To kick things off…
Who are Triple Eight Containers?
The self storage industry is built on strong partnerships, long-standing relationships and trusted suppliers who support operators as they grow.
One company that has played a key role in the sector for over two decades is Triple Eight Containers.
Founded in 1999, the business has been supplying containers to the UK self storage industry for many years, helping operators develop and expand their facilities. Today the company is led by Managing Director Marina Roos, who joined the family business in 2018 and has been helping guide the next chapter of its growth.
We caught up with Marina to talk about the origins of Triple Eight, stepping into leadership, and what excites her most about the future of the industry.
Take us back to the beginning.
How did Triple Eight start?
Triple Eight was founded in 1999 by my father, John Emms, who built the business through strong relationships within the container and self storage industries.
From the beginning, the company was very much relationship driven. My father believed that business was built on trust and long-term partnerships
Many of those relationships were formed in a very personal way. Long lunches, plenty of conversation and really getting to know customers and their businesses.
Those connections became a cornerstone of the company and helped shape the reputation Triple Eight holds today.
“Triple Eight has always been built on trust and long-term relationships with customers. Many of our strongest customer relationships started over long lunches and honest conversations.”
How did you personally become involved in the business?
Interestingly, my professional background was actually in education and hospitality, so the container industry was completely new to me. I initially joined the company part-time and was fortunate to work closely with Evelyn Hayward, who mentored me through the foundations of the business.
She helped me understand the day-to-day operations and the many moving parts behind the scenes at Triple Eight. At the same time, my father remained closely involved, and we spent many conversations discussing the direction of the business and the values it had been built upon.
Those early lessons continue to shape how I approach my role today.
“I came from a completely different industry, but I’ve always enjoyed a challenge.”
What has been one of the biggest challenges for the business over the past couple of years?
Behind every successful business is a strong team.
When I was appointed Managing Director, I knew I had very big shoes to fill.
Triple Eight had been built with a highly experienced team managing its operations and finance.When we moved the office from London to Stroud, one of my biggest challenges was rebuilding the team locally while making sure the culture and values of the business remained intact.
It was important to find people who not only had the right skills, but who also understood the importance of accountability and collaboration within a small team.
Building that team and culture has been one of my most important priorities as Managing Director.
“Stepping into the role of Managing Director meant filling some very big shoes.”
“Without the right team and culture, a business simply cannot grow.”
“Being a family business means protecting the reputation and relationships built over many years.
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Triple Eight is a family-owned business.
How does that shape the way you operate?
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a business founded by my father.
One of the most valuable aspects of being a family business is the legacy behind it, particularly the long-standing relationships we have built with customers and partners across the industry.
That history creates a real sense of responsibility to maintain the trust and reputation the business has developed.
Family businesses also bring a level of authenticity and personal connection that resonates strongly with customers.
We take the time to understand our customers’ businesses and their needs.
Many of those relationships have developed over years of working together.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the next few years?
I’m particularly excited about the continued growth and evolution of the self storage sector.
As a supplier to the industry, many of the most interesting innovations come from operators themselves. They understand how facilities are used and what customers need.
Today containers are used far beyond their original purpose.
From self storage and secure site storage to offices, retail spaces and bespoke conversions, the versatility of containers continues to expand.
For us at Triple Eight, that combination of industry growth and evolving container use creates exciting opportunities to support our customers and explore new applications.
We also have some exciting developments in the pipeline, which we look forward to sharing once we are a little closer to completion.
“Containers are now used for far more than shipping, and that versatility is what keeps them so relevant.”
Thanks to Marina and the team at Triple Eight Containers for taking the time to share their story and insights into the container and self storage industry. It’s always great to hear how businesses in the sector are evolving and supporting operators across the UK.
We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Triple Eight as the industry continues to grow.
If you are interested in participating in an interview with us, please get in touch with us here.
