GETTING STARTED IN STREET FOOD

There are loads of great reasons to start a street food business, and we'll have a look at some of them on this page. But it's worth knowing at this stage that the very best way to get cracking in this industry is with the NCASS on your side. Not heard of them? The Nationwide Caterers Association offers traders legal protection, safety and work opportunities. They can tell you loads about getting started in street food, and help you do it too.

If you want to chat to NCASS just give them a call on 0300 124 6866​.

What's so great about street food?

Unlike most other business opportunities, street trading offers the ordinary individual a realistic chance to start their own business for a reasonable investment, very few restrictions, low overheads and little, if any specialist knowledge, skills or experience.

One advantage of street food is that in most cases you will be in the enviable position of being able to ‘move on’ should a particular pitch prove to be unsuccessful. People always need to eat and drink, and today’s busy lifestyle often means that many are either unwilling or unable to cater for themselves, turning rather to fast food or ready-prepared meals.

» Everybody has to eat
» Steadily increasing demand (even in recession)
» Low start-up cost
» Low overheads
» Immediate cash income
» Low level of experience required
» You are your own boss

But Be Aware!

Any type of catering is very hard work and can be extremely physically demanding. There are also stringent legal requirements that must be conformed with, in order to avoid significant fines.

Sunny Outlook?

On the face of it, the plus points do seem to far outweigh the minuses, but whether or not you can succeed in this industry sector is largely down to your own character as well as your business acumen. We have constructed a checklist to help you think seriously about all the aspects of this new venture and even envisage yourself in the roll (pardon the pun!) before you take the plunge and cook up a storm!