YSN News Q1 2021

Since the last issue of UNLOCKED when we announced the inaugural board of the SSA UK Young Storage Network (YSN), there have been several meetings through the now normal medium of Zoom, where plans and strategies have been put into place to move the group forward in 2021. As a result, we would like to share with you some of our ideas and plans for the next twelve months and invite you or your team to join the group, creating the next generation of self storage experts and leaders.

The 2021 YSN Strategy is to:

1. Increase awareness of the self storage industry in young people.

2. Create a young professionals information network.

3. Increase awareness of the YSN group within the industry.

4. Promote the development of young people within the industry.

We recently sent a survey to all current members of the YSN. The purpose is to help us to better understand how you want to hear from and engage with the YSN and what you would like to receive from being a member. If you have not already seen and responded to the survey, we would very much welcome your input. Please visit the YSN page on the SSA UK website to view and download a copy.

We understand there is not always the time or resources in a busy facility to stop and ask questions and that is where the group’s Slack forum has been incredibly helpful. Every question has merit and has opened-up conversations on topics ranging from pricing to HSE COVID-19 Procedure and everything in between! The responses from operators, large and small, as well as our supplier network, have been invaluable in not only assisting individuals with specific questions or queries, but it has also been a great route to discuss best practice, which can only drive this great industry forward.

We are also delighted to announce the first (online unfortunately) YSN members meeting of 2021 has been arranged for Thursday, 4 March at 1400 via Zoom. During this meeting we will be announcing the results of the YSN Survey, discussing the future plans of the group and providing networking opportunities to the suppliers in attendance. We will close the meeting with a Q&A hosted by one or two YSN board members.

If you’d like more information, need to ask a question or wish to join the YSN, please email Emma Greenwood at the SSA UK [email protected] or [email protected] or call 01270 623150.

Paul Whittaker, (Former) YSN Board Chair