Storage Insider: Interview with Gavin Shields of Stora

When it comes to running a self-storage business, finding the right tools to make operations smoother is a game-changer. 

Earlier this year, our founder Anna Roberts spoke with Gavin Shields, the founder of Stora, about the evolution of his self-storage software, the challenges and opportunities in the industry, and advice for operators at all stages of their journey. Here’s what we learned.

What is Stora and Why Does It Exist?

Stora is a software platform designed for self storage operators. But as Gavin explained, it’s more than just a management tool; it’s the result of a real-world problem he faced when opening his own self-storage site.

“About five and a half years ago, I noticed a gap in the market—small towns across the UK lacked indoor self-storage facilities,” Gavin shared. “The problem? Running a storage site with traditional staffing models wasn’t financially viable in these areas. Technology was the solution.”

Stora’s unique offering lies in its ability to automate critical functions like bookings, invoicing, payments, and access control. For operators, this means running a leaner business without sacrificing customer experience.

What Should Operators Consider When Choosing Software?

Whether starting out or thinking of switching systems, Gavin offered practical advice on what to look for:

• Automation Saves Time and Money:

Software that can handle repetitive tasks like invoicing, payment collection, and customer onboarding.

• Think About the Future:

“Look for software that evolves with the industry,” Gavin said. “You don’t want to adopt a stagnant system that won’t meet your needs in five years.”

• Customer Experience is Key:

Software should enhance the experience for your customers. Features like online booking can make a difference in today’s digital-first world.

It’s not just about the bells and whistles—it’s about finding a system that makes life easier for operators and customers alike.

Setting up the software: New Operators vs. Existing Businesses?

Getting started can feel daunting especially if it means retraining and moving away from existing systems and processes. Different software companies handle this in different ways. With Stora Gavin highlighted;

• For New Operators:

If opening a self-storage business from scratch, Stora can get operators up and running quickly. “We’ve built the platform so that within a day, you can have a website, booking system, and payment processing in place,” Gavin explained.

• For Existing Operators:

Transitioning from another system is more complex, especially when migrating customer payment details. Gavin highlighted that Stora’s team has extensive experience making this process as seamless as possible.

While the specifics may differ, the goal remains the same: minimizing disruption and maximizing efficiency.

When Does It Make Sense to Invest in Software?

At SelfStorageBooker.com we often get asked by start up storage operators whether they really need software to start off; but like anything it is easier if you can start building in the systems to scale when you are still small enough to minimise the disruption. Often new storage operators assume that cost will be a barrier but Gavin explained that Stora isn’t just for big operators;

“If you’ve got a few containers and are making around £1,000 a month, the value of automating invoicing, payments, and bookings makes software a no-brainer,” he said. For startups, Stora’s low monthly fees make it an accessible option.

For larger, established operators, the benefits go beyond saving time. Automating processes allows teams to focus on growth and strategy rather than day-to-day admin.

What Did Gavin See as the Challenges and Opportunities in the Self-Storage Industry

The self-storage industry is evolving, and with that comes both challenges and opportunities.

Challenges:

• Increased competition as the industry grows.
• Adapting to customer expectations for modern, tech-driven services.

Opportunities:

There is still huge potential for growth, particularly in smaller towns where self-storage is underdeveloped. Gavin shared his own experience of seeing untapped demand in Northern Ireland and plans to expand further.

His advice for operators? “If you’ve got £50,000 to £100,000, that’s often enough to open a container site. The recurring revenue from self-storage is one of the best business models out there.”

Any Advice for Aspiring Operators?

Gavin’s advice for those considering building a self-storage facility was refreshingly straightforward: “Just do it.”

He acknowledged the temptation to over-plan and aim for perfection but emphasised the importance of starting sooner rather than later. “You’ll learn as you go, and it’s better to open and refine than to delay endlessly.”

What’s Next for Stora?

Looking ahead, Gavin sees Stora continuing to grow and evolve. The team is focused on improving the platform, particularly for larger operators and international markets. “We want to help operators grow their businesses as efficiently as possible,” he said.

But it’s not just about scaling. Gavin is passionate about making self-storage more accessible and modern. Whether it’s streamlining booking processes or improving user interfaces, the goal is always to make life easier for operators and customers alike. 

We shared with Gavin that the team at Explorage.com and SelfStorageBooker.com share this mission. From day one we have always been driven to make life easier for people, whether that’s storage operators, customers, partners or colleagues.

Final Thoughts

This conversation with Gavin was a great reminder of how technology can transform industries. Whether starting out or looking to scale, the right software can be a powerful tool. The key is finding a system that aligns with specific goals and helps businesses stay ahead in a competitive market.

If you’d like to speak to Gavin or his team visit https://stora.co/uk

For more insights and advice for self storage businesses, visit https://explorage.com/resources