Case Studies
Surf & Turf x NCASS – Case Study: Saving Nemo
We recently interviewed vegan fish & chips experts Saving Nemo in collaboration with NCASS (Nationwide Caterers Association) to talk the ins & outs of starting a pop-up business, their mission to promote issues surrounding the North Sea and what products they use to ensure their events are a success! Q1. Tell us a bit about the origins of Saving Nemo and your inspiration behind starting the business? Saving Nemo was born in Northamptonshire in 2020. We asked the people of Northampton what they wanted to see and this was vegan fish and chips. This matched with our ethos so Saving Nemo was born. We refurbished a van that came covered in grass and the rest is history. Q2. What is the mission and vision of Saving Nemo?Our mission is to promote issues surrounding the North Sea. We help to rescue seals, participate in beach cleans and dive against debris and shout about issues such as sewage discharge. Q3. What challenges have you faced as a pop-up catering business, and how have you overcome them? When we bought the van, we very quickly realised it just wasn’t big enough for demand. So we moved to a gazebo and now have 2 floor standing fryers instead of one. Q4. Why did you choose to use Surf & Turf products for your setup? I like that surf and turf are always at the end of the phone or email and are easy to talk to. Q5. Which Surf & Turf products do you currently use? We have a Canopro Elite Gazebo, Side Walls, Sky Banner, Collapsible Tables and Branded Deck Chairs. Q6. Can you share specific ways in which Surf & Turf products have benefited your business operations? The sky banner was a bit of a rush job for our very first big festival. This helped us massively to attract customers, usually ones late at night looking for chips! Q7. What has been the most rewarding part of running a pop-up catering business? We love it when we hear customers feedback. For example, this weekend a mum told us she thought they would have to leave to get food for her child who has allergies, but she said she loved our food and then came back every day. Q8. Can you describe a memorable event or experience that stands out in your journey with Saving Nemo? My goal when I first started was to get on Sunday Brunch. I’ve been a huge fan of the show for years and typically watch it on Mondays as I am always working the weekend. Last year we entered The British Street Food Awards and Richard invited us on there. We were supposed to just be cooking our food, but we ended up on the infamous sofa. The only issue was we came straight from a festival, no shower that morning (as they weren’t open), no make up and the only clothes we had. But I got a photo with Tim and Simon! Q9. What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own pop-up food business? Make sure you have a pot of money as there will be something you forget or maybe doesn’t work. Start small with local festivals and markets to get your name out and then go from there. Q10. What are your future plans or goals for Saving Nemo? We are moving into more weddings from sit down to street food. We are also popping up at Trinity Kitchen in Leeds over Christmas! Shop Catering Gazebos & Accessories
Pizza Client Spotlights
Surf & Turf is proud to be a leading supplier of high-quality gazebos and portable catering equipment to some of the best pop up pizza companies in the industry. With a commitment to providing top-of-the-line products and unparalleled service, Surf & Turf has established itself as a trusted partner for street food tenders looking to elevate their game. We are shining our spotlight on two brilliant clients of ours… Serious Dough Co and MIMMO'S. With our extensive selection of gazebos, counters and tables, and other essential equipment, we’ve helped streamline their operations and deliver exceptional food to their customers. Serious Dough Co Serious Dough Co is a unique pizza business that was born out of the pandemic in 2020. Run by a husband-and-wife team with years of experience working as chefs. Their vintage pizza truck has become a selling point for the business, allowing them to travel to different events, including music festivals, business openings, and much more. The menu features a range of pizzas such as Aromatic Shredded Duck and the BBQ Pulled Pork, showcasing the business's willingness to embrace different cultures and push boundaries. To improve their offering, they purchased a Surf & Turf 3mx3m Gazebo with their company branding printed & also the 4.5mx3m Canopro Gazebo, complete with their company logo printed and leg weights. Additionally, for making their pizzas and serving their buffets they invested in much-needed Height Adjustable Aluminium Tables along with two half walls for serving behind. For those thinking of starting a pop-up pizza business, Serious Dough Co offers valuable advice, including having the right kit for the job, working with an existing trader, and being prepared for long hours in all weather conditions. MIMMO'S Introducing MIMMO’S – a pop-up pizza company founded by a pizzaiola who fell in love with Neapolitan pizza while working in New Zealand. MIMMO’S has a passion for creating the perfect pizza and sharing it at private events, parties, and functions. One thing that sets MIMMO’S apart is their portable equipment, which allows them to deliver delicious pizza in any environment. By using our 1.5m Canopro counters with aluminium folding tops, counter covers, and their 2mx2m Canopro Light with MIMMO’S personalized logo, the pop-up pizza company has a professional and uniform appearance at every event they attend. These sturdy and reliable structures also protect MIMMO’S and their goods from the unpredictable British weather. MIMMO’S best sellers include the meat lovers’ favourite, Mr. Maldini, made with San Marzano tomato, fior di latte mozzarella, Napoli salami, sliced ham and Nduja, and the Nutella calzone for those with a sweet tooth. When asked about advice for anyone starting a pop-up pizza business, the founder of MIMMO’S stressed the importance of having the right equipment for the job and also sticking to your authentic idea and vision, even during tough times or decision-making. Pizza is a form of art, and it deserves respect. Transform Your Business Surf & Turf is the equipment supplier for pizza businesses looking to take things to the next level. Our sturdy products have helped to transform pizza companies like Serious Dough Co and MIMMO's, allowing them to serve their delicious pizzas in style and comfort.
