Pitches

There is no point in having a catering business if you have no pitch to sell from. The advantage of having a mobile catering trailer, is that unlike a traditional restaurant you have the flexibility of moving if the location is not what you anticipated. The best locations may already be taken by exisiting retailers, however that shouldn't stop you testing various locations including:

1. Rest areas on busy roads
2. Car parks at large industrial shopping centres
3. Events, for example football matches or concerts where large numbers of people are going to get together.
4. Beach resorts
5. Holdiay locations

Insurance

We have written before about catering trailer insurance and how important it is. There are three different kinds that you need to consider including public liability, product liability and employer liability. Litigation is becoming more and more common, could you afford to stay in business if your catering business was sued?

Health and Safety Certificate

Not only do you want to comply with law when it comes to health and safety but you also want to reassure you customers that you have met all the requirements and that your catering trailer is safe. Mobile food vans can often have a bad reputation when it comes to health and safety a health and safety certificate will prove otherwise.

Business Bank Account

Banks are making it easier and easier to apply for a business account. Just walk into a local branch of your favourite bank with your business records, and you should be able to have a business bank account set up within an hour.

Stock

What's a catering trailer without food..... a trailer! Good quality food will ensure happier customers who are more likely to come back and become repeat customers. Locally sourced food is often fresher, better for the environment and more in demand. Why not contact local farmers and grocers to see if you can come to an arramgment on stock. You would be cutting out the middle man and could potentially save costs.