The rise of the self-storage industry in the UK over the past 20 years has benefited more businesses than you probably realise.

Flexible off-site space can ease the strain on main premises for all kinds of companies – small or large – and those which do not have a set base.

Here is how hired storage can help your firm.

Coping with rises in demand

If you sell products as opposed to services, you’ll need to keep them somewhere.

This usually means renting or buying premises big enough to have dedicated stock rooms or perhaps even a warehouse.

What if demand suddenly increases due to some unexpected publicty or a seasonal boost?

This is great news – but only if you can fulfil every order.

By renting space in a modern storage facility, you’re able to accommodate the extra stock with little warning – and then drop it once everything starts to return to normal.

Coping with a fall in demand

The same works in reverse too.

If demand drops unexpectedly – perhaps because of a cancelled order – you may be left with more stock than you have room for.

The extra space can be equally useful in this situation – you’re given a little leeway while you clear your existing premises, and then have the chance to give it up when all returns to normal.

Moving premises? Don’t fret

So the business is growing and you’ve decided to move somewhere new.

That’s great!

But what if your new place won’t be ready when your current lease expires?

You’re left with a gap and you’re not quite sure how you’ll get to the other side.

As long as you’re not reliant on a public-accessible physical premises – like a high-street shop – you can move your stock or office contents into storage until the next place is exactly how you want it.

This gives you time to arrange everything properly, refurbishing if necessary.

Your flexible new HQ?

Who says you need conventional headquarters?

An increasing number of start-ups are being run from storage units, and while the idea might seem crazy at first, there’s a fair bit of logic to it.

First and foremost, you have complete flexibility.

Sign up for a full-size warehouse and you’ll probably have to commit to at least 12 months; and if you’re buying, it’s even more long-term.

Most storage companies only require a month’s notice if you decide to leave, while others will accept even less.

Then there’s the price. There’s no council tax to consider, no electricity bills, no security – everything’s included in your monthly fee.

You’ve also got the little extras to consider.

Many facilities have reception areas, for example, where staff will sign for deliveries on your behalf, leaving you to carry on going about your busy day.

We’re not quite suggesting you set up a desk and start taking calls from inside a storage unit, but if you can handle that bit elsewhere – perhaps at home or in a small serviced office – you can run all of your deliveries from the facility and keep overheads down.

How will you use yours?

These are just a few examples of how businesses can benefit from renting storage space – you may find that a little extra space suits your needs in other ways. Just be sure to shop around for the best deal, and do your research so you know exactly what you’re signing up for!

• Titan Storage Solutions has opened a store on Stirling Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4NE. The company charges £1 for the first month on selected units. For more information go here or call 0121 663 1891