Blind Technique News
- What's happening in the world of Blinds for usGreen Tax Speculation
There has been recent speculation in the press of a new so-called green tax on home extensions. The idea is that where major changes are planned to a property; meaning an extension, conversion or Conservatory, then developers or homeowners will be required to invest in energy-efficient improvements to other areas of their property. Not expected to take effect until 2013, the cost to individuals is estimated to be up to the value of ten percent of the extension. If the proposals do go ahead, it is feared this will put some people off extending. One way this could be acheived is by installing blinds, particularly in a conservatory roof where there are big energy savings through choosing an energy efficient fabric. Have a look at our conservatory blind fabrics and see how you could make a saving...
Perfect-Fit Conservatory Blinds
When you want blinds for your white UPVC conservatory there really is no neater and better choice than our perfect-fit pleated blinds system. Neatly incorporated into their own individual frames, all of these 20mm fabrics look amazing. This customer has added warmth, privacy and style to their additional space. Not only are they very easy to install, in fact our fitter Jon was on site for under 2 hours to install the entire job, they can also be easily taken down for cleaning and there are no screws, holes or glue used....they simply snap into place and look as though they were meant to be part of the window. Using a simple yet effective sprung tension on the supporting cords means that you can position each blind independently anywhere between fully open and fully closed. There are no loose cords and no control rods or poles, you simply hand move these into the desired position. Now a well established system that has been tried and tested over the last few years and has increased in popularity for all the obvious reasons. We fully recommend the pleated perfect fit blind for installation in your conservatory, as you see above, or equally on any suitable window frame throughout your home or place of work. Combine the wide choice of fabrics we have available with the versatility of this product and you have a top class product at a competitive price made bespoke for your windows. Find out a little bit more about the perfect-fit blinds system...
Panel Blinds suited for large openings
Panel blinds are particulalry suited for larger openings and also can be used as a partition to separate a room and create individual areas. Of course these blinds come in a large range of fabrics as do all of our window blinds, and you can even mix a match the fabrics to give an alternate contrasting wide striped effect. This customer here was looking for a high quality plain fabric that would provide privacy at night time and shading during the day without blocking off too much light. Indeed having the blinds closed can be of benefit to security and in this case the panels fold back neatly against the wall on the left hand side so that when open there is no part of the door obscured. You also have a choice of fabric widths of 30, 45, or 60cm. Read more about panel blinds...
Roman Blind Ideas
QPR finished the 2010-11 Football League Championship as champions and will return to the Premier League during 2011–12 for the first time in 15 years. What better way to mark this success than a QPR roman blind in your bedroom. In fact with plain decor you can easily add a statement to any room and finish off with a patterned or standout window blind. The advantage of getting a Roman Blind from Blind Technique is that you have the choice of being able to use either one of our fabrics or indeed any fabric of your choice, from which we can make you a beautiful blind with a choice of standard or blackout lining. Additionally we are able to offer options such as borders or using several different fabrics to create the striped effect you see in the image above that we installed last week July 18th 2011.
Fashionable White - Summer 2011
When it comes to interiors white never goes out of fashion, as reported this week in the media. Clean, cool yet classic it gives you a blank canvas upon which you can add your own style with colourful accessories. Simple and timeless it embraces the Scandinavian style ethos. The range of white furniture available in the most likely outlets is testiment, as is the resurgence of white vinyl from wardrobes to kitchens and TV units. Embracing this style are various products from the Blind Technique range that perfectly suit this look - most notably Plantation Shutters which are very popular in white as well as white Wooden Venetian Blinds. From trinkets to bedlinen, kitchen appliances to coffee tables, bathrooms to blinds, white is never going to go out of vogue. See below how these white shutters fitted by Blind Technique work well in a white vinyl kitchen with that bold yet changeable splash of colour we mentioned.
