Hold Self Storage is one of London’s most ambitious new companies, aiming to reshape how people think about storage in the city. Launched in March 2024 by Frederic de Ryckman de Betz and Callum Kempe, the business entered a market often seen as functional but slow to evolve. With a focus on flexibility, technology, and sustainability, Hold Self Storage has quickly positioned itself as a company capable of redefining what storage looks like in urban environments.
The company’s origins bring together experience and vision. Frederic de Ryckman de Betz is a familiar name in the storage sector, having served as Chairman of the Self Storage Association and Vice President of the Federation of European Self Storage Associations. His long career gave him a deep understanding of both the opportunities and the limitations within the industry. His co-founder, Callum Kempe, brought strong ties to property development. As the son of Paul Kempe, founder of City and Provincial Properties, he connected the new venture to an investor with the resources to support an ambitious plan. In its founding year, City and Provincial Properties committed £100 million to Hold Self Storage, ensuring that the company could launch on a scale few newcomers could match.
The first major step was the redevelopment of its flagship facility in King’s Cross. Work began in 2024 on a site covering 88,000 square feet, with doors opening in March 2024. The King’s Cross location was designed not only as a storage facility but also as a showcase of the company’s vision. It combined customer-focused service, advanced security systems, and sustainable construction methods, signaling from the outset that Hold Self Storage was determined to set new standards in the industry.
Expansion is central to the company’s strategy. Plans are already in place to open more than 20 locations across London by 2030. Progress is underway, with approvals secured for Croydon and Woodford, where construction is expected to begin in late 2025. Additional projects are being developed for Chiswick and other boroughs. By establishing facilities in both central and suburban areas, Hold Self Storage aims to provide accessible solutions for a wide spectrum of customers.
The company’s services are designed to appeal to individuals, students, and businesses alike. Options range from compact lockers for small personal items to larger units for furniture or bulky goods. Moving supplies and workspace rentals are also available, creating a one-stop environment rather than a simple storage facility. Flexibility is a defining feature: customers can easily upgrade or downsize their units as needs change. This adaptability reflects modern consumer expectations for services that adjust to shifting circumstances.
Security is another priority. Each site is equipped with 24-hour CCTV coverage, secure PIN-code entry, and alarm systems. Climate-secure units helps protect sensitive belongings from temperature changes and humidity. These measures combine to create an environment where customers can be confident their possessions are safe at all times.
Technology is where Hold Self Storage most clearly differentiates itself. While many providers still rely on basic systems, the company has integrated real-time quoting and booking facilities, app-controlled access, and augmented reality tools to help customers understand their unit size requirements. These innovations are not simply decorative but practical, designed to make storage faster, safer, and easier. By leveraging digital tools, Hold Self Storage demonstrates how storage can evolve into a customer-friendly service that fits seamlessly with modern urban life.
Sustainability has also been central from the start. Every new site is designed to achieve BREEAM Outstanding ratings, the highest level of environmental certification in the UK. This commitment translates into energy-efficient lighting, renewable energy sources, and sustainable construction materials. By embedding sustainability into its growth model, Hold Self Storage positions itself as a leader in an industry that has often overlooked environmental concerns.
Recognition has followed quickly. In 2025, the company received the Feefo Gold Award and the InHouse Gold Award, both honoring excellence in customer service. These early achievements are notable for such a young company and reinforce the effectiveness of its customer-first approach. Industry observers have already described Hold Self Storage as a disruptive force in a sector not known for rapid change.
The timing is well matched to London’s needs. As the city grows denser and living spaces shrink, demand for flexible, reliable storage has surged. Both individuals and businesses are looking for solutions that go beyond simple square footage. They want security, transparency, and convenience, combined with services designed for today’s urban lifestyle. Hold Self Storage has built its model around these principles, setting itself apart with technology, flexibility, and sustainability.
Looking ahead, the growth strategy is ambitious but firmly grounded in expertise and financial support. With more than 20 locations planned by 2030, Hold Self Storage is on track to become one of London’s most recognizable storage brands. Its leadership team blends longstanding industry knowledge with fresh perspectives, and its operating model is anchored in a promise of innovation, trust, and adaptability.
In little more than a year since its founding, Hold Self Storage has progressed from concept to reality, opening a flagship facility that already sets a benchmark for the industry. By continuing to expand and invest in technology and sustainability, it is preparing to play a major role in shaping the future of urban storage in London. The company is building more than facilities. It is building a model for how storage can adapt to a changing city and deliver lasting value to its customers.
