Our Community

Strengthening local partnerships and community wellbeing

At Safestore, we understand that our success is closely tied to the wellbeing of the communities in which we operate. Over the past year, we have continued to build meaningful local partnerships and champion initiatives that contribute to both social and economic growth. Our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility remains at the core of our business practices. Key initiatives include: 

• Developing brownfield sites with community input to enhance local environments.
• Actively engaging with residents when establishing new stores, ensuring our developments align with community interests.
• Enhancing the sustainability of our operations by implementing greener construction and management practices.
• Supporting charities and communities to optimise limited space through innovative storage solutions.
• Creating local employment opportunities directly and indirectly by supporting the small and medium-sized enterprises that utilise our space.

Supporting community development

Safestore is proud to support the development of local communities through both financial contributions and practical assistance. Across all our stores in the UK, we actively engage with charities, schools, and community organisations to create spaces where they can thrive by providing subsidised storage space, which has helped countless organisations reduce operational costs and focus on delivering vital services. This year, we donated 23,862 sq ft of subsidised space to 194 charity organisations across 119 stores, valued at £999,436.

In Spain, we are proud to sponsor a children’s football team in Barcelona, supporting around 1,000 kids through small sponsorships. Additionally, we sponsored a chess tournament for children in the region, fostering both physical and mental development. Next year, we plan to replicate these efforts in Madrid and Pamplona, further extending our support for youth programmes across the country.

In France, we continue our support by making an annual donation to a charity, providing them with a free storage unit for a month. This practical support allows charities to reduce costs and allocate more resources to their core activities, ensuring they can serve the community effectively.

We also work closely with Établissement et Service d'Aide par le Travail (“ESATs”), non-profit organisations that manage disabled individuals who are unable to work in traditional businesses. ESATs play a crucial role in maintaining the green spaces around four of our stores in France. This partnership not only helps preserve the environment but also provides meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility.

Responding to local needs
As local communities face a variety of social challenges, Safestore is committed to responding to their needs with targeted, impactful support. This year, we have focused on providing assistance to organisations tackling urgent issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, and mental health. Our subsidised storage spaces have allowed these organisations to reduce their costs and operate more efficiently.

 

By working directly with local charities, we can respond quickly and effectively to emerging needs. Our Head Office colleagues have been engaged in their support, participating in community collections, including a successful food bank drive during the winter months. These efforts not only provide essential resources to those in need but also foster a sense of unity and shared purpose within our teams.