Pop-Up chocolate bar at markets and events

Market and event visitors, families and people out for a day, especially in cooler months and around Christmas.

Selling drinks and desserts per item on trading days. Income depends on pitch fees, footfall and weather, so busy seasonal events can matter a lot.

• Making drinks and desserts quickly
• Customer service
• Planning stock and pitches
• Setting up and packing down equipment

• Register your food business with your local council before trading (check with the council where you are based)
• Public liability insurance, which markets and events often ask to see
• Pitch rules, street trading consent or event permissions can differ by council, so check each one
• Gas and electrical equipment safety, including any gas certificates required
• Allergen information must be available for what you sell
• Weather and quiet days can hit takings, so keep some cash in reserve
• Storing and transporting milk and ingredients safely

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on whether you use a stall, gazebo or trailer, and on your equipment and menu. Get quotes to refine the figure for your plans.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £600 to £3,000, depending on pitches, events and the season. Weather and quiet days can hit takings, so keep some cash in reserve. These figures are revenue, not profit.

Check that you register your food business with your local council, and look at public liability insurance, pitch rules and street trading consent for each council. Also check gas and electrical equipment safety, allergen information and safe storage of milk.