_Businesses face a shortage of storage space this Christmas; how do you find the perfect warehouse?
_Demand for warehousing space across the
UK is outstripping the space available. More people are turning to
temporary or permanent storage solutions when future developments are
postponed in the wake of the recession, so it is widely reported as
becoming progressively difficult to find units to store important stock.
With Christmas getting closer the issue seems set to only worsen, with
seasonal overspills filling many warehouses throughout the UK with
retail stock.
To add insult to injury it was only a
week ago that the UK faced more bad news about the British high street.
Carphone Warehouse announced that it was closing all of its Best Buy
stores and many other retailers noted a slump in sales. Planet Retail
analyst David Gray told the BBC that Christmas is going to be a tough
time for stores, meaning a lot of warehoused stock will remain in the
warehouse after December. The scarcity of storage units is by no means a
purely seasonal one; more an indication of the current economic climate
which may take years to pick up via Warehouse space to rent.
The lack of warehouses means that many businesses are resorting to expensive temporary storage structures of their own, built on their own premises to protect their merchandise. But for most this is not a feasible solution. Expensive and bulky, they require a huge area of spare space, which very few have with property and land costs nowadays. And besides, likened to a big gazebo, on-site warehouses don’t offer 24 hour security, alarm systems or easy accessibility; and temperature control is out of the question.
Conventional warehouses, although difficult to find, have demonstrated their worth as the most successful storage space solution for distributers. However it can be awkward to locate a warehouse at all, not to mention one to suit your business needs.
Therefore it is firstly essential to assess your needs. What type of storage is needed? With warehousing covering anything from ambient to archive, hazardous to pallets, the type of goods is critical. Perishable goods may require air conditioning, cold or chilled storage. How much room do you need? And think ahead if you’re going to increase the company size in the near future.
In distribution terms, area is also important. Balance the cost of the warehouse to distribution costs from that region to find the most affordable option. Warehouses are available on a long-term, short-term or purchase basis. Just what level of security and fire safety will the items need? And what facilities may you need for workers?
But what about loading bays, trailer space, forklift trucks, dock-levellers and racking? Serviced warehouses can provide these for you, and serviced warehouses provide the easiest option for organizations by far. The warehouse is a facility, not a business of its own accord.
Although the storage space in the UK is reduced, if you know your needs it’s possible to find a storage solution to suit. After all, it’s important never to let your company or your products suffer in the hunt for the perfect warehouse.
The lack of warehouses means that many businesses are resorting to expensive temporary storage structures of their own, built on their own premises to protect their merchandise. But for most this is not a feasible solution. Expensive and bulky, they require a huge area of spare space, which very few have with property and land costs nowadays. And besides, likened to a big gazebo, on-site warehouses don’t offer 24 hour security, alarm systems or easy accessibility; and temperature control is out of the question.
Conventional warehouses, although difficult to find, have demonstrated their worth as the most successful storage space solution for distributers. However it can be awkward to locate a warehouse at all, not to mention one to suit your business needs.
Therefore it is firstly essential to assess your needs. What type of storage is needed? With warehousing covering anything from ambient to archive, hazardous to pallets, the type of goods is critical. Perishable goods may require air conditioning, cold or chilled storage. How much room do you need? And think ahead if you’re going to increase the company size in the near future.
In distribution terms, area is also important. Balance the cost of the warehouse to distribution costs from that region to find the most affordable option. Warehouses are available on a long-term, short-term or purchase basis. Just what level of security and fire safety will the items need? And what facilities may you need for workers?
But what about loading bays, trailer space, forklift trucks, dock-levellers and racking? Serviced warehouses can provide these for you, and serviced warehouses provide the easiest option for organizations by far. The warehouse is a facility, not a business of its own accord.
Although the storage space in the UK is reduced, if you know your needs it’s possible to find a storage solution to suit. After all, it’s important never to let your company or your products suffer in the hunt for the perfect warehouse.