Self-storage company finds room to expand

Aug 6 2008 by Aaron Boland, Liverpool Daily Post

EXPANDING Merseyside company Smart Storage has opened a new self-storage centre in Preston, and says it is still on the hunt for more North West sites.

The opening in Preston follows other launches in Wirral, Liverpool, Widnes and Warrington during the past three years. The company now offers more than 200,000 sq ft in five units.

The company has invested more than £400,000 in its new site. Initially, the unit has 13,000 sq ft of space, but this is expected to grow to 36,000 sq ft as business builds.

Managing director Jon Wyles said: “We have found a terrific location in Preston, boasting a diverse business and residential community.

“After just a few weeks of trading, we are already three times ahead of our target, which proves the demand is there for quality self-storage in Preston.

“There is a lot of demand from business customers to store everything from legal documents to construction machinery, while the surge in the number of people choosing to rent rather than buy is also responsible for a large number of enquiries.

“Domestic customers use us to store a fascinating array of items including old books, golf clubs, ski equipment and even their wine collections.”

Smart Storage was founded in 2004 by Mr Wyles and John Harrington. The first store opened the following January after the company bought the former Candy electronics factory, in Bromborough.

The company says 90% of the UK’s existing self-storage sites are in the South East and the group believes there is room for expansion in the North West.

Mr Wyles said: “We will always look seriously at the right opportunities to grow the business within the North West of England.”

Expansion is being funded by Bridges Ventures and Royal Bank of Scotland.

alistairhoughton