When it comes to the world of film, television and theatre production, the magic you see on screen or stage is only part of the story. Behind the scenes lies a vast logistical operation and that’s where Setaway steps in.

Founded in 2022, this family-run business has rapidly built a reputation as one of the UK’s most reliable and sustainable providers of film set transport, secure prop storage and eco-friendly set recycling. With over 35 years of combined experience, the founders, Ian Foster and John Harris, have taken their passion for production logistics and turned it into a seamless service that keeps the UK’s creative industries moving.

A Growing Need for Specialist Set Transport and Storage

From London studios to West End theatres and on to independent film productions in Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham and Gloucester, the demand for professional set and prop transport has never been greater. Productions are bigger, more mobile, and under tighter deadlines than ever before.

Setaway has responded to this challenge by creating a UK-wide transport network that includes 30–45ft trailers, 3.5–7.5 tonne Luton vans, 18-ton trucks, curtain siders and box trucks. Every vehicle is maintained to the highest standard and operated by experienced drivers who understand the delicate nature of film and theatre assets.

Their team operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing studio-to-storage transfers not just around the M25 but throughout the UK and even into Europe. Whether it’s a quick turnaround between shooting locations or long-term storage for an entire production, Setaway ensures everything arrives on time and in perfect condition.

Learn more about the fleet and transport options on their Props and Set Transport page.

Secure, Dry, and Monitored Set Storage Facilities

One of Setaway’s greatest strengths is its extensive network of storage facilities. With over 150,000 square feet of warehouse space spread across several secure sites around the M25, the company provides a dependable home for everything from single props to full-scale film sets.

Every item is logged during unloading, and a detailed inventory is taken, giving production managers complete peace of mind. Each location features 24-hour CCTV surveillance, restricted access, and fully trained staff who handle every piece with care.

Clients in London, Swindon, Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, Cheltenham, and Cirencester can all access the nearest site with ease, making it ideal for productions based anywhere in southern England or the Midlands.

If you’d like to learn more about how Setaway keeps your sets safe, visit their Set Storage page.

Recycling Sets the Sustainable Way

Setaway stands out for its commitment to sustainability. In an industry where large amounts of material often go to waste, the team has developed an ethical and environmentally friendly process for set and prop recycling.

When a production wraps and no longer needs its set, Setaway’s team carefully dismantles every structure and separates materials by type — from metal and wood to plastic and fabric. Reusable items such as costumes or props are donated to charitable organisations with the client’s permission, while recyclable materials are sent to approved recycling centres for processing.

This responsible approach helps studios meet their sustainability goals, reduces landfill waste, and reinforces Setaway’s role as an industry leader in eco-friendly production logistics.

Serving the UK’s Most Creative Regions

The creative industries around London, Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Swindon continue to thrive. With so many film, television, and theatre productions being filmed and staged across these regions, the need for trusted set logistics partners has never been more crucial.

Setaway’s strategic locations around the M25 make it the perfect choice for productions coming from Pinewood, Elstree, Leavesden and Shepperton Studios. Meanwhile, the company’s flexible approach means it also works with regional theatres and touring productions, helping them transport and store sets efficiently between venues.

This local presence also ensures rapid response times and cost-effective logistics, with clear, transparent quotes that include fuel, congestion and ULEZ charges — no hidden fees, just honest service.

 

 

Why Productions Choose Setaway

Every production, no matter its size, benefits from Setaway’s dedicated service and professional expertise. Here’s why so many film, theatre, and event companies trust them:

  • Attention to detail: Every prop, costume, and set piece is handled as if it were priceless.
  • Reliability: Deliveries and collections are always on time, even to tight studio schedules.
  • Security: 24-hour CCTV, strict access control, and thorough documentation keep everything safe.
  • Sustainability: The team’s recycling initiatives ensure a minimal environmental footprint.
  • Transparency: Clients receive clear quotes and full communication throughout every stage of the process.

