When it comes to warehousing and storage, reliability isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s the backbone of your operations. Whether you’re a freight forwarder handling time-sensitive shipments, a retailer managing seasonal surges, or a manufacturer requiring overflow storage, the right warehousing partner can make your supply chain more efficient… or more complicated.
But how do you choose the right partner? It’s not just about who has space available or who’s closest to your location. It’s about who can offer the level of service, security, and communication your business needs to keep moving. Because not all warehouse facilities are created equal — and not all providers take the same pride in what they do.
Here are the key questions to ask before choosing a warehousing partner — and what the answers can tell you.
1. Is the Warehouse Facility Genuinely Secure?
If you’re trusting a third party with your stock, it’s only fair to expect a certain level of protection — not just from theft but from damage, mishandling, or loss.
Start by asking:
What physical security measures are in place?
Is the site monitored 24/7?
Can I come and visit the facility?
A good facility will be happy to walk you through their security setup and answer your questions. Look for things like perimeter fencing, gated access, CCTV, alarm systems, and trained staff onsite. But also pay attention to how well-organised the warehouse looks. A tidy, well-run site is often a secure one.
At GWS, we don’t just say “secure warehousing” — we mean it. We treat your goods like they’re our own, with robust systems and checks in place to make sure everything is handled properly and protected at all times.
2. Is the Warehouse Flexible Enough to Support You as You Grow?
Business needs change — and often more quickly than expected. One month, you might need a few pallets stored; the next, you may need a temporary overflow solution to meet unexpected demand.
That’s why flexibility should be high on your list.
Ask:
Do you offer both short-term and long-term contracts?
Can I scale my storage space up or down as needed?
What kind of storage formats do you provide (e.g. pallet racking, bulk storage, custom solutions)?
Some providers only offer rigid, long-term contracts, which can leave you stuck with unused space — or in a panic when demand suddenly spikes. At GWS, we understand that warehousing needs to adapt to your business. We offer adaptable solutions that can grow or shrink as needed without locking you into an arrangement that doesn’t work.
3. What’s Communication Like — Day-to-Day?
Facilities and security are important — but if you can’t get hold of someone when there’s an issue or a question, it quickly becomes a headache. Good communication is what turns a warehouse from a storage unit into a trusted logistics partner.
Ask:
Who will be my main point of contact?
How are stock levels and movements tracked and communicated?
What’s your typical response time?
You need a partner who picks up the phone, gives clear updates, and keeps you in the loop — not someone who disappears after the paperwork is signed. GWS is known for building strong client relationships, and we pride ourselves on being practical, responsive, and easy to talk to. Whether you’ve got a quick question or a last-minute request, we’re here for it.
4. Is the Location Right for Your Supply Chain?
You can find the perfect facility, but if it’s not in the right location, it could cost you time and money. Location plays a major role in the efficiency of your operations.
Ask:
How close are you to major ports, road networks, or transport hubs?
Can delivery drivers and hauliers access the site easily?
GWS is ideally positioned just one mile from the Port of Immingham, with excellent access to the Port of Hull, Teesport, and major UK road routes. That means quicker turnarounds, lower transport costs, and easier logistics for importers, exporters, and freight companies alike.
5. Do They Understand the Demands of Your Sector?
Every industry has its own pace, pressures, and particular storage needs. A good warehousing partner should be familiar with yours.
Ask:
Do you work with businesses in my sector?
Can you share examples or case studies?
Whether you’re storing building materials, retail stock, or machinery in mid-production, the ideal partner should understand what matters to your business. GWS works with companies across various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, construction, and retail — so we know what it takes to support your operations effectively.
6. How Are Goods Handled and Managed?
Secure storage isn’t just about padlocks and cameras — it’s about attention to detail. Poor handling, incorrect logging, or careless dispatch can create knock-on delays and damage your bottom line.
Ask:
What happens when goods arrive? How are they recorded and stored?
Are there systems in place for regular checks?
What if there’s a discrepancy or damage?
At GWS, every item is checked, tracked, and handled with care. Our team are experienced professionals who take pride in doing things properly — whether you’ve got a single delivery or a full warehouse of stock. We don’t just store your goods — we safeguard your reputation.
7. Can You Visit Before You Commit?
One of the simplest and most effective things you can do is ask for a site visit. It’s a great way to see for yourself how the warehouse operates, meet the team, and get a feel for the place.
Ask:
Can I arrange a walk-through before making a decision?
Will I meet the people I’ll be working with?
You can learn a lot from a visit. Look at the cleanliness, the level of organisation, how the staff operate, and how secure the premises feel. If everything looks professional and well-run — great. If they’re hesitant about letting you visit, that could be a red flag.
Finding the Right Warehousing and Storage Partner
Choosing the right warehousing partner isn’t just about ticking boxes on a checklist. It’s about trust, responsiveness, and finding a facility that will treat your business like its own.
The best providers offer:
- Genuinely secure warehouse storage
- Flexible, scalable contracts
- Clear and open communication
- Excellent location and access
- Industry-specific knowledge
- Careful stock handling
- And complete transparency
At GWS, we deliver all that — and more. We’re proud to support businesses of all sizes across multiple sectors, helping them simplify their storage needs and streamline their supply chains. If you’re looking for secure warehousing in Immingham and a team that genuinely cares about getting it right, we’d love to hear from you.
Ready to Take a Closer Look?
Let’s have a chat. Whether you’re in the early stages of planning or need storage space urgently, we’re here to help. Get in touch today to arrange a conversation or a site visit — and find out how GWS can become a trusted part of your logistics setup.
Contact us now, and let’s see how we can support your business.
