Member Article

Investment as storage business expands

A North East storage company is expanding after experiencing a sudden increase in demand for its services.

Box Clever has invested £60,000 in state-of-the-art security system at its premises in Billingham.

It has also appointed a new business manager to grow its portfolio of services which include caravan storage, van hire and the rental of storage units in varying sizes.

Bosses at the facility say the upturn reflects increased confidence in the housing market with homeowners looking to move house or create more space in their homes.

Michael Heaton, who has joined Box Clever after previous jobs as a lorry driver and manager of a youth charity, said: “There has been a significant increase in storage rentals since March. People seem to be on the move again and need storage when they are moving house or even down-sizing.

“By using storage they are able to easily de-clutter whether it is clearing out the garage and loft, or packing up treasured belongings after the kids have flown the nest.”

The increase in demand has prompted Box Clever to improve security at the four hectare facility including automated gate access operated by key fobs; an enhanced CCTV system; and additional lighting.

The improvements mean that customers have 24-hour access to the site, something which is a particular benefit to those who store caravans.

Michael added: “There have been incidents when storage facilities have been broken into and we wanted to ensure Box Clever is as secure as it can be to bring confidence and peace of mind to our customers.

“We are entering the busy period for caravan storage as people change contracts on their static sites so there’s a lot of movement at the moment. We have capacity for 500 caravans and having enhanced security brings means they can come and go when they wish.”

Box Clever, which rents storage units with capacity of 7ft, 10ft or 20ft, is also expanding its van hire fleet.

Michael said: “The van hire started as an add-on to the storage business but has really grown in its own right, particularly from businesses that may need to hire a vehicle for a few hours. We recently bought two brand new vans and are looking to get more in the future.”

Coincidentally, Michael’s first experience of Box Clever came several years ago when he shot a video at the storage facility for his rock band A Fable for the Curious.

Michael, who plays bass for the Teesside band, added: “It was a good iconic location for a video, so it seems strange to be back managing the place!

“As someone who used to drive car transporters for nine hours a day, it’s great to be in a job where I can meet and interact with people. I love the job and it’s very encouraging to see that Box Clever is a business on the move and long may that continue.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Melanie Taylor .