Mobile fish and chip van

Event-goers, villagers, private party hosts, workplaces and market visitors.

You sell portions at each pitch or event, or charge a fee or minimum guarantee for private hire. Weekend events and regular weekly pitches are usually the main earners.

• Frying and food safety
• Driving and setting up on site
• Customer service at speed
• Planning events and stock

• Food business registration with the council where your van is based; check the rules
• Street trading licences or consents for public pitches vary by council, check each one
• Gas safety checks and certificates for fryers and bottled gas, plus fire extinguishers
• Public liability insurance, often required by event organisers, and vehicle insurance for trade use
• Weather and quiet seasons can make income uneven
• Pitch fees and event rules can change, so check costs before booking

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on whether the van or trailer is new or used and how it is fitted out. These are estimates, so compare vehicles and equipment quotes.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your pitches, events and the season. These are estimates, and the low end assumes around 15 hours a week.

Check food business registration with your council, and street trading licences or consents, which vary by council. Also check gas safety certificates and fire extinguishers, public liability and trade vehicle insurance, and pitch fees.