THE ALLIGATOR STORAGE BLOG

London 2012 Ticket Issue Resolved

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:12:54 +0000

The hype leading up to the 2012 London Olympics is in full swing. The UK is playing host to the world�s greatest sporting event: this has offered a life line to the travel and tourism industries (amongst others!) with the expected volume of visitors. The spectacle of the opening ceremony is billed to set the scene for the world to witness athletes of the highest calibre, competing at the top of their game.

London is hosting the games for the 3rd time in recent history with previous events being held in 1908 and 1948: 2012 is placed to be the most spectacular yet! 205 nations are expected to participate in the 300 Olympic events between July 27th and August 12th 2012, as well as 147 nations competing in the Paralympics Games, which will be held at the end of August. London, and the whole of the UK, is already buzzing with everyone sharing excitement over the �event of the summer.�

However much the preparations might be in full swing, things haven�t running entirely smoothly so far; notably the issues encountered with ticket sales. The sheer level of popularity experienced thus far has caused several headaches to the organisers. Tickets were originally issued via a blind auction to ensure they were as fairly distributed as possible. Due to this, a number of hopeful spectators received tickets they were either unwilling or unable to use.

To prevent ludicrous resale prices being commanded, illegally by ticket touts, organisers published a website to ensure tickets are re-sold legally, and at face value. The ticket website went live on the 6th January 2012 but was almost immediately decommissioned due to a technical glitch: much to the annoyance of those looking to buy and/or sell tickets. However, the technical creases appear to have been ironed out and it has now been reopened. LOCOG�s Chris Townsend issued an apology and said, �We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.�

To prevent any further delays or issues occurring, the functionality of the website has been amended. Now, instead of the public being able to purchase tickets straightaway, Games organiser LOCOG will buy them at face value until the closing date on 3rd February 2012. The site will then open an additional section, at the beginning of April, which will enable unwanted tickets to be purchased by the public.

Later in his apology, Townsend added, �We made a commitment to our customers to give them a safe, secure and legal way of selling Olympic and Paralympic tickets which they are no longer able to use. We are delivering on that commitment, and will buy any tickets that customers are no longer able to use.
�We believe in this system � purchasing the tickets back from customers now, and offering them again in April, will result in a better customer experience for everyone.�

Those who were unfortunately caught up in the technical glitch have been reassured no charges will be incurred, and no tickets will be issued. This up-dated method of Olympics and Paralympics ticket resale has allowed the ticket website to function in a fair and hopefully error-free way. Police have issued warnings regarding the illegal sale of London Olympic tickets, without LOCOG permission, will result in criminal proceedings.

How Well Packaged Are Your Decorations?

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:00:15 +0000

Year after year many people across the UK make resolutions to keep an organised, clean and tidy house which is usually started off by putting all the Christmas decorations away, after twelfth night. Early December is full of hype and excitement as the boxes are ripped open by young children eager to decorate the tree � one of the 34-36 million trees produced for this time of year. However, when the festivities are over the required repacking of ornamental Santa and reindeer figurines never has the same appeal and sense of enjoyment.

Careful Packing & Storage

Eventually, the clutter takes its toll: it is agreed that the time has come to sort and organise it all, before putting it into storage until the following year. After sorting the adornments into their different categories, they are then carefully layered into boxes using bubblewrap and labelled clearly so that the following year the merry month can take off with no added and unnecessary stress.

Some people will buy new decorations every year while others will only add one or two new items to their collections, and some will put up the same ones year after year. Given the fact Christmas is generally associated with spending time with close friends and family, significant sentimental value can be placed on Christmas decorations. Making sure each item is packaged safely to ensure it remains in pristine condition doesn�t need to be a daunting task.

Use bubblewrap to wrap each item: many Christmas decorations are made of glass so avoid using paper as this might cause scratches

As mentioned earlier, label your boxes and layer the items: use bubblewrap between each layer

Fill any voids within the box with scrunched up bubblewrap to prevent items moving while you get the box to your storage room

Use a 30cm by 15cm strip of cardboard to wrap your lights round and keep tangle-free: you will fully appreciate this particular task in approx 10 months!

So, if you have thrown your decorations haphazardly into a box go and sort it out! You can purchase packaging supplies from your local self storage operator, even if you don�t actually use self storage. Quality boxes can make a world of difference to the finished task, and remember you can never have enough bubblewrap to keep your precious items safe. If you follow the simple steps and take a little time to package your decorations properly, you can have peace of mind knowing they will be immaculate when it�s time to add some festive cheer to your home again.

MacGregor: Founder of the Football League & Self Storage

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:11:05 +0000

Yesterday marked the 100th year anniversary of the death of William MacGregor: regarded as the founder of the first officially organised association football league in the world. Born in 1846, William moved from his home town of Braco in Perthshire to Birmingham to set-up a Draper�s shop. After moving to the Birmingham area, he became involved with the local football club, Aston Villa: a club he helped to ascertain as one of the foremost teams in England.

Speculation has been made as to why MacGregor was drawn to Aston Villa; some say it was due to the team�s exciting style of play, others believe it was due to the strong Scottish contingent at the club. Whatever the reasons, MacGregor dedicated his life to the glorious game. Dedicated to football he may have been but throughout all of his achievements in football at both club and association level, his Drapers business remained in full operation.

Safe Storage in Birmingham

Assuming the role as club administrator, he played a pivotal role in helping the club weather some financial storms; on one occasion, bailiffs seized some of Aston Villa�s possessions. To prevent further seizures from happening, and to protect the club, MacGregor offered up his Drapers shop to be used as storage: a far cry from the different types of storage facility available in the Birmingham and West Midlands areas today.

In the early 1880s, professional football didn�t exist in its current form, with a strong difference in opinion being felt between the north and south of England. MacGregor was a strong advocate of professionalism in the game but this wasn�t the view of everyone. By 1885, the divided schools of thought threatened to split the FA authorities and an emergency conference was called by the FA to deal with the situation. Professional football was born as a result, with MacGregor being instrumental in its fruition. He was the only delegate from the Midlands to voice his honest opinion and concerns.

Professionalism brought with it its own troubles: now money was involved teams would regularly cancel games in favour of more lucrative ones elsewhere. It was this realisation which brought about the creation of a "League" as we know it today. The league would ensure member clubs were guaranteed fixtures each season. MacGregor wrote to Aston Villa�s committee, as well as that of Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion with the following:

Every year it is becoming more and more difficult for football clubs of any standing to meet their friendly engagements and even arrange friendly matches. The consequence is that at the last moment, through cup-tie interference, clubs are compelled to take on teams who will not attract the public.
I beg to tender the following suggestion as a means of getting over the difficulty: that ten or twelve of the most prominent clubs in England combine to arrange home-and-away fixtures each season, the said fixtures to be arranged at a friendly conference about the same time as the International Conference.
This combination might be known as the Association Football Union, and could be managed by representative from each club. Of course, this is in no way to interfere with the National Association; even the suggested matches might be played under cup-tie rules. However, this is a detail.
My object in writing to you at present is merely to draw your attention to the subject, and to suggest a friendly conference to discuss the matter more fully. I would take it as a favour if you would kindly think the matter over, and make whatever suggestions you deem necessary. I am only writing to the following � Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End, West Bromwich Albion, and Aston Villa, and would like to hear what other clubs you would suggest.
I am, yours very truly, William McGregor (Aston Villa F.C.)
P.S. How would Friday, 23rd March, 1888, suit for the friendly conference at Anderton's Hotel, London?

Football author and historian, Peter Lupson said:

"McGregor's one of the three most important men in the history of football.
"As father of the Football League he's effectively the father of all football leagues - the one he founded was the prototype.
"He ranks alongside Ebenezer Cob Morley who gave the world the name soccer as we know it and also Charles Alcock who created the FA Cup and launched international football - he's up there with those people."

William MacGregor is not only a pioneer of the football league, he could also been construed as the first football celebrity with his weekly column in the Birmingham Gazette, as well as endorsing merchandise such as footballs and football boots. He also served as chairman of The Football Association between 1888 and 1894 and is now rightfully immortalised in his statue outside Villa Park, erected in 2009.

For more info on William MacGregor - click here & here

Even Santa Uses Archive Storage

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:57:55 +0000

There are roughly 2 billion children (those under 18) in the world. However, since Santa doesn't (appear to, anyway) deliver gifts to the Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist children, his workload is reduced to 15% of the total; making the number of potential deliveries on Christmas Eve a staggering 378 million.

Now being realistic, Santa only has 31 hours of Christmas to make all the deliveries worldwide so has to devise a methodology to help reduce the number of stops he has to make. The age old formula used by the big man himself is the fail-safe �Naughty or Nice� list.

Santa keeps a record of every child�s good and bad behaviour throughout the year and runs a detailed analysis of the collected data to determine whether a gift will be scheduled for delivery or not. Keeping track of the 378 million children in the world is no easy task and, as you can imagine, there are sometimes several files worth of data gathered for every child; depending on their actions throughout the year.

Yes, Santa Uses s-Elf Storage

Santa Claus has always been a firm believer in using s-Elf storage facilities throughout the world to make his life easier on Christmas Eve. He stores all the gifts for a particular area in a central storage facility so his sleigh isn�t overloaded between stops. The concept of archive storage is a slightly newer concept to him though.

For years he has collected information to help him decide who deserves a gift and who doesn�t but was found to be in a situation where the log books and files where literally taking over the North Pole. Now, along with the storage he uses for the millions of gifts, he has rented a separate space to store all of his archived documents.

Santa is in the same situation as every other business in the UK whereby he must retain a hard copy of all records for taxation and legislative purposes. Santa is duty bound more than most with his legal obligation to retain documents being set at an astounding 50 years. Using a self storage facility to store his archived documents, Santa can access any file he needs, whenever he wants: he has the only key to the archive storage room. If he is busy but needs to make a last minute change to an entry on the list, he sends ones of his elves to retrieve the file for correction.

Unwelcome Residents in Brighton

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:03:33 +0000

Brighton has a growing population of over 155,000 but has over 12,000 residents currently on the Council�s housing waiting list. Affordable housing is an ever increasing problem in Brighton for a number of reasons; the cost of living in southern England being a major factor, along with increasing levels of unemployment in the area.

The topic of affordable housing has been raised in recent weeks with the arrival of squatters at a council owned property in the city. It has been over 30 years since Brighton and Hove City Council have built any residential properties; another contributing factor to the housing problem? The property in question has been earmarked since the Conservatives were in charge of the Council, as part of their �New Build Strategy� but little has been done to progress the development since the change in administration.

Brighton's Politics

Accusations have been flying between the political parties about what action has, or hasn�t take place with regards to implementing the proposed development. The squatters� arrival is therefore not necessarily a surprise to local residents who have been rightly concerned about the property being a target for such activities. The main reason the property has remained empty for approximately three years is due to the levels of asbestos within the property itself. Despite the political in-fighting at the Council, action has now been taken to evict the unwelcome visitors.

Eviction proceedings will take place on Monday to remove the squatters prior to demolition. Once the eviction process has been completed, plans are to develop the site into 12 flats and 3 family homes: imperative for Brighton�s very long housing waiting list.

Concern is still apparent amongst the local residents, highlighted by neighbourhood representative who said: �I thank the council for the actions they have taken but I fear that when one group moves out, another will move in.
�I have asked them to take off the roof off as that is the only way to stop them completely.�
A spokesperson from the Council said in response: �We have been listening to local residents and moved swiftly as soon as we became aware of squatters in Ainsworth House.
�We are working with the Neighbourhood Police team on any reports of antisocial behaviour and we�ll keep local residents informed through their local tenants association.�

Temporary housing is not regarded as a solution to reducing the length of Brighton�s housing waiting list but unfortunately its one of the only options. Placing families and individuals into temporary accommodation is a decision which is not taken lightly due to the disruption it causes to those involved. One way to ease the process for those involved would be to rent a self storage room from a local operator. Putting furniture and other belongings into storage during the time temporary accommodation is in use ensures the living environment is as comfortable as possible: not cramped and un-liveable.

For more info - click here

New Lease of Life for Bolton�s Historic Mills

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:29:24 +0000

Last week, Bolton Council�s planning committee agreed to give the go ahead to Cream Mills owners, Westgate Estates to convert the historic building into luxury residential properties. 72 houses and 23 apartments will be developed on the old mill site, providing high specification 2 bed apartments and 3-4 bed homes for the Bolton area. A percentage of these properties have also been earmarked for rental by a social landlord to provide affordable housing opportunities in the area.

The site on Mytham Road has been a blot on the landscape of the area and has been falling into disrepair since its closure in 2004. The proposal to transform the old paper mill has been welcomed by many, being viewed as a boost for the local economy. Lyndon Monks, of Westgate Estates, said: �We are ecstatic it�s got the go ahead. We�ve worked closely with the council to come up with this scheme. It will transform the whole area. We�re not building standard houses, these will be high quality homes in a fantastic setting.�

Mills are one thing Bolton has a variety of: approximately 100 to be closer to the point. The number of mills found in Bolton is a direct result of the town�s influence and importance during the industrial revolution. Long gone are the days of the vast cotton mills which used to be the hub of the UK textile industry: most mills have been converted into warehouses for commercial use and residential accommodation.

Re-development of old mills in Bolton

Egyptian Mill on Egyptian Street in Bolton is a prime example of how an old mill can be developed to provide a multitude of business space solutions, as well as self storage facilities for domestic use. Built in 1851, the mill was owned and operated by John Knowles & Son who took over the building in 1880. Functioning as a fully working cotton mill until 1960, the mill was then used as a large warehousing facility until the mid 1980s. After a brief spell in operation again, the building was turned into a store.

After a short period of being empty, Egyptian Mill was purchased in 2010 by Alligator Self Storage who set about re-developing the building to provide a variety of space solutions. The potential of the building has been realised since the transformation began and now provides the following services:

Self Storage Rooms � for both business and home use
Light Industrial Units & Workshops � ideal for sole traders, start-ups & established businesses looking to relocate
Office Space � Ideal for web-based merchants, start-ups & established businesses looking to relocate

Tenants can rent any combination of the different types of space provided depending on each individual�s specific requirements. The variety of services being provided at Egyptian Mill, Bolton is only possible due to the effective use of space such a building has to offer. Retaining the structure and outside appearance of the building has been a priority throughout the development of the Bolton site: these red-bricked buildings are part of Bolton�s commercial and social identity.

For more info on Bolton's Mills - click here
For more info on the development of Cream Mills - click here

Have a guilt-free Christmas in Bristol & rent some self storage

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:36:11 +0000

The holiday period is well under way, Christmas is just over 2 weeks away, and throughout the country final preparations are being made for the big day. Some families will use the remaining time left before Santa makes an appearance to get all of the odd jobs done: clear out the spare room in preparation for guests arriving, make sure there is sufficient seating round the dining table, or just having a general tidy-up before the festivities.

Others will be looking to take advantage of visiting and taking part in the vast array of Christmas entertainment on offer in most UK towns and cities: Bristol is no different. Bristol always manages to put on a show for the Christmas period and 2011 is set to be no exception. Below is a (very brief) overview of the delights Bristol has to offer over the holiday period.

Winter Wonderland at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway has a whole host of exciting activities and events including Santa�s Magical Castle where you can visit the big red man himself, the South West�s largest indoor ice rink, and the traditional Christmas market makes a welcome return

Bristol Zoo�s Christmas events look set to be a magical affair too with carol singing, your chance to feed the reindeer (they do need to keep their strength up to pull Santa�s sleigh and all those presents!), Santa will be in his Grotto, as well as ice-sculpting demonstrations.

Santa is a very busy man in Bristol this year and is also making an appearance at The Galleries in Broadmead.

If you are in a dilemma due to the very tempting selection of exciting events on offer but really do need to make a start on preparing for guests and cooking the turkey, there is one very simple solution. Use self storage. By renting a self storage room, you will very quickly and easily be able to make some space for your guests to sleep, make sure you have enough seating, organise your home to ensure the festivities go off without any glitches.

Taking advantage of the services offered by a self storage operator will then leave you plenty of time to enjoy the Christmas events in and around Bristol: without the prospect of having to stay up until the small hours on Christmas morning. Instead, you can enjoy a guilt-free glass of mulled wine and dig into the scrumptious selection of waffles and crepes on offer at Bristol�s Christmas market.

For more info on what you can do in Bristol this Christmas - click here

Portsmouth regenerated with a little help from self storage

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:57:04 +0000

Portsmouth has long been a centre of industry and boasts the title of being the UK�s only island city. For centuries, Portsmouth has also been a major naval port and is also home to the world�s oldest dry dock. Although military and maritime operations are not what they used to be, Portsmouth remains a major dockyard and base to both the Royal Navy and the Royal Marine Commandos.

With such a strong history and connection with all things maritime, Portsmouth�s nickname �Pompey� is derived from entries made into a Ship�s log when entering Portsmouth Harbour: �Pom. P� was used as an abbreviation for �Portsmouth Point� and is still used in official navigational charts today.

Due to the decline in both private shipping and military operations, Portsmouth has been suffering in a state of decline for a number of years. There are many more factors influencing the prosperity of the area but the current economic climate in the UK is certainly not helping. However, news released today would implicate a possible turn of events for the city.

Proposals for Portsmouth

Potentially providing a boost for Portsmouth and the surrounding area, plans for the long awaited regeneration of �the gateway to Portsmouth� are being discussed at a council meeting today. The clean-up and development of the Tipner area would include:

The construction of over 600 new homes
A new motorway junction on the M275
The creation of waterside open spaces
A hotel
A park & ride
The creation of 25,000 SqFt of business space
The creation of 1,500 new jobs

The new motorway junction has already been agreed and will cost approximately �30 million, with the rest of the proposed items expected to cost in the region of �130 million. Although expectations are such that there should be little to prevent planning applications being granted to these project, tensions are still high. The magnitude of benefits a project like this would bring to an area such as Portsmouth are so great, the council will be doing everything they can to ensure the development goes ahead without too many glitches.

The implications on the local economy due to the influx of jobs, and people, to the area will create demand for services such as removals and self storage. With so many new homes being built, more people with be moving within, and to the area. Utilising a self storage facility can dramatically reduce the stress levels involved in moving home, allowing individuals and families more time to get things organised.

Self storage can also be used by the many trades people who will be working in the area during the redevelopment and construction phases: having somewhere safe and secure to store any tools and equipment provides peace of mind. Hopefully plans will be granted permission and the regeneration of Portsmouth can begin sooner rather than later.

For more info on the proposals - click here

Christmas Opening Hours at Alligator Self Storage

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:17:55 +0000

It�s that time of year again; Christmas is very nearly upon us. For many of us, the next couple of weeks will be spent preparing for visitors, cooking one of the most important meals of the year, and shopping. There are also other things to consider such as the closure of essential services such as your doctor�s surgery and pharmacies. The TV is showing endless adverts encouraging people to be prepared and order their repeat prescriptions in time for the holidays.

Although possibly not quite as important as remembering to collect your prescription before the chemist shuts; remembering to collect any items from storage also needs to be considered. For those who have made some space in their life and already rent a self storage room from a local operator need to bear in mind their opening hours. This is particularly important if you happen to have the spare dining chairs, crockery and bedding in storage, and have a house full of visitors over the festive period.

Here at Alligator Self Storage Ltd, we will be managing our Christmas opening hours with the least amount of disruption to our customers as is physically possible. Our little self storage stars have been working extremely hard all year and we think it�s only fair they get time off (a little, at least!) to enjoy the holiday season too.

Storage Centre Opening Hours

Below are our self storage branch opening hours over the Christmas period

Bolton, Birmingham � Yardley, Birmingham � Sheldon, Brighton, Bristol, Camden, Farnham, Luton, Nottingham, Southampton, Wednesbury � West Midlands & Winchester will be open:

Saturday 24th December 2011	9am to 2pm
Sunday 25th December 2011	Closed
Monday 26th December 2011	Closed
Tuesday 27th December 2011	Closed
Wednesday 28th December 2011	Normal Opening Hours
Thursday 29th December 2011	Normal Opening Hours
Friday 30th December 2011	Normal Opening Hours
Saturday 31st December 2011	9am to 2pm
Sunday 1st January 2012	Closed
Monday 2nd January 2012	Closed
Tuesday 3rd January 2012	Normal Opening Hours

The following opening hours apply to our Portsmouth Storage Centre

Saturday 24th December 2011	Closed
Sunday 25th December 2011	Closed
Monday 26th December 2011	Closed
Tuesday 27th December 2011	Closed
Wednesday 28th December 2011	Closed
Thursday 29th December 2011	Normal Opening Hours
Friday 30th December 2011	Closed
Saturday 31st December 2011	Closed
Sunday 1st January 2012	Closed
Monday 2nd January 2012	Closed
Tuesday 3rd January 2012	Normal Opening Hours

Everyone at Alligator Self Storage (& Snappy!) would like to wish all its storage, office space and business unit customers a very merry Christmas and the very best of wishes for 2012.

Cleanliness is next to devoutness in the self storage world

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:38:01 +0000

As with most things in life, first impressions count and can only be made once. Making a good first impression, regardless of the situation, is crucial to establishing a positive reaction: in the business world this means future sales. Self storage is no different; in some cases it is extremely important if someone is storing their precious worldly belongings.

Different people use self storage for different reasons but there is one factor which is applicable to every decision to rent a self storage room: peace of mind. The �peace of mind� element can be created by a self storage centre in many ways, levels of security on site is just one example. A customer�s first impression of a self storage facility is more often than not determined by what they actually see when they arrive on site.

Self Storage Housekeeping

Generally there is some form of communication between a storage facility and the customer prior to any items being moved-in to the rented room. Whether the communication has been digitally via the company�s website and emails, or verbally over the phone, a positive picture will have been painted of the storage facility and the services they have to offer. A preconceived opinion has begun to form in the customer�s mind as to what to expect when they arrive with the removal man and a van load of furniture and belongings: this can all be put to waste if the storage centre is untidy and unclean.

The level of housekeeping at a storage centre is often a direct reflection of the standard of management within the centre itself. If there is rubbish lying around and the site appears run-down, customers have every right to question the suitability of the facility to provide them with quality self storage services.

However, in light of the strike action last week, highlighted by Jeremy Clarkson on the BBC�s One Show, situations concerning public sector action can have a direct detrimental effect on private sector businesses. Many businesses that rely on public services could have potentially suffered loss of business and adverse first impressions through no fault of their own, such as refuse collections not being made.

Thankfully this situation never actually materialised but it goes to show the domino effect of public sector activities on the private sector businesses. This is especially apparent in the current economic climate where every business, self storage operators included are doing everything within their power to remain a step ahead of the competition. Attempting to create a positive first impression on customers is often difficult as it is without the added hindrance of strike action being taken by those with a duty of care to the general public as a whole.

Effectively Control Your Archived Documents with Self Storage

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:46:50 +0000

Many predicted the dawn of the paperless office due to the evolution of digitalisation: the evidence, however is very much the opposite. With the increased use of the internet and volume of data being processed by businesses, the amount of paper for filing and storage has also multiplied. This increase in data, coupled with legislative obligations requiring businesses to retain hard copies of nearly every document produced has resulted in a significant increase in the volume of paper handled by businesses.

Different industries in the UK have different legislative requirements with regards to document retention. In response, a range of services have been developed to support businesses with large amounts of paper to organise.

The spectrum ranges from a fully outsourced archive service where a company is contracted to maintain, manage and store the entire archived records of a company, off site. This requires a substantial investment by the business and can be expensive particularly if files need to be recalled out of storage. At the other end of the spectrum, a company can continue to manage their archived documents in-house and store them within their business premises.

As time goes by, and the volume of filing increases, continuing to store documents in-house can cause several issues within the working environment: valuable workspace gets taken up by mountains of paper, as well as the process of locating specific documents becoming troublesome due to increased levels of disorganisation.

One very simple solution to the management of archived documents, whilst retaining control of the paperwork and cost, is the utilisation of a self storage facility. As self storage operators have developed facilities in most UK towns and cities, all businesses can now take advantage of this service to help control their ever increasing levels of archive documentation

6 steps to creating effective archive storage within a self storage centre:

Contact your local self storage operator and discuss the volume of documents you wish to store; any reputable operator will help estimate the space required. Another consideration is how often you anticipate access to the files will be required: if this is regularly, make sure this is factored in when deciding how your room will be laid out.

Once a size has been identified, you need to plan the layout of the unit to best suit your usage requirements. Again, the storage operator will help advise you on the best options to meet your business� needs.

If racking (shelving) is required to allow you to easily access your archived documents, your self storage provider will be able to calculate the correct amount for your needs.

You also need to consider how the documents will be moved � are they individual files, or are they already in boxes? Most storage operators can provide boxes which are specially designed for archiving documents.

You then need to organise the transportation of the documents from your business premises to the self storage centre. The storage operator should have a list of options to allow this process to run as smoothly as possible, such as a full removal service, or van hire recommendations depending on the volume of documents being moved and your own preferences.

When the items are moved-in, make sure you have allocated sufficient time to ensure the archive storage room is well organised, and there is room for you to manage documents in the future. The major benefit is the ability to replicate your own filing system which enables the easy retrieval of documents in the future.

Self storage operators have extensive experience in estimating space required, as well as providing business support to those who want to take advantage of the benefits associated with archive and document storage. Not only is archive storage much more cost effective than document management, full control over what can sometimes be sensitive documents is retained by the business storing them.

So, until the dawn of the paperless office materialises, self storage is one of the most efficient and cost effective solutions for the storage of business documents in the UK.

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

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:29:53 +0000

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.

Related articles - click here

�200m Science Boost for Surrey

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:23:08 +0000

There has been a mixed response to yesterday�s publication of the Chancellor�s Autumn Statement. Each area within the UK is currently analysing the finer details of each proposal made by the Government and establishing how it will affect proceedings within their constituency. Significant proportions of the available funding have been earmarked for infrastructure projects, designed to create more jobs and facilitate economic growth.

