2024 Growth, Learning, and Networking
It’s been another eventful and productive year for the Young Storage Network (YSN), as we continued to grow and thrive. The group now boasts more than 300 members! With numerous events, leadership changes, and active member engagement, 2024 was a year of learning, networking, and development.
January: Kicking Off with AI Innovation
We started the year strong with a Zoom members' meeting in January, featuring a demo from Kinnovis, who introduced JaneGPT, an AI-powered tool tailored for the self storage industry. This was followed by a lively panel discussion, where Mark Simpson, Emma Banks, and Mark Drummond shared valuable marketing advice to help a member grow their self storage business in a rural area.
March: Company Culture & Leadership Insights
Our March Zoom session explored Company Culture and Leadership, with Ricky Williams from Space Program and Julian Knowles from Shurgard leading the discussion. They spoke about the critical role of culture in shaping an organisation’s success.
April: SSA UK Conference and New Board Member
At the SSA UK Conference in Telford, YSN members engaged in roundtable discussions and in-person networking, we also welcomed Anthony Hebblethwaite to our board.
May: Elevating Your Brand
In May, we hosted an Educational Session on Branding via Zoom, featuring branding expert Jill Leckie. Jill stressed the importance of a strong brand image and shared strategies to help members make their brands stand out in a competitive market.
June: A Time of Celebration and Leadership Transitions
June was both a celebratory and transitional month for YSN. Our Awards Dinner at The Jam House in Birmingham was a highlight of the year, with Alysia Copland from Storebox receiving the YSN Member of the Year award. Members enjoyed networking, dinner, and salsa dancing in a vibrant and fun atmosphere.
Leadership transitions also took place in June as we reached the end of Anthony Adam’s term as Chair. Sarah Manning was voted in by the board as the new Chair. Additionally, Jamie Thomas stepped down from the board, and in August, members voted in James Bonny and Lucy Maidman as replacements for Anthony and Jamie. A big thank you to both Anthony and Jamie for their invaluable contributions to the group.
September: Improving Customer Communications
In September, we hosted a Zoom session on Customer Communications, covering a range of modern tools such as WhatsApp Business, text messaging services, and LiveSwitch video software. Members gained insights into enhancing their customer communications and the importance of making it easy for the customer.
October: In-Person Learning in Swindon
October saw an in-person meeting at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon. The day kicked off with networking , followed by Rahul from Amax Marketing discussing Google My Business, Looker Studio, and SEO analysis. After a networking lunch, Emma Banks shared tips on how to improve your networking skills. We also had a talk from the mental health charity Mind on the '5 Ways to Wellbeing’. The day wrapped up with a tour of Space Program’s Swindon site.
November: Mastering LinkedIn
Our final educational session of the year took place in November, focusing on all things LinkedIn. Members were guided through the process of enhancing their LinkedIn profiles, using the platform to network, and leveraging it for business growth.
Ongoing Engagement & New Platforms
Beyond our scheduled events, the YSN WhatsApp group has been a hub of activity throughout the year. Members regularly sought advice and shared knowledge on a variety of operational and business challenges, keeping the spirit of collaboration alive. Additionally, a new LinkedIn page was created for YSN, allowing members to tag the group in photos and posts, further expanding our exposure and reach.
2024 has truly been a year of growth, both in terms of membership and leadership evolution. We’re excited about the journey ahead and look forward to what 2025 will bring for the YSN community. Thank you to everyone who contributed to another successful year!
Sarah Manning
YSN Chair