Flexspace is the master of self-storage for both businesses and individuals. We offer self-storage units of different sizes at six of our locations across the UK. All our destinations within reach of main roads, near or in major towns and cities.

So, whether you are looking to use it for business or personal storage,

below are the benefits of using a storage unit at Flexspace:

1. More space: creating space for your belongings means creating more space for yourself. If you’re moving to a new house, self-storage units come in handy when it comes to organising your items. Making the decision to get yourself some storage space will help you figure out what goes where. If you’re a business, easy access means that even if you archive, your work is easily locatable.
2. Cost-effective: Flexspace has self-storage units ranging in sizes between 25 and 250 square feet, which allows you to identify what size is best suited to your needs. One of the major benefits of renting storage space from us is the flexibility of cost. Choosing the right amount of space to store your belongings can give you the advantage of not having to pay extra rent on additional space that is unrequired, but also giving the option to expand with your storage needs.
3. Secure: all Flexspace self-storage units have 24-hour CCTV and secure locks which can give you peace of mind that your belongings will be protected for the duration in self-storage.
4. Protected: goods kept in self-storage also have little chance of getting wet or damaged from being moved around. The environment Flexspace self-storage units provide is clear from damp and cold.  Our units keep condensation at bay and cleaned regularly so your belongings are well looked after.

Flexible Self Storage at a Competitive Prices

Flexspace offers flexible storage terms, whether it’s for a minimum of a month, or longer if needed.

Better still, you can start with a shorter agreement and then extend, or even increase the storage if needed and available. Given we have so many units it is easy to find more space if ever required.

All Flexspace sites have ample parking space, with dedicated bays near the storage facilities, making loading and unloading easy for you. We also have staff are on hand to supply, if needed, packaging materials to ensure that your items are well looked after.

Wondering if we Have the Right Storage? Just Ask!

If your concern is space, security or convenience, self-storage could be the solution for you. For more information on our self-storage spaces browse our self-storage solutions. Or call today on 0800 033 4444 to book a viewing.

Optimism Reigns Supreme

Despite the uncertainty around Brexit and the wider economy, the optimism of small business owners would appear to be bucking the trend. A majority of them are forecasting growth in 2018.

Flexspace undertook their annual Business Sentiment Survey recently, canvassing over 160 SME owners across the country. The majority of the UK’s small business owners are putting growth on their 2018 agenda according to the survey results.

In fact 80% (128) of respondents expect moderate or substantial growth for their business in 2018
A further 78% (126) expect their confidence in the UK economy to increase or remain the same for the remainder of 2018.

SMEs are Vital to the UK Economy

“With uncertainty around productivity, the UK economy and a changing global landscape, it may be easy to assume small businesses are pessimistic about the future,” explained Lee Maytum, Managing Director of Flexspace.  

“Yet this survey suggests the exact opposite. Small businesses are feeling positive with plans for growth.

According to the Federation of Small Businesses, SMEs accounted for 99.3% of all private sector businesses at the start of 2017. That’s the bread-and-butter of the UK economy, making surveys like this so important. They stop us making assumptions about how small business owners are feeling and instead provide a strong indicator to business sentiment and expectations.”

43 per cent of business owners also said they intended to recruit in 2018. A sizable 32% of those, said that they hoped to recruit four or more employees.

“92 per cent of those who responded to the survey currently employ less than 26 members of staff. The intention to up headcount by four or more is a sign of significant growth for a small business,” added Lee.

A Brewing SME Give Their Perspective

Responding to the results, Flexspace Leominster customer and Partner in Swan Brewery, Gill Bullock, said the positive outlook was not a surprise. This was perhaps, a representation of small businesses, like their Leominster microbrewery, of targeting new opportunities:

“Increasing competition in a static market is probably our biggest concern at the moment. That’s why we’ve put strategies in place to maximise new routes to market.”

Almost exclusively working with local small businesses, the sentiment expressed in the survey is a positive indicator for Swan Brewery. Gill explained:
“The ingredients used in our ale are, by and large, from a British source. We use local suppliers and our customers are primarily based in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. There are many different UK-based stakeholders in the chain. Naturally, their mood and income will impact our business too.”

