Mobile Catering Business Boost – How to keep your business moving after summer
It’s back to school time, but our sizzling summer of 2016 is set to stay with us for just a little longer. Temperatures are predicted to hit 30 degrees again in some parts of the UK this month. Continuing warm weather is great news for anyone with a mobile catering business. This will keep the summer season, and selling opportunities, going just a little longer.
We don’t want to dampen spirits, but all good things do come to an end. So how can you keep your mobile business moving in the right direction after the summer finally draws to a close?
1) Find new venues to sell your goods
The festival season may have ended and ice-cream might not be top of everyone’s wish-list. But when the temperatures drop and the rain clouds roll in – there are still plenty of places out there to set up your mobile van and sell.
Christmas markets have been a major November or December fixture in northern-European cities for centuries. Now they’re catching on over here too, with many towns and cities up and down the UK hosting one. Christmasmarkets.com lists over 160 markets which will be attracting shoppers keen for refreshments. As they shop for unusual gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere they’re sure to want feeding or watering!
Farmer’s markets also draw in big crowds throughout the year. You could even chat to other street food traders and set up your own foodie event in your hometown to give you a financial boost during the cooler months.
Don’t forget that weddings continue throughout the year. Get in touch with wedding planners in your area or sign up for some wedding fairs so people know what you can offer. Mobile caterers serving anything from ice creams and candy floss to noodles and fish and chips are always in demand for nuptial celebrations.
2) Spend some time to save some cash
Sometimes not going out and selling can be almost as lucrative. With the warm summer weather we’ve enjoyed over the last few months, you will have been forgiven for spending all your time out and about. But the cooler winter months offer a great excuse to sit down and really go through your paperwork. It could even save you a significant amount of cash.
One admin job where it pays to spend some time shopping around for the best deal is insurance. All mobile catering units need very specific insurance cover and premiums can vary greatly. One-size doesn’t fit all. Taking a tailored approach to handpick your cover can save money on premiums. In the short-term, this makes great sense. As well as making sure you’re fully covered for all eventualities, getting a tailored deal will save you cash in the longer-term – if you do need to make a claim.
Areas to consider include:
Commercial vehicle insurance, including breakdown cover. Make sure your insurance covers you for a similar replacement vehicle or you could find yourself unable to trade if you do have an accident.
Vehicle contents cover. Tot up the value of your equipment and you could be in for a shock if it’s not properly insured and you do need to make a claim.
Employer’s liability insurance. This is a legal essential if you employ any members of staff, even if they are part-time. It will cover legal costs and any compensation payout if a damages case is brought against your business by a member of your staff.
Public liability insurance covers you against legal costs and any financial claim against you for damage or illness caused by your business to a member of the public.
Stock cover. One of the big draws of setting up a mobile catering business is the relatively low outlay costs, but your stock could still be a significant business asset. If it is damaged, and you’re not covered by your insurance, you could find yourself facing a major cash-flow problem.
The best way to save on insurance costs
You can save significant amounts of money by contacting a variety of specialist mobile catering insurance providers. Shop around for the best deals for your needs, or speak to an experienced broker, like Park Insurance. A good broker can easily do the legwork for you.
We’ve been working for the catering industry for 30 years and have expert knowledge of the unique needs of mobile catering businesses. We have preferred partner status with some of the UK’s top specialist mobile catering business providers. That means we can find you the best value deal without compromising on the level of your cover.
Contact us now for a no-obligation quote. See how we can help keep your business moving – even after those hot summer days have passed.