As the company proudly states on their About Us page, trust is at the heart of everything they do — and that’s why they’ve earned long-term relationships with some of the UK’s top studios and production teams.

Customer Success Stories

Setaway’s portfolio of clients ranges from major film productions to independent theatre groups. Many of these projects rely on their ability to provide last-minute transport solutions, secure temporary storage, or organise full set recycling when productions close.

Their client page highlights partnerships across the entertainment industry, where professional service and personal care have made Setaway a go-to name for logistical support.

A recent West End theatre production praised Setaway’s team for managing a complete set removal and relocation overnight, allowing the next show to move in seamlessly. Meanwhile, a Bristol-based film company commended their reliable drivers for safely transporting fragile props between multiple locations across the South West.

These testimonials are echoed throughout the Reviews and Testimonials section, where clients consistently mention the team’s friendliness, professionalism, and dedication.

 

 

 

Innovation Meets Experience

Setaway may be a relatively young company, but it’s driven by decades of experience in set logistics and warehouse management. That combination allows them to innovate while maintaining the tried-and-tested practices that keep productions running smoothly.

Recent updates to their operations include:

  • Enhanced digital inventory tracking systems
  • GPS-equipped vehicles for live transport monitoring
  • Improved warehouse climate controls for sensitive props and costumes
  • Faster booking turnaround, allowing same-day vehicle dispatch for urgent collections

Their flexible team adapts quickly to each project’s needs — whether it’s a small touring theatre show or a full-scale television production involving dozens of transport runs and warehouse coordination.

The Future of Sustainable Set Management

The UK’s film and theatre industries are embracing greener production methods, and Setaway is leading the charge in sustainable logistics. Their recycling and repurposing service is already saving tonnes of material from landfill every year.

Looking ahead, the team plans to expand its recycling partnerships and increase capacity across its M25 storage sites. This means more productions can benefit from environmentally responsible end-of-life set solutions without compromising on cost or efficiency.

Productions are also becoming increasingly global, and Setaway’s cross-Europe transport service is designed to handle this shift — offering door-to-door delivery for international shoots, all backed by the same trusted expertise.

Supporting Every Stage of Production

Setaway’s role doesn’t end when the camera stops rolling or the curtain closes. They understand the full production lifecycle — from initial transport and setup, through secure mid-production storage, all the way to post-production recycling.

That’s why many clients choose to keep Setaway as a long-term logistics partner, handling every stage of production movement and asset management. This integrated approach saves time, reduces stress, and ensures continuity between projects.

If you’re currently planning a new production, or preparing to store or recycle sets, the team would love to help. You can reach them directly via the Contact Us page.

How to Get the Best from Setaway’s Services

To maximise value, production managers are encouraged to:

  1. Book transport early — this ensures vehicle availability and smoother scheduling.
  2. Provide a full set inventory list — helping the Setaway team plan storage layouts efficiently.
  3. Ask about recycling — for eco-friendly set disposal and possible reuse of materials.
  4. Use the detailed reporting system — for transparent documentation throughout the project.

By partnering with Setaway, you’re not just hiring a transport and storage provider, you’re adding an experienced member to your production team — one that genuinely cares about your success.

Conclusion: The Setaway Difference

In an industry that never sleeps, Setaway provides something invaluable — peace of mind. Whether you need film set transport across the UK, secure prop storage near London, or eco-friendly recycling for unwanted sets, their team has the expertise, equipment, and passion to make it happen smoothly.

From Gloucester to Swindon, from Bath to Bristol, and across every creative hub around the M25, Setaway continues to deliver excellence for productions of every scale. Their attention to detail, environmental responsibility, and personal service make them the clear choice for anyone serious about keeping their sets safe and sustainable.

To learn more, visit https://setaway.co.uk or explore their key pages below:

For film, theatre, and TV set transport, storage, and recycling, Setaway is where professionalism meets sustainability — and where your production assets are always in safe hands.