How to easily expand storage at a hospital, school or supermarket

Jane on April 14, 2020

With the current social distancing measures in place in the UK due to COVID-19, many businesses have been deemed non-essential and have been asked to close by the government. Here at Billie Box, we are still very much open and functioning as an essential business; this is because container storage is a highly practical and accessible way to expand storage at other essential businesses and facilities, such as hospitals, supermarkets and schools.

Why container storage is necessary during a crisis

In times of crisis such as the situation we are currently experiencing, container hire can help to alleviate the stress of equipment storage. Due to the requirements of dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak, hospitals are requiring extra storage for surgical masks, medicines and other medical equipment; supermarkets are in need of storage for high-demand items such as larder essentials and canned goods; and schools may need to store supplies that are temporarily out of use during the current term, when many children are being homeschooled.

Practical temporary storage solutions

Shipping containers are an excellent form of temporary storage for the following reasons:

  • Shipping containers can be easily placed, relocated and removed with the correct equipment. This means that you can have a shipping container delivered and placed with minimal effort, move it if it requires relocating in future, and have it removed from your premises if and when you decide that you no longer need it.
  • These units are, by nature, very secure. They are used to transport goods across the world; therefore they must be secure in order to prevent theft. At Billie Box, our containers can be purchased with a lock box and padlock to deter thieves with bolt croppers.
  • Shipping containers are weather-proof. Again, being used to transport goods across the world, shipping containers are subject to harsh weather conditions on ships, which is why they are created in such a way to preserve their contents. This is a vital factor for food and medical equipment storage.
  • Containers are available in a range of sizes for a multitude of purposes. Whether you are a primary school in need of a regular 20ft x 8ft container, or a supermarket chain with larger requirements, there is a shipping container to suit your needs.
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New (once used from China) 20ft x 8ft storage container

Other ways a container can be used

Not only are shipping containers excellent temporary storage solutions, converted shipping containers can also be used as offices and canteens. We currently have a number of 20ft portable offices and canteens available from the Grays, Essex area. Please contact us right away on 0800 121 7388 to secure a portable office for your use.

For example, it was recently reported that retired NHS staff have been asked to return to work to help the service cope with rising patient numbers during the COVID-19 outbreak. With a higher number of staff on site and a limited number of locations for staff to rest, a converted container can be used as a staff room or even an extra office space.

In a corporate environment such as a supermarket headquarters, an extra office is helpful for adhering to social distancing guidelines by offering separate space for staff to minimise infection. 

For schools, a converted container may even be used as an extra space to house children of key workers during lessons, in case there are too many children in a classroom to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

20ft Office interior
20ft Office interior
portable office, portable space, office,
20ft Exterior of Portable Office

These are just a few examples of how shipping containers and converted containers can help during this difficult time. If you require container storage or an extra office or canteen space for your establishment, do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 121 7388.

5 ways an office container can save you money

Jane on June 18, 2019

Whether you’re a small business, a not-for-profit or a self-employed individual, your office space most likely accounts for a large chunk of your outgoings. As a small company ourselves, we at Billie Box can identify with the difficulty of striking the balance between keeping costs down and finding an office space which suits your needs.
Like many business owners, you might have spent hours on the internet, searching local listings for office rentals. However, there is one option you might not have considered: converted shipping containers.
Converted shipping containers make excellent office spaces which can save you money.
They are practical and budget friendly alternatives to standard offices with many other benefits, including mobility and security, ideal for a growing business. Here are five ways an office container can help you save money:

1. They’re mobile

As the saying goes, you don’t know what the future holds. You could find that, in a year’s time, you identify a new market and need to move location. In rented office accommodation, this could mean giving several months’ notice, spending money on rent that you could have otherwise saved, and allocating valuable time to looking for an office in your new location, which could be more expensive than your current rental.
Converted shipping containers can be moved easily with the right equipment. If for any reason you decide to relocate, your office can come with you. No need to dismantle the container; it can be transported as it is. This is particularly suited to construction companies who require temporary onsite portable offices.

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New (once used from China) 20ft x 8ft storage container

2. They deter thieves

Mobile or portable offices in converted shipping containers offer effective anti-theft features. A steel personnel door is provided with each unit, which features a 10-lever locking system to deter thieves or vandals. Additionally, each of the two 3ft x 3ft windows feature exterior lockable steel shutters.
When closed and secured, the door and window defences make it very difficult for thieves to break into the unit. This provides peace of mind that your office equipment or stock will be safe while you are away from your office.

Office container

3. They can double up as storage space

Storage facilities can be expensive, which is why converted shipping containers are popular with business owners. If you require a dedicated storage space as well as an office, we offer a ‘50/50’ option which provides you with a working environment and store, separated by a built-in partition.
The storage space is accessible by the original container doors, which feature a lock box for security. This is an ideal space for storing stock which might have otherwise cluttered your office, leaving you with a tidy work space which not only benefits your physical and mental well-being, but also allows you to present your business in a professional way to visiting clients and colleagues.

