How to Start a Food Truck Business: Complete UK Startup Guide

So, you’ve got a killer recipe, a dream of serving it to the masses, and visions of your very own food truck cruising the streets.

But then reality hits: permits, licences, taxes, equipment costs, and health inspections.

Miss a licence deadline, blow your budget on the wrong equipment, or pick the wrong trading spot, and you could be parked before you’ve even started.

However, if you know what to expect and how much budget you’ll need, you’ll be prepared and have more control.

Our guide will walk you through everything you need to know on how to start a food truck business in the UK so that you can hit the streets with confidence.

Why start a food truck business in the UK?

Food trucks have evolved from simple lunch stops to culinary destinations on wheels. One viral TikTok or Instagram post can turn your afternoon service into tomorrow's must-visit hotspot.

Today's food trucks go beyond comfort classics. Think health-conscious menus, sustainable sourcing, and creative plant-based options that look as good as they taste.

Technology drives success, too. Contactless payments, mobile ordering apps, and even ghost kitchen partnerships streamline operations while enhancing customer experience.

But it's the personal connection that sets food trucks apart. At festivals and community events, you're not just serving food, you're creating shared moments that build lasting customer relationships.

This mix of visibility, innovation, and personal touch makes food trucks one of the most exciting opportunities in today's food industry.

Is a food truck business right for you?

Starting a food truck business could be your perfect match if you tick any of these boxes:

✅Entrepreneurs with culinary creativity looking to showcase unique menus or niche cuisines without the high costs of a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

✅Small business owners seeking lower startup costs: Compared to traditional restaurants, food trucks generally require lower upfront investment and operational costs.

✅People who enjoy mobility and flexibility in work locations and adapting quickly to market trends.

✅People focusing on eco-friendly practices and health-conscious offerings.

UK food truck market: opportunities and trends in 2025

The UK street food and food truck market has been rapidly expanding, with the number of vendors rising from around 2,000 in 2018 to about 7,000 in 2023.

The global food truck market size, which includes the UK, was valued at approximately $4.36 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow strongly at about 7.4% CAGR over the next few years.

This rise in popularity comes from, literally, a growing appetite for dining options that are diverse, convenient, and easy on the wallet.

Street food, in particular, has a special appeal. It’s quick, ready to eat, and delivers big flavour without breaking the budget.

Food trucks fit perfectly into this picture.

With the freedom to move between locations and set their own hours, they can go where the crowds are, serving a wider range of customers than most brick-and-mortar restaurants can.

Street food across the UK: Top trends and tastiest spots

Gen Z is leading the charge when it comes to adventurous eating.

About a third say they’re passionate about trying new foods and flavours, and half want to explore more unique dishes from different cuisines.

It’s no surprise, then, that people under 40 make up a massive 83% of the street food market.

When it comes to the popular street food, the list goes as follows:

• Tacos
• Bao Buns
• Burgers
• Pizza
• Korean & Japanese fried chicken
• Seafood sandwiches
• Indian street food.

As you may suspect, the London market is the most active, but other markets have been gaining a lot of traction.

Source: Trends and Figures Defining UK Street Food in 2024

5 essential steps to start your food truck business

Starting a food truck business in the UK involves several key steps, from planning and legal compliance to successfully launching your business.

1. Legal requirements & company setup

Before you can do meals on wheels, you must register your company either as a sole trader or a limited company.

If you’re a solo chef, then opting for a sole trader makes more sense. However, if there are more people on board, we’d advise you to go LTD.

This way, your personal finances are separate, and you get access to extra protections and tax benefits.

It’s true that with the LTD registration, you add extra admin on your plate because you must file annual accounts and confirmation statements.

The good thing is that with ANNA Money, you can do both.

We offer free same-day company formation, allowing you to incorporate your business online in just hours.

As soon as you’re registered, you’ll have your UK business account ready to go.

And if you’re unsure about the whole registration process, ANNA can guide you. From handling your registration, setting up your account to sorting out VAT when it’s needed.

You must register your food truck as a food business with the local authority where you plan to operate, at least 28 days before you start trading.

This is a legal requirement under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, and the registration is free.

You should provide details, such as business name, address for food storage, and a brief description of what food you’ll be selling.

👉What’s next?

After you register, an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) might inspect your premises either before you start trading or shortly afterwards.

Additional things you should prepare include:

• A written food safety management plan, based on HACCP principles (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
• Clear records of temperature checks, cleaning schedules, and supplier traceability logs.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate or higher for all staff involved in food handling.

If you plan to sell meat, fish, eggs, or dairy, your food truck must be inspected and approved by the council. However, this isn’t necessary for entirely vegan operations.

2. Licences, insurance, and legal compliance

The steps below will ensure your food truck business is legally registered, safe, hygienic, and compliant with UK regulations for food safety, vehicle operation, and trading permissions.

