Summer festival season can be one of the busiest and most profitable times of year for mobile catering businesses. From music festivals and food events to county shows and sporting events, caterers have countless opportunities to grow their brand, increase revenue, and reach new customers.
However, with increased footfall and high-pressure trading environments comes additional risk. Proper preparation is essential to ensure your business runs smoothly, remains compliant, and stays protected throughout the season.
At Moving Food, we work with mobile caterers across the UK and understand the unique challenges festival trading can bring. Here are some key areas every mobile catering business should consider before festival season begins.
Review your insurance cover
Before attending any event, it’s important to make sure your insurance cover is up to date and suitable for the type of work you’ll be undertaking.
Many festivals will require proof of:
- Public Liability Insurance
- Employers’ Liability Insurance
- Product Liability Insurance
- Gas Safety Certificates
- Electrical Testing Certificates
If you’re hiring temporary staff, using additional equipment, or travelling to multiple events, your existing policy may need updating.
Learn more about UK employers’ liability requirements.
Carry out equipment checks
Festival environments can be demanding on equipment. Before the season begins, check that:
- Generators are serviced
- Refrigeration units are functioning correctly
- Gas appliances are tested and compliant
- Fire extinguishers are in date
- Vehicle maintenance is up to date
Unexpected breakdowns during busy events can result in lost income and reputational damage.
Prepare for increased demand
Summer festivals often bring significantly higher customer volumes than day-to-day trading. Planning ahead can help you avoid stock shortages and service delays. Consider:
- Ordering additional stock in advance
- Reviewing your menu for speed and efficiency
- Introducing simplified festival menus
- Setting up contactless payment options
- Creating clear staff rotas
Prioritise food safety
Warm weather and outdoor environments increase food safety risks. Ensure your team follows correct food handling procedures and temperature controls throughout the event. The Food Standards Agency provides further guidance for food businesses.
Organise your documentation
Most event organisers will request documentation well before the event date. Keeping everything organised can help avoid delays or last-minute issues. Create a digital folder containing:
- Insurance certificates
- Risk assessments
- Food hygiene certificates
- Gas and electrical certificates
- Staff training records
Plan for emergencies
Even the best-prepared businesses can face unexpected issues during festivals. Having contingency plans in place is essential. Think about:
- Backup generators
- Emergency contact lists
- Severe weather plans
- First aid supplies
- Incident reporting procedures