However, the Chancellor announced the release of funding to the tune of �200m to be specifically spent on science projects in Surrey. Although this news is very much welcomed, it is almost bitter sweet when last year�s cash freeze relating to the annual science budget of �4.6bn is considered. Nevertheless, this injection of funds will allow a laboratory complex in Surrey to be built and operated by the Institute of Animal Health.

This particular project will benefit greatly from the �80m allocation and allow the focused research on avian diseases: these diseases have considerable implications on the economy due to the adverse affect on livestock within the food chain, as well as the ability of these diseases to pass to humans.

Other projects to be included in the Surrey science fund allocation are;

�61m for a range of science base infrastructure capital projects
�25 for technology research in areas such as low-carbon vehicles
�21m for a space radar project
�13m to establish a supercomputing service

David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science said: "This new �200m capital investment in science is excellent news for our research base and our economy, and takes the total additional science investment since the budget to almost half a billion.
"It will ensure we maintain our leading position in research, providing cutting-edge new facilities and vital infrastructure. It also underpins important industrial sectors and will unlock private investment in new products and services, driving growth and creating high-tech, highly-skilled jobs."

With this allocation of funding to the science sector, the direct effect on the Surrey communities will hopefully be noticeable. Local industries, including the housing market will benefit from the increase in spending power from the public. The housing market is one of the most importance influencers of any local economy and Surrey is no different.

If the housing market improves on its current position, the effects of the Autumn Statement will be felt by all the associated industries such as: estate agents, removal companies and self storage operators. Although the implementation of these proposals will take time, the economic recovery process needs to begin somewhere if progress is to be made.

Related articles - click here

Autumn Statement Impact on Solihull, Birmingham & the West Midlands

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:30:13 +0000

Earlier today, the Chancellor George Osborne made his Autumn Statement regarding the state of the country�s economy to MPs, and the rest of the country. Businesses throughout Birmingham, Solihull and the West Midlands as a whole are eagerly anticipating the Autumn Statement�s effect on the local economy.

With unemployment in the Birmingham and Solihull areas running higher than the national average, any hint toward the creation of jobs in the area is greatly received. Although the number of jobs in the public sector has decreased UK wide, the number of positions provided by the private sector in this particular area is proportionally higher. Statistics published by the Office for National Statistics showed unemployment in the area running at 240,000: up 10,000 on the previous period and is 8.9% of the local population, compared to the national figure is 8.3%.

Private Sector Hope in Birmingham & Solihull

2011 to-date has shown the private sector proving its worth and being the most resilient in the West Midlands: the following entities have been successful in creating a significant number of job prospects in the region

Jaguar � Created over 1,000 new positions in Solihull
Amazon � Created over 900 logistics jobs in their warehouse storage and distribution operations in the West Midlands
Monarch Airlines - Created 200 jobs at Birmingham Airport as a result of introducing 4 new destinations

Despite the growth from these specific companies, general opinion throughout the business community appears to be that more could be done to stimulate the local economy further. With the correct fiscal policies from Government, it is believed investment could be incentivised resulting in the growth of small to medium sizes businesses. It is believed within this aspect of the economy most growth can be motivated, but investment by both Government and private sector businesses is essential: ultimately resulting in small businesses stabilising enough to provide a platform for the future.

In order to help unlock private sector cash and to increase investment, the Chancellor today announced a programme which will underwrite up to, �40bn in low interest loans for small to medium sized businesses. In addition, a business finance partnership worth approximately �1bn has been earmarked to raise money for medium sized businesses.

A range of large infrastructure projects have also been announced, with the main objectives being to stimulate the economy and help businesses invest in the future. Once again, it is hoped much of this investment will assist small businesses, but as the order books begin to fill businesses need to ensure they have the ability to deliver. Self storage in Solihull, Birmingham and throughout the West Midlands will help SMEs establish the operational platform required to deliver growth.

For the Autumn Statement�s key points � click here
For related articles on the economic concerns of the West Midlands � click here

Birmingham's Confidence in the Economy Needs a Boost

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:20:54 +0000

Tensions amongst the UK�s business community are at an all time high in anticipation of the Chancellor�s Autumn Statement, due out tomorrow. It is hoped that there will be a significant reduction in red tape, as well as tax incentives for businesses of all sizes. Doubt, placed by the majority, on the future of the UK�s economy is the biggest factor affecting growth and the chances of recovery.

On Friday last week, it was reported that the Birmingham Chamber Group�s general consensus was that growth is being stifled due to small businesses deciding not to hire new staff in light of the uncertainty surrounding the economic future of the country. The group also called for changes to employment regulations to encourage small to medium sized businesses to recruit new staff.

Head of policy and strategic relationships at Birmingham Chamber Group, Katie Teasdale said: �We know of small businesses that want to expand, and would benefit from expanding, who are reluctant to take on the extra staff because of the red tape and regulation it would involve.
�When they don�t know what the future holds they are reluctant to take on the extra responsibilities.�

Industry Boost for Birmingham

Another significant factor in ensuring the UK economy recovers enough to grow in 2012 is the issue surrounding the level of youth unemployment. This is particularly significant in the Birmingham area which has experienced a 62% increase since January this year: there are approximately 4,775 18 to 24 years olds who have been unemployed for 6 months or longer.

The construction industry in the West Midlands is also facing its own challenges with respect to the number of affordable homes being built in the area, in the past 6 months: a noteworthy drop of 80% compared to the previous 6 month period.

It is hoped however, there is some positive news to be brought to light in the Chancellor�s announcement tomorrow, in particular with respect to the country�s infrastructure. New projects are expected to receive a cash boost from funds which are currently sitting idle in private sector insurance and pension schemes. This, coupled with the introduction of the already announced Youth Contract Scheme will hopefully provide an increased level in confidence in the Birmingham area.

The pressure is well and truly on Mr Osborne to produce measures whereby small businesses have access to credit, bureaucracy is reduced, industry is supported through tax incentives and subsidies, as well as producing an increase in economic confidence.

Related articles - click here

Self Storage in Dunstable is Ideal for Charity Appeals

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:35:00 +0000

As Christmas approaches, charities throughout the UK are working together to make sure Christmas cheer is spread to those less fortunate in the third world: a charity in Dunstable is a prime example of this Christmas goodwill. �Operation Christmas Child� has managed to collect over 250 shoeboxes full of presents from all round Dunstable for needy children overseas. All 269 boxes are on their way, via a storage warehouse in Cambridge before heading towards their final destination in Liberia.

This is a fantastic example of how communities, even during these hard economic times, are uniting to helping third world countries. However, the levels of goodwill and cheer could be increased and spread further if a self storage facility was brought in on proceedings. Using Operation Christmas Child as an example, the benefits of using a self storage centre to co-ordinate a charitable scheme from are as follows:

Central Location � storage facilities are intrinsically easy to reach regardless of means of transport used so they provide a perfect base, not only for donations to be dropped off but also for co-ordinating operations from.

Wider promotional scope � storage centres now have a fairly substantial on-line presence whereby they are able to promote the work of the charity via press releases and social networking platforms. Publicity to encourage local residents and businesses to make their donations is very much a numbers game and any storage operator would be happy to help this process.

Space � self storage facilities have what most places lack, space. Space is readily available to receive donations and package them up for shipment to their final destination. Shipments tend to be made in bulk to ensure costs remain as low as possible meaning the appearance of large vehicles and or containers: storage centres have the space to accommodate the arrival of HGVs without causing traffic mayhem

Cost � although any business wants to make a profit from every customer, self storage operators are more than willing to ensure charities receive extremely favourable rates

Security � all reputable storage facilities have extremely high levels of security which provides peace of mind knowing all the hard work by volunteers and the donations made by the public are safe and secure until they are shipped

Dunstable�s "Operation Christmas Child" is a good example of a charity working towards the same goal at the same time every year: storage space could be put aside for October and November every year in order to manage their charitable operation.

However, often charitable work cannot be planned such as when a natural disaster occurs somewhere in the world: tsunamis, earthquakes, and floods result in an enormous amount of human suffering which need eased. Frantic appeals are made for clothing, equipment, food and medical supplies: appeals can rely on self storage operators to very quickly provide local charities in Dunstable the space required to co-ordinate their aid operations, even at very short notice.

For related articles - click here

Self Storage is an Ideal Option for Start-up Ventures

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:36:55 +0000

In the past few years, many people have combated the economic down-turn and increasing number of redundancies by starting their own business and running its operations from home. This allows any budding entrepreneurs to keep overheads at a minimum but does mean the distinction between being at work and relaxing at home becomes extremely blurred, not to mention the ever increasing reduction in space.

However, as a new venture begins to expand, conducting operations from home can actually restrict the growth of the business. One often overlooked solution to work and storage space problems associated with growing start-up ventures is to rent space from a self storage provider.

Start-up Solutions with Storage

Below are 5 questions operators of start-up ventures should ask themselves when deciding to use a self storage centre for their business base, rather than their garage.

Deliveries of stock/supplies are making time management difficult?

It�s more difficult for couriers to find residential addresses than commercial ones, which often makes receiving deliveries troublesome. There is also the practicality of making sure someone is available to physically receive and sign for a delivery; especially when a supplier gives a 4 hour delivery time slot. Self storage centres are staffed during working hours and are generally located on prominent points on the road network. This makes deliveries straight forward and allows time to be spent on actual business operations.

How do I want customers to perceive my business?

In many instances customers want to know you are a professional operation before they will do business with you: operating out of the spare room at home can give the wrong impression. By using a self storage centre, trust is easily gained due to the professional image portrayed as a result of having your business located in such a facility.

How do I deal with additional staff?

As a business grows and customers come on board, the need to increase the workforce arises. Using a storage centre as a business base allows new members of staff access to business premises without encroaching on the family home; as well as ensuring employees feel part of a professional outfit.

I need to re-focus business operations?

It is difficult to work from home with all the distractions that particular environment brings. Renting a room from a self storage provider will ensure work life and personal life remains separate. The continued distinction between these 2 aspects of daily life will ensure focus remains on business development and growth.

Can I afford to re-locate business operations?

The main benefit associated with using a storage facility is its flexibility. Space is rented as it is needed and there is no long-term commitment. Although there is a rental cost involved, the advantages of self storage far outweigh that of using the family home: businesses which make the move find they become successful very quickly.

For more information to help you grow your business visit http://www.startups.co.uk/

Self Storage In Wolverhampton is a Good Incubator for Business Growth

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:00:10 +0000

This morning the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg announced a Government initiative to help bring the young unemployed into work. This is in response to the economic down-turn currently being experienced in the UK, and the fact that youth unemployment has now past the one million mark. As demonstrated in the table below, youth unemployment levels in September 2011 hit 1.02 million: the highest it�s been since 1993.

The 1 billion pound �Youth Contract Scheme� is targeted specifically at 18 to 24 year olds by means of providing subsidies to employers who take on individuals from this age bracket. Over the next 3 years, it is hoped 160,000 young people will become employ for at least 6 months, with employers receiving up-to �2,275 worth of subsidies as a result.

In addition, proposals have also been announced to offer up to 250,000 18 to 24 year olds work experience placements for an 8 week period. There are also plans to provide �50 million for disadvantaged teenagers who are either not at school or in a work placement. Resources are being increased at job centres to specifically help young people with career advice. Additional incentives for firms in England to provide 20,000 apprenticeships for 16 to 24 year olds have also been proposed.

However, the UK Government also recognises that in order for these proposals to work, there had to be an uptake from employers in the private sector. The Government are understandably keen to distance themselves from the previous administration�s plans to employ the young for a temporary period in the public sector. Private employers believe this scheme helps bring the youth into the job market with a significant reduction in risk: they can bring on new, young staff and see how they perform before offering them more permanent positions.

As well as providing hope to many currently disillusioned young people, many small to medium sized businesses are looking to take advantage of this new scheme. Private employers are currently between a rock and a hard place when it comes to employing more staff to cope with demand to help grow their business but cannot afford to do so. With subsidies being available, more businesses will be able to grow their operations with reduced levels of risk: ultimately adding growth to the UK�s economy as a whole.

Self Storage as a Remedy

With the businesses growing, proprietors have to reconsider the premises they operate from. More often than not, many small businesses are run from home which can cause stress on every aspect of life: the distinction between home and work life is almost eradicated completely.

Despite the current economic climate, an example of how previously unknown solutions for the location of business operations can be found in Wolverhampton:

Julia Linch, Wolverhampton, owns and operates a mobile pet care business and has a van to provide grooming services for cats and dogs. Recently, she employed a member of staff to help with the day-today running of the business but found as the volume of business increased, the amount of space at home reduced. After investigating her options, she found a self storage centre where she could rent space to use as her business base. Not only was this close to her home in Wolverhampton, it also provided easy access to her customer base throughout the West Midlands

With the Youth Contract Scheme coming into play, businesses in the private sector need to consider the day-to-day operational implications of an increased workforce and customer base. Self storage is the ideal remedy to effectively aid the growth process for small to medium sized businesses.

Related Articles - BBC

Sophisticated Storage

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:09:02 +0000

There are many different reasons to use storage: you might be moving house and need to store your furniture for a short while between properties, or you might run a business and require somewhere to put your archived documents. The basic principal of putting an item into a secure environment applies to both situations.

As the provision of storage becomes more sophisticated, it opens the application of storage to many different things. For example:

	Archive Storage can be taken to another level whereby documents are effectively �managed� by the storage facility through bar-coding and tracking techniques.
	Data Storage is encountered daily by most people who use computers: CDs, DVDs, PC passports and USB flash drives are becoming smaller but with a bigger storage capacity than ever before
	On-line Storage is a virtual storage space on the internet for digital files, allowing storage space to be freed-up on the physical device used to access the files.

Pet DNA Storage

Recent advances in the technological application of systems which provide storage are now working for the benefit of pet owners. Unfortunately thousands of cats, dogs and other pets are stolen every year in the UK: some pedigree breeds are even stolen to order. There are already steps which can be taken to increase the chances of having a pet returned safely such as micro-chipping and freeze-marking/branding.

However, micro-chips can be removed and sometimes fail, and freeze-marks can become distorted through the natural changes to an animal�s coat through age. A process has been developed whereby a pet�s DNA can be securely stored, and be readily available should you or the authorities need to prove an animal�s identity.

Technologically Advanced Storage

The availability of pet DNA storage is possible through the improvement of non-invasive DNA collection techniques meaning pet owners can safely collect their own pet�s DNA. The method used for DNA storage is also very environmentally friendly. Scientific progress has enabled the effective storage of DNA, without the need for the use of energy hungry freezers. This technique also ensures costs remain low: a one-off cost for the sample kit includes a 17 year minimum storage period. The affordability of DNA storage means more pet owners than ever can take advantage of this service and protect their pets to the best of their ability.

Regardless of what is being stored, or by what means, it is clear the provision of �storage� services will continue to become increasingly sophisticated. The implications of these advances can only be a positive thing: especially if carbon footprints and costs are reduced as a result.

The Development of Self Storage in Wolverhampton

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:30:18 +0000

Wolverhampton has long been a hub for business with the earliest recorded market being as far back as 1179. However, this is reputed to have upset the then King, King John as the market itself did not have a Royal Charter. It was not until 1258 that Henry 111 granted the Dean of Wolverhampton an official charter for the market to legally take place.

The market quickly became the centre of commerce for Wolverhampton and its surrounding areas with trade primarily revolving around agriculture, in particular the wool trade. The industrial revolution had a significant impact on the market town, largely due to the natural resources of Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas of the West Midlands: coal, limestone and iron ore being in abundance locally.

Prior to the impact of the industrial revolution, the census of 1801 recorded a little fewer than 12,000 people living in Wolverhampton. By the census of 1901 the population had grown significantly to 162,000. As the population increased throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, local services were vastly improved and in particular the water supply and sewage networks were developed: ensuring the demand of the housing boom was being met by the provision of suitable utilities.

Wolverhampton's Industries Develop

During the 20th century, the city had developed into one of the main drivers of the British economy with Wolverhampton and the West Midlands becoming the centre of the automotive industry in the UK. This continued growth within the many established industries of the area meant provisions had to be made for the population as a whole; this not only included housing, but also provision for recreation and retail facilities.

Today, retail parks have been developed to service the community and include many allowances for recreation as well as industry. With a current population of over 250,000, Wolverhampton is still a centre for industry and growth. Albeit the industries of the past have faded out, there are still many major factories with their operational base in the area: Jaguar Land Rover is just one example of the calibre attracted to the West Midlands.

As the city of Wolverhampton has been developed, so has the pressure on land and premises. The premium placed on land and property is not unique to the West Midlands but the way in which this particular area has dealt with the growing constrains of the economy could be construed as such. With retail and production space becoming increasingly valuable, storagespace previously took something of a back seat: little money was made by companies with more storage space than workspace.

Self Storage Support Network

Over the centuries Wolverhampton has developed into a major city, not only in the West Midlands but in the UK as a whole, and one where the provision of self storage plays and ever increasingly important role.

As a result, the concept of self storage has been established to help both businesses and home owners cope with their storage needs. With houses and workspaces becoming increasingly smaller, the availability of a service whereby business and individuals could rent a storage space to suit their needs was a very welcome introduction.

For more info on Wolverhampton click here

Self Storage Prepares for Cyber Monday

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:35:45 +0000

Normally taking place on the last Monday before Christmas, �Cyber Monday� or �Mega Monday� has arrived. Today will see on-line retailers experience their busiest day of the year with on-line trading expected to reach a stagger in �300,000 of sales per minute. Traditionally the busiest day for on-line transactions in the run up to the Christmas period occurs after the last pay day for the majority of the UK. However, due to last year�s unexpected weather conditions making deliveries in time for the big day almost impossible, many shoppers are taking precautions.

On-line sales are anticipated to reach approximately �424 million over the course of the day, adding to the figure of over �13 billion which is expected to be spent on-line during the run up to Christmas. Although this is seen by many as a further blow to the high street; the fact consumers are spending at all should be welcomed by the economy. The breakdown of the on-line spend this year is expected to be the following;

Gifts � 33.7%
Travel to see loved ones & holidays at Christmas � 24.5%
Christmas Decorations � 20.6%
Food & Drink � 6.7%

With this particular time of year being the busiest for all on-line merchants, it is essential they have the infrastructure in place to cope with demand. Even the smallest of eBay traders can take steps to make sure things run smoothly over the next couple of weeks, and maximise sales profits. The simplest step which can be taken to maximise profitability and efficiency is to rent a self storage room. A storage room can act as a mini-distribution centre for on-line traders of any size, ensuring lead-times are met and the most is made out of the busiest time of the year.

On-line sales are constantly increasing for a number of reasons: advances in technology, a reduction in stress levels by shopping on-line, as well as the need to save money are all major factors. On-line sales in 2010 were up 44% on the previous year and 2011 is expected to surpass this level easily. Taking the sheer volume of sales and their associated value, it would be impractical for on-line traders not to make the most of this change in spending habits.

Research conducted suggests a firth of the UK find high street shopping more stressful than their daily commute, with some even commenting they would prefer a trip to their dentist. With so many factors contributing to the increase in on-line sales, e-commerce traders taking the correct steps and renting a self storage room can do nothing but benefit.

Self storage to feel the effects of the housing market boost

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:02:49 +0000

Being in a position to buy your first property is something of a rarity these days. Banks are trying to reduce the level of risk they subject themselves to with regards mortgages and demand deposits of 20%+ for first-time buyers. For the majority of individuals, finding a 20% deposit is near on impossible: ultimately pricing them out of the housing market for the foreseeable future. This injection of support from the Government is predominantly due to the levels of first-time buyers being at its lowest in nearly 30 years.

However, news out today could radically shake-up the housing market in the UK and enable first-time buyers to get their foot on the first step of the property ladder. David Cameron has unveiled plans to underwrite a percentage of the mortgage for first-time buyers on new-build properties. Although this will mean less of a deposit will be needed by buyers fulfilling the criteria, there will be a positive industry wide knock-on effect.

There is a �400 million �Get Britain Building� fund being set-up by the Government, of which the underwriting of first-time buyers� loans is part of. As part of the strategic implementation of this new scheme, approximately 16,000 new properties are planned with over 3,000 being �affordable� homes: up 32,000 new jobs nationwide are expected to be generated as a result.

David Cameron and Nick Clegg declared the following in a foreword to the proposals

�... for decades in Britain we have under-built. By the time we came to office, house-building rates had reached lows not seen in peace time since the 1920s.
'The economic and social consequences of this failure have affected millions: costing jobs; forcing growing families to live in cramped conditions; leaving young people without much hope that they will ever own a home of their own.
'These problems � entrenched over decades � have deepened over the past few years. The housing market is one of the biggest victims of the credit crunch: lenders won't lend, so builders can't build and buyers can't buy. That lack of confidence is visible in derelict building sites and endless For Sale signs.�

The construction industry, as well as other associated functions of the property market such as self storage operators, removal companies and estate agents will all reap the benefits of this proposed strategy. Governmental support of the housing market is seen as long overdue by many but is further boosted by Thatcher�s �Right to Buy� policy being revived: 2 million council properties are to be sold to their tenants with a discount of up to 50%.

Related Articles - Daily Mail

Storage in Birmingham Has Potentially More of an Impact than �8.7bn Investment

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:52:13 +0000

Claims that the Greater Birmingham economy will benefit from �8.7 billion pounds worth of investment have been made by the Local Enterprise Partnership, but met with mixed opinions. The source of this private investment has been awarded to the low-tax climate being taken advantage of by entrepreneurs in a planned enterprise zone. The proposed high-speed rail link between Birmingham and London is also expected to contribute to the economic growth in the area.

Controversy has surfaced in light of the LEP�s plans to generate 100,000 new jobs in the Birmingham, Solihull, South Staffordshire and North Worcestershire areas: a 40,000 shortfall to deal with the growing population and current unemployment figures in Birmingham alone. The LEP�s plans are further blighted by their decision to conduct all meetings in private, removing the transparency demanded by the public.

5 Objectives of the LEP�s Strategy

Increase Gross Value Added by 30% by 2020
Create 100,000 jobs in the private sector
Boost inward investment
Achieve global leadership in pre-specified key sectors
Create a world-class workforce

Despite all the accusations and speculation, the fact there is any investment at all, private or otherwise, should be hailed as nothing other than a positive. In light of the current economic hardship being experienced by businesses and individuals in the UK, plans for regeneration and growth are welcomed, especially by the city of Birmingham.

Storage in Birmingham Builds Success

Proposals by committees are all well and good but they take time, money, and a vast amount of concerted effort to implement. It can be months, sometimes years before small to medium sized business in Birmingham will feel the benefits: it is essential action is taken to maximise profit and growth potential now, rather than later.

Give careful consideration to your working environment: is valuable workspace being taken up by archived documents or excess furniture & equipment? If yes, think about renting a self storage room within one of the many storage centres in Birmingham. Reputable storage operators will also be able to provide business units and workshops at competitive rates too. These small changes to your working environment, especially on a day to day basis could potentially re-configure your business operations; to the extent growth happens naturally.

Regardless of which committee is proposing all singing, all dancing economic growth formulae, the real impact will be made by those businesses in Birmingham willing to make a few slight changes. Renting storage in Birmingham, as well as business units and workshops from a self storage operator is just one of the low risk/high impact routes to recovery a SME can make.

For more info on the LEP Strategy click here

Wolverhampton Retail Sector Gets A Christmas Bonus with Self Storage

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:23:13 +0000

The Office of National Statistics reported a 0.6% boost in retails sales in October compared to previous month�s figures: despite a decline of 0.2% being expected. The improved performance is largely being attributed to retailers starting their Christmas promotions early. A proportion of the rise is also being attributed to smaller retailers doing better than expected: larger retailers actually saw a decline although petrol sales at supermarkets affected this figure.

Larger retailers have well established supply chains which include comprehensive warehousing arrangements to ensure that their retail outlets are always well stocked. This allows stock to be held in strategically placed warehouses, ready to replenish high street and out of town stores as demand requires.

The situation for the smaller retailer is more difficult. More often than not, goods are received directly from manufacturers: making sure that there are enough products on the shelves to meet demand is critical to the success of the smaller retailer. Some smaller entities operate by means of overnight deliveries from wholesalers and although this ensures supply levels are maintained, the wholesaler�s margin has to be taken into account: ultimately profitability is reduced

Wolverhampton, Walsall & West Bromwich Exploit Self Storage

Ensuring levels of supply to smaller retailers is maintained is particularly apparent in the West Midlands. Although this particular area of the country is well placed geographically for the larger retail chains, it is often the case that smaller entities are overlooked in the supply process. In places such as Wolverhampton, Walsall and West Bromwich small to medium sized retailers have the benefit of being able to exploit the services of self storage operators to ease the supply chain burden.

Over the last 15 years self storage centres have opened up in most towns and cities throughout the UK providing a national network of warehouses which can provide storage space on a seasonal basis. The West Midlands is no different: self storage centres provide a solution to retailers by ensuring they have enough stock for the Christmas, or any other busy period. For example, storage centres which are well connected to motorway networks allow manufacturers and distributors to easily access for deliveries, as well as retailers being able to retrieve stock when they require it.

It is particularly apparent during this time of economic difficulty that retailers need to ensure they take advantage of all the beneficial services available to them. Self storage is a good example of how a service can assist retailers in their provision of an improved service, and to ultimately increase profitability.

For more info on the latest figures from ONS click here

After Party Storage

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:44:10 +0000

The summer season is now over and the long winter nights are with us. The festive period will soon be here, creating a month of intense activity for those in the entertainment industry. Whether it�s a mobile DJ providing music to alcohol fuelled office parties, or a lighting and sound company setting-up a town centre Christmas event, the next few weeks will undoubtedly be very busy.

By the nature of the industry, in order to compete entertainers must be fully kitted out with the latest equipment and instruments, as well as be willing to travel to venues for events. It is therefore essential that performers and staging companies can operate in the most efficient manner possible with respect to logistics.