Bank of England rates
Today, Thursday 7th July 2011, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has once again decided to leave the base rate at 0.5%. This is now the 28th consequetive month at this historic low, from the decision made of 5th March 2009 the rate has held without change. It is proabably no surprise due in part to the departure of Andrew Sentance and also the continued financial problems being experienced on the High St, most recently...Habitat, TJ Lewis and Jane Norman. As previously commented by Blind Technique, this means we are experiencing a continued depression in the housing market and people are choosing to "Improve" instead of "Move." With so much media coverage, people are naturally cautious and of course always looking to get the best deal for their hard earned cash. Our policy remains to provide high quality, guaranteed products at great value for money to all of our customers. With a great range of blinds, shutters and awnings, why not contact us to find out how we can help with your home improvements.
New Pleated Blinds Fabric
The new Unipleat blinds collection from Eclipse is now available at Blind Technique. The ultimate in style and versatility, providing a softer approach to window shading. The inspiring range of designs and colours injects style and colour to any room to your home. Whether you are looking for a dramatic, graphic feel or a more natural delicate charm, this fabric collection has the right pleated blind fabric for you. With over 130 fabrics to choose from, the Unipleat blinds collection makes pleated blinds the ideal choice. Particularly suited for use in your conservatories, the adaptability makes these fabrics suitable for any room in your home. From living room elegance to kitchen chic, the exclusive pleated blinds collection has everything you need. Read more about this pleated blinds collection...
Conservatory Blinds fitted in Ruislip 23rd June 2011. These neutral pleated roof blinds complement this traditional style of conservatory very well and provide light and heat control for when the sun decides to shine.
Shutters Buck the trend - June 2011
These are the shutters from our latest satisfied customer in Chiswick London. Plantation shutters are becoming more and more popular month on month as customers love the style, simplicity, and practicality. As you can see here, they really finish off a room adding style and light control whilst at the same time providing privacy. Used here with a feature wall paper they stand out all the more and this customer is delighted with them. The shutters featured are from our craftwood range, bespoke manufactured in China. The left window shows a bifolding shutter and both sets have a midrail so that, as you can see here, the top and bottom louvres can be controlled independantly. This midrail can be positioned at any chosen position, commonly to line up with the window beams, and in the position shown enhances privacy whilst at the same time allowing in light. There are many options available with shutters and we will be happy to discuss them with you. More information on the options and configurations available can be found elsewhere on our website in the 'shutters section'.
Summer is here...June 2011
With some very nice weather early on this season, and some particularly heavy storms this week causing significant disruption, summer time is here. We move into what is traditionally our busiest season as people focus hard on renovations and decorating through the multiple bank holidays we have already enjoyed this year. The Bank of England has still keep interest rates at 0.5% which is good news for some of us, however I am not sure how much longer this will last with the continuing problem of controlling inflation. Conservatory blinds become very popular as soon as the sun begins to shine, and these rooms heat up quicker than you can say airconditioning. If you are looking for blinds for conservatories it is the right time, why not speak to us and get a free no obligation quotation. These are not just for Summer but also help save energy in the Winter as well as many other advantages. Read more on conservatory blinds ....
Blind Technique Meeting - 31st March
Firstly we would like to bid farewll to Steve Bowe who has been working with us for nearly 4 years as he leaves to persue another career path, we thank him for his contributions and wish him well. Secondly we are delighted to be welcoming Aidan Coburn to our team, he will be based at 4 Kildare Close in the manufacturing unit and taking the role of supervisor. Aidan brings with him a wealth of experience from various posts held within the manufaturing sector, including very useful skills in health and safety and first aid. We very much look forward to working with him. The main bulk of the meeting was broken down into manufacturing, fitting, sales/surveying, administration, and the Showroom. Manufacturing covered the implementation of new machinery for our pleated system, a supplier glitch to look out for concerning wooden venetian blinds, a fire drill refresher and general housekeeping. Installation highlighted a minor issue regarding the bunching of pleats on shaped blinds, and a reminder of the correct administration process. Following the last meeting, there has been a positive response to the newly designed 'job satisfaction note' which includes more information on child safety and encouraged feedback. For sales and administration the new survey sheets devised to counter any ambiguity seem to be working well, and a new function on our system to email a .pdf quotation to a customer at the click of a button promises to both save us time and give a clearer and instantaneous quotation to our customers. Finally, we looked at various replacement blinds for our showroom to keep the display fresh and up to date.
