Former prime minister and recently retired local MP David Cameron cut the tape to open the 350-room complex on Witney’s Book End industrial estate, close to the busy A40. 

The opening came two years after life-long friends Charlie Schmidt and Tom Skelton - who own local removals company House & Carriage - first acquired the site and began to make their vision of building a much needed self storage facility a reality. 

Witney and the nearby towns of Carterton, Burford, Chipping Norton, Charlbury and Eynsham, did not have a large scale self storage complex and given the region’s wealthy demographic, and population of around 100,000, Charlie and Tom were convinced there was an opportunity.  

The pair had initially considered using an existing building for their project, but finding nothing suitable in the area it was decided to build a bespoke facility from scratch. Finding a suitable site wasn’t easy, but after many weeks of searching, a vacant plot on the Book End industrial estate was secured. As the site was in an existing industrial area, planning permission was not a problem, all Charlie and Tom now needed was the finance. 

“None of the mainstream banks were interested in funding the project, they wanted to see something tangible first, so we had to self-fund the build,” said Charlie. “Our friend and banking expert Jim Clemence helped us raise the initial finance we needed to bridge the gap until our bankers were prepared to come on board.” 

“I am thrilled to say that after all the hard work we have put into this project we are now seeing results. In providing a much needed facility for the community we are not only helping local residents, we are also assisting the growth of local businesses. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved,” said Charlie. 

Partners Charlie, Tom and Jim are now looking for further self storage development opportunities in the wider area. 

Photo: Left to right: Tom Skelton, David Cameron, Charlie Schmidt and Jim Clemence
with Tom’s labradors, Happy and Bashful, sporting their corporate scarves.

MyStore courtesy of Active Supply & Design 

The MyStore facility was built following consultation with Cheshire-based specialist Active Supply & Design who created a two tier mezzanine floor with the option to extend to three tiers in the future. This was considered the best use of available space in both the short and long term. In addition to the mezzanine floor the Active remit included storage units to the ground and first floors along with the electrical services, staircase enclosures and the new reception.