Self storage is a ray of light at the end of the economic tunnel for Bolton

Yesterday, the Autumn Statement from the Chancellor was published which highlighted the growth predictions for the coming years, based on data from the Office of National Statistics: the picture painted for the years ahead is a somewhat gloomy one. The Office of National Statistics reported predicted growth in 2012 to be around 0.7%, with borrowings in the same period rising to £111 billion.  As a result, the Chancellor took measures to curb public spending at the same time as making nationwide infrastructure investment.


However, the hotel chain Travelodge are opening a £3 million hotel in Bolton with approximately 80 rooms providing low-cost accommodation to encourage longer stays in the area.  The Hotel is located on River Street in Bolton’s Merchant Quarter and is due to be opened by the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Noel Spencer, at noon tomorrow.

Much of the demand for more bed space in Bolton has been created by improving conditions for small to medium sized businesses in the area.  Travelodge have responded by building this budget hotel in an area allocated for new commercial urban quarter.  The availability of low-cost accommodation in Bolton is an essential to attract new businesses to the area and facilitate continued economic growth.



In recent years, self storage operators have invested heavily in Bolton and now provide quality industrial units and office space at highly competitive rates.  The provision of affordable business space has helped businesses of all sizes to relocate to Bolton: the perfect location for any business operating in the Greater Manchester area.

Architecture of Bolton Provides Storage Space

The architecture of Bolton has also made the process of business space provision easier than in other parts of the country.  Traditionally a very industrial area, Bolton boasts a large number of Mills which provide the perfect base for self storage and workspace due to the large amount of square footage available within each one.

The advantages experienced by SMEs when looking to establish their operations from within a self storage centre are as follows;

• The terms of the lease are tailored to meet the specific business needs of each customer and allow for lots of flexibility: stay for a short period of time (2 months) or to locate to the premises for a longer period
• The amount of space a business may rent is entirely flexible too: space can be arranged for anything from 100 sq ft up to 10, 000 sq ft should it be required
• Storage centres have staffed reception areas which provide business support: deliveries can be accepted by staff which allows customers to spend more time running their businesses.
• Self storage centres in Bolton have a high level of security including CCTV, PIN access systems and comprehensive alarms.
• Businesses can also consider the option of taking a combination of an office space and business unit, and if required storage space: this allows businesses to expand without taking on too much financial risk

It is this type of investment in the property stock of Bolton that has led to increased activity in the local SME community. The demand for bed space has seen hotel operators such as Travelodge are investing in Bolton: this can only mean a positive turn of events in the economics of such a vibrant commercial hub in the north of England.

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