Why Mobile Makes Sense
The coffee market in UK is expected to reach a projected revenue of US$18,299..5 million by 2030.
Itโs a strategic move in todayโs economic landscape:
- Flexibility to Thrive: Go where the demand is, set your own hours, and pivot quickly as market conditions change.
- Lower Overheads, Fewer Staff: Mobile setups are designed for solo operation or small teamsโmeaning less admin, lower costs, and smaller NIC bills.
- Earn Year-Round: From festivals and street markets to office parks and weddings, mobile businesses can generate income in every season.
Redundancy or Reinvention?
With 42% of hospitality businesses planning price increases and many more eyeing staff cutbacks, redundancy has become a very real possibility for thousands.
But for some, what feels like the end could actually be the beginning.
The growing mobile food and coffee industry is offering a lifelineโand a launchpadโfor those ready to take their future into their own hands.
From Redundancy to Local Favourite
When Matthew took voluntary redundancy after a 25-year hospitality career, he didnโt know exactly what was next. But with the support of his partner and barista, Eve, he launched Common Ground – a fully bespoke mobile coffee trailer crafted by The Big Coffee.
With off-grid capabilities and a top-tier setup, theyโve quickly become regulars at events like Monton Festival and Chillfest, earning a loyal following and turning heads with their professionalism and passion.
What started as a leap of faith is now a thriving business built on community, craft, and control.
The Hike in National Insurance Contributions
As of April 6, 2025, rising National Insurance Contributions (NICs) are placing a significant burden on the UKโs hospitality industry.
With employer NICs increasing from 13.8% to 15% and the threshold for contributions dropping from ยฃ9,100 to ยฃ5,000, businesses across the sector are facing a financial double blow.
According to leading industry figures, these changes will add an estimated ยฃ1 billion in costs and affect around 774,000 hospitality workers, many of whom will now become newly eligible for employer National Insurance Contributions.
For small cafes, pubs, and restaurants already operating on tight margins, this could mean tough decisions: reduce staff, raise prices, or shut their doors altogether.
Weโve seen the shift first-hand. Over the past 90 days, our site has welcomed double the number of online visitors compared to the same time last yearโa powerful signal that more people are seriously exploring the mobile route.
The Opportunity Is Now
If youโre in hospitality and feeling the pressure of rising NICs and shrinking margins, this is your moment to pivot. Mobile catering isnโt just a way to surviveโitโs a smart, scalable path to doing work thatโs meaningful, profitable, and fully yours.
Whether youโre a barista dreaming of independence or a chef ready to hit the road, our team is here to help you get started.
Redundancy doesnโt have to be the end of your story. It could be the start of your own mobile revolution.
Ready to explore whatโs possible?
Contact us today to discover how to turn uncertainty into opportunity.