Gambia Shipping Agents Ltd

Real Growth, Real Storage Self: How GBay Shop & Shipping Found Breathing Room with Smartbox Self Storage Corby A Small Business on a Big Mission

If you’ve ever tried to run a fast-paced parcel service while juggling limited space, high volumes, and time-sensitive shipments, you’ll understand exactly why GBay Shop & Shipping needed extra space to manage their operations.

Based in Corby, GBay has carved out a strong reputation for helping customers shop in the UK and send goods abroad—particularly to The Gambia and surrounding regions. Their services range from assisting with online shopping to full freight container shipping. And it’s all done with a commitment to honesty, great service, and a helpful, can-do attitude.

But with more parcels coming in, more customers relying on them, and more moving parts in the business, they found themselves running out of space—and patience.

For a while, GBay made do. Parcels came in and were stacked neatly—until they weren’t. Overflow ended up in corners, under tables, and wherever there was floor space. Staff were working around boxes. Organising shipments took longer than it should. And every time they needed to find something for a customer, it felt like playing a game of parcel Tetris.

They weren’t just handling small online orders, either. Many clients send bulk items, community cargo, and personal goods for family members back home. Each parcel is important, and everything needed to be stored safely, securely, and visibly.

That’s when they knew: they needed a clean, secure, and flexible space where they could sort, store, and prep their orders without the daily chaos. They realized the necessity of proper storage facilities to meet their growing storage needs. The Smartbox storage building is known for its cleanliness, security, and overall excellent condition, providing an ideal environment for their operations.

Discovering a Simple, Local Solution

After looking at several options, GBay came across Smartbox Self Storage Corby—a modern, professionally-run storage facility just minutes away.

Smartbox also provides excellent storage services in the Kettering self-storage market, making it a versatile choice for various needs. The accessibility of Smartbox storage units is a significant advantage, as they are available for access seven days a week, allowing customers to retrieve or add items whenever it suits them.

It wasn’t just a matter of convenience. Smartbox offered something far more valuable: room to breathe.

From the first visit, it ticked all the right boxes:

More than anything, Smartbox gave them the freedom to get organised again—and the confidence to keep growing.

How GBay Uses Their Smartbox Storage Unit

The way GBay uses their unit has evolved as the business has scaled. At first, it was about freeing up room in the office. But now, with each customer having exclusive access to their unit with their own key and the convenience of driving right up to the door for easy loading and unloading, it plays a core role in day-to-day operations.

Storage for Consolidation

When customers send multiple items from different stores, GBay consolidates them into one shipment. Their Smartbox unit gives them the space to keep personal belongings, furniture, and other large items safe until everything has arrived and is ready to send.

Holding Space for Delayed Shipments

Sometimes, a customer might ask for their order to be held until payday or until family back home is ready to receive it. Smartbox makes it easy to store these items, including household items during house moves or renovations, securely in the meantime.

Dispatch and Event Prep

Whether they’re loading a container or preparing for a busy shipping day, the unit becomes a staging area for prepping shipments, grouping items, and ensuring the entire process is streamlined by making sure everything’s logged and labelled. Using packing boxes to facilitate the organization and transportation of items before storing them is crucial for maximum space efficiency.

Backup for Peak Periods

During Christmas, back-to-school season, or major sales, GBay experiences big surges in volume. Smartbox offers cheap self storage options, making it an attractive choice during peak periods. Instead of cramming extra boxes into the shop, they use Smartbox to scale up temporarily and manage their storage needs effectively.

A More Organised Business—And a Smoother Experience for Customers

The difference has been night and day. Now that overflow is out of the shop and into storage, GBay’s main space is tidy, professional, and easier to work in.

Customers notice, too. There’s no more waiting for staff to navigate stacks of boxes or make space to check something. Everything runs more smoothly. Orders are dispatched faster. Parcels are packed with less stress. And there’s room to plan ahead instead of reacting in the moment.

