Attic Self Storage started in 2008 with help from Johnson Reed Corporate Credit, obtaining finance for mezzanine, unit fit-out, goods lifts on site and advanced access control and CCTV systems.
With an enviable location overlooking the Olympic park in Bow, East London Attic offers secure self storage with a service to match London’s busy 24-7 culture: every client gets 24hr access included thanks to the high-tech access control systems we helped fund.
The site currently offers over 30,000sq ft of net lettable space across 500 units, with customers ranging from students and house movers through business start-ups to blue chip corporates.
Despite starting in time for the now infamous recession, this independent London based storage business has grown from strength to strength. Adding capacity in 2009 and again in 2011, Attic Self Storage has just completed another phase of fit-out in late 2013 and is already trading at a fairly remarkable 96% of capacity. The latest phase of expansion coincided with a new office and reception build, resulting in what must surely be the most welcoming reception in any self storage facility across the whole of London.
The site incorporates the latest in LED lighting technology with automatic PIR sensors to reduce the carbon footprint of the business as far as possible, and has also embarked on a bio-diversity theme to add to the central London location. Wildflower planting reduces maintenance costs and associated emissions, while encouraging wildlife to flourish; this has been complemented with the planting of ornamental grasses, fruit trees and even lavender for the benefit not only of the bees, but also passing pedestrians.
Managing Director, Frederic de Ryckman de Betz, says growth is not just about numbers. “Our priority has always been, and continues to be, great customer service. The business ethos is that if we look after clients, they will look after us, and by providing great client service we are able to match and even beat our national competitors, some of whom are located very close to our store.”
Action not words characterise this independent business in London: they won the FEDESSA European Award for customer service in 2012, beating competition not only from other UK operators but also from self storage operators across Europe. “Winning the award was fantastic” says Frederic, “it was such a welcome and well-earned reward for the whole team.”
What about the future? “We have our eyes on a final phase of expansion on the existing site, but we have already turned our eyes to a second site. The key is to have the right partners on board, and we believe we have that with Johnson Reed – we wouldn’t be here without them. Mark and Jamie worked hard to understand our business and support us through some challenging times, and that gives the confidence to know we can count on them again when the time comes to continue our growth.”
