The Future of UK Self Storage: Why We Support the Young Storage Network
13 April 2026
At Secure Stores Nationwide, we believe that the future of self storage isn't just about better facilities or smarter tech - it’s about the people who drive the industry forward. That’s why we are incredibly proud to support the Young Storage Network (YSN), a vibrant community dedicated to championing the next generation of storage professionals.
We encourage our team to stay involved with the wider industry. Our MD, Sarah Manning, has been part of the YSN board for the last few years and currently serves as the group’s Chair. It’s a volunteer led position, and she works closely with the rest of the board to help keep the network running. Having benefited so much from the sector herself, Sarah sees this as an important opportunity to support other young professionals coming up through the ranks.
"When you're starting out, it’s so important to have people you can reach out to. The YSN is really about building that community—a place where you can grow your skills, pick up new ideas, and always have a group of peers on hand to answer a quick question or offer some support when you need it." — Sarah Manning, MD & YSN Chair.
What is the YSN?
Part of the Self Storage Association (SSA UK), the YSN is a supportive, independent community run by its own board. It is specifically designed for anyone under 40 working within the sector - from facility managers and frontline staff to suppliers and owners.
The best part? It’s completely free to join for any individual working for an SSA UK member company. Unlike many associations, membership is individual, meaning multiple people from the same team can join and benefit.
A Growing Community
The network is currently buzzing. In 2025 alone, membership grew by 17%, now boasting over 350 active members. To keep up with this growth, the YSN has steadily increased its calendar of events - moving from seven events in 2023 to nine in 2025.
How members stay connected:
- Monthly Online Meetups: One hour Zoom sessions focusing on specific industry hurdles. These take place most months.
- In-Person Events: 3-4 times a year, the group meets across the UK for a blend of expert talks, educational sessions, and essential networking.
- Active Digital Hubs: Between events, members stay in touch via Facebook, LinkedIn, and an incredibly active WhatsApp group where operational advice is shared daily.
What’s on the Agenda?
The YSN dives into the topics that matter now. Over the last year, sessions have covered everything from:
- Tech & Innovation: ChatGPT hacks, AI image generation, and 24/7 service automation.
- Operations: ID checking, pricing strategies, and enquiry conversion.
- Industry Insights: Panel discussions on "Manned vs. Unmanned" sites and the legalities of restricted goods.
Celebrating Excellence
The group also prides itself on recognition. Each year at the SSA UK annual conference, the YSN Member of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has shown outstanding growth or contribution to the sector. Combined with a quarterly newsletter packed with interviews and news, members are always kept in the loop.
Join the Network
If you’re under 40 and working in self storage, the YSN is your greatest professional asset. It’s a place to swap experiences, share ideas, and grow your career alongside the best in the business.
