Paperwork remains an integral part of our daily professional routines, despite the increasing digitisation of transactions. Whether it’s bills, invoices, sales records, receipts, or stacks of important notes, paperwork can accumulate over time, giving the impression of an untidy or disorganised office space.
While the temptation to declutter may arise, it’s crucial to bear in mind that different types of records are subject to varying legal retention requirements.
Therefore, understanding these regulations and maintaining your records for the required duration, whether for audits, taxation purposes, or other legal matters, is paramount.
Most of your archive materials can be securely stored in labelled boxes, organized either by year or by contents, depending on your business’s needs. At Porterstore, we offer a secure indoor storage solution for your records. Our business archive storage facilities include:
A comprehensive selection of packing supplies
Convenient access for unloading trucks and shipping containers
Complimentary access to conference rooms
DHL pickup point
A dedicated small business mailing address
Distribution services spanning the UK and Ireland
Global product shipping capabilities, supported by an international agent network
Optional office spaces for hire
Hassle-free waste disposal services for products and packaging
How long should you retain records?
For sole traders and the self-employed, there is a shorter document retention period of 5 years, whereas limited companies are typically required to keep records for 6 years. However, it’s advisable to preserve your records for at least 6 years, especially if there’s a possibility of contract breach claims against you. For businesses operating in professions susceptible to professional negligence claims, maintaining records indefinitely may be necessary, given the nature of the industry.
Freeing up
your space
Each of our commercial self-storage spaces is fully secure, enclosed, and continuously monitored by CCTV and remote surveillance.
Reserving a space with us is quick and convenient; simply make a reservation online and schedule a drop-off time for your items.
Our team can even assist with loading and unloading. We go the extra mile by offering free meeting rooms, mailing and delivery services, an extensive range of on-site packing supplies, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flexible office space rentals for online businesses.
Plus, we provide complimentary tea and coffee, creating a peaceful environment for you to take a well-deserved break.
Should you require any assistance with the archiving process, our team of expert advisors is ready to assist you. We also provide an inventory and collection service, streamlining the process of sorting through your files, determining what to retain, what to dispose of, and what can be digitised or has legal or business significance.
Archiving has evolved from a simple storage unit filled with old boxes into a sophisticated, computerised system managed by experts in the field. Essential documents such as property deeds, tax returns, and bank records must be securely stored and easily accessible, especially in emergencies. We are here to help with all of these aspects and more.
Contact us at Adlington on 0800 389 1222 or Kendal on 01539 729127.