Storage Environment

More often than not, the equipment being moved between venues is expensive and needs to be handled with care. It should therefore be stored with care. Storage centres provide the perfect environment for electrical equipment and instruments. With most modern facilities being heated, the environment is controlled to avoid dampness and possible equipment failure.

Secure Storage Facilities

Travelling the length and breadth of the country, getting back in the early hours of the morning after the third office party of the week, the temptation is there to just leave the equipment where it is. The security levels within a storage centre are state-of-the-art and cannot be matched by that of a vehicle. With digital CCTV and security systems including PIN code entry systems, peace of mind is guaranteed.

Accessible Storage

Operating from a central location is essential in any industry where regular travel is required. The vast majority of self storage centres are in highly accessible locations. Designed with the customer in mind, most storage centres offer 24hr free access to their facilities. This is highly beneficial if access is required during unsociable hours. There is also free to use moving and handling equipment at all reputable storage centres making the process of getting an item from a vehicle to a storage room relatively effortless.

Self storage facilities provide a cost effective remedy to many a logistical obstacle encountered by those in the entertainment industry. Secure storage rooms which can be accessed at any time allow mobile DJs, performers and event hire equipment companies the freedom to operate much more efficiently, as well as giving them the upper hand when it comes to competition. Storage rental provides users with the opportunity to maximise potential and maximise profitability during one of the busiest periods of the year.

Storage Questions Raised by HMRC Overhaul

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:31:30 +0000

The latest Government announcement regarding planned changes to the personal taxation system raises several questions: notably so, given the current state of the UK�s financial affairs. The implementation of a system whereby personal tax information is accessible on-line is hoped to clarify and simplify the process of self assessment and reduce the number of reconciliation errors.

The main concern for a significant volume of the UK population is the security of the personal data stored within the proposed on-line facility. Data storage, and its associated security, is at the forefront of many individuals� minds due to the ever increasing levels of fraud committed via the on-line world. Despite similar systems already being in operation in the Republic of Ireland and Denmark, little has been mentioned about how secure the data storage will be.

However, anything which will make the process of understanding personal taxation calculations can only be a positive thing. Exchequer Secretary, David Gauke said: �At the moment, for a lot of people, the tax line on their pay slip is the only time they see just how much they're paying in tax, but the government doesn't think that's good enough.
�We plan to lift the lid on tax so that people understand how much they are paying, what their overall tax rate is, and what they should be paying, in the same way that the government has lifted the lid on what they are paying for.�

Providing tax payers with a clarified process of completing their self assessment will undoubtedly bring improvements. However, providing pre-filled self assessment forms and the ease with which they can be amended is something which must be given serious consideration by HMRC. The number of individuals with access to the internet is still relatively low so actions will need to be taken to accommodate this.

Secure Storage & Clarity

The proposed on-line facility is also intended to benefit employers too. There is a pilot scheme to ensure PAYE, tax and national insurance details are up-dated monthly, to enable RTI (real time information) to be used by HMRC and avoid errors. Recently up-graded IT systems at HMRC have highlighted a significant volume of tax calculation errors, resulting in refunds being paid out along with demands for underpaid tax.

There are positives and negatives with most proposed changes, especially one of such magnitude. The saving associated with this new system is likely the most favourable factor: the new system is predicted to save �1 billion in administrative costs. A saving the UK Government can ill afford to pass-up. Provided the UK tax payers can been reassured enough on the levels of data storage security put in place, as well as a smooth transition period, the new system will hopefully fulfil expectations.

Related Articles: This is Money

West Midlands being held back to the tune of �88 million

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:18:33 +0000

Recent analysis carried out by the business advisory giant Deloitte has uncovered a substantial burden on the economic progress made by thousands of businesses based in the West Midlands. The discovery made with regards to the legal structure of 20,339 subsidiary companies highlights the fact that 8,824 are in fact dormant.

Dormant companies might not appear on the face of it to be anything other than dormant but the truth is starkly different. The management time and administrative costs associated with these complicated legal structures creates an unnecessary burden of approximately �88 million: a cost the West Midlands can ill afford.

Restructure with Self Storage

The word �restructuring� is often met with caution as it is normally applied to situations where positions and processes are streamlined which ultimately result in the loss of jobs and therefore critical income to the locality. In this instance however, the potential saving to the West Midlands as a whole is not something to shy away from. If the legal structures of all entities were considered, much could be achieved to focus resources elsewhere and grow the local economy further.

This is a daunting task for any company structure to undertake however, there are several steps which could be taken along the way to reduce the mayhem feared by many a director. One of the biggest headaches to any company is the vast quantities of paperwork created when carrying out any kind of legal transition. Organising the mountain of documents is no mean feat but this is where the utilisation of a self storage facility is a viable and cost effective remedy.

Trying to put significant amounts of paperwork in order is not easily done within the main working environment: papers get mixed up, documents which need archived are lost in the day-to-day operations and are likely never to see the light of day again. To prevent the loss of sensitive and critical documents, it is far more sensible to bundle everything together, take them off-site and put them into storage.

Using self storage in theWest Midlands is easier now than ever before. Companies have a legal obligation to retain specific documents for a predetermined number of years, depending on industry. These legislative requirements coupled with the necessity to re-define legal structures mean businesses have an instant requirement to deal with their document storage needs.

Archive and document storage is an often forgotten about service offered by storage operators which, if utilised by more companies, especially in the West Midlands could have potential savings of �88 million to the local economy.

More on Deloitte

Boost for Solihull, Supported by Self Storage

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:49:21 +0000

Land Rover Jaguar is Solihull�s largest employer with a current workforce of nearly 5,000 people. Today�s news that this current workforce is expanding by a staggering 25% has been welcomed with open arms by the local authority, as well as the UK Government. David Cameron and Vince Cable have both expressed their enthusiasm for the car manufacturer�s decision to recruit 1,000 new members of staff at the Solihull plant.

Vince Cable stated: "This is a positive story of growth for the plant that was once under threat of closure. It is now expanding and has ambitious product plans."

Ken Meeson, leader of Solihull Council was quoted as saying "It's our largest employer and so thousands of people depend on it for their jobs, not just those people working on the site, but of course those working in the supply chain.
"It's not that long ago that we were worried about the survival of the Lode Lane [Solihull] plant and now we have this expansion, not just here but across the country at other sites."

The knock-on effect of such positive actions, taken by Jaguar Land Rover in the Solihull area, has the potential to be staggering. Increased employment ultimately leads to an increase in disposable income, as well as growth in consumer confidence. As more cash flows into the Solihull and Birmingham economies, encouragement is given to small business owners to grow their operations.

Self Storage Reducing the Stakes

Currently, the monetary stakes are too high for businesses to take risks so the decision whether to expand or not is made for them by uncontrollable factors. The injection of cash and confidence will provide the stability required for small business operations to flourish.

Self storage operators can assist the growth potential of any small business by offering alternatives to traditional business premises and space solutions. Light industrial space or business units traditionally come at the cost of a 5 year minimum commitment via an expensive lease agreement. Rates are also incurred, depending on the building itself but this is still another overhead many small business could easily live without.

Business units and workshops provided by self storage operators can avoid many of the pitfalls associated with securing business premises. The added benefit of combining several uses of space within the one place is also a contributing factor to the suitability of this type of business space. Having storage facilities on-site is one of the biggest advantages, especially given the premium on land in certain areas of the UK.

For more info on the JLR News visit the BBC

Self Storage & the Evolution of E-commerce

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:21:55 +0000

Day after day we are given constant reminders about the state of the UK�s economy: reduced disposable income, lack of consumer confidence, and the uncertainty surrounding the major financial institutions. It is clear that the spending habits of the nation are evolving to counteract the recessionary factors at play. Consumers are shopping around to make sure they get the best value for money when making purchasing decisions.

An example of this was highlighted last week when Next Plc reported brand sales rising by 3.3%. City analysts put the growth experienced by second largest UK clothing retailer down to increases in on-line sales �... a knock-out performance from Directory making up for an expected weaker retail performance�

Selling products and or services on-line, rather than from a physical retail outlet has many distinct advantages, namely the reduction in overheads incurred. Everyone has heard of eBay and Amazon, and knows these on-line platforms can provide seriously good value for money products. They also provide a platform whereby a seller can set-up a virtual shop with relative ease.

The advances made by sites such as eBay and Amazon with their merchant management systems mean the set-up of a virtual market place is very appealing to those who wish to venture into the world of e-commerce. However, it�s the actual physical distribution of products and order fulfilment which is the difficult part. Operating an e-commerce venture from your spare room, or garage, is not as simple as it might appear: very rapidly your home becomes a minefield of products, packaging materials and paperwork.

On-line Retailing with Self Storage Support

Self storage is the most sensible solution for any new or established on-line retailer. Renting a room from your local storage operator has a number of distinct benefits;

Storage � keeps all products safe & secure, as well as out of your living space
Distribution Centre � provides a space for you to carry out any necessary packaging of items prior to postage/dispatch
Cost Effective � competitive rates offered by storage operators ensure your overheads remain at a minimum
Stock Deliveries � Most storage facilities will accept deliveries on your behalf and are constantly staffed during office hours: so if a supplier gives a 5 hour delivery time slot, you don�t need to wait in all day.
Packaging Materials � a reputable storage facility will have a range of boxes, tape and bubble wrap for sale within their reception area, as well as offer a discount on these items for its storage tenants: this can provide considerable savings when dispatching several items per day
Flexibility � the space rented can be altered at any time so if your e-commerce operations have expanded, so can your storage space.
No Long-term Commitment � rooms are rented by means of a flexible licence agreement which allows ventures to be undertaken without being tied into a long-term lease
Accessibility � Extended opening hours (some storage centres offer 24hr access), free to use moving equipment on site, and central locations

The above list is by no means exhaustive but highlights some of the more practical remedies to common issues encountered by e-commerce traders. So, if you are thinking about expanding your current web-based operations, or are taking a leap of faith and beginning a new on-line venture, renting a room from your local storage operator is the simplest any on-line retailer can make.

Self Storage Supporting Growth

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:18:36 +0000

Much speculation has been made in recent months about the economic future of the UK, notably the Government bailout of the UK banking giants: The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is now 83% owned by the Government as a result of the UK taxpayer�s assistance. Confidence in the economy is low which has a direct influence on the opinions, and subsequent actions, of small to medium sized businesses. The growth rate of SMEs is fundamental to the sustainability of the country�s economic future.

As previously reported on the 10th of October, the squeeze on major banking institutions� level of lending to small businesses looked set to be as tight as ever. However, a statement released by RBS yesterday may reverse opinion. Taking into account the Government�s input, using taxpayer�s money, RBS and the other banks rescued still have much to prove to the nation as a whole.

Economic Support

The Royal Bank of Scotland has stated they will increase lending to small businesses by a minimum of 15% over the next 3 months. This is seen by many as a reaction to the severe criticism RBS have faced in light of their lack of support in facilitating growth of the UK economy as a whole: time will tell if this is a knee-jerk reaction or not.

Stephen Hester, CEO of RBS is on the face of it being realistic about the current state of affairs �When businesses see uncertainty playing out on a global scale, they rightly feel nervous about their own prospects. This makes them less likely to borrow in order to expand, thus further undermining recovery�

Despite the RBS and other financial institutions portrayal of these new steps to instil confidence being heroic, they are not implementing these changes for the good of their health. A distinct increase in pressure from the Government in the form of potential tax hikes if they fail to show the support to the UK economy is a determining factor in the actions taken.

However, the increased levels in lending to small businesses will undoubtedly go some way to helping small businesses in the UK expand. One of the biggest expenditures of any business is premises: committing to a long-term lease for a business unit or office space is not something any business takes lightly. Self storage operators are aiding this process and reducing the levels of risk for small businesses by offering affordable, flexible workspace solutions. No long-term commitment means small businesses can �test the water� and venture into an expansion plan with more confidence.

More on RBS from Reuters

Use Your Garage for Your Car, Not Storage!

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:36:58 +0000

Aviva, the insurance giant has recently carried out extensive research which shows over two thirds of households in the UK, with 2 or more cars and a garage, use the garage for storage and not for parking cars.

Statistically, the average value of what is stored in the garage is �3,429, and the average value of a car is �13,487. However, many cars have a far greater value than this average and they are parked on the street: greatly increasing the chances of damage and or theft occurring. Over 41% of those surveyed were worried their car could be broken into or vandalised when parked on the street. On the back of this research Aviva are offering improved terms for people insuring their cars and using the garage.

Home owners, particularly men, admitted in the survey it was just down to idleness that they had not cleared out their garages. In most instances, items stored in the garage were comprised mainly of boxes of �stuff� which had not been put away from the last house move.

Use Self Storage to Reduce Your Premium

With improved premiums being on offer for parking cars in garages, self storage is seen as a viable option for storing the �stuff� in the garage. Self storage operators now provide a high class service for home owners who are looking to clear out their garages and start storing their valuable cars. In addition self storage is a more secure option for household belongings that reside in garages as storage centres now provide CCTV, burglar alarms and PIN code access to the centres. A home owner can also take the space they require, for the period they require it due to the flexible nature of self storage.

When a home owner is planning to move house, self storage should be considered not only as it saves the garage from being cluttered but also with the savings that can be made by taking self storage rather than storing with a removal company. The advantages are that the home owner will have free access to their belongings when they want them, and can either downsize their unit or increase the size of the unit depending upon the requirement for storage.

So for all home and car owners who are looking for a more competitive quote for their car insurance, lower your premiums by utilising a self storage facility: for all the �stuff� taking up space in your garage!

The Self Storage Step When Selling Your Home

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:30:55 +0000

The latest Land Registry figures, published last week, for England and Wales show some not so surprising information regarding the state of the property market. The data produced highlights the sharp drop in house prices experienced by a few regions in England and Wales and is further evidence of the variations between different areas of the country.

It would be ill informed if the sweeping generalisation was made, with respect to a largely North/South divide in house prices. However, at a glance the figures show this. Experiencing a 3.9% fall in month on month prices, houses in the north east showed an 8.2% annual decrease. Compared to London where prices rose by 0.3%. The average price of property varies drastically between these two areas with houses in London reaching an average sales value of �349,026, compared to �100,616 in the north east.

One of the interesting points to be raised by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) in its monthly report, is the number of people registering their interest in properties has increased. There is of course a distinct difference between those registering interest, and those who are actually proceeding with the purchase of a new home. Although the number of interested parties has increased, the number of actual buyers is still low which in turn, forced sellers to price their properties aggressively and set low asking prices.

The sellers, who set their prices relatively high in comparison to those who wish, or need to sell quickly and therefore set low prices, are finding their property on the market for a substantially longer period of time. Economic variables aside, what can be done to strengthen the chances of selling your property?

Steps to Selling Your Home

The steps to be taken are relatively simple, and are in the most part, little more than common sense:

Make sure your property is clean and tidy
If possible, remove pets and eradicate their smell � have the carpets and upholstery cleaned to remove the distinctive �Pet� smell
Make sure all the little repair jobs which have been on you to-do list for the past 8 months are completed
Give the front of you property a bit of a face lift � put out some potted plants, paint the front door etc
The biggest difference which can be made is if you de-clutter and remove any personalised items by putting them into a self storage facility.

De-cluttering and using self storage facilities, enables the buyer to visualise themselves living in a space without too much distraction. The easier this visualisations process is for prospective buyers, the higher the chances are of actually selling your property.

For more info on the latest House Price Index data from the Land Registry

Self Storage Gets Spooky

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:13:18 +0100

It�s almost that time of year again: kids line the street dressed as witches, wizards and zombies. Halloween is almost here. Although more fuss is made about Halloween in the states, the UK does a pretty good job of celebrating �the day of the dead� too. However in the USA celebrations (as with most things state-side) are a far more flamboyant affair. Festivities go beyond the level of the traditional �trick or treating,� toffee apples and the odd fancy dress party: entire houses are covered with lights, cobwebs and other spooky decorations

In recent years levels of commercialism surrounding Halloween in the UK has increased dramatically, as with most festivals such as Christmas, Valentine�s Day, Easter to name but a few. Costume and decoration suppliers have jumped on the wagon and now provide all manner of paraphernalia to help you celebrate in style.

The volume of Halloween products on the market is substantial

Costumes
Decorations
Party bags
Scary sweets
Games

Halloween Storage Solutions

As with any festival, there is a significant amount of build-up and preparation involved in making sure all the finer details are attended to: decorations are up, costumes are ready, and games are all set to be played. Typically the work involved in making sure the Halloween party of the century goes off without any hitches is only actually appreciated for a few hours. Afterwards you are left with lots of washing-up and a mountain of scary decorations.

So what happens to all the fake cobwebs and witches� hats? No doubt a small fortune was spent buying everything in the first place so the most sensible solution would be to use a self storage facility. Storage centres provide the ideal remedy to all your decoration dilemmas. Whether it be for Halloween, or Christmas decorations and props, renting a room from your local self storage operator is a long-term cost effective option.

Self storage facilities are built to ensure everything remains clean, dry and secure: peace of mind when you are storing a small fortune�s worth of plastic decorations. The flexible nature is also a major benefit whereby you can change the size of space rented depending on your needs at any one time. You can also access your room whenever you wish which allows you to pull off the perfect party at a moment�s notice.

The main benefit of using self storage is the fact you can re-use Halloween decorations over and over again which not only saves a considerable amount of money, it�s also much kinder to the environment.

Maximise Selling Space with Self Storage

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:10:37 +0100

There was once a time that the high streets were bustling: people were walking along with laden shopping bags. Then the recession hit. Yes, the nation is still spending but increasingly on essential items only. The reduction in the general public�s disposable income is being felt by the retail sector. However, the latest figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) implicate a period of prosperity.

Although encouraging, this data should not be construed as a feat of recovery for the struggling economy, as pointed out by UK economist, Samuel Tombs

�September's retail sales figures are a bit stronger than we and the consensus had expected, but hardly suggest that conditions are back to normal on the High Street.�

Despite retail sales rising by 0.6% in September, the shortfall of 0.4% outlined in August�s figures should not be discounted. There are several factors which are a likely cause to these fluctuations: the riots which blighted retail activity in August, as well as the warm spell towards the end of the month stalling the purchase of winter clothing.

The biggest rise in sales volumes within the retail sector has been seen in laptops and computer games. In turn, this has had a direct impact on the level of non-store retailing with the level of on-line sales increasing by a staggering 15.5% over the past year.

As online shopping is becoming increasingly popular, is there a need for the high street anymore? It would be fair to say we now live in a convenience society: drive-through fast food restaurants, hands-free technology, on-line grocery shopping. The rise of on-line shopping has been instrumental in the expansion of this culture with is accounting for 9.6% of all retail spending in the UK

Self Storage Reduces the Strain

People are still spending but the ever increasing volume of on-line shopping, and technological advances, is slowly putting high street shops at risk of redundancy. Many retails face tough decisions daily about the future of their business and have to take steps to minimise the risk of liquidation. The physical location of any retail outlet is crucial to ensure high footfall, and sales. More and more retailers are forced to make some sort of sacrifice: this tends to be space.

Securing premises in the most desirable areas will force retailers to maximise their selling ability, generally associated with selling space on the shop floor: more space for products to be displayed = more sales. This restricts the stock holding ability: self storage therefore becomes a sensible service to utilise. With free to access storage space for excess stock and fittings, available with flexible terms, self storage allows retailers the ability to maximise their selling space and remain in operation for the foreseeable future.

More info - BBC

Collectorholics Vs Self Storage

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:06:42 +0100

Today saw ITV�s Daybreak launch their �Collectorholics� campaign highlighting the many UK collectors and hoarders of all things: from the mundane to the positively strange. On this morning�s show, presenter Nick Dixon visited Carol Vaughan in Birmingham. Carol has been amassing her collections for over ten years now and the lack of space within her home is stark evidence of her obsession.

Birmingham

The ITV team squeezed themselves and all the camera equipment into her small semi-detached home in Birmingham to showcase her mammoth collections to the nation. With over 70 collections to squeeze into her small home, Carol is rapidly running out of space. Her most treasured collections are:

Over 35,000 Carrier Bags � so many, this collection even has its own room in her home
Over 3,000 Bars of Soap � Carol keeps these in her bedroom because �it makes the room smell nice�
Over 500 Biscuit Tins � her assortment includes ones from all over the world and a vast array of sizes and colours.

Some of Carol�s other cherished items in varying quantities are:

Earrings
Fridge Magnets
Fruit Knives
Fairies
Golf Balls
Glass Pebbles
Glass Sweets
Glass Ornaments
Hat Pins
Hot Water Bottle Covers
Jars
Ice Buckets
Ice Cube Trays

Indoor Bottle Gardens
Keyrings
Kitchen Timers
Letter Openers
Mugs
Marbles
Match Boxes
Postcards
Playing Cards
Paper Weights
Perfume Bottles
Plastic Parrots
Safety Pins

Sequins
Sea Shells
Spectacle Cases
Soap Dishes
Soap Boxes
Spoons
Tins
Tissue Boxes
Tissue Box Covers
Tupperware
Teapots
Toilet Roll Covers
Watches

Reclaim Your Space With Self Storage

Some would say Carol is unique in her hoarding habits but taking into account the UK in general, she is far from alone. Many of us collect, some would say �hoard,� a staggering volume of items each year: with the majority of these items being stored in our homes. But what happens when the collections outgrow your home?

Moving house is an extreme solution but self storage is the most sensible, not to mention cost effective, remedy to any hoarding habit. Renting a room in a self storage facility will enable you to put your collection into storage and reclaim your home to actually live in. Carol�s carrier bag collection occupies and entire room within her home: a room which could be used for other purposes if she put everything into self storage.

Quite rightly, most collectors hold their treasured items with extremely high regard: they wouldn�t collect them if they didn�t! As a result, the intrinsic nature of self storage and the high levels of security associated with these facilities means any avid collector has complete peace of mind their treasures are safe and secure.

So, if you are like Carol and are struggling to actually live in your own home due to the sheer volume of collected items, contact your local self storage facility and see how they can help get some space back into your life.

For more info on Carol's story, visit ITV's Daybreak

Self Storage Instils Confidence Despite Lending Figures

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:17:45 +0100

The latest figures are out this week on the 3rd quarter lending by banks and financial institutions in relation to mortgages. Despite the September figures painting a bleak picture in comparison to August, they are still up 4% on the same period last year. It has been highlighted that many lenders are distancing themselves from those mortgage applicants with small deposits. This has been linked to the supply of credit being restricted to levels beyond their control and unsurprisingly, they are focusing their efforts on mortgage applicants with sizeable deposits, further reducing the lenders� risk.

So, how does this bode with the property market at grass roots level? The outlook for first time buyers and other struggling to get a foot hold on the property ladder is not as favourable as it has been in times gone by. The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has hit the nail on the head with their observations

�The housing market is very sensitive to wider household confidence, and this seems likely to weaken over the coming months in response to the latest spike in consumer prices and headline unemployment figures."

The Bank of England has also issued a warning about mortgages potentially being more expensive if financial institutions fail to raise funds on the wholesale financial market.

The stress these economic situations place on buyers trying to make their first purchase on the property ladders is immense. However, there are ways in which first time buyers can ease the strain, and save money for that all important deposit: the bigger the deposit, the smaller the mortgage. There are several things to be considered but the utilisation of a self storage facility is involved in many of them.

Solutions Through Self Storage

Make as many small changes to your spending habits by analysing each penny spent � do you really need to buy that latte on the way to work?
Make sure you are on the best possible tariff for your energy supply, mobile phone, internet etc
Take advantage of money saving vouchers at the supermarket
Move into a smaller rented property, saving on rent and associated bills
Move-in with relatives, again to save on rent

The first 3 are easily carried out and you will be surprised how much money you can actually save if you make these little changes to your day to day living. The last 2 are somewhat more drastic: moving in with relatives should not be a decision taken lightly! Given the drastic nature of the last 2 points, there are significant lifestyle changes to be made.

One way in which you can ease the stress of these types of situations is to rent a room in a self storage centre. This means only the essential items are taken with you to your new temporary residence which vastly reduces the inevitable overcrowding.

Taking a leap of faith and making these lifestyle changes could mean you get your foot in the door of the property market sooner than you may think!

For more information on the latest lending figures, visit The Bank Of England & Reuters

Christmas Postage and Packaging

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:04:01 +0100

Its fast approaching �that� time of year again: Christmas is literally just round the corner. For most people, it�s the last 2 to 3 weeks before Christmas which are spent running around buying last minute gifts and making sure the greetings cards are distributed to their rightful owners. However, for anyone sending Christmas cards and gifts overseas the panic sets in much sooner.

The physical logistics involved in getting a card or parcel from A to B, especially on an international level, adds time onto the entire process. The key to reducing the time involved, and to make sure your cards and gifts reach their final destination on time, is to make sure the items are posted in plenty of time.

Making sure your cards and gifts reach their final destination in the same condition they were posted in is however a different story. Through the general cycle involved in the postal service, packages and letters get put through several sorting processes, travel on several different types of transport, and are physically handled my countless distribution personnel. The law of averages dictates that due to the sheer volume of items being processed, there will always be a certain percentage which will unfortunately get damaged.

Packaging Tips

In order to prevent any potential damage occurring to your lovingly wrapped gifts, the key is packaging. Correctly packaging your items is crucial if they are expected to arrive in top condition. Below are a few tips on how to make sure your Christmas gifts arrive with loved ones as if you hand delivered them yourself:

Wrap your gifts in Christmas paper so the recipient can actually put them under the tree when the package is delivered, ready for Christmas morning (especially if the gifts are for any over excited children) - this will also provide further protection in transit
Source your packaging materials (self storage operators are a good option) - a sturdy box will allow you to send more than one item at a time and will also save on postage costs
Line the box with bubble wrap � this is lighter than using other materials
Loosely wrap each gift in a layer of bubble wrap
Do not over-fill the box with items � make sure you leave plenty space around each item
Fill ANY void space within the box with pieces of bubble wrap � this will prevent the items moving about within the box
Use strong packing tape to secure the entire box, paying particular attention to the corners
Make a note of every item in the box, especially if you are sending things out with the UK/EU, or to BFPOs � this will prevent any delay in customs and ensure you obtain the correct level of insurance when posting.

