Sedgefield’s Ryan Tempest named Young Storage Network Operator

Ryan Tempest, customer journey manager for U Hold The Key at Sedgefield-based Parsons Containers Group, has been named Young Storage Network (YSN) Operator Member of the Year at the Self Storage Association (SSA) UK Annual Industry Awards 2026.

Mr Tempest said: “Winning the YSN Operator Member of the Year Award 2026 was a huge honour, particularly given the high standard and talent across the self storage industry.

“To be recognised alongside so many passionate and hardworking individuals is something about which I’m incredibly proud.

Ryan Tempest at the Parsons Containers site on the A66 – photo (Image: What Kate Likes Photography)

“For me, the award is not only recognition of personal effort and development, but also a reflection of the culture and support within U Hold The Key Self Storage and Parsons Containers Ltd.

“The trust and encouragement I’ve been given to grow my role, develop new skills, and bring creative ideas into the business have played a huge part in my journey and continue to motivate me moving forward.”

Mr Tempest, 34, joined Parsons Containers Group in 2015 after completing a degree in design for industry at Northumbria University, though his connection to the company began earlier with casual work painting containers.

In his current role, he leads customer experience for the U Hold The Key self-storage brand.

During his time in the position, he has delivered an 8 per cent increase in occupancy, boosted customer retention and lifetime value, and maintained consistent five-star reviews.

He also supports the wider business in marketing, sales, operations and community engagement.

Parsons Containers Group, founded in 2000 by entrepreneur Ean Parsons, has grown from a small container sales business into a major operator in container sales and self storage.

Its U Hold The Key brand offers secure self storage across 11 sites in the North East.

The Young Storage Network, part of the SSA UK, supports emerging talent in the self storage industry and helps develop the next generation of industry leaders.

Award judges said: “Recognition not only reflects Ryan’s dedication to the YSN, it also reflects the growing influence of the YSN.

“The prominence of the award [at the SSA UK Annual Industry Awards] highlights the increasing importance of the YSN within the sector and the vital role young professionals are playing in driving the industry forward.”

U Hold The Key provides self storage containers in various sizes, from 6ft mini units to 40ft mega containers, for both commercial and domestic use.