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