With an increasing number of people taking advantage of self-storage, for business and domestic reasons, the need to ensure tight security for complete peace of mind is a must for service providers.
Using the latest Bluetooth technology, Kettering Self Store has fitted its new 7,000 square foot facility on the Pytchley Business Park with a keyless entry system that allows customers easy access 24/7 to their unit but gives them the peace of mind that their goods are stored safely.
The new system allows customers to download an app and register their credentials in order to access the facility and their allocated unit, which has a flat door with no locks or padlocks, and will open in response to the Bluetooth signal from the app.
Steve Newman, who runs Kettering Self Store, said: “All of our units are secure and whilst we’ve always had the best security systems on the market, we retrofitted the new one with the latest Bluetooth keyless system that takes security to a new level.
“If people are looking to store valuables with us, they want the peace of mind that they can access their items any time they like, but that for the rest of the time, no one else can gain entry to their unit. By using their own smart device, the client can rest assured that only they have access at any time without the need to keep passcodes and padlock keys safe.
“The system is easy to use and allows the customer to open access points and their unit door, and when they’re done, the door can be closed shut. To get back in they simply just open again using the app. There’s no padlocks to negotiate, or keys to lose, or any worries that they didn’t lock up properly behind themselves. As long as they have a smartphone, that’s all they need with them.”
Kettering Self Store grew out of the removals firms Harrison and Rowley in Bedfordshire and Britannia Pink and Jones in Northamptonshire, which are still very much in operation in their respective areas. But the growth of the self-storage sector prompted the company to expand its business into that area in 2016. This year, the business had grown to such an extent that an additional adjacent unit has been acquired– with the firm now occupying Unit 11 as well as Unit 14 on the Pytchley Business Park.
As well as 24-hour access, customers benefit from flexible contract terms and a well-lit, modern site that is covered by CCTV and security alarms.
Steve said: “Self-storage has grown massively over the past 25 years or so and people use it for all kinds of items, from furniture they don’t need but don’t want to get rid of, to business document storage, or to keep work equipment or material safe between jobs or until they are needed.
“Younger people, who haven’t necessarily been our typical market up to now, are finding self-storage useful for when they are between homes, maybe they’ve moved back to their parents from university but have items they know they will need in future. E-commerce is another growth area, with people buying and selling on all kinds of goods, things they maybe don’t have space for at home.
“The fact that customers can now deal with everything through our website and our app will appeal to a lot of younger people, who don’t want the hassle of coming in to sign paperwork or pick up keys.”
The coronavirus pandemic has meant an increase in interest in self-storage from businesses that have downsized because they have people working from home, but who want to hold on to furniture and other items in case they need them in future. Similarly, people who are working from home have maybe had to have a clear out to make space to turn a room into a home office.
The split in usage still remains around 75% domestic and 25% business, with the Stamp Duty holiday driving activity in the housing market leading to more people needing storage before or between house moves.
“The fact is that self-storage is increasingly popular and it can be beneficial to anyone, at any stage in their lives to get rid of some clutter temporarily and make their lives a little bit easier,” added Steve. “The growth in its popularity has seen us build from our first unit in Kettering five years ago into four units today, two in Kettering and our other sites in St Neots and Rugby.”
Find out more about Kettering Self Store on 01536 212422, email info@ketteringselfsstorage.co.uk or visit the website www.ketteringselfstorage.co.uk