Paperwork that’s very welcome

UNTIL TWO years ago, Paula Chandler was rearing up to 16,000 broilers at a time on her 10-acre smallholding at Thurcroft, near Rotherham, South Yorks. But a spine injury meant she was forced to look an alternative use for the building.

Having researched the idea of document storage and identified a gap in the local market, Paula and her husband Bill launched Chandlers Archives last April (2004). The converted shed can hold up to 25,000 A4-size boxes, and is about one-quarter full. Annual turnover is about 30,000, with a projected figure close to 100,000 once the building is operating at full capacity.

“When you start doing looking into it, it is quite amazing how many companies are required by law to keep documents for a number of years, or even into infinity,” says Paula. “Firms which need to store building plans and legal documents are obvious potential customers, but insurance papers need to be stored safely, too. ”

The business offers two different storage options, as well as a document shredding service.

“Self-maintained boxes are kept in separate cages, and customers are responsible for collection and delivery. They are also in charge of filing,” says Paula. “With the maintained service, we organise transport and use our IT system for coding and cataloguing.”

The conversion project received a 29,000 grant from the Business Link South Yorkshire”s growth programme, which is funded by DEFRA and the EU. It covered expenses like lighting, heating, packing, shelving, IT and fire alarms, as well as offering 30% towards promotional material costs.

“The first time we applied, we were turned down because it was felt our business plan needed improvement. However, Business Link staff were very helpful in providing advice and we were successful the second time.”