Shaped Blinds for any Window
Ever since John and Liam visited the Boat and Caravan show in Birmingham, there has been our largest order yet of blind sets for motor home conversions....this is in addition to several other companies approaching us to make their blinds as a result of the show, and today an unrelated company, that also refurbishes motorhomes, contacted us with regard to us supplying them with shaped pleated blinds. Besides being specialist manufacturers of pleated blinds, this increased interest in blinds indicates a thriving demand for motor home conversions, which in turn can be related back to the economic downturn that is still ongoing. In fact the Bank of England once again kept the base rate historically low last Thursday...still at 0.5%.
9th March Blind Technique Meeting
Our weekly staff meeting started off by showing the new Child Safety with window blinds video with the aim of highlighting the importance to all sales, manufacturing and fitting staff. As a result it was decided that our job satisfaction note, signed on completion of works, should contain more information and highlight the child safety issue. This has now been ammended and will be implemented from next week. We also touched on the area of FR or Fire Retardent materials. In fact it is not mandatory to use FR fabrics in public and commercial premises though it is a very good idea. It also may be required by either the fire safety officer or the insurance company. Blind Technique offers a range of Fire Retardent materials perfect for such installations and this was highlighted as a possible unique selling point.
We then went through our progress from the last meeting and looked at recurring issues that we are working on solutions to. Two of the project areas we are looking at are the supply of retrofit cord tidies and safety mechanisms, and replacement blinds for our showroom in Eastcote. Richard updated on the website side of things including the requirement to improve our image library, and look at producing some 'how to' videos to aid customers. The generation of pdf quotations for e-mailing should be completed next week, as well as a log in area for our trade customers where they can price blinds themselves. The next meeting will be scheduled for 2 weeks time and by that time Liam will report back on progress on conservatory blind sales, in cooperation with local conservatory companies.
Blinds for your Motorhome or Caravan
John and Liam visited the Boat and Caravan Show 2011 at the NEC Birmingham last week to support one of our customers Wellhouse Leisure. Amongst other things camper van related....Wellhouse convert a wide range of vans into motorhomes and included in their options are blinds for the windows which is where blind technique plays it's part. We have been supplying these bespoke pleated window blinds to them for 4 years now and have added to the range as the variety of vans has grown. In a very similar process to manufacturing conservatory blinds, these pleated window blinds made with blackout fabric to the exact window shape and are an essential part of the conversion process, providing privacy and cutting out light. We look forward to continuing to innovate and work in partnership with Wellhouse Leisure for many years to come.
Shhhhhhhh - Don't say you heard it from us!
We have just completed motorised blinds in the home of a very famous tv chef, and are currently making some for his office - he is known for his frequent use of a certain F word?? Guessed who yet? John is also in posession of samples for a new range of venetian blinds, these differ in the fact that they are made from a plastic material with a wood effect. This is good news for anyone wanting to put venetian blinds into a bathroom, kitchen or room that gets a lot of moisture. Traditionally wooden venetians are not recommended as the wood can warp and distort in these humid conditions. Not yet officially launched......we will keep you posted as these blinds make there way into the market place.
Child Safety with Blnds
Tragically there was another death of a 2 year old in Eire in January caused by a looped blind cord. Find out more about how you can make your home safe here. This is a serious problem that makes strangulation by blind cords in the home responsible for 10% of all fatalities of infants in the home. There were 5 fatalities in 2010, 4 in 2009 and 3 in 2008 - source Openings Magazine Winter 2010/11.
Initial House 150 Field End Road
The site of Initial House which has been empty for a while is awaiting a planning decision as to whether it becomes either a Travel Lodge Hotel with around 72 rooms or a residential block offering around 42 new flats? The block was closed as offices in 2008 and there have been numerous planning applications that have so far been rejected. Blind Technique believe that it should be developped as at the moment it is a boarded up eyesore. However the current applications are somewhat puzzling? We are not quite sure who would use a Travel Lodge Hotel in the centre of Eastcote? This is not a holiday destination and the style of hotel is more suited to one or only a few nights stay......Being a fair distance from Heathrow and not on a direct tube link wouldn't help either. I am not convinced that there would be sufficient demand for rooms from visiting friends, family and business customers. The important thing to remember before any planning permission is granted should investigate thoroughly any business plans because the last thing we need is a hotel that will close down in 6 months time and put us back into the same position we are today. Correctly apportioned and well designed flats would perhaps be a more sensible option driving up the local population in this commuter belt and increasing footfall and supporting our local high street.