For more information and dates regarding Christmas postage dates, please visit Royal Mail

Are You Ready for Winter Storage?

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:02:25 +0100

So we are one week away from the clocks going back and today the North of Britain is experiencing its first significant snow falls. The Indian summer in the South and around Birmingham is over and the time has come to store away all the summer paraphernalia and get ready to put on the winter woollies.

So, as you look at the local weather forecast from home in Yardley, Sheldon, Solihull, or anywhere in the Greater Birmingham area, you see the cold front moving in your direction with the first real weather of the winter. A decision needs to be made about how you will store away all the garden furniture, the summer sports equipment, the trampoline, and the BBQ.

Into Summer Storage for Winter Items

In addition, the onset of winter will mean you have to dig out warmer clothes, wellington boots and possibly your winter sports equipment. The logistics for this change could be simple, providing you have the space. It might just involve a trip to the back of your garage to extract the required belongings, and replace it with all the summer �stuff� which will be put away till the Easter Weekend.

On the other hand, it could be a trip to the attic, or the loft space above the garage or the space under the stairs. The winter goods, once eventually found, will be crumpled and look very much as if they were put away in space too small: you will also be scratching you head wondering how you will get all the summer belongings put away.

Into Winter Storage for Summer Items

So, as you contemplate the onset of winter and deliberate over how to store your belongings in the future remember, Birmingham has a number of self storage operators which could provide the solution to your seasonal storage problem.

The real advantage with self storage is you only rent the space you actually need, for the period you need it. So, instead if building a new garage, or extending the house, taking over a spare room and then finding you did not need all that space, there are operators in an around the Birmingham area with space available and the ability to provide you with your own locked room for the period that you want it for.

The special introductory offers being made by these self storage operators are also not something to be dismissed. You can make some considerable savings: as much as a whole month free in some cases.

Apprenticeships and Flexible Business Units Aid UK Growth

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:29:41 +0100

Have you thought about expanding your business? It�s not likely to be at the forefront of every small business owner�s mind in this current economic climate but, it is something which should be considered. There are several things which would be particularly off putting purely due to their initial cost but the 2 main ones are;

The cost associated with increased staffing levels

The cost of larger or more appropriate business premises

Government Apprenticeships

Dealing with the cost of increased staffing is something which can be done significantly cheaper with the introduction of Government apprenticeship schemes, aimed specifically at engineering and other trade industries. On a visit to the Vauxhall factory in Luton last week, Vince Cable was adamant at dispelling the recently common myths of industry in the UK. Speaking with respect to the student population, �I want to show them there is a future in the engineering industry�

Utilising Government apprenticeship schemes by taking on school leavers and other young individuals is a highly cost effective way to increase productivity. Regardless of what scheme you get involved in, there is a wealth of support on offer from the organisations which run them. Expanding your business operations through your increased workforce is also a significant contributing factor to the continued growth and stability of the UK economy as a whole: highlighted by Dr Cable, �The Government is supporting manufacturing through a modern industry strategy fit for the 21st century.�

Business Units & Workspace

Finding the right premises to run your business operations from is also an essential aspect of individual business, and ultimately economic growth for the entire industry. All too often, businesses are forced into thinking they are bound by expensive lease agreements where by a significant financial commitment is required, and there is no other option.

In recent months, the actual variety of business and workspace options available to small and expanding businesses has been highlighted by the self storage industry. Due to the intrinsic nature of self storage, space is something in abundance: it�s the way in which the space is filled that has seen a change.

More and more self storage operators are offering small businesses the opportunity to rent workspace with little financial commitment, on flexible terms with highly favourable rates. Renting a business unit from a self storage operator has a whole host of benefits including free access, free parking, a space that can change according to your business requirements. The space rented can also serve more than one function: storage, office space, and somewhere to work from.

In light of Vince Cable�s statement highlighting the opportunities for small businesses that are prepared to utilise Government apprenticeship schemes, as well as the variety of flexible business units options on offer from self storage operators, small business growth in the UK hasn�t looked this favourable in a long time.

Latest House Price Index Indicates the Need for Storage in Bolton

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:50:11 +0100

The Quarter 3 House Price Index from the Nationwide shows the North West including Bolton to be the worst performing region in the UK, excluding Northern Ireland. The report indicates that average house prices in this region have dropped the most, by -2.5%: London being the next largest with a 1.9% drop.

Over the last year, there has been a drop in development as house builders are lacking market confidence. The decline in the housing market has meant house movers who want to retain values for their properties have to make sure that their houses are well marketed.

Presentation & Marketing in Bolton

Ensuring properties are properly presented to potential purchasers, falls to the responsibility of the seller. The marketing aspect of the house sale is very much the responsibility of the estate agent and includes an analysis of the web presence of the agent, and how robust their mailing list of prospective purchasers is. In addition, setting the correct price to attract purchasers is very much down to the skill of the agent.

So how can home owners who are looking to sell in Bolton, best influence price and ultimate return on their previous investment? The key is to make sure the property is well presented. The outside of the property should look clean and tidy. If the window frames or gutters need a coat of paint then what should be routine maintenance, should take place.

Self Storage Solutions

Internally, the house needs to look as tidy as possible and any radical decor toned down: the chances of your taste being that of the prospective purchasers, is slim. Therefore making the furniture and fittings internally as neutral as possible is important.

One of the key areas for presenting your house both internally and externally is to make sure the house is as clutter free as possible. If there is storage space on the property then clear as much of possible from around the house into storage.

The self storage options available in Bolton have greatly improved in recent years. The flexible nature of self storage facilities allow a seller to take the space for the length of time to suit; if the property sells, you can end the storage agreement. Self storage operators are experienced in making sure the customer takes the right size of storage room and they can advise you on the best options to suit your requirements.

If properties in the North West are a) well presented by the seller, and b) well marketed by the agent, there is a possibility this area won�t feature in the bottom half of the House Price Index.

Unaffordable Rents Squeezing Storage Space

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:10:23 +0100

We hear every day how first time buyers are struggling more than ever to get on to the property ladder, but little is mentioned about rental market. The availability of private rented accommodation which is within the realistic realms of affordability is almost non-existent in some areas of England. Although the levels of rent are relative to levels of income in each area, the differences are fairly staggering.

Using a 2 bed property as the basis of these comparisons, due to it being the most popular sized property to be rented out throughout the entire country, the results are as follows:

Most Expensive � Kensington & Chelsea areas of London, �2,714 per calendar month
Least Expensive � Burnley in Lancashire, �394 per calendar month

With private rents increasing over and above the rate of inflation by approximately 1.5 times, it is little wonder only 12% of the areas in England are considered to have affordable rent prices. CE of the housing and homeless charity highlighted the very real social impact of rising rental prices to Channel 4 News �... the impact of affordable rent is more dramatic.
�With no cheaper alternative, ordinary people are forced to uproot and move away from jobs, schools and families.�

The Social Impact of Storage Space

The social impact of the reduction in affordable housing is significant, but there are ways in which families and individuals can down-size to a manageable level if they are forced to move to a smaller property. This is becoming increasingly common: where space is sacrificed to allow an individual or family to live in a particularly desirable area. Moving from a large property to a smaller one immediately poses the problem of where to put any furniture that won�t fit.

The most cost effective thing to do is sell all your unwanted items but doing this in the midst of your house move is a little more than impractical. The sensible steps to take when dealing with a reduction in your living space go as follows:

Find your new property
Work out what essential items you will be taking to your new home
Decide what is getting sold
On the day of your move, put everything being sold into a self storage facility
Once you are settled into your new home, advertise your items for sale in local directories on and off-line
The flexible and free to access self storage unit will act as an easy to find collection point for any buyer � you control who accesses your space keeping everything safe
Keep your self storage space for as long as you take to sell your items

So, if you need to re-locate and sacrifice space there are ways in which you can make the situation work for you. De-cluttering your life, as well as making a small profit from the sale of all your unnecessary items is all made possible by the provision of local self storage facilities.

Chris Evans Dedicates Show to Homes That Are Turning into Storage Facilities

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:15:58 +0100

This morning�s Chris Evans Breakfast Show was dedicated to houses being used for storage. In our modern life we all accumulate an incredible amount of belongings and possessions, many of which never get used or even see the light of day. Using the Breakfast Show as an opportunity, Chris Evans pointed out to over 9 million listeners that their homes had become storage facilities.

Storage to a point?

So does Chris have a point? Well, there is no doubt in the modern age where everything is �disposable� we still find it difficult to throw anything out. Our natural inclination is to hold onto our possessions and not to throw them away. The castor on a chair may break, the mother board on a computer is finished, the children out grow their bicycles, the skis are replaced by a modern pair: the list is endless. What do we do with all this stuff? We stuff it into every corner of our homes: proving Chris� point about our houses becoming storage facilities to be a valid one.

Eventually this problem can become so acute; the family has to look at all the options open to them. The typical ones to be considered are wholly relevant to the size of the problem but some are listed below:

Find more space in the attic, garage, and spare room � but eventually this will run out
Build a new garage or room for storage � expensive and not always possible
Ask one of the children or member of the family to leave the house to free up a spare room � a little radical and not so good for family harmony
Move to a house with more room � Probably complete over-kill
Find a local self storage operator

So if Chris� dedication applies to you and you want your home back, then its possible self storage is for you. Being able to clear-out all the stuff you have accumulated over the years, and be able to retrieve it should the moment arise. Self storage is a very flexible option too: the size of storage room you rent depends on the amount you want to store. As your needs change, you can alter the storage room size you have thus ensuring you control the cost.

The cost associated with using a self storage facility is a bit of a sticking point given the country�s current economic state of affairs, but this need not be the case. Yes, renting self storage unit costs money (little in life is for free!) but it is a sensible and sometimes the only option available to individuals. The housing market is somewhat unpredictable at the moment and those involved in it are often let down at the last minute when the chain collapses. At this point, using self storage is the only option.

Choosing Self Storage in Birmingham

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:22:32 +0100

Birmingham, known as UK�s �second city� has lagged behind much of the South East of Britain, where the provision of self storage is concerned. It has only been in the last 3 years that purpose-built storage facilities have been developed in the Birmingham area. Due to this recent influx of self storage provision, the consumer now has a choice of operators to be aware of. Here, we hope to enable the consumer to make an educated decision when choosing a self storage operator in Birmingham

Location of Storage Centre

One of the common key drivers for choosing a self storage centre is a convenient location. Convenience does not only mean in close proximity to your business or home: is it easy to get in and out of, and can delivery drivers and removal men find it with ease? Higher quality storage centres tend to be on main arterial routes in and out of the city such as; the A45 to the East of the city and the A41 Black Country New Road, to the West of the city. An obvious temptation is to use operators in the city centre itself: this can prove difficult when accessing the storage centre through city centre congestion.

Secure Storage

When putting belongings into a storage unit one aspect to consider is security. Clearly this can be driven by location and if the centre is located in a rundown area it is marginally more likely to have security problems. However, security is also a function of investment by the storage operator. A modern, professional storage centre will have:

A comprehensive CCTV system
Personal Identification System (PIN) for access
A sophisticated digital alarm system, and most importantly
Good security procedures which are well understood and carried out by conscientious staff - a good way to measure security levels is to see how comprehensive and thorough the checking in a checking out procedure is for all customers.

Dry, Clean & Modern

This is a simple matter of common sense. When you visit the centre you will be able to tell very quickly if the centre is dry and clean. The effect of this is to ensure that your belongings will be well looked after while they are in storage.

Value for Money Self Storage

Finally one has to consider the �cost� of self storage to allow budget plans to be put in place. All operators price self storage in different ways, with most offering some form of initial discount. The key is to establish how much space (approximately) you require and then make sure the facilities provided by your chosen operator will ensure your belongings are safe. The price that you will pay will then depend on the length of time you need the storage for and the amount of space that you require.

Self Storage Stops the Squeeze on Small Businesses

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:16:45 +0100

The plight of small businesses and their options regarding commercial borrowing from the main UK banks is as arduous as ever. Small and medium sized businesses are finding it harder and harder to secure borrowing from the high street banks, and those who have been able to borrow are put under ever increasing pressure to re-structure their borrowing.

There are several highlighted cases of small to medium sized businesses being forced to radically overhaul their finances at very short notice. During what can only be described as a �major squeeze� on small business operations by banks and lenders, the question of �how will we survive?� is being asked by many a business owner.

Banks Vs Business Expansion

The automatic removal of overdraft facilities from small businesses by some large banking institutions has caused anguish for many. Business overdrafts, according to the banks, are being used as long-term borrowing by too many so they have automatically replaced these with high interest loans. These actions are doing little other than causing up-set in the small business world: ultimately preventing any further or planned expansion.

One way in which small businesses can ease the burden of charges and interest rates imposed by their banks is to re-consider their day to day business operations: without the need for staff redundancies. One of the biggest overheads for any business operations is property and premises: this need not be the case.

Self Storage Offers A Solution

Self storage providers have the luxury of space, as well as the foresight to offer diversified products such as office and business unit rental in addition to their self storage offering. The rates offered by these operators are extremely favourable and without the need to pay business rates, renting a space within these facilities becomes an ever viable option. The flexible nature of these agreements mean there is no long-term commitment placed on the tenant: the expansion of any business is therefore not as much of a risk.

Although it is unfortunate small and medium sized businesses are being forced into these situations by the UK banks, self storage providers are on hand to ensure any future ventures are as risk free as possible. Re-locating your operations into a business unit and/or office rented from a self storage provider ensures peace of mind, as well as extremely good value for money: significant savings can be made to the day to day operating costs if this option is considered over a long-term lease.

Knowing the flexibility of your business unit agreement is in place will allow you to focus your attention on more pressing matters such as order and obligation fulfilment

Affordable Flexible Business Units Building Stability In The Construction Industry

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:21:22 +0100

Small businesses and sole traders can ease the constraints of the harsh economic climate if their working environment was reconsidered. One of the hardest to be hit at the very beginning of the current recession the UK is currently floundering in was the construction industry. This had a direct impact on associated trades such as plumbers, electricians, plasterers, roofing contractors, joiners: the list is endless. Operating as a small business has its constraints and needs to ensure all overheads are as streamlined as possible to maximise profit.

One of the biggest squeezes on operating budgets of trades-people is the cost of property and premises. Being tied-in by lengthy expensive leases can sometimes prove to be the demise of an otherwise profitable business. Finding suitable workspace is a headache for most companies due to the number of things to be considered, not to mention cost.

Essential Business Unit Attributes

Easy access & central location
Security
Power and lighting
Office space
Storage for materials & equipment
Space to work & handle materials safely

Previously, sourcing a business unit which met all of the above criteria was not an always an easy task, and affordable premises were few and far between. Due to the economic down turn, businesses in most industries are having to adapt and diversify in order to stay ahead of the game. Self storage operators are no different.

Fortunately for small businesses, particularly trades-people, self storage facilities are now offering business units and workspace on highly flexible terms and on the whole affordable rates. Given the intrinsic nature of self storage provision, space is a commodity in abundance. As a rule self storage centres are centrally located, are designed specifically with the customer in mind with regard to accessibility (large loading areas, free to use moving equipment, and ample free parking), they have extended opening hours with some offering 24hr access as well as high levels of digital security and monitored CCTV.

Self Storage Offering Business Unit Rental

The business units offered by self storage operators are incredibly flexible and can fulfil more than one function, for example a business unit can contain; an office workstation, storage for materials and equipment, as well as provide ample working space to handle materials safely. With each customer using their own exclusive room and individual PIN code access, security is not even an issue. The central location is ideal, especially if there are a number of employees who need access to the business unit: cutting your company�s fuel, as well as property costs. Also, with facilities being staffed during opening hours, business support can be given and there is always someone around to accept deliveries: no more chasing suppliers and courier companies

Business Unit Terms

The terms offered by self storage operators for business units are extremely flexible. There are no long-term leases and the amount of space rented can be altered at any time. If there is a sudden requirement for extra space, it can be rented on a short-term basis to allow a large project to be fulfilled. A reputable storage company will recognise that each small business is different and therefore needs different problems solved: a specifically tailored quote and package should therefore be offered to each business considering their current workspace provision.

Self storage operators should therefore be used as an untapped resource where finding a suitable business unit to run your business from. Rescue your garage and home from the clutter of paperwork, or gain the freedom from cramped working conditions by renting a business unit from a self storage provider.

Self Storage Saving Winchester Solar Panels

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:55:08 +0100

The initial plan in Hampshire was to become more �environmentally friendly� by means of solar panels, set to be installed on roofs around Hampshire, has now been as good as scrapped. Housing bosses in Winchester have decided the installation of solar panels, which would generate electricity, promote sustainable living and have a financial benefit to the local council, is not as cost effective as they once perceived. Potentially through lack of foresight, the long-term maintenance solutions for Council owned properties were not considered until after the bids were retuned.

It was originally thought that a commercial company would pay for the installation and maintenance of the panels on 1000 -1500 homes around Hampshire with no cost on the council. After the installation process, the commercial company would receive Government incentives over a 25 year period if the electricity was fed to the Nation Grid. However, despite the bid being put out to tender, the council could not find any suitable applicants willing to offer an economically viable proposal.

A member of the Council was quoted as saying �The prices that came back from our tender were not what we were expecting. In fact, they were four times less than what we were thinking we would receive, which is quite a significant difference.
�The long-term financial viability of the scheme was brought into question. If we had to repair a roof, then the costs of doing so would be more than the financial benefit we would receive for having the panel there�

Due to the fact the Council was bound by EU legislation to offer the tender to all suitable companies in the EU, several viable applicants retracted their bid. The Council has now confirmed they may go ahead with a smaller scale scheme in Stanmore if this proposal is officially scrapped.

Commercially Sustainable Self Storage

So what will happen to the solar panels? Self storage facilities can offer long and short term licence agreements for storage rental, and the units are quick and easy to access as well as being secure. Self storage units offer an optimum environment to ensure no damage is caused to any item being stored. It would be sensible for Hampshire Council to consider self storage as an option if they do decide to set-up up a small-scale solar panel project.

On a long-term basis self storage, due to its flexible nature, could be utilised throughout any maintenance projects being carried out on Council owned properties with solar panels as part of their structure. Self storage facilities are centrally located and would provide an ideal working base for Council operatives carrying out essential maintenance work.

Self Storage for Birmingham Retailers

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:36:08 +0100

As the Christmas shopping season approaches, retailers across Birmingham and the UK are planning their Christmas campaigns. Generally the season begins in mid October and builds to a peak the weekend before Christmas. Once Christmas is over the sale season starts: finishing towards the end of January. The challenge for all retailers is to make sure they have a suitable supply chain in place to take advantage of the peak selling period of the year.

In some sectors such as toys and consumer electronics the ten week holiday period can account for as much as 80% of annual sales. Although this particular period presents an opportunity for retailers, it also poses a threat: the potential for an unstructured supply chain causing disruption, and ultimately lost sales, is high. Ensuring sufficient stock levels are held, where they can be accessed as and when demand requires it is essential for any retailer wanting to maximise the Christmas sales period

Birmingham�s Storage Solution

A new solution has been sought by some retailers in Birmingham in the form of self storage. In recent years, a number of self storage centres have been established in the Birmingham area to provide short-term, flexible, and quality storage space: ideal for retailers. The principle advantage is a retailer can rent the amount of space specifically required, for the period they require it. In addition, the amount of space rented can be changed as necessary so the cost can be controlled at all times. So for example, in October a retailer may rent 500sq ft to store stock and then as Christmas approaches increase the size to 1,000sq ft before reducing it to 500sq ft for the discounted sales period in the New Year.

Storage Security

Most storage centres are now well equipped with pallet trucks, trolleys and covered loading areas enabling retail companies the ability to deliver and uplift goods in a professional manner: the self storage centre becomes a mini-distribution centre. In addition, storage centres offer a high level of digital security, monitored CCTV and insist each customer has a unique access PIN code to allow for monitoring of activity on site at all times. Many storage centres offer their business customers access to the centre out-with regular office hours, and parts of the storage centre operate on 24 hour access basis.

This new service has provided Birmingham�s retailers with the opportunity to reduce costs of stocking for the Christmas period while increasing the flexibility in the way they work; making it much more likely they will improve the service to their customers.

Southampton Self Storage Provides Safe Haven For Boat Owners

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:47:42 +0100

This weekend saw the 43rd Southampton Boat Show take place: the UK�s leading outdoor boat show. The show provides the ideal opportunity for exhibitors from all over the world to show off the latest innovations from the marine leisure industry. Despite the difficult economic times it would appear boat owners are still looking at ways to improve the way in which they enjoy their pastime. The Show ran for 10 days and experienced the attendance of approximately 111, 017 visitors which proved encouraging when sales were tallied-up.

With over 580 exhibitors showcasing their wares, the diversity of the marine leisure industry was evident. Much more than just boats were on sale: essential safety equipment, clothing, items to make certain aspects of sailing and boat operations easier, quicker and cleaner. The list of peripheral items required for sailing is endless. However, as much as most of them are actually necessary, they are only necessary in certain situations: largely dictated by weather conditions when out on the water.

The Storage Limits on Boats

With limited space on any vessel the practicality of bringing everything you own, all of the time is an exercise in futility. All mariners will know careful planning and close attention being paid to the weather forecast is essential in the preparation for any boating trip. This coupled with the use of self storage facilities ensures only the necessary items are taken for any one particular trip out onto the water.

Self Storage For Boat Owners is Limitless

Boat owners in Southampton can benefit from using self storage in many ways. Firstly, any items purchased in relation to being a boat owner tend not to be cheap. Storing expensive equipment on your boat leaves both your boat and the equipment at risk from theft. If the items are stored within a secure self storage facility ensures peace of mind your expensive items are as safe as can be.

Secondly, the flexibility of self storage is beneficial to the boat owning community given the seasonality of the pastime. The winter months are not generally favoured as �peak� sailing times and tend to be when any repairs are carried out on the vessel itself. Crucial safety checks can also be carried out on the rest of the equipment: most easily and comfortably done somewhere clean, dry & secure with adequate lighting. Self storage in Southampton provides the ideal location for such activities as well as the ability to change the size of storage room rented whenever the requirement arises: ensuring you only pay for what you need.

Attendance at the Show was down approximately 9% on 2010 figures but sales were still strong, despite the current economic climate in the UK. Self storage provision in Southampton has improved in recent years and now offers the flexible, affordable self storage solutions which are ideally suited to the boat owning community.

More information on the Southampton Boat Show

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Self Storage in Luton Helps Removal Companies Beat The Competition in North London

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:12:03 +0100

Since the economic crash in 2008, the housing market has been depressed. This has been caused by the banks� lack of liquidity and their reluctance to provide finance to entities in the form of mortgages. This, combined with a significant drop in house prices (as much as 25% in some locations), has resulted in a slow to non-existent housing market. In addition, businesses have been reducing their costs: slowing the economy even further. This has resulted in the number of businesses looking to re-locate, falling into line with domestic home movers.

This downturn in property transactions has significantly impacted on other industries: one directly affected has been the removals industry. This has resulted in consolidation within the industry, forcing a number of smaller businesses to disappear. Removal companies have been forced to review their method of operation, and ensure they are managing their cost base effectively so they remain competitive with other operators.

One of the key services offered by removal companies is storage. Many operators own or lease buildings to store the contents of houses or business premises for their clients. However, a new trend has developed: partnerships are being formed with self storage operators. Self storage operators can provide flexible storage services, allowing removal companies to focus on actual removals.

Benefits of a Self Storage and Removal Company Partnership

Removal Company

Capital is not tied-up in land and property
Day to day running costs of a large building no longer need to be considered

Self Storage Operator

Increased capacity within the self storage centre
An additional service can be offered to their customers who may require a removal service by means of a referral scheme

The best example of this type of practice can be found in North London where the cost of property is very high. Removal companies are partnering with self storage operators in Luton, therefore not having to carry the significant costs of property which North London attracts. The other advantage to removal companies is their new found ability to pass the charge of the self storage onto their customer without carrying the cost of unused space.

Self storage operators have combated the reduction in storage requirements of both domestic and business customers by offering work space as well as storage. As this is difficult for removal companies to compete with as their buildings are not usually set up to offer this service. The essential requirement is for removal companies to work in partnership with self storage operators so they can provide their customers with a fully tailored service.

Fighting Fit Bolton Self Storage

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:04:31 +0100

Every time you turn on a television, read a newspaper, look at a magazine, you are faced with svelt, toned models. Although everyone knows images are airbrushed, it is safe to assume these models spend some amount of time in the gym: trying to get their bodies into shape, and ultimately improve their image. The result is a booming fitness industry in the UK with gyms, offering a vast range of services, popping up in every city.

Self Storage Operators Have Space

At one extreme end of the scale, these gyms can provide a full spa or health club type service with restaurant, health club, and swimming pool and gym facilities. At the other end of the scale, you have the traditional gym, where the hard-core fitness fanatics workout. Although these particular facilities may not have someone handing out water and fresh towels, but the atmosphere and surroundings provide the ideal location for any dedicated fitness fanatic to workout.

Self Storage in Bolton Meets Demand

As the pressure mounts to find premises to accommodate the increasing demand for people looking for gyms, a range of options for suitable buildings are on offer. Although self storage is far from an obvious choice it often has the right infrastructure for providing gym facilities. In Bolton, many self storage operators have based themselves in old, refurbished Mills: this type of building provides an ideal environment for locating a gymnasium.

Egyptian Mill, for example, is located close to the city centre, just off Higher Bridge Street which is on a main bus route. The building has an enormous amount of space on 5 floors with ample parking outside. A gymnasium operator would be able provide their customers with an ideal environment for training and fitness if they were located within such a facility.

Local sports clubs can also benefit from the facilities a self storage centre has to offer. Amir Khan started his career in the boxing clubs of Bolton: a self storage operator in Bolton could provide sporting clubs of this nature with suitable premises to relocate to, or establish themselves in.

