Ninety percent of the Gala Tent workforce are now working from home, isolated or on furlough employment, so the management team have taken the initiative to keep the company stable and operational until the workforce returns by digging in and manning the distribution centre themselves.
Mark Thompson CEO of Gala Tent said, “We currently employ around 30 staff members, this has been reduced on site to 4. The sales team, developers, designers or all now working from home preparing for the comeback.”
“It looks like we still have a service to offer in these uncertain times, and we are still seeing orders for our structures for a myriad of uses. We’ve been able to help out with shelters for the emergency services and medical spaces, as well as to home-bound clients for extra space to allow for more activities whilst remaining indoors.”
The Gala Team including the CEO’s are now operating the warehouse and making sure orders are still delivered on time.
Company Director Andrew Scott said, “Whilst it’s obviously a terrible time for everybody right now, there’s a nostalgia to us all working the warehouse again. Jason, Mark and I were all at Gala from the start up in 1999 and have worked in every department as the company has grown over the last 20 years, so we all don’t mind getting stuck in again.”
Jason Mace CEO of Gala Tent said, “The warehouse is 60,000 sq. Ft, so we can easily ensure social distancing measures enforced by the government are being adhered to. We have also made a management decision not to pay ourselves until the pandemic is over, because the company simply cannot afford this, and the staff wages are priority right now.”
Rick Lyons who heads the procurement team said, “I started my role at Gala in the warehouse, so I don’t mind getting stuck in again. It’s actually been useful as it gives me a better idea of any processes we can improve when business booms again.”
Mace also added, “If the government does shut the door on business, I have already informed staff they will be paid in full until this pandemic is over.”
Founded in 1999, Gala Tent has grown to sell over 15,000 tents and marquees each year, along with around 90,000 event accessories and furniture products in the UK.
In the UK, Gala Tent is a preferred supplier for organisations including the military, NHS, the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, South Yorkshire Police Service, St John’s Ambulance and AA, as well as to thousands of homeworkers nationally.
