Manufacturers And Retailers Of Domestic And Commercial Blinds For Sale

Business description

Established in 1993 – and fully under the control of the current Owner for the last four years, this family run business is the leading supplier and installer of blinds and awnings within its local area.

Based in very well suited premises, a prime secondary retail location on major thoroughfare into the centre of this bustling Sussex coastal town – and therefore enjoying high levels of awareness from passing traffic, this business supplies and installs the full range of blinds and awnings for windows and conservatories – vertical, Venetian – both in fabric and wood, roller, pleated & Velux - even Tilt & Turn Window ISO Blinds, awnings and Dutch canopies to the domestic, office and commercial sectors. Although 80% of its turnover comes from the domestic market – this business has very effective links with several local glazing and conservatory companies, the commercial and office sectors are very important with this business working with a wide range of loyal customers including the local authority, schools, hospitals, Doctors’ and Dentists’ surgeries as well as a number of local property management and letting agencies.

As well as its own made to measure service with a no-obligation site visit and consultation, this business also offers a DIY service whereby orders are placed based on customer’s measurements with the blind collected and fitted by the customer.

The cornerstone to the success of this business has been its constant focus on choice, quality – both in terms of product and service - and value for money. Adopting a very personal ‘consultative approach’, the business guides customers through the decision making process ensuring only the right kind of purchase is made – aided by the 2,500 different samples the business has to hand. Working with longstanding suppliers with which it has built excellent relationships, this business uses only the finest quality products available at whichever end of the market the customer requires, manufactured by the most highly trained professionals and fitted with the utmost care and attention. After sales care is equally impressive with any problems, on the rare occasions they happen, dealt with quickly and efficiently. Following this philosophy, this business has grown from strength to strength, with a large proportion of its success undoubtedly due to strong word of mouth recommendations, testimony to the excellent reputation this business has built throughout its many years of operation.

This is a very well managed business that has performed consistently well over the past few years. Operating at capacity within the scope of the current Owner – considerable growth is available with investment in additional staffing, turnover for the financial year ending October 2006 was £115,200 generating gross margins of approximately 70% and a pre-tax net operating profit in excess of £43,000 excluding Director’s remunerations. As such this business represents an excellent opportunity for an Owner Operator to establish a foothold in this marketplace with