Case Study: How a Canary Wharf SME Liberated Office Space and Boosted Growth with Local Self-Storage
Names and identifying details have been changed to protect client confidentiality.
In the densely packed business district of E14, space is one of the most costly—and often most limited—resources for small and medium enterprises. High office rents and compact layouts can leave businesses juggling between productive workspaces and overflow stock or equipment stored in boardrooms, cupboards, and corridors. Here’s how one locally based SME tackled this challenge with a local self-storage solution—and what other business owners can learn from their experience.
The Problem: Growth Without Space
Blueway Events Ltd operates corporate event logistics from an office near Canary Wharf. As its client base and inventory expanded, so did its stock of branded materials, promotional displays, and equipment. What began as a few boxes tucked under desks soon became an obstacle:
Office space was cluttered, impacting productivity
Staff spent time searching for inventory rather than managing clients
Traditional warehousing options meant long travel times from the city centre, cutting into billable hours
The founder, Tara, wanted a local, practical solution that wouldn’t require vacating her established E14 base or adding significant overheads.
Exploring Local Storage Options
Like many SME owners in E14, Tara considered several routes:
Outsourcing stock storage to remote warehouses — cheaper per square foot, but created inefficiency due to travel times out of the Docklands
Downsizing office space to move stock offsite — a disruptive step that could alienate clients and team members
Leveraging a nearby self-storage facility with business-friendly access and flexible terms
After speaking with other local businesses and researching options close to Canary Wharf, Tara chose to trial a unit with Store That Self Storage, located on Westferry Road, Isle of Dogs—just minutes from her office.
The Implementation: A Seamless Extension of the Office
The proximity of the storage facility was a game changer for Blueway Events:
Inventory could be walked over by staff when needed, eliminating unnecessary travel
The team organised storage by stock cycle, keeping fast-moving products nearest the office entrance
Regular Monday-to-Friday access aligned perfectly with business operations, meaning materials could be collected before early deliveries or events
Rather than seeing storage as an external service, Tara treated the unit as an extension of her workspace—a cost-effective “offsite shelving” area that helped reclaim valuable office real estate.
Outcomes: What Changed for the Business
Improved Productivity
With clear desks and decluttered spaces, employees were less distracted and more efficient. Meeting rooms became meeting rooms again—not glorified storerooms.Cost Control Without Compromise
Instead of committing to a larger office (with rent spikes of 30–50%), the business used a flexible storage arrangement with a rolling monthly term. This prevented unnecessary lease commitments and preserved budget for core growth activities.Agility and Scalability
During peak periods, such as seasonal campaigns, the team adjusted storage usage up or down without penalty—a flexibility that traditional leases don’t offer.Community and Convenience
Being so close to Canary Wharf meant Tara could build relationships with other local SMEs facing similar issues and share best practices around managing stock and space. This highlighted how a local storage solution fosters practical business efficiency without disrupting daily workflows.
Key Takeaways for E14 SME Owners
Space challenges are not unique to larger enterprises. For SMEs in Canary Wharf and surrounding Docklands, local self-storage can be a strategic tool—not just a short-term fix. By choosing a provider within the neighbourhood, businesses like Blueway Events maintained operational focus, avoided unnecessary costs, and preserved their presence in one of London’s busiest commercial hubs.
If your business is struggling with space constraints, explore Store That by contacting us here and getting a free quote and have our storage as part of your operational toolkit—it may be the hidden asset you’ve been overlooking.