Creating Space in the City with Modern Storage Solutions
Interview with Duncan Bell, COO of Shurgard Europe
Living space in Europe has never been so expensive or scarce – and the trend continues to rise steeply. What used to be used as a junk room is often now used as an additional bedroom or home office. As a result, the demand for external storage spaces is continuously increasing. In this context, Shurgard has established itself as a leading provider of self-storage solutions in Europe. With over 330 locations in seven countries, the company offers not just storage space, but also a sense of security and support in times of change.
The first Shurgard Self-Storage location was opened in Brussels in 1995. Since then, Shurgard has become one of the largest self-storage providers in Europe. The company's roots are in the USA, where it originally started as a real estate company. In 2006, Shurgard was acquired by Public Storage, the largest provider in the North American market. "The main goal of the acquisition was primarily the approximately 450 Shurgard locations in North America," explains COO Duncan Bell. "The approximately 180 European Shurgard locations continued to operate under the well-known brand." With an IPO in 2018, Shurgard has been able to establish itself as an independent player in the European market in recent years.
Strong Growth
Since then, Shurgard has grown significantly. "We pursue three main strategies for our growth: the development of existing locations, mergers and acquisitions, and the opening of new locations," explains Duncan Bell. Shurgard is currently focusing on major cities in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Berlin, Frankfurt, and London are particularly in focus. "We are interested in locations both in the city center and in the suburbs," explains Duncan Bell. "Locations where we can acquire several facilities in close proximity are particularly interesting, as this allows us access to economies of scale."
Adapting to the Market
The self-storage market has changed significantly in recent years. "The reasons why people rent storage spaces have become more diverse," says Duncan Bell. In addition to classic reasons such as moving and renovations, more and more people are using the storage spaces for business purposes or as transitional solutions. This requires an adaptation of services and offerings to meet the various needs of customers. "At Shurgard, we offer a wide range of storage options tailored to the diverse needs of our customers. From small units for personal items to larger storage spaces for moves or business purposes – we have the right solution for every need," describes Duncan Bell the offerings.
Digital Customer Service
Digital solutions play another important role in corporate strategy. Shurgard invested early in a user-friendly website where customers can view prices transparently and make bookings. The entire rental process can now be completed online, which provides customers with an easy and stress-free experience. "50% of our contracts are now concluded online," reports Duncan Bell proudly.
Pursuing Sustainability Goals
Shurgard places a high value on sustainability. "We are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030," emphasizes Duncan Bell. Through the use of LED lighting and eco-friendly heating and water supply technologies, Shurgard has already made significant progress in reducing its ecological footprint.
An Open Corporate Culture
The corporate culture at Shurgard is characterized by a strong commitment to its employees. "We promote an atmosphere where our employees feel comfortable and can be actively involved," explains Duncan Bell. The flat hierarchies enable open exchange between management and staff, leading to high satisfaction and motivation. Shurgard continuously invests in training and team-building measures to strengthen employee engagement.
Expand market position
"We look to the future with optimism and plan to further expand our market position in Europe," says Duncan Bell. "Our goal is to meet the growing demand for flexible storage spaces while providing a safe and user-friendly experience – as a reliable partner for anyone who needs additional space."