FREE GUIDE • 2026 EDITION

The Complete Buyer's Guide to Catering Vehicles

Everything you need to know after purchasing your first food van — from registration to trading. Save hours of research with our comprehensive guide.

  • 10 chapters covering all requirements
  • Costs and timelines for each step
  • Provider recommendations
  • Quick reference card for your van

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What's Inside

10 comprehensive chapters covering everything from legal requirements to finding your first pitch

01

Before You Start Trading

Complete checklist with timeline and costs

02

Food Business Registration

Free registration process explained

03

Food Hygiene Certificate

Where to get certified for £10–25

04

Food Safety Management

Free SFBB pack from the FSA

05

Gas Safety Certificate

CP44 requirements and how to find engineers

06

Street Trading Licence

Council rules and alternatives

07

Insurance Requirements

What you need and where to get it

08

Finding Pitch Locations

Industrial estates, pubs, private land

09

Events & Festivals

Where to find them and how to apply

10

Useful Resources

Official links, apps, and communities

"This guide saved me weeks of research. Everything I needed to know about getting started was in one place."

— First-time van owner, Birmingham

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