Suffolk businesses are homing in on the benefits of using self-storage rather than renting and maintaining their own premises, particularly in the light of COVID-19 and the need for many companies to reduce their running costs.
HomeStore, which has facilities located on the Ransomes Europark in Ipswich and on the Anglian Lane Industrial Estate in Bury St Edmunds, is reporting an increase in interest from companies looking to rent its units to house stock or equipment.
With businesses becoming leaner and more agile in the current market situation, entrepreneurs are appreciating the flexibility self-storage offers, with the option to increase or decrease the size of the unit according to demand.
Martin Tuck, Managing Director of HomeStore said: “The last few months have seen huge changes in the way we work and going forward, many businesses will be looking at their overheads and finding more cost-effective ways to operate.
“We already have a growing number of customers who like the convenience of what we can offer, as well as having reception staff to take in deliveries in their absence and 24/7 secure access.”
These were precisely the reasons why Phil Sumpter made the decision to use HomeStore as a base for his three different businesses – a courier service through Parcelgiants Ltd, a removals and transport service between the Greek Islands and the UK and an import/export business. As he is out and about all day – and overseas for periods – having a secure unit with someone to take in deliveries, is essential.
He says: “As well as the security and reception services, I also appreciate being able to access my unit at any time, night or day. I have one of the outside units at HomeStore’s Ipswich site and can draw my van up to load and unload.
“All in all, it’s a perfect solution for my type of businesses and I have been able to increase the space by moving to a larger unit as activity has increased, which is a huge bonus.”
Secure storage for equipment and tools was the reason why HomeStore met the brief for Matt Dare when he set up his own fire and security business in Ipswich.
Iniga Systems designs, installs and maintains a range of fire and security systems for commercial and domestic customers located across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex.
With 24/7 access to his unit, Matt is able to pick up whatever he needs for specific jobs at a time to suit him and, very importantly, with reception manned during office hours, all his deliveries can be received, signed for and stored.
Matt says: “Not only does it save time and money, I don’t need to worry about being there and can focus on my business.”
HomeStore has implemented a range of measures to ensure COVID-19 compliance including: hand sanitiser and taped floor markings in reception and at customer entrances, as well as spray for trolley handles. There are also two metre distancing floor stickers and extensive signage.
Its highly secure facilities, with on-site car parking are inside a double barrier gate and monitored by CCTV. Customers can have access to their unit 24 hours a day, seven days a week by using the individual pin-code entry system.
