle; and income concentrated into trading days, which can stop with the weather. A kitchen that cooks only for delivery is a different model, covered in the guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-open-a-dark-kitchen-in-the-uk\/\">opening a dark kitchen<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider-wrapper\" data-slider-id=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider-6aed3dd1e75f0\">\n            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider swiper\">\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide lf-gut-franchise-card\">\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image-wrapper\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/amigos-burgers-shakes-feast-360x183.png\" class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image\" alt=\"Amigos Burgers &#038; Shakes\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-logo-center\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/amigos-logo-blue-burgers-shakes-150x150.png\" alt=\"Logo\">\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-content\">\n                                <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title-content\">\n                                    <div>\n                                        <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-header-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/franchise\/amigos-burgers-shakes\/\">\n                                            <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title\">Amigos Burgers &#038; Shakes<\/p>\n                                        <\/a>\n                                        <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-tag-line\">Burgers, Shakes, Good Times<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <ul class=\"lf-gut-franchise-info-list\">\n                                        <li data-field=\"category\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12.5852 21.9314H4.92807C3.01378 21.9314 2.05664 20.9355 2.05664 18.9438V10.9771C2.05664 8.98542 3.01378 7.98957 4.92807 7.98957M12.5852 21.9314C10.6709 21.9314 9.71378 20.9355 9.71378 18.9438M12.5852 21.9314H18.3281C20.2424 21.9314 21.1995 20.9355 21.1995 18.9438V5.00205C21.1995 3.01037 20.2424 2.01453 18.3281 2.01453H12.5852C10.6709 2.01453 9.71378 3.01037 9.71378 5.00205M4.92807 7.98957H9.71378M4.92807 7.98957V5.99789C4.92807 4.90247 5.7895 4.00621 6.84235 4.00621H9.81905C9.74248 4.30496 9.71378 4.63359 9.71378 5.00205M9.71378 7.98957V18.9438M9.71378 7.98957V5.00205M9.71378 18.9438V5.00205M13.5424 7.98957V12.9688M17.3709 7.98957V12.9688M5.88521 12.9688V16.9521M16.4138 16.9521H14.4995C13.9731 16.9521 13.5424 17.4003 13.5424 17.948V21.9314H17.3709V17.948C17.3709 17.4003 16.9402 16.9521 16.4138 16.9521Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Food &#8211; Drink                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"locations\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"19\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M9.62821 12.2473C11.2775 12.2473 12.6145 10.8563 12.6145 9.14032C12.6145 7.42435 11.2775 6.03329 9.62821 6.03329C7.97893 6.03329 6.64192 7.42435 6.64192 9.14032C6.64192 10.8563 7.97893 12.2473 9.62821 12.2473Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M1.60735 7.32788C3.49292 -1.29611 15.7731 -1.28615 17.6491 7.33784C18.7498 12.3967 15.7252 16.6788 13.0739 19.3278C11.1501 21.2597 8.10635 21.2597 6.17292 19.3278C3.53121 16.6788 0.506638 12.3868 1.60735 7.32788Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>25 Locations                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"contribution\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 25\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M2.05664 9.19308H21.1995M5.88521 17.1598H7.7995M10.1924 17.1598H14.0209M6.30635 4.21387H16.9402C20.3476 4.21387 21.1995 5.09021 21.1995 8.58561V16.7615C21.1995 20.2569 20.3476 21.1332 16.9498 21.1332H6.30635C2.9085 21.1432 2.05664 20.2668 2.05664 16.7714V8.58561C2.05664 5.09021 2.9085 4.21387 6.30635 4.21387Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Liquid capital: \u00a3170000                                        <\/li>\n                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-button\" rel=\"follow\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/form?version_id=franchise_enseigne_en&#038;franchise_id=1788507&#038;utm_source=media&#038;utm_campaign=cta-slider&#038;utm_content=start-a-food-truck-business&#038;tracking_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Flexpress-franchise.com%2Fen%2Farticles%2Fstart-a-food-truck-business%2F\">I want more info<\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide lf-gut-franchise-card\">\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image-wrapper\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fatphills-grand-opening-front-360x288.png\" class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image\" alt=\"Fat Phill\u2019s\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-logo-center\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fat-phills-logo-150x150.png\" alt=\"Logo\">\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-content\">\n                                <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title-content\">\n                                    <div>\n                                        <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-header-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/franchise\/fat-phills\/\">\n                                            <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title\">Fat Phill\u2019s<\/p>\n                                        <\/a>\n                                        <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-tag-line\">Smash burger restaurant franchise<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <ul class=\"lf-gut-franchise-info-list\">\n                                        <li data-field=\"category\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12.5852 21.9314H4.92807C3.01378 21.9314 2.05664 20.9355 2.05664 18.9438V10.9771C2.05664 8.98542 3.01378 7.98957 4.92807 7.98957M12.5852 21.9314C10.6709 21.9314 9.71378 20.9355 9.71378 18.9438M12.5852 21.9314H18.3281C20.2424 21.9314 21.1995 20.9355 21.1995 18.9438V5.00205C21.1995 3.01037 20.2424 2.01453 18.3281 2.01453H12.5852C10.6709 2.01453 9.71378 3.01037 9.71378 5.00205M4.92807 7.98957H9.71378M4.92807 7.98957V5.99789C4.92807 4.90247 5.7895 4.00621 6.84235 4.00621H9.81905C9.74248 4.30496 9.71378 4.63359 9.71378 5.00205M9.71378 7.98957V18.9438M9.71378 7.98957V5.00205M9.71378 18.9438V5.00205M13.5424 7.98957V12.9688M17.3709 7.98957V12.9688M5.88521 12.9688V16.9521M16.4138 16.9521H14.4995C13.9731 16.9521 13.5424 17.4003 13.5424 17.948V21.9314H17.3709V17.948C17.3709 17.4003 16.9402 16.9521 16.4138 16.9521Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Fast Food                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"locations\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"19\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M9.62821 12.2473C11.2775 12.2473 12.6145 10.8563 12.6145 9.14032C12.6145 7.42435 11.2775 6.03329 9.62821 6.03329C7.97893 6.03329 6.64192 7.42435 6.64192 9.14032C6.64192 10.8563 7.97893 12.2473 9.62821 12.2473Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M1.60735 7.32788C3.49292 -1.29611 15.7731 -1.28615 17.6491 7.33784C18.7498 12.3967 15.7252 16.6788 13.0739 19.3278C11.1501 21.2597 8.10635 21.2597 6.17292 19.3278C3.53121 16.6788 0.506638 12.3868 1.60735 7.32788Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>27 Locations                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"contribution\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 25\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M2.05664 9.19308H21.1995M5.88521 17.1598H7.7995M10.1924 17.1598H14.0209M6.30635 4.21387H16.9402C20.3476 4.21387 21.1995 5.09021 21.1995 8.58561V16.7615C21.1995 20.2569 20.3476 21.1332 16.9498 21.1332H6.30635C2.9085 21.1432 2.05664 20.2668 2.05664 16.7714V8.58561C2.05664 5.09021 2.9085 4.21387 6.30635 4.21387Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Liquid capital: \u00a375000                                        <\/li>\n                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-button\" rel=\"follow\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/form?version_id=franchise_enseigne_en&#038;franchise_id=1745769&#038;utm_source=media&#038;utm_campaign=cta-slider&#038;utm_content=start-a-food-truck-business&#038;tracking_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Flexpress-franchise.com%2Fen%2Farticles%2Fstart-a-food-truck-business%2F\">I want more info<\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide lf-gut-franchise-card\">\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image-wrapper\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/franchise-spudbros-express-4-360x240.png\" class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image\" alt=\"SpudBros Express\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-logo-center\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/logo-spudbros-express-150x150.png\" alt=\"Logo\">\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-content\">\n                                <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title-content\">\n                                    <div>\n                                        <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-header-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/franchise\/spudbros-express\/\">\n                                            <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title\">SpudBros Express<\/p>\n                                        <\/a>\n                                        <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-tag-line\">The future of QSR<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <ul class=\"lf-gut-franchise-info-list\">\n                                        <li data-field=\"category\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12.5852 21.9314H4.92807C3.01378 21.9314 2.05664 20.9355 2.05664 18.9438V10.9771C2.05664 8.98542 3.01378 7.98957 4.92807 7.98957M12.5852 21.9314C10.6709 21.9314 9.71378 20.9355 9.71378 18.9438M12.5852 21.9314H18.3281C20.2424 21.9314 21.1995 20.9355 21.1995 18.9438V5.00205C21.1995 3.01037 20.2424 2.01453 18.3281 2.01453H12.5852C10.6709 2.01453 9.71378 3.01037 9.71378 5.00205M4.92807 7.98957H9.71378M4.92807 7.98957V5.99789C4.92807 4.90247 5.7895 4.00621 6.84235 4.00621H9.81905C9.74248 4.30496 9.71378 4.63359 9.71378 5.00205M9.71378 7.98957V18.9438M9.71378 7.98957V5.00205M9.71378 18.9438V5.00205M13.5424 7.98957V12.9688M17.3709 7.98957V12.9688M5.88521 12.9688V16.9521M16.4138 16.9521H14.4995C13.9731 16.9521 13.5424 17.4003 13.5424 17.948V21.9314H17.3709V17.948C17.3709 17.4003 16.9402 16.9521 16.4138 16.9521Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Restaurant                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"locations\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"19\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M9.62821 12.2473C11.2775 12.2473 12.6145 10.8563 12.6145 9.14032C12.6145 7.42435 11.2775 6.03329 9.62821 6.03329C7.97893 6.03329 6.64192 7.42435 6.64192 9.14032C6.64192 10.8563 7.97893 12.2473 9.62821 12.2473Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M1.60735 7.32788C3.49292 -1.29611 15.7731 -1.28615 17.6491 7.33784C18.7498 12.3967 15.7252 16.6788 13.0739 19.3278C11.1501 21.2597 8.10635 21.2597 6.17292 19.3278C3.53121 16.6788 0.506638 12.3868 1.60735 7.32788Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>6 Locations                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"contribution\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 25\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M2.05664 9.19308H21.1995M5.88521 17.1598H7.7995M10.1924 17.1598H14.0209M6.30635 4.21387H16.9402C20.3476 4.21387 21.1995 5.09021 21.1995 8.58561V16.7615C21.1995 20.2569 20.3476 21.1332 16.9498 21.1332H6.30635C2.9085 21.1432 2.05664 20.2668 2.05664 16.7714V8.58561C2.05664 5.09021 2.9085 4.21387 6.30635 4.21387Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Liquid capital: \u00a3100000                                        <\/li>\n                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-button\" rel=\"follow\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/form?version_id=franchise_enseigne_en&#038;franchise_id=1551156&#038;utm_source=media&#038;utm_campaign=cta-slider&#038;utm_content=start-a-food-truck-business&#038;tracking_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Flexpress-franchise.com%2Fen%2Farticles%2Fstart-a-food-truck-business%2F\">I want more info<\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide lf-gut-franchise-card\">\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image-wrapper\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/chicken-sandwich-whole-grain-lettuce-360x240.jpg\" class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image\" alt=\"Griolladh\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-logo-center\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/logo-griolladh-150x150.png\" alt=\"Logo\">\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-content\">\n                                <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title-content\">\n                                    <div>\n                                        <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-header-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/franchise\/griolladh\/\">\n                                            <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title\">Griolladh<\/p>\n                                        <\/a>\n                                        <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-tag-line\">Fast Irish Comfort Food<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <ul class=\"lf-gut-franchise-info-list\">\n                                        <li data-field=\"category\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12.5852 21.9314H4.92807C3.01378 21.9314 2.05664 20.9355 2.05664 18.9438V10.9771C2.05664 8.98542 3.01378 7.98957 4.92807 7.98957M12.5852 21.9314C10.6709 21.9314 9.71378 20.9355 9.71378 18.9438M12.5852 21.9314H18.3281C20.2424 21.9314 21.1995 20.9355 21.1995 18.9438V5.00205C21.1995 3.01037 20.2424 2.01453 18.3281 2.01453H12.5852C10.6709 2.01453 9.71378 3.01037 9.71378 5.00205M4.92807 7.98957H9.71378M4.92807 7.98957V5.99789C4.92807 4.90247 5.7895 4.00621 6.84235 4.00621H9.81905C9.74248 4.30496 9.71378 4.63359 9.71378 5.00205M9.71378 