STORAGE specialist The Space Station is accelerating its growth plans following increasing demand from small and medium sized businesses.

The Gateshead-based business has already commissioned 25,000sq ft of new self-storage space at its sites on Tyneside and in Manchester, and is looking for further acquisitions to open sites across the UK.

Self-storage is one of the fastest growing business to business industries in the UK, with annual growth of 35 per cent.

Since the mid-1980s, the industry has grown to nearly 300 storage centres in the UK.

Michael Meredith, managing director of The Space Station, said: "Over the last few years we have witnessed a major growth in demand from businesses for self-storage facilities.

"It is fast becoming apparent that self-storage is the solution to freeing up space by holding stock, equipment, archives, furniture, electronic goods and vehicles.

"Many companies are saving money by releasing expensive office or retail space for more effective use."

Published: 30/03/2004