British Blinds looks to franchising in bid for growth
Ian Briggs A YORKSHIRE blinds manufacturer is aiming to expand by franchising its operations.
British Blinds, based in Baildon, Bradford, is looking for franchisees to roll out its business across the UK.
The company aims to grow turnover to 2.6m in the next three years and increase its workforce of 25 by franchising the business.
British Blinds was launched last year by Karen Hudson and business partner Paul Lister, who are co-owners of Fabriks soft furnishings in Halifax.
Mrs Hudson said: "Over time, we found that the quality of materials we were buying in to produce blinds could be improved on and we felt our customers deserved better. By manufacturing and designing our own blinds we can now offer customers the high standards they expect, whilst helping to refresh the market."
The pair have invested in a 7,500 sq ft manufacturing unit at Tong Park in Baildon to produce collections of bespoke blinds.
"We want to become one of the biggest window blinds businesses in the country," said Mrs Hudson.
"We are bringing the latest fabric designs and the most technologically advanced blinds into people's homes – and they're all made right here in Bradford.
"The next obvious step in developing the business was finding a way to get our creations out to as many people as possible. Franchising the business means that British Blinds can train franchisees to a very high standard and developing the business this way enables us to maintain and regulate the high quality of blinds that we produce and fit." Mrs Hudson added: "We are looking for people who share our passion not only for interiors but also for building a business.
"And, as Bradford is already the home of fabrics and textiles, we're looking forward to putting the city firmly on the map for outstanding, customised blinds."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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