Self-Storage for Small Businesses
It’s a growing trend but here at Stash we’re also seeing a rise in the number of small businesses using our facilities and decided to investigate why that might be!
We’re a nation of entrepreneurs, with 99.9% of UK businesses classed as an SME (small – medium enterprise) and 76% comprising of a single person/sole trader… and self-storage units are providing an alternative solution to renting or owning business premises outright.
Here at Stash we have a tenant who runs a thriving ebay business from his unit, an archery coach who stores his kit, a tiling company storing tools and supplies, several sales reps for national brands and we’re also a pick up point for The AA!!
The main attraction for small businesses is the low rental fees, convenient location and flexibility of short-term contracts which allow the business to grow at its own pace.
If you’re a business working from home you’re possibly sick of using your living room as office/warehouse/order fulfillment/photo booth all rolled into one. A self storage unit can be all these things allowing you to claim back your home without being tied to a 12 month contract and best of all – no business rates!
Another great benefit of self-storage is that it can expand or downsize to fit your business so you only pay for the space you need. This can provide a vital ‘stepping stone’ to larger premises as your business develops.
There’s also the safety and security which not all premises will provide, 24 hour access on some units and we can accept deliveries on your behalf… but don’t just take our word for it!
Local business owner Bruce Oates has used Stash for over a decade now, to support his business Bruce Oates Aerials – here’s what he had to say:
“I have used self-storage to store stock for my Aerial Satellite and CCTV business for several reasons; firstly the location is ideal as its easy to access from anywhere around Barnsley, it’s cost effective, the cost of renting is very reasonable. The opening hours are perfect for my needs, the staff are always friendly and helpful. However, the biggest benefit I find is having somewhere that is staffed to have deliveries dropped off, this is really convenient and frees me to get on with running my business”
Attracted by the flexibility, short notice periods and low overheads, it’s no surprise the number of small businesses using self-storage is on the rise but larger businesses can benefit too by freeing up valuable office space or as an inexpensive alternative to high warehousing costs.
Another long-term customer is Parts Alliance, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of automotive parts. Their customers are able to pick up parts from their storage unit here in Barnsley, providing a much needed addition to their logistics network. Lorraine Latham, their National Accounts Coordinator, said “Stash have been most helpful in providing us with an out of hours solution.”
This just goes to show the wide range of uses for a storage unit, if you think outside the box!! Could self-storage be a benefit to your business?
We’re happy to discuss any and all possibilities so give us a call today on 01226 203369.