Gill has some advice for other small businesses.

“Anyone concerned about securing growth in the next 12 months. I’d suggest looking for new ways to sell your products. That also helps you stand out from competitors. 
We always aim to establish ourselves as a brewery that’s big on sustainability. That feeds through to our entire business model and differentiates us in a busy marketplace.”

A Landscaping SME Gearing Up for Growth

Based in Flexspace Tockwith, Perennials Gardening & Landscapes, is approaching business in 2018 in a remarkably similar way. Julia Harker, Company Director of Perennials, explained: “We’ve identified new routes to market and we’re gearing up for growth.

We recently moved into our new Flexspace unit to give us better access to areas where our services are in high-demand. We’ve also focussed more on landscaping as opposed to horticultural services. Landscaping for new builds is proving to be a lucrative and growing market for us, especially with the recent government drive to build more new homes.”

About the Business Sentiment Survey

The Business Sentiment Survey was open to all Flexspace customers from all of the company’s 59 centres across the UK.
98% of respondents stated their business turnover was £5 million or less in 2016.

If you’d like to join other optimistic SMEs at our 59 Flexspace locations across the UK, please get in touch on 0800 033 4444. We’d be please to discuss our various introductory deals for new clients.

Business risk for smaller operators or startups is found in many forms. It is often created when a startup actively looks for business premises to work from, for example.

All too frequently, suitable workspaces are sought which will only fit the business plan as it currently stands. The trouble with this approach is that the best-laid plans of SMEs tend to change in the short and medium term.

Sometimes,  the business grows much more rapidly than expected. During these early stages, your business model needs to be flexible and adjust accordingly.

Fortunately, Flexspace offers two types of contract, a shorter licence for flexibility and a longer lease for those who want more certainty in their planning.

Below, we take a look at various risks to your business, including your overhead or business premises risk.

Overhead Risk

The cost of business premises is one of the more significant but inescapable overheads that a small business will face. You should focus on it to reduce this risk to your long-term financial health as much as possible. Aim to sign a contract for a premises which suits your business today and tomorrow.

Flexspace are experts at recommending what type of contract will be best for your business. You should be looking for a space that suits your current requirements, yet have the flexibility to change if needed.

If you need to upscale later, then ensure you are not tied down to a longer-term arrangement than you need. Again, Flexspace provides the sort of flexible agreements which offer shorter arrangements that can change as your business needs evolve. Essentially, flexible agreements remove the threat of several risks but – most importantly – those that come from excessive overheads.

Hiring Risk

Obtaining the right staff is key to many small business managers who rely on a dedicated team of employees. Always take your time to obtain the best people that you can.

Don’t offer a job to a candidate you are not fully certain about. Re-advertise, if necessary. Keep newcomers on a temporary contractual arrangement until you are sure they fit the bill. Removing permanent members of staff from your employment who do not work out can be costly, stressful and time-consuming.

Debt Risk

Nearly all startup businesses operate with a certain level of debt that they need to service. Few SMEs get up and running without borrowing to some degree, in order to handle their inevitable startup costs.

Borrow from a respectable lender who understands the business plan and who can see the longer-term vision of what you are trying to achieve. In addition, it is wise to ensure loan repayments, local business tax and rent are the priority over other business debts, such as supplier invoices. Of course, flexibility from your landlord will allow you to reduce your exposure to longer-term business debt, as previously mentioned.

Should you fall behind with any repayments that are due, then it is better to be upfront. Inform creditors of any short-term cash flow problems you may be experiencing. Work out a payment arrangement with creditors from the outset in order to catch up. This is certainly much better than waiting until they lose patience and call the debt in via the courts. Such action can damage your reputation as well as your bank balance.

Summary

Some SMEs will face particular business risks that only relate to their sector, such as companies who have seasonal workloads. However, all smaller businesses face risk from debt, overhead management and staffing. Get it right in your handling of these three and your business will succeed. Conversely, if you don’t keep your eye on the ball, then you could be placing your enterprise at a greater risk than it ought to face.

Flexspace pride themselves at helping SMEs flourish. Why don’t you get in touch on 0800 033 4444 and see what flexible deal they could offer you.

