Taking a Catering Pitch - DIY Stores?

by David R

Hi,

Thanks for the inspiring story and for the help you offer others here.

I have been offered a permanent pitch in a B&Q DIY store in my city.

The rent is £125+VAT per week, regardless of the nature of the food service offered. The only restriction is that the catering unit must not take up more than 3 car parking spaces.

Do you think this is good value for money? The weekly cost was more than I was anticipating - some people rent lockups for less than this amount. Then again, they are tied into long leases - I can vacate this pitch with just 2 weeks notice if I wish, without cost.

I suppose the pitch comes with a decent captive trading audience but making £125 profit each week before I earn my living seems a lot.

Any views? This pitch is new and no-one has traded from it before. Next to the B&W there is a large tool hire company, and opposite there is a retail park with Currys, Comet, etc.

I have not purchased a catering van yet, as I want to secure the pitch first, but I am considering a 12ft long catering van based on a LDV Convoy (2004) for £8k.

Thanks for any pointers!

Regards,

David R