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In this guest article from Bernard McGovern, Managed Services Manager at Mobile Mini, he discusses the benefits of using storage containers as opposed to traditional brick-and-mortar businesses.

It’s no secret that building materials are becoming more expensive. In fact, annual material prices increased by more than 24 percent in March 2022, no doubt due to national inflation rates and shortages on the back of the Ukraine conflict. This has influenced the production and sale of multiple building materials, from roof tiles to steel and brick. The price of Forterra bricks, for example, increased by 12 percent from 1st April.

To address the soaring cost of materials, professionals within the construction industry can think of innovative alternatives to everyday buildings.

Office spaces have changed in recent years. Since the global pandemic, the demand for offices has decreased by nine percent, and more companies have adopted a hybrid model of working. In London, however, the average amount of office space being rented has increased from 13.5m square foot per year. This is a 1.14m square foot rise from the previous decade.

So, as businesses in city centres scramble to secure larger office spaces, what happens when availability faulters? If constructing new buildings isn’t an option, it would be logical to introduce an alternative to traditional office spaces. Storage containers could be the answer to this problem, offering more room for growing businesses.

Storage containers are a more flexible option than traditional office spaces. Rather than being set in stone, they can be a temporary solution for businesses unsure of their future situations. This is useful for companies that want to try their luck at pop-up stores, a business trend that is proving successful for trade around the nation.

Offices crafted from storage containers can also be used by hybrid or remote workers. These community working hubs can be hired by companies and individuals alike, whether they want a temporary or permanent desk.

Storage container offices might look modern and industrial from the outside, but they can be fitted with all of the same comforts as traditional buildings. This includes everything from running water to electricity, meaning that companies can continue with their business as normal and turn the kettle on at break time.

This means that you can make any space personal to your business ethics, whether you’re a minimalist or maximalist interior design enthusiast. There are storage containers for rent that start as a blank canvas and are ready to be designed to your specifications.

The economic benefits of storage containers are dependent on a few variables. If businesses want to renovate and build their own storage complex from scratch, the price would be a lot more than simply renting one that is ready. On the other hand, it is more financially viable compared to building a new brick-and-mortar business.

To rent a storage container office at Cardiff Containers, for example, would cost £350 per month. In comparison, it costs anywhere between £110 and £26 per square foot to rent traditional office spaces across the UK in 2021. Although this varied depending on location, it’s always a good idea to search for the most cost-effective options before opening a business.

Storage containers might be a temporary solution to the shortage of bricks, but they have the ability to become a long-term alternative for office spaces. There’s nothing to stop companies and individuals from using these in the future, whether they’re looking for a quick-fix or a more permanent space.

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