Average Turnover Average Profit Margin - Mobile Catering

by Emma T
(Nottingham)


Hello David

Very useful and interesting website.

My husband and I have been discussing ideas for a mobile catering business for about a year now and are getting a bit more serious about the idea.

We're not afraid of hard work and we have the intelligence and drive to do all the necessary work to get off to a good start, but what I'd really like to know is what are the likely earnings?

I'd mostly like to know what the average net profit percentage is, and also average turnover for a business run from a mobile van.

I'm an accountant so can't help but wonder about the practical reality of the earnings!

Hope you can help.

Regards,

Emma

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Nov 10, 2025
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starstarstarstarstar 		How much can a mobile catering business earn?
by: MobCater

Hello,


The earning potential varies depending on where you trade, your menu, and how well you manage costs. The biggest factor is location (the quality of your pitch) rather than the van or equipment.

Typical annual turnover ranges:

Small low-footfall trading spot (roadside layby, small industrial estate):
£28,000 – £55,000 per year.

Good established pitch (busy business park, construction, commuter footfall):
£55,000 – £110,000 per year.

Events and festivals focused business:
£90,000 – £250,000+ per year, depending on the season and booking quality.

Artisan or branded street food style business with markets and private bookings:
£120,000 – £300,000+ per year.

Net profit (after food, gas, fuel, pitch fees, insurance, maintenance, equipment allowance, accountant, and your own pay) usually sits around:

20% – 35% net profit.

Below 20% generally indicates under-pricing, waste issues or poor pitch choice.
Above 35% generally means good branding, efficient menu, low waste and strong pricing confidence.

Example weekly numbers (good pitch):

120 customers per day
Average spend £6.50

Daily takings: approx £780
Weekly takings (5 days): approx £3,900
Annual (48 working weeks): approx £187,000 turnover

Typical weekly costs:

Food and disposables: approx £1,100

Fuel/gas/generator: approx £80

Pitch fees: £250 - £700 depending on location

Insurance/maintenance allowance: £50 - £80

Staff wages (if used): £0 - £600 depending on whether you run it yourselves

Expected weekly net profit if run by owner(s):
Approx £750 – £1,400 per week
Which is roughly £36,000 – £68,000 per year.

Key points:

Your pitch matters more than your menu.

Pricing correctly is essential.

Consistency and routine bring steady income.

Your background in accounting is a major advantage for cost control and planning.

Hope this help, best of luck.

Disclaimer:
The figures above are based on common UK mobile catering operations but every site and setup is different. Turnover and profit depend on location, trading days, menu, pricing, weather, staff, and operating efficiency. Always carry out your own financial planning before investing.


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