Fedessa Awards 2026 Shortlist
We’re delighted to share some exciting news: Clear Storage Hereford has been shortlisted for European External Storage Operator of the Year at the FEDESSA European Self Storage Industry Awards 2026.
The winner will be announced at the FEDESSA Awards Dinner on Thursday 24 September, held during the FEDESSA Conference & Trade Show in Wiesbaden, Germany — the largest annual gathering of self storage operators, investors and industry experts from across Europe.
For a family-run, single-site business based just outside Hereford, being shortlisted alongside operators from across the continent is a huge moment for the whole team.
What the award recognises
The External Storage Operator category celebrates outstanding facilities built around drop-down container units, judged on business performance, site design, security, marketing, pricing strategy, and community and environmental impact. In other words, it’s not just about how many units a site has — it’s about how well the whole customer experience holds together, from first enquiry to move-out.
From a diversifying farm to Hereford’s largest single-site facility
Clear Storage started around nine and a half years ago, when the family began diversifying the farm business with a handful of container units run part-time from a portacabin. Today, the Rotherwas Industrial Estate site spans around 8 acres and is home to roughly 900 container units, with a further 50 on order, alongside 150 caravan and motorhome bays — making it one of the largest single-site container storage facilities in the country.
Every unit sits on the ground with direct vehicle access, and each is insulated and fitted with a dehumidifier, lighting and power, so customers’ belongings stay in the same condition they were left in.
A pricing philosophy built on trust, not discounts
Rather than luring customers in with steep introductory offers and raising prices later, Clear Storage has built its reputation on consistent, transparent pricing from day one — backed by a free van for new move-ins and genuinely helpful on-site support. It’s a slower way to build a business, but it’s paid off in loyal, long-staying customers and a shelf full of five-star reviews.
Security and sustainability, side by side
The site is protected around the clock — palisade fencing, key-fob gate access, motion-activated CCTV monitored off-site, and nightly patrols — and independent security assessors have highlighted Clear Storage’s continued investment in monitoring technology as ahead of the industry curve.
Alongside that, the site holds carbon neutral status through tree and native hedge planting, runs on solar power for lighting and dehumidifiers, and offers electric vehicle charging for customers.
Rooted in the Hereford community
Being based in a small market city means word of mouth matters, and Clear Storage has leaned into a “give to gain” approach locally: free storage for charities including Hereford Homeless, The Little Princess Trust and Heart Start, an annual community fundraising event with the local hospice, and sponsorship of local sport and fitness initiatives.
Thank you
This nomination belongs as much to our customers and the wider Hereford community as it does to the team on site. Thank you for trusting us with your belongings, your feedback, and your support over the years — it’s what makes moments like this possible.
We’ll share the result after the FEDESSA Awards Dinner on 24 September. Wish us luck!