Last days of Shutter Promotion
We are nearing the last day of the LOVE SHUTTER promotion, which comes to an end on Valentines day this Monday 14th February! Plantation shutters are becoming more and more popular and as an incentive in the new year there has been a promotion with better than ever deals to supply and fit bespoke shutters into your home. Manufactured to suit your exacting requirements, and offered with 20% off certain ranges, please call us for more details. Find out more about shutters here.
Base Rate
Today, 10th February, the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee has once again decided to hold the base rate at 0.5%. There has been much speculation in the press over the last month with many predicting an imminent rise. The decision as ever seems to be a balance between inflation and economic recovery. For movers this isn't particularly good news as mortgages are still increasing their fixed rate products in anticipation of a rise, and general consensus is that rates will definitely rise it's just a question of when. People are rightly cautious about additional borrowing which slows the housing market, and those who save are still getting a rough deal from the banks in terms of interest rates. There is however good some good news, the Blind Technique Love Shutters Promotion is still on until Monday, and if you are staying put why not let us help you with and renovations or decorating you need doing! Speak to one of us to see how our blinds, awnings, or shutters can work for you.
Welcoming New Shareholder
We would officially like to welcome Liam Byrne as a new part owner and shareholder of Blind Technique Ltd. Liam has worked with the company now for almost 3 years as operations manager, through which time the business model has changed significantly. His investment into the company shows his commitment to the future and it is now a good time to thank him for all the work he has done to date. We look forward to working together in the future and taking Blind Technique to the next stage.
New Meetings
As of today, Wednesday 9th February, a new format for bi-weekly staff meetings will commence. With the opening of the blinds showroom on Eastcote High Street we are now situated on 2 sites, the original site where we manufacture the conservatory blinds and the new offices and shop where we carry out all of the admin and sales functions. Being a small company, this has been a new and challenging time for us as all of the team adapt to the new setup. The purpose of the meetings is to improve communication between both sites and therefore improve the service we can provide to all of our customers. It also aims to build on the one-team concept as it is vital that we all work together to indentify ways where we can move forward and improve our processes. Communication is key to the future and success of Blind Technique.
The Housing Market
As the Bank of England keeps the base rate at 0.5% today, and if you haven't got a crystal ball, then look and see how Blind Technique can help you in 2011 whatever your decision. Read the latest comment on our blog on Blinds and the Housing Market.
Don’t Move Improve
The housing market continues to see a slump in sales and depending who you speak to the forecast for 2011 is anything between a small increase to a larger fall in property prices in the coming year. As economic recovery continues there still remains a divide between the price a seller wants and the price a buyer wants to pay. Couple this to the fact that the price of housing has increased astronomically over the last 10 years or so which makes the cost of moving, obtaining a mortgage and paying the stamp duty all to much for the vast majority.
So what options do you have if you don’t move? Given the amount of money you will save there are quite a few options available. Many people are deciding to build an extension, put a conservatory on the back of the house, extend upstairs into the loft, put some decking and an awning in the garden to expand the outdoor living area or just splashing out on a bit of long overdue decorating. Whichever choice suits your requirements, Blind Technique will be happy to advise you how we can help with the decorating phase.
Our complete range of window blinds will give any room the finishing touch you require. Going into the loft? You’ll more that likely be wanting some Velux blinds. Tarting up the garden? Our range of awnings will help create an alfresco dining area with many additional options available; including motorisation, lighting and heating. Building a Conservatory? Blind Technique specialize in Conservatory Blinds and manufacture all of these blinds by hand in our workshop in London. Benefit from year round use by installing blinds to control the climate, protect and shade. After a long-lasting contemporary solution? Choose fashionable plantation shutters and let us explain the advantages and the range of shutters available and crafted uniquely for your window.
