membership and its benefits

There are four types of membership of the Self Storage Association (details of each type are shown under the drop-down icon – "find out more"):

• Full Operator membership open to any UK based operator (subject to membership criteria).
• Associate (Provisional) membership for any potential or start-up operator leading on to Full membership.
• Associate (Supplier) membership for any institution or company with an interest in the industry, and/or supplying expertise and products to the industry.
• Overseas membership open to any operator anywhere in the World except the UK.

The Self Storage Association represents a high proportion of all the self storage companies and facilities in the United Kingdom along with many of the supplier organisations. Through the Federation of European Self Storage Associations (FEDESSA) it comes into close contact with other European associations and their members and, for that matter, most self storage operators on the Continent of Europe. It is therefore positioned at the centre of the self storage industry throughout Europe and is able to bring a wealth of experience, know-how and advice to its members.

All members have access to, and can tap into detailed expertise on all aspects of the business. Several of these members include specialist national and internation companies who construct facilities and supply the industry with building materials, security and IT systems, and merchandise. Others provide all the support functions and advice required to make a successful business. They include financial institutions, insurance brokers, legal, tax and rating experts and property evaluators. Here are some more specific examples of the areas of interest:

• The latest information on construction and development trends
• Planning and development
• Building control
• Design and construction
• Fire Regulations
• Mezzanine Floors
• Smoke & Fire Alarms
• Site fit-out
• Finance
• Legal
• Insurance (property, theft, liability, business interruption, terrorism) specific to the Self Storage industry
• Access Control
• Health & Safety
• Employment Law
• CDM
• Counters to Terrorist activities
• Security Alarms/CCTV
• Lifts
• Accessories (locks, packaging etc)

This comprehensive advice is available to all members who find the opportunity to network with other members a significant and positive advantage of their membership of the Association. Other benefits of membership include:

• Annual Conference and Trade Show
• Seminars and Discussion Groups
• Access to Industry Standard legal documentation
• Full Membership list updated regularly, that can be downloaded (free) from the website
• 1 copy of the Association’s quarterly magazine for each centre
• Training opportunities
• Members’ Legal Helpline

For suppliers, membership gives direct access and marketing opportunities to the majority of companies operating in the industry.

Now, as the industry grows and spreads its wings in UK, it becomes more vulnerable to bad press, a disaster or calamity anywhere, possible calls for regulation and greater interest in the Industry from governmental and customer watchdog bodies. At such times it is vital to be represented by a body which can speak with one voice (the voice of the industry) and bring corporate strength, experience and negotiating power to bear.

For more information about each type of membership select the “find out more” icon. To join the Association select the "join now" icon. Once the Head Office team picks up your request one of them will be in touch with you.