• Street trading licence or consent: To trade on streets, you’ll need a Street Trading Licence or Consent from the local council. The rules and fees can differ depending on where you are, and if you operate without one, you could face fines or even be shut down.
• Vehicle licensing and insurance: Your food truck must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), insured commercially, and pass MOT roadworthiness tests. You’ll also need an appropriate driving license according to vehicle size.
• Health and safety certificates: Commercial gas safety certificate (annual inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer), Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) certificate if cooking with LPG, and portable appliance testing (PAT) certificates for electrical safety. These certificates ensure all cooking and electrical equipment meets safety rules.
• Personal and premises licences for alcohol or late hours trading: If selling alcohol or serving food and drinks between 11 pm and 5 am, you need additional licenses ( check the Good to know part below).
• Local council compliance: You must register and comply with the regulations of each local council where you operate, including proper risk assessments and fire safety equipment in your vehicle.

Licensing rules can vary quite a bit depending on your business type, where you’re based, and what you do.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to check with your local authority first, so you know exactly which licences or permits you need before you start operating.

🍻 Good to know

• Apply to your local council’s licensing authority for a premises licence for alcohol and late-night trading.
• The premises licence must name a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) who holds a personal licence.
• The license ensures compliance with the Licensing Act 2003 for safe, legal alcohol and food trading during late hours.
• It enables selling hot food or hot non-alcoholic drinks between 11 pm and 5 am, on or off the premises.
• Some local authorities may impose a Late Night Levy, a charge on premises licensed to sell alcohol between midnight and 6 am to fund policing and crime prevention.
• Temporary Event Notices (TENs) allow one-off alcohol sales without a full premises licence but don’t replace permanent licensing requirements.
• The license is usually valid indefinitely unless suspended or revoked.

Requirements vary by area, so always consult your local licensing authority for tailored advice.

3. Cost & finances

Major startup costs include equipment and premises, licences, and initial stock.

3.1. Choose a truck

For example, you need to buy a food truck or refit an already existing one, or even go for a fully customised one. It will depend on your budget, business vision and plan.

1. Pre-fitted new food trucks usually cost anywhere from £40,000 to well over £150,000, depending on the size, quality of kitchen equipment, custom features, and branding.

The upside is they’re ready to go from day one, fully fitted out and meeting regulatory standards, so you can start trading sooner. The downside is a higher upfront price tag.

2. Second-hand trucks: Buying a used truck lowers entry costs considerably, with prices generally ranging from £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the condition, age, and level of customisation.

3. Retrofitting a vehicle: Purchasing a basic van or truck separately and retrofitting it into a food truck can cost anywhere from £20,000 to over £60,000, including kitchen equipment, safety fittings, and branding, depending on how custom and complex your setup is.

Additional costs include vehicle tax, insurance, permits, and ongoing maintenance, which you should factor into your budget.

3.2. Dress your truck for success

The next step is to buy cooking appliances, refrigeration, storage containers, utensils, and serving supplies.

These typically cost between £5,000 and £15,000, depending on their quality and how complex your menu will be.

💡 Extra tip:

Here are some recommendations for food truck kitchen equipment suppliers:

• CS Catering equipment: One of the UK's largest suppliers offering a broad range of commercial kitchen appliances, utensils, and catering supplies from top brands like Rational, Blue Seal, Lincat, and more. Free delivery over £50 and next day delivery on many items make them convenient for urgent needs.
• CaterKwik: Specialist in commercial cooking equipment including ovens, grills, fryers from reputable brands, with options to lease or purchase. Offers reliable delivery services and a wide product range suited for food trucks.
• Adexa Direct: Known for competitive pricing on new commercial catering equipment, including cookware, refrigeration, and kitchen utensils with fast delivery across the UK. Good for budget-conscious buyers wanting new gear.
• TAG Catering Equipment: Provides high-quality commercial kitchen solutions with design consultancy and installation services, ideal if you need a tailored equipment fit-out with expert support.
• Euro Catering UK: Supplies high-quality commercial kitchen equipment specialised for food service businesses, including mobile kitchens.
• ChefStuff UK: Offers professional-grade kitchen tools, knives, cookware, and gadgets essential for quality food preparation.
• Brakes Catering equipment: Known for competitive prices on a wide range of commercial kitchen supplies and free delivery deals.

3.3. Set up a POS system

Some of the go-to POS options for food trucks are Square, SumUp, Zettle, and Loyverse.

If you’re just starting out or running a simpler setup, free tools like Square and Loyverse can be a great fit.

For more advanced features, there are paid systems that come with extra monthly fees, but also offer more flexibility.

A good POS system can make a big difference for your food truck, speeding up service, reducing mistakes, and giving customers a smoother experience.

Also, it helps you keep on top of inventory, track sales, and take digital payments without a hitch.

