Garden party marquee hire business

Families hosting birthdays, christenings, graduation parties and summer gatherings, plus local clubs and small community groups.

A fixed hire fee per marquee for a weekend or day, with extra charges for delivery, setup, and add-ons such as sides, flooring, lighting and tables.

• Practical and comfortable with lifting and setting up
• Reliable and organised with bookings
• Friendly, clear communication with customers

• Public liability insurance and cover for your hired equipment, check what your policy includes
• Storage at home may need permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or the council, so check first
• Weather risk: use proper weights or pegs, and set a clear wind and cancellation policy
• Fire safety: ask suppliers for flame-retardant certificates, and check what the event venue requires
• Damp kit grows mould, so allow space and time to dry and clean after each hire

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on how many marquees, frame tents and gazebos you buy and how you transport them. Treat these as estimates and compare supplier prices first.

Check public liability insurance and cover for your hired equipment, and whether storing kit at home needs permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council. Also ask suppliers for flame-retardant certificates and check what event venues require.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on how much kit you own, how often it is booked and the season. The idea is estimated to need from about 6 hours a week.