Blind Technique Supports the Christmas Lights
On Sunday 5th Decemeber the Eastcote Lights will be formally switched on by some of the cast of Eastenders. In addition to this there is a Christmas market and fair with lots of stalls selling traditional foods, crafts, jewellery and gifts as well as rides at the fair aimed more towards younger children. Blind Technique have contributed, as have many other businesses, to the purchase of the new lights for Eastcote High Street and are looking forward to the Fair in the run up to Christmas. On the day, 5th December, we will be opening the shop as the fair takes place in the service road in front and will be giving out free gifts for children and information about our company. We manufacture conservatory blinds and these are installed and dispatched nationwide. Moreover in our local area in NW London our showroom offers all types of window blinds, conservatory blinds, plantation shutters and awnings. Why not call in this Sunday and find out more...
Christmas Tree
We have just decorated our Christmas Tree in our Blinds Showroom in London. As we start the period of Advent, we are extremely busy at this festive time of year ensuring that all our customers get their blinds installed by the 23rd.
Social Media arrives at Blind Technique
The way we communicate is changing and the rapid rise of social media has changed things for ever. Whether you are a business or an individual looking for marketing opportunities or an old school friend, the possibilities are endless. These days you need to move with the times and as such Blind Technique is now available as a friend on facebook or to follow on Twitter. We will be launching new promotions on Conservatory Blinds and our other products via these channels so why not look us up and be the first to find out about any great offers we have on!
Thursday 11th November - Child Death due to Looped Blind Cords
Tragically it has been reported in the press today that there has been another child death due to strangulation with blind cords. A 17th month old little girl from Essex died on the 10th October. It is reported in the press that these type of looped blind cords are banned in Australia, America, and Canada. At Blind Technique our policy has always been to make our customers aware of the risk and offer solutions. More information can be found on Blind Safety with a pamphlet to download on the "Make it Safe' campaign. You can also find more information on the BBSA website, the British Blinds and Shutters Association. We will continue to look at other ways we can improve the safety of the products we offer.
Thursday 15th July - Blinds showroom progress
A lot of work has been underway mostly by Liam and John to prepare the new blinds showroom for launch in about 3 weeks time. A conservatory has been built inside as well as display panels to showcase all the types of blinds we offer, as well as plantation shutters, flyscreens, and awnings. Colour schemes have been choosen and the display blinds are currently being manufactured. Watch out for our launch date to be announced soon!
Tuesday 1st June - New Showroom Lease Signed
Our New Showroom is now officially agreed as 236 Field End Road Eastcote, the location of the former Locksmiths. The lease was signed earlier today. We are still accepting applications for full/part-time sales assistants to assist us in the new showroom. More details can be found on our Job Vacancies page, this position would ideally be suited to somebody with a flair for interior design and/or experience in sales and soft furnishings.
May 2010 - Stop Press
New Showroom location is announced as 236 Field End Road Eastcote, the location of the former Locksmiths. Details of the lease are agreed upon and we hope to sign by the end of the month and get to work straight away on the refit, opening to our customers as soon as possible. We are still accepting applications for full/part-time sales assistants to assist us in the new showroom. More details can be found on our Job Vacancies page, this position would ideally be suited to somebody with a flair for interior design and/or experience in sales and soft furnishings.
May 2010 - Welcome
We are delighted to welcome new members of our team in the run up towards opening our new showroom. Jon Bowes joins us as an experienced full time installer of Conservatory and Window Blinds. We welcome back the expertise of Rob Taylor who will now take over all the surveying and fitting of Plantation Shutters. Also to join our production team in the workshop is Ryan Coleman who will be trained up in the manufacture of Conservatory Blinds.
April 2010 - Showroom Progress
Work on the lease is ongoing. Meanwhile, detailed plans of the layout are drawn up and our interior designer colleague, from one of our suppliers, creates a story board of blinds, colours and accessories. Work starts on how we are going to man the shop, as well as the changes to the infrastructure of our website and phone system. An exciting time ahead.
