Optima Self Store

The Challenge

Optima Self Store is a rapidly expanding self storage operator providing secure, low-cost storage units across Melton Mowbray, Peterborough, Newark, Stamford and Corby. Working closely with Secure Stores, the business has deployed over 1,000 shipping containers of varying sizes across multiple Midlands locations, supporting the development of scalable container-based storage facilities.

With consistently high occupancy levels and increasing demand for flexible storage solutions, Optima continues to grow its footprint, bringing new sites to market and expanding capacity across existing locations.

More than just shipping containers

Optima was in the early stages of entering the self storage industry when they first connected with Sarah, with limited experience in sourcing and deploying shipping containers for storage use. As they progressed with their first site in Stamford, they required not just a supplier, but guidance on how to approach container procurement, site layout and operational setup.

Continued...

Ryder Sugden, Optima Self Store, Managing Director says, “When we first spoke to Sarah at Secure Stores, we were new to the industry and had limited knowledge of the processes and logistics involved in procuring shipping containers. We were in the process of completing legals on our first self storage location in Stamford and needed to find a supplier of container. Sarah was obviously incredibly knowledgeable when it came to shipping containers, but crucially for us her understanding of the self storage industry and significant contacts helped us accelerate our knowledge within the industry.

My background was marketing, and I felt incredibly comfortable with lead generation and dealing with customers, but we didn’t know anything about self storage other than having a 20ft storage unit at a local farm. Sarah really helped us get started and even planned the layout of our first site. She put us in touch with so many industry contacts from specialist self-storage insurers and CCTV monitoring companies to software suppliers and container accessories providers and even introduced us to other self storage operators to help us further our knowledge”.

The Solution

Optima required a flexible supplier to support rapid growth. Secure Stores worked closely with them to provide the right container solutions, enabling faster expansion and helping meet ambitious targets.

Ryder adds, “The service provided by Secure Stores is incredible. Containers are always delivered on time and have always been clean and in excellent condition and by experienced, friendly hauliers. There have even been several occasions when we have contacted Secure Stores at gone 6pm in the evening and somehow, they have managed to deliver multiple units the next day helping us keep up with spikes in demand. As a business we have always maintained a minimum occupancy rate of 95% and this is largely due to us being able to order two units at a time from Secure Stores rather than ordering 50 in one go.”

When space became limited at sites in Corby and Stamford, Secure Stores helped maximise capacity by utilising smaller units and introducing innovative first-floor solutions. Their free site planning expertise also enabled them to unlock otherwise unused areas, increasing revenue across fully occupied locations.

The Benefit

Secure Stores continues to support Optima Self Store by supplying storage units for new and expanding sites.

Ryder goes on to say, ‘’As a company we would not be where we are today without the support of Secure Stores. They have helped us in the early days when the business was becoming established and continue to do so. I think what stands out is their experience within the self storage sector, combined with the quality of the product, exceptional customer service, flexibility and turnaround speed. As we grow and expand on our self storage locations we will continue to work with Sarah and her team at Secure Stores.”

With strong industry knowledge, Secure Stores supports operators at every stage, from initial site setup to large-scale expansion. Their fast response times and flexible purchasing options allow businesses like Optima to scale efficiently without compromising on quality or service.