Category: Business

In the ever-changing landscape of modern trading, small businesses need innovative solutions to survive and thrive. They need to optimise their operations, reduce overhead costs, and enhance their overall efficiency. 

One simple solution has gained remarkable traction with fantastic results — self storage. No longer just a personal convenience, self storage has become a vital resource for many small businesses. 

Today, budding startups and growing companies are turning to self storage to simplify operations, manage inventory, and expand without the strain of physical space limitations. Below, we discuss the benefits of these convenient storage spaces and how they are changing the game for small businesses. 

What Problems Do Small Businesses Face With Space?

• Limited Storage Capacity: Small businesses may need more storage space to house their inventory, supplies, equipment, and products. A lack of space can mean disorganisation, clutter, and difficulty locating critical items when they’re needed.
• Workspace Congestion: Low workspace can hinder your employees’ productivity and collaboration. When employees are crammed into tight quarters, it can lead to distractions, reduced efficiency, and a less productive environment where creative thinking tends to bottle-neck and dry up.
• Inventory Management Issues: Limited storage can make managing your inventory a logistical nightmare. Businesses might struggle to keep track of stock levels, leading to supply issues or overstocking, both of which can result in lost sales and poor customer satisfaction.
• Expensive Commercial Space: Renting or purchasing commercial space in ideal locations can be costly for small businesses. High rental costs can eat into your budget, leaving less funds available for other critical business needs.
• Lack of Flexibility: Traditional commercial leases often come with long-term commitments and limited flexibility that leave little wiggle room for adjusting to business needs. Small businesses might find themselves stuck with spaces that no longer meet their requirements due to growth, downsizing, or sudden changes in operations.
• Compliance and Safety: Certain businesses have specific requirements for their workspace to meet safety, regulatory, and compliance standards. Space limitations can make it challenging for you as an owner to implement these necessary measures, possibly leading to legal issues.
• Less Creative and Collaborative Spaces: Some businesses — especially those in creative industries — require spaces that can encourage creativity. A lack of collaborative spaces can hinder your much-needed brainstorming sessions, idea generation, and the development of new products or services.

How Can Self Storage Help Small Businesses?

Cost-Effectiveness 

For small businesses, handling operational costs is a headache-inducing challenge. Traditional commercial spaces often come with overhead expenses, such as rent, utilities, and maintenance. Self storage offers a cost-effective alternative by allowing your business to store its items in a secure and accessible space without dealing with too many financial worries. This budget-friendly choice will help you allocate resources more efficiently.

Flexibility & Scalability 

The ebb and flow of business demand can be unpredictable, making it essential for small enterprises to go with flexible choices. Self storage facilities allow businesses to adjust their storage needs to any seasonal fluctuations, market trends, or sudden emergencies. 

Self storage units provide the scalability that small businesses need to survive dynamic marketplace changes, whether it’s a short-term storage during peak seasons or a long-term solution for excess inventory.

Inventory Management 

Efficient inventory management lies at the heart of every successful business. Storing inventory can quickly become a challenge, especially for small businesses  working in limited spaces. Self storage facilities provide extra space for storing inventory, preventing clutter in the workspace and helping with organisation. 

Security & Accessibility 

Every small business will have security worries, especially when it comes to storing valuable assets. Modern self storage facilities will offer features such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, and on-site personnel to give you peace of mind and maximum protection for your goods. 

Reducing Clutter 

A cluttered workspace can stop your productivity in its tracks and put a real damper on the creative process. Self storage units provide an off-site solution for storing non-essential items in order to free up valuable workspace for other business activities. 

Transitioning to E-Commerce 

E-commerce offers fantastic growth opportunities (something we all learned during the pandemic). With this transformation, many small businesses have had to rethink their operational strategies. A self storage unit can serve as a distribution point for businesses that mainly operate online. It provides a hub for storing inventory, packing materials, and fulfilling orders. 

