Safestore Regulatory News (SAFE)

1 May 2008 07:01

Safestore Holdings plc01 May 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1 MAY 2008 Safestore Holdings plc ("Safestore" or the "Company") Appointment of Company Secretary Safestore Holdings plc, the largest self storage retailer in the UK and Parisand No. 2 in Europe, is pleased to announce that Sam Ahmed has been appointedCompany Secretary with immediate effect. Sam, who qualified as a chartered accountant in 1986, joined Safestore in 2004after serving as head of Corporate Compliance for Mentmore plc for eight years.He was appointed Director of Finance for Safestore's UK operations in June 2006. Steve Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Safestore, said: "We are delighted to appoint Sam as Company Secretary. His extensive knowledgeof the Company along with his background in compliance related issues makes himideal for the position." The position of Company Secretary was previously combined with Richard Hodsden'srole as Chief Financial Officer. Ends For further information, please contact: Safestore Holdings plc T: 020 8732 1500Steve Williams, Chief ExecutiveRichard Hodsden, Chief Financial Officer Cardew Group T: 020 7930 0777Nadja Vetter / Sofia Rehman / David Roach Notes to editors: • Safestore is the largest self storage provider in the UK and the central Paris region and the second largest in the EU, in terms of number of stores, providing individual, secure self storage space and related services. Over the past four years, the number of stores increased from 24 to 104 - 84 of which operate under the 'Safestore' brand in the UK and 20 of which operate under the 'Une Piece en Plus' brand in France • The UK is the largest and most established self storage market in Europe. The UK and French markets show lower penetration rates than the US or Australia and, according to the UK Self Storage Association the UK market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 10 to 15 per cent. • This growth is supported by a number of market trends including: increased workforce mobility, social factors such as high divorce rates and an ageing population, housing stock pressure in the UK and lifestyle trends such as the growth in the home improvement market. • The Group's business model is supported by a substantial asset base, strong cashflow and a solid record of earnings which are continuing to grow. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange