10 of the best mobile business ideas

If you’re keen to run your own start-up and the idea of a mobile business appeals to you, a range of options could work for budding entrepreneurs.

A mobile business could offer you a range of benefits, including lower set-up costs, more flexibility, and faster set-up times.

You could also have a larger potential customer base and increased brand awareness.

What is a mobile business?

A mobile business operates on the move instead of staying in one spot, such as a shop or office.

Although a business owner may choose fixed premises to store business supplies and equipment, these would be accessible only by employees – customers and clients wouldn’t visit.

Mobile businesses are great for entrepreneurs who want to offer services quickly and flexibly and go where customers are located.

They’re also suitable for start-ups that want to avoid costs such as rent and utility bills.

To start a mobile business, you might need:

• a suitable vehicle
• the right equipment for your business type
• necessary permits and insurance
• a strong marketing plan to attract customers.

Read our guide on ten reasons to start your own business.

What to consider when starting a mobile business

Before starting a mobile business, there are a few important things to think about:

• vehicle and equipment – decide if you need to buy a vehicle, such as a car or van, and any equipment for your business.
• business insurance – make sure you have the right insurance to cover your vehicle and equipment – consider getting public liability insurance to protect your business if there are any accidents with customers.
• permits and licences – check what permits and licences you need to follow UK laws when working in public places or at customers’ homes.
• marketing strategy – as your business moves around, you need a solid but flexible plan to reach customers, such as using social media and local marketing to attract them.
• working alone – consider your safety and how you will secure your vehicle and manage payments.

Stay in touch with someone who knows where you are and your schedule. You can use tracking apps, have emergency contacts, and tell someone where you’ll be.

10 mobile business ideas

Photographer

Photography is in constant demand, whether for birthdays, sports events, weddings, or business gatherings.

Aside from creative photography skills, a photographer needs good communication skills and attention to detail.

Depending on your photography services, you’ll need a professional camera and accessories such as a tripod, memory cards, light reflectors, and backdrops.

As your photography business grows, you could hire additional photographers to allow your business to cover more events or provide a more comprehensive service.

Learn how to start a photography business with our guide.

Barber or hairstylist

Getting to a hair salon or barber shop isn’t always possible for busy people or those with specific needs.

Having a hairdresser visit at home can be a convenient option for people with young children, older people, and anyone with busy work schedules, mobility issues, special needs or mental health concerns.
A mobile salon offers shaves, haircuts, and other hair styling at client’s homes.

You could also offer event services on-site at weddings and other special occasions.

Read our complete guide to how to start your own hairdressing business.

Carpet cleaning

Carpet cleaning is a labour-intensive task that typically requires special equipment and products, which means a professional carpet cleaning business can be a good mobile business to start.

It’s worth researching to see if there is demand from commercial businesses such as offices and households in your local area.

You’ll need a steam cleaner and other specialised equipment– although these can be hired – along with cleaning materials and an appropriate mode of transport.

Settling up a carpet cleaning business can be quick, but you must have a strong marketing plan to attract customers.

Read our guide on how to start a cleaning business.

Tech repairs

It can be challenging for tech users to get to a repair shop or retailer when something goes wrong, particularly during a busy work day or when they have family responsibilities.

Tech repairs can include fixing issues with laptops, mobile phones, monitors, smart devices, tablets, and more.

A mobile tech repair company which offers pre- and post-work hours or emergency repairs could be a popular mobile business.

Bar service

A mobile bar service could offer year-round opportunities at indoor or outdoor functions such as weddings, corporate parties, and seasonal events such as Christmas parties.

You could provide glassware, alcohol, other ingredients, trained staff, and the bar itself.

As you would be providing and serving alcohol, you would need to have the relevant alcohol licences to comply with the law.

Yoga instructor

Yoga is a popular exercise in the UK, with over 4,700 studios in the UK in 2023.

As a mobile yoga instructor, you could offer this fitness service in public parks and other community spaces, as a guest instructor at fitness studios, or provide yoga sessions in clients’ homes.

If your clients do not have their own yoga equipment, you may wish to invest in mats, blocks, or other accessories for them to use.

Coffee van

A mobile coffee shop can mean you move to where your clients are.

You could offer your services to local events, festivals, business parks, or public spaces such as parks or shopping areas.

To start a mobile coffee business, you may need to source coffee, a van or cart, a coffee machine, plus any relevant accessories and the required permits and licences.

If you enjoy meeting people and are passionate about coffee, this could be the mobile business for you.

If you’re interested in starting a more traditional, bricks and mortar coffee place, read our guide.

Oven cleaning

Many people find cleaning their ovens daunting and laborious, so why not get paid to do it for them?

An oven-cleaning business could be a profitable mobile that lets you work your own hours.

There are upfront expenses to consider, such as specialist products, equipment, cleaning products, and protective clothing.

Also, think about whether you need to learn the best practices for cleaning different types of ovens and the safety considerations when using cleaning chemicals.

If you want to diversify into cleaning other parts of a house, check out our guide to starting a cleaning business.

Car valeting

A mobile car valeting business brings professional car cleaning services right to your customers’ homes or workplaces.

Operating from an equipped van, you can offer a wide range of services, including washing the exterior, cleaning the interior, waxing, polishing, and personalised detailing.

This service especially appeals to busy workers and families who want their vehicles to look and feel brand new without the hassle of taking them to a car wash.

Good customer service skills and attention to detail can help you gain loyal repeat customers.

To help your business stand out in the busy car care market, consider offering custom valeting packages with discounts for regular customers.

Tutoring

Many people look to hire tutors, whether parents looking to support their children, students in higher education who need extra help, or adults who want to learn a new skill or language.

A mobile tutoring business could be a relatively simple start-up for someone with appropriate skills and qualifications.

To instil trust in your customers, you may need a relevant degree or teaching experience in your subject.

Your upfront expenses might include the cost of a laptop, learning materials, and textbooks.

Read our complete guide on how to start a tutoring business.