4. They help you avoid rising rent prices

Many business owners struggle with finding a working environment which suits their budget, and the situation is only getting tougher. Rising rent is an issue which affects the entire country. It hinders growing companies, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to get to the next step in their business plans.
However, an office container can help you avoid losing a substantial portion of your income to rent. The only aspect you’ll need to consider is the land on which your container will sit.
This might be in your garden at home, on another site which you have purchased, or in a temporary space. As long as the land is accessible in order to place or remove the container, there is sufficient space for the doors to open, and the surface on which the container sits is level, you can place your container almost anywhere with permission.

5. They adapt to your needs

As your business evolves, you might find that your working environment needs to adapt to these changes. A converted shipping container offers versatility, as it can be re-purposed time after time in order to suit your needs, whereas a rented office or commercial space may not be able to accommodate major changes.
For example, if you are a shop owner, but you have made the decision to convert your business into one which offers cafe style food and drink to your customers, this can be accomplished in a converted shipping container with the installation of kitchen facilities.
Conversely, in rented spaces, your landlord may not have allowed a change of use such as this, forcing you to move your business elsewhere.

In conclusion

Can a converted shipping container office save you money? Absolutely. These units are well suited to a variety of businesses, with a myriad of other benefits. If you are interested in purchasing a container for your business, please get in touch with Jane or Matt today on 0800 121 7388.

Billie Box is 5 years old

Jane on August 3, 2017

Billie Box is 5 years old on 12th August 2017!

Since Billie Box started trading on 12th August 2012 the business has gone from strength to strength. Starting at the tail end of a national recession certainly made for an interesting ride. Expertise has certainly won through; with Jane Billing’s 30 years of knowledge and experience of the container industry gave their customers peace of mind when dealing with Billie Box.

Billie Box has not only offered a great container sales and rental service. In July 2013 they introduced shipping container conversions, into Chemical stores for many industries such as farming, education and manufacturing. This year they offer 20ft portable steel offices, canteens and office/stores. All this is with delivery around the UK.

With business increasing year on year for Billie Box, it proved too much for Jane. So in 2016 Matt Boyle joined the company and he has proved to be a great asset to the company. Matt is learning the ropes and making sure that Jane has support wherever possible.

Throughout the last 5 years, Billie Box has actively been involved in fundraising for many charities. In 2013 Jane held a grand draw for Cancer campaign in Suffolk. In 2014 she held the first Billie Box Ball in aid of Cancer Campaign in Suffolk. In 2015 Jane cycled with her sister-in-law from London to Paris for St. Elizabeth Hospice, Ipswich. In 2016 Billie Box had their second Billie Box Ball for the Clic Sargent Cancer charity for the young. In 2017 Billie Box have sponsored many worthy charities, some include the Papworth Trust, Age UK, Princes Trust & East Anglian Childrens Hospice, Ipswich. To date Billie Box has raised over £21,000 for various charities. The plan for the future is to continue supporting many charities.

By way of a celebration Billie Box is offering a Free Baseball cap with every order paid from now until to 31st August 2017.

Billie Box special offer, free hat, shipping containers, chemical stores, portable officesSo why not call for a quotation today T: 0800 121 7388 or contact us using our enquiry form.

Cost effective, secure alternative to Prefab buildings

Jane on February 22, 2017

Finding office space and canteen space can be challenging for businesses who find their space is at a premium.  Some businesses (like motor dealerships) sometimes simply do not have any indoor space at all.  Providing your staff with a warm, comfortable and productive working environment is an important consideration for any business.  Ensuring your staff have somewhere comfortable to take work breaks and eat meals is important for morale.
In the past increasing the size of a work environment involved either building an extension, or investing in a modular building.  Building work may either be impractical, or impossible.  Modular buildings come with challenges that mean they are not always the best solution for every situation.

Converted shipping containers

Here at Billie Box we offer a cost-effective solution to your business space problems. We convert new shipping containers into offices, canteens and office space with secure storage. When we convert a container to include storage space the split is typically 50 / 50 between office space and storage space.  

Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of using converted shipping containers as your office or canteen.

Cost

Converted shipping container offices and canteens work out around £100 per square metre cheaper than prefab buildings.

Security

Our converted containers are built from high-tensile Corten steel. The doors are anti-jemmy proof and are kept securely locked with a ten lever locking system. Windows can be fitted with lockable steel shutters, secured from inside with a shoot bolt. These features are a small example of why our offices and canteens are considerably more secure than modular buildings.

Comfort

Our offices and canteens are insulated with rock-wool and finished internally with tidy melamine paneling. Your converted container will be fully fitted out electrically. Every unit is fitted with lighting, heating and double power sockets. Converted containers are also supplied with anti-slip flooring.

Shipping containers that have been converted into an office, canteen (or other business facility) are entirely self contained. They can be supplied with an open plan layout or with an internal wall to provide additional secure storage within the unit.

Our offices and canteens are a cost-effective, secure and simple alternative to traditional modular buildings.

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