With 59 sites across the UK, there’s bound to be one that fits the bill.

What do we mean by a mixed use business park?

When we talk of mixed use business parks, there’s two different ways of looking at this. At one end of the scale there’s a variety of white collar business (you know the type; slick looking business parks with manicured landscapes and impressive looking modern architecture) housing what is essentially a variety of office spaces.

And then there’s the older, mixed use business parks (frequently found on industrial estates). Here, the differences between tenants is greater. The range spans light industrial through to storage to workshops and office and clerical.

Really, there’s no hard and fast rule as to which scenario is better for networking. Although logic would suggest that the wider the range of tenants, the greater the chance that you might find benefits to any cross fertilisation. All we would say is-  try to meet your neighbours. Then find out if you can help them and whether they can help you.

Networking as an attitude

When networking its only natural to think ‘what can I get out of this interation’ Thinking this way, paradoxically, means that its unlikely you’ll gain any advantage from any interactions.

Why might this be? When networking, the most successful are the networkers who have the attitude – ‘what value can I bring to this interaction’. This is because this mindset is open to any opportunities which might present itself during the conversation. I suppose this reflects another truism: seek first to understand, then be understood.

Who should I be networking with?

Quite simply, anyone and everyone on your mixed use business park. Your greatest obstacle will be your (frequently incorrect) assumptions. Will this neighbour be a suitable individual to network with.

You need to get past that and recognise that just because (for instance) your business is white collar and some of your neighbours are involved with light industry, that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to help one another.

Remember, networking is all about the connections that individuals have – its their networks you are trying to tap into at the end of the day.

The joys (and benefits) of cross fertilisation

The beauty (and benefits) of interacting and meeting tenants who own wholly different businesses from you can throw up some surprising benefits. At the very least, the potential for direct competition will be low, by definition.

But there is something quite special about finding a solution or opportunity right on your doorstep. So what are you waiting for?

Why not resolved to make this week the week to meet your neighbours, or better still, why not ask your landlord to arrange a ‘meet and greet’ networking meeting on your business park. Who knows what future productive connections and relationships will come out of this.

In California, USA, there were even press reports about the stowing of pirate treasure in a self-storage facility. The booty amounted to over half a million dollars worth of gold and silver coins.

Sometimes live animals go into a storage centre, too in the US. This includes certain species of spiders and snakes!

One specialist breeder in Arizona would think nothing of keeping such creatures in stock self-storage -not many pet owners want somewhere to keep an animal, after all! Rest assured, that practice is fortunately  confined to the US.

Quirky Tales from Flexspace Managers

Some of our friendly staff report that their facilities have unusual uses, too. One had a Barry White impersonator who kept his stage costumes in storage ready for use. Then there’s the story of the shop which sold teddy bears using our self-storage. After the business went bust, the teddies needed new home. So, the team relocated them all and raised over £500 for local charities in the process.

One of our centres keeps items for Children’s TV in Scotland. Known to many kids, the Funbox’s Bonzo is a TV character that has its home in a Flexspace facility.

In another location, a client held clothing stock for elderly people in his locker.

This included quite a lot of “granny knickers”.

Every Friday afternoon, the customer in question counted out his stock of undergarments in full view of everyone. Indeed, he used to become so absorbed in what he was doing that the staff had to remind him that the facility was due to close!

Amazing Uses

Needless to say, the unusual nature of self-storage is not only down to the stranger items that people choose to keep under lock and key.

It is often a case of surprising uses as well. For example, just about every online store use our facilities. This includes many sellers from Ebay and Amazon. They base themselves in their bedrooms and use our facilities to house their stock.

Additionally, some bands use the storage rooms as practice studios, not just to keep their gear in.

That said, a self-storage facility in America was even the place where someone chose to keep over 250 of Michael Jackson’s unreleased recordings!

And a strongly growing customer base for self-storage for us are students. Canny students who are away from home during term time, use them for self-storage during the holidays. The great benefit of this means that not everything needs shifting back and forth three times a year. If only it could also eliminate the dreaded end of term washing cycle – then most parents would truly rejoice!

Astonishing or Just Versatile?

