Wow! Has it been a year already? Time flies when you’re having fun. In all honesty, I’ve spent the best part of 15 years working up to this moment, or the moment a year ago when my parents officially retired from Datastor NE Ltd and I took over the reins.
The Business
Over the past 25 years Datastor has built up a substantial client base, storing boxes and managing documents for a range of professional companies around the North East. My dad, Shaun Turnbull started the business in a small 2000 sq ft building in Wallsend back in 1993 and the business, now based in Holystone, holds an impressive 200,000 boxes with room for a few more. We also have over 20 containers and offer a self storage service to the general public.
My Role
Starting work in my early teens to earn some pocket money, I went from working in the warehouse, retrieving and putting away boxes and files to managing the day to day running of the warehouse, taking on the accounts side of the business, managing the finances until finally I was prepared and ready for it all… or so I thought.
Until the day my Dad left I was ready, then on that first day on my own I realised that the business was now in my hands. Every decision I made was going to have an impact: did we need a new computer system – yes absolutely – but which one? Could I get something off the shelf or made completely for us? How much would it cost? Could we afford it? Should I take on a new member of staff? Was there enough work to justify it? What if we lose clients? How do we get new clients? I’ve never been a sales-person or comfortable in that role, who could do it for me?
But it’s one year on… the business is still standing, we’ve gained some new clients, I’ve taken on a sales person and the new computer system is in the pipeline. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, not make impulsive decisions (is that a contradiction?) and lean on the people closest to me for help and support. I’m a natural worrier and think I always will be, but this ‘being the boss’ job isn’t so bad after all.
So if you’re looking for a secure solution for your document management or even storage for personal use, then you know who to call. Better Call Paul!
For storage needs, please give me a call on 0191 215 0555 and I will be more than happy to discuss our services. Alternatively, fill in our contact form or send us an email enquiries@datastor-ne.com and we will get back at a time convenient for you.