7.98957V18.9438M9.71378 7.98957V5.00205M9.71378 18.9438V5.00205M13.5424 7.98957V12.9688M17.3709 7.98957V12.9688M5.88521 12.9688V16.9521M16.4138 16.9521H14.4995C13.9731 16.9521 13.5424 17.4003 13.5424 17.948V21.9314H17.3709V17.948C17.3709 17.4003 16.9402 16.9521 16.4138 16.9521Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Restaurant                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"locations\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"19\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M9.62821 12.2473C11.2775 12.2473 12.6145 10.8563 12.6145 9.14032C12.6145 7.42435 11.2775 6.03329 9.62821 6.03329C7.97893 6.03329 6.64192 7.42435 6.64192 9.14032C6.64192 10.8563 7.97893 12.2473 9.62821 12.2473Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M1.60735 7.32788C3.49292 -1.29611 15.7731 -1.28615 17.6491 7.33784C18.7498 12.3967 15.7252 16.6788 13.0739 19.3278C11.1501 21.2597 8.10635 21.2597 6.17292 19.3278C3.53121 16.6788 0.506638 12.3868 1.60735 7.32788Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>13 Locations                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"contribution\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 25\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M2.05664 9.19308H21.1995M5.88521 17.1598H7.7995M10.1924 17.1598H14.0209M6.30635 4.21387H16.9402C20.3476 4.21387 21.1995 5.09021 21.1995 8.58561V16.7615C21.1995 20.2569 20.3476 21.1332 16.9498 21.1332H6.30635C2.9085 21.1432 2.05664 20.2668 2.05664 16.7714V8.58561C2.05664 5.09021 2.9085 4.21387 6.30635 4.21387Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Liquid capital: \u00a350000                                        <\/li>\n                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-button\" rel=\"follow\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/form?version_id=franchise_enseigne_en&#038;franchise_id=1529967&#038;utm_source=media&#038;utm_campaign=cta-slider&#038;utm_content=start-a-food-truck-business&#038;tracking_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Flexpress-franchise.com%2Fen%2Farticles%2Fstart-a-food-truck-business%2F\">I want more info<\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider-nav\">\n                <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div>\n                <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3\">How to start a food truck business in the UK, step by step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The checklist, in the order a launch usually runs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Format chosen: trailer, converted van or stall, with the driving licence and weight checked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pitches lined up and street trading rules checked before the vehicle is bought<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pitch economics tested: flat fees against percentages, and the terms of any private pitch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vehicle bought with its gas, electrical and hygiene paperwork<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gas certified by a mobile catering engineer, with electrics tested<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food business registered where the vehicle is kept, and the unit set up for inspection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Late night and event licences in place where needed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Menu costed per portion, with VAT and the threshold in view<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Liability and vehicle insurance in place<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Event paperwork ready, staff checked, and private bookings marketed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Choose the format: trailer, converted van or stall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The format decides the budget, the licence needed to drive it and the events that will accept it. Vehicles offered for sale on the mobile catering trade body&#8217;s classifieds and other listings in 2026 show the range:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1125\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1125\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Format<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Published prices, 2026<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">What to check<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Used catering trailer<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">About \u00a36,500 to \u00a312,000; one refurbished in March 2026 with \u00a37,250 of equipment and approved by environmental health was offered at \u00a312,000<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Towing weight, braking, and that gas and electrical certificates are current<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">New catering trailer<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">About \u00a317,000 for a 4 metre unit; \u00a326,000 plus VAT for a 6 metre one listed at \u00a332,000<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Build quality, and whether the gas installation is certified on delivery<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">High-output event trailer<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">About \u00a350,000 to \u00a390,000 plus VAT for 20 to 28 foot trailers<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Tow vehicle, pitch size at events, and staffing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Converted van<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a322,500 for a 2013 conversion with 84,000 miles; \u00a355,000 for a van converted in 2024<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Gross vehicle weight against the driving licence, and the MOT<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Factory-fitted new truck<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">About \u00a330,000 to \u00a350,000 and more, according to a 2026 bank guide<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Lead time, warranty, and running costs of a new vehicle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1125 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sources: mobile catering trade body classifieds and other UK listings, 2026; a UK bank&#8217;s 2026 food truck cost guide.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Towing<\/strong>: since 16 December 2021, drivers with a standard car licence can tow a trailer of up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass without a separate trailer test<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Van weight<\/strong>: a converted van above 3,500kg needs a C1 entitlement, which licences passed from 1997 onwards do not include automatically; a council gas checklist for mobile caterers asks operators to check the maximum allowable mass of converted vehicles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Storage<\/strong>: the vehicle needs somewhere to be kept and cleaned, and that address decides which council registers it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Line up pitches before buying, and check the street trading rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selling from a street, lay-by or public space in England and Wales outside London needs street trading consent wherever the council has adopted Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, and the Act&#8217;s definition of a street covers areas the public can enter without paying, so a retail car park or forecourt can be caught too. London boroughs license street trading under their own Acts. The fees vary more than any other cost in the trade, as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.birmingham.gov.uk\/info\/20150\/markets_and_street_trading\/274\/street_trading\/4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">street trading fees published by Birmingham City Council<\/a> and other councils&#8217; 2026\/27 schedules show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1132\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1132\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Council<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Published street trading fee<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">North West Leicestershire<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a3517 for a new food consent, \u00a3484 to renew (2025\/26)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Hart<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a3987 for a new annual consent, \u00a3629 to renew; \u00a3165 for a one-off event of up to 7 days (2026\/27)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Hull<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a32,003.40 a year for hot food and drinks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Birmingham<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a3754 application, then \u00a33,512 a year outside the city centre or \u00a38,219 in it; \u00a3497 for under 10 days (2026\/27)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Camden<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a316.86 a day on a casual market for hot food; \u00a37,908 to \u00a313,636 a year for permanent miscellaneous pitches (2026\/27)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Newport, Wales<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a369.35 a day for a mobile trader (2026\/27)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1132 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sources: council fee schedules; Hart and Birmingham 2026\/27 pages.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Read the policy, not just the fee<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hart.gov.uk\/licensing-and-permits\/other-licences-and-permits\/street-trading\/apply-street-trading-consent\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Hart District Council<\/a> charges \u00a3987 for a new annual consent, but councils also set conditions on hours, siting and which streets are prohibited, and some, such as Hull, ask for a basic DBS check<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Private land<\/strong>: a pitch on private land open to the public can still need consent, and regular trading from the same site can amount to a change of use needing planning permission, so the council is asked before a long agreement is signed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scotland<\/strong>: street traders need a street trader&#8217;s licence from the council under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Northern Ireland<\/strong>: street trading is licensed by councils under the Street Trading Act (Northern Ireland) 2001<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1047\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/fish-and-chips-food-truck-city-street-scene.jpg\" alt=\"turquoise fish &amp; chips truck in city center\" class=\"wp-image-1834178\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/fish-and-chips-food-truck-city-street-scene.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/turquoise-fish-and-chips-food-truck.jpg 767w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/turquoise-fish-and-chips-food-truck-1.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/turquoise-fish-and-chips-food-truck-3.jpg 359w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/turquoise-fish-and-chips-food-truck-4.jpg 480w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/turquoise-fish-and-chips-truck.jpg 639w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/turquoise-fish-and-chips-food-truck-5.jpg 960w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/turquoise-fish-and-chips-truck-1.jpg 1168w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Test the pitch economics: flat fees, percentages and private pitches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A food truck pays for its pitch in one of three ways: a council consent, a flat or percentage fee at an event or market, or rent to a private landowner. Organisers&#8217; own 2026 terms show the spread:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1133\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1133\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Pitch<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Published terms<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Council street food market, Richmond<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a3200 plus VAT for a vehicle, or 15% of takings, whichever is greater<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Council food and drink festival, Lichfield, August 2026<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a3550 plus VAT for a standard pitch, plus \u00a340 for the street trading consent the council arranges<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Street food event organiser<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a3110 plus VAT a day including electricity, plus 5% of turnover plus VAT<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Corporate music festivals<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Percentages of takings reported at up to 35%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Town street festival, St Albans<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a372 to \u00a3120 for a 3m by 3m pitch<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Small town market<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">From \u00a38 for a weekly market pitch to \u00a335 for a midsummer market, Wem<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1133 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sources: council and organiser trader terms, 2025 to 2026; national press reporting of festival terms.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The worked example compares what a pitch costs on a day&#8217;s takings under three of those models:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1134\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1134\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Takings on the day<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Greater of \u00a3200 or 15%<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">\u00a3110 plus 5%<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">35% of takings<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">\u00a3800<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a3200<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u00a3150<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">\u00a3280<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">\u00a31,333<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a3200<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u00a3177<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">\u00a3467<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">\u00a32,500<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a3375<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u00a3235<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">\u00a3875<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1134 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Illustrative, using the published terms above, before VAT on the fees.