UK Self-Storage Operator Parsons Containers/U Hold The Key Announces Record Growth in 2014

Parsons Containers Ltd., a U.K.-based provider of portable-storage containers that also operates self-storage facilities under the U Hold The Key brand, has reported record growth in 2014 with revenue up 43 percent to more than £2 million. For the first time in the company’s 14-year history, container sales were led by orders from outside Parsons’ base region of Northeast England, and container rentals for self-storage doubled during the year. Portable-storage sales doubled during the last 24 months.

Parsons currently has more than 1,000 containers in service, with approximately 60 percent used by the general public and 40 percent by businesses. Revenue growth was attributed to the company’s commitment to customizing products for use in a range of sectors including building design, farming, offshore and power generation, according to the source.

“Because we apply a bespoke approach to every container project that we build, that has allowed us to adapt our products for a really diverse range of customers, from local government, schools and sports clubs to offshore, farming and even retail,” said Ean Parsons, founder and managing director. “Each design is unique, and it’s our really experienced team that makes sure we meet every challenge that we are set.”

Parsons also credited increased demand for self-storage and online sales in spurring the company’s profit. “Of course, underpinning the business is continued growth in both the sale of standard containers and in container hire for self-storage,” he said. “Our online sales arm, Container Container, has helped deliver business throughout the U.K., while U Hold The Key is one of the best-known self-storage brands around. The economy has been difficult at times in recent years, but we have a strong business model and an excellent team, so I am confident that Parsons Containers can continue to grow.”

Founded in 2000, Parsons Containers is headquartered in Sedgefield, England. It operates nine U Hold The Key self-storage locations.