A STORAGE company is offering a ‘flexible and cost-effective’ alternative to lease renting with businesses in a box.

A-Storage in Charminster Road, Bournemouth, which is renting out its units to struggling and new businesses, is the Daily Echo’s Trader of the Week.

Owner, Mandy Pike, launched the idea in 2017 after success at her more traditional storage facility in Bransgore.

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“Here we thought it would be nice to do something a bit different,” said Mandy.

“There was another economic situation back then and most leases are between five and 10 years, which is just not sustainable for new businesses.”

She found that some businesses could not afford, or did not want to commit, to long leases but also did not want to have clients in their home.

Instead, companies can use the storage site as a “professional frontage” where they can host clients, have meetings and have their post delivered.

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“We do not charge for delivery and collections,” said Mandy.

“If you are running a business or have another job or are out for meetings, then we can take your parcels and deliver it to your unit for you.”

Businesses can transform the regular storage units or rent out rooms in the upstairs flats which Mandy has made into a warm, comforting space with a kitted-out kitchen.

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Due to her background in counselling, Mandy has renovated one of the upper rooms into a counselling space for individual professionals.  

One company which sells kitchen cabinets has used its storage unit as both a showroom and a workshop.

A-Storage currently hosts a range of companies including accountants, vaping, pillow sales, gaming and cleaning.

The units also offer flexibility with sizing, with businesses able to upgrade or downsize at any time.

“We had a business that started in a 10 sq ft unit, the size of London Telephone box, and they’re in bigger box.

“You grow with the business but you can reduce as well if times are tough, it’s flexible.”

A-Storage also offers traditional units for those needing to store items or move house, such as students.

Mandy said any person or business is welcome to view the site with no obligation or commitment to rent out a space.