There are many diverse reasons for requiring extra storage these days. They range from student self-storage to those needing room for stock of all kinds. Given this, it is perhaps not so surprising that so many different items get stored in our facilities.

Thanks to Flexspace’s flexible rates and free rental periods, we offer the best place to store your belongings in perfect condition. And we’ll do so no matter how extraordinary they happen to be. Live snakes and spiders excepted!

Flexspace Really Means Flexibility

Flexspace may be part of our brand name, but what do we really mean flexibility? In other words, in what myriad ways are we flexible?

Certainly the thing that drives us, and permeates all aspects of our business, is the focus we put on our customers. That manifests itself in the many different ways we offer flexibility to our tenants.

What Exactly Do We Mean By Flexibility?

There can be little doubt that many businesses claim to be flexible. However when you look beneath the surface, they often turn out to be quite intransigent in certain aspects of their operations.

At Flexspace, we really take flexibility seriously and this is borne out in everything we do. So if we say we offer adaptable spaces and variable arrangements which are tailored to individual needs. You know, we really, really mean it. Let’s take a closer look at each of our flexible customer proposition.

Flexible Terms

Your terms and contract length is one key feature of any flexible business premises. Many of our clients are going through rapid expansion. If you need a contract which offers you a secure and solid base. No problem.

But how about if you need something to fit in with your growing demand for space, too. There again, some start-ups simply don’t have the capital to begin their operations, so seek individual deals like free introductory offers to get them up and running.

For others, it is a rolling contract that is most desirable because this can fit in with their changing plans at the drop of a hat. Every client is different and at Flexspace we recognise that.

Flexible Locations

Whether you’re looking for a location within the country which puts you near to your customers or your preference is for proximity to a motorway or an international airport, you’ll need a base of operations that fits the bill.
Thankfully, we have 59 locations across the UK to choose from so every business need can be met in terms of its whereabouts. Many offer superb communications and are already established commercial centres where your business will immediately fit in.

Flexible Units

Depending on the nature of your venture, you may need offices, workshops, storage facilities or even industrial units. At Flexspace, we don’t just have a good supply of each type of unit, but we frequently provide a mix of each for enterprises that require more than one unit type.

Flexible Service

Every Flexspace unit has a dedicated manager who is willing go the extra mile for all our customers.

They take the time to listen to you, and understand your needs fully. This means they’re equipped to make your business environment work for you. In a way that is conducive to growth and promotes your success. Just talk to us to find out how flexible our business services can be.

Flexible Fit Outs

We can kit out your flexible business premises for you so its ready to meet your needs from day one. When you move in, you may want particular partitioning arrangements or certain networking infrastructure in place.

Subject to agreed charges, such ‘Plug and Play’ arrangements can be made so that you hit the ground running. Remember that we offer mixed use units that can meet a wide variety of commercial needs on many of our sites.

Your Flexible Future

We welcome start-up enterprises and offer favourable rates to help get tomorrow’s business leaders off the ground. Given that we’ve the scale to handle anything up to multinational organisations as well, the your next productive move is closer than you think. We want to be your trusted partner during your journey from start-up to market leader. Our scale and set up allows us to help you every step of the way.

Think Flexspace

When you’re seeking flexible business premises, it pays to select the provider who offers true adaptability across multiple factors.

That’s why flexibility is part of our name and a driving force of our brand ethos. It clearly states what we live and breathe everyday.

So make 2017 the year to make Flexspace – your new, flexible business partner.

There are many concerns when planning a new business venture – commercial property being just one. Renting for the first time, how much or little space do you actually need. And how that space requirement might change over time.

The cheapest option may be the smallest available unit that accommodates your milling machines and lathes. Or the most modest unit for your computer workstations. After all, with any new start-up finance is always a primary consideration. But how about a year down the line? Five years further on?

This is the third in our blog series covering how you choose a flexible business.

For business owners, where you decide to put down roots is one of the most momentous decisions you can take as a business so it pays to give it sufficient consideration. This blog covers how you go about finding a premises, once you’ve looked at the physical considerations and the underlying costs of a move.

