Ultra-Secure Car-Storage Facility, Not Even Owners Can Access

Graham Chilton and his sons, Max and Tom head the Birch team

Birch, a UK startup, founded by Grahame Chilton, an insurance expert promises unparalleled security for prized vehicles.

Traditional car storage facilities usually allow access and inspection to cars to vehicle owners without restrictions. Birch on the other hand, prioritizes security over convenience, flipping the common concept.

This car-storage facility is designed to make certain even vehicle owners don’t have access to the storage area.

The company’s founders are avid car enthusiasts, who were unable to find secure storage solutions for their prized collectibles. This led to the creation of a better alternative.

Chilton’s vision springs from a clear insight of the risks associated with collectible cars. Tampering, damage or theft causes reduction in the value of these high-investment assets significantly.

The founders who have also been in insurance, perceived that storing collectibles in art-world standard facilities could significantly lower owners’ insurance premiums. In fact, the cost savings on premiums would often exceed the cost of the storage itself.

Additionally, they anticipated that insurance providers would increasingly require collectors to store their cars in such secure facilities.

Chilton Family Heads The Birch Team

The Birch team is led by Grahame Chilton, a renowned entrepreneur who sold the British Insurance group he co-founded for approximately $1billion.

Notably, Chilton’s sons, Max and Tom, have also achieved success in their careers as professional car racers.

Max previously raced in Formula 1 before joining the Ganassi team in IndyCar. His brother, Tom, a seasoned driver with multiple wins in the British and World touring Championships, has taken on the role of Birch’s commercial director.

Birch’s inaugural storage facility is discreetly situated near Gatwick airport, approximately 30 miles from Central London.

The facility is now welcoming its first clients, offering secure storage for up to 590 vehicles at a weekly rate of around £100 (roughly $125).

Birch’s expansion plans are ambitious, with imminent developments slated for London and the renowned Silverstone Formula 1 circuit. The company’s long-term vision includes a network of around ten facilities across the United Kingdom.

What Differentiates Birch From Other Car-Storage Facilities?

The secure storage area, dubbed “The Vault” by Birch, is a sight to behold, too bad no clients will get to see it.

Robb Report was recently given a rare opportunity to view the facility, providing a unique glimpse into the secure storage area.

However, once the facility is fully operational, access will be highly restricted to ensure the security and confidentiality of client vehicles. Only authorized personnel will be permitted to enter the facility.

However, with Birch’s innovative storage solution, you can have your vehicle returned to you in as little as 15 minutes.

Unlike traditional storage facilities, Birch employs a bespoke racking system. Each vehicle is placed on a dedicated steel platform, ensuring secure and damage-free storage.

The platform is then lifted to its assigned storage bay, located within one of the facility’s towering, five-tiered storage aisles.

This bespoke system allows for efficient and safe storage, with a scale of operation that is truly awe-inspiring.

The safety and security system at Birch are also top-notch and truly impressive. It showcases commitment to protecting valuable assets.

One notable feature is the advanced fire suppression system, which includes a dedicated 90,000-liter water tank and 1,300 sprinklers.

In the unlikely event of a fire, the system is designed to minimize damage by only activating the two sprinklers directly above the affected vehicle. This targeted approach helps to prevent water damage to other vehicles and equipment.

Added Layer of Security

The facility also boasts 24-hour security, ensuring that the premises are constantly monitored. A network of 40 CCTV cameras provides comprehensive surveillance, allowing security personnel to quickly respond to any potential incidents.

Upon arrival, Birch offers a convenient valet service for your vehicle, ensuring it is properly prepared for storage.

To provide an added layer of transparency and security, a photographic record of your vehicle’s condition will be shared with the car owner.

If you wish, you can also have a dust cover over your car, though Tom assures there is no dust. And, the cars are visually inspected daily.

Birch’s concierge service handles maintenance, repairs, and vehicle delivery, providing a seamless ownership experience.

“We really just want to be the best high-end car storage available,” Tom says. “There’s a huge need for it.

I think we’ll be full here by summer, and I think we’ll fill up in London even faster, as a lot of high-end cars aren’t stored correctly there. Nobody has done it like this, or built a brand in this space,”

Tom has a clear vision for how he wants Birch to be perceived within the collector-car community. “This will be their vault, their bank.”