Since launching in 2017 with a single site in Boldon, O’Brien Storage has grown into a trusted self-storage provider across the North East, now operating locations in Sunderland, Birtley, Wallsend and more. Their latest milestone? A secure, indoor self-storage facility in Sunderland, tailored for customers who value convenience and protection.
With expert guidance from the Citylife team, O’Brien Storage received crucial support in digital marketing, business development, and showcasing their new premises – all of which helped drive visibility and sustainable expansion.
Tell us a little bit about your business
O’Brien Storage was founded in 2017 with a single site in Boldon. Since then, we’ve grown steadily and now operate multiple self-storage locations across the North East, including Sunderland, Birtley, Wallsend, and our original Boldon site. A major recent development has been the addition of our internal self-storage facility in Sunderland, which offers secure private indoor rooms – perfect for customers looking for indoor access and added protection. We provide flexible container-based and indoor storage solutions to a broad range of customers, including homeowners, tradespeople, and small businesses. All of our sites are equipped with ANPR access, pin-code entry, 24/7 CCTV and are designed to be simple, secure and great value.
We currently employ a small, dedicated team who manage day-to-day operations, customer service, and site development. (2 in the Storage Department)
What support did you seek to help your business grow and develop?
As we looked to expand, we sought support in areas like business development, digital marketing, and strengthening our online presence. We also wanted help with how best to present and showcase our new premises and services to the public.
What was the nature of the support they provided?
The support covered strategic growth advice, digital visibility, branding, and showcasing our newest self-storage facility. Their insight helped us better promote our services while remaining efficient in our operations.
Has the support that you have received from the Citylife Business Support Expert(s) helped you to move your business forward? And how?
Yes, it’s made a real difference. With the help of Citylife, we’ve been able to increase the number of sites we operate, including the launch of our Sunderland internal storage facility. The opportunity to showcase our new premises through the Citylife platform has helped us no end.
Crucially, support like this doesn’t just benefit us – it benefits our customers too. Reducing our overheads through better planning and guidance means we can continue to offer affordable and competitive rates, making storage more accessible across the region.
Has the Citylife support that you received helped to safeguard the future of your business and any employees?
Absolutely. The advice and guidance we’ve received has helped us make confident decisions, maintain momentum, and continue investing in growth. It’s helped protect jobs, improve stability, and set a clear direction for the future.
How did you find the Citylife Application process?
The application process was clear and straightforward. Communication was excellent throughout, and the team were approachable and helpful at every stage.
Would you recommend other businesses get in touch with Citylife?
Yes, without hesitation. Whether you’re just starting up or looking to grow, the support and resources provided by Citylife can be a real asset to your business. Their expert advice and practical help can make a lasting difference.
