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How to start an ice cream business
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Thinking of starting an ice cream business? Whether you dream of opening a stylish shop or selling ice cream on the go from a colourful van, this can be a fun and flexible venture with strong profit potential.
Ice cream might seem like a seasonal treat, but with the right setup, it can be a year-round success. From understanding the legal requirements to selecting the best appliances, there’s a lot to get right before you scoop your first cone. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to launch your own ice cream business in the UK, including:
Ice cream vans vs shops: Which is right for you?
- Ice cream van businesses
- Do ice cream vans make money?
- How much money do ice cream vans make?
- Opening an ice cream shop
- Can you do both?
Rules and regulations
- Do you need a license to sell ice cream in the UK?
- How long can an ice cream van play music?
- Ice cream business health and safety
What equipment does an ice cream business need?
Marketing your ice cream business
Ice cream vans vs shops: Which is right for you?
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when starting an ice cream business is whether to operate a mobile ice cream van or set up a brick-and-mortar shop. Each model offers unique benefits and challenges, so choosing the right one will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Below, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both options to help you find the best fit for your business.
Ice cream van businesses
Starting an ice cream van business is often the most accessible route for new entrepreneurs. With relatively low startup costs and fewer fixed expenses, it’s a flexible way to test the market before committing to a permanent location. You won’t have to worry about rent or utility bills, and you can move between locations to follow the crowds. Whether it’s a sunny park, a school zone, or a local festival, being mobile means you can take your product directly to customers whenever and wherever demand is highest.
Many vendors enjoy the freedom to scale operations with the seasons. For example, you might trade heavily in summer and reduce hours in winter, or pivot to selling hot drinks and snacks.
The ice cream van model is particularly well-suited for solo operators or small teams, making it an ideal choice for those wondering how to become an ice cream man or launch a side hustle with growth potential.
Do ice cream vans make money?
A common question for newcomers is: Are ice cream vans profitable? The short answer is yes! When run effectively, they can be a highly profitable venture.
By selling a high-margin product in a compact format, ice cream vans often see strong returns, especially in busy or underserved areas. Even moderate footfall can generate impressive takings, and successful traders often choose to reinvest in their equipment or expand to multiple vehicles.
How much do ice cream vans make?
While income can vary, it’s not uncommon for a single van to earn several hundred pounds a day during the summer months. At larger events like fairs or festivals, daily earnings can be significantly higher.
To boost profitability, many ice cream van owners expand their menu beyond cones, offering soft drinks, sweets and crisps, or even coffee. Some transition into a mobile coffee van business during the off-season, helping maintain cash flow year-round. Private hire is also a growing income stream, from weddings and parties to charity fundraisers.
Ultimately, your income will depend on your location, working hours, and business strategy, as well as how much you pay yourself versus reinvesting in the business.
A fixed-location ice cream shop offers stability, consistent foot traffic, and year-round trading potential. With the ability to create a strong brand presence, design an inviting space, and expand your product offering (like milkshakes, ice cream floats, and other desserts), a shop gives you more control over the customer experience.
However, the setup costs are typically higher. You’ll need to budget for rent, utilities, staffing, and shopfitting, as well as equipment like commercial freezers and Point of Sale software. If your shop will have a seated dining area, you’ll need to plan for that, too.
Many successful ice cream business owners eventually operate both a shop and a van. You might start small with a van to learn the ropes and test demand, then reinvest profits into a storefront. Alternatively, you could launch with a shop and expand into mobile trading for events and festivals.
Running both gives you the best of both worlds: the consistent income of a shop and the flexibility and outreach of a van. It also allows you to diversify your revenue streams and helps build a stronger brand.
Before you and your van can hit the road and start trading, there are a few essential legal requirements to understand, which we’ll break down below. For the most part, the rules are the same for setting up any type of food van in the UK, so it’s worth reading our guide to starting a food truck first for a full overview.
Do you need a license to sell ice cream in the UK?
Yes, you generally do need a license to sell ice cream in the UK. Getting your licensing and paperwork sorted before you launch is essential — it not only keeps you compliant with UK regulations but also builds trust with customers and event organisers.
Depending on how and where you plan to trade, several different licences, registrations, and forms of insurance may be required:
- Food business registration: This is a legal requirement for any business handling or preparing food, including ice cream. You’ll need to register with the local authority at least 28 days before you start trading, whether you’re running an ice cream van, a cart, or a shop. Registration is free.
- Street trading license: If you’re trading in public spaces, such as roadsides, parks, or beaches, you’ll likely need one of these. Contact your local council for more information on how to obtain one, and any limits on trading in your area.
- Permission to trade on private land: If you're planning to operate from a supermarket car park, festival site, or private event, you won’t usually need a street trading license, but you will need written permission from the landowner.
- Insurance: To operate safely and legally, you’ll need a few types of insurance in place. At a minimum:
- Public liability insurance — covers any injury or property damage claims
- Product liability insurance — covers issues related to the food you serve
- Employer’s liability insurance — required if you employ any staff.
- Driving license: If you're running a mobile business from a van or converted vehicle, you’ll also need a valid UK driving licence appropriate for the size and weight of your van.
How long can an ice cream van play music?
To help avoid noise complaints and keep you on the right side of the local council, it’s a good idea to be familiar with the code of practice on noise from ice cream vans.
Under UK regulations, ice cream vans can only play music (chimes) between 12pm and 7pm, and shouldn’t be used more than once every two hours in the same location — i.e., a particular length of street. Chimes may only be played for up to 12 seconds at a time, and no more than once every two minutes while in motion. For a full breakdown of the rules, read the National Caterers Association’s policy on nose pollution.