The First Step is Usually taken Online

I suppose the first thought invariably turns to the internet which is where most persons’ searches typically starts from. Internet searching has the major advantage of being essentially desk bound but able to cover a wide geographic area quickly.

Once you’ve found your broad area of the country which you want to base yourself, it pays to go a bit more local to try to drill down in a meaningful way.

Local Research

There are some particular advantages to doing this local research. For instance, there may be local grants available for relocation (or locating) in a particular part of the country.

Some of the most important factors will be the various transport links in the locality you are looking within. But other factors such as quality of life and whether you are relocating to a buzzy part of town or a more corporate business park.

Don’t forget the importance of networking

Another useful resource is to use the local chamber of commerce or business networks (most areas have early morning business breakfast meetings at least once a month if you wish to get a ‘feel’ for an area) – there is never a substitute for some good old fashioned networking.

Word of mouth information about opportunities are always of particular value, and there may be incentives to your business colleagues for recommending a new tenant (for them not yourself alas!). 

Conclusion

So there you have it – a three part stroll through some of the considerations when deciding on a new premises for your business.

Of course, you could always save a lot of legwork, head scratching and potential heart ache by coming straight to the experts – Flexspace, and let us do all the hard work for you.

With almost 60 sites across the UK, there’s sure to be an available unit to suit your needs in a convenient location for your business.

We have a range of business premises across the country close to major arterial connections, together with some very favourable terms (up to 3 months free for some localities). Some of our sites have additional amenities like on-site cafes etc. So what better time to contact Flexspace, and see where we can make an offer you can’t refuse. Flexspace: Managed workspace for the modern business.

Call 0800 033 4444 or complete the form today!

Part II of a III  part blog series

As we’ve mentioned in an earlier blog, where you decide to put down roots is one of the most momentous decisions you can take as a business. So it pays to give it sufficient consideration and to find a flexible business unit to rent.

The first blog covered the physical and tangible factors which influence where you choose to situate your business.

In the second of our three part blog on choosing a flexible business space, we’ll now take a look at the ongoing considerations: specifically those that impact on your running costs.

The ongoing considerations of where you move your business to

The running costs for small business rentals

These encompass the business rates and other running costs like your utilities (electricity, gas, water etc), but don’t forget other aspects particular to a location (like congestion charges and car parking charges). Some landlords directly charge business rates together with the unit rental, with others, the business rates are separate.

There are many more potential running costs dependent upon the unit you may be interested in, but those are the main ones to ponder. Look carefully at ones which have variable costs, such as for phone calls or photocopying – make sure the fees are fair and transparent.

Last but by no means least (in terms of the factors affecting your decision) are the legal considerations. Ignore or skim over at your peril! What is the length of contract term? Are there any break clauses? You need to be sure that you are not tied in for years without any option to cancel or move.

Hidden clauses and restrictions on use of a building

Any business owner needs to ensure that the business you are renting is suitable for your business, not just today but also for tomorrow. For instance one possible disadvantage might be whether there are any restrictions for access, particularly for members of the public.

Or, for example, if you are running a workshop, are there parts of your work which are not fully covered by the terms of the contract or insurance. You need to be sure that if an accident happens, it is fully covered.

Are additional licences required based on the nature of your work? For instance whether materials you have on site are considered hazardous. Are you able to subcontract, or do you have cover for freelance or contract workers.

Naturally, fire and health & safety flow from this, as well as whether the premises are suitable for all staff, for instance if any disabilities need to be catered for.

Can you rent this office on favourable terms?

The site needs to suit you and your customers,not just today, but far into the future, so beware of tying yourself too firmly to a contract which lasts longer than it needs to.

Most business leases are for 2-3 years with various break clauses, usually at an annual basis. These days, increasing numbers of property companies (Flexspace included) favour auto renew – essentially a rolling contract which relies on the tenant canceling. This provides both flexibility and longevity for both parties.

But look out for contracts which run for years, they can seem really attractive, but what if your business shuts or grows. What seemed like a good deal last year may seem like shackles to you today.

Those,  in a nutshell, are some of the key on-going considerations when looking and assessing your new or first business premises.