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A percentage costs little on a quiet day and a great deal on a busy one, which is why the mobile catering trade body&#8217;s guidance on tendering for events suggests asking an organiser for a percentage instead of a high flat fee: an organiser confident of the crowd can share the risk. Private pitches look very different. Food van businesses offered for sale show what they pay and take:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1135\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1135\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Food van business for sale<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Reported figures<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Asking price<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Sandwich van on a private pitch, open seven days<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Turnover \u00a380,000; gross profit \u00a347,000; pitch rent \u00a350 a week on a rolling agreement<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u00a334,995<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Events trailer trading three days a week<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Turnover \u00a350,000; net profit \u00a319,000; serves 270 or more toasties a day<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u00a332,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Showman trailer, weekdays 7am to 2pm, established 2003<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Turnover \u00a337,000; gross profit 50%; net profit \u00a311,000 or more; informal pitch rent \u00a31,150 a year<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Not stated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Burger business trading at markets and festivals<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Turnover about \u00a3162,000 (2022 accounts)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u00a344,995<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Burger trailer at a retail site<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Turnover \u00a390,000<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u00a349,995<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1135 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Business-for-sale listings, 2025 to 2026; figures are the sellers&#8217;, not audited.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A private pitch at \u00a31,150 to \u00a32,600 a year is a fraction of a city centre consent, but &#8220;rolling&#8221; and &#8220;informal&#8221; agreements can be ended by the landowner, and the pitch is usually what the business is worth. When a listing includes a pitch, the agreement and whether it can be transferred are read before any money changes hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Buy the vehicle with its paperwork<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A second-hand food truck is only as good as its certificates. A council gas checklist for mobile caterers recommends a gas safety report before purchase, and a copy of the latest certificate from the seller. The checks before paying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gas<\/strong>: a current CP44 certificate, and an engineer&#8217;s report if the installation has been altered<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Electrics<\/strong>: portable appliance testing records and the condition of hook-up leads and any generator<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hygiene layout<\/strong>: hand-wash basin and sink with hot and cold water, fresh and waste water tanks, and surfaces that can be cleaned<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Road<\/strong>: the MOT for a van, the weight plate, tyres, brakes and lights for a trailer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>History<\/strong>: whether environmental health has inspected the unit before, as in the trailer offered with its March 2026 approval<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Certify the gas and test the electrics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A food truck on LPG needs an annual mobile catering gas safety record, known as a CP44, which event organisers and councils ask to see. The engineer has to be on the Gas Safe Register with LPG and commercial mobile catering competences for the appliances fitted; the mobile catering trade body warns of certificates issued by engineers working outside their qualifications, which are not valid. The installation follows Liquid Gas UK&#8217;s Code of Practice 24 Part 3 for street food and mobile catering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cylinders<\/strong>: stored in a compartment separate from the cooking area with at least 30 minutes&#8217; fire resistance, according to a council gas checklist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost<\/strong>: jobs posted in London in 2026 put new pipework with CP44 certification at about \u00a31,000 to \u00a31,050, and certification alone at about \u00a3150<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Staff<\/strong>: everyone handling LPG trained in its safe use, as the trade body&#8217;s event checklist asks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fire<\/strong>: an extinguisher suited to the appliances and fuel, and a fire blanket by the fryer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Electrics<\/strong>: tested appliances and leads, and a generator positioned and fuelled away from the serving hatch and the public<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Register the business and set the unit up for inspection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A mobile food business registers with the council for the area where the vehicle is normally kept, at least 28 days before trading, and that council inspects it and gives it a food hygiene rating. Council guidance for mobile units, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.norwich.gov.uk\/download\/downloads\/id\/2355\/mobile_food_catering_units_guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">mobile catering guide from Norwich City Council<\/a>, sets out what the inspection looks for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1136\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1136\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">What councils check<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Detail in council guidance<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Hand washing<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">A basin for hands only, with hot and cold running water, soap and hygienic drying<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Equipment washing<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">A separate sink with hot and cold water; jugs carrying hot water to the sink are not acceptable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Water supply<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Food-grade fresh water containers, at least 10 gallons in one council&#8217;s guidance, cleaned regularly<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Waste water<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Collected in separate, clearly marked containers and never discharged onto the ground<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Food areas<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">No food stored or prepared in the cab; surfaces, floors and walls easy to clean<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Temperatures<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Hot food held at 63\u00b0C or above, chilled food at 8\u00b0C or below<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Paperwork<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">A food safety management system such as Safer Food, Better Business, and allergen information for every item<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1136 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sources: Norwich, Tendring, Bolton, Darlington and Richmondshire council guidance for mobile caterers.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rating follows the food truck to every pitch, and delivery apps and many events check it. A business can request a re-rating visit after improvements, which many councils in England charge for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/food-truck-queen-night-market.jpg\" alt=\"food truck queen at night festival\" class=\"wp-image-1834180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/food-truck-queen-night-market.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/teal-food-truck-night-market.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/food-truck-queen-night-market-1.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/food-truck-queen-night-market-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/teal-food-truck-night-market-1.jpg 360w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/green-vintage-food-truck-night.jpg 639w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/teal-food-truck-night-market-2.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. License late hours and events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1137\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1137\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Situation<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Licence and published fees<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Hot food or hot drinks between 11pm and 5am, England and Wales<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">A premises licence for late night refreshment, which covers vehicles; \u00a3100 to \u00a3635 to apply and \u00a370 to \u00a3350 a year, set by rateable value band<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">A one-off event, England and Wales<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">A temporary event notice, \u00a321, for events of up to 168 hours, where the organiser&#8217;s licence does not already cover it<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Food between 11pm and 5am, Scotland<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">A late hours catering licence under section 42 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982; \u00a3263 in East Ayrshire, \u00a3300.30 for a new grant in Angus<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Selling alcohol from the van<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">A premises licence or temporary event notice, plus a personal licence holder to authorise sales<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1137 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sources: Licensing Act 2003 fee bands; council fee pages.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Late licences matter for a food truck outside pubs and clubs and at night markets; most daytime pitches and events never need one. The licensing process itself is set out in the guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-open-a-bar-in-the-uk\/\">opening a bar<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Cost every portion, and watch the VAT threshold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hot food is standard-rated for VAT at <strong>20%<\/strong>, while most cold takeaway food is zero-rated, except confectionery, crisps, ice cream and soft drinks. Registration becomes compulsory once taxable turnover passes <strong>\u00a390,000<\/strong> a year, about \u00a31,731 a week, a level a busy food truck trading year-round can reach, so prices are set with VAT in mind before the van gets busy rather than after. Costing starts at the portion: the guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-open-a-takeaway-in-the-uk\/\">opening a takeaway<\/a> works through a portion of chips at a wholesale price of \u00a32.15 a kilo, and the same method applies to every item on a food truck menu. At events, a food truck&#8217;s prices also carry the pitch fee, so a dish that works on a private pitch may not work at a festival taking 25% to 35% of takings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Insure the business and the vehicle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Liability<\/strong>: one broker&#8217;s 2026 data shows 10% of catering vans paying <strong>\u00a3134.07<\/strong> a year or less for \u00a310 million of employers&#8217; liability and \u00a32 million of public liability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Example quotes<\/strong>: \u00a374.07 a year for public liability for a new sole trader serving in a retail car park; \u00a31,242.32 a year for a wedding and functions van run as a limited company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Claims<\/strong>: the same broker&#8217;s average mobile caterer claim was <strong>\u00a321,816<\/strong> between June 2025 and May 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The vehicle<\/strong>: business liability cover does not insure the vehicle; a van or trailer used for catering is declared as such to the motor insurer, with the conversion and equipment included<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Events<\/strong>: organisers set minimum public liability levels in their trader terms, and ask for the certificate with the application<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Prepare the event paperwork, staff and bookings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Trader packs<\/strong>: events usually ask for the CP44 gas certificate, public liability certificate, food hygiene rating, a risk assessment and allergen information with the application<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Staff<\/strong>: the National Living Wage is <strong>\u00a312.71<\/strong> an hour at 21 and over from 1 April 2026, and from 1 October 2026 right to work checks cover workers and individual subcontractors as well as employees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Private hire<\/strong>: weddings, corporate events and parties are booked in advance at an agreed price, which smooths the