How To Book a Business Self Storage Unit

Here’s how to reserve a Wigwam business storage unit:

1. Choose your location
2. Select a storage unit size using our practical space calculator
3. After receiving your quote, complete the booking process online, via email or in store 
4. Move in 

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By embracing modern solutions, entrepreneurs can succeed in an ever-evolving marketplace. Wigwam’s secure business self storage facilities are conveniently located in Chipping Norton and Bromsgrove, with a variety of unit sizes for storing merchandise, palletised goods, office furniture and more. Get a price today, or reach out to our friendly team to learn more.

The Christmas holidays are a great time to focus on spreading festive cheer in the office! However, getting everyone into the holiday spirit during working hours can be tough. From Michael Bublé’s hits playing throughout the office to tinsel dangling from the windows, if you’re looking for tips on bringing the festive spirit to your office, keep reading.

Decorate!

One of the best ways to get everyone in the holiday spirit is to decorate your office space. Consider putting up a tree and stringing-up fairy lights. Don’t go overboard – a few well-placed holiday decorations can do wonders in getting everyone in a festive mood.   

Pro Tip: don’t forget to decorate door frames.

Play holiday music throughout the office

Music is a great way to set the tone for any environment – and holiday music is no exception! Softly playing some holiday classics in the background can help everyone feel more festive (and maybe even get them singing along). 

Pro Tip: keep the volume level reasonable – so it doesn’t become a distraction.

Encourage employees to dress up

Dressing up for the holidays can be fun while doubling up and spreading cheer throughout the office. Encourage employees to wear red on a specific day or any festive attire throughout the week. Whatever you do, ensure they feel comfortable – and their outfits don’t interfere with productivity.

Plan holiday-themed events

A great way to get everyone into the holiday spirit is to plan some festive events. Anything from an ugly sweater contest to a potluck lunch featuring dishes from different cultures. As long as people enjoy themselves, they should get into the holiday spirit!

Organise a Secret Santa

Secret Santa is a great way to get everyone in the office involved in spreading holiday cheer. Make sure everyone signs up for the gift exchange and then set a budget. Employees will have fun picking out gifts and look forward to receiving one themselves – it’s a win-win!

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If you need to make space at the office for events and decorations, Wigwam has room for you – and we’ve just opened a storage facility in Bromsgrove! Our storage unit sizes range from 10 sq. ft to 300 sq. ft and are monitored 24 hours a day by our top-notch CCTV systems. Call us on 0800 2545585 to learn more about our Business Storage options.

If you’re an entrepreneur with an online clothing shop or an eCommerce store then you know the importance of keeping your inventory organised and storage space optimised! Without proper storage, you can quickly find yourself buried beneath mountains of clothes and products while struggling to keep up with demand. Fortunately, here are a few tips that can help keep your business running smoothly.  

Read on for storage tips for clothing traders and eCommerce businesses. 
 

Use the correct packaging products 

Correct packaging varies when it comes to clothing and textiles. However, paper wrapping is often better than plastic – which can cause mould due to condensation and sweating. You should also use acid-free colourless paper to avoid transferring colour onto the clothing.  

Wigwam Chipping Norton offers an onsite packaging shop with the perfect materials for clothing! 
 

Purchase top-quality storage equipment 

It’s no secret that storage units come completely bare. So, it may be a good idea to invest in some shelves, hanging racks, heavy-duty boxes, garment bags and other storage equipment that’ll make your work life a little easier and more organised! 

Our business storage solutions are ideal for storing inventory, palletised goods, office furniture and more! 
 

Take extra precautions with antique items 

If you’re dealing with antique textiles, you already know how much extra care is required. Antiques need to be handled ideally with both hands and sometimes wearing gloves. You should also avoid cleaning fragile or damaged items as this can sometimes do more harm than good. 
 

Customise storage methods  

Each textile will have its storage method for optimal preservation. While some items, such as cotton, can be hung on a rack, others, such as wool, should be loosely folded with paper wrapping in a heavy-duty box to prevent stretching. Some items may also require silica gel packets which ensure extra protection against moisture. 

