Start The Free 12 Step Guide↓ Below

Name: MobCater
Rating: 4.8 (50 reviews)
Author: MobCater

The very best start for your mobile catering business the right way

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1. Market Research

6 steps

•12-15 mins

Understand your target market, competition, and food trends before investing

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2. Finding a Pitch

8 steps

•15-18 mins

Research local events, markets, and private hire opportunities to secure trading locations

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3. Menu Planning

8 steps

•15-18 mins

Design a simple, profitable menu and build relationships with reliable food and equipment suppliers

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4. Vehicle & Equipment

8 steps

•15-18 mins

Choose your catering trailer, van, or gazebo and fit it with compliant LPG/electric appliances

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5. Generator & Power

8 steps

•12-15 mins

Select the right generator (LPG, petrol, diesel, or hybrid) to safely power your setup

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6. Licensing & Permits

8 steps

•15-18 mins

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7. Food Safety & Training

8 steps

•15-18 mins

Complete Level 2 Food Hygiene, allergen, and HACCP training; keep your documentation ready for FSA inspections

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8. Legal Requirements

6 steps

•12-15 mins

Register as a sole trader or limited company. Get a business bank account and keep digital records for Making Tax Digital (MTD)

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9. Insurance & Protection

6 steps

•12-15 mins

Arrange public liability, product liability, vehicle, and equipment insurance. Some events require £5m coverage as a minimum

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10. Financial Planning

6 steps

•15-18 mins

Work out startup and ongoing costs, estimate profit margins, and plan for seasonal income fluctuations

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11. Marketing & Customer Growth

8 steps

•15-18 mins

Build awareness through social media, Google Business Profile, and local press. Use professional signage and branding

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12. Launch & Operations

8 steps

•15-18 mins

Start trading, collect customer feedback, and refine your menu and setup. Keep safety certificates and hygiene documents up to date

Continue Your Journey

Free resources to help you get started

Equipment Guide

50+ Checklist

Success Tips

Equipment Guide

Browse LPG catering equipment including fryers, griddles, coffee machines, and generators

50+ Point Checklist

Track your progress with our comprehensive startup checklist covering all essential tasks

Prepare for Success

Mindset, common pitfalls, goal setting, and encouragement before you begin

Need More Planning Support?

For those who want more detailed planning and tracking tools, we also offer a Business Toolkit that includes:

Document Wallet Lite

Secure cloud storage for your business documents

6 Planning Calculators

Startup Cost, Pricing, Break-even, Generator, Energy Cost, Pitch Finder

Daily Sales Tracker

With PDF & Email export

Temperature Logger

With PDF & Email export

Easy 3-Step Generator Decision Helper

Interactive quiz to find your perfect generator

PDF Exports

For all planning tools

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