It’s not just about storage—it’s about efficiency, presentation, and peace of mind. Customers don’t need to worry about paying too much for storage, as Smartbox offers competitive pricing and convenient access options. The advantage of using Smartbox is the peace of mind customers gain from its security measures and the assurance of getting the best price.

More Than Just Space—It’s a System That Works

Here are some of the biggest benefits the GBay team has experienced since moving part of their business to Smartbox:

Smartbox offers exceptional value for money with competitive pricing and promotional offers, ensuring customers get the best deal for their money.

Better Stock Control

Because parcels are stored separately by client and clearly labelled, the team knows exactly what’s in stock, including various equipment, and where to find it. The storage units are easily accessible, making it convenient for the team to manage and retrieve items efficiently.

Easier Fulfilment

Having room to sort, pack, and prep makes everything faster and hassle-free—from single-item parcels to full containers. Smartbox's comprehensive storage solutions are covered, meeting all customer needs for storing items.

Enhanced Security

Knowing that Smartbox offers 24-hour CCTV, gated access, and individual alarms means that customer parcels are safe—something they take very seriously. The storage units are conveniently located near major cities and accessible via main road networks. The emphasis on safety reassures customers about the protection of their belongings within the storage units.

Improved Professionalism

Their storage setup has elevated how they run things day-to-day, helping them deliver a more polished, reliable service that clients can trust. Smartbox storage solutions offer convenience for individuals moving to a new home, making the transition stress-free. Clients benefit from the flexibility of short-term storage options and the ease of access to units, which cater to specific needs such as moving or business storage.

What GBay Had to Say

We asked the GBay team what it’s been like using Smartbox for their business. Here’s what they shared: “The difference Smartbox made to our operation is huge. We used to be surrounded by parcels and scrambling for space. Now we have room to manage things properly. Our customers get better service, and we feel more in control. It’s helped our business feel like a business—not a cluttered back room.”

Customers can request additional information or services from Smartbox to better meet their storage needs.

They also praised the helpful staff and straightforward setup at Smartbox, noting how easy it was to move in and adjust as their needs changed.

As GBay continues to expand its shipping network, add new services, and serve even more customers, Smartbox remains part of the plan.

Whether they need extra units, short-term space for large shipments, or long-term storage for packing materials and supplies, they know Smartbox can scale with them. Additionally, Smartbox offers storage units to rent for both short-term and long-term needs, providing flexible and affordable solutions.

That flexibility—combined with the convenience of Smartbox’s location near major cities and main road networks, and top-notch security—makes it a true business partner, not just a place to store boxes.

Is Smartbox Right for Your Business?

If you’re a local business owner in Corby (or nearby) dealing with stock overflow, delivery chaos, or back-office clutter, take it from GBay: you don’t have to manage it all in one space.

Smartbox Self Storage Corby offers:

Smartbox's self storage units are available in various sizes and offer top-notch security, making them a convenient option for both individuals and businesses in Kettering.

Smartbox Self Storage Corby also provides competitive pricing, ensuring you get the best deal available while enjoying flexible and cost-effective storage solutions.

Whether you’re in retail, logistics, e-commerce, or shipping, having a reliable off-site storage space could be the game-changer your business needs.

Final Thoughts: A Smart Move for GBay

For GBay Shop & Shipping, choosing Smartbox wasn’t just about solving a short-term problem. It became a strategic decision that improved their operations, helped maintain service standards, and gave them the confidence to grow.

Smartbox provides a secure and affordable storage solution for customers.

And for any small business looking for that extra bit of breathing room—space to work, to plan, and to thrive—Smartbox might just be the perfect fit. With Smartbox, you can be assured of getting the best deal, ensuring you receive the best value for your storage needs.

To find out more about available units, pricing, or to arrange a tour, get in touch with the team at Smartbox Self Storage Corby on 01536 402116 or visit www.corbyselfstorage.co.uk.