Christopher Barrow
Metropolitan Safe Deposits’ vault has seen strong demand in a challenging climate
In June 2019 Metropolitan Safe Deposits opened its state-of-the-art security vault on Chiswick High Road; in hindsight, as Chief Executive Christopher Barrow reflects, it wasn’t exactly the most auspicious launch date.
‘Sadly, we didn’t have a crystal ball,’ he smiles. ‘Little did we know that a global pandemic, post-Brexit fall-out and economic recession were on the horizon. However, given such unprecedented circumstances, we are all the more delighted that the business has proved so resilient. Indeed, the take-up for our larger safe deposit boxes has exceeded expectations and customer retention rates are excellent.’
Metropolitan Safe Deposits was founded 40 years ago and the Chiswick vault was the company’s first new-build development. The investment required was substantial – the construction process alone required 10 months and 225 tonnes of reinforced concrete – and the vaults and boxes were supplied by Robur Safe, the industry-leading manufacturer.
‘Of course, the security sector has transformed over those decades,’ says Christopher. ‘Long gone are the days of security officers prowling the corridors at night. Our premises has 24/7 CCTV of the perimeter and interior, bullet-resistant airlock doors, stress detectors, multi-layered alarm and surveillance systems and client access is controlled by computer-verified ID and biometric fingerprint procedures.
‘As banks have exited the safe custody market, and curiously done so at a time of rising concerns about crime, there is clearly a significant interest in what we do. Most importantly, the vaults are not simply for the super-wealthy: we have 12 sizes of safe deposit box, with the smallest costing just £99 p.a. and the largest £1910 p.a. (both include £10,000 insurance).
‘Given that wider context, and having successfully established our Chiswick operation, we’re now exploring further exciting growth opportunities. It may defy conventional economic wisdom, but the recession has not adversely affected the demand for our service; indeed, it has proved quite the opposite, hence our desire to expand.’
Metropolitan Safe Deposits
329 Chiswick High Road,
Chiswick W4 4HS
02039282828
chiswick@metrosafe.co.uk
https://www.metrosafe.co.uk