income from weather-dependent pitches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Marketing<\/strong>: a social media schedule of where the van is each day, and reviews from events, are how regular customers find a food truck; one events trailer offered for sale lists its website and online booking enquiries among its assets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n        <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider-wrapper\" data-slider-id=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider-6aed3dd1e999d\">\n            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider swiper\">\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide lf-gut-franchise-card\">\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image-wrapper\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/amigos-burgers-shakes-feast-360x183.png\" class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image\" alt=\"Amigos Burgers &#038; Shakes\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-logo-center\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/amigos-logo-blue-burgers-shakes-150x150.png\" alt=\"Logo\">\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-content\">\n                                <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title-content\">\n                                    <div>\n                                        <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-header-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/franchise\/amigos-burgers-shakes\/\">\n                                            <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title\">Amigos Burgers &#038; Shakes<\/p>\n                                        <\/a>\n                                        <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-tag-line\">Burgers, Shakes, Good Times<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <ul class=\"lf-gut-franchise-info-list\">\n                                        <li data-field=\"category\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12.5852 21.9314H4.92807C3.01378 21.9314 2.05664 20.9355 2.05664 18.9438V10.9771C2.05664 8.98542 3.01378 7.98957 4.92807 7.98957M12.5852 21.9314C10.6709 21.9314 9.71378 20.9355 9.71378 18.9438M12.5852 21.9314H18.3281C20.2424 21.9314 21.1995 20.9355 21.1995 18.9438V5.00205C21.1995 3.01037 20.2424 2.01453 18.3281 2.01453H12.5852C10.6709 2.01453 9.71378 3.01037 9.71378 5.00205M4.92807 7.98957H9.71378M4.92807 7.98957V5.99789C4.92807 4.90247 5.7895 4.00621 6.84235 4.00621H9.81905C9.74248 4.30496 9.71378 4.63359 9.71378 5.00205M9.71378 7.98957V18.9438M9.71378 7.98957V5.00205M9.71378 18.9438V5.00205M13.5424 7.98957V12.9688M17.3709 7.98957V12.9688M5.88521 12.9688V16.9521M16.4138 16.9521H14.4995C13.9731 16.9521 13.5424 17.4003 13.5424 17.948V21.9314H17.3709V17.948C17.3709 17.4003 16.9402 16.9521 16.4138 16.9521Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Food &#8211; Drink                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"locations\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"19\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M9.62821 12.2473C11.2775 12.2473 12.6145 10.8563 12.6145 9.14032C12.6145 7.42435 11.2775 6.03329 9.62821 6.03329C7.97893 6.03329 6.64192 7.42435 6.64192 9.14032C6.64192 10.8563 7.97893 12.2473 9.62821 12.2473Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M1.60735 7.32788C3.49292 -1.29611 15.7731 -1.28615 17.6491 7.33784C18.7498 12.3967 15.7252 16.6788 13.0739 19.3278C11.1501 21.2597 8.10635 21.2597 6.17292 19.3278C3.53121 16.6788 0.506638 12.3868 1.60735 7.32788Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>25 Locations                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"contribution\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 25\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M2.05664 9.19308H21.1995M5.88521 17.1598H7.7995M10.1924 17.1598H14.0209M6.30635 4.21387H16.9402C20.3476 4.21387 21.1995 5.09021 21.1995 8.58561V16.7615C21.1995 20.2569 20.3476 21.1332 16.9498 21.1332H6.30635C2.9085 21.1432 2.05664 20.2668 2.05664 16.7714V8.58561C2.05664 5.09021 2.9085 4.21387 6.30635 4.21387Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Liquid capital: \u00a3170000                                        <\/li>\n                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-button\" rel=\"follow\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/form?version_id=franchise_enseigne_en&#038;franchise_id=1788507&#038;utm_source=media&#038;utm_campaign=cta-slider&#038;utm_content=start-a-food-truck-business&#038;tracking_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Flexpress-franchise.com%2Fen%2Farticles%2Fstart-a-food-truck-business%2F\">I want more info<\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide lf-gut-franchise-card\">\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image-wrapper\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fatphills-grand-opening-front-360x288.png\" class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image\" alt=\"Fat Phill\u2019s\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-logo-center\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fat-phills-logo-150x150.png\" alt=\"Logo\">\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-content\">\n                                <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title-content\">\n                                    <div>\n                                        <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-header-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/franchise\/fat-phills\/\">\n                                            <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title\">Fat Phill\u2019s<\/p>\n                                        <\/a>\n                                        <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-tag-line\">Smash burger restaurant franchise<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <ul class=\"lf-gut-franchise-info-list\">\n                                        <li data-field=\"category\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12.5852 21.9314H4.92807C3.01378 21.9314 2.05664 20.9355 2.05664 18.9438V10.9771C2.05664 8.98542 3.01378 7.98957 4.92807 7.98957M12.5852 21.9314C10.6709 21.9314 9.71378 20.9355 9.71378 18.9438M12.5852 21.9314H18.3281C20.2424 21.9314 21.1995 20.9355 21.1995 18.9438V5.00205C21.1995 3.01037 20.2424 2.01453 18.3281 2.01453H12.5852C10.6709 2.01453 9.71378 3.01037 9.71378 5.00205M4.92807 7.98957H9.71378M4.92807 7.98957V5.99789C4.92807 4.90247 5.7895 4.00621 6.84235 4.00621H9.81905C9.74248 4.30496 9.71378 4.63359 9.71378 5.00205M9.71378 7.98957V18.9438M9.71378 7.98957V5.00205M9.71378 18.9438V5.00205M13.5424 7.98957V12.9688M17.3709 7.98957V12.9688M5.88521 12.9688V16.9521M16.4138 16.9521H14.4995C13.9731 16.9521 13.5424 17.4003 13.5424 17.948V21.9314H17.3709V17.948C17.3709 17.4003 16.9402 16.9521 16.4138 16.9521Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Fast Food                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"locations\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"19\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M9.62821 12.2473C11.2775 12.2473 12.6145 10.8563 12.6145 9.14032C12.6145 7.42435 11.2775 6.03329 9.62821 6.03329C7.97893 6.03329 6.64192 7.42435 6.64192 9.14032C6.64192 10.8563 7.97893 12.2473 9.62821 12.2473Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M1.60735 7.32788C3.49292 -1.29611 15.7731 -1.28615 17.6491 7.33784C18.7498 12.3967 15.7252 16.6788 13.0739 19.3278C11.1501 21.2597 8.10635 21.2597 6.17292 19.3278C3.53121 16.6788 0.506638 12.3868 1.60735 7.32788Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>27 Locations                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"contribution\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 25\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M2.05664 9.19308H21.1995M5.88521 17.1598H7.7995M10.1924 17.1598H14.0209M6.30635 4.21387H16.9402C20.3476 4.21387 21.1995 5.09021 21.1995 8.58561V16.7615C21.1995 20.2569 20.3476 21.1332 16.9498 21.1332H6.30635C2.9085 21.1432 2.05664 20.2668 2.05664 16.7714V8.58561C2.05664 5.09021 2.9085 4.21387 6.30635 4.21387Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Liquid capital: \u00a375000                                        <\/li>\n                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-button\" rel=\"follow\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/form?version_id=franchise_enseigne_en&#038;franchise_id=1745769&#038;utm_source=media&#038;utm_campaign=cta-slider&#038;utm_content=start-a-food-truck-business&#038;tracking_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Flexpress-franchise.com%2Fen%2Farticles%2Fstart-a-food-truck-business%2F\">I want more info<\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide lf-gut-franchise-card\">\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image-wrapper\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/franchise-spudbros-express-4-360x240.png\" class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image\" alt=\"SpudBros Express\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-logo-center\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/logo-spudbros-express-150x150.png\" alt=\"Logo\">\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-content\">\n                                <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title-content\">\n                                    <div>\n                                        <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-header-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/franchise\/spudbros-express\/\">\n                                            <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title\">SpudBros Express<\/p>\n                                        <\/a>\n                                        <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-tag-line\">The future of QSR<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <ul class=\"lf-gut-franchise-info-list\">\n                                        <li data-field=\"category\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12.5852 21.9314H4.92807C3.01378 21.9314 2.05664 20.9355 2.05664 18.9438V10.9771C2.05664 8.98542 3.01378 7.98957 4.92807 7.98957M12.5852 21.9314C10.6709 21.9314 9.71378 20.9355 9.71378 18.9438M12.5852 21.9314H18.3281C20.2424 21.9314 21.1995 20.9355 21.1995 18.9438V5.00205C21.1995 3.01037 20.2424 2.01453 18.3281 2.01453H12.5852C10.6709 2.01453 9.71378 3.01037 9.71378 5.00205M4.92807 7.98957H9.71378M4.92807 7.98957V5.99789C4.92807 4.90247 5.7895 4.00621 6.84235 4.00621H9.81905C9.74248 4.30496 9.71378 4.63359 9.71378 5.00205M9.71378 7.98957V18.9438M9.71378 7.98957V5.00205M9.71378 18.9438V5.00205M13.5424 7.98957V12.9688M17.3709 7.98957V12.9688M5.88521 12.9688V16.9521M16.4138 16.9521H14.4995C13.9731 16.9521 13.5424 17.4003 13.5424 17.948V21.9314H17.3709V17.948C17.3709 17.4003 16.9402 16.9521 16.4138 16.9521Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Restaurant                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"locations\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"19\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M9.62821 12.2473C11.2775 12.2473 12.6145 10.8563 12.6145 9.14032C12.6145 7.42435 11.2775 6.03329 9.62821 6.03329C7.97893 6.03329 6.64192 7.42435 6.64192 9.14032C6.64192 10.8563 7.97893 12.2473 9.62821 12.2473Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M1.60735 7.32788C3.49292 -1.29611 15.7731 -1.28615 17.6491 7.33784C18.7498 12.3967 15.7252 16.6788 13.0739 19.3278C11.1501 21.2597 8.10635 21.2597 6.17292 19.3278C3.53121 16.6788 0.506638 12.3868 1.60735 7.32788Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>6 Locations                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"contribution\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 25\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M2.05664 9.19308H21.1995M5.88521 17.1598H7.7995M10.1924 17.1598H14.0209M6.30635 4.21387H16.9402C20.3476 4.21387 21.1995 5.09021 21.1995 8.58561V16.7615C21.1995 20.2569 20.3476 21.1332 16.9498 21.1332H6.30635C2.9085 21.1432 2.05664 20.2668 2.05664 16.7714V8.58561C2.05664 5.09021 2.9085 4.21387 6.30635 4.21387Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Liquid capital: \u00a3100000                                        <\/li>\n                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-button\" rel=\"follow\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/form?version_id=franchise_enseigne_en&#038;franchise_id=1551156&#038;utm_source=media&#038;utm_campaign=cta-slider&#038;utm_content=start-a-food-truck-business&#038;tracking_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Flexpress-franchise.com%2Fen%2Farticles%2Fstart-a-food-truck-business%2F\">I want more info<\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide lf-gut-franchise-card\">\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image-wrapper\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/chicken-sandwich-whole-grain-lettuce-360x240.jpg\" class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image\" alt=\"Griolladh\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-logo-center\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/logo-griolladh-150x150.png\" alt=\"Logo\">\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-content\">\n                                <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title-content\">\n                                    <div>\n                                        <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-header-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/franchise\/griolladh\/\">\n                                            <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title\">Griolladh<\/p>\n                                        <\/a>\n                                        <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-tag-line\">Fast Irish Comfort Food<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <ul class=\"lf-gut-franchise-info-list\">\n                                        <li data-field=\"category\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12.5852 21.9314H4.92807C3.01378 21.9314 2.05664 20.9355 2.05664 18.9438V10.9771C2.05664 8.98542 3.01378 7.98957 4.92807 7.98957M12.5852 21.9314C10.6709 21.9314 9.71378 20.9355 9.71378 18.9438M12.5852 21.9314H18.3281C20.2424 21.9314 21.1995 20.9355 21.1995 18.9438V5.00205C21.1995 3.01037 20.2424 2.01453 18.3281 2.01453H12.5852C10.6709 2.01453 9.71378 3.01037 9.71378 5.00205M4.92807 7.98957H9.71378M4.92807 