As rental costs continue to climb across Britain, an increasing number of entrepreneurs are turning to self-storage units as a cost-effective solution to support their business ventures. From small-scale resellers to large corporations, these storage spaces are proving to be invaluable in helping businesses grow while keeping overheads low.
Among those tapping into the potential of self-storage is Andrew Higgins, who transformed his bedroom-based eBay business into a full-fledged enterprise by renting a unit from Vanguard Self Storage. Originally starting out by buying poorly presented items online, Higgins focused on improving their listings with better photos and descriptions, which quickly led to higher sales. However, as his business, Modernistiks, expanded, Higgins found that his bedroom was no longer sufficient for his growing inventory, particularly his passion for Scandinavian furniture.
By renting a Vanguard self-storage unit, Higgins was able to scale up without the hefty costs associated with leasing a warehouse. “We could claim the VAT back on the rent, and there are no rates or bills,” Higgins explained. This flexibility allowed him to operate efficiently while still enjoying a good work-life balance. He now works just 15 hours a week, focusing on high-demand items and occasionally travelling to Europe to source new products.
Similarly, Jasper Taylor found success by combining the convenience of self-storage with a straightforward business model. Taylor’s business, Renewal Project, revolves around finding free items from platforms such as Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and Freecycle, then selling them for a profit. He explained, “It’s a 100% profit margin. With a little time, patience, and some research, anyone could start their own buying and selling business.”
Taylor used his storage unit to store the items he sourced, allowing him to scale the business without the burden of high rents or extensive overheads. “It’s how you scale it up that’s important,” he added. For Taylor, the storage space became a vital component of his success, offering him the flexibility to operate on his terms.
Not all success stories are limited to small-scale entrepreneurs. Adrian Greenfield, who works for Ecolab, a global washroom solutions company, also relies on self-storage units for his team’s needs. Ecolab does not operate from large, central offices; instead, their small teams store cleaning supplies and equipment in Vanguard units across London. Greenfield explained that this setup allows the team to stay mobile and productive without the cost of maintaining a traditional office space.
The flexibility of these storage units extends beyond just storage. Greenfield even holds team briefings in the units, taking advantage of the quiet, lockable spaces that come with power and meeting room facilities, saving the company significant amounts in meeting room costs in central London. “Trying to get meeting rooms in London is astronomical,” he said. “It’s just another example of how flexible workspaces make life easier for both employers and employees.”
As rising costs continue to strain households and businesses, it’s clear that these savvy entrepreneurs are finding new ways to thrive. Self-storage solutions are helping them save on rent while still growing their businesses, offering a glimpse into a more flexible and cost-effective future for many Britons.