Finding a suitable location to run your business can be a struggle. You need to consider the location, cost, suitability of the space as well as thinking about the amount of space you need. With over 99% of the businesses in the UK being classified as SME, room to grow is often something to be taken into account, but no business wants to pay for space they don't currently need in order to have the option to expand in future. Similarly, the upheaval of moving your business if you outgrow your current location is something which many smaller businesses would be keen to avoid.
Self-Storage units often provide a more flexible solution to space for small businesses due to their flexible nature. So what we are main ways in which your small business can benefiit from utilising self-storage?
Flexibility
Flexibility is the name of the game with small businesses. Many businesses are run by a very small core of people (often a single 'solopreneur'), utilising additional help from freelancers and contractors when needed. Imagine being able to expand your space when you need it, and shrink it back down again when you don't. For businesses which operate seasonally self storage can offer the option to take more space in busier times, and less when you dont need it. This is much more effeicient from a cost point of view as you are only paying for the space you need when you need it.
Free up space in your premises
If you operate your small business from an office, shop our other commercial outlet, utilising self storage is the idea way to free up space in your customer facing premises at a reduced cost. Generally speaking, the cost of storage space will be less per square foot than high street premises.
Freedom
With no long term agreements and no rates or other business expenses to pay, utilising self storage for your business is a cost effective way of renting space with minimal commitment. Ideal for smaller businesses who want to be reactive to a changing market.
Security
Storage units are likely to be more secure than most street facing business premises. Good facilites will be protected by strong perimeter boundaries, alarms as well as security cameras so you are very unlikely to fall victim to robbery or theft.
Things to note
Don't forget insurance! Whilst the storage facility will have it's own insurance to cover the unit and their own risks, you will need to arrange storage insurance for your own stored goods. Storage insurance is available to cover the value of your goods which are held in storage facilities. Whether this is business stock, archived records or equipment. Just make sure that you have insured these items for their full replacement cost. Storage insurance from Store Insure will generally cover you against loss or damage caused by fire, flood, theft and accidental damage whilst in storage. Certain types of storage are also eligible for zero excess on claims. Check the specifics of cover in our policy information to make sure you have the cover you need.
Check access arrangements Make sure you are able to get access to your storage when you need it. Check the access arrangements and when the facility is staffed.
Check the T&C's - Whilst it is unlikely to be a problem, do make sure your intended use of the storage facility does not contravene the T&C's of your chosen storage location - this would almost certainly invalidate any storage insurance.