7.98957V5.99789C4.92807 4.90247 5.7895 4.00621 6.84235 4.00621H9.81905C9.74248 4.30496 9.71378 4.63359 9.71378 5.00205M9.71378 7.98957V18.9438M9.71378 7.98957V5.00205M9.71378 18.9438V5.00205M13.5424 7.98957V12.9688M17.3709 7.98957V12.9688M5.88521 12.9688V16.9521M16.4138 16.9521H14.4995C13.9731 16.9521 13.5424 17.4003 13.5424 17.948V21.9314H17.3709V17.948C17.3709 17.4003 16.9402 16.9521 16.4138 16.9521Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Restaurant                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"locations\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"19\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M9.62821 12.2473C11.2775 12.2473 12.6145 10.8563 12.6145 9.14032C12.6145 7.42435 11.2775 6.03329 9.62821 6.03329C7.97893 6.03329 6.64192 7.42435 6.64192 9.14032C6.64192 10.8563 7.97893 12.2473 9.62821 12.2473Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M1.60735 7.32788C3.49292 -1.29611 15.7731 -1.28615 17.6491 7.33784C18.7498 12.3967 15.7252 16.6788 13.0739 19.3278C11.1501 21.2597 8.10635 21.2597 6.17292 19.3278C3.53121 16.6788 0.506638 12.3868 1.60735 7.32788Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>13 Locations                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"contribution\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 25\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M2.05664 9.19308H21.1995M5.88521 17.1598H7.7995M10.1924 17.1598H14.0209M6.30635 4.21387H16.9402C20.3476 4.21387 21.1995 5.09021 21.1995 8.58561V16.7615C21.1995 20.2569 20.3476 21.1332 16.9498 21.1332H6.30635C2.9085 21.1432 2.05664 20.2668 2.05664 16.7714V8.58561C2.05664 5.09021 2.9085 4.21387 6.30635 4.21387Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Liquid capital: \u00a350000                                        <\/li>\n                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-button\" rel=\"follow\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/form?version_id=franchise_enseigne_en&#038;franchise_id=1529967&#038;utm_source=media&#038;utm_campaign=cta-slider&#038;utm_content=start-a-food-truck-business&#038;tracking_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Flexpress-franchise.com%2Fen%2Farticles%2Fstart-a-food-truck-business%2F\">I want more info<\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider-nav\">\n                <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div>\n                <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4\">The running costs new owners most often forget<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1138\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1138\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Running cost<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Published example<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Street trading consent<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">From about \u00a3517 to \u00a38,219 a year, depending on the council and the street<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Gas certificate<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Annual CP44; about \u00a3150 for certification alone in 2026 London job postings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Insurance<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">From \u00a3134.07 a year for the cheapest 10% of catering vans with one broker; \u00a31,242.32 for a wedding and functions van<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Private pitch rent<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a31,150 to \u00a32,600 a year in the businesses offered for sale<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Event fees<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a3110 to \u00a3550 plus VAT a pitch, or 5% to 35% of takings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Re-rating visit, if needed<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a3183 to \u00a3371.32 in English councils&#8217; 2026\/27 schedules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Vehicle<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">MOT, servicing, fuel, tyres and motor insurance for a commercial use<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1138 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sources: council fee schedules; broker data, 2026; business-for-sale listings; organiser terms.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Weather and season<\/strong>: outdoor trade falls in winter and on wet days, so private bookings and indoor markets carry the quiet months<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Commissary and storage<\/strong>: somewhere to store stock, clean equipment and fill water tanks, which a home kitchen used for business may need to be registered for<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Waste<\/strong>: food waste, packaging and waste water removed from every pitch, with the single-use plastics ban in England applying to vans as to shops<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contingency<\/strong>: a reserve for breakdowns, which stop trading entirely when the kitchen is the vehicle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5\">How long it takes to start a food truck business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1139\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1139\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Step<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Timescale<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Pitches and street trading consents<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Applications are assessed before consent is granted, and some councils consult before deciding; prime pitches can have waiting lists<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Vehicle purchase or conversion<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">A ready-fitted unit trades at once; a self-conversion takes weeks to months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Gas installation and CP44<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Booked with a mobile catering engineer, who can be hard to find in some areas<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Food business registration<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">At least 28 days before trading, with the council where the vehicle is kept<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">First hygiene inspection<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Councils aim to inspect new businesses within 28 days of registration or opening<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Late night licence, if needed<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">28 days for representations after the application is advertised<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Event applications<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Festivals open applications months ahead and select traders, so the first season is booked in winter and spring<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1139 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sources: council guidance; licensing and food law timescales; organiser application windows.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6\">Types of food truck business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1126\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1126\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Type<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">How it trades<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Fixed-pitch van or trailer<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">The same site most days, often breakfast and lunch for workers and passing trade<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Event and festival trader<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Markets, festivals and shows, with high takings on good days and pitch fees or percentages<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Private hire caterer<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Weddings, parties and corporate events at a pre-agreed price<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Coffee van<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Lower food safety risk, fast service and early starts at stations, sites and offices<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Street food market stall<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">A gazebo pitch at a regular market, with the lowest set-up cost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Franchised mobile unit<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">A brand, equipment and supply chain, against fees set in the agreement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1126 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>L&#8217;Express Franchise, November 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/coffee-dessert-kiosk-neon-sign-christmas-crape-special.jpg\" alt=\"neon coffee and cr\u00eape kiosk, christmas special\" class=\"wp-image-1834181\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/coffee-dessert-kiosk-neon-sign-christmas-crape-special.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/coffee-truck-order-window-1.jpg 767w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/coffee-hot-chocolate-kiosk-street-trailer.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/coffee-stand-interior-kiosk-counter.jpg 479w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/coffee-shop-counter-neon-sign.jpg 359w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/coffee-kiosk-order-here-neon-sign.jpg 639w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/coffee-truck-order-here-neon-sign.jpg 959w, https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/coffee-dessert-kiosk-interior.jpg 1168w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7\">How much does it cost to start a food truck business?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No official UK average start-up cost exists. The published lines that apply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1127\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1127\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Cost line<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Published figure<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Vehicle<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">About \u00a36,500 for a used trailer to \u00a355,000 for a recently converted van; \u00a330,000 to \u00a350,000 and more for a factory-fitted new truck<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Gas installation and certification<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">About \u00a31,000 to \u00a31,050 for new pipework with a CP44, 2026 London job postings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Street trading consent<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">About \u00a3517 to \u00a38,219 a year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Food business registration<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Free, 28 days before trading<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Insurance<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">From \u00a3134.07 a year for liability, plus motor insurance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Late night refreshment licence, if needed<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a3100 to \u00a3635 to apply, \u00a370 to \u00a3350 a year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1127 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sources: listings; job postings; council fee schedules; broker data; licensing fee schedule.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A week on a private pitch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The worked example takes a food truck trading five days a week on a private pitch, taking \u00a31,500 a week, below the VAT threshold, with food and packaging at 35% of takings and the owner working alone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1113\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1113\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Weekly line<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Figure<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Takings<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a31,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Food and packaging at 35%<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a3525<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Pitch rent, as in the sandwich van offered for sale<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a350<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">LPG and fuel<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a360<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Insurance, from \u00a3134.07 a year<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a33<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Card fees on 70% of takings<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a318<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Phone, waste, cleaning and other costs<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a340<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Left for the owner<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">About \u00a3804 a week, about \u00a338,600 over 48 trading weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1113 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Illustrative inputs except the pitch rent, insurance figure and card fee rate, L&#8217;Express Franchise, November 2026. Before Income Tax and National Insurance, and before vehicle depreciation.