MobCater

16/05/2026

What Is the VAT Rate on Catering Vans?

I want to buy a catering van but I'm not sure about the VAT situation. Do I have to pay VAT on a van purchase?

This is a really common question and the answer catches a lot of people out. The short version is that a brand new van will have VAT on it, but most second-hand sales between private sellers won't. Where it gets interesting is when you start trading and whether you need to register for VAT yourself.

I've written a straightforward guide explaining what you need to know about VAT when buying and running a catering van.

Full answer here:

What is the VAT rate on used catering vans?

12/05/2026

How Do I Store Chilled and Frozen Food Overnight for My Catering Van?

What are the rules for storing chilled and frozen food overnight when you have a mobile catering business?

This is one of those questions the EHO will definitely ask you, so it's worth getting sorted from day one. The short version: cold food below 8°C, frozen food at minus 18°C, and keep it separate from your family fridge. I keep my stock in a dedicated fridge at home and log the temperature every morning. Takes 30 seconds and it's exactly what the inspector wants to see.

I've written up the full breakdown of what you need to do.

Full answer here:

is it safe to remove power overnight from fridges and freezers with chilled/frozen food in them?

10/05/2026

Can I Use a Motorhome as a Mobile Catering Unit?

Can I convert a motorhome and use it for mobile catering?

I get this one a lot, and the answer is yes, you absolutely can. The EHO doesn't care what type of vehicle you use. They care about what's inside it. As long as you've got the right surfaces, the right sinks, proper ventilation, and a gas setup done by a Gas Safe engineer, a motorhome can work really well. The bonus is they often come with water tanks and power systems already fitted.

I've covered everything you need to know before you start the conversion.

Full answer here:
https://www.mobcater.co.uk/can-i-use-a-motorhome-as-a-mobile-catering-unit.html

07/05/2026

Buying a Mobile Catering Van: Where Do I Start?

I want to set up a mobile catering van but I don't know where to start. What should I be looking for?

Dan asked this one — and honestly it's one of the best questions to ask before you spend any money. There's a lot to think about before you even look at a van, from what you're going to serve to how much you can realistically afford. Get this bit right and the rest falls into place.

I've put together a full guide covering everything you need to know before buying your first van.

Full answer here:

Afternoon All, I'm looking to set up a mobile catering van selling a range of ice cream, smoothies, coffees, etc. I'm torn between getting an old ice

04/05/2026

Should I Set Up a Permanent Pitch or Stay Mobile?

Is it better to find a permanent pitch or keep moving around to different locations?

Great dilemma, and one I wrestled with myself when I was starting out. I got chased off my first pitch by a security guard, moved down the road, and ended up somewhere much better. That's the beauty of staying mobile early on. But once you find a spot that works, there's real value in being there every day so your regulars know where to find you.

I've shared what worked for me and how to figure out the right approach for your situation.

Full answer here:

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01/05/2026

Is There Any Restriction on What Fuel I Can Use in a Catering Van?

Are there rules about what type of fuel or gas I can use for cooking in my catering van?

This is a really important one to get right. Propane is the industry standard for mobile catering in the UK, and there are good reasons for that. It works in cold weather, burns hot enough for commercial cooking, and it's what the regulations are built around. But there are strict rules about how it's installed, and some event venues won't let you use gas at all.

I've covered the full picture, including what the Gas Safe Register requires.

Full answer here:

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28/04/2026

How Do I Convert a Van Into a Catering Van?

I want to convert a van into a mobile catering unit. Where do I start and what do I need?

This comes up all the time, and I love this question because converting your own van is one of the smartest ways to get started on a budget. I've done it a few times myself. I once bought a trailer for £750, did it up, got it professionally signed, and sold it years later for £8,500. The key is getting the layout right for your menu before you start ripping anything out.

I've written up exactly what you need to know, from the EHO requirements to the gas safety rules.

Full answer here:

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25/04/2026

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Mobile Catering Van?

Do I need planning permission to run a mobile catering business?

This one depends entirely on where you're setting up. Trading on a public street? No planning permission — you need a Street Trading Licence instead. On someone's private land like a car park or industrial estate? Usually no planning permission, just the owner's say-so.

From your own driveway? That's where it gets tricky — most councils will say yes, you need it, and many will turn you down.

The golden rule is this: if you're mobile and pack up at the end of the day, you're far less likely to need planning permission. If you're staying put permanently, it's a different story.

I've written a simple guide breaking down every scenario so you know exactly where you stand.

Full answer here:

Liz asked: I own land which has a farm shop and mini industrial site. I want to put a mobile catering van on the land to serve our customers and workers

22/04/2026

Do You Need a Licence to Sell Coffee in the Street?

Do I need a licence to sell coffee in the street?

This is a big one for anyone looking at starting a coffee cart or drinks-only setup. The short answer is yes — you need a Street Trading Licence or Consent from your local council.

But here's the thing most people don't realise. Every council puts their streets into three categories: licence streets, consent streets, and prohibited streets. So the first thing to check is whether your dream spot even allows trading at all.

And if the council paperwork feels like too much, there's a quicker option — trade on private land instead. A car park, an office estate, outside a shop with the owner's permission. No street trading licence needed.

I've written the full breakdown covering costs, what you need, and how to find the right spot.

Full answer here:

i work in construction so i have ignorance on my side :- to sell coffee or tea from a back pack do i need any food or hygiene qualifications other than

19/04/2026

What Certificates Do I Need for a Mobile Food Cart?

What certificates do I need for my cart?

This is one of those questions that sounds complicated but really isn't. Whether you're running a coffee cart, a hot dog cart, or a sweet cart, you basically need the same five things. The first two are free or cost about twenty quid, and you can sort them in an afternoon.

The hardest part isn't getting the certificates — it's knowing which ones you actually need. Once you've got that list, you can tick them off in a couple of weeks.

I've put together the full list with costs and where to get each one.

Full answer here:

Alex asked: I am starting a sweet cart business providing sweets only. Do I need certificates as I am handling the food? Hiya Alex, good question — and