Self-storage specialist earns award nod

A County Durham self-storage professional has been recognised on a national stage. 

Ryan Tempest, customer journey manager at U Hold The Key, part of Sedgefield-based Parsons Containers Group, has been shortlisted for Young Storage Network Member of the Year at the SSA UK Annual Industry Awards 2026.

Having first worked with the company as a student, Ryan formally joined in 2015 and has since taken on a range of roles across the business. 

He now leads on customer experience, helping drive improvements across operations, marketing and sales.

His work has contributed to an eight per cent rise in occupancy, alongside stronger customer retention and consistently high satisfaction ratings.

Ryan said: “It still feels a bit surreal, if I’m honest. 

“I’d never usually consider myself as a contender for something like this, even though I’ve got ten years in the industry behind me. 

“I am delighted to have been shortlisted as one of the final four. 

“There are some great people in the category, so to be recognised alongside them is a real honour. 

“More than anything, I’m just grateful for the opportunity to represent U Hold The Key, Parsons Containers, and the wider self-storage industry. 

“Whatever the final result, I’m very proud to be part of this business and sector.”

Founded in 2000, Parsons Containers Group operates container sales and self-storage services across 11 North East sites.

Helen Parsons, director of the Parsons Containers Group, added: “Ryan’s career with us is a mutual success story. 

“He was recruited to Parsons Containers by Ean out of university over a decade ago and has matured with us. Ryan must now be one of the most knowledgeable container self- storage managers in the country.”

The award winner will be announced later this month.

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