THE boom in the number of businesses operating from self-storage units has led to a Bournemouth facility doubling in size.

Store & Secure, based behind Bournemouth’s Castlepoint centre, has spent £300,000 fitting out an additional 27,000sqft of storage space.

The expansion means bigger units for businesses, which can now self-store from three square feet up to 450sqft.

The centre also provides suites of serviced offices available for rent at short notice and for any length of time, as well as 120 24-hour drive-up storage units. Households needing temporary storage also use the centre.

Managing director Brian Maidman said: “The company is expanding well.

“This phase is a year and a half ahead of schedule in our first five years’ plan.

“What comes next is growth around the south of England with further locations.

“The concept is very popular with businesses as they can easily upscale or downsize for short periods and are never tied to a fixed space, both in storage and our serviced offices.

“We will receive deliveries on their behalf and provide full handling facilities – forklift, pallet trucks and trolleys, even a mailbox.

“Start-ups can try a business idea by beginning as small as they like and without being locked into a contract.”

Mr Maidman launched Store & Secure in 2010 while he was MD of removals company Maidman’s, which he sold in April.

He has been joined in the business by daughters Lucy and Sophie. The business is a member of the Self Storage Association, which sets the standards for the industry. It has inspected and approved Store & Secure as a professional self- storage operator.

The company found the space for the expansion in its existing building, in an area previously let to Maidman’s Removals.