Finding good office accommodation and practical storage space with flexible licences is not that easy to find, even in today’s environment with numerous vacant buildings. Close proximity to the motorways, free parking; space to meet clients, hold meetings, store archive files and retail stock is a unique offering.

Suzanne Knowles of Kent Space set up 16 months ago and created fully serviced offices and self storage all on one site.

“The bright and airy offices, together with the household and business storage facility are in demand. Everyone who comes to view us comments on the light and spacious environment. No one is made to feel alone, we have created a community feel to the building so that people can meet in the coffee break out area, visit the retail shop for their stationery and packaging needs, and come into reception to meet their clients”, says Suzanne.

Two companies recently commented on their experiences when searching for space to run their businesses. Lesley Hedges of HIT Training had been looking at what seemed like hundreds of offices all over Kent as the company had outgrown its current accommodation and Lynette Stock of Artist Paint Box found the perfect solution for her shop.

“I‘m part of a national company and manage Hospitality Industry Training, known as HIT Training for the whole of the Kent area. We provide training to pubs, restaurants, hotels, schools, care homes and a variety of businesses. Food hygiene and health and safety licences have to be renewed regularly and we need to keep copies of all qualifications in our archives.

Having been established for three years we grew and needed more office space. I looked at many buildings within the region of Kent and found they were dark, with lonely corridors, lacked space for our files and felt more like prison cells with closed doors and minimal windows. Once I walked into Kent Space I was really impressed. The offices were so bright and welcoming. There was space to put all our archive files in safe storage and meeting rooms to book when we need them. The location is right off the motorway, there is plenty of parking, and because we now have the best offices in the SE region all our national meetings are held in our location. When staff arrive they can go and make coffee and sit in the break out area to unwind after a long drive. The building is clean, bright and safe; once viewed one would never look elsewhere”, Lesley Hedges, HIT Training.

Lynette Stock of Artist Paint Box had quite a different need for space. She has been in business for four and a half years selling art materials, but found the cost of her shop rent too much so decided to create an online service for her products.

“My husband has office space at Kent Space and suggested that I come and view the self storage area to keep all my stock. I liked the set up very much as there is a wonderful reception area to meet clients and then show them the products for purchase. I can keep all my stock clean, safe and dry. When customers order from the internet or call me for canvasses, modelling equipment or anything they need I simply go into my self storage unit and pack the items ready for postage or delivering in person if they live locally. This is a great solution to my business and just because I closed a shop it does not mean I closed a business, instead I can offer good deals and have widened my client base”, Lynette Stock, Artist Paint Box.

For more information call Kent Space on 01634 673157
sales@kentspace.co.uk
www.kentspace.co.uk

In the current economic climate outsourcing part of your business cost base is at the forefront of most Company Director’s minds, with property costs being a significant part of peoples’ overheads. Operating within a cost effective short term tenancy agreement is becoming an attractive option.

Abela Secretarial Services and Saga Independent Living are two very different businesses who have both been able to benefit from outsourcing to flexible storage and office space.

Shelley Abela set up her business, Abela Secretarial Services in April 2005, operating as a sole trader. She goes to clients premises or work is sent directly to her. Four years on and she has become a limited company employing two people to support the demand.

“Part of my work is book-keeping and documents need to be kept for a number of years. The clients do not want these old files in their offices and as part of my service I look after them. At first I used to store the files at home, but as my customers have grown this is no longer feasible. Then one day I attended a business coaching seminar at Kent Space in Chatham and came across the ideal solution for my document storage needs. I now have my own self storage unit which is so easy to use and minutes from the motorway. I live in Maidstone, so I pop in the mornings or evenings to and from work and collect the files I need.

The storage units are clean and bright, and I buy my archive boxes on site. The security is excellent for the files and I feel safe. In addition, I only need to give 7 days notice to up or downsize my storage space. This simple solution to storing documents has meant I can offer my service to more clients and as a result have expanded my business”, Shelley Abela. www.abelasecretarial.com

Who would think SAGA would ever need storage space?    Well, Tina Loftus, Area Manager for SAGA Independent Living found that it was impossible to find flexible office space to work in with storage for her products. The company offers community care for those who want to live independently. The service ranges from domestic cleaning, to personal hygiene, assisting with medication, companionship, feeding and much more.

“We have our main office in Folkestone and wanted to branch out into Chatham. I had been looking for a location to have training and business meetings as well as a convenient place to store our products. We have protective equipment, aprons, gloves and numerous items needed in our everyday work of caring for people. I live locally in Chatham and was introduced to Kent Space, which could not have been more convenient. I regularly book meeting rooms and use the hot desk facility whenever I need. We have a storage unit to keep all our stock and can have access 24 hours a day. The business centre is bright, clean and very welcoming so all my staff look forward to our meetings and training days. The whole environment is very professional and so flexible. We only pay for the facilities we use.

The Business Centre and storage space have meant that we have been able to offer SAGA Independent Living to Chatham and the surrounding area.  As a result we have expanded our customer base”, Tina Loftus, SAGA Independent Living.   Tina.loftus@saga.co.uk

For more information call Kent Space on  01634  673157
sales@kentspace.co.uk