LONDON AREA TRADESPEOPLE: KEEP YOUR TOOLS SAFE WITH SELF STORAGE.

Keeping your tools safe and secure when not in use is something that almost every tradesperson worries about. Investing in a large van that can accommodate all of your equipment might seem like the most straightforward solution but it can often be far from the most secure. Storing your tools in a work van around the clock puts your expensive equipment at serious risk of theft. It’s a classic case of putting all of your eggs in one basket and tool thieves are very much aware of the easy pickings to be had. With tool thefts on the rise, choosing to use a self-storage unit is a more effective way to protect your tools and and your trade. In fact, according to the Self Storage Association, more than 70% of those who use the facilities own a business with ten employees or less, proving how useful they have become for tradespeople, sole traders and small businesses.

Rising Crime

Van tool security is a major concern for tradespeople in London. A report by Simply Business claimed that 98% of those working in a trade were worried about the potential for theft from their unattended vans. It was estimated that in 2016 alone, tool thefts cost UK workmen a total of £94,521,600 – money that most honest, hard-working traders can’t afford to lose.The staggering figure was discovered by Trade Direct Insurance, who claimed that tool theft was more of an issue for the self-employed than late payments and tax rises. They also estimated that around 215 tradespeople were a victim of theft each day in the UK.

Alternative Solutions to Van Tool Security

Self-storage units – such as the ones provided by Flexible Storage – are the most secure solution. With security features including CCTV surveillance, industrial strength locks and access-controlled gates, our service offers excellent peace of mind for those workers who require maximum protection for their expensive equipment. They also have some other great business benefits too...

London’s New Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

For example, from 8 April 2019 April, vans in London emissions zones will be subject to even tighter restrictions in the city than have previously been enforced. If you don’t have to use your van to store your entire tool catalogue, you should consider downsizing your work vehicle to one that meets the new emission standards, so that you won’t have to pay a daily charge to travel between jobs in the City. Smaller businesses may even be able to take part in the Mayor of London’s new scrappage scheme, which has funding in place to enable those workers who regularly drive vans in London emissions zones to switch their heavily polluting vehicles for electric cars. In the new ULEZ rules that are attempting to reduce the pollution levels in the heart of the city, vans with high pollution emissions will have to pay £12.50 a day. This poses a significant potential financial hit for many tradespeople who spend the majority of their time in London. However, if successful, the new scrappage scheme will benefit both London’s tradespeople and the wider environment, which can only be a good thing.

Easily Accessible for Tradespeople in London

Another great advantage of self-storage is that it gives you an accessible place to pick-up your tools at any time of the day or night. Coded access gates allow customers to access their tools 24/7 while water and fireproof units keep them protected from the elements, which is essential in order to keep them in the best working order. From electricians and plumbers to builders and decorators, most tradespeople do not require all of their tools on every job they do. As such, tradespeople require quick and easy access to their equipment while also knowing that any tools in storage are safe and maintained in the best possible condition. When you do need to grab your tools for a job or store them away for the night, you can drive your vehicle right up to your unit and load it up, making the transition easy and fuss-free.

A Cost-Effective Tool Storage Solution

While it is impossible to put a price on the safety of your livelihood, renting a storage unit might not be as expensive as you think. Most contracts are flexible, so that you can upgrade and downsize your unit as necessary, depending on the seasonal demand or the growth of your business. You might even choose to team up with another tradesperson, hiring a unit together in order to keep costs down. Cheaper than building your own version of Fort Knox in your back garden and safer than keeping tools in your van, contact the Flexible Storage team today to receive a quote for your tools.