I could do with a little advice concerning catering vans/trailers

[Dazeri]

I've just been looking at catering trailers with a plan to buy one and give free burgers and hotdogs to homeless people in the streets. I have a few questions regarding this:

1. Will I still need a pitch if I'm looking to travel to areas in town where homeless people, and prostitutes, tend to hang out?
2. If I'm giving the stuff away, do I still need a licence to trade? (considering that technically I wont be trading)
3. Is there anywhere online that I can get an approximate quote, without first buying the van/trailer? If not, does anyone have any idea of insurance costs?
4. Would I need to get different car insurance if I was towing a trailer?
5. Where do I get supplies?

Thanks in advance for all your help.


Darren

 

[Billmccallum]

http://www.ncass.org.uk/content/insurance.aspx

links to insurers and some prices for trailers

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Why not talk it through with the Salvation army who also feed the homeless, they can give you far more information on whats required and where to go

As for suppliers, few and far between if looking at getting food for free, also Burgers and Hotdogs are a lousy food to give to the homeless, far better something more substantial like Soup or porage

Dont forget if you set something like this up then your customers will expect 7 days a week /365 and you may be diluting someone elses assistance

 

[BobBuilder]

It's great that you want to help but I'd also question your choice of food stuff.

If you want to help as many people as possible for every £ that you have to give away, then you need to look at which food is most nourishing/filling/warming per £ spent.

Also, although I acknowledge that we all want to "run our own show" when it comes to these things, it would be a good idea to offer to help out other such organisations that do these food runs. The information you gain from helping another organisation might lead you to a situation where you help expand their operation or just learn how to do yours best.

Good Luck!

 

[Wilma_]

I wish you the best of luck

 

[td2011]

This is such a nice idea, I hope you get the advice you need. It's a good idea to speak to the salvation army as mentiond above by Chris Ashdown. Good luck with the plan

 

[HFE Signs]

Can the trailer be moved once set up? I thought once you set up you have hot oil and stock set out, then you pack up and the end of the show/event? Not sure it they are mobile while hot??

You need to set up as a business as you will have costs and things you can claim for.

Best to have a business account.

You need to tell the tax man.

You need insurance, google market traders insurance, that will be cheaper.

You need a basic foor hygine certificate (one day course)

Then you need permission for your plot, either council or private by the land owner.

How will you pay for your stock? Fuel and costs?

Good luck my friend..