Hospitality businesses across the UK are facing a perfect storm. Rents are rising. Wages are increasing. Supplier prices are climbing and now National Insurance Contributions (NICs) have gone up too!
For cafes, restaurants, bars, and food retailers, the pressure is building fast and the cost of staying in one place is going up.
But a growing number of business owners are choosing to break free from the traditional model — not by expanding square footage, but by going mobile.
Why Standing Still Isn’t Sustainable Anymore
The numbers paint a stark picture. According to a recent joint survey by leading hospitality trade associations:
- 70% of businesses say they’ll need to reduce staffing levels
- 29% are planning to cut back their trading hours
- 15% expect to close at least one site entirely
With overheads surging and customer spending tightening, fixed-location businesses are finding themselves boxed in — literally. Footfall is limited. Operating costs are rising. And margins are shrinking.
Adaptation isn’t optional anymore — it’s essential.
The Benefits of a Mobile Business
Going mobile isn’t just about cutting costs, it’s about unlocking new potential.
- Maximise revenue, minimise overheads – Mobile units don’t require expensive leases, utility bills, or large teams. That means better margins and less financial stress.
- Lean staffing, lower NICs – A mobile setup can be run solo or with just one team member — keeping wages and National Insurance Contributions far lower.
- Go where the customers are – Whether it’s a weekend market, a music festival, or a summer beach crowd, mobility means you can follow demand rather than waiting for it.
Now Is the Time to Go Mobile
With rents rising and employer NICs climbing, fixed-location growth is becoming harder and riskier.
Mobile food and coffee ventures offer a way forward that’s flexible, future-proof, and built for today’s economic realities.
At The Big Coffee, we specialise in helping people make the leap — from designing your trailer to getting it road-ready and guiding you through every step of your business journey.
Take your business beyond the four walls and explore our mobile coffee van conversions today.
