Technology, Trust, and Transparency: Inside Hold Self Storage’s Operating Model

Technology, Trust, and Transparency: Inside Hold Self Storage’s Operating Model

Hold Self Storage is a new name in London’s self-storage market, but it has entered with the kind of ambition and resources that make it stand out from the very beginning. With its first site launched in March 2024 by Frederic de Ryckman de Betz and Callum Kempe, the company set out to modernise a sector that has long been considered functional but rarely innovative. Its model rests on three ideas that define its direction: a strong use of technology, a commitment to earning customer trust, and a transparent approach to both service and sustainability.

The partnership behind the company brought together deep experience and strategic support. Frederic de Ryckman de Betz is well known in the industry, having served as Chairman of the Self Storage Association, Vice President of the Federation of European Self Storage Associations, and founder of Attic Storage. His career gave him an insider’s view of how storage works across Europe and what customers often find lacking in the experience. His co-founder, Callum Kempe, represents the next generation of a family connected to property development. His father, Paul Kempe, created City and Provincial Properties, which played a central role in providing the financial strength needed to launch the business. That backing came in the form of a £100 million funding commitment that allowed Hold Self Storage to start on a scale most new entrants could only imagine.

The company’s first project was an ambitious one. In early 2024, construction was completed on an 88,000 square foot facility in Kings Cross. By March 2024, the doors opened to the public, and the flagship site was more than just a storage location. It was a clear statement of intent, showing how the business planned to combine modern design, advanced systems, and customer-focused services in one setting. The launch marked the beginning of a broader plan to expand across the city, with the goal of reaching more than twenty locations by 2030.

That expansion plan is already in motion. Sites in Croydon and Woodford have secured planning approvals, with construction expected to begin in late 2025. Further projects are being prepared for Chiswick and several other boroughs, setting the stage for Hold Self Storage to become a familiar presence throughout London in the years ahead.

The services offered at Hold Self Storage reflect an understanding of the diverse range of customers who utilize storage services. Individuals may need temporary space during a move, students might need somewhere safe to keep belongings during term breaks, and businesses often look for secure rooms to store inventory, files, or equipment. The company offers units of different sizes, from compact lockers to large rooms for furniture and bulky goods. To support this, it also provides moving supplies and workspace rentals, creating a one-stop solution rather than a single-purpose facility.

Flexibility has been built into the model from the start. Customers are able to change the size of their units as their needs shift, either increasing or reducing space without difficulty. This approach reflects the way modern consumers expect services to work: simple, adaptable, and free of unnecessary complications. By offering that kind of control, Hold Self Storage aims to build lasting trust with its clients.

Security is another area where the company has made a significant investment. Every site includes round-the-clock CCTV monitoring, secure PIN code entry, and alarm systems. All units are climate-secure as standard, which protects sensitive items from damage caused by fluctuations in temperature or damp conditions. These measures ensure that people can feel confident that their belongings are safe, reinforcing the trust that is central to the company’s model.

The role of technology is where Hold Self Storage has set itself apart most clearly from the traditional storage industry. The facilities will use augmented reality tools to guide customers directly to their units, advanced space calculators, and real-time online reservations. These features are designed to make the process faster and more intuitive while also showing how a sector often seen as basic can actually be reshaped by innovation.

Equally important is the company’s focus on sustainability. Hold Self Storage has committed itself to designing every new development to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating, the highest level of recognition for environmentally responsible building in the United Kingdom. From energy-efficient lighting and renewable energy sourcing to the use of sustainable materials in construction, each decision is guided by a goal to reduce environmental impact while still delivering practical results for customers.

These combined efforts have already been recognised within the industry. In 2025, Hold Self Storage received the Feefo Gold Award and the InHouse Gold Award, both of which highlight excellence in customer service. For a business that had only just launched its first facility, this level of recognition was an early sign that its mix of technology, transparency, and service quality was resonating with users.

The timing for such a model is significant. As London grows and urban living spaces shrink, the demand for reliable storage is increasing. People are looking for solutions that go beyond simple square footage. They want services that are easy to use, trustworthy, and designed with modern expectations in mind. Hold Self Storage is stepping into that space with a clear answer, backed by strong leadership, financial stability, and a willingness to innovate in ways that most of the industry has not pursued.

The company is still in the early stages of its journey, but the path ahead is ambitious and well planned. With more than twenty locations expected across London by 2030, it is positioning itself not only as a service provider but as a brand that represents the future of storage in urban environments. By blending advanced technology with transparent practices and a commitment to customer trust, Hold Self Storage has created an operating model that feels both timely and forward-looking. As it expands, it is set to become a major force in reshaping how London thinks about storage and what customers can expect from it.