There are examples of gyms operating in self storage centres around the country: this month a gym opened for business in a storage centre in central Birmingham. Once again, the advantages of utilising self storage facilities as somewhere to establish a gym or training facility are: Location, utilities, easy access and ample parking. A reputable self storage operator will work with the gym operator to ensure the best possible service is provided for the end user.

Boost for West Midlands and Self Storage

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:16:13 +0100

Indian firm Tata, owner of Jaguar Land Rover has announced a significant investment in the Wolverhampton area, boosting the flagging local economy. Confirmed as one of several new enterprise zones in July, the 120 hectare site at the 154 business park near the M54 will enable workers to build low-emission engines: �355 million will be invested by the luxury carmaker.

This news is being embraced by the local economy, and the nation as a whole. Recent economic conditions have proven difficult for every level of society, especially businesses. Vince Cable declared the current crisis �the economic equivalent of war� at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Birmingham this week.

Understated Recovery Facilitated By Self Storage

It would appear the news of the investment being made by Jaguar Land Rover has fallen on deaf ears and the political scaremongering has stolen the spotlight. To ignore the benefits an investment like this will bring to the local economy, as well as the nation in general, would be entirely wrong. Bob Nason, Union Plant Convenor in Solihull, highlights how far the company has come in a very long 2 year period, �I think it�s testament not only to the current workforce in the sacrifices they�ve made during these two years, but also I think its testament to Tata�s commitment to fulfilling a promise to create thousands of new jobs here in the UK�

Although the situation is far from solved, the seeds of the recovery process are being sewn. With the creation of new jobs, more money will automatically flow into the local economy: ultimately enabling individuals, families and businesses to prosper. The growth of the economy goes hand in hand with the housing and property market. Businesses, such as self storage centres are diversifying their product and service ranges in an attempt to facilitate this growth period.

Self Storage Offering Workspace & Offices

Self storage operators are now in a position to provide affordable business units and office space, rented on flexible licence agreements. This allows smaller businesses, who would otherwise be put off by the prospect of signing a long-term lease on a property, to take advantage of the improving monetary conditions.

It would fair to speculate that the end of the UK economic crisis is far from over but it is also essential to acknowledge the recovery process beginning. With the investment from Jaguar Land Rover, coupled with other industries such as self storage diversifying, the future stability of the West Midlands is on the horizon.

Birmingham Beyond Self Storage

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:07:23 +0100

Located in the heart of England, Birmingham's role as the country�s �second city� is as important as ever in leading the country through these difficult economic times. In recognition of this challenge, three organisations which are set to provide a pivotal role in this strategy are moving under one roof.

Baskerville House in Centenary Square beside the new Library is the prime location in question. The three organisations taking residence in this iconic building are: Marketing Birmingham, Finance Birmingham and Birmingham Forward. All with a common objective, the centralised relocation of these organisations will provide for greater communication and an improved ability to drive the city out of these recessionary times.

Small and medium sized businesses are the key focus of these organisations: it has been recognised, and clearly understood that to effectively stimulate the business economy of the region SMEs are of key importance. Over �10million pounds has been allocated by Birmingham City Council to help the small and medium sized businesses: it is important key factors to drive their success are invested in and nurtured for the future.

To help SMEs operate in the region, property stock needs to be addressed. Rather than the traditional concept of leasing premises and being tied into a long-term agreement, self storage operators should be considered as an untapped resource. Self Storage is often looked at as primarily a storage function however, operators have diversified their centres over time and now there is a real focus on providing businesses what they want.

Beyond Self Storage

Workspace: A tenant can rent a unit which will be fitted out with a workbench and a power supply as necessary. This provides a good working environment for the likes of an e-commerce start up, e-Bay traders, or just a business needing to expand from �the front room or garage� and requires a more organised space.
Business Unit: Many centres can provide a unit with 24 hour access and allow vehicles to pull up alongside for deliveries and the like.
Office Space: Storage units can be fitted out as an affordable office space with space for a desk and a power supply being installed as necessary. This provides excellent value for money and allows the tenant to use the facilities provided by the storage centre.

Key Advantages of SMEs & Self Storage

The units are let on a flexible licence agreement. As a result tenants can either downsize or up-scale their space requirements easily
The self storage centre�s reception are staffed whenever the centre is open which provides business support for tenants
Security throughout self storage centres is high: CCTV and PIN code access generally come as standard features.
Storage centres have been designed with the customer in mind making then highly accessible: large loading areas, ample car parking, and enough space to allow for HGVs

With this type of infrastructure and the ability to support many types of business use, self storage is at the forefront of getting the economy of Birmingham moving. The placing of three important organisations under one roof is underpinned by self storage operators who can provide property for small and medium sized businesses to grow and thrive within.

Integration of Self Storage as a Sustainable Urban Ecosystem Service

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:39:46 +0100

It has been shown that different urbanisation policies have different varying impacts on a region�s ecosystem. In urban areas there is an increase in housing and services: dense housing leads to an increase in concrete and other impervious composites which reduce flood mitigation. In relation to this, some studies show that lower density housing does not affect the flood mitigation but does have different effects on the environment as a whole, including a reduction in the land mass available for uses such as carbon storage.

Southampton & Sheffield Findings

The study in question was a joint effort conducted by the University of Southampton and the University of Sheffield, and its findings were presented to the British Ecological Society (BES) at the last meeting, held at Sheffield University. Cities are continually growing and evolving: it was noted that a city�s evolutionary path was difficult to predict due to each one having different needs resulting in them expanding in different ways

The study showed two different scenarios �Densification� and �Sprawl�; these two scenarios were based on classifications which can be found in the UK land cover map. The �Densification� scenario covered areas which are inhabited by a dense urban population whereas �sprawl� involved lower population density, suburban areas.

The �Densification� scenario highlighted the fact that within largely populated areas (such as cities) there are less �green� spaces but they do accommodate more people. The �Sprawl� scenario, on the other hand, shows that there is more �green� space readily available.

National Statistics show that the population is estimated to grow by 16% by 2013. With calculations being based on 2006 figures, that is an estimated population of approximately 70 million. Taking these figures into consideration the two scenarios of �Densification� and �Sprawl� may have an effect on a significant volume of people and as a result the ecosystem services necessary to sustain them, such as

Agricultural Production
Carbon Storage in Soil
Flood Mitigation

�Densification� is perceived to have a negative impact on all the services listed above. By building more houses and services the land cannot be used for agriculture, or carbon storage; disturbing the land itself removes any carbon stored within it. Urban areas may have more drainage and sewerage systems but the increase in concrete and asphalt mean flood mitigation may be compromised resulting in urban areas running a higher risk of becoming flooded.

�Sprawl� will benefit from the services listed as there is more green space readily available. The soil will be less disturbed in �Sprawl� areas due to the abundance of green space including parks and gardens: carbon storage is ultimately more successful in these areas. Areas of �Sprawl� are also less likely to become flooded due to the volume of green space; increased levels of undisturbed soil provide somewhere for rain water to be absorbed and held for longer periods, reducing the potential of flooding

Dr. Eigenbrod stated �If you have these bigger cities with a lot of green space, then they are bigger. So then, of course, land that could be used by wilder natural habitats or for agricultural production is lost. The challenge is to have smart cities that are quite dense so they do not take up too much space and do not have the disadvantages of sprawls (longer commuting distances etc), but still have enough green spaces that give all these benefits for people living there, including flood mitigation services.�

Self Storage Integration

From this study it would appear that people who live in cities are more at risk of flooding and their property being damaged. Also, with cities increasing and the population density being higher then city residents are often forced to sacrifice space to live in the particular location of their desires. Self storage facilities are a practicable solution to both these concerns. Dr. Eigenbrod also suggested urban ecosystem services are an under-researched topic: self storage services could be integrated into further studies as a sustainable option for urbanised areas suffering from ecosystem service constraints.

For more info - BBC

Southampton Self Storage & Solar Panels

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:24:53 +0100

Today, society in general is more aware and educated about the environment: going green and minimising their carbon footprint. As a result, local authorities are being forced to implement measures to ensure the environmental concerns of their constituents are pacified, as well as maintaining the expected levels of service provision within strict budgetary constraints. Eastleigh Borough Council is one of the local authorities leading by example and is exploiting the sunshine by installing 288 solar panels as part of a recent green scheme.

Self Storage & Solar Panels

Fleming Park Leisure Centre is the chosen location for the solar panels to be situated: at a cost of �185,000 to Eastleigh Borough Council. Creating a potential annual income of approximately �25,000 through the generation of over 62,000kWh of energy, the profitability is achieved through the Government backed Feed-in Tariff which allows any excess energy to be sold to the National Grid

Mr Huhne stated: �This is a good example of a scheme that will generate electricity from a renewable source that is great for the environment, the borough and the country. It will also provide the council with a significant income stream and help reduce their CO2 emissions.�

Eastleigh Borough Council cabinet member for the Environment, Louise Bloom, added: �Since the scheme started on July 30 we have generated on average around 200 kWh of electricity per day � so in less than a month we�ve already generated enough energy to power a house for a year. We encourage other local organisations to follow our lead.�

Eastleigh Borough Council is leading by example and looks set to profit not just financially but environmentally too. However, these projects are not without fault and necessary maintenance requirements. To ensure the maximum output from a solar panel it must be replaced after a certain period of time. As with most commodities, economies of scale play a role: buying in bulk reduces the individual unit cost significantly. Bulk buying of any product raises several issues, namely the storage of the items in question.

Self Storage & Economies of Scale

Economies of scale may reduce the unit cost but storing these items safely and securely is as much of a concern as the cost itself. These are sensitive electrical items with calibrated digital components which must be stored in an environment which will make sure they remain in full working order until the need to replace a panel arises.

Self storage facilities are a practicable option for any storage requirements but their utilisation is ever more advantageous when it comes to storing sensitive electrical equipment. Self storage rooms are not only available in a variety of sizes, they are clean, dry and secure. Items are therefore stored in a controlled environment, ensuring their longevity for whatever their intended outcome may be. Aside from electrical components, solar panels are made predominantly from glass: a fragile component if ever there was one so keeping these safe whilst in storage is a factor which must also be considered.

Self storage in Southampton is a service which is offered by a number of operators to both local authorities and the general public as a whole. The community within Southampton can also dedicate themselves to the environmental cause by using self storage facilities. Storing items seasonally will reduce waste, free-up valuable space within the home, aid towards the reduction of society�s carbon footprint.

Bolton Self Storage Is A Viable Option

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:51:39 +0100

Bolton Self Storage - Cost Effective Solution

A painting, bought by Bolton Council in 1912 for �150 was sold last week for a staggering �120,000. The painting in question was by Scottish artist, Robert Gemmell Hutchinson and is titled �Sea Gulls and Sapphire Seas�. This is not the only painting to be sold: approx 35 pieces of artwork are also being sold to enable the council to pay for a new museum and storage facility. To date, the sale of artwork has raised over �300,000 with more items due to reach the auction houses later this month.

The decision to sell the paintings was not taken lightly but unfortunately Bolton City Council is not exempt from the current economic crisis which has hit the UK: their budget for the next 2 years has been cut by �60m.

Improving Storage Facilities

The sale of this particular painting has aroused significant interest from the general public due to the restrictions imposed on public galleries which prevent them from selling pieces artwork. The Museums Association rules state public galleries are only allowed to sell paintings in �exceptional circumstances� and if a painting is sold, any monies received from the sale must go towards improving the remaining collection: in this particular situation the proceeds are going toward improving the actual storage of the remaining items held within the council�s collection.

In cases like this, artwork is being sold in order to fund the improvement of storage facilities for the remaining collection held by Bolton City Council. However, the decision makers have potentially missed a more obvious, and cost effective solution to their problems by omitting the possibility of using a self storage facility within Bolton itself.

The general day to day up-keep of a building, especially one which houses artwork and antiques is no mean feat. Paintings and other artwork must be kept in storage whereby the optimum temperature and humidity are controlled within strict parameters to prevent damage and ensure the longevity of the items themselves. Security is also another factor to be considered for anything being stored, especially valuable prices of art.

Self Storage Is A Viable Solution

Self storage facilities already have these parameters in place to ensure anything stored there remains clean, dry and secure. The utilisation of a Bolton self storage centre could potentially save the council thousands regarding their art collection storage. This would allow for a reallocation of funds to other cash starved public services provided by the council further improving the communities of Bolton in general.

Bolton Self Storage Plays a Role in 2011 Core Strategy

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:06:33 +0100

In August 2011 the Core Strategy for Bolton was published by the Council. The principal findings included a widening gap between rich and poor but most importantly, the population is predicted to grow by 8% over the next 25 years: from 262,400 in 2006 to 282,700 in 2031. The strategy identifies areas of deprivation and highlights the volume of work required to improve the economy of the borough. The town centre is a key area for development and included in the strategy is focus on providing space for small businesses which would include office space and small industrial units.

Bolton has a number of key advantages for attracting businesses to relocate there. The Core Strategy identifies transport links to the motorway network are vastly more convenient than central Manchester locations, and rail links mean trains can be in London in two and half hours. The core of businesses already located in the town will provide a stable hub for future growth. Businesses include the likes of AXA, The Royal Bank of Scotland, The NHS, E-ON, and many respected solicitors and accountants: Bolton has many of the advantages of a larger populous such as Manchester, but without the costs.

However, to build the economy Bolton needs the current small businesses to thrive and grow into medium size businesses. In order to achieve this, small businesses need to be able to access premises with flexible terms and affordable rates. Bolton self storage operators provide a good solution for small businesses to get started: units can be rented which enable businesses to have workspace, business units, storage, with some self storage centres offering offices as well. This infrastructure is supported by a fully manned reception to provide business support, a high level of security, and a good clean and working environment.

In addition, small start-up businesses are assisted by the flexible terms offered by self storage operators. Short-term licence agreements are available which allow businesses to either increase or decrease the size of unit they need at short notice, and do not tie them into long term agreements which could hamper the strategic growth prospects of the business. Due to the nature of self storage providers business operations, combinations of units can be taken, for example an e-commerce start up could take 500sq ft of storage space and then run their business from 150sq ft of adjoined office space.

As Bolton looks to adopt its Core Strategy for the future, the property requirements of the business community need to be delivered: self storage can provide start-up and small businesses with a structurally sound stepping stone to secure the town�s future.

Archive Storage Aids Economic Recovery in Birmingham

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:03:11 +0100

The Bibby Employer Survey for autumn 2011 has highlighted the fact that business directors, across Birmingham and the West Midlands, are being held back by the increasing volume of �red-tape� they have to comply with for all aspects of their business activities.

This bureaucracy is increased even further with continual changes to legislation: time taken to study and implement these changes within the workplace is putting increasing strain on the day to day operations of all businesses. The managing director of, Bibby Consulting and Support commented on the survey,

�most notably, company after company in our survey railed against stifling bureaucracy. They felt that the piles of red tape were getting higher and would inevitably keep on growing.�

The Coalition Government has made the reduction of red-tape a central plank of their economic strategy in an attempt to boost the economy. This strategy, as with any, is easier said than done: it requires a significant change in mind set across all parts of Government and society as a whole. Until such a change is made, the economy in Birmingham and across the West Midlands is being held back. As the clouds of a double-dip recession loom on the horizon, the need to reduce red tape and form filling increases further.

Not only does bureaucracy hold back businesses due to the time it takes to complete various forms and comply with the legislation, it also takes up physical space within the organisation. Every business has to complete the forms, process them, then has a legal obligation to retain these documents for a predetermined number of years: in some cases decades. This raises challenges with respect to how these documents are stored in such a way they can be easily retrieved at a later date, should a change in legislation or request from an official require it.

Larger businesses use well established data management companies who help digitise this information and then keep the original document off-site, in a large warehouse. Smaller establishments look to store the documents on-site: this takes up valuable space within the working environment and can even pose a Health & Safety risk if not managed correctly.

In Birmingham there are self storage facilities which provide cost effective solutions for businesses facing the prospect of dealing with vast volumes of paper. The solution involves renting a self storage unit to house the archived documents, and if required arranging for the necessary racking (shelving) to be put in place. The key advantage to using self storage is flexibility: more or less space can be rented as the demand changes. Another significant plus point is retrieval costs are non-existent, allowing for the utilisation of self storage to be budgeted for.

Should the Coalition Government�s strategy to reduce bureaucracy actually be achieved, the volume of archive storage required will reduce: the flexibility offered by self storage operators therefore provides an efficient solution.

Self Storage in Birmingham A Solution for Developing Free Schools

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:23:55 +0100

This month sees the opening of Birmingham�s first free school in Handsworth. Nishkam Primary School is the result of two derelict night clubs being converted into one of the 24 Free Schools to be opened in England this autumn. The School is a multi-faith school for the Midlands and has a Sikh ethos.

The task of developing a new school has fallen upon a variety of tradesmen and volunteers who have worked endlessly to make sure the September deadline was met. The school is being praised by the coalition Government as �a flagship free school�

As the concept develops more and more communities will look to follow the Nishkam example. Developing a school for any community is a daunting task and getting the facilities in place is �key� to the success of the school. The project involves a high level of organisation and it all has to be done within a very limited budget. Clearly volunteers are crucial but in addition tradesman need to be involved to create the correct infrastructure.

The School also needs to be fully equipped with desks, computers, sports equipment; the list is endless. In order to both develop and equip the school it is necessary to have storage space so as to help with the smooth running of the project. Self storage facilities in Birmingham provide a good solution as the space that can be rented by any organisation is entirely flexible.

At some points in the development phase of the free school it may be necessary to have a large amount of storage space. As the project develops the amount of space required diminishes and hence the cost of space can be reduced by taking a smaller unit. In addition, once the development phase has been completed, the school has the option to either bring the storage contract to an end or to store school equipment in the storage centre releasing valuable teaching space in the school.

As free schools are developed, lessons will undoubtedly be learnt about how tackle these projects in the most cost effective and efficient way. It will depend very much on the buildings being constructed or converted to create the space. However, having the correct infrastructure from which to establish the school is important in the development plan�s success. Self storage is an option for all communities to consider if they are looking to develop a free school, or any other community based project requiring similar resources.

Alligator Storage Luton - Meet the Team

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:11:31 +0100

As we have not heard much about the branches and the wonderful people who keep things running like clockwork on a day to day basis, it�s about time we did. So, this little insight comes from our storage centre in Luton.

Alligator Luton�s [crazy] branch manager Alison joined the company in February 2011. She moved from High Wycombe to Dunstable nearly four years ago to be with her partner: they are currently planning their wedding which is next year! Alison comes from a car sales background which she was in for over six years, building up a reputation for being one of the few honest car sales people around! Alison is Alligator�s resident poet and regularly posts little poems on our company Facebook page which makes us all smile. Out with work Alison enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and is also a big football fan; proudly admitting she supports Liverpool Football Club.

Martina is our larger than life assistant manager with her hair as bright as her personality!
Martina has been part of the Luton branch for over three years now and prides herself on knowing most of her customers by first name terms: �matey boy� and �washisname� are prime examples. Outside of work Martina likes to keep fit with various work-out videos and can occasionally be found giving an impromptu session in the branch for anyone who wishes to join in. As well as keeping fit, Martina also knows how to have fun and is partial to the odd night out, strutting her funky stuff on the dance floor.

Sam has recently joined the Luton branch as a part time sales assistant, during the summer holidays. She is currently studying English Literature at the University of Edinburgh, and returns there in the middle of this month. Sam also loves to keep fit and active by walking EVERYWHERE, including a staggering four mile walk to and from work whenever she�s in. In the short time she�s been working at the Alligator Luton branch, she has walked the equivalent of the London Marathon 4.6 times � impressive!

The Luton team has done a fantastic job bringing new business through the doors, as well as making sure all the current customers are as happy as can be: keep up the good work folks.

If you need storage or business space in the Luton or Dunstable areas, give the branch a call on 01582 486 500, or pay the team a visit at the branch on Cosgrove Way, Luton.

Bolton Food & Drink Festival

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:15:43 +0100

Organisers of the Bolton Food and Drink Festival are confident this year�s event has been the most impressive to date with thousands of visitors from all over the country flocking to Bolton�s town centre. The festival, which is now in its sixth year, has firmly put Bolton on the map; it�s also now an important event at a national level, according to Town Hall bosses. Attracting celebrity chefs, including James Martin, Gino D�Acampo and the Hairy Bikers has also been an attractive incentive for visitors to the event.

Visitors came from across the country, including some on coach trips from Newcastle, Hull and Leeds. Bolton Council chiefs, who are behind the food extravaganza, are delighted at how much the festival has grown, as well as being excited about the event�s expansion potential throughout years to come.

This particular type of event helps boost the local economy in more ways than one. Local producers can showcase and sell their speciality foods and associated products; ensuring hard cash is fed back to the local community. Self storage operators can also benefit by providing the required storage space for all the stalls and equipment, before and after the event itself.

There are a number of storage companies which operate in close proximity to Bolton city centre. Stall vendors can utilise one of these storage facilities and be within close proximity to the event venue itself. It�s not just the stall equipment which can be stored, provided any foodstuffs are appropriately packaged, stock can be stored in these facilities too: and easily retrieved if stocks are needing replenished quickly

Some quotes from the chief executive from the council included;

�We have had good feedback from traders and other businesses about how much it is helping them and the general atmosphere it brings to the town.�

Keith Davies, director of development and regeneration, added:

�This just goes to show that year on year it is getting bigger and better.
�It has physically grown this year and next year I anticipate there will be more stalls. It is a great chance to promote Bolton and its cultural diversity through food and drink.�

Self storage operators also offer flexible contracts which can be used for long term, or short term: beneficial for this type of annual festival. Storage units also offer great value for money, and with the food festival becoming increasingly popular it will help the local economy and benefit many businesses which take part in this yearly event.

Promotional Storage

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:32:27 +0100

Anyone who has ever worked behind a bar, or run a pub, restaurant or retail store will have been involved in some sort of promotion put on by a supplier. Regardless of what the promotion is actually for, whether it is a new kind of beer being promoted by a brewery, or a free gift given to anyone who purchases a specific type of washing powder, running promotions involves additional items being delivered to the pub or store.

Taking breweries as an example (we all like a drink after all!), this type of supplier is not only promoting their product to the end user, they also need to promote their product to the landlords of public houses. Due to the vast array of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available, getting a specific drink into the fridge of a particular pub is no mean feat. Breweries therefore send pub landlords a whole host of items in an attempt to persuade them to stock a particular drink.

Beer mats, bar runners, glassware, free gifts, posters, and clothing: the list of promotional items used by breweries is endless. Pubs are like any other business with respect to the space available to store all of these additional items. The beer mats and bar runners get used. Glasses inevitably get broken and therefore need replaced. Staff can wear the promotional shirts. All of these situations don�t prevent the cellar gradually getting full.

This is where using a storage room, rented from the local self storage operator comes in very handy. Promotional items can be stored safely and securely to ensure that nothing is damaged. Items stored can be easily retrieved: if glasses get broken, they can be quickly and easily replaced. Items might even have to be stored to make way for a specific promotion being set-up within the bar itself.

The storage room can also be used if space needs created for a function. Extra tables and chairs can be put into storage out of the way and retrieved once the function has taken place

Storing glasses, promo packs and samples in a storage unit out-with the business premises will also ensure that there is a back up option: in case you run low on glasses, or there is a clumsy person behind the bar!!

So, if you run a pub and are being overrun with glasses and other promotional items, or need somewhere to put the extra tables and chairs, self storage is the solution.

V Festival Sounds Out Birmingham

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:03:54 +0100

The V festival hit the Midlands this weekend, with around 85,000 fans to see different acts including Rhianna, Jessie J, Kaiser Chiefs, Eminem and Bruno Mars. Jessie J who performed with a pink cast after ligament damage told fans �I couldn�t let you down�. Kaiser Chiefs� drummer Nick Hodgson informed the Birmingham Mail they still get nervous before they perform.

This was a weekend filled with a diverse range of music from Eminem rapping, to the 2009 X factor winner Olly Murs. Headlining was the Arctic Monkeys, and fans reacted well to the sounds from their new album! Rhianna and Eminem performed their duet, Tinie Tempah, Bruno Mars and the Kaiser Chiefs worked up the crowd, so it was a good weekend by all accounts.

The music festival craze is growing year on year with more and more people wanting to camp in a muddy field for the entire weekend, listen to their favourite acts, and fully appreciate the �festival experience�

Before a festival begins there is a significant amount of planning: by both festival producers and festival goers. What tent will be purchased? Will it be expensive, or will it be one of the abandoned tents left in the campsite at the end of the festival? As for the production side of things; where will the stages be set up, what lighting and sound combinations will be used to showcase the performers in their best light, where can they be stored when not in use, what about the vendor stalls to keep revellers hydrated and fed?

Self storage is the perfect option for both campers and the business side of festivals. If you are an avid festival goer, tents, wellies, and anything else you require to enjoy the festival season can be stored safely in your storage room. Renting a storage room will keep your wellies and your tent clean, dry and secure until its festival time of year again; after all, a significant amount of money will likely be spent on the equipment itself so its worthwhile making sure its stays in good condition.

As for the business side, self storage can also be an effective method of ensuring staging and all associated equipment is stored safely until it�s time for the next festival or gig requires. For the V Festival, Birmingham is a sensible choice for any production company to store stage and lighting equipment. Not only is there a variety of storage centres to choose from, Birmingham�s location is ideal for any UK based music festival

UK Growth slows to 0.2% but Self Storage in Birmingham Bucks the Trend

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:24:30 +0100

The GDP figures published in July for the UK were disappointing. The economic environment has been difficult since the banking crisis in 2008 and the subsequent recession. The effect has been felt throughout the UK and in particular, in Birmingham.

Policy adviser at the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group, Ross Gurdin urged the Government to help the economy with a range of fiscal measures. He emphasised the benefits of investing in major infrastructure projects such as a high speed rail link. The project would potentially create over 22,000 jobs bringing over �1.5 billion per year to the West Midlands.

