- Over 100 Participants
- Topical Conference Themes
- Presentations and Photo’s Available
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2025 CSTA Conference last week.
With over 100 delegates – from across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, China, South Africa and the USA – the event brought together container self-storage operators, traders, technology providers, and innovators for 24 hours of insight, strategy and networking.
PDFs of the presentations are available to CSTA Members – click on this link to download: CSTA 2025 PRESENTATIONS
View the Photo Gallery
Welcome Reception – a Great Start
The Event began with a lively Welcome Reception on the evening before the main event.
Special thanks to our generous sponsors:
- 1st Containers – sponsors of the Cocktail Reception
- Spinnaker Equipment and Leasing – sponsors of the Buffet Dinner
Their support helped create an exceptional atmosphere and networking opportunity for all attendees.
Conference Overview
The agenda featured keynote presentations, expert panels, technical sessions, and round-table discussions covering critical developments in the sector.
Key Themes Included:
- Global container trade disruptions and emerging opportunities
- Taxation and capital allowances in the self-storage industry
- Artificial intelligence in operations and customer service
- Industry consolidation and market outlook
- Innovations in container design and site technology
Association Update
Patrick Hicks opened the event with an update on CSTA progress:
- Membership Growth: 172 members, including 32 new members in the past 18 months
- Publications: Ongoing development of the Container Innovator Journal and new operational guidelines
- Industry Census Highlights:
- 652 operators across 1,212 UK sites
- 111,500 containers offering 16.6M sq ft
- 90–99% average occupancy; over half of customers stay more than 12 months
- Average rent: £126–£150 per 20ft unit
- Increase in unmanned and automated site models
Speaker Highlights
During the morning session, speakers offered expert insights on challenges and innovation across the industry:
- Tim Britton, Spinnaker Leasing: Impact of tariffs on global trade and container supply shifts
- Helen Parsons, Parsons Containers: Navigating HMRC’s tax interpretations for container assets
- Tim Slesinger, easyStorage: Industry consolidation and brand-led growth strategies
- Tom Williams, Adaptainer: AI tools in storage management and trading
Panel Session & Round-Table Discussions
Our interactive format proved a conference highlight:
- Panel Session: Marketing strategies and supply chain shifts
- Round-Table Discussions: Delegates rotated through focused topics – facilitating practical, peer-driven exchange.
Technical Innovation & Sustainability
The Conference concluded with a technical session covering innovation and technology:
- Philip Eastell, Chugoku Marine Paints: Future trends in container coatings technology
- Niall McDermott, Intermodal Innovations: Design improvements for reefer and storage containers – Launch of new mini-reefer trailers and insulation tech
- Daniel Kitching, Janus International Europe: Container upgrades and smart access technology Smart access and automation
Conclusions & Outlook
The sector is rapidly evolving:
- Strategic investment and consolidation are accelerating
- AI, automation, and smart tech are redefining competitive advantage
- Unified legal/tax frameworks will support industry credibility and growth
- Global events (tariffs, logistics, supply shifts) demand agile, informed responses
Thank You & Next Steps
We appreciate all who attended and contributed to making this conference a success.
And special thanks to the Conference Moderator, Sarah Manning, Secure Stores Nationwide, who kept the presentations and discussions both dynamic and on-point throughout.
Thoughts and suggestions on future CSTA events – and other projects of value to Members – are very welcome.
Feel free to contact me on patrick@containa.org and we can arrange a call.
2025 Industry Census Report
A digital copy of the recently published 2025 CSTA Census was distributed to participants directly after the conference.
It is now available to download – click on this link CSTA CENSUS 2025.