Attic Self-Storage of East London won the Outstanding Business Initiative award on Oct. 6 during the Federation of European Self Storage Associations (FEDESSA) conference and tradeshow in Barcelona, Spain. The operator was recognized for its use of website technology that enables customers to complete the entire move-in process online, including identity and security checks, according to a company press release.
Attic officials have estimated that their online reservation and account-management features reduce the time customers spend in their management office from 15 minutes to less than five. The company’s goal is to implement further enhancements that will reduce the time customers spend in the office at move-in to less than 30 seconds, the release stated.
“Winning this award is fantastic. It’s hard to put into words what this represents for us,” said Frederic de Ryckman de Betz, managing director and founder. “While it can sometimes be easier for small businesses to innovate, as they have less inertia and fewer internal obstacles, there are also some very real challenges. Small businesses can often lack the financial and human resources needed to bring new ideas to life.”
Attic invested £250,000 to renovate and expand the facility in 2014. It’s also nearing completion on its second location, which will open in King’s Cross near Central London. The property will nearly double Attic’s footprint from 40,000 square feet to 76,000 square feet.
“We’ve shown we have the talent to have the ideas, to believe in them, to make them happen and to grow the business,” de Ryckman de Betz said. “We can’t wait for 2017.”
Established in 2008, Attic is an independent self-storage operator. It received the Customer Service Award from FEDESSA in 2012. Attic Removals, a subsidiary offering moving and relocation services, was added to the business in 2013.
Sources:
- Attic Self Storage: London Self Storage Business Wins Industry Innovation Award