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u00a3804 pays for the owner&#8217;s own hours, which include buying stock, preparation and cleaning down as well as serving. At the same pitch in a city centre, a consent of \u00a38,219 a year would take about \u00a3158 a week, a fifth of what is left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many orders a food truck needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the same assumptions, each \u00a31 of takings leaves about 64p after food, packaging and card fees, against weekly fixed costs of about \u00a3153. Turned into orders of \u00a37.50:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1129\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1129\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Target<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Weekly takings needed<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Orders of \u00a37.50 a week<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Orders a day, five days<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Cover the costs, owner unpaid<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">About \u00a3240<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">About 32<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">About 6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Pay the owner \u00a3500 a week<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">About \u00a31,023<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">About 136<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">About 27<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Pay the owner about \u00a3804 a week<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">About \u00a31,500<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">About 200<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">About 40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1129 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Illustrative, using the weekly example above; every order assumed at \u00a37.50.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Forty orders a day is the figure to test against a pitch before signing: how many people pass at breakfast and lunch, and how many other vans and caf\u00e9s serve them. The events trailer offered for sale serving 270 toasties a day shows what a busy event can do; a quiet lay-by may never reach 40.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Starting a food truck on a lower budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lowest-cost route into a food truck business is a used trailer with current gas and electrical certificates, towed by an existing vehicle on a standard car licence, trading at markets and events before committing to a fixed pitch. For franchise options at lower entry points across all sectors, see <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/low-cost-franchises\/\">low cost franchises in the UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8\">Starting a food truck business through a franchise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A franchise is the other route into mobile food. Franchising in the UK has no franchise statute or disclosure law, as set out in <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/what-is-a-franchise\/\">what a franchise is<\/a>, so what a franchise provides and charges is set by each agreement. What mobile franchisors typically supply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A fitted vehicle<\/strong> built to the brand&#8217;s specification, often with finance arranged<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A brand and menu<\/strong> customers recognise at events and on fixed rounds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Suppliers<\/strong> for coffee, food and packaging at network prices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A territory or round<\/strong> of sites, offices or events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Training<\/strong> in operations, food safety and the equipment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What a franchise costs on top of the van<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ongoing fees come on top of the vehicle: published franchise law guidance puts management service fees, or royalties, commonly at <strong>5% to 8%<\/strong> of turnover, plus a marketing levy of 1% to 3%; some mobile franchises charge a fixed monthly fee instead. The worked example compares the same food truck at \u00a31,500 a week, run independently and as a franchise paying 6% in royalty and 2% for marketing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1130\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1130\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Weekly line<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Independent<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Franchise at 6% plus 2%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Takings<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a31,500<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u00a31,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Royalty and marketing levy<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">None<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">About \u00a3120<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Left for the owner<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">About \u00a3804<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">About \u00a3684<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Takings needed to leave the owner \u00a3804<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a31,500<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">About \u00a31,715, 14% more<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-1130 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Illustrative, using the weekly example above; fee rates from published UK franchise law guidance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The question is whether the brand, the sites and the supply prices bring at least 14% more trade than the same food truck would take alone. The answer comes from what existing franchisees with similar rounds take, and from how the fees are charged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9\">Mobile food franchise opportunities in the UK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mobile coffee franchises listed on L&#8217;Express Franchise under <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/our-franchises\/coffee\/\">coffee franchises<\/a> publish these figures on their listings; more food formats are listed under <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/our-franchises\/fast-food\/\">fast food franchises<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider-wrapper\" data-slider-id=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider-6aed3dd1eb51d\">\n            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider swiper\">\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide lf-gut-franchise-card\">\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image-wrapper\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/amigos-burgers-shakes-feast-360x183.png\" class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image\" alt=\"Amigos Burgers &#038; Shakes\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-logo-center\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/amigos-logo-blue-burgers-shakes-150x150.png\" alt=\"Logo\">\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-content\">\n                                <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title-content\">\n                                    <div>\n                                        <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-header-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/franchise\/amigos-burgers-shakes\/\">\n                                            <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title\">Amigos Burgers &#038; Shakes<\/p>\n                                        <\/a>\n                                        <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-tag-line\">Burgers, Shakes, Good Times<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <ul class=\"lf-gut-franchise-info-list\">\n                                        <li data-field=\"category\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12.5852 21.9314H4.92807C3.01378 21.9314 2.05664 20.9355 2.05664 18.9438V10.9771C2.05664 8.98542 3.01378 7.98957 4.92807 7.98957M12.5852 21.9314C10.6709 21.9314 9.71378 20.9355 9.71378 18.9438M12.5852 21.9314H18.3281C20.2424 21.9314 21.1995 20.9355 21.1995 18.9438V5.00205C21.1995 3.01037 20.2424 2.01453 18.3281 2.01453H12.5852C10.6709 2.01453 9.71378 3.01037 9.71378 5.00205M4.92807 7.98957H9.71378M4.92807 7.98957V5.99789C4.92807 4.90247 5.7895 4.00621 6.84235 4.00621H9.81905C9.74248 4.30496 9.71378 4.63359 9.71378 5.00205M9.71378 7.98957V18.9438M9.71378 7.98957V5.00205M9.71378 18.9438V5.00205M13.5424 7.98957V12.9688M17.3709 7.98957V12.9688M5.88521 12.9688V16.9521M16.4138 16.9521H14.4995C13.9731 16.9521 13.5424 17.4003 13.5424 17.948V21.9314H17.3709V17.948C17.3709 17.4003 16.9402 16.9521 16.4138 16.9521Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Food &#8211; Drink                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"locations\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"19\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M9.62821 12.2473C11.2775 12.2473 12.6145 10.8563 12.6145 9.14032C12.6145 7.42435 11.2775 6.03329 9.62821 6.03329C7.97893 6.03329 6.64192 7.42435 6.64192 9.14032C6.64192 10.8563 7.97893 12.2473 9.62821 12.2473Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M1.60735 7.32788C3.49292 -1.29611 15.7731 -1.28615 17.6491 7.33784C18.7498 12.3967 15.7252 16.6788 13.0739 19.3278C11.1501 21.2597 8.10635 21.2597 6.17292 19.3278C3.53121 16.6788 0.506638 12.3868 1.60735 7.32788Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>25 Locations                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"contribution\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 25\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M2.05664 9.19308H21.1995M5.88521 17.1598H7.7995M10.1924 17.1598H14.0209M6.30635 4.21387H16.9402C20.3476 4.21387 21.1995 5.09021 21.1995 8.58561V16.7615C21.1995 20.2569 20.3476 21.1332 16.9498 21.1332H6.30635C2.9085 21.1432 2.05664 20.2668 2.05664 16.7714V8.58561C2.05664 5.09021 2.9085 4.21387 6.30635 4.21387Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Liquid capital: \u00a3170000                                        <\/li>\n                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-button\" rel=\"follow\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/form?version_id=franchise_enseigne_en&#038;franchise_id=1788507&#038;utm_source=media&#038;utm_campaign=cta-slider&#038;utm_content=start-a-food-truck-business&#038;tracking_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Flexpress-franchise.com%2Fen%2Farticles%2Fstart-a-food-truck-business%2F\">I want more info<\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide lf-gut-franchise-card\">\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image-wrapper\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fatphills-grand-opening-front-360x288.png\" class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image\" alt=\"Fat Phill\u2019s\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-logo-center\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fat-phills-logo-150x150.png\" alt=\"Logo\">\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-content\">\n                                <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title-content\">\n                                    <div>\n                                        <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-header-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/franchise\/fat-phills\/\">\n                                            <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title\">Fat Phill\u2019s<\/p>\n                                        <\/a>\n                                        <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-tag-line\">Smash burger restaurant franchise<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <ul class=\"lf-gut-franchise-info-list\">\n                                        <li data-field=\"category\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12.5852 21.9314H4.92807C3.01378 21.9314 2.05664 20.9355 2.05664 18.9438V10.9771C2.05664 8.98542 3.01378 7.98957 4.92807 7.98957M12.5852 21.9314C10.6709 21.9314 9.71378 20.9355 9.71378 18.9438M12.5852 21.9314H18.3281C20.2424 21.9314 21.1995 20.9355 21.1995 18.9438V5.00205C21.1995 3.01037 20.2424 2.01453 18.3281 2.01453H12.5852C10.6709 2.01453 9.71378 3.01037 9.71378 5.00205M4.92807 7.98957H9.71378M4.92807 7.98957V5.99789C4.92807 4.90247 5.7895 4.00621 6.84235 4.00621H9.81905C9.74248 4.30496 9.71378 4.63359 9.71378 5.00205M9.71378 7.98957V18.9438M9.71378 7.98957V5.00205M9.71378 18.9438V5.00205M13.5424 7.98957V12.9688M17.3709 7.98957V12.9688M5.88521 12.9688V16.9521M16.4138 16.9521H14.4995C13.9731 16.9521 13.5424 17.4003 13.5424 17.948V21.9314H17.3709V17.948C17.3709 17.4003 16.9402 16.9521 16.4138 16.9521Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Fast Food                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"locations\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"19\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M9.62821 12.2473C11.2775 12.2473 12.6145 10.8563 12.6145 9.14032C12.6145 7.42435 11.2775 6.03329 9.62821 6.03329C7.97893 6.03329 6.64192 7.42435 6.64192 9.14032C6.64192 10.8563 7.97893 12.2473 9.62821 12.2473Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M1.60735 7.32788C3.49292 -1.29611 15.7731 -1.28615 17.6491 7.33784C18.7498 12.3967 15.7252 16.6788 13.0739 19.3278C11.1501 21.2597 8.10635 21.2597 6.17292 19.3278C3.53121 16.6788 0.506638 12.3868 1.60735 7.32788Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>27 Locations                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"contribution\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 25\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M2.05664 9.19308H21.1995M5.88521 17.1598H7.7995M10.1924 17.1598H14.0209M6.30635 4.21387H16.9402C20.3476 4.21387 21.1995 5.09021 21.1995 8.58561V16.7615C21.1995 20.2569 20.3476 21.1332 16.9498 21.1332H6.30635C2.9085 21.1432 2.05664 20.2668 2.05664 16.7714V8.58561C2.05664 5.09021 2.9085 4.21387 6.30635 4.21387Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Liquid capital: \u00a375000                                        <\/li>\n                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-button\" rel=\"follow\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/form?version_id=franchise_enseigne_en&#038;franchise_id=1745769&#038;utm_source=media&#038;utm_campaign=cta-slider&#038;utm_content=start-a-food-truck-business&#038;tracking_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Flexpress-franchise.com%2Fen%2Farticles%2Fstart-a-food-truck-business%2F\">I want more info<\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide lf-gut-franchise-card\">\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image-wrapper\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/franchise-spudbros-express-4-360x240.png\" class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image\" alt=\"SpudBros