Custom Catering Trailers Manchester | Hand-Built by A & R Willis
Custom Catering Trailers & Container Conversions Serving Manchester
Hand-built in Hertfordshire by craftsmen with over 20 years of manufacturing experience
We build bespoke mobile catering trailers and container conversions for Manchester's thriving food business scene. From Northern Quarter street food traders to corporate catering operations and static food stations across Greater Manchester, our units are designed by people who've run successful mobile catering businesses and understand what it takes to trade professionally in high-footfall Manchester locations.
Serving Manchester's Food Business Community
We're proud to serve Manchester's thriving street food and mobile catering scene. From the bustling Northern Quarter markets to major events like Parklife and the Manchester Food & Drink Festival, we've built trailers for Greater Manchester businesses who need reliable, professional units that perform in high-footfall environments.
Container conversions are also growing in popularity across Manchester for static food stations at business parks, universities, and retail developments throughout the city and surrounding boroughs.
While our workshop is based in Hertfordshire, we work with trusted transport partners to arrange delivery throughout Manchester and the North West. Many of our Manchester clients visit our workshop to see the build quality firsthand and discuss their specific requirements in person.
Why Manchester Businesses Choose A & R Willis
Family-Run Craftsmanship
Every trailer and container conversion is hand-built by our small team of skilled craftsmen. We treat each build as a personal project - our family name and reputation depend on the quality of every unit that leaves our workshop.
Every trailer and container conversion is hand-built by our small team of skilled craftsmen. We treat each build as a personal project - our family name and reputation depend on the quality of every unit that leaves our workshop.
Built by People Who've Operated Catering Businesses
Before manufacturing trailers, we ran a fleet of 5 mobile catering units at major UK events including Reading Festival, Leeds Festival, and the F1 Grand Prix. We understand the demands of high-volume service, equipment layout, and what makes a unit truly functional.
Before manufacturing trailers, we ran a fleet of 5 mobile catering units at major UK events including Reading Festival, Leeds Festival, and the F1 Grand Prix. We understand the demands of high-volume service, equipment layout, and what makes a unit truly functional.
Over 20 Years of Manufacturing Experience
Since 2009, we've been building custom trailers and container conversions, drawing on decades of fabrication expertise. We're not mass-producing units - we're crafting mobile kitchens and static food stations built to last.
Since 2009, we've been building custom trailers and container conversions, drawing on decades of fabrication expertise. We're not mass-producing units - we're crafting mobile kitchens and static food stations built to last.
Fully Compliant & VCA-Approved
All our trailers meet or exceed UK road, gas, and electrical regulations. They're VCA-approved and built to comply with the requirements of Manchester councils and trading standards. Container conversions are designed for easy cleaning, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
All our trailers meet or exceed UK road, gas, and electrical regulations. They're VCA-approved and built to comply with the requirements of Manchester councils and trading standards. Container conversions are designed for easy cleaning, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
Completely Bespoke Design
Your unit, your way. Choose your layout, equipment, colours, finishes, branding, and specifications. We'll work with you to create a trailer or container that matches your concept and trading requirements.
Your unit, your way. Choose your layout, equipment, colours, finishes, branding, and specifications. We'll work with you to create a trailer or container that matches your concept and trading requirements.
24-Month Warranty
We stand behind our work with a comprehensive 24-month warranty covering design, workmanship, construction, and materials.
We stand behind our work with a comprehensive 24-month warranty covering design, workmanship, construction, and materials.
Direct Communication
You'll deal directly with our workshop - no sales teams or middlemen. We provide honest, clear updates throughout your build.
You'll deal directly with our workshop - no sales teams or middlemen. We provide honest, clear updates throughout your build.
Twin Axle Catering Trailers for Manchester
All our catering trailers are twin axle for superior stability, towing, and capacity. Available in 10ft, 12ft, 14ft, 16ft, 18ft, and 20ft lengths.
16ft Twin Axle Catering Trailer
From £22,000 + VAT
Our most popular size for Manchester street food traders and event operators. Professional kitchen space for high-output service with excellent manoeuvrability for Manchester's varied trading locations.
Ideal for: Street markets, corporate events, private catering, festival trading
18ft Twin Axle Catering Trailer
From £28,000 + VAT
Perfect for Manchester businesses running multi-cuisine concepts or higher-volume operations. Extra space allows for more equipment and better workflow during busy service periods.
Ideal for: High-footfall markets, large events, multi-operator businesses, premium street food concepts
20ft Twin Axle Catering Trailer
From £30,000 + VAT
Our largest mobile trailer configuration, offering maximum kitchen space and equipment capacity for ambitious Manchester food businesses and high-volume event trading.
Ideal for: Major festivals, corporate catering fleets, multi-cuisine operations, premium events
Showman Range - Premium Catering Trailers
From £35,000 + VAT
Our flagship range, designed for Manchester's most demanding venues. Built to the highest specifications with premium finishes, maximum equipment capacity, and striking visual presence.
