SELF-STORAGE firm Smart Storage says it is hunting for more sites in the North-West after seeing its turnover rise 40% last year.

The Liverpool company saw revenues rise from £985,000 to £1.35m in 2009.

Last year, it opened new centres in Warrington and Preston.

Smart Storage, founded by entrepreneurs Jon Wyles and John Harrington, celebrates its fifth anniversary this month.

Managing director Mr Wyles said: “Before the recession struck, a lot of our domestic business came from people buying and selling their homes, while many expanding businesses also came to us to provide them with the extra space they needed.

“Since the economy went into freefall, our client base has shifted to people moving into rental accommodation or even back with their parents.

“Inevitably, on the commercial side of our business, we have seen a significant increase in customers downsizing or closing down completely.

“To succeed both in and out of a recession demonstrates our resilience. We are now setting our sights on further growth during 2010, including the possibility of opening further sites elsewhere in the North-West.”