In the competitive world of self storage, scaling a business is rarely simple. Expanding a traditional indoor storage facility requires years of planning, costly planning permissions, and extensive construction. For many operators, rapid growth remains out of reach—unless you choose a smarter, more flexible approach.
Optima Self Store has proven that rapid, cost-effective expansion is not only possible but highly profitable. By partnering with Secure Stores (securestores.co.uk) , Optima has grown from a local operator into a regional powerhouse across the Midlands. Here is the inside story of how they did it.
The Challenge: Meeting Demand Without Breaking the Bank
Optima Self Store was founded with a clear mission: to provide secure, low-cost storage units without the premium price tag of traditional warehouse conversions. Operating across Melton Mowbray, Peterborough, Newark, Stamford, and Corby, Optima quickly faced a familiar problem—demand was outstripping space. How Optima Self Store Scaled with Secure Stores
“We needed a way to add capacity fast, without taking on huge debt or waiting 12–18 months for planning and build.” – Optima Management Team
Traditional steel-framed buildings were too expensive and slow. Renting extra warehouse space came with long leases and hidden costs. The solution had to be modular, secure, and instantly scalable.
The Solution: Container-Based Facilities from Secure Stores
Enter Secure Stores – a UK leader in converted shipping container storage solutions. Instead of costly construction, Secure Stores provides heavy-duty, weatherproof shipping containers, custom-fitted with:
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High-security steel mesh partitioning
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Anti-tamper locking systems
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Ventilation and insulation options
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Bespoke sizing for different customer needs
Optima Self Store made the strategic decision to partner exclusively with Secure Stores to build and expand every one of their container-based facilities.
How They Scaled: A Step-by-Step Rollout
1. Pilot Site – Melton Mowbray
The partnership began with a modest pilot in Melton Mowbray. Secure Stores delivered and installed 80 containers across a previously underutilised hardstanding area. Within 8 weeks, the site was fully operational—far faster than any traditional build.
2. Multi-Site Expansion – Peterborough & Newark
With the pilot proving successful, Optima rolled out container storage across Peterborough and Newark. Secure Stores provided a mix of 200 small, 500 medium, and 300 large containers, allowing Optima to serve domestic customers, small businesses, and trade clients all from the same site layout.
3. Full Midlands Coverage – Stamford & Corby
To complete their Midlands network, Optima opened flagship sites in Stamford and Corby, working with Secure Stores to deploy over 1,000 containers in total across all five locations. The modular design meant each new site mirrored the best-performing layout of the previous one.
“Secure Stores delivered every time – on schedule, on budget, and to spec. That consistency let us scale without operational headaches.”
The Secure Stores Difference: Why It Worked
Several key features made Secure Stores the ideal scaling partner for Optima:
| Feature | Benefit to Optima Self Store |
|---|---|
| Modular design | Add 10, 50, or 200 units instantly – pay as you grow |
| Pre-fitted security | No third-party installers – ready to rent from day one |
| Nationwide delivery & installation | All five sites built by one trusted team |
| Low-cost structure | Lower rental costs passed to customers – a key market advantage |
| Planning-friendly | Container sites often approved faster than permanent builds |
The Results: 1,000 Containers and Counting
As of today, Optima Self Store has deployed over 1,000 shipping containers across the Midlands, making it one of the fastest-growing container storage operators in the region.
Key achievements include:
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85% average occupancy within 6 months of each site launch
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40% lower build costs compared to traditional self storage facilities
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Scalable income – new containers added at peak seasons (summer, house-moving months)
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High customer retention due to competitive pricing and Secure Stores’ robust security
“We’re not stopping here. With Secure Stores, we can open a new site in weeks, not years. That changes everything.”
What’s Next for Optima Self Store?
Building on their Midlands success, Optima Self Store is now exploring new locations in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. The same proven playbook applies – identify demand, partner with Secure Stores, deploy containers, and fill units fast.
Secure Stores continues to innovate, offering tracking systems, solar-ready conversions, and enhanced fire-rated containers for business archives.
Why Your Storage Business Should Follow Their Lead
If you run a self storage facility – or are looking to enter the market – the Optima Self Store story is a blueprint for success:
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Avoid overcapitalising on expensive buildings
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Scale flexibly with demand, not speculation
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Keep customer prices low while maintaining margins
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Choose a proven partner – visit securestores.co.uk to see their container range
About Secure Stores
securestores.co.uk is a leading provider of converted shipping containers for self storage, retail, and industrial use. From single containers to multi-acre storage parks, they design, fit, and install secure steel storage solutions across the UK. All units come with 10-year structural guarantees and full security certification.
Contact Secure Stores today to discuss your scaling project – just as Optima Self Store did.
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