Express\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-logo-center\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/logo-spudbros-express-150x150.png\" alt=\"Logo\">\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-content\">\n                                <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title-content\">\n                                    <div>\n                                        <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-header-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/franchise\/spudbros-express\/\">\n                                            <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title\">SpudBros Express<\/p>\n                                        <\/a>\n                                        <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-tag-line\">The future of QSR<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <ul class=\"lf-gut-franchise-info-list\">\n                                        <li data-field=\"category\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12.5852 21.9314H4.92807C3.01378 21.9314 2.05664 20.9355 2.05664 18.9438V10.9771C2.05664 8.98542 3.01378 7.98957 4.92807 7.98957M12.5852 21.9314C10.6709 21.9314 9.71378 20.9355 9.71378 18.9438M12.5852 21.9314H18.3281C20.2424 21.9314 21.1995 20.9355 21.1995 18.9438V5.00205C21.1995 3.01037 20.2424 2.01453 18.3281 2.01453H12.5852C10.6709 2.01453 9.71378 3.01037 9.71378 5.00205M4.92807 7.98957H9.71378M4.92807 7.98957V5.99789C4.92807 4.90247 5.7895 4.00621 6.84235 4.00621H9.81905C9.74248 4.30496 9.71378 4.63359 9.71378 5.00205M9.71378 7.98957V18.9438M9.71378 7.98957V5.00205M9.71378 18.9438V5.00205M13.5424 7.98957V12.9688M17.3709 7.98957V12.9688M5.88521 12.9688V16.9521M16.4138 16.9521H14.4995C13.9731 16.9521 13.5424 17.4003 13.5424 17.948V21.9314H17.3709V17.948C17.3709 17.4003 16.9402 16.9521 16.4138 16.9521Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Restaurant                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"locations\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"19\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M9.62821 12.2473C11.2775 12.2473 12.6145 10.8563 12.6145 9.14032C12.6145 7.42435 11.2775 6.03329 9.62821 6.03329C7.97893 6.03329 6.64192 7.42435 6.64192 9.14032C6.64192 10.8563 7.97893 12.2473 9.62821 12.2473Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M1.60735 7.32788C3.49292 -1.29611 15.7731 -1.28615 17.6491 7.33784C18.7498 12.3967 15.7252 16.6788 13.0739 19.3278C11.1501 21.2597 8.10635 21.2597 6.17292 19.3278C3.53121 16.6788 0.506638 12.3868 1.60735 7.32788Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>6 Locations                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"contribution\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 25\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M2.05664 9.19308H21.1995M5.88521 17.1598H7.7995M10.1924 17.1598H14.0209M6.30635 4.21387H16.9402C20.3476 4.21387 21.1995 5.09021 21.1995 8.58561V16.7615C21.1995 20.2569 20.3476 21.1332 16.9498 21.1332H6.30635C2.9085 21.1432 2.05664 20.2668 2.05664 16.7714V8.58561C2.05664 5.09021 2.9085 4.21387 6.30635 4.21387Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Liquid capital: \u00a3100000                                        <\/li>\n                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-button\" rel=\"follow\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/form?version_id=franchise_enseigne_en&#038;franchise_id=1551156&#038;utm_source=media&#038;utm_campaign=cta-slider&#038;utm_content=start-a-food-truck-business&#038;tracking_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Flexpress-franchise.com%2Fen%2Farticles%2Fstart-a-food-truck-business%2F\">I want more info<\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide lf-gut-franchise-card\">\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image-wrapper\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/chicken-sandwich-whole-grain-lettuce-360x240.jpg\" class=\"lf-gut-franchise-image\" alt=\"Griolladh\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-logo-center\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/logo-griolladh-150x150.png\" alt=\"Logo\">\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-content\">\n                                <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title-content\">\n                                    <div>\n                                        <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-header-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/franchise\/griolladh\/\">\n                                            <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-title\">Griolladh<\/p>\n                                        <\/a>\n                                        <p class=\"lf-gut-franchise-tag-line\">Fast Irish Comfort Food<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <ul class=\"lf-gut-franchise-info-list\">\n                                        <li data-field=\"category\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12.5852 21.9314H4.92807C3.01378 21.9314 2.05664 20.9355 2.05664 18.9438V10.9771C2.05664 8.98542 3.01378 7.98957 4.92807 7.98957M12.5852 21.9314C10.6709 21.9314 9.71378 20.9355 9.71378 18.9438M12.5852 21.9314H18.3281C20.2424 21.9314 21.1995 20.9355 21.1995 18.9438V5.00205C21.1995 3.01037 20.2424 2.01453 18.3281 2.01453H12.5852C10.6709 2.01453 9.71378 3.01037 9.71378 5.00205M4.92807 7.98957H9.71378M4.92807 7.98957V5.99789C4.92807 4.90247 5.7895 4.00621 6.84235 4.00621H9.81905C9.74248 4.30496 9.71378 4.63359 9.71378 5.00205M9.71378 7.98957V18.9438M9.71378 7.98957V5.00205M9.71378 18.9438V5.00205M13.5424 7.98957V12.9688M17.3709 7.98957V12.9688M5.88521 12.9688V16.9521M16.4138 16.9521H14.4995C13.9731 16.9521 13.5424 17.4003 13.5424 17.948V21.9314H17.3709V17.948C17.3709 17.4003 16.9402 16.9521 16.4138 16.9521Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Restaurant                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"locations\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"19\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 22\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M9.62821 12.2473C11.2775 12.2473 12.6145 10.8563 12.6145 9.14032C12.6145 7.42435 11.2775 6.03329 9.62821 6.03329C7.97893 6.03329 6.64192 7.42435 6.64192 9.14032C6.64192 10.8563 7.97893 12.2473 9.62821 12.2473Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M1.60735 7.32788C3.49292 -1.29611 15.7731 -1.28615 17.6491 7.33784C18.7498 12.3967 15.7252 16.6788 13.0739 19.3278C11.1501 21.2597 8.10635 21.2597 6.17292 19.3278C3.53121 16.6788 0.506638 12.3868 1.60735 7.32788Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>13 Locations                                        <\/li>\n                                                                                <li data-field=\"contribution\">\n                                            <span class=\"lf-gut-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 25\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M2.05664 9.19308H21.1995M5.88521 17.1598H7.7995M10.1924 17.1598H14.0209M6.30635 4.21387H16.9402C20.3476 4.21387 21.1995 5.09021 21.1995 8.58561V16.7615C21.1995 20.2569 20.3476 21.1332 16.9498 21.1332H6.30635C2.9085 21.1432 2.05664 20.2668 2.05664 16.7714V8.58561C2.05664 5.09021 2.9085 4.21387 6.30635 4.21387Z\" stroke=\"#E53B12\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span>Liquid capital: \u00a350000                                        <\/li>\n                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                <a class=\"lf-gut-franchise-button\" rel=\"follow\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/form?version_id=franchise_enseigne_en&#038;franchise_id=1529967&#038;utm_source=media&#038;utm_campaign=cta-slider&#038;utm_content=start-a-food-truck-business&#038;tracking_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Flexpress-franchise.com%2Fen%2Farticles%2Fstart-a-food-truck-business%2F\">I want more info<\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"lf-gut-franchise-slider-nav\">\n                <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div>\n                <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cafe2U lists 85 sites. For a fixed coffee business rather than a van, see the guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-open-a-coffee-shop-in-the-uk\/\">opening a coffee shop<\/a>; for a wood-fired pizza trailer, the guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-open-a-pizzeria-in-the-uk\/\">opening a pizzeria<\/a> covers the oven and the menu.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference\" style=\"border-color: #9b51e0;\"><div class=\"lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference__icon\" style=\"color: #9b51e0;\"><svg class=\"icon-thumb-up\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"35\" height=\"35\" viewBox=\"0 0 48 48\" fill=\"none\" style=\"color: #9b51e0;\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M21.4998 4.89989L20.8499 4.13985L20.8474 4.14202L21.4998 4.89989ZM26.5397 4.89989L27.1922 4.14197L27.1842 4.13526L26.5397 4.89989ZM29.6998 7.62011L30.3547 6.86441L30.3522 6.86223L29.6998 7.62011ZM40.4197 18.3401L41.1776 17.6877L41.1754 17.6851L40.4197 18.3401ZM43.1398 21.5L43.8998 20.8501L43.8977 20.8476L43.1398 21.5ZM43.1398 26.54L43.8977 27.1924L43.9044 27.1845L43.1398 26.54ZM40.4197 29.6999L41.1754 30.3549L41.1776 30.3523L40.4197 29.6999ZM29.6998 40.4199L30.3521 41.1778L30.3547 41.1756L29.6998 40.4199ZM26.5397 43.1399L27.1896 43.8999L27.1921 43.8978L26.5397 43.1399ZM21.4998 43.1399L20.8474 43.8978L20.8553 43.9045L21.4998 43.1399ZM18.3398 40.4199L17.6849 41.1756L17.6874 41.1778L18.3398 40.4199ZM7.57978 29.6999L8.34803 29.0597L8.34206 29.0527L7.57978 29.6999ZM4.87977 26.52L4.11427 27.1635L4.11748 27.1672L4.87977 26.52ZM4.87977 21.52L4.11747 20.8728L4.11428 20.8766L4.87977 21.52ZM7.57978 18.3401L8.3421 18.9873L8.348 18.9803L7.57978 18.3401ZM18.3398 7.62011L17.6874 6.86223L17.6849 6.86442L18.3398 7.62011ZM22.6797 31.88L23.3869 31.1729L23.3416 31.1276L23.291 31.0886L22.6797 31.88ZM30.6198 30.4801L29.6694 30.1688L29.6583 30.2028L29.6496 30.2375L30.6198 30.4801ZM32.8597 23.64L31.917 23.3064L31.9131 23.3175L31.9094 23.3288L32.8597 23.64ZM26.3998 20.0802L25.4113 19.9286L25.4089 19.9442L25.407 19.9598L26.3998 20.0802ZM26.8597 17.0802L25.8819 16.8706L25.8758 16.8995L25.8713 16.9286L26.8597 17.0802ZM25.6398 15.0201L25.2859 15.9554L25.3046 15.9625L25.3235 15.9688L25.6398 15.0201ZM23.5798 15.68L22.7523 15.1185L22.7504 15.1213L23.5798 15.68ZM22.1496 5.65993C23.1528 4.80216 24.8649 4.79607 25.8953 5.66452L27.1842 4.13526C25.4146 2.64371 22.6067 2.63762 20.8499 4.13986L22.1496 5.65993ZM25.8873 5.65777L29.0474 8.37799L30.3522 6.86223L27.1921 4.14201L25.8873 5.65777ZM29.0448 8.3758C29.4608 8.73632 30.0056 9.02413 30.5348 9.22184C31.064 9.41956 31.6657 9.56005 32.2197 9.56005V7.56005C31.9738 7.56005 31.6155 7.49056 31.2347 7.34832C30.8539 7.20605 30.5387 7.0239 30.3547 6.86442L29.0448 8.3758ZM32.2197 9.56005H35.6198V7.56005H32.2197V9.56005ZM35.6198 9.56005C37.1875 9.56005 38.4797 10.8522 38.4797 12.4199H40.4797C40.4797 9.74759 38.292 7.56005 35.6198 7.56005V9.56005ZM38.4797 12.4199V15.8201H40.4797V12.4199H38.4797ZM38.4797 15.8201C38.4797 16.3655 38.6209 16.9672 38.8174 17.4959C39.0139 18.0247 39.3014 18.5765 39.6641 18.995L41.1754 17.6851C41.0181 17.5036 40.8356 17.1854 40.6921 16.7993C40.5486 16.4129 40.4797 16.0547 40.4797 15.8201H38.4797ZM39.6619 18.9925L42.3819 22.1524L43.8977 20.8476L41.1776 17.6877L39.6619 18.9925ZM42.3797 22.1499C43.2375 23.153 43.2436 24.8652 42.3751 25.8956L43.9044 27.1845C45.396 25.4149 45.402 22.607 43.8998 20.8501L42.3797 22.1499ZM42.3819 25.8876L39.6619 29.0476L41.1776 30.3523L43.8977 27.1924L42.3819 25.8876ZM39.6641 29.045C39.3035 29.461 39.0157 30.0058 38.818 30.535C38.6203 31.0642 38.4797 31.6659 38.4797 32.22H40.4797C40.4797 31.974 40.5492 31.6157 40.6915 31.2349C40.8338 30.8541 41.0159 30.5389 41.1754 30.3549L39.6641 29.045ZM38.4797 32.22V35.6201H40.4797V32.22H38.4797ZM38.4797 35.6201C38.4797 37.1878 37.1875 38.48 35.6198 38.48V40.48C38.292 40.48 40.4797 38.2924 40.4797 35.6201H38.4797ZM35.6198 38.48H32.2197V40.48H35.6198V38.48ZM32.2197 38.48C31.6744 38.48 31.0726 38.6211 30.544 38.8176C30.0152 39.014 29.4633 39.3015 29.0448 39.6642L30.3547 41.1756C30.5362 41.0183 30.8544 40.8358 31.2405 40.6923C31.6269 40.5488 31.9851 40.48 32.2197 40.48V38.48ZM29.0474 39.662L25.8874 42.382L27.1921 43.8978L30.3521 41.1778L29.0474 39.662ZM25.8899 42.3798C24.8867 43.2376 23.1746 43.2437 22.1442 42.3753L20.8553 43.9045C22.6249 45.3961 25.4328 45.4021 27.1896 43.8999L25.8899 42.3798ZM22.1521 42.382L18.9922 39.662L17.6874 41.1778L20.8474 43.8978L22.1521 42.382ZM18.9947 39.6642C18.5787 39.3037 18.0339 39.0159 17.5047 38.8182C16.9755 38.6205 16.3738 38.48 15.8198 38.48V40.48C16.0657 40.48 16.4241 40.5495 16.8048 40.6917C17.1856 40.834 17.5008 41.0161 17.6849 41.1756L18.9947 39.6642ZM15.8198 38.48H12.3597V40.48H15.8198V38.48ZM12.3597 38.48C10.792 38.48 9.49976 37.1878 9.49976 35.6201H7.49976C7.49976 38.2924 9.6875 40.48 12.3597 40.48V38.48ZM9.49976 35.6201V32.1999H7.49976V35.6201H9.49976ZM9.49976 32.1999C9.49976 31.6539 9.35826 31.0572 9.16508 30.5353C8.9714 30.0121 8.69178 29.4723 8.348 29.0598L6.81156 30.3401C6.96777 30.5276 7.14815 30.8478 7.28945 31.2296C7.43127 31.6127 7.49976 31.966 7.49976 32.1999H9.49976ZM8.34206 29.0527L5.64205 25.8728L4.11748 27.1672L6.81749 30.3472L8.34206 29.0527ZM5.64525 25.8766C4.79794 24.8685 4.79794 23.1715 5.64525 22.1635L4.11428 20.8766C2.64159 22.6285 2.64159 25.4115 4.11428 27.1635L5.64525 25.8766ZM5.64205 22.1672L8.34206 18.9873L6.81749 17.6928L4.11748 20.8728L5.64205 22.1672ZM8.348 18.9803C8.69178 18.5677 8.9714 18.028 9.16508 17.5047C9.35826 16.9828 9.49976 16.3861 9.49976 15.8401H7.49976C7.49976 16.074 7.43127 16.4273 7.28945 16.8104C7.14815 17.1922 6.96777 17.5124 6.81156 17.6999L8.348 18.9803ZM9.49976 15.8401V12.4199H7.49976V15.8401H9.49976ZM9.49976 12.4199C9.49976 10.8522 10.792 9.56005 12.3597 9.56005V7.56005C9.6875 7.56005 7.49976 9.74759 7.49976 12.4199H9.49976ZM12.3597 9.56005H15.8198V7.56005H12.3597V9.56005ZM15.8198 9.56005C16.3651 9.56005 16.9669 9.4189 17.4956 9.22247C18.0244 9.02599 18.5762 8.7385 18.9947 8.3758L17.6849 6.86442C17.5034 7.02171 17.1852 7.2042 16.799 7.34769C16.4127 7.49123 16.0544 7.56005 15.8198 7.56005V9.56005ZM18.9922 8.37798L22.1522 5.65777L20.8474 4.14202L17.6874 6.86224L18.9922 8.37798ZM19.1685 30.4314L22.0685 32.6714L23.291 31.0886L20.3911 28.8486L19.1685 30.4314ZM21.9726 32.5871C22.3408 32.9552 22.8395 33.1544 23.2304 33.2648C23.645 33.3819 24.0864 33.44 24.4598 33.44V31.44C24.2731 31.44 24.0145 31.4081 23.7741 31.3401C23.6565 31.3069 23.5592 31.2695 23.4859 31.233C23.4093 31.1948 23.3839 31.1699 23.3869 31.1729L21.9726 32.5871ZM24.4598 33.44H27.9998V31.44H24.4598V33.44ZM27.9998 