Panipuri live counter for parties

Families planning weddings, birthdays and festivals such as Diwali, plus companies and community groups hosting events.

You charge a price per head or a fixed fee for a set number of guests, usually with a minimum booking. Bookings are paid in advance or with a deposit.

• Cooking and prepping in batches
• Organising and timing events
• Friendly, confident customer service

• Food business registration with the council, including if you prepare ingredients in a home kitchen (check what your council needs)
• Public liability insurance, and check whether venues ask for a copy
• Allergen information for guests, and how you will label ingredients and handle questions
• Keeping prepared fillings and spiced water cold and safe while you travel to events
• Last-minute cancellations, so use a deposit and clear booking terms
• A car or van big enough for your equipment and stock

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on your counter and serving equipment, ingredient stock, insurance and how you transport everything to events. A vehicle big enough for your kit is also worth planning for.

Monthly revenue is typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on how many events you book, your pricing and guest numbers. These are estimates, and last-minute cancellations can affect income, so a deposit and clear booking terms may help.

Check food business registration with the council, including if you prepare ingredients in a home kitchen, plus public liability insurance and whether venues ask for a copy. Also check allergen labelling, keeping fillings and spiced water cold while travelling, and cancellation terms.