This year marks 50 years that we’ve been at the heart of the portable accommodation and secure storage industry. In that time, we’ve grown from a small business into a trusted name in space solutions – but we never lost the tight-knit, family ethos that first sparked Philspace’s creation. To celebrate half a century in container solutions, let’s take a look at the history, the challenges, and the milestones that occurred over three generations to make our business what it is today.
The Origins of Philspace
Philspace began in 1975 as a side project, almost a hobby, and was started by Gordon Philip, grandfather of Tim who is the current Director. Gordon and his sons, Nigel and Peter, ran an electrical company called Rigfone Electrics. The idea for Philspace took shape when they needed to provide a cabin on a worksite. Seeing a demand, Gordon bought a few cabins to rent out. It was all about word-of-mouth in the early days, and the business began to grow organically from there.
Above (left to right): Peter, Gordon, Steve, and Nigel
Back then, the company was called PG Engineering.
In the beginning, Tim’s dad, Nigel, personally delivered units using a 4×4 with a trailer, manually lowering them into place. As demand started to increase, the business rebranded to Philspace in 1985 and invested in proper delivery vehicles, including lorry-mounted cranes. The company expanded steadily, staying true to the original family philosophy of growing without taking on excessive or needless debt.
Today, Philspace has 1,800 units, three HGV lorries, and over 600 active customers – all without a sales team. Instead, we base our business on strong relationships, rapport, and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Above: Investing in lorry-mounted cranes was a must.
A Family-Run Business
Philspace remains very much a family affair. Tim now runs the day-to-day operations, but Nigel and Peter are still involved, offering advice and guidance. The family’s hands-on approach extends to the team, with a great workplace atmosphere and low staff turnover. Customers appreciate the continuity, building long-term relationships with everyone from drivers to office staff.
Even the small details reflect Philspace’s commitment to a truly personal touch; for years, we were even reluctant to introduce a switchboard, preferring direct customer interactions. These days, we are more integrated with technology, though, using tablet-based systems for drivers to record deliveries and What3words for precise locations. That said, our focus remains on service, not automation for automation’s sake.
We’ve Grown Organically
The biggest shift in recent years has been our introduction of welfare units. Originally, we focussed on storage containers, offices, canteens and other essential site facilities. Whilst these products remain the cornerstone of our business, moving into welfare units was a major investment, but it made sense. These units are self-sufficient and require no external water or electrical connections, making them perfect for start-up sites that still need to meet HSE standards.
Above: One of Philspace’s early advertising images
Another big milestone was relocating our company offices.
In the early days, our main yard was in Bitterne, where we shared space with Rigfone Electrics, but the office was half an hour away, making communication tricky. Moving everything to our current main premises in Bishops Waltham meant the team could work more efficiently and provide a better service to our customers.
Philspace also broadened its offering by providing space for self-storage facilities. We use part of our yard to offer this extra offshoot option for customers. Every step of the growth we’ve undergone has been measured and considered, making sure the business remains stable and sustainable.
We Are Part of a Community
Philspace has always been keen to support local businesses and charities. We’re proud of the community we represent, and giving back to that community is one of the central principles of what we do. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Philspace worked with the NHS to provide storage for PPE, as well as testing facilities. At a time when resources were stretched and uncertainty was high, we felt it was important for us to contribute in whatever way we could.
Beyond that, we work closely with small businesses and traders, offering flexible, practical solutions to help them operate. Supporting the local economy and giving back are core values of ours.
What’s Next for Philspace?
Sustainability is a major focus for the future. We’ve worked hard to develop eco-welfare units equipped with solar panels to reduce their environmental impact. As businesses and construction sites look for greener options, Philspace is committed to providing practical, environmentally responsible solutions.
Want to Make the Most of 50 Years of Expertise?
We’ve spent half a century shaping the future of containers and site accommodation – adapting, innovating, and providing trusted solutions. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re looking ahead to even bigger things. So, whether you need secure storage, welfare units, or used sale items, our expertise ensures you get the right space for the job. If you want to find out how we can support your business, get in touch with us today.
FAQs
Why use temporary site accommodation?
Temporary site accommodation provides a quick, flexible, and cost-effective solution for construction sites, events, and businesses needing extra space. It’s portable, easy to set up, and can include welfare facilities, offices, and storage, ensuring a comfortable and compliant working environment.
How do I know which storage container I need?
Consider what you’re storing, how much space you need, and security features like anti-vandal locks. Weatherproofing and ventilation are also key for sensitive equipment. If unsure, speak to us, and we can recommend the best size and features for your requirements.
Are welfare units mandatory on construction sites?
Yes, UK law requires construction sites to provide welfare facilities, including toilets, washing stations, and break areas. The exact requirements depend on the project size and duration, but mobile welfare units offer a convenient way to stay compliant.
