As Storm Floris moves across the UK with wind gusts of up to 90 mph in the north and heavy rain forecast for the capital, outdoor businesses in London are bracing for a challenging start to the week. From Southbank food stalls to open-air cafés in Covent Garden and weekend markets in Camden, traders face the real risk of losing vital trade if they can’t protect their customers from the elements.

Gala Tent, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial-grade marquees and gazebos, is urging London businesses to act now to secure their outdoor operations. Their shelters—engineered here in the UK—are built with reinforced steel or aluminium frames, fire-rated PVC covers, and certified ballast systems designed to withstand high winds and heavy rain.

“London’s outdoor businesses are some of the most creative and resilient in the country,” said Darren Perry, Sales Manager at Gala Tent. “But even the best setup can be undone by strong winds if it’s not storm-ready. With the right preparation—strong wind-rated frames, proper anchoring, and clear weather action plans—you can keep serving customers while others are forced to shut down.”

The company’s storm safety recommendations for London traders include:

London Traders, get ready for some adverse weather

placeholder image — London Traders, get ready for some adverse weather

Selecting a shelter with a wind rating at least 20 mph above expected gusts.
Using heavy-duty weight kits and storm straps to secure every leg.
Tensioning sidewalls to reduce wind resistance and structural strain.
Inspecting all joints and connectors before each trading day.

These measures meet national safety guidelines and are already helping outdoor events and hospitality venues across London—from Christmas markets to rooftop bars—stay open during adverse conditions.

“We’ve worked with operators across the capital, from Borough Market to seasonal pop-ups,” said Jason Mace, CEO of Gala Tent. “The feedback is the same every time: preparation pays off. In a city where footfall is everything, keeping your doors—or tent flaps—open in bad weather can make the difference between a profitable week and a loss.”

With weather warnings in place, Gala Tent is offering immediate expert advice and next-day delivery from its UK stock to help London businesses stay operational during Storm Floris and future weather events.