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If you’re looking for a secure place to store your inventory or want to free up space in your home office, you’ve come to the right place. Wigwam has a perfect business storage option whether you’re a budding start-up, a growing online business or a large enterprise.  

Call us on 0800 2545585 or request a quick and easy quote online now. 

Bromsgrove has officially welcomed its first ever automated self storage facility, in a move which sees more automation enter the town! Yup, it’s one of our facilities, which is operated by remote-management capabilities and the first of its kind in the town.  
 
Remote-management capabilities are becoming more common these days, but during the pandemic is when we started seeing more of a demand. So, in order to adapt and remain open, many self storage facilities around the world decided to make use of automation for the first time.  
 
Wigwam Self Storage is the first self storage facility to develop an automated facility in Bromsgrove, conveniently situated on Aston Fields Industrial Estate in between Howdens and Tool Station on Sherwood Road. 
 
From an automated aspect, our friendly team can still assist customers with any queries or concerns in real time, thanks to the internal intercom system stationed throughout the facility. This way, they can provide remote access to your unit if you’ve forgotten your pin code and assist with online bookings, check-in services, and 24/7 general customer support.  
 
Boasting over 200 modern units across two floors as well as our new and improved innovative technology throughout the facility, here are other unique features we offer to ensure a safe and secure space to store your belongings. 
 

• Bluetooth and app-based technology for easy access control 
• Alarmed units with motion-tracking sensors 
• Electronic locking system (no need to buy a padlock) 
• 24-hour access available on request 
• 2-week minimum rental only 
• Conveniently located near local shops, trade shops and supermarkets 
• Man and Van services available 
• Monitored 24-hour CCTV surveillance 
• Lift access 
• Onsite trolleys 
• Seven-day access 
• Individually alarmed units 

 
Whether you’re downsizing your lifestyle or upsizing your business, our Bromsgrove storage facility has every amenity to ensure you enjoy an automated, hassle-free and simplistic storage experience with us.  
 
Give us a call on 01527 222 321 to schedule a tour of our available units or request a free and easy quote online.    

Making your business more environmentally friendly can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! There are many small changes you can make that will quickly add up, resulting in long-lasting positive changes for the environment. If you’re ready to earn your eco-warrior badge, we’ve listed a few simple steps you can take to make your company more sustainable. Let’s go green! 

Conserve water 

Something as simple as urgently fixing any leaky faucets around your office or facilities can literally stop your business from wasting gallons of water. Another way to conserve water includes installing low-flow toilets and faucets as a long-term solution.  

Plant shrubs or trees 

Trees and shrubs are a vital part of the ecosystem and help to act as filters for pollution. They not only produce oxygen, improving the air quality that is essential for you and your employees, but they also add to the aesthetic of your office. Consider planning an eco-day for the team to spend the day outdoors planting new trees. Every seedling helps. 

Recycle 

Once individual bins for paper, cardboard and plastic are readily available, people will more easily get into the habit of using them. Many households are already separating their rubbish, so they’re likely to be familiar with the practice. If you lead by example, your staff will be recycling in no time.   

Instal solar panels 

Going solar is an easy way for companies to reduce their environmental impact and save money in the long run. Solar panels are a clean, renewable source of energy that comes with attractive tax incentives for businesses and can last for decades with very little maintenance. 

Use sustainable suppliers 

Green procurement is another easy way to transform your carbon footprint as a business. This effectively means sourcing goods and services that are produced sustainably, including goods or office supplies that are non-toxic, recyclable or made from renewable materials. 

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If you need a cost-effective business storage solution to keep office extras safe, look no further than Wigwam. With a wide range of units and quality recyclable packaging supplies, we can help you store while saving the planet. To learn more, give us a call on 01608 656 300, pop into our Chipping Norton facility, or get a quote online in just a few minutes, and let us help you store the environmentally-friendly way.  

An internship program is a valuable resource for students and businesses alike. For students, an internship provides an opportunity to learn about a particular field or industry and gain experience in the workplace. The process can be helpful in making decisions about future career paths and help prepare students for the workforce.  