Ice cream business health and safety
Whether you’re running a van or a shop, your ice cream business must meet UK health and safety standards for food hygiene. This includes keeping your premises and equipment clean, storing ice cream at the correct temperatures, and ensuring all staff have up-to-date food hygiene training — a Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety Certificate is recommended.
You’ll also need to display clear allergen information and follow best practices for waste management and pest control. Local authorities may carry out inspections (these are typically triggered when you register your food business), so having strong hygiene processes in place from day one is essential. For advice on how to prepare for a visit, read our guide to EHO food safety inspections.
What equipment does an ice cream business need?
Once you’ve decided on your business model and sorted out your legal requirements, it’s time to set up your toolkit. No matter what type of ice cream business you’re launching, the right equipment will be the backbone of your daily operations. Investing in quality tools and machinery from the start can save you money, reduce downtime, and help deliver a better product to your customers. While there’s plenty of room to upgrade as you grow, you’ll want to ensure you’ve got the core essentials covered from day one.
The following basics will get most mobile traders up and running:
- Freezer: A chest freezer or built-in freezer is needed for storing tubs of ice cream and pre-packed products.
- Fridge: For serving cold drinks or other chilled items.
- Gelato machines: A high-quality gelato machine is essential for consistent texture and fast service. Nemox machines are a great option thanks to their compact footprint, energy efficiency, and reliable engineering. Take a look at our gelato machine buying guide to find the right fit for your setup
- Ice cream scoops: A durable, ergonomic scoop is essential for speed and consistency when serving. Zeroll are an industry favourite, designed for easy scooping to reduce wrist strain during busy periods. Our Zeroll ice cream scoop guide can help you work out what you need.
- Portioners: If you’ll be offering toppings such as chopped nuts or sprinkles, portioners can be helpful for consistency.
- Dehydrators: These can be used to make a variety of creative toppings and garnishes. Read ourr dehydrator buying guide for advice on how to select the best machine for you.
- Scales: For portion control and managing ingredients.
- Utensils: From knives to mandolins, you’ll need accessories to prepare and present your product
- Dispensers: As well as cone dispensers, you’ll need cup dispensers if you’re offering takeaway drinks such as teas and coffees.
- Ingredient storage: Separate ingredient containers for your toppings will help keep everything fresher for longer, and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
- Hand-wash sink: A legal requirement for food hygiene.
As you grow, you may want to expand into coffee service, snacks, or hot drinks during the off-season — all of which may require additional equipment like an espresso machine or panini grill.
Additional tools
If you’re setting up a bricks-and-mortar ice cream shop, your core kit will include many of the above, but you’ll likely need to scale up. Depending on your concept and menu, you might also need:
- Display freezers: For front-of-house scooping and showcasing your ice cream.
- Gastronorm pans: Used to store and display your flavours at a safe temperature.
As your business grows, you may want to expand your services for add-on sales. This may require additional equipment such as:
- Coffee machines
- Stand mixers
- Food processors
- Stick blenders
- Fryers
- Toasters
- Panini grills
- Food warmers
- Cookware and bakeware
As well as your cooking equipment, don’t forget cleaning equipment, allergen signage, and basic POS (Point of Sale) tools like a card reader and till system.
Marketing your ice cream business
Once your ice cream business is up and running, your success will depend not only on what you serve, but how you present it. A clear, consistent brand helps build trust, attract customers, and set your business apart in a competitive market, especially during peak seasons when every cone counts.
Start with some ideas for memorable ice cream business names. Whether you're naming a brick-and-mortar ice cream shop or a mobile ice cream van, your name should be easy to remember, reflect your personality or theme, and appeal to your target customers. It should also be easy to say, spell, and search for online — essential for digital marketing and word-of-mouth.
Visual identity is equally important. From the fonts and colours on your menu to the design of your ice cream shop logo, your brand should feel cohesive. A strong ice cream shop design can make your business instantly recognisable and help create an inviting atmosphere that encourages repeat visits. This doesn’t have to mean big budgets! Even small touches like coordinated signage or quirky décor can leave a lasting impression.
Digital marketing
Social media is a powerful tool for any local food business, so make sure your branding looks great in photos. Post consistently, engage with your community, and use location tags and relevant hashtags to increase your reach. You may also want to list your business on Google Maps and food directories, especially if you’re running a mobile unit and changing locations frequently.
After reading this guide, you’ll be well on your way to launching your ice cream business. Starting out can feel daunting, but with careful planning, a strong brand, and a touch of creativity, your next big scoop could be the beginning of something truly rewarding.
At Mitchell & Cooper, we stock everything you need to bring your business to life, from premium kitchenware to cooking and bakeware, as well as a range of dependable appliances. Browse our full range of catering equipment to get started, and don’t forget to explore our knowledge hub for more advice, insights, and inspiration for food and drink businesses.
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The name in Ice Cream since 1935, Zeroll® scoops are now considered to be a modern design classic. The Zeroll® scoop contains a super conductive fluid that transmits the warmth from the user’s hand to facilitate scooping.
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The name in Ice Cream since 1935, Zeroll® scoops are now considered to be a modern design classic. The Zeroll® scoop contains a super conductive fluid that transmits the warmth from the user’s hand to facilitate scooping.
The modern hard coat anodized version of the classic Zeroll® scoop contains a super conductive fluid that transmits the warmth from the user’s hand to facilitate scooping and release of even the hardest ice cream.