BNKer and Doorly have formed a new partnership aimed at improving the apartment living experience across the UK. By combining in-building self-storage with digital resident services, the two proptech businesses hope to help developers and residents respond to mounting space constraints in modern housing.
After a successful first year, bringing self storage to the doorstep of over 4500 apartments, BNKer has already begun making its mark on the UK’s residential property market. Since launching in Manchester, the proptech company has quickly connected with leading property developers across the North West – including the renowned Renaker – and beyond, bringing its onsite self-storage solution to some of the most sought-after home hotspots. Now, through a partnership with fellow Manchester-founded and rapidly expanding start-up Doorly, the two businesses are working together to reshape the way renters experience modern apartment living.
Also founded in Manchester, Doorly has created a platform designed to simplify everyday living by connecting users with trusted local service providers. Through the app, users can browse, compare and connect with professionals offering a wide range of home services – from at-home hairdressing and beauty treatments to cleaning, babysitting, dog walking and more. By linking with BNKer, residents can now book extra space.
Like BNKer, Doorly places the end user at the centre of its model. The platform provides a natural opportunity for BNKer to introduce its storage solution directly to people navigating the realities of modern apartment living.
With a clear ambition to place its self-storage solution in front of the right audiences across the UK, BNKer’s partnership with Doorly marks an important step in both companies’ growth journeys. By connecting BNKer with Doorly’s growing renter audience, the collaboration creates opportunities to raise awareness of the storage solution while opening the door to new conversations with developers and property operators across the UK.
Michael Lawes, Founder of Doorly, said: “This was a very natural partnership for us, particularly as both businesses are at similar points in our growth journeys. Doorly was created to make everyday living easier by connecting people with trusted local services, and BNKer is tackling another major challenge many people face in modern apartments – the lack of space.
“As we continue expanding beyond the North West and into cities across the UK, it made sense to work with a company that shares a similar outlook on improving the way people live in their homes. Through this partnership, we can introduce BNKer’s solution to the people experiencing these challenges first-hand.”
The timing of the collaboration is particularly relevant as both companies look towards further expansion in London, where the challenges of limited apartment space are felt most acutely. As rental living continues to grow across the capital’s high-density developments, demand for practical, accessible storage solutions is only increasing.
David Fricker, Founder of BNKer, said: “Partnering with Doorly gives us the opportunity to connect directly with the people experiencing the space challenges that come with modern apartment living.
“Doorly gives residents access to services from their phones, so now they can reserve extra space as and when they need it.
“Our goal has always been to help buildings make better use of the space they already have. Doorly has built a platform that speaks directly to residents across the UK, so working together allows us to better understand which residents need for extra space and where, while continuing to build relationships across the wider residential property sector.”
As both companies continue expanding their presence across the UK, the partnership reflects a shared ambition to improve the everyday realities of apartment living – connecting residents with the services and space they need while helping landlords make better use of the buildings they manage.