For businesses, an internship program can provide access to talented and motivated students who can help with various tasks and projects. Internships can also help businesses develop their brand and reputation among the student community. 

So, how do you build an attractive internship program? Consider the following tips. 

Schedule regular performance reviews 

As a business, you can use performance reviews to assess an intern’s progress and identify areas in which they need additional training or support. Interns can use them to track their own progress and set goals for themselves. Additionally, performance reviews can help identify any areas of difficulty that an intern is having so that they can be addressed quickly. 

Keep your interns busy 

A busy intern is more likely to be productive and learn new things. Make sure that you use the intern’s time wisely by delegating a range of tasks to assess their skills and determine whether they would be a good fit for the company.  

Assign each intern a mentor 

A mentor provides additional knowledge, support and accountability. A good mentor-intern relationship is one built on trust and mutual respect. When choosing a mentor for an intern, it’s important to find someone who is knowledgeable in the intern’s area of interest, patient and willing to answer any questions the intern may have. 

Show appreciation for the intern’s work 

Showing appreciation for an intern’s work helps to reinforce positive behaviour and encourages them to continue working hard. Interns often go above and beyond their job duties in order to make a good impression, so thanking them for their efforts is a powerful gesture.  

Provide opportunities for questions 

When interns ask questions, it shows that they are interested in the organisation and are willing to learn. It is important to encourage this behaviour by providing opportunities for interns to ask questions. By providing these opportunities, you can help them learn and grow, better understand their role and strengthen their communication abilities. 

Allocate space for the intern to work 

An intern’s space can be a designated area in the office or even a cubicle. Setting a space aside for an intern to work gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility, allows them to personalise their space, and provides a place for them to focus and be productive. It can also help them feel comfortable and welcome in the office, boosting their experience.  

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Do you need to clear space in the office for an intern (or two)? At Wigwam Self Storage, we provide affordable and convenient business storage space to hold extra furniture, documents, and more. If you have any questions about using self storage for your business,  give us a call at 01608 656 300 and chat with our friendly team.

Positivity in the workplace offers many benefits, including increased job satisfaction and performance. While a positive attitude is contagious, it involves a lot more than forcing a smile when talking to your colleagues.  

Negativity can reduce motivation and cause tension in the workplace, but building a can-do attitude can boost productivity and improve collaboration.  

So, where do you begin when building a can-do attitude at work? Here are a few tips to get you started. 

Practice deep breathing 

Deep breathing exercises have been shown to offer benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving sleep and boosting energy levels. One of the most underrated benefits of deep breathing is that it can help you cultivate a can-do attitude in the workplace.  

Set personal goals 

Setting personal goals can be a great way to contribute to a can-do attitude. When you have specific goals in mind, you are more likely to take action and achieve them. Outlining your personal goals can help you feel more motivated and positive. 

Think before you speak 

It’s important to think before you speak in the workplace. While you may have the best intentions, poorly chosen words could hurt someone’s feelings or damage relationships. You could even say something that gets you in trouble with your boss or cost your company money.  

Manage your expectations 

Managing expectations is important in any situation, especially when working towards a common goal. If everyone involved has the same understanding of what can be accomplished, it helps maintain a can-do attitude and avoid disappointment or frustration. By setting realistic expectations from the beginning, you can work together more effectively and achieve more as a team. 

Focus on the positive 

It’s easy to get into a rut in the workplace, being weighed down by the pressure of deadlines and the stress of high workloads. Choosing to focus on the positive can shift your perspective and help maintain a can-do attitude. 

Clear your workspace 

When working on any task, it is important to maintain a positive attitude and keep a clear workspace, allowing for better focus and productivity. By clearing away any distractions or negative energy, you can devote your attention to the task at hand. This can be especially helpful when working on challenging or frustrating tasks. A clear workspace helps to create a positive environment, which can make all the difference in your success. 