Originally developed for the fairground scene, the Showman Range delivers exceptional output while making a statement at premium Manchester events, festivals, and high-profile locations.
Ideal for: Parklife, Sounds of the City, Manchester Christmas Markets, corporate events, premium festivals, high-end street food operations
Container Conversions for Manchester Businesses
We're seeing growing demand for container conversions across Manchester - perfect for static food stations, coffee kiosks, pop-up shops, and permanent installations at business parks, schools, retail developments, and high-street locations.
Why Container Conversions are Popular in Manchester
Permanent & Semi-Permanent Installations
Ideal for business parks, office complexes, schools, universities, and retail developments across Manchester requiring static food service without traditional building costs.
Ideal for business parks, office complexes, schools, universities, and retail developments across Manchester requiring static food service without traditional building costs.
Flexible & Secure
Containers offer weatherproof, secure, lockable units that can be positioned almost anywhere. Perfect for Manchester's diverse commercial environments.
Containers offer weatherproof, secure, lockable units that can be positioned almost anywhere. Perfect for Manchester's diverse commercial environments.
Fast Installation
Once built, containers can be delivered and operational quickly compared to traditional construction - crucial for Manchester's fast-moving commercial property market.
Once built, containers can be delivered and operational quickly compared to traditional construction - crucial for Manchester's fast-moving commercial property market.
Versatile Applications
Coffee kiosks, street food stations, pop-up retail, branded activations, seasonal operations, and specialist food concepts.
Coffee kiosks, street food stations, pop-up retail, branded activations, seasonal operations, and specialist food concepts.
Container Conversion Specifications
Standard sizes: 10ft, 20ft, 40ft
Pricing: From £28,000 + VAT (standard)
Pricing: From £28,000 + VAT (standard)
Popular Manchester applications:
- Business park coffee and lunch kiosks (MediaCityUK, Salford Quays)
- School and university food stations (Manchester Met, University of Manchester)
- Pop-up restaurants and seasonal concepts
- Retail park food outlets (Trafford Centre area)
- Construction site canteens
- Event venue permanent installations
- High-street coffee shops and takeaways (Northern Quarter, Spinningfields)
How We Work with Manchester Clients
1. Initial Consultation
Contact us by phone or email to discuss your requirements - whether mobile trailer or container conversion. We'll talk through your concept, trading plans, equipment needs, and budget. Manchester clients are welcome to visit our Hertfordshire workshop (by appointment) to see builds in progress and discuss your project in person.
Contact us by phone or email to discuss your requirements - whether mobile trailer or container conversion. We'll talk through your concept, trading plans, equipment needs, and budget. Manchester clients are welcome to visit our Hertfordshire workshop (by appointment) to see builds in progress and discuss your project in person.
2. Custom Design
We'll create a bespoke design based on your specifications - layout, equipment, colours, branding, and features. You'll receive detailed plans showing exactly what we'll build.
We'll create a bespoke design based on your specifications - layout, equipment, colours, branding, and features. You'll receive detailed plans showing exactly what we'll build.
3. Hand-Built Construction
Your trailer or container is built by our in-house craftsmen in our Hertfordshire workshop. Current lead time is 14-16 weeks from order to completion. We'll keep you updated throughout the build with progress photos and direct communication.
Your trailer or container is built by our in-house craftsmen in our Hertfordshire workshop. Current lead time is 14-16 weeks from order to completion. We'll keep you updated throughout the build with progress photos and direct communication.
4. Quality Checks & Compliance
Before completion, every unit undergoes thorough quality checks and compliance testing. All gas and electrical installations are certified, and trailers are VCA-approved for UK road use.
Before completion, every unit undergoes thorough quality checks and compliance testing. All gas and electrical installations are certified, and trailers are VCA-approved for UK road use.
5. Transport Arrangement
We work with trusted transport partners who can arrange delivery throughout Manchester. Transport is arranged separately, and we'll connect you with reliable contacts to get your unit delivered safely.
We work with trusted transport partners who can arrange delivery throughout Manchester. Transport is arranged separately, and we'll connect you with reliable contacts to get your unit delivered safely.
6. Aftercare & Warranty
Your trailer or container is covered by our comprehensive 24-month warranty. We provide ongoing support and are always available if you need advice or assistance.
Your trailer or container is covered by our comprehensive 24-month warranty. We provide ongoing support and are always available if you need advice or assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a catering trailer cost in Manchester?
Our twin axle trailers range from £18,000 for a 10ft unit to £60,000+ for fully customized Showman Range trailers. Most Manchester clients invest between £40,000 and £70,000 depending on size, equipment, and specifications. Container conversions start from £28,000. We'll provide a detailed quote based on your exact requirements - no hidden costs.
Our twin axle trailers range from £18,000 for a 10ft unit to £60,000+ for fully customized Showman Range trailers. Most Manchester clients invest between £40,000 and £70,000 depending on size, equipment, and specifications. Container conversions start from £28,000. We'll provide a detailed quote based on your exact requirements - no hidden costs.
Do you deliver to Manchester?