33.44C28.799 33.44 29.5865 33.1456 30.2139 32.6881C30.842 32.2301 31.3818 31.5549 31.5899 30.7226L29.6496 30.2375C29.5777 30.5252 29.3675 30.83 29.0356 31.072C28.7031 31.3145 28.3205 31.44 27.9998 31.44V33.44ZM31.5701 30.7913L33.8101 23.9512L31.9094 23.3288L29.6694 30.1688L31.5701 30.7913ZM33.8025 23.9735C34.1312 23.0445 34.0165 22.0828 33.4742 21.3419C32.9352 20.6053 32.0571 20.2 31.0798 20.2V22.2C31.5024 22.2 31.7444 22.3647 31.8603 22.5231C31.973 22.6772 32.0483 22.9354 31.917 23.3064L33.8025 23.9735ZM31.0798 20.2H27.3398V22.2H31.0798V20.2ZM27.3398 20.2C27.3373 20.2 27.3416 20.1997 27.3504 20.2035C27.359 20.2074 27.3692 20.2142 27.3782 20.2243C27.3876 20.235 27.3914 20.2444 27.3923 20.2472C27.3932 20.2503 27.3881 20.2367 27.3925 20.2005L25.407 19.9598C25.2548 21.2156 26.1799 22.2 27.3398 22.2V20.2ZM27.3882 20.2317L27.8482 17.2317L25.8713 16.9286L25.4113 19.9286L27.3882 20.2317ZM27.8375 17.2897C28.1304 15.9229 27.2511 14.5031 25.956 14.0714L25.3235 15.9688C25.7084 16.0971 25.949 16.5575 25.8819 16.8706L27.8375 17.2897ZM25.9937 14.0848C25.3555 13.8433 24.6881 13.9027 24.1473 14.0902C23.612 14.2757 23.0868 14.6256 22.7523 15.1185L24.4072 16.2415C24.4528 16.1744 24.5875 16.0543 24.8023 15.9799C25.0114 15.9074 25.1841 15.9169 25.2859 15.9554L25.9937 14.0848ZM22.7504 15.1213L18.9104 20.8212L20.5691 21.9387L24.4091 16.2387L22.7504 15.1213ZM15.9998 29.6399V20.48H13.9998V29.6399H15.9998ZM15.9998 20.48C15.9998 20.2144 16.0287 20.0485 16.0604 19.9495C16.0888 19.8605 16.1152 19.837 16.121 19.8316C16.1424 19.812 16.2914 19.7 16.8798 19.7V17.7C16.1482 17.7 15.3571 17.8179 14.7685 18.3583C14.1585 18.9183 13.9998 19.7102 13.9998 20.48H15.9998ZM16.8798 19.7H17.8198V17.7H16.8798V19.7ZM17.8198 19.7C18.3941 19.7 18.5477 19.8104 18.574 19.8344C18.5776 19.8376 18.6998 19.9386 18.6998 20.48H20.6998C20.6998 19.7014 20.532 18.9123 19.9205 18.3556C19.3318 17.8195 18.5455 17.7 17.8198 17.7V19.7ZM18.6998 20.48V29.6399H20.6998V20.48H18.6998ZM18.6998 29.6399C18.6998 30.1755 18.5805 30.2788 18.5752 30.2838C18.5511 30.3061 18.3996 30.4199 17.8198 30.4199V32.4199C18.56 32.4199 19.3484 32.2937 19.9343 31.751C20.539 31.191 20.6998 30.4043 20.6998 29.6399H18.6998ZM17.8198 30.4199H16.8798V32.4199H17.8198V30.4199ZM16.8798 30.4199C16.2914 30.4199 16.1424 30.3079 16.121 30.2883C16.1152 30.2829 16.0888 30.2593 16.0604 30.1704C16.0287 30.0714 15.9998 29.9055 15.9998 29.6399H13.9998C13.9998 30.4097 14.1585 31.2015 14.7685 31.7616C15.3571 32.302 16.1482 32.4199 16.8798 32.4199V30.4199Z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><p class=\"lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference__title lf-transform-none\">Editor&#8217;s tip<\/p><div class=\"lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference__lede\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-highlighted-text-v2 lf-gut-blog-post-cta-efference__lede\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before buying a food truck business, separate the vehicle from the pitch. Ask for the pitch agreement in writing, whether it can be transferred to a new owner, and how much notice the landowner can give; then check the street trading consent, which is personal to the holder and does not pass with the van. Finally, ask for the CP44 certificate and the last hygiene inspection report, since a van that fails either cannot trade on the day it is bought.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10\">The practical difficulties operators report<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pitches are the business<\/strong>: good fixed pitches are scarce, prime council consents cost thousands a year, and private agreements are often informal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Percentages bite on good days<\/strong>: at 35%, a \u00a32,500 festival day costs \u00a3875 in fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Specialist gas engineers are hard to find<\/strong>: only engineers with LPG and mobile catering competences can certify a van<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weather and season<\/strong>: outdoor trade drops in winter and on wet days, with no rent saved<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>One breakdown stops everything<\/strong>: when the kitchen is the vehicle, a flat tyre or failed generator ends the day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The VAT step<\/strong>: a busy food truck passing \u00a390,000 a year pays 20% on hot food from then on<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11\">The bottom line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting a food truck business in the UK means registering with the council where the vehicle is kept 28 days before trading, certifying the gas with a CP44 from a mobile catering engineer, and securing pitches: street trading consents from about \u00a3517 to \u00a38,219 a year, event fees from \u00a3110 to 35% of takings, or a private pitch from \u00a31,150 a year. Used trailers start at about \u00a36,500 and converted vans at about \u00a322,500. On illustrative figures, a van taking \u00a31,500 a week on a private pitch leaves its owner about \u00a3804, which takes about 40 orders a day over five days; a franchise at 6% and 2% needs about 14% more takings to leave the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n        <div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block\">\n                            <span                    class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__title\"\n                    style=\"text-transform: none;\"\n                >\n                    Frequently asked questions about starting a food truck business in the UK                <\/span>\n                        \n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-ft4p8kq2n\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">Do you need a licence to run a food truck in the UK?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-ft4p8kq2nlf-gut-answer-ft4p8kq2n\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A food truck registers with the council where the vehicle is kept, free, at least 28 days before trading. Trading in the street needs street trading consent or a licence from each council where it trades, and selling hot food between 11pm and 5am needs a late night refreshment licence in England and Wales, or a late hours catering licence in Scotland.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-ft7q3vx5m\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">How much does it cost to start a food truck business?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-ft7q3vx5mlf-gut-answer-ft7q3vx5m\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No official average exists. Used catering trailers sell for about \u00a36,500 to \u00a312,000, new trailers from about \u00a317,000 and converted vans from about \u00a322,500, while new pipework with a gas certificate was quoted at about \u00a31,000 to \u00a31,050 in 2026. Street trading consents add about \u00a3517 to \u00a38,219 a year.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-ft2r9mt6p\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">How much is a street trading licence for a food van?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-ft2r9mt6plf-gut-answer-ft2r9mt6p\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Councils set their own fees. For 2026\/27, Hart charges \u00a3987 for a new annual consent, Birmingham \u00a33,512 a year outside the city centre and \u00a38,219 in it after a \u00a3754 application fee, and Camden up to \u00a313,636 for a permanent pitch. North West Leicestershire charged \u00a3517 for a food consent in 2025\/26.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-ft5c8wn3f\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">Does a food van need a gas safety certificate?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-ft5c8wn3flf-gut-answer-ft5c8wn3f\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, where it uses LPG. The van needs an annual CP44 mobile catering gas safety record from a Gas Safe engineer qualified for LPG and commercial mobile catering, and event organisers and councils ask to see it.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-ft8v2zr4k\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">How much does a food truck make in the UK?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-ft8v2zr4klf-gut-answer-ft8v2zr4k\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It varies widely. Food van businesses offered for sale report turnovers from \u00a337,000 to about \u00a3162,000 a year. On illustrative figures, a van taking \u00a31,500 a week on a private pitch leaves its owner about \u00a3804 a week before tax.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-ft6r1np9t\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">How much do festivals charge food trucks?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-ft6r1np9tlf-gut-answer-ft6r1np9t\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Terms vary: a council street food market in Richmond charges \u00a3200 plus VAT or 15% of takings, whichever is greater; one street food organiser charges \u00a3110 plus VAT a day plus 5% of turnover; and some corporate festivals take up to 35% of takings.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-ft3l6xq8w\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">Can you tow a catering trailer on a car licence?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-ft3l6xq8wlf-gut-answer-ft3l6xq8w\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since 16 December 2021, drivers with a standard car licence can tow a trailer of up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass without a separate test. A converted van above 3,500kg needs a C1 entitlement.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-ft9p4jm1s\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">Where do you register a food van?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-ft9p4jm1slf-gut-answer-ft9p4jm1s\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the council for the area where the vehicle is normally kept or garaged, at least 28 days before trading. That council inspects the van and gives it a food hygiene rating, which follows it to every pitch.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-ft1a7kd5r\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">Do food trucks have to charge VAT?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-ft1a7kd5rlf-gut-answer-ft1a7kd5r\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only once registered. Registration is compulsory above \u00a390,000 of taxable turnover a year, about \u00a31,731 a week. Once registered, hot food is standard-rated at 20%, while most cold takeaway food is zero-rated.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-ft2b7ve5n\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">Can you park a food truck anywhere?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-ft2b7ve5nlf-gut-answer-ft2b7ve5n\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Trading in a street needs consent from the council, some streets are prohibited, and private land open to the public can also need consent. Regular trading from one private site can need planning permission, and the landowner&#8217;s permission is always needed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-ft8s3ct6w\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">How much is food truck insurance?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-ft8s3ct6wlf-gut-answer-ft8s3ct6w\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One broker&#8217;s 2026 data shows 10% of catering vans paying \u00a3134.07 a year or less for employers&#8217; and public liability, with quotes from \u00a374.07 a year for a new sole trader to \u00a31,242.32 for a wedding and functions van. Motor insurance for the vehicle is separate.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-lexpress-faq-v2-item lf-gut-faq-v2-block__item\"><h3 class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-wrapper\"><button class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-target=\".lf-gut-answer-ft4d9fb2n\"><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-text\">Is a food truck franchise worth it?<\/span><span class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__question-icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"icon-thumb-up\" src=\"https:\/\/feb26.lexpress-franchise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/i-chevron-white.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"lf-gut-faq-v2-block__answer lf-gut-faq-v2-answer-ft4d9fb2nlf-gut-answer-ft4d9fb2n\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It depends on the uplift. Mobile coffee franchises such as Cafe2U, with \u00a315,000 of liquid capital and \u00a342,500 total investment, and Really Awesome Coffee, with \u00a310,000, supply a van, brand and suppliers. At 6% royalty and 2% marketing, a franchised van needs about 14% more takings to leave the owner the same as an independent one.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n        ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A food truck or street food van in the UK lives or dies on its pitches: the same right to trade costs \u00a3517 a year from a district council, \u00a38,219 in Birmingham city centre and up to \u00a313,636 for a prime pitch in Camden, while a private pitch can rent for \u00a350 a week. Every [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":994,"featured_media":1834193,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"1833398,1818522,1829423,1546758,1821965,1831811","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[801,875,3583],"tags":[],"type-de-post":[438],"class_list":["post-1834140","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-entrepreneur-stories","category-getting-started","category-entrepreneurship","type-de-post-articles"],"acf":[],"permalink_manager":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1834140","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/994"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1834140"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1834140\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1834188,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1834140\/revisions\/1834188"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1834193"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1834140"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1834140"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1834140"},{"taxonomy":"type-de-post","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type-de-post?post=1834140"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}