Mobile Catering Checklist UK 

Starting a mobile catering business in the UK can be exciting, but there are several things you need to organise before you begin trading. From food safety registration to gas safety and equipment planning, it’s important to make sure everything is set up properly.

This guide explains the main things most people need when starting a catering van, coffee van, food trailer or street food setup in the

UK.1. Register Your Food Business

Before you can start trading food, you must register your business with your local council. This registration allows Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) to inspect your setup and ensure food safety standards are being followed.

A few important points:

• Registration must usually be completed at least 28 days before trading
• The process is free
• It applies to food vans, catering trailers, market stalls and food trucks

You normally register with the council where the food is prepared or stored.

2. Food Hygiene Training

Anyone preparing or handling food should understand basic food hygiene.

Most councils expect mobile caterers to hold at least a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.

This type of course covers:

• safe food storage
• preventing cross contamination
• cleaning procedures
• temperature control

It’s especially important in small catering vans where space is limited and food is handled quickly during busy periods.

3. LPG Gas Safety

Many catering vans use LPG gas equipment, including:

• gas fryers
• gas griddles
• LPG coffee machines
• gas water heaters

Because of this, gas safety is extremely important.

Gas systems should be installed and checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer qualified for LPG catering equipment.

A typical inspection may include:

• checking the gas pipework
• testing regulators
• confirming appliances are installed correctly
• making sure ventilation is adequate

Many mobile caterers also obtain documentation confirming the installation has been inspected by a qualified engineer.

If you need help finding someone qualified, the MobCater LPG Engineer Directory lists engineers who work with mobile catering equipment.

4. Electrical Safety

If your catering van uses electrical equipment, you will also need to consider electrical safety.

This is particularly important when using generators or temporary power supplies.

Common electrical safety considerations include:

• safe generator connections
• correct cable ratings
• RCD protection
• PAT testing for appliances

Outdoor trading environments can expose equipment to rain and moisture, so electrical safety should never be overlooked.

5. Water Supply and Hygiene

Mobile catering businesses must have access to clean water for hygiene and food preparation.

Most catering vans include:

• a fresh water tank
• a waste water tank
• a hand wash sink
• a food preparation sink

Environmental Health Officers normally expect separate hand washing facilities, especially when handling raw ingredients.

6. Temperature Control

Keeping food at safe temperatures is one of the most important parts of running a food business.

Typical food safety guidance includes:

• Cold food storage
• Fridges should stay below 8°C
• Hot food holding
• Hot food should remain above 63°C

Many food businesses keep temperature records for refrigerators and freezers as part of their food safety procedures.

The MobCater App includes a simple temperature logging tool designed for mobile caterers, which allows traders to record daily temperatures and keep organised records if they are ever requested during inspections.

7. Equipment for a Catering Van

The equipment you need will depend on the type of food you plan to sell, but many mobile catering businesses use equipment such as:

• Cooking equipment
• LPG griddle
• Fryer
• BBQ or grill
• Commercial coffee machine

Refrigeration

• under-counter fridge
• small freezer
• Preparation equipment
• stainless steel prep surfaces
• chopping boards
• food storage containers

Utilities

• LPG cylinders
• Generator
• Water system

Choosing the right equipment is important because space, power requirements and ventilation all need to be considered when designing a catering van.

8. Insurance

Most mobile catering businesses take out insurance before they begin trading.

Common policies include:

• Public liability insurance
• Product liability insurance
• Vehicle insurance

Many events and markets require proof of insurance before allowing traders to operate.

9. Trading Locations

Where you trade can affect the licences you need.

Mobile caterers often operate at:

• Markets
• Festivals
• Private venues
• Street trading pitches

Some councils require a street trading licence for certain locations.

Event organisers may also ask for documentation such as:

• Insurance certificates
• Food hygiene certificates
• Gas safety confirmation

10. Planning Your Costs

One mistake many new traders make is underestimating startup costs.

Typical costs include:

• Equipment
• LPG gas
• Fuel for generators
• Ingredients
• Packaging
• Pitch fees

The MobCater Startup Cost Calculator helps new caterers estimate their setup costs and plan their menu pricing more realistically.

11. Record Keeping

Food businesses should keep basic records related to safety and operations.

These might include:

• Fridge and freezer temperature logs
• Cleaning schedules
• Supplier information
• Allergen details

Keeping organised records helps demonstrate good food safety management if your business is inspected.

Mobile Catering Checklist Summary

Before starting a catering van in the UK, most businesses will need to:

• register with the local council
• complete food hygiene training
• ensure gas appliances are installed safely
• check electrical safety
• install proper water and hygiene facilities
• maintain correct refrigeration
• organise insurance
• confirm trading permissions
• keep basic food safety records

Taking the time to organise these things properly helps your catering business run safely and professionally.

Tools Designed for Mobile Caterers

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