March 2010 - New Showroom Property
A new lease for a High Street Showroom is agreed. The aim is to have a bigger showroom on a high street that is more accessible to our customers and that will offer a larger display of a Blinds, Awnings and Shutters. In particular, we will install a Conservatory Roof into the Showroom, to showcase the Conservatory Blinds that we specialise in. More details available nearer the time
February 2010 - New Vehicles
A bigger van, set up for transporting awnings with an integrated roof rack loading system is the latest addition to replace one of our older vans. As Blind Technique sees an increased demand for Plantation Shutters, Awnings and Canopies, a bigger and better suited van was a necessary investment. Signwritten with our new grey company logo, it complements our professional approach to Blinds Awnings and Shutters. Additionally, a new smaller van has been bought as an addition to our fleet, giving us the capacity to expand the business in the busier Summer months ahead.
January 2010 - New Beginnings
Looking ahead to a year of change and expansion at Blind Technique. Our main focus remains on excellent customer service and high quality products. 2010 will see continued investment in our website, acquisition of new company vehicles, and the possibility of expanding into a high street showrooom. An exciting year ahead.
October 2009 - Focus on Child Safety
In conjunction with the BBSA, the British Blind and Shutter Association, Blind Technique increases it's focus on Child Safety and supports the 'Make it Safe' campaign. The operating cords on Blinds mean that they are a strangulation risk to small children. We ensure that all of our customers are aware of the risks, and encourage you to read more information and download a brochure on our Blind Safety information page.
April 2009
Blind Technique has been upgraded to 'Master' status by S-Craft Shutters. Master status is awarded to suppliers who provide excellent customer service and attain a high level of throughput. This is largely thanks to Liam Byrne our Operations Manager who has worked very hard to promote internal plantation shutters. Wooden shutters are versatile, stylish and bespoke manufactured specifically to your requirements. Click here for more information on shutters. For a FREE design service please contact us by calling 0800 678 3733 or fill out our form and we'll contact you. You can visit our showroom or we'll be equally happy to visit you and bring all the samples with us.
February 2009
This month our sales and innovations team at Blind Technique are visiting the R & T Exhibition in Stuttgart Germany. This is a massive international trade fair that takes place every 3 years and exhibits the latest in window décor including blinds, shutters & awnings. We will be looking at both cutting edge new products as well as innovated blind systems and improved modern fabrics. We hope that our visit will introduce new ideas, improve on exsisting systems and provide our customers with a greater range and better quality products for the future.
January 2009
Happy New Year to all our staff and customers. Blind Technique launches it's January sale of up to 50% Conservatory Blinds. Take advantage now in time for the Spring and contact us for a FREE quotation, or some FREE expert advice on the best Conservatory Blinds for you! All our conservatory blinds are bespoke manufactured in the UK at our headquarters in London and expertly fitted by one of our fully trained fitters.
December 2008
We would like to thank all of our customers and wish them a very Merry Christams. Please note that we will be closed over the festive period from 12noon on Tuesday 23rd December right through to Monday 5th January. Over this time we will be checking e-mails and phone messages.
October 2008
Blind Technique launches their new website designed by Origin. The new look gives our customers an easy to navigate site crammed full of useful information, images, and functionality. New features include: Easy to print pictures from our gallery containing information on the blinds selected as well as the Blind Technique contact information. Request or download a Brochure. Testimonials, case studies and technical information. Additionally a new login area specifically for our trade customers, with further information and the ability to order online, which highlights our commitment to constantly improve the service we offer to these valued customers.
June 2008
Blind Technique updates it's brochure for Window and Conservatory Blinds, Awnings and Plantation Shutters giving it a more contemporary feel and using a colour palette that is both modern and sophisticated to reflect today's popular fashion and styles.
March 2008
S Craft Shutters choose Blind Technique as their approved local supplier for London NW. Availability in six types of wood:
- BassWood
- CedarWood
- PearlWood
- PermaWood
- CorelWood
- CraftWood
means we can now offer a complete range of solutions for every window, door, partition, and for every budget. All products are made-to-order with bespoke manufacture using the finest raw materials.
See the versatility of Plantation Shutters in our gallery.
December 2007
The brand new Louvolite Perfect-Fit® system becomes the latest addition to the Blind Technique product range, bringing an award winning new concept. Available for Venetian, Pleated and Roller Blinds, this new product has been cited as creating many firsts in the window blind industry; the first product featuring a unique no drill, no screw installation system, the first product that can be fitted or removed in seconds, the first product that will facilitate easy blind changes as customers redecorate in years to come.
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