Not sure which one to choose? We work with a range of POS providers and can help you find the right fit.

3.4. Marketing costs

Marketing costs typically vary depending on the scale and methods you choose.

Here is an overview to help you budget:

1. One of the biggest marketing expenses for a food truck is getting a professional wrap or custom graphics.

A full design and application usually runs between £2,000 and £5,000, but it’s worth it. This upfront investment makes your truck stand out, grabs attention, and helps build your brand from the moment you hit the street.

2. Offline marketing: Other marketing expenses like flyers, sandwich boards, local event sponsorships, and merchandise can add £200 to over £1,000, depending on your approach.

3. Website costs: Basic website setup ranges from free, using DIY platforms, to about £500 to £1,500 for custom designs.

4. If you hire content creators for photos, videos, and posts, or social media management, expect additional monthly fees of £100 to £500 depending on the scope and service provider.

5. Overall marketing budget: Most UK food truck businesses allocate approximately 3% to 6% of their annual revenue to marketing.

For startups without revenue projections, a safe monthly marketing budget is around £200 to £400 for social media ads and basic promotion.

4. How to attract your first clients?

The key is to mix practical, on-the-ground strategies with a strong online presence. Combining both will help you get noticed and keep people coming back.

Here are the key steps to kick things off successfully:

• Secure prime spots: Grab your place early at festivals, street fairs, and bustling community gatherings.
• Let people know you’re coming: Use social media and local event listings to announce your presence.
• Team up with local breweries, gyms, farmers’ markets, or shops to share audiences and boost exposure.
• Host pop-up events or bundle deals, such as a “meal + drink” combo to attract customers from your partners’ followers.
• Create eye-catching branding: Invest in a bold, memorable food truck wrap and clear signage. After all, your truck is your moving billboard. Don’t forget about branded packaging such as bags, napkins, or stickers.
• Stay active on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to share your location, menu updates, and special offers. Geo-targeted ads can attract hungry folks nearby, and online-only deals or pre-order discounts add an extra incentive.
• Invite local food bloggers or influencers for tastings to spread the word and reach new audiences.
• Keep things exciting with limited-time offers, holiday-themed dishes, or unique fusion items.
• Throw themed food nights, live music events, or charity drives to build loyalty and a strong local reputation.
• Be friendly, chat with customers, and learn their names when you can. Offering samples, first-time discounts, or buy-one-get-one-free deals can turn passersby into regulars.
• Create a loyalty program: A simple rewards program through your POS or mobile app encourages repeat visits and lets you collect useful customer data for targeted promotions.
• Stick to a regular schedule in high-traffic locations, such as shopping areas or office districts. When customers know where and when to find you, they’ll keep coming back (and maybe bring a few friends).

5. Taxes, accounting & compliance

Keeping your accounts and paperwork in order might not be exciting, but it’s what gives your food truck the freedom to roll on without any hiccups.

Food truck businesses usually register for VAT if their taxable turnover exceeds £92,000 per year.

You may use the VAT Flat Rate Scheme for simplicity, where tax is calculated as a fixed percentage of turnover, including VAT. For catering services (which includes food trucks), the flat rate is generally 12.5% of VAT-inclusive turnover.

You get a 1% discount on the flat rate in your first year as a VAT-registered business.

If you’re incorporated as a company, the Corporation Tax rate is 19% for profits under £50,000, and 25% for profits above £250,000.

Self-employed food truck owners instead pay Income Tax on profits, with rates depending on personal income levels.

When it comes to accounting, you should:

• Maintain accurate records of sales, expenses, VAT, and payroll (if applicable).
• Comply with HMRC requirements for tax returns, VAT filings (quarterly or annually), and Corporation Tax (if applicable).

How to start a food truck business: Final thoughts

Besides serving up mouth-watering dishes, running a food truck business means setting things up right from the start, knowing your numbers, and staying on the right side of the law.

Every great food truck has two menus: one for the customers and one for the taxman. Make sure both are served up just right.

However, the admin side can sneak up on you faster than a lunchtime queue.

Miss a licence deadline, lose track of your records, or leave your taxes until the last minute, and you’ll find yourself stuck in paperwork instead of serving customers.

Ready to start your food truck business without stress? Opt for ANNA Money, then.

Why ANNA works for food truck business owners

With ANNA, you can register your company for free and open a business account in just 10 minutes, so you spend more time cooking and less time buried in paperwork.

Our app automatically:

• Organises your transactions,
• Tracks expenses, and
• Lets you create quotes and invoices complete with payment links or QR codes.

It also keeps HMRC-compliant records, and with the optional Taxes+ feature, it can even handle your VAT and tax filings.

ANNA Money is an easy, all-in-one solution for banking, invoicing, and staying compliant.

Want to see ANNA in action?

Start with ANNA today and take the paperwork off your plate.