The downturn has affected different sectors in a range of ways. For example, the vehicle industry had felt the downturn by experiencing pressure throughout the whole supply chain, from dealers through to component part suppliers. Other sectors of the manufacturing industry have fortunately diversified their product ranges enough and explored new markets: this coupled with the weakness of the pound enabling diversification to take place out with the UK had brought a number of successes, further benefit the region in the months and years to come.

The high street has also felt the pinch with inflation running at over 4% and wages largely remaining static. The VAT rise in conjunction with the ever increasing utility costs has also had a negative effect on retailers.

The property sector remained depressed with an oversupply of houses, shops, offices and commercial property. However, demand in the self storage sector has shown the reverse to the general trend. Relative success has been achieved by focussing primarily on the business sector through the provision of attractive rates and flexible terms by the self storage operators. The number of people moving house began to decline in 2008 and has remained at lower levels since. The change in emphasis to attract businesses has been instrumental in helping storage companies to buck the trend during these recessionary times.

Self storage operators have also been forced to diversify their services offered with a large number of them utilising redundant space within their warehouses to provide businesses with cost effective workspace. Restrictions imposed by UK banks resulting in accessing capital becoming increasingly difficult for SMEs has enforced further limitations: rather than being tied into long term property leases businesses have turned to short term, flexible contracts which self storage operators offer to ensure businesses are well placed to face the future.

Birmingham's Bull Ring Market

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:14:58 +0100

You cannot beat the busy and vibrant atmosphere of a good old local market. Whether it be the booming voices of the fruit and vegetable sellers, or the jostling of browsers and buyers at car-boot sale, markets have something for everyone. Nowhere, it seems, is this more apparent than in Birmingham�s Bull Ring Markets. Held right in the city centre, this host of indoor and outdoor markets brag over 350 stalls and 17 shops around the perimeter. This regular attraction plays host to every type of market you could think of including Farmers Markets and Antiques Fairs.

The markets have a long history with the first cattle market opening in 1816 on the site which now forms part of the main wholesale market area. Subsequent farming markets were opened over the century, but the beginnings of the market as Birmingham knows and loves it today was put into motion in 1974 and has been flourishing ever since.

With all these stalls, it is a wonder where the vast amounts of stock can be stored! For the average car-booter, goods have often been stored around the house for years and a car boot sale at the Bull Ring is the perfect opportunity for some serious de-cluttering. Other items, for the more serious sellers, can be bulkier and are often put in sheds or stored around the house. However, before images of Derek Trotter�s overcrowded flat spring to mind, storage centres are also often used for the die-hard market vendors: it is important to remember that keeping market stock clean dry and secure is vital to the livelihoods of some of these market traders. Especially when you realise that Birmingham holds one of the largest Antiques markets in the UK!

Traders from all over the country come to set up stalls and showcase their wares to prospective buyers that have usually travelled just as far! The maintenance and storage of such valuable commodities can�t be an easy feat, especially considering the vast array of antiques on offer. Self storage enables vendors to house their wares between trading days in a safe and secure environment. Competition is fierce as thousands of dedicated buyers pile into the venue at 7:30am and buy, sell or just mingle until closing at half 12. With such impressive items on sale, it is no wonder some just come for the unbeatable lively atmosphere.

The Bull Ring Indoor Market is open Monday to Saturday 9-5:30pm and the outdoor market Tuesday to Saturday 9-5pm

Failsafe Self Storage

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:43:59 +0100

In today�s economic climate, individuals could be forgiven for wanting to leave the UK for warmer, more economically stable countries. Depending on your chosen career, there might be more industry related opportunities abroad compared to that of the UK. Some people just want a change of scenery, or higher temperatures. Either way, the prospect of dropping everything and leaving for the job and lifestyle of your dreams overseas is daunting to say the least.

There are several things to consider prior to leaving the country: obtaining the paperwork required to reside in a particular country can be a major stumbling block. Every country has immigration laws which must be adhered to in order to obtain a valid working visa at the very least. Given recent world events, these laws are becoming stricter and stricter: a host country�s intentions to uphold national security directly affects the ease with which foreigners are granted residency.

For many nations, such as U.S.A, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the process involved in being granted a visa is a lengthy one: even then you may only be allowed to stay for a maximum of two years. However, if you already have a job, your employer can intervene and a temporary working visa can be granted within a relatively short period of time, making you realise your dream of leaving the UK that little bit sooner.

So you have organised the paperwork, packed all your belongings, moved the cat in with your parents and have landed in foreign country with all your bags: ready to live the dream. But what happens if it all goes wrong and the UK is calling your name? You sold all your possessions in the hope that the move would work... but now, you may have to go back and share your parent�s house with them and the cat!

Self storage may be an option for those who are curious about the world around them. The units can be rented and your possessions stored in an environment where they won�t be damaged.

Self storage is found readily all over the world, from the U.K to U.S.A and New Zealand, wherever you decide to set up home; there will be a storage space for you. If the awful thought that you may return to the wonderfully wet UK there are storage centres which will keep your possessions, meaning that you won�t have to sell anything before your trip abroad!

So, if your move is successful and you want to keep the belongings that you took with you but have no room storage could be useful in that situation. Maybe you need things around you which remind you of home, but have no space to buy new things from your �new� home town. Storage will keep everything safe and free up space in your new home.

So, for anyone who wants to start a fresh or just wants to travel and see different cultures remember... self storage is a good starting point!

CouchSurfing into Storage

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:27:54 +0100

CouchSurfing is a social networking site which is on a completely different level compared to Facebook and Twitter.

"CouchSurfing is an international non-profit network that connects travellers with locals in over 230 countries and territories around the world. Since 2004, members have been using our system to come together for cultural exchange, friendship, and learning experiences. Today, over a million people who might otherwise never meet are able to share hospitality and cultural understanding."

This site allows people to interact and meet from all corners of the globe allowing people from different walks of life to come together. It is a diverse community with over 1 million members, from over 69,000 different cities: members practice over 300 unique languages. The founders of CouchSurfing have a track record of creating inspiring experiences since its creation in 2004 with over 1.7 million successful CouchSurfing stays being recorded. Nearly 2 million new friendships have been formed through and over 120,000 of these are described as being �close� friendships.

Over 1 million members mean a lot of couches to choose from, in a lot of different locations ranging from cities, to the countryside. But what happens when a couch surfer stays in your home when you aren�t there? Maybe you have to work, or are called away to a family emergency, creating a situation where a perfect stranger is left in your house or flat on their own.

The most convenient and cost effective solution for this type of situation is self storage. Utilising a local self storage facility will allow you to keep your personal possessions safe and secure, as well as free-up some space in your home. After all, it�s not just a couch surfer which turns up on your doorstep: inevitably they have, at the very least, a large backpack too. The free space created by putting your own items into self storage will very quickly become occupied with your traveller friend�s stuff. Using storage also ensures peace of mind knowing all your precious items are locked away from potential sticky fingers!

If you have a chance to try CouchSurfing, give it a go. You meet a fantastic range of like-minded people, not to mention its one of the cheapest ways to travel as you don�t need to pay for hotels or hostels!

Happy surfing!

Birmingham Stores Attacked by Anarchy

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:07:28 +0100

The night of Monday the 8th of August was a grim day for Britain�s second city Birmingham. It all started in London on Saturday night and no one predicted the unrest would move to other cities around Britain. On Monday evening, in Birmingham as workers from the city centre started to return home: shops were just closed as a group began to congregate in the city centre. Aided by social networking platforms, word spread and the number of individuals involved rapidly grew.

Before long, the situation degenerated to levels of extreme violence and criminal damage: as this is being written politicians, police and our community leaders are asking why and how do we stop it. What is known is level of violence is unprecedented, with the anarchists� movements being orchestrated by the utilisation of social media platforms.

The area affected in Birmingham was the city centre with many stores being targeted: the key focus was mobile telephone stores, camera shops and larger department stores. The gymnasium chain Pure Gym had its windows broken and was forced to close early, leaving customers having to hurray away to avoid the carnage. Staff and patients at the nearby Birmingham City Hospital were also disturbed by the violence.

Despite the fact these activities have been coordinated via social networking platforms; they have been used in the fight against the activists. Social networking sites such as Twitter are now being used to coordinate the clear up, with the use of #riotcleanup tag rallying the community to get involved and bring the streets back to normal. The retailers will now have to refurbish their stores and protect what stock has not been stolen, or damaged.

Self storage is one way in which retailers can protect their undamaged stock from being �looted� while work is carried out to eradicate signs of the unrest from their business premises. Over 150 people have been arrested in Birmingham and the police are making it clear that they will not tolerate this type of behaviour. With these levels of arrests, the actual damage caused is currently unimaginable so begs the question, should retailers be taking steps to use self storage facilities now to prevent damage, or does this mean the activists have won?

The Prime Minister has returned from his holiday early and police forces up and down the country are preparing themselves for another night of violence. Parliament has been recalled for Thursday, and police and politicians are calling upon the community to work together to stop this mindless violence and anarchic looting.

Source: BBC News

Back to School Storage

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:52:48 +0100

It�s approaching mid-August, which can only mean one thing ... the kids will soon be heading back to school: parents are counting down the days. There will be shopping trips for school uniforms, lunch box, and of course they will need a new backpack. There will be tantrums, fights and disagreements: blood, sweat and tears will be shed during this ordeal. But what happens to last year�s clothes, bags and other essential school accessories? You could put them in the attic, much like everything else, you could put them in a charity shop or, utilise the option of self storage.

Sunny days are becoming fewer and farther between, the days are getting wetter and colder, and the need to occupy children on days like this becomes ever more apparent. Board games and TV programmes have been exhausted; ideas are running thin on how to keep them entertained until the new school term starts.

Why not �play� a game of tidy up. There are loads of old �things� kept in the attic, or under beds which may be deemed �important� or kept for sentimental value. Old clothes are up in the attic along with outgrown toys, dolls and board games. This is in addition to the kid�s baby clothes; baby accessories and their childhood memories.

Playing the �tidy up� game, you can reminisce about the kids when they were babies... when they didn�t talk back, or argue. Digging through the memories of days gone by can serve several functions; by having a clear out, it can not only be fun, there is lots of family time involved.

Piles can be arranged by what is getting kept in the house, what may be given away, all the �stuff� which is broken or not needed, and then there can be a new pile for self storage.

Self storage will allow you keep the belongings you want in a safe and secure environment ensuring the cherished memories are kept alive. Plus, it�s all a big adventure for the kids. They get a look into your childhood and get the bonus of visiting a self storage centre. One major plus point for any parent is the fact the children are occupied, at the same time as getting a major chore out of the way.

So before the new school term starts make the most of the sunny days, and on the rainy days clearing out can be a fun way to keep the kids occupied until the day they have to return to school.

Archive Storage Actively Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:35:34 +0100

Society today is increasingly concerned about environmental issues, and what they can do to effectively �save the world�. With Governments worldwide encouraging the general public to recycle waste and use public transport, as well as initiatives including tax breaks for businesses that are actively reducing their carbon footprint it might be safe to assume the issue of global warming is in hand. Despite the best efforts of Governments and the well-meaning public, the world is still a long way from solving the issue.

In the grand scheme of things, it is difficult to see how doing small things can make a difference. However, if all these efforts are collated the effect is monumental. Even small businesses can contribute to the environmental effort by making small changes: whilst remaining realistic about the constraints imposed by functionality and legislation.

Within an office environment, staff can be encouraged to use biodegradable packaging, only print documents when necessary, using e-mails instead of letters, and turning off lights when a room is not in use. All of this will go towards reducing the volume of energy used, and in turn, the carbon footprint. In a real-life working environment, an entirely �paper free� office is not realistic: namely due to legislation.

In the UK, all companies are required by law to retain documentation for a predefined number of years: the specific period of retention is dictated by industry. Legal firms, for example, need to keep certain types of documents for 25-50 years. Over time, this amounts to a vast quantity of paper which needs to be put somewhere.

Having large quantities of paper within the workspace is not only a health & safety issue, it indirectly uses more resources, and effectively money. Given today�s economic climate, money is not something any entity can afford to waste. This is where self storage stands out as being an affordable solution for the majority of businesses.

Self storage facilities are clean, dry and secure: all the prerequisites required for storing paper items. The security aspect is one which is particularly important to most businesses due to the documents being stored often being of a sensitive nature (tile deeds, architectural blueprints, financial information etc).

Document, or archive storage enables businesses to do a number of things:

Control access
Replicate in-house filing systems
Budget: there are no access fees, such as those associated with �document management�
Rest easy knowing their company history is safe and secure
Save money

By putting archives into storage, businesses are successfully reducing their carbon footprint through using less energy.

Bolton Council Close The Door On Storage

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:19:21 +0100

Advances in technology are putting books in danger; devices such as the kindle, Sony E-Reader and the iPad are making digital books increasingly accessible for the masses. The digital age is also killing the social side of reading books. In libraries people can share stories and bond over their favourite book; they can�t do that if there is no library to socialise in. However, the digital age cannot be held solely responsible for killing libraries: Bolton Council may be putting local libraries under threat.

There are a vast number of books which are available in libraries ranging from children�s books, sci-fi, fiction and non-fiction there is something for everyone. Libraries, although there is the need to remain quiet when navigating one, they should be seen as a social place: somewhere to share stories written by other people, somewhere to escape reality for a few hours. This can�t be shared or possible if the library is closed down by the local authorities.

There have been petitions circulating with over 15,000 signatures, and protesters are declaring out-rage at the decision process undertaken by Bolton council. The leader of the conservative party has stated �it looks like a cover up� and �want to have an open debate but we cannot do at this stage because of the actions of the council� This move by the council hasn�t attracted such strong public interest since Market Hall.

The reorganisation is being proposed as part of Bolton Council�s plans to save �60 million over the next two years. The library service shake-up could potentially save �500,000.

Bolton council have saved the library, but there will be cut-backs on opening hours, as well as the books being made available. However, if the decision went the opposite way and they had to close the facilities, there would be a range of issues to deal with. These include situations such as the locals not being able to borrow books, including schools and groups run by the local authorities. There would be a range of options available to the Council but the single biggest headache would be the physical one, what to do with the books? The property aspect of this would be solved simply by either selling the building or using it to house some other local authority project. The books however are a slightly different matter. They could sell books: potentially losing rare items worth a significant amount historically as well as in monetary terms. Or, they could go down the self storage route: drastically reducing overheads, while maintaining and preserving the items themselves.

Fortunately the decision has been made to keep the library open and cut down on the volume of books; self storage would still be a handy option. It would keep unused books safe and stored until such a time when they are needed again. Storage will also ensure that the books are kept at optimum temperatures and environment to ensure they don�t perish.

All Round Business Space Package

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:48:04 +0100

Self Storage Diversifies

As the economy struggles to recover after the banking crisis, businesses are looking for flexible arrangements to ensure they are well positioned for the future. Planning the future strategy for any company is hard enough at the best of times, but getting tied into long-term arrangements can be very damaging should the business environment change in an unexpected way.

This scenario is most prevalent when a decision has to be made regarding property arrangements for business operations. Access to capital for the average SME is often difficult, especially given the current economic climate in the UK, so purchasing a freehold property to meet the business requirements can be highly restrictive. In addition, property is a very illiquid asset: should the environment change, the company is tied into that property until a buyer can be found.

Another option is to take a lease premises to operate a business from. Again, this can force commitment from a business for long period of time. Landlords are keen to ensure their leases do commit tenants for a long period; they have to satisfy their own obligations and convince investors they have a secure revenue stream to finance any debt.

One saviour to businesses in this harsh trading environment is to occupy space provided by self storage operators. Storage operators have been providing office and workspace to businesses for a long time but the demand is now greater than ever. As a result, storage facilities are diversifying and providing space for businesses with highly attractive terms.

The main advantage is �flexibility� relating to the terms of the rental licence on offer. It is often difficult for companies to decide the exact space that is required, especially when the economics of industry fluctuate. Self storage operators will provide the space a business needs at that particular moment in time: the minimum commitment is usually for a month. This enables a business to factor in fluctuations in its operations, whilst having the freedom to change the space occupied as required.

The other advantages include the amount of time you take the space for. As the business environment changes, it may force the relocation of operations to a more appropriate property: an arrangement with a storage operator will allow this. Many self storage centres offer office space in conjunction with business workspace. The workspace can also be configured to meet the business requirements and this can include constructing a work bench and the supply of electricity.

Storage operators offering business units and office space are skilled at ensuring the space provided is optimum for the individual needs of the business in question. Most reputable ones will be able to provide an all round package including offices, workspace and storage to meet the specific needs of each entity: and should do so at the best possible value for money!

Global Self Storage

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:16:27 +0100

Although a bit of a sweeping generalisation, most people associate the UK with: the Queen, the ability for its residents to form an orderly queue, and rain 363 days of the year. With New Zealand, it tends to be; sheep, volcanoes, earthquakes, and sunshine. These nations couldn�t be physically further apart if they tried. On the flip side, they are remarkably similar notably their spectacular scenery and surprisingly, self storage.

There are many self storage operators within the UK � mainly found within areas where the population density if high such as Birmingham, or Bolton. This is reflected in New Zealand�s storage industry, with many storage centres being found on the outskirts of central Auckland including areas such as Mount Eden, Onehunga and Parnell: you�re not stuck for choice! So, what do people use self storage for?

Self storage is defined as a business which rents storage space to tenants. The storage space can be used by home-owners to store prized possessions, but can also be used by businesses to store products. A recycling and disposal business in New Zealand, �Junk Run� uses a self storage facility for a number of reasons. The main reason the company uses an independent storage facility is because they are secure. In order to reach their secure container, to which they are the only key holders, a pass is needed. The security system within the self storage facility ensures all items stored are safe and secure. The use of CCTV, and entry passes ensures only registered members of the storage facility can access the premises.

Although there are many different things between the UK and New Zealand, one thing they do have in common is the awareness of the security protection given to their storage centres to bring peace of mind to customers. The UK storage industry is also big on security with the use of digital CCTV and entry systems in place.

However, one of the few distinguishing factors between the UK and New Zealand is the set-up, or layout of the storage facilities themselves. UK storage centres tend to be one large building, fitted out with a variety of different sized rooms. New Zealand�s self storage offering tends to be in the format whereby customers can drive-up to their storage unit. The UK is much more urbanised and ground is of a much higher premium: New Zealand can take advantage of the abundance of space which allows their buildings to be spread out, enabling customers to �drive-up� to their storage units.

Although New Zealand and the UK are thousands of miles apart, the provision of self storage within each country is amazingly similar.

Self Storage The Saviour of Technology......& Relationships!

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:41:41 +0100

Comi-Con is a once a year comics, media and digital event which attracts people from all over the globe. There is a massive schedule of events ranging from anim� screenings, autograph signings, and film festival screenings: and most importantly testing and playing games. This is the largest comic and pop culture event to be hosted: the San Diego convention centre is one of the few places large enough to host such an event. The convention lasts for four days and includes seventeen separate rooms for conventions the room sizes ranging from 280 seats to 6,500 seats!

Over the past few years, this annual event has grown massively in size. As the number of visitors increases, so does their demand for more and more entertainment: resulting in the number of stalls increasing dramatically year on year. The type of vendor at "rel=nofollow"Comi-Con varies greatly, ranging from; art stalls, games stalls, anime stalls, catering, to [some would argue!] most importantly memorabilia stalls. However, these events don�t happen over night: weeks and months of meticulous planning is involved to make sure things run as smoothly as possible.

Given the fact vendors, and visitors, to this event come from every corner of the globe, forward thinking is a must. Expensive proto-type technology due to be unveiled at the industry�s biggest event needs to be transported, and stored, in the best possible environmental conditions, not to mention being safe and secure during the entire process. Companies are, quite rightly reluctant to let months of technological advances and improvements to their products be wasted due to simple errors such as keeping the items in a damp environment, or allowing damage in transit due to poor packaging.

Self storage is the simple, most effective way to ensure electrical and/or paper items are stored in the optimum environment, prior to their grand unveiling at the convention. Temperature controlled, ventilated, and most importantly, highly secure, storage centres can play a large part in the logistical theatre required to make these events come together and provide the visitors exactly what they are paying for: entertainment!

After the hectic four days of running around looking at anim� films, checking out loads of different comic books and comic memorabilia everyone can pack up and start to unwind, ready to head home. The probability of most visitors leaving the convention with more items than they arrived with is very high: most are �collectors� after all! Again, self storage has been known to be the saviour of many a relationship when the ultimatum of �its me, or the magazines/figurines/games (delete as necessary!)?� Self storage provides a clean, dry and secure environment for collections to be stored with peace of mind, as well as providing a means of escape from the �other half� when required.

Storage Could Be A Winner For The UK's Luckiest Lady

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:09:44 +0100

Is this the UK�s Luckiest Woman?

Liz Denial suffers from Fibromyalgia, painful muscular condition, and relies on a mobility car to get around. Forced to give up her job in a bank due to her condition, Liz has won hundreds of prizes by entering competitions on-line, through TV phone/text-ins, as well as prize draws and crosswords from various different news papers and magazines.

Liz, who lives in Stapleford, Nottingham has been able to fill her house with state of the art entertainment gadgets including: a 37inch LCD TV, home cinema systems, x-boxes. The variety of different items won ranges from luxury items to the useful day to day necessities such as cleaning products. As well as new technology, gaming systems, and cleaning products, Liz won a 5-star VIP holiday to Kenya.

Winning prizes include:

X-boxes
iPods
Toiletries
Life size cardboard cut outs
Holiday to Kenya

There is only so much room in one person�s house for all these additional items! Self storage could come in very handy by helping to free up space in her house. Given the fact Liz claims to have won a prize a day (on average) since last October, and her luck seemingly still going strong, a storage room would be an ideal solution to the lack of space caused by the daily arrival of prizes.

The safety of her home, and possessions within, while she is away travelling in Kenya, or meeting stars such as Olly Murs and Dermot O�Leary, is also something storage can help with. Putting expensive electrical items and prized belongings into storage while she is away is the safest option for peace of mind. Any reputable self storage operator has state-of-the-art digital security systems and if items are safe anywhere, it is in a storage centre.

As well as gadgets, holidays and meeting the stars, Liz participated in Deal or No Deal: walking away with �16,500. This may seem a massive amount to most but Liz�s mobility car is expensive to run, especially with today�s fuel prices. Liz does sell some of the items she has no need for (..who really needs 2 X-Boxes?) which help to ease the burden of not being able to work. If she had a self storage room, she could store the items to keep them in pristine condition until she finds a buyer for them?

Liz has been extremely lucky; some people may see this as karma after being dealt a bad hand � having to leave her job due to an illness. May the lucky winning streak continue and if Liz keeps winning a prize a day she may need to invest in a whole storage centre to keep her winnings and prizes safe!

Bolton's Happy Bunch

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:18:39 +0100

At our all of our storage centres throughout the UK, we aim to provide the highest levels of customer service and the guys are there to make your stay as stress free as possible. It�s now Bolton�s chance to shine. Located at Egyptian Mill in central Bolton, our happy shiny team consists of the following happy storage, office and workspace rental experts:

Nasima Patel � Branch Manager Alligator Bolton

Our Branch Manager Nasima joined Alligator in January 2011. She�s enjoying watching the business grow as she is determined to succeed. On another note however, she is a self confessed shopaholic and mother of two children. One important thing to note about Nasima: do not approach whilst eating an orange!!! She suffers from �esperidoeidiphobia� which is �fear of citrus fruits�

Emma Swarbrick � Assistant Manager Alligator Bolton

Emma is the Assistant Manager and joined the company in December 2010. After a long week of hard work she likes nothing more than top spend time sipping wine whilst cooking up a storm in the Kitchen. Being a mother of two girls, Mica soon to turn 21 (going be expensive!!), and Darcy Bella who�s nearly 3, the majority of Emma�s weekends are taken up with something going on or someone needing a lift from the �taxi of Mum�!

Karishma Sukha � Sales Assistant Alligator Bolton

Karishma is the longest serving member of staff in Bolton and has been with the company since June 2010. Karishma is the �super healthy� member of staff at the Bolton branch and is halfway through her �nutritious� degree at the University of Central Lancashire. Karishma loves shopping and at this rate will need her own storage unit for all her new designer handbags!!!

Finally there�s Norman Lomax, well what can we say about Norman? Always available to lend a hand to our customers, Norman also looks after the girls in the office (well, someone needs to keep them in check!). He�s been with the company since Feb 2010 and says he loves his job because he gets to spend his mornings with 3 beautiful ladies (charmer)!! On a weekend he loves nothing more than sunny days as it gives him the opportunity to get out and about, and take the top off....... his Audi convertible, AKA his pride and joy!!

Well, now you all have a better idea of who the happy little storage experts are at our Bolton branch. Don�t just take our word for it though, give them a call or pop in to the branch at Egyptian Mill and see for yourselves!

Gary Flying the Flag for Portsmouth

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:00:22 +0100

Flying the flag for our Portsmouth storage facility is Gary: below is an overview of the wonders of Mr Marshall.

Gary Marshall, the facility manager, has lived in Portsmouth most of his life and runs the storage branch single-handed which is located by the Mountbatten Centre just off the M275. He has been working at the branch for 3 and a half years now, and has seen a lot of customers come and go. He always has a cheery smile on his face, ready for any customers who may come in to the office. He loves the interaction and banter with the storage customers visiting the branch on a regular basis: many of whom are larger than life characters, and always have many a tall story to tell.

When not running the storage facility, you will probably find Gary either relaxing at home watching science fiction series and movies, or on his laptop, and quite often� both! At the weekend he does like to dine out with his girlfriend, which in the summer may well mean a picnic somewhere quiet, a trip to Nandos, or even a bag of chips down on the seafront: or if he really wants to push the boat out, a foot long BMT from Subway, which is his favourite, as long as there is no sweet corn in it!

