Weathering the Storm: How UK Businesses Can Stay Open Through Storm Floris

As Storm Floris barrels across the UK with gusts reaching up to 90 mph in parts of Scotland, thousands of outdoor businesses—from bustling street food vendors to weekend festival organisers—are bracing for impact. But for those who depend on marquees and gazebos to keep customers sheltered, there’s a stark reality: without the right preparation, the weather can wipe out a day’s takings in minutes. 

The sixth named storm of the 2024–25 season, Storm Floris has already triggered amber weather warnings, widespread travel cancellations, and heightened safety alerts. It’s another reminder that “weather whiplash” is becoming the norm—bringing calm one day and chaos the next. 

This is where Gala Tent, a proudly British manufacturer of commercial-grade marquees and gazebos, is helping businesses take back control. Their storm-resilient shelters are designed not only to stand up to unpredictable UK weather but also to keep trading going when others are forced to close. 

“We know that for many small businesses, closing for even a day can mean a huge loss,” said Darren Perry, Sales Manager at Gala Tent. “Our advice is simple: don’t wait until the forecast turns. Invest in shelters with a proven wind rating, use proper ballast and anchoring, and have a clear weather-trigger plan. That way, you’re not scrambling when the gusts hit—you’re already prepared.” 

Gala Tent’s recommendations include: 

• Choose shelters rated at least 20 mph above expected wind speeds. 

• Using storm straps, engineered weight kits, and secure ground stakes for maximum stability. 

• Tensioning sidewalls to reduce wind resistance and prevent structural strain. 

• Conducting daily frame inspections and replacing damaged parts before redeployment. 

These practices not only align with National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and MUTA safety standards but have been proven in real-world conditions—whether protecting market stalls in Manchester or providing rapid-deploy cover for emergency services in the Scottish Highlands. 

“Britain’s weather is unpredictable, but your business doesn’t have to be,” said Jason Mace, CEO of Gala Tent. “Our shelters are engineered here in the UK for exactly these kinds of challenges. With the right setup, we’ve seen businesses stay open and even thrive during storms that would normally shut them down. Being storm-ready isn’t just about survival—it’s about turning resilience into a competitive advantage.” 

For any business operating outdoors, the message is clear: act now, before the wind picks up. Whether it’s securing your current setup with certified anchoring systems or upgrading to a commercial-grade, storm-rated marquee, preparation is the key to trading through the worst the British weather can throw at you.