This is a question we are asked often and by many clients
How Long Should You Keep Business Documents?
Download the Free UK Document Retention Guide by Industry
How do you keep files? Find out what documents to keep and for how long
Struggling to manage paper files and know how long to keep files, HR records or large-format drawings? Confused about what to keep, and for how long? Our free document retention guide gives you clear, sector-specific advice on legal retention periods, helping you stay compliant and organised.
Perfect for teams in construction, engineering, legal, finance, automotive, education, and local government.
In this free guide, you’ll learn:
- Legal document retention periods for each sector
- What to keep and what you can securely dispose of
- Why off-site or digital archiving improves security and compliance
- How to avoid fines and failed audits
Download Your Free Guide
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Trusted by Businesses Across the UK
With over 30 years’ experience, Ardington Archives offers secure document storage, large-format scanning, and digital archiving services tailored to UK businesses.
- ISO 27001, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 accredited
- Off-site storage and retrieval
- High-volume document and large-format scanning
- Based in Oxfordshire
Make compliance easy. Free up space. Protect your data long term.
Secure Document and Storage FAQ
At Ardington Archives we understand that the complexities of document storage, and the associated services, can be daunting. Below are our document storage FAQs, designed to help answer any immediate queries. Should you have a question not listed here, please feel free to contact us directly.
Reputation and ISO Accreditation
We take our reputation and accreditations seriously. We have achieved accreditation in ISO 9001 – Quality Assurance, alongside ISO 27001 – Information Security, and ISO 14001 – Environmental Management. Our focus is on excellent customer service, full ISO certifications and a professional business approach.
Ardington Archives Privacy Policy
Scanning and storage solutons you can trust. Your data is important to us, and we want to ensure it is protected. Ardington Archives are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We comply with all applicable requirements of the data protection legislation. This policy is in addition to, and does not relieve, remove or replace, our obligations under the data protection legislation.
We offer unique and secure document scanning and storage solutions.
We work closely with our clients to ensure we deliver a scanning and storage solution to fit their needs. Have a look at some of our other services.
Ardington Archives currently has a total document storage capacity of over 100,000 boxes across three archive stores, together with our in-house argonite pods and secure vaults. Our facilities are modern and purpose-built for storage. In addition, we have the option to expand our secure archive environments to increase total capacity.
At Ardington Archives we understand that fast and efficient document retrieval is vital for the management of any business. Document retrieval can be requested via phone, email or through our secure online portal service, and if requested by 12 noon, will be returned the next working day, anywhere in the UK. Requested documents are returned either physically or via electronic format, with both options ensuring a secure and confidential delivery.
At Ardington Archives, we provide a comprehensive range of document scanning and digital conversion services using state-of-the-art equipment. We can advise on the best mix of scanning and hardcopy storage to meet your specific needs.
As part of our document storage service, Ardington Archives works with clients to determine destruction dates for archived documents and files. Confidential destruction is carried out by twice shredding the documents, before they are pulped and recycled into toilet tissue. We additionally offer destruction of associated media such as PC hard drives, meeting BSI standards in both Environmental and Information Management.
Ardington Archives has a range of custom designed storage boxes made from high content recycled board. Designed with a double thickness skin to ensure strength, rigidity and a longer life than most other storage boxes, all Ardington Archives boxes are PH neutral to maintain the quality and integrity of the documents stored inside, meeting BS 4971 standards. All boxes are supplied flatpacked for ease of storage and transportation.
In our rapidly-evolving digital era, preserving our cultural and personal heritage has taken a revolutionary turn through heritage scanning. This transformative process involves digitising records, documents and images, extending their life without causing any damage to the original items.