Of course, you could always save a lot of legwork by coming to the experts – Flexspace, and let us do all the hard work. We have a range of business premises across the country close to major arterial connections, together with some very favourable terms (up to 3 months free for some localities).

Many of our sites have additional amenities like on-site cafes etc. So next time you are reviewing your next location, consider contacting Flexspace. We’ll try to make you an offer you can’t refuse!

Flexspace: Managed workspace for the modern business.
Call 0800 033 4444 or complete the form today!

This topic will be in 3 blog parts for simplicity:

1. The physical factors used to determine your business location (part I)
2. The on going costs which determine your business location (part II)
3. How you should actually go about searching for a business location (part III)

For business owners, where you decide to put down roots is one of the most momentous decisions you can take as a business so it pays to give it sufficient consideration.

Maybe you’ve started off in a bedroom or garage, or are just looking for a new place to operate from. Whatever the key drivers are which underlie this decision? We outline a list which hopefully will act help you consider carefully all the important factors which will impact your business.

As mentioned above, in this first blog, we’ll tackle the physical factors influencing your location decision:

The physical factors determining where to move your business to

Workplace flexibility needs to be front and centre

Any location needs to enable you to operate as a business as efficiently as possible without excessive costs. These costs can be a drag to growth at any stage of a business cycle, but are most critical in your business’s early stages.

One of the prime considerations should be flexibility.
What do we mean by this?

Well, the length of any lease needs to be carefully considered. Also, whether the building itself lends itself to mixed usage which can be changed as your business grows and develops.

So really, one guiding principle should be finding somewhere that has room for growth and facilitates your evolution as a business.

Understand the physical working space

Try to visualise what the business space will look like and how the space will be configured once you move in. What will it be like to work in?

All those visible and tangible considerations are one of the biggest factors influencing whether you sign on the dotted line or not.

Below are some of the considerations to be thinking about. Its not meant to be exhaustive but should give you some thoughts :

• Appearance of the site: do you need to impress customers? How easy will it be for your clients to get find you and park?
• Size and layout of the space: think about desks, communal areas, storage and equipment
• What amenities does the unit contain: is there a kitchen or showers? Is there a cafe on site?
• Is the building suitable for mixed use: do you need to both have office as well as working areas? How will you separate? Are there any noise considerations?
• Are you allowed to alter the setup: Will your lease allow it? How accommodating is your landlord? Do you need some form of permission?
• Transport links: Are there car parking facilities on site or nearby? Is it close to train or bus stops? Is there a local taxi firm?
• Health and Safety considerations: check fire equipment, fire exits and PAC testing etc.
• What is the energy efficiency of the building: single or double-glazed? Are utilities included? If a workshop or industrial space, will it retain heat?

Factors in the area around your new workplace

Any location has a particular set of factors which are going to influence your decision about whether you will consider the property seriously or not. And the old location, location, location adage is as true for commercial property as it is for residential.

But there are other considerations which are very different to the residential market. Here are some of the factors you need to be looking at when it comes to the area your business is located in:

• Where is the office, workshop or industrial unit located? Is it with other businesses, and does the area support smaller enterprises well?
• What is the  overall rental cost?  Even taking into account that cities are  generally more expensive than out of town locations, is it on offer for the ‘market rate’ and are there any hidden charges?
• How much passing trade does it have? Will moving make a noticeable difference to your overall custom
• What’s the broadband connection like? All businesses need to be well connected, make sure you have enough bandwidth to help you grow
• Are there any local grants that come with this locality? It is always worth investigating as there are often startup grants and discounts available. Definitely look into Rates Relief and other forms of small business support. Councils do want small businesses to move into and succeed in their local area and might provide help

So there you have it – a very quick sift through some of the physical considerations when deciding on a new premises for your business.
Of course, you could always save a lot of legwork by coming to the experts – Flexspace, and let us do all the hard work. We have a range of business premises across the country close to major arterial connections, together with some very favourable terms (up to 3 months free for some localities).

Some of our sites have additional amenities like on-site cafes etc. So what better time to contact Flexspace, and see where we can make an offer you can’t refuse. Flexspace: Managed workspace for the modern business.
Call 0800 033 4444 or complete the form today!