Interview with Nicola from The Hive

In our latest customer highlight, we interviewed Nicola Lobley, branch manager at UK-based
The Hive Self Storage
. This company recently ordered storage containers in their corporate color for the second time. Read the entire interview with Nicola from The Hive here.

Introducing: Nicola and The Hive

Founded 14 years ago in Retford, The Hive has opened a second location in Gainsborough. Nicola has been working for The Hive since it opened in 2010. She is the branch manager of both storage locations. In total, The Hive has nearly 300 storage units, ranging from indoor storage to shipping containers to garages with trickle chargers.

A look at the UK self storage market

“There has been a huge change, especially in our remote area,” Nicola says. “When we started, self storage wasn’t really a thing here. We were probably the only container location in the area. Since then, a lot of competition has come in.” Despite this increase in competition, Nicola is not worried about losing customers. General knowledge of self-storage among people is growing, she explains. “People understand the benefits of self-storage much more now than they did 14 years ago.”

Integrating different solutions

A new office building was built three years ago, with a free second floor. Originally planned for the rental of meeting rooms, the plan changed. “We decided to put some indoor storage units there.” The units are not large, but some customers are really interested in indoor self-storage. This expands the mix of storage solutions offered.

Working with Universal Storage Containers

At the 2022 FEDESSA in Portugal, our own Maarten and Jan-Hein came into contact with Tim Shuldham, director of The Hive. Nicola summarizes the follow-up process, “The whole process has been hugely positive, from talking to you guys at the conference to receiving quotes and information. You guys have done the venue visits and delivery, and even the after sales which I am really impressed with.”

Why choose containers from USC

“We were looking for a new product. Everyone does shipping containers, but we wanted more variety and flexibility for our customers. That’s why we looked at USC’s fully insulated units. They are quick to set up on site and we can easily move them after they are built. All these things were interesting for us to try, and the past year has clearly shown that our customers are also interested in the units with insulation.”

The impact of USC’s outdoor containers

Nicola explains that some customers have a negative view of shipping containers, which is difficult to change. “It’s fun to go outside with them and show one of the USC units. They’re different, they feel different when you walk in. You feel the result of the isolation in person as you stand and talk and it looks very different.”

Nicola thinks they have attracted a new type of customer. “In the beginning, I was a little concerned if people would want to pay more for these containers, since we live in a rural area. We try to educate people that there are different levels of self storage and different ways to store things. The containers are incredibly well received!”

Additional benefits of USC containers

Nicola explained with satisfaction that since the first delivery of the USC containers just over a year ago, most customers have stayed in the units. “The general comments we hear from customers are that they are very comfortable and easy to operate.”

From an operational point of view, she adds, “It’s very nice to be able to move them around as needed. In addition, they are very easy to clean, both inside and out, which is very convenient after professionals have used the containers, for example.”

Tip for other storage operators

Finally, we ask if Nicola has any tips for other storage operators. The Hive likes to invite its clients to come see the location, and Nicola prefers to show new clients the USC units first. “That way they see the nice, clean insulated units. Then I work further down. Also, let the customer think about how much value they think they want to store and help decide where they want to put their stuff. And, of course, tell them about the benefits of storing in USC containers.”