While we don't deliver directly, we work with trusted transport partners who arrange delivery throughout Manchester. We'll connect you with reliable contacts, and transport is arranged separately between you and the haulier. Many Manchester clients also choose to collect their unit from our Hertfordshire workshop.
While we don't deliver directly, we work with trusted transport partners who arrange delivery throughout Manchester. We'll connect you with reliable contacts, and transport is arranged separately between you and the haulier. Many Manchester clients also choose to collect their unit from our Hertfordshire workshop.
How long does it take to build a custom trailer or container?
Our current lead time is 14-16 weeks from order confirmation to completion. This allows us to hand-build your unit to the highest standards without rushing. We're not a production line - each trailer and container is individually crafted by our small team.
Our current lead time is 14-16 weeks from order confirmation to completion. This allows us to hand-build your unit to the highest standards without rushing. We're not a production line - each trailer and container is individually crafted by our small team.
Can I visit your workshop from Manchester?
Absolutely. We're based in Hertfordshire, easily accessible from Manchester. Many clients visit to see our build quality firsthand, discuss their project in detail, and view builds in progress. Please call ahead to arrange an appointment.
Absolutely. We're based in Hertfordshire, easily accessible from Manchester. Many clients visit to see our build quality firsthand, discuss their project in detail, and view builds in progress. Please call ahead to arrange an appointment.
What compliance standards do your trailers meet?
All our trailers are VCA-approved and meet UK road, gas, and electrical regulations. They're built to comply with Manchester council requirements and trading standards. Container conversions meet food safety and building regulations. We provide all necessary certification and documentation with your unit.
All our trailers are VCA-approved and meet UK road, gas, and electrical regulations. They're built to comply with Manchester council requirements and trading standards. Container conversions meet food safety and building regulations. We provide all necessary certification and documentation with your unit.
What's the difference between a trailer and a container conversion?
Trailers are mobile - perfect for markets, festivals, events, and businesses that trade at multiple locations. Container conversions are static or semi-permanent - ideal for business parks, schools, fixed high-street locations, and permanent installations. We'll advise on which suits your Manchester trading plans.
Trailers are mobile - perfect for markets, festivals, events, and businesses that trade at multiple locations. Container conversions are static or semi-permanent - ideal for business parks, schools, fixed high-street locations, and permanent installations. We'll advise on which suits your Manchester trading plans.
What's popular for Manchester street food and events?
Manchester clients often choose 16ft or 18ft twin axle trailers for versatility across the city's diverse trading environments. Multi-cuisine setups are popular for Manchester's international food scene, and our Showman Range is in high demand for premium festivals like Parklife and high-output service at the Christmas Markets. Container conversions are increasingly popular for static installations at MediaCityUK, university campuses, and business parks across Greater Manchester.
Manchester clients often choose 16ft or 18ft twin axle trailers for versatility across the city's diverse trading environments. Multi-cuisine setups are popular for Manchester's international food scene, and our Showman Range is in high demand for premium festivals like Parklife and high-output service at the Christmas Markets. Container conversions are increasingly popular for static installations at MediaCityUK, university campuses, and business parks across Greater Manchester.
Do you offer financing?
We don't provide financing directly, but we work with external financing companies who can arrange payment plans. We accept payment by bank transfer or cash.
We don't provide financing directly, but we work with external financing companies who can arrange payment plans. We accept payment by bank transfer or cash.
Manchester's Mobile Catering & Static Food Service Opportunities
Manchester's mobile catering market is one of the UK's most dynamic, with year-round opportunities at Altrincham Market, Mackie Mayor, and seasonal events across the city. The council's street trading licensing is well-established, and our VCA-approved trailers meet all requirements for trading in Manchester and surrounding boroughs.
Popular configurations for Manchester clients include multi-cuisine setups for the diverse food scene, and our Showman Range for high-output festival trading at events like Parklife, Sounds of the City, and the Manchester Christmas Markets. From Northern Quarter street food to corporate event catering, we've built trailers for businesses across Greater Manchester who need reliable, professional units.
Beyond mobile trading, Manchester's expanding business parks, university campuses (Manchester Metropolitan, University of Manchester), and retail developments are creating strong demand for container conversions. Static food stations and coffee kiosks are meeting the needs of Manchester's workforce and student population, from Salford Quays to MediaCityUK and throughout the city centre.
Whether you're launching a new street food concept, trading at Manchester's major events and festivals, or establishing a static food station at a Manchester business park or university campus - our units are designed to perform in the North West's competitive and vibrant food scene.
Ready to Start Your Custom Build?
We'd love to discuss your Manchester catering trailer or container conversion project. Our team is here to answer your questions, provide honest advice, and create a bespoke unit that matches your vision and trading requirements.
Call us today: 01763 852 0000
Or use our contact form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
A & R Willis Catering Trailers Ltd.
Hand-built in Hertfordshire | Serving Manchester & the UK since 2009
Hand-built in Hertfordshire | Serving Manchester & the UK since 2009