The street food business in the UK is on an upward trend with many people opting for this business model. From chefs with years of experience to amateur cooks with enthusiasm to start a food business.

1. JUMP ON THE UK STREET
FOOD WAGON
by christopher flatt
www.becomingachef.co.uk

2. Street Food – Or Culinary Specialties Sold From Mobile Carts, Trucks, Or Street
Stalls – Is Part And Parcel Of A Burgeoning Worldwide Obsession With Fine Food.
The United Kingdom Boasts Better Than 7000 Of These Portable Mini Restaurants,
Becoming So Enamoured Of The Concept That The Fare Now Even Has Its Own
Trophy – The British Street Food Awards.

3. Joining The Movement
 For experienced culinary artists, or even new chefs, opening a street
food business in the UK may be just the ticket. There are distinct
advantages to this business model over becoming an executive chef or
opening a catering service – it offers flexibility in work location and
hours, lower start-up costs, and it’s not as high-risk as opening a
traditional restaurant. In addition, you don’t necessarily need a
tremendous amount of conventional chef experience in order to be
successful, because the menu and environment are highly laser-
focused.
 On the other hand, you should also be prepared to handle the
challenges of opening a street food or food truck business in the UK.
There are multiple laws and regulations to which you must adhere, the
work hours can be long, with early mornings and late nights, and you
may encounter unpredictable events such as bad weather or a
breakdown. You should also consider whether you work well with
people – street vendors should be friendly, outgoing personalities who
enjoy providing quality customer service.

4. Regulations To Consider
 Red tape is always a part of opening any food service business in the
UK. You will need to register with HM Revenue and Customs, as well
as with your local Environmental Health authority. If you’re going to be
operating your street food unit on public streets, you will need a trading
licence. If you only plan to cater organised events, you won’t need this
licence.
 You will also want business insurance, such as Public Liability
Insurance in case anyone is injured in relation to your unit. You’ll be
required to have Employers Liability Insurance if you hire any staff.
 Food safety is of the utmost concern when operating a street food
business in the UK, and you will need a Food Hygiene Certificate
issued by your local Environmental Health authority. It’s a good idea to
take a course in food hygiene issues such as storage and cooking
temperatures and cleaning procedures in order to ensure that you’re
complying with all food safety requirements.

5. Branding and Marketing
 Branding is certainly a major buzzword in today’s competitive economy,
and the need for a strong, recognizable brand when starting up a street
food business in the UK is no different from any other. Choose a
distinctive colour combination and make sure your logo is consistent
across the board – from your cart or truck all the way to your website
and business cards.
 Fortunately, modern technology makes marketing easier than ever. Be
sure to utilize social media outlets, set up a business website, and have
flyers printed for family and friends to hand out. Show up with your
mobile food unit at festivals and other public events in order to get your
brand out there and put your business at the forefront of customers’
minds when they think of fun and food.

6. Choosing The Mobile Food Industry
 There’s never been a better time to get in on the food craze, and going
mobile is one of the most flexible and interesting ways to do so. Just be
sure that even if you find success as a chef in this arena, you keep your
restaurant skills honed and ready in case the fad passes.