Gary hasn�t always worked within the storage industry, previous to working at the Portsmouth branch, he ran a team of agents for a well known satellite TV company trying to fix faults with customers� broadband (and there were a huge number of problems to sort). Before that, he was a manager of a charity retail furniture store. Both of these jobs have contributed skills to helping him fill the storage facility to near bursting point using his ability to deal with people: namely listening to them to find out their exact needs to allow him do his best providing the ideal storage solution.

�The last 3 months have been amazing here with so many new customers moving in. New businesses starting up and needing storage space for stock, people moving from one home to another and needing storage to keep their furniture safe and secure whilst they are between homes, people moving abroad and putting everything in storage and letting their homes unfurnished. The diverse customer base always amazes me, but one thing they all have in common, is that they know their possessions are very secure at the Portsmouth facility, and if they need to, they can access them at any time of the day or night. The customers love storing here, and best of all, I love working here.�

Self Storage Takes Note of The UK�s Security Status Being Lowered to �Substantial�

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:14:05 +0100

During the week commencing the 11th July the Security Services (MI5) dropped the UK security status from �severe� down to �substantial.� The report was published on the Home Office website. What this means in layman terms, according to the home office web site is,

�you should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism, look out for suspicious bags on public transport or any other potential signs of terrorist activity you may encounter. But you should not let the fear of terrorism stop you from going about your day-to-day life as normal. Your risk of being caught up in a terrorist attack is very low.�

For the general public this change in status is of interest but it does not affect our daily lives. For the emergency services, the military, and the border agencies this status has real meaning as it affects the manpower required to monitor and protect the country�s population and national interests.
Although the change of status does not change our everyday lives it is worth consideration as to where terrorist activity originates and how through vigilance we can help the security services in protecting our society.

For example when Glasgow airport was attacked in the summer of 2007, the terrorists had purchased gas canisters from a business on Heathhall Business Centre in Dumfries. This was an unusual purchase as these individuals were not known to the retailer. Had the retailer reported the activity to the police the attack [may] have been halted? Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but it does beg the question of do you know all of your customers?

Not connected to terrorism, but the same question could be asked of the incident in Boston Lincolnshire last night, involving an industrial lock-up [suspected] being used to make home-brew, exploding. This caused the deaths of 5 individuals, with another seriously injured. Incidents like this highlight the importance of Business Centres & Self Storage companies taking the necessary steps to ensure any business conducted within their premises is legal.

The Bristol Storage Team

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:09:04 +0100

So you have seen the pictures on our website of the Bristol Storage Centre. You have read about all the fantastic storage, offices and workspace solutions on offer in Bristol. But what about the team that keeps everything together and running as it should? Below is the team�s own account of themselves and some pictures to put names to faces.....

Jose Suarez has been the branch manager of Bristol for 6 years now and lives locally in the Bristol area. As you can probably tell by his name he comes from Spanish heritage but was born and bred in Bristol: he gets a lot of stick from friends and colleagues about the fact he cannot speak much Spanish! Jose is the leader of the team and leads by example. He has many years experience in the storage industry: he has worked his way up from being a maintenance man for another storage company back when he started in 1998. Jose lives with his partner and 10 year old daughter who he dotes on very much. He enjoys his dance music and can be quite nifty on the dance floor. With a passion for sport, namely football, especially the Spanish League and the Spanish National Team our sporty Manager is also an avid follower of the mushrooming contact sport of Mixed Martial Arts.

Sean Kelly has been the Assistant Manager at Bristol for 4 years now, and also lives local to the Bristol centre. Sean lives with his partner and young 17 month old son, which takes up most of his spare time now. Sean is the technically-minded member of the team and also the easiest going: nothing is too much trouble for Sean and gets the job done straight away. Sean, like Jose, has a wealth of experience in the storage industry and has been happily helping storage customers since 1997. Sean enjoys spending time with his young son and getting back to doing child-like things: like playing with Stickle-bricks and train sets...every man�s dream! When Sean does get any spare time he still enjoys seeing his friends and having a few drinks. Music is one of Sean�s passions: he also plays and teaches the guitar in his spare time and he regularly gets together with friends for a jam-session in his local community centre.

Louise Strong is our Part time Sales Assistant and has been with the company for nearly 3 years now. Louise lives in a sleepy village with her daughter not far from the Bristol centre. When Louise is not at work she spends most of her time shopping, shopping, shopping and may be a bit more shopping, but she does also like her girlie nights out with her close friends. Monday mornings are very interesting in the Bristol site as Louise always has lots of stories to tell about her weekend! Louise is also a Paris Hilton wannabe and has a dog called Princes Tia that she carries around with her in her handbag dressed up in matching outfits (?!?!). Despite her socialite dreams, she still manages to keep the boys at the branch in check....someone has to!

Naomi Somers is the newbie of the bunch, and the youngest member of staff at Bristol. Naomi is also a Part time Sales assistant who started with Alligator in March 2011 and also lives in Bristol. When Naomi is not at work she enjoys making the most of her spare time with her partner and her friends, and finds it all too easy to blow her whole pay cheque in the space of a day! Naomi makes the most of Bristol night life and definitely prefers to drink pitchers rather than the tiny glasses the drinks usually arrive in. Naomi is the member of the team that is constantly apologising for knocking things over, getting lost in the storage units and being a tad forgetful! However she is learning more about the ins and outs of the storage industry and is thoroughly enjoying being part of the Bristol team.

Well well, what a happy little storage troop! Now you know who will be serving you with a smile when you pop into the Bristol branch to get some storage sorted or to pick-up some packaging materials.

...........we had to let you see Princess Tia

In The Name of Storage

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:01:10 +0100

Wimbledon�s Henman Hill to be renamed Murray�Field?

In keeping with fashion, fans of Andy Murray are seeking to change the name of Aorangi Terrace, which is better known by tennis fans of Tim Henman as �Henman Hill", to �Murray � Field�. Edinburgh�s own Murrayfield stadium will need to compete for the limelight if this name ever catches on!

Aorangi Terrace is a grass terrace within the All England Wimbledon Tennis Club, where fans without tickets to the show courts can watch it live on giant television screens whilst enjoying something to eat and drink.

During live broadcasts it is a favourite place for the television cameras to pan over and for sports journalists to conduct interviews and test public opinion with the legions of tennis fans.

Aorangi Terrace which is actually named after the London New Zealand Rugby Club's grounds which were located here until 1981. However more recently the area has been known by different tennis fans depending on who is in the ascendancy as �Henman Hill�, �Rusedski Ridge�, and even Murray Mound�

In 2009 Tim Henman laughingly confided with Jonathan Ross on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross that although Andy Murray may win more grand slam titles but he is keeping his �Hill�.

Such is the demand by tennis fans for space on Aorangi Terrace that fans like David Larner, a BBC employee from Shepherds Bush who arrived at 0620hrs to queue for tickets said �We could have bought tickets for Court 2, but we in truth really wanted to come and picnic here on the Hill with a great view of the Screens�.

Consequently his party's early start to queue for tickets earned them one of the valuable wooden picnic tables dotted on the terrace, and once adorned with a jug of mixed Pimms, condiments and cut out paper masks of sports presenter Sue Barker the party was able to begin.
"Last year we opted for Andy Murray masks and he lost, so this year we thought a mask with the beaming smile of Sue Barker would bring him better luck!� said Sue Astbury, a BBC colleague of David Larner.

Larner quipped �Who could possibly object to Sue Barker masks other than perhaps John Inverdale!�
Many fans believe the English public have been slow to take Andy Murray to their hearts, however as his hard work has lead to further success more and more people were beginning to believe he could win. Unfortunately, many were disappointed as Murray was unsuccessful in the competition this year. However, he has gained a massive fan base and is no doubt set to train hard for the next competition.

The annual tournament has a massive effect on the local economy, with many home owners choosing to lease out their homes for spectators willing to pay a small fortune for accommodation near the event. Residents spend weeks or even months preparing to lease their homes, and often use self storage to house their excess belongings and de-clutter their homes in preparation. As the curtains close on this year�s tournament.

Sizzling Storage !

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:48:22 +0100

The temperatures are soaring; the school holidays are almost upon us and for most, it�s time to enjoy the summer. Self storage companies throughout the country are being visited by their long-term customers who feel the need to dig out their summer clothes, garden furniture and spots equipment that�s been stored since the depths of winter.

Even individuals who are new to the wonders of self storage can take advantage for the summer months. For those of you who have forgotten what your garage actually looks like due to the sheer volume of stuff crammed into it, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Having a clear out of your garage is not only beneficial for the family car which now has somewhere to live, it can make manoeuvring around your home somewhat safer: no more bruises from clambering over boxes and random items to reach the freezer which lives somewhere in the back of the garage. Put there initially to save space in the kitchen, its little use if you can�t reach it.

One of the most popular items to be stored over the winter months is the faithful BBQ. Unloved in the freezing months of December and January, this summer essential is sparked into life around the start of the summer holidays. Despite its reputation for causing untold misery in the food poisoning department, no summer party is complete without one. As for the Alameda County Fair, their sizeable BBQ has helped a group of local chefs into the Guinness World Records.

The Alameda County Fair is held annually in Pleasanton, California and draws crowds from far and wide. Their record breaking feat involved the creation of the world�s �largest commercially available hamburger,� previously set by Chef Ted Reader of Toronto, in Canada last year weighing in at a staggering 590lbs. This year�s attempt was a joint effort from Bret Enright and Nick Nicora, and smashed last year�s by over 180lbs. 777lbs of red meat, took 15 hours to cook, and was done so on one pretty big BBQ. The burger was sold at 99cent a piece with all proceeds being donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.

If this monstrous BBQ was stored in self storage over the winter months, it would likely need an entire 200 SqFt storage room all to itself. Can you imagine the space saved in your garage by keeping this particular BBQ in storage?

Storage & the "Cost" of Art

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:33:18 +0100

Jumping on the band wagon of shows such as The Apprentice and Dragon�s Den, Channel 4 have recently released a slightly new concept with their new series, Four Rooms. Contestants attempt achieve the best possible sale price for an �object� they possess, in what is effectively a blind-bidding system. The name of the series immediately hints at the concept: 4 rooms, each with a highly respected art dealer waiting to make an offer for the random items brought in.

Contestants bring collectable, hopefully saleable, pieces of �art� (term used loosely!) to the table, in the hope that at least one of the dealers will offer the desired amount of money for their treasured (or not so) item. All four dealers have a chance to see the item and meet the seller briefly, prior to the encounter within one of the 4 rooms. The contestant then visits each dealer in the order of their choice, to engage in negotiations and is faced with 2 choices:

Accept the offer made and sell the item there and then, forgoing the chance to meet any other dealer and potentially a higher offer.

Decline the offer and move-on to the next dealer and their respective offer. This choice can be made after visiting each dealer and several contestants leave the show remaining owners of their �art�.

To term the items on sale as �art� is somewhat a sweeping generalisation: one item on sale was a piece of tattooed skin in a small bottle (whatever floats your boat?), another was a hangman�s noose used to execute a highly notorious criminal. It must be remembered that the items being sold are what could be classed as highly exclusive and for niche markets only. If you have thousands of pounds to spend on �art� then you are generally in a position whereby you can either have them on display within your home, or have access to a special facility to store them.

For some individuals it is the logistical day-to-day hurdles which are forcing the sale in the first place. One particular item was a giant stuffed leatherback turtle (called Claudia!) sold to Emma Hawkins for �1250. So large was this item, it was brought to the studio strapped to the roof of the owner�s Fiesta: fine if you live in a sprawling mansion but not so good if you have a small studio flat in central London! The day-to-day storage of such an item is easily solved with the utilisation of a self storage facility. Here, any items stored are kept in an environment which will prevent deterioration � essential if the item is worth several thousand pounds!

Test

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:17:55 +0100

Test

Extending & Storage

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:09:36 +0100

Refurbishing your home in Wolverhampton................

Wolverhampton has not escaped the downturn in the property market. During the recent period of depressed house prices and a slow property market, many people have decided to explore the option of refurbishing their home and making use of the extra space. This can often involve the conversion of an attic, the addition of an extension, or connecting the garage to the house to create an extra room. Whatever the scheme, it is likely to take planning and upheaval, before you achieve the desired results.

Being organised to carry out the work is essential to achieve the desired outcome. Many people look to cut costs by doing as much of the job themselves. This can produce good results but you have to be well organised: thinking through the process is essential. First, you have to have a project plan which should include the design phase, achieving the necessary permissions, clearing your possessions so the work can take place, carrying out the work, redecorating and then moving back in.

Preparation and making sure the area to be refurbished is cleared to allow efficient work is a key to any successful project. It may be you have extra space in your property to enable you to store all your possessions while you carry out the work, or alternatively you may need to find storage. Self storage in Wolverhampton provides a good option for clearing your belongings to do the work. The amount of space you take and the time you store for are both flexible; you can put your possessions into and remove them out of, whenever you need them.

Despite best intentions and thorough planning prior to a project being started, allowances cannot be made for rogue builders. Recently a man Carl Greaves from Wolverhampton was faced with providing �30,000 of compensation to customers who had used his building services on the recommendation of a local architect. Alton and Jackie Saunders were building an extension to their Wolverhampton home and Greaves work was declared as below standard. Greaves claimed to be a member of the Federation of Master builders although his membership had lapsed in 2008.

Situations such as this further strengthen the need to put your personal possessions and furniture into self storage whilst works are being carried out. If an individual is prepared to accept cash for work they carry out on your main possession: your home, knowing fully the standard to which their work has been complete will not be passed by building regulators, how much care would they take with smaller possessions?

Storage for Henley Royal Regatta

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:40:24 +0100

Henley Royal Regatta

The annual pilgrimage for rowers around the world begins next week on Wednesday 29th June. The marquees are up, the lawns are mowed, the course is prepared, and the oarsmen are in peak condition ready for the weeks sport. It is not only one of the highlights of the social calendar in June and July it is also a showcase for oarsmen from around the world. This year is particularly important as the competition heats-up for places in boats before next year�s Olympics.

However this is not just about elite athletes, Henley draws competitors from all levels of the sport. There will be schoolboys competing in the Princess Elizabeth Cup, university students in the Temple cup, aspiring under-23 international athletes in The Ladies Plate, and top quality club oarsmen in The Thames. This year a club, which has not been at Henley for over a 100 years will be there from Melbourne Australia Upper Yarra Rowing Club, Australia: coached by last Year�s Eton College Coach, Alex Henshilwood and it would be no surprise if they were not winners on Sunday.

To pull this event all together requires a high degree of organisation. Boats and crews come from all round the country and all require storage for their boats and accommodation for the crews. The storage for the boats is handled by large marquees erected especially for the event to ensure the boats are all catered. As for the crews, the international athletes are looked after by their federation but the more junior athletes end up looking for accommodation in and around Henley itself. In order to make space available many property owners clear space in their houses by using self storage so they can rent part of, or all, of their property which enables crews to take up residence for the week.

A good example of this is Mrs Mcdonald of Henley who has taken a self storage unit in Farnham Surrey. �I use the unit all year round and it has become the extra room for my house. It comes in particularly useful during Henley week. Every year a student crew come and stay with us and I hire in beds and clear the sofa and tables off to the self storage centre in Farnham. This year I have the lads from Trinity College, Dublin coming to stay and I am looking forward to the Irish humour.�

Alligator Storage would like to wish the competitors at Henley all the very best of luck during this year�s event!

Raising The Moving & Storage Bar

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:55:11 +0100

Hong Kong International Airport Raises The Bar for Moving & Storage

By the 80s, air traffic to and from Hong Kong was at an all time high and existing facilities were not entirely ideal. Hong Kong Kai Tak International Airport was one most pilots dreaded landing at due to the dangerous approach to a runway in such a highly populated area. Kai Tak was the scene of several air traffic incidents, too many for any airport to experience: it was classed as the 6th most dangerous airport in the world, a claim to fame not exactly relished.

Construction began in 1991 to reclaim a massive area of land from the sea surrounding the island of Chek Lap Kok � this was the basis for the new state-of-the-art airport to rival any before. After 8 years of construction of the airport itself, as well as the transport network surrounding it. There was little point in building the most sophisticated airport in the world if no one can access it. High speed highways, connected by the longest, double-decker suspension bridge ever constructed: so vast was the bridge at 5km in length all the cabling was build in situ.

Once construction was almost complete of largest enclosed space on planet earth, as well as the runways themselves, plans were put into place to transfer all operations from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Tok with the minimal amount of disruption to not only air traffic operations, but also the infrastructure of Hong Kong itself. The logistics involved in conducting the biggest and fastest removal project were phenomenal.

The whole of Hong Kong waited, a staggeringly short length of time, while all runway support traffic, cargo transport vehicles, and every other aspect of Kai Tak was moved to the new facilities in Chek Lap Tok. Although all major road networks were closed to allow the mass convoy to run freely to its new destination, the entire removal operation took only 7 hours. Put into perspective, most domestic house moves, and anyone moving business premises, would be considered lucky to conduct a move in 7 hours, let alone the largest and most sophisticated air traffic operations in the world.

Chek Lap Tok, despite all the planning, experienced several technical difficulties during its opening period. Technical difficulties to the magnitude of freight staff being forced to sort all cargo by hand: given more than 4000 tons of cargo pass through the airport daily, this was no mean feat. The storage warehouses required to hold such volumes of cargo are way beyond the realms any self storage facilities. These monstrous storage facilities are home to a complicated network of lifts and conveyer systems to ensure cargo is processed quickly and efficiently.

Chek Lap Tok International Airport is now one of the busiest in the world and further plans are in place to improve and extend facilities to allow for more passenger traffic, as well as more lucrative freight cargo. Its safe to say Hong Kong has raised the bar when it comes to removals and storage.

Chaos in a Cloud!

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:10:02 +0100

The ash cloud crisis in Australia prompts memories of last year�s chaos and future disruptions�

Australia�s two major airports are facing closure for 48 hours after ash from a volcano in Chile has drifted across southern Australia and polluted airspace. Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra have all been closed as Virgin and Quantas cancelled all flights in and out. It is a repeat of last week where tens of thousands of passengers were stranded in the closed airports.

The volcano Puyehue-Cordon Caulle has not re erupted, merely the ash is now circling the earth for the second time and is said to be too low for airlines to fly underneath it � the height is 20,000-40,000 feet. More than 120,000 passengers are said to be facing disruption.

The Australian crisis brings back memories of the crisis that hit all of Europe in Easter last year. Disruption from future ash should not be ruled out � Iceland is an extremely volcanic island and only in Easter 2011 did we have another scare � although brief it still caused huge disruption: on 24th May a volcano erupted in Iceland and meant that many northern airports (Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle) had to be closed due to safety fears.

Where others lose out, those living close to an airport could benefit. During last year�s ash cloud crisis in Northern Europe, many people are stranded for days, even weeks, on end. Hotels hitched up prices as demand surged for rooms: despite the best efforts of many, they were forced to sleep in the airport. Without merely capitalising on the misfortunes of others, providing accommodation for individuals and parties affected by a significant and unpredictable delay is not only profitable, it is also hugely rewarding.

It would therefore be advisable to clear a room in your house and move the unnecessary items from a room into self storage (it would not be advisable to leave precious things that could be broken or stolen in a rented out room). Alternatively, a sitting room could be cleared if you do not have enough bedrooms. By using self storage, a room is then available for anybody stranded due to any ash clouds, or any other natural disaster, not to mention day-to-day delays. Your local self storage centre is flexible: the moment chaos ensures, you can make the decision to provide an alternative solution to the accommodation needs of the masses, in an instant.

Storage For Your "Staycation"

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:14:09 +0100

Self Storage Encourages �Staycations�

A �staycation� is the term used to describe the growing trend of staying in the UK for a summer holiday rather than going abroad. This has many advantages. The first and most obvious one is money, in the absence of flights and the bad exchange rate especially in the euro-zone. The second is that there is more flexibility � it I easy to just get in your car and go and come back whenever you want depending on the weather.

There are many different seaside towns to choose from � Aldeburgh holds a festival in June which was founded by Benjamin Britten where there are many different things to see and do. Blackpool is for thrills and Newquay is notorious for teenage revellers. Salcombe offers excellent sailing as well as a multitude of beaches to choose from. Many of these towns also hold regatta weeks in which there are many things to see and do and have fun in. The annual sandcastle competition in Salcombe is an extremely popular event. Many seaside towns also have famous and impressive landmarks such as the Brighton Pier alongside the famous donkey rides that can make for an extremely enjoyable and traditional holiday with children or as an elderly couple.

The rise of the �staycation� has been such a major trend that in August 2009 that trips abroad by UK residents slumped by as much as 17% according to the Guardian website.

Britons have therefore tried to make their holidays a little different and more exciting than just being at home or only a few hours away and there has been growth in the sales of small boats and jetskis. This is an investment into future staycations. Inflatables and BBQs have also seen a boost in numbers sold.

If you don�t live by a lake or the sea there is often nowhere to store it for the winter months. Jet skis and boats also come with ample amount of equipment that cannot possibly stay at home or live in your garage: not to mention inflatables (even when deflated!) and BBQ s taking up valuable space. Self storage is therefore the perfect answer as to where to keep it all. Britain is also prone to random bursts of heat, if this occurs it is simple to go to your local self storage centre and take away your boat or jetski for the weekend. With 24 hour CCTV and security staff you can be rest assured that your key to a brilliant staycation by the seaside is in safe hands.

Dunstable Through The Ages

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:02:42 +0100

Dunstable the Market Town

Dunstable is situated on the A5 just west of Luton. For centuries it has been a market town on a major link route to the Midlands and beyond. In 1131, King Henry 1st allowed regulated markets in the town and today there are 3 markets a week. The town grew to prominence between the 12th and 14th centuries with the priory being the driver of development in and around the town.

The Romans used Dunstable as a stopping point, and from those early days it has been used as an important staging post. Today the town has built up around the A5 and there are numerous restaurants, pubs and cafes that have been developed to cater for the passing trade, as well as its many inhabitants. In addition, distribution and storage businesses have made good use of the town�s excellent communication links with the M1 motorway, running between Dunstable and Luton.

Picking up on the town�s excellent communications the London 2012 Olympic committee have chosen Dunstable to be part of the route taken by the infamous Olympic torch. The exact date of the visit is as yet not known but rumour has it sometime between 19th May and the 21st July are some dates to watch. The town is currently seeking ideas for local people to carry the torch through Dunstable.

The development of Luton in the 19th and 20th centuries, as a result of the development of the motor car industry and printing, saw Dunstable and its immediate economy decline in relation to its next door neighbour. However, in the 1960�s the College in Dunstable was established: this was followed by the magistrate�s court in 1963 and in 1975 the Health Centre was created. The development of the Grove Theatre complex in recent times has added to the dynamic in Dunstable and it still remains an attractive market town.

As far as industry is concerned the town continues to develop around businesses looking to utilise the good communication network. Self storage and workspace have been developed in the town and this has helped businesses develop a flexible approach to their own development and growth. In addition this has assisted with the establishment of small businesses who have used the flexible terms to meet their own requirements. The nature of self storage facilities themselves enable small businesses to grow without encountering the major overheads brought about by leasing or buying business premises. While, at the same time, removing the need for stock and equipment to be stored at home: for businesses in Dunstable and Luton self storage is a bit of a saving grace

Archive Storage Tells A Few Tales

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:22:56 +0100

How a document found in Archive Self Storage can make you smile ....

Looking back through archives, regardless of subject area or topic, provides a useful link to the past. Many of us view archive storage as a necessary evil to comply with accounting practice, or due to Government legislation which requires businesses to keep all types of records for a period of time. However, there is no doubt that society would be a poorer place without the benefit of archives.

Looking back through historic records, we can establish so much of how society worked through the ages. Understanding the amount a Roman soldier earned, calculating how much a serf paid his lord in the form of rent, establishing the price of commodities through the ages: all have told us so much about our past. Going back to the Magna Carter and the Doomsday book, through to the poems of Burns and even up to the modern day where records are kept for everything, historians can establish how we behaved through the ages.

Over time, archives have been kept in organisations of the establishment. This may have been through the archive held for a major institution. Universities have been a good example of where quality archives have been held. Universities tend to archive not only documents but also items of historical significance such as archaeological items excavated from sites that even Indiana Jones would be excited about! Currently, a well known historical University has utilised customised space at Alligator Storage - Bristol. This space is temperature controlled and has been specially designed to meet the needs of the university and their archived items. On a smaller scale, many landed estates have kept an archive of their records and this work is undertaken to keep a record and a time line of how the estate�s business has been managed through the ages.

In more recent times as legislation has been developed, businesses have increasingly had to keep records for different periods. Even with the development of the electronic data storage systems, paper remains abundant and requires storing. However, even in this world of tedious legislation there are examples of how keeping archives can be both informative and amusing. The exchange of letters involving The Cleveland Browns Football Team below, found in a self storage archive in Ohio USA demonstrates how documents that are kept in an archive and are produced many years later can make us smile.

.............. make sure you read the reply!

Letter To Cleveland Browns

Reply Sent By Cleveland Browns

Self Storage - The Saviour of Ladies Day

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:50:21 +0100

With nearly �4million in prize money at stake, Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious events on the UK racing calendar. World renowned for its first class racing which attracts the top riders & horse from far and wide, Royal Ascot has made a name, in its more recent history, for the levels of style on display by those who attend this vibrant race meet. Traditionally, �Ladies Day� is the focal point of the fashion stakes but more recently the entire event has become an opportunity for �fashionistas� to put on a colourful display.

Of course, most would claim they are there to watch the top flight racing and place a few bets. Tradition is maintained with every race day beginning in the same way. From the Golden Gates, the Royal Procession makes its way towards the Parade Ring ready for the 2.30pm race. After the last race at 5.35pm, the party continues with the wins being celebrated and the losses being lamented. The whole event is geared towards a party atmosphere, albeit a high-class one.