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Are you looking for a place to store the extra clutter in the office space? At Wigwam, we provide safe and secure business storage units to keep excess belongings, helping to create a positive attitude in the workspace.  

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Contact our team online to find out more about our cost-effective storage solutions.  

Business coaching is an important tool for any company looking to grow. A business coach can help a business identify and overcome obstacles, improve productivity and make better decisions.

Working with a business coach is a great idea if you’re feeling stuck, if you’re struggling to plan your growth or if you want to expand your knowledge.

A business coach works closely with the business owner to help the company reach its full potential by helping the business in the following ways.

Identify obstacles in the business

A business coach serves as a third-party outsider who can offer expert insight on the obstacles in your business. With the help of their expertise, you’re able to overcome these challenges and clear the path to success.

Build confidence

Focusing on your strengths can boost your confidence. A business coach is able to pinpoint your strengths and show you how to take advantage of them to help your business grow.

Challenge your thinking

It’s not unusual for business owners to keep going around in cycles and miss opportunities. A business coach can help you to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative ideas for your company.  Also, a business coach can help a business owner to tap into their full potential.

Streamline tasks and goals

Business coaching introduces accountability into the business. Coaches work with business owners to set tangible goals and track progress along the way. This helps to keep everyone on track and focused on what’s important for the company. Business coaching can also help to streamline tasks and make sure that everyone in the company is aware of their role and responsibilities.

Share knowledge and expertise

A business coach is a great resource for business owners who want to improve their operations. Coaches have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that they can share with their clients, whether you’re looking to grow in soft skills or hard skills.

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As your business grows, so will your need for space – and that’s where Wigwam Self Storage comes in. We offer a variety of different size business storage units available with flexible lease agreements.

Use our size estimator to find the perfect size unit to meet your current needs, and upsize or downsize as needed (with no extra cost).

Still have questions? Call us at 01608 656 300 to find out more!

The New Year is a time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. For many of us, that means setting healthy goals and working towards them! One goal that we recommend is to work towards incorporating work-life balance into your workplace. It’s important to take care of yourself so you can be productive and happy both at home and at work.

Here are some tips on how you can start introducing this balance in the workplace for the New Year.

Take time off to recharge

It’s important to take time off for yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or burnt out. Take a short break from work and head home early, go on leave or check into an escape room. It will help rejuvenate your mind and body! 

Don’t overwork yourself

To have a healthy work-life balance, it is important to know when you are overworking yourself. Work-related stress can lead to health issues and poor mental well being if not managed properly. Remember that it’s okay to take time off from your phone or computer.

Make time for family

Work-life balance is not just about managing stress levels at work, it’s also about balancing the demands from home. Make time for your family and friends, even if it’s just a quick coffee or phone call. You’ll not only be able to recharge but also stay connected with the people you love!

Create a work schedule that maximises your productivity

It’s important to find a work schedule that maximises your productivity. If you have trouble managing time or are unsure of where to start, try creating a planner for yourself. Doing so will help keep track of the tasks at hand and set reminders so nothing is missed. Setting goals can also be helpful as it keeps you accountable for the things that you need to accomplish.

Learn to say no

Saying no to extra tasks at work can be hard, especially if you’re worried about letting someone down. However, it’s important to remember that your mental well-being and physical health is a top priority. Whether it’s taking on more responsibilities or working for an additional hour after the clock strikes, learn how to say no so you can make time for yourself and offer your best work for the tasks on your plate.

Declutter your workspace

Your workspace can be a source of stress if it’s disorganised or cluttered. That’s why decluttering your workspace and setting up systems to help you manage the tasks on hand will help improve productivity. Setting reminders, creating lists and organising documents by date are just some ways that this system works!

Our business storage units are the perfect solution to hold excess office equipment, clutter and filing that adds to a stressful work environment. Kick 2022 off on a positive note and secure your business storage unit today. Contact us at 01608 656 300 to chat with our friendly team, get a quote online or pop into our facility on Hook Norton Road.