Weekly night market operator

Traders pay weekly or monthly pitch fees. Local brands, breweries and councils may sponsor, and some markets add a bar or seating area run by a partner.

Regular pitch fees from a core group of traders, plus sponsorship, bar partnerships or private hires of the space. Income is steadier than a monthly event but costs and workload are higher.

• Event and people management
• Negotiating with landlords and councils
• Budgeting and record keeping
• Marketing and building a local following

• Lease or site agreement terms: check break clauses, costs and what you are responsible for
• Public liability insurance, and check if you need employer's liability once you hire stewards or staff
• Check with your council about street trading, premises or alcohol licences, noise limits and opening hours
• Neighbour complaints about noise, litter or parking can threaten the site, so plan for them early
• Dependence on a few key traders or one site, so have a back-up plan
• Register for Self Assessment, and check whether you will pass the VAT threshold if the market grows

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the site, equipment, insurance and promotion. Check the lease or site agreement closely, including break clauses and what you are responsible for.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on pitch fees, the number of traders and any sponsorship or bar partnerships. These are estimates, and relying on a few key traders is a risk.

Check with your council about street trading, premises or alcohol licences, noise limits and opening hours. Also check your lease or site agreement, public liability insurance, and whether you need employer's liability cover for stewards or staff.