Every year the outfits and accessories get bigger, bolder and brighter than the year before. Royal Ascot maintains strict dress codes depending on what part of the racecourse you are granted admission to. Jeans, sports shoes, football colours, amongst other things are strictly forbidden. Fancy dress however, is not provided its �within reason�

This is where some of the most outrageous creations are put on show, much like the horses, for the crowds and now more recently the media. Due to the vast amount of media attention given to Ladies Day, no self-respecting fashionista would dare wear the same outfit and hat more than once. This therefore poses the question of �What will I do with it all now?�

Some celebrities have been known to auction off their outfits in aid of charity; other racegoers may be even more creative and adapt the hat for another occasion. Regardless of the fate destined for these items of clothing and accessories, they need to be put somewhere and self storage is the ideal long and short term solution. Whether it be stored for a short period until its fate is decided, or an entire collection of hats worn by celebrities are stored prior to auction, self storage is the easy cost effective option for anyone who needs to store an Ascot-worthy fashion creation

Royal Ascot Overview

Tuesday 14th June

The Queen Anne Stakes,
The King�s Stand Stakes - the first British leg of the Global Sprint Challenge � and
The St James�s Palace Stakes.

Wednesday 15th June

Prince of Wales�s Stakes, �400,000 prize money on offer.
Windsor Forest Stakes
Queen Mary Stakes

Thursday 16th June

Gold Cup,
The Hampton Court Stakes has been renamed the Tercentenary Stakes.

Friday 17th June

Coronation Stakes
The King Edward VII Stakes, (Ascot Derby)

Saturday 18th June

The Golden Jubilee Stakes

Settle into Self Storage at the End of Term

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:25:30 +0100

Summer Storage for Students

The end of the university year has arrived and the question of transporting all your belongings back home can prove troublesome. With the end of exams, do you really need to struggle back home with all your books? The answer, unless you are extremely keen, is probably "no."

Many poor parents are forced to drive the length of the country to collect their child at the end of the university year and try to cramp a vast amount of accumulated items into the car to take back home. Tempers fray and fuses are shortened making for a very long car journey home. If a little planning has taken place, a van can be hired, filled and driven the length of the country by a poor unsuspecting parent. There are 2 significant flaws with both options detailed: the journey has to be tackled at the end of the summer holidays, which in turn works out to be quite an expensive task given today�s fuel prices. If a van is hired twice in relatively quick succession, costs mount up.

Others may attempt the train ride home with all their belongings, saving money, however blocking up their room at home with unwanted items such as a spare duvet, more books, lamps from university and other trinkets. The train is an option if you are studying in your mother country but not so suitable for those who are studying abroad. Excess baggage costs when using air travel can be quite frightening at times, especially with heavy course books.

Self storage is a useful way to combat all of the scenarios mentioned. Worry free, you can put anything in, in the safe knowledge that it will be there for your arrival back in at the end of the holidays. The financial benefits of self storage for students over the holiday period far outweighs the options where lots of planning, moving and lifting are concerned.......student self storage is a win-win situation for all!

Self Storage Could Help With The Changing Seasons

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:42:15 +0100

...as Cheryl Cole might be finding out now

After her very public sacking from the American X Factor, it is time for poor Cheryl to come home to Britain. Cheryl had to try and change things about herself, to fit into the American celebrity scene � she refused elocution lessons to change her accent, but she did try and change her wardrobe: albeit sometimes questionably. The outfit she wore to one of her first public appearances in the states � purple flares and an orange frilly top � did nothing to persuade the Americans that Cheryl could be their new sweetheart. Her big hair was the cherry �on top� of a bad look according to some critics.

Such an outfit may not be one that Cheryl would like to keep � many speculate it was the straw that broke the camel�s back with regard to her sacking � so what is she to do with it? It would be a safe bet to say there would be plenty of other outfits that Cheryl would be able to wear state-side but not here in the UK: largely down to our blustery climate. Strolling through London wearing the spotty Sonia Rykiel mini dress she wore for US X factor auditions would look out of place, purely because shivering uncontrollably would perhaps ruin the look. Cheryl might therefore consider self storage for her extensive wardrobe, which some experts value it at �400,000. Indeed it would actually be a wiser choice; self storage is secure, whereas Cheryl, and her then husband Ashley, were actually victims of a burglary. Security, and the flexibility to change the staples in your wardrobe at the �drop of a hat� (sorry!) is by no means exclusive to celebrities. Give its cost effective nature, self storage is a feasible solution to ladies from all walks of life who just want to be more efficient when it comes to coping with their every changing (and expanding!) collections of clothing.

They say a week in politics is a very long time and the same could be said of the celebrity world. Cheryl may have messed up her chances in America this time but at the age of 27 there is still plenty to come. Another move stateside could beckon in the future in which Cheryl may want to dip back into her wardrobe � admittedly not for �statement� pieces, but for everyday chic. Angelina Jolie has admitted that away from the cameras she wears the same jeans and t-shirt every day. Cheryl could raid her clothes in self storage for an everyday look in LA in the future, perhaps bolstering appeal as she would not be seen to be trying too much, and would nail the effortless looks frequently adopted in LA by the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Eva Longoria.

Storage Team Takes Charge of Wolverhampton

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:28:31 +0100

It�s about time you guys heard a little more about the essential cogs in Alligator Storage wheel. So, let�s meet the fantastic team in charge of our storage centre on the border of Wolverhampton & Wednesbury, who are always there to help and offer expert advice to our customers.

Kimberley Lees, the bubbly branch manager of this centre, lives in Wolverhampton: just a short distance from the branch. She is very outgoing and always has a cheery welcoming smile on her face. Kimberley has been manager of the storage facility near Wolverhampton for three years now and in her own words, �loves every second of it.� When she isn�t working you will usually catch her blowing all her hard earned cash by shopping, or maybe sitting with a Starbucks and piece of Rocky Road, taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the shops. Kimberley also loves travelling and her dream destination would a safari in Kenya, up-close and personal with all the wild beasts. Another point made by Kimberley was �........ the entire mosquito population of Kenya would be left wanting a taste due to the fact she is so sweet they wouldn�t be able to resist.�

Jamaine �Muscle-man� Crooks, is the Deputy Manager of our storage centre. As you can possibly guess from his nickname, Jamaine loves the gym: something immediately apparent when you see him. He is always on hand to help all the �damsels in distress� with their storage requirements and although he is the size of the hulk, he has a heart of gold. He loves doing his bit for charity and has recently completed a 160 mile sponsored bike ride from Wolverhampton Wanderers Molineux Stadium, to Wembley Stadium in London in 48 hours � WELL DONE! Jamaine has been the deputy manager for the last 3 years and would never leave as �he would miss all the attention he gets from our wonderful [female] customers.�

Finally completing the trio of self storage gurus is our ambitious Miss Jessica Robertson. Currently fulfilling the sales assistant role while completing her degree in Creative Writing at Wolverhampton University; we could have the next JK Rowling on our hands? Jessica is like every 20 year old graduate: loves partying while not having to worry about getting up for work Monday to Friday. Jessica is off to Magaluf in the next week to celebrate her landmark 21st Birthday � We hope you enjoy your trip and best wishes for your birthday when it arrives!

Well, a short but sweet introduction to our happy little team at our West Midlands Storage Centre: if you want to know more about storage, or are intrigued by the sound of Jamaine (calm down ladies!) you will have to visit the branch and see them yourself......they are a little crazy though!

Cooking with Self Storage

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:52:17 +0100

The success of �Jamie Oliver�s 30 Minute Meals� (the fastest selling non-fiction book in British history) shows that demand for cook books is still high. However, the internet has changed our lives in every way possible and this is notably shown in cook books. Although there is still demand for the hard back, all the information that you need is usually posted online. For example, Jamie Oliver has posted almost all of his recipes online � simply print them off and use or if you are brave enough, have your laptop in the kitchen and . An example is the link here - something you can eat tonight!

My mother had many cook books that cluttered various parts of the kitchen and gathered dust over the years; however, all had post it notes stuck to various pages denoting her favourite recipes. Having a clear out one day she decided to cut down from around 50 to 15 � the books she used most often. However, she did not want to throw out her books, not only because they cost a lot to buy over the years but also because she still wanted to have a backup of her trusty recipes. Even though she possibly knew them by heart, the human security requirement kicked in and she wanted them for future reference, lest she forget.

The simplest solution, not to mention the most cost effective was to utilise the local self storage facility. She now has her own clean, dry, secure storage room where she can store all of her beloved recipes, as well as a whole host of other items that have somehow managed to gravitate towards the room. The discovery of self storage has now meant instead of the choices applied to items when having a clear out being �keep or bin?� it is now �keep, store or bin?�

This mantra can be applied to just about every item found in an average UK household, especially where things like clothing, garden equipment, seasonal sports equipment and collectables are concerned. Due to the fact you rent your own private self storage room, and can access this as often as you want during the storage centre�s long opening ours, the storage room itself becomes an extension of your home. Ideal if you are anything like my mother who cannot bear to part with the finer details of constructing the ultimate chocolate souffl�.....

Bristol Filton Airport to Close

Tue, 31 May 2011 12:12:19 +0100

Following a recent economic assessment by BAE Systems, Bristol's Filton airport will close at the end of 2012. However, this devastating decision will not affect Bristol's main passenger airport located at Lulsgate: it is hoped Lulsgate will see an upturn in demand from the displaced commercial business currently located at Filton. In addition, arrangements are being sought for assisting with distribution and storage in Bristol for those businesses affected by the decision.

All the Stakeholders and Commercial users of Filton airfield have been informed by BAE Systems, and this sad decision will result in the loss of the airport's 19 employees.

A spokesman for BAE Systems commented �We sincerely regret the impact of the closure upon Filton aerodromes 19 employees, and we will work with them to explore alternative employment opportunities�.

The conservative MP for Filton and Bradley, Jack Lopresti, advised he was deeply disappointed at the closure which will bring to an end over 100 years of history at Filton, and the priority looking forward is to make sure the airfield's closure will not have a detrimental affect on the local economy.

Filton aerodrome opened in 1910, and has been home to many historic projects including the Bristol Freighter, Bristol Fighter, the Britannia and of course the world famous Concorde. It is located just north of Bristol, and with its proximity to the major road and rail networks, Filton was seen as an ideal Airport for busy business executives. The mainline railway station is less than 2 miles and can be reached by car from central Bristol in less than 10mins

Today the Airport is used extensively by general aviation and corporate traffic. The main runway is 2467 metres (8093 ft) long and with its state of the art navigation equipment ensures operators use of the runway in all but the very worst weather conditions.

Additionally, it has recently provided facilities for the Police helicopter, operated on behalf of Avon and Somerset, and Gloucestershire Constabulary, and a second helicopter for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.

The employee union representative expressed his dismay that such a valuable asset to the local aviation community would no longer be served by the valuable workforce and investment they deserve.

Aircraft maker Airbus - which has a manufacturing facility located at Filton advised it is in negotiations with BAE Systems regarding it�s decision to close the airfield and was working to ensure a smooth transition to provide local alternative services and practices.

A spokesman for Airbus was quoted "We are confident once the aerodrome closes we will instigate a range of effective measures to allow our work here to continue efficiently, and without any major disruption. Airbus is committed to maintaining its facility in Filton. It is one of our key strategic centres for design excellence, and our recent decision to invest many millions of pounds in the nearby business park at Filton is ample demonstration of this�

It is hoped BAE�s recent multi million investment in the A350XWB Landing Gear Test Facility will more than mitigate for any losses of employment resulted as a consequence of this decision.

Camden's Weather

Tue, 31 May 2011 11:59:04 +0100

Anyone who has emigrated to the United Kingdom are sure to have been warned of the terrible weather, and "the summer that has no sun," but 2011 looks like being a pleasant surprise for any recent arrival to the UK. Since arriving from New Zealand three months ago there has barely been a drop of rain: instead of seeing jackets and umbrellas, it�s been shorts and sunglasses. The thought of making my daily journey to work in Camden with an umbrella has not materialised and the weather has been that good, a walk home from work has become mandatory.

My daily walk home from Alligator's storage centre in Camden takes me through Regents Park, a great spot for anyone to enjoy the sun and take in the beautiful surrounds. Thanks to the great weather and what experts are calling the hottest spring on record, Regents Park is sure to be full of people from all over central London. Temperatures of over 20 degrees are encouraging workers and students to venture outside, on any one day you can expect to see flocks of people letting the sun warm their skin. Of course, all this fine weather means great news for local businesses in Camden. Any pub that can offer an outdoor area is sure to draw a larger than normal crowd and local supermarkets are also noticing an increase in business with many people choosing to pick up food and drink for a picnic with friends and family. The weather at times has been so good in central London that it is more common to see people in bikinis and shorts than boots and raincoats.

Another great discovery during my time spent in London is a day out to Camden Market. Camden�s most famous attraction is a must do on a rainy day, let alone a sunny one. You can expect to see large crowds if you venture there on a Saturday or Sunday when the weather is fine. On my most recent visit to the Camden market, I went with the intention to purchase a new sweater however ended up leaving with a pair of sunglasses and a sun hat! Camden market is great for a bargain and also offer some great food at reasonable prices. With the brilliant weather it was near impossible to get an outdoor seat to enjoy the wide range of food and enjoying a beer outdoors involved a long wait, but it was all worth it in the end.

So�to anyone who says that the UK weather is rubbish needs to spend some time in Camden to enjoy the current run of great weather and the attractions that are on offer. The best thing about it is that it is not even summer yet!

Some Snappy Storage Poems

Tue, 24 May 2011 10:57:37 +0100

Storage Bolton S - special T - talented and helpful O - only Alligator Storage offer R - realistic rates A - along with G - great service E � especially at B - Bolton. Don�t take O -our word for it. Pop into L -look at our T -tremendous facility at the O -old, Egyptian Mill, transformed recently into a N -new modern storage facility.	Storage Luton S � Storage problems are easily solved, with our T � trustworthy, O � outstanding, R � reliable team. A � Alligator Self Storage have G � great introductory offers for both domestic and commercial needs providing E � excellent customer service. We are ideally L � located just off the M1 junction 11. We offer U � unbeatable prices guaranteed. T � Transport solutions can also be arranged. O � Our under-cover loading bay, free trolley usage and dedicated service will N � never let you down�
Storage Bristol S � Secure T � Trusting O � Organised R � Reliable A � Affordable G � Genuine E � Experience B � Beneficial R � Rates I � Individual S � Safe T � Tailored O � Opulent L � Location	Storage Southampton S - snappy prices T - tailored to meet all your storage needs. O - our friendly, reliable staff are fully trained to find your storage solution R - reception full of a wide range of packaging materials A - Alligator is your number one storage provider G - great location, centrally located E -easy access loading bay with free use of trolleys S - Southampton have a wide range of room sizes O - our facility has individually alarmed units and a comprehensive CCTV system U - use our facility to free up your cluttered space T -temperature controlled throughout, providing a dry secure environment. H �happy storage, first month FREE A - amazing value for money M - move in today P - price match guarantee to ensure we provide you with the best value for money T - to discuss a deal call us now O - opportunity not to be missed N - near Southampton Football Club, just of Millbank Street.
Storage Birmingham Sheldon SOMEDAY WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT THERE MAY COME A TIME O RGANISED AND READY REALLY EASY TOO ALL THE SPACE YOU COULD NEED GOOD VALUE FOR YOU EVERYTHING IS EASY GREAT FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS A HOTEL FOR YOUR BITS AND BOBS RELOCATIONS TO CAR-BOOTS REASONS ARE MANY EASY � JUST CALL US FREE PHONE THAT WON�T COST A PENNY THERE TO ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS SEE OUR BOXES WRAP AND TAPE GO ON YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO RING OR JUST POP IN EMAIL TOO EVERY STORAGE NEED YOU HAVE NO ONE BETTER, LOOKS AFTER YOU.	Storage Farnham Sunshine yellow signs Totally trustworthy staff Offering a total package Reassuringly safe Arguably the best value Genuine offers Exceptionally superb service Fantastically flexible Amazingly spacious Reliable , reasonable and respectful Nice and tidy Handy location Alarmed with security Magnificent STORAGE
Storage Nottingham Sneinton Market is situated 100 yards from The best storage centre in the world! Often commended for our customer service we Really value our customers needs At any opportunity we Grow relations with one and all Envy from our competitors is understandable as they No doubt would prefer working On-board The Alligator Ship Total commitment Is required to be a member of the team Not only this but Great leadership from above Helps galvanise And direct our ever-improving and Much loved storage centre!	Storage Birmingham Secure and Tidy. On the spot service Range of sizes that are, Affordable, we Guarantee a price match Experienced staff always happy to help. You hold the only keys to your unit Adjustable to suit your needs Reserve to avoid disappointment Domestic and Commercial storage customers welcome Load your goods using our trolleys� Extensive range of packaging materials, Just Yell us at Yardley.
Storage Winchester Snappy Tells Of Rooms Available for Garage clearances Especially in Winchester. Indoors, safe and secure. Not far from old Capital�s centre. Hurray! Echo in the empty garage is a Sound that Tells of Empty Room for my beloved new car.	Storage Camden Storing is our business Tape, boxes and bubble wrap too Organised and friendly staff Realising your needs for you Although it can be difficult Getting all your goods here Every problem has an answer Come rain or shine, never fear And what about our value? More than very good I would say Deals to be made and done Ensuring the least every customer pays Now it is the end of this little nursery rhyme. Another customer is here, thank you for your time.
Storage Portsmouth Snappy�s Acrostic Poem Space is something that we all need. Take things out of your house and the space is freed Out of your house, but where does it all go. Round the corner to Snappy�s place, didn�t you know? Alligator Storage is there for you all. Gathering your belongings, somewhere safe, dry and secure. Each one of our customers has their own separate key. Plus 24 hour access at Portsmouth is absolutely free!! Office too full, no room for your desk? Right? Time to phone Snappy and clear out the mess. Today your office is full, but it will soon be clear. Store for a month or maybe a year? Make the most of the space that you have left to use. Or make more space and use Snappy and have more room to snooze. Untidy garage, full up with mess? Take it to Snappy, and store all your stress. However you choose to make the most of your space, Snappy is there with his big, green, smiley face.	Storage Dumfries Safe and secure your belongings will be Trust in us, that�s our guarantee Our self storage is the best around Reserve your space for only twenty pound All size units, large and small Garages, lockers, and rooms 8 foot tall Excellent storage solutions, come and see Don�t delay � jump in your car Up in Heathhall is where we are Moving or de-cluttering, whatever the cause be Fantastic rates and prices make our customers happy Rentals from a week to a year, we ease the worry load It�s simple to arrange,find us off Catherinefield Road Everything is here; boxes and padlocks,we�ve got it all Self Storage is here in Dumfries so give us a call
Storage Wednesbury Spacious storage rooms to Tidy and de-clutter your home for short term or Ongoing storage Ready for Christmas with all those presents for All the big kids. Great rates and Excellent service at all times. We also provide trolleys to move all those Extra big items and we can recommend a Dedicated removal company to help with the transporting. No hassle to customers, and we have Extra services we can help you with such as insuring your goods Supplying boxes and Bubble wrap and if you need storage space Urgently we are always Ready to help and find availability at the last minute In our eye catching Yellow Building.

How Big?

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:26:16 +0100

How do you store the World�s largest Easter egg?

Well, it is that time of year again when all the Easter eggs are rolled into our supermarkets and quickly rolled back out again into our tummies!

The chocolate Easter egg range never fails to increase year after year from eggs with toys, mugs, games, chocolates, bunnies, gold leaf, champagne and even a chocolate pizza (yes it exists!) there is something to suit everyone.

A recent poll, by mystery shopping company Retail Active, has found that children between 10 � 14 years old consume, on average approx 13 chocolate eggs over the Easter period. A typical 200g Easter egg contains 990 calories and 50 grams of fat, so that amounts to a lot when times by 13 and consumed by youngsters!

Generally Easter eggs aren�t around long enough to require storage at home or elsewhere before they are eaten, but how do you store the largest Easter egg in the world?

The largest Chocolate Easter Egg according to the Guinness Book of Records was made by Guylian the Belgian chocolate producer. The Guylian team prepared the chocolate egg with at least 50,000 bars on behalf of the city of St. Niklaas, Belgium. The massive egg measured 8.32m high, took 26 people a staggering 525 hours to build, and required 1950 kg of chocolate to create the confectionery giant.

The Guinness World Records also details the world's largest chocolate Easter Egg based on weight. The new record breaker (2010) is only 4m high but it weighs a staggering 6,440 kg as it is a solid egg! This egg was created by the team at Supermercados Imperatriz Ltd and Nestl� (Brazil) at Beiramar Shopping Centre in Sao Jose, Santa Catarina, Brazil, on 3 April 2010. As it turns out, these giant Easter eggs didn�t require storage as they were eventually broken down and distributed amongst charities.

To safely house both these mammoth eggs in self storage, a whopping 500 SqFt would be needed.

Royal Wedding Space

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:45:49 +0100

Many Londoners have seized the opportunity to maximise on their London �Space� by renting out their homes to visitors who are flocking to London to watch Price William marry Kate Middleton on Friday 29th April 2011.

The term �space� doesn�t just cover flats, apartments and houses but also includes RV Motor Homes, single room lets along with the obvious hotel rooms and B&Bs.

A recent survey by FindaProperty.com found that one in four Londoners were looking to rent out part or all of their home on and around Friday 29th April royal wedding. A total of 1,200 visitors to the site were questioned for the survey, with 57% planning to let out just their spare room for an average of �38 a night.

These savvy Londoners� are reported to be escaping London for a few days on breaks, out-with the city of London, to maximise on the opportunity of the impending masses that are expected to visit London over the last week in April.

Although this Royal Wedding has had huge media coverage over the last 6 months it is not a surprise reaction from London. Many residents choose this option for such events as: Wimbledon, London Olympic Games 2012, London Marathon and the list goes on, making the decision to rent out rooms or their entire property whilst they take a short break in the UK or even in Europe.

Again this phenomenon is not contained to simply to London, locations all over the UK which witness a similar situation. Major locations such as Edinburgh for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which sees an incredible influx of visitors in the month of August, Cheltenham Races near Luton and numerous music festivals throughout the UK over the year.

The Royal Wedding has created much excitement and anticipation throughout the UK and is bound to be a wonderful event. Back in November we discussed on our news page the need for some Royal Storage for all the wedding gifts that the couple would be receiving. However in March it was announced from Clarence House that the couple have asked for charity donations in place of wedding gifts - "Having been touched by the goodwill shown them since the announcement of their engagement, Prince William and Miss Middleton have asked that anyone who might wish to give them a wedding gift consider giving instead to a charitable fund.

"Many of the charities are little known, without existing royal patronage, and undertake excellent work within specific communities. They are charities that have a particular resonance with Prince William and Miss Middleton and reflect issues in which the couple have been particularly interested in their lives to date."

This option is becoming a more popular with many couples living together before they get married and therefore have set up a home prior to their wedding. It is also a wonderful gesture to promote and assist good causes throughout the UK and the world.

Enjoy watching the �Wedding of the Decade�.

^{Unfortunately, Alligator Self Storage is unable to assist with any requests for overnight stays in our lovely storage facilities!}

Jamaine's Charity Cycle Challenge - Molineux to Wembley

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:58:41 +0100

At Alligator Self Storage, we are always willing to help a worthwhile cause, especially those our staff have a personal interest or connection with. Last year the Head Office team successfully completed the Edinburgh Moon Walk, and Kim (Branch Manager, Wednesbury) completed the Race for Life. Our Wednesbury branch have stepped up again and this time its Deputy Manager, Jamaine�s turn to dedicate time and a vast amount of effort to a meaningful cause. Below is Jamaine�s take on the event he is planning to take part in next weekend:

�I think every person wants to be able to look at them self and say �I made a difference�. That�s why when I was asked to take part in a charity bike ride I didn�t even have to think about it, not only because it is going to raise money for a variety of good causes but also, so I could have the bragging rights for completing the challenge.
The challenge I�m referring to is a whopping 140 mile ride from Molineux Football Stadium, the home ground of my local team the Wolves, to Wembley Stadium! For those of you who don�t have a vast knowledge of football Stadia and their locations, that�s from Wolverhampton, in the West Midlands, to London on a bicycle: that�s more than four times the length of the channel tunnel!
The event is being organised by a local fund raising organisation called Punjabi Wolves who hold a variety of events throughout each year, in an effort to raise money for charity. The thing I particularly like about the organisation is they don�t just support one particular charity, they choose a few different charities to divide the proceeds between. This approach means the money they raise can potentially help a vast amount of people suffering from a number of different conditions. The chosen charities for this event are:

The Multiple Sclerosis Society
Promise Dreams (a local charity that helps seriously and terminally ill children fulfil their wishes)
Cancer Research
NSPCC
West Park Hospital (a local rehabilitation hospital)
India Housing Project (the organisations own charity where they build homes for the homeless in Punjab, India)

Last year the event raised over �16,000, this year over 20 riders are taking place and are hoping to reach a target of raising �20,000 in sponsorships. This seems a daunting task but I knew I could count on my employers and fellow work colleagues of Alligator Self Storage to get me off to a good start. As I have worked for the company for over 2 years and now hold a position as Deputy Manager in the Alligator Storage Wednesbury branch I have got to know the whole head office team quite well, so when I told them about the event the whole team were practically falling over each other in an attempt to get their names and pledges on my sponsor form...... ok maybe that�s a small exaggeration, but they have shown full support. I have had to endure odd joke around the office about my cycling shorts but it�s all worth it in the name of this great event.

Well, I think that�s enough of me rambling on, I�d better get on my bike and start training, 140 miles isn�t going to be easy in the slightest. Wish me luck everyone and don�t be afraid to get your wallets out and make a donations yourself, no matter how big or small you will be able to say �I made a difference�.�

Alligator would like to wish Jamaine, the other riders, as well as the support team involved in making this event run smoothly and safely, the best of luck for their event........and we hope they�ve all invested in padded shorts to ease the pain!

Donations are to be made directly to Jamaine (cheque, cash or PayPal) to avoid the charity having to pay transaction charges and make sure they receive the FULL amount raised by the riders.
If you wish to support Jamaine in this amazing challenge, please email the Wednesbury branch and Jamaine will let you know all the details needed for you to donate.