Charities and Fundraising - Pop Up Stalls
Here you can see a shot of one of our Heavy Duty 3m x 3m shelters being used by the hearing dogs for deaf people charity. Hearing Dogs For Deaf People is a national charity and centre of excellence in training hearing dogs to alert deaf people to everyday household sounds and danger signals in the home, workplace and public buildings. Many Charities realise the need to get out and about, whether it be exhibiting at county shows, school fetes, or organising fundraising events a digitally printed pop up stall from Surf & Turf is an ideal way of drawing in passers by and getting your message across to the general public. Whether its the entry level Heavy Duty Steel, ProTex2 or the flag ship ProTex1 grade, all of our pop up stalls are easily erected, light weight and easy to transport. A digitally printed pop up stall gives your charity a professional image and creates maximum visual impact, which in turn should increase your donations! Surf & Turf Instant Shelters have years of experience and have dealt with hundreads of charities, please contact us and we can discuss your requirements.
BT - Instant Shelters Case Study
BT contacted Surf & Turf as they needed some shelters to protect the workforce when working out in the elements. They wanted to have the shelters branded with their logo, meaning they not only protected the staff from the elements but also acted as a highly visible marketing tool whenever they are erected. They decided to go with our Canopro Elite - Heavy Duty Shelter, our top of the range Instant Shelters, as they needed a robust, reliable shelter that could be used day in day out by a variety of different people. The ProTex1 is the strongest shelter on the market, which comes with free spare parts for 12 months, all cast alloy joints and 3 years frame work warranty. Don't be confussed with poor quality imitations. BT needed a mixture of 3m x 3m Instant Shelters and 4.5m x 3m Instant Shelters. In these pictures you can see the 4.5m x 3m, with BT's logo digitally printed to the sidewall and valence. Digital printing ensures that pantones are met.
Regal Superbikes - Instant Awning Case Study
Regal Superbikes came to Surf & Turf Instant Shelters wanting a strong, fully branded Instant Awning to provide shelter for there race team when at events. Our graphic designers came up with a striking racing influenced design, with a chequered flag going round the whole perimeter of the shelter. As you can see it provides a great visual impact, with bright vivid colours and crystal clear logos. With a Surf & Turf Instant Shelters fully branded canopy, you get all the benefits of our ProTex1 canopies including reinforced corner sections, anti-sag screw fixings on the corners, and Velcro fixings to secure the canopy to the frame. If you are interested in having a printed Instant Awning, please contact Surf & Turf Instant Shelters, or alternatively email your logo to info@surfturf.co.uk
Instant Pop-Up Canopies for Emergency Services – Fast, Reliable, and Professional
Emergency services rely on speed, efficiency, and visibility. Whether it’s police, fire, ambulance, or community response teams, having a reliable, portable shelter is essential for operations, command posts, and public engagement. Surf & Turf Instant Shelters provides pop-up canopies and custom printed gazebos specifically suited to the needs of emergency services, combining durability, rapid deployment, and professional branding. Why Emergency Services Use Pop-Up Canopies Pop-up gazebos are more than just a temporary shelter – they are a mobile operations base. Key benefits include: Rapid deployment – set up in minutes, giving teams more time to focus on critical operations. Weather protection – rain, sun, or wind won’t affect your crew or equipment. Professional visibility – branded canopies and sidewalls ensure clear identification of your team on-site. Versatility – compact 3m x 3m gazebos for quick roadside incidents, or larger 6m × 3m shelters for extended operations. Custom Printing for Identification and Branding For emergency services, visibility is vital. Surf & Turf Instant Shelters offers custom printed canopies and sidewalls to ensure your team is instantly recognisable: Full canopy printing – display team logos, department names, or service identifiers. Sidewalls – provide privacy, security, and weather protection while maintaining branding. Flags and banners – perfect for creating a clear, professional presence at large public events or incidents. Using dye-sublimation printing with precise Pantone matching, our shelters maintain clarity and professionalism even in busy or high-pressure environments. Key Features for Emergency Services Choice of Canopro Elite (sturdy, long-term use) or Canopro Lite (lightweight, portable) pop-up canopies. Customisable print options for full canopy, rear walls, and side panels. Rapid setup for urgent deployments. Durable frame and weatherproof canopy for extended outdoor use. Optional anchor kits and weights to keep the shelter stable in all conditions. Recommended Uses Surf & Turf pop-up shelters are ideal for: Police or fire command posts at incidents Ambulance and medical response tents Public safety demonstrations and community events Training exercises and temporary operations Incident support at outdoor events Even small units, such as 1.5m × 1.5m or 2m × 2m shelters, are sufficient for single-person command posts, while 6m × 4m and 8m × 4m options accommodate larger teams and equipment. Surf & Turf Expertise With decades of experience in supplying high-performance and professional pop-up gazebos, Surf & Turf Instant Shelters knows what it takes to support teams operating under pressure. We provide: Full in-house aftercare and spare parts for rapid replacement Custom printing advice to meet visibility and branding requirements Rapid delivery and guidance for urgent deployments We’ve also worked with a wide range of emergency services, including police forces, special forces units, fire and rescue services, NHS teams, and medical response tents, supplying them with pop-up gazebos that meet the demanding requirements of each environment while ensuring professionalism, safety, and visibility. Final Thoughts For emergency services, every second counts. Pop-up canopies from Surf & Turf Instant Shelters provide rapid deployment, professional branding, and weather protection, making them an essential tool for teams in the field. Call 01925 819608 or email info@surfturf.co.uk to discuss your requirements, or shop online now to select your emergency services pop-up canopy.
Local Authorities and Councils - Instant Shelter Solutions
Many local authorities and councils from all over the country have benefited from using Surf & Turfs range of instant shelters and promotional items. Whether its too help raise awareness of their work or too provide practical shelter solutions for their staff at events and exhibitions, Surf & Turf have a solution that will best suit your requirements. Over the years we have supplied many departments, including - Local markets Council run park land Forestry commissions Recycling and waste management Tourism promotions Events Community projects Safety schemes With years of experience and our expert knowledge local authorities can be safe in knowledge that they are dealing with the largest Instant Shelter supplier within the UK and Europe. If you work for a local authority/council and would like to discuss your shelter and branding needs please contact the team at Surf & Turf Instant Shelters.
St Johns Ambulance Service - Pop Up Shelters
Over the years Surf & Turf Instant Shelters Ltd have developed a great relationship with the St Johns Ambulance service and we have become the preferred supplier to many districts. St Johns provide vital medical assistance at a wide variety of events, from country shows to music festivals and they have found that a pop up shelter from Surf & Turf is a versatile, practical and often needed piece of kit. St Johns often use our branded pop up shelters at events, creating a great focal point and also acting as a highly visable promotional tool when fundraising. As our pop up shelters are supplied with roll down blinds on the sidewalls full privacy can be given when the shelter is being used as a treatment room. A Surf & Turf Pop up shelter can also act as a staff meeting point or break room, giving staff a comfortable and spacious area to protect themselves from the elements when working at outside events. If you work work with the St Johns Ambulance Service and would like any advice on your event shelter needs, please contact Surf & Turf Instant Shelters
Motorsport Pop-Up Gazebos – Print Packages for Teams and Events
In the fast-paced world of motorsport, visibility and professionalism are essential. Whether you’re on a motocross track, at a rally, in a pit lane, or engaging fans at an outdoor exhibition, your team’s shelter is more than just a cover - it’s a branding powerhouse. Surf & Turf Instant Shelters, with family roots firmly in the motorsport industry, have developed the Motorsport Shelter Package to deliver maximum exposure, protection, and impact at every event. What Is the Motorsport Shelter Package? The Motorsport Shelter Package is a complete custom printed pop-up gazebo and shelter solution for motorsport teams, designed to ensure your brand stands out and your crew stays protected. It combines high-quality shelters with premium digital printing and practical accessories. Key components include: Complimentary design services – expert support ensures your graphics are optimised for maximum impact.s. Choice of Canopro Elite or Canopro Lite Instant Shelter – depending on whether you need a robust professional frame or a lightweight, portable option. Unlimited digital canopy printing – full-coverage dye-sublimation, including full-size photo printing and precise Pantone colour matching, ensures your team’s branding is bold and professional. Full rear sidewall with double-sided printing – reinforces your brand and creates high visibility from every angle. Two half sidewalls with single-sided printing – provides protection while allowing unobstructed viewing and interaction with fans or visitors. Heavy-duty anchor kit – marquee stakes and cam-adjusted straps keep your shelter secure in all weather conditions. Why Motorsport Teams Love This Package The Motorsport Shelter Package is designed specifically for the demands of racing environments: High visibility branding – full canopy and sidewall printing ensures your team, sponsors, and partners get maximum exposure on track, in paddocks, or at spectator areas. Professional presentation – vibrant, full-coverage digital prints make your shelter instantly recognisable and give your team a polished, credible appearance. Functionality in any environment – the combination of full and half sidewalls allows airflow and visibility while still offering weather protection. Rapid deployment – both Canopro Elite and Canopro Lite are quick to assemble, giving teams more time to focus on operations and less on setup. Durability and security – the heavy-duty anchor kit ensures the shelter stays in place, even in windy conditions. Ideal Use Cases The Motorsport Shelter Package is versatile, suitable for: Motorsport and motocross events Rally competitions Pit lane branding and hospitality zones Outdoor exhibitions and shows Sporting events requiring high visibility and protection No matter the event, this package combines impactful branding with practical performance, ensuring your team is seen and remembered. Surf & Turf Heritage in Motorsport Surf & Turf Instant Shelters originally built its reputation supplying professional shelters to motorsport teams, honing our expertise in branding, rapid deployment, and high-performance frames. Motorsport remains at the heart of our expertise, and the Motorsport Shelter Package reflects decades of experience working closely with teams to deliver functional, durable, and visually striking solutions. Final Thoughts For any motorsport team, the right shelter can make all the difference - providing protection, brand visibility, and a professional workspace. Surf & Turf Instant Shelters’ Motorsport Shelter Package delivers all this and more, combining expertly printed graphics, premium pop-up gazebo options, and industry-leading support. Call 01925 819608 or email info@surfturf.co.uk today to learn how this package can transform your team’s paddock or event space, or shop online now to secure your Motorsport Shelter Package.
Wire FM Fully Branded Instant Shelters and Event Branding
Having been long standing customers of ours, Wire FM recently approached us as they were going through a full group re-brand. After visiting our offices and discussing their needs, we manufactured a number of our 3m x 3m Canopro Lite Instant Shelters, together with fully branded walls, feather flags and roll up banners. Each kit was then distributed to the various radio stations, and will be put to good use at various events, exhibition and festivals. If you want something similar, get in touch!
Thetford Martial Arts School Fully Branded Instant Shelter
We were recently approached by Thetford Martial Arts as they were interested in a branded instant shelter for local exhibitions. They wanted an eye catching design, together with flags and printed table covers for maximum visual impact. Our in-house studio took the brief and supplied a few designs, and after a couple of tweeks came up with this unique artwork! If you want something similar for your business get in touch on 01925 819608 or email info@surfturf.co.uk [gallery]
Herne Hill Velodrome - Fully Branded Instant Shelter and Event Flags
Herne Hill Velodrome recently approached us as they required a branded pop up instant shelter and event flags to use at their cycling events. Herne Hill Velodrome is an iconic outdoor 450 metre cycle track and the only remaining venue still in use from the 1948 Olympic Games. They provide a vital grassroots facility to the local community and cycling clubs. We recommended our mid-range Canopro Lite Instant Shelter, this offered a strong, yet relatively light weight shelter, perfect for the staff using the tent. Herne Hill have some fantastic branding, which worked well on the instant shelter and flags, giving modern, eye catching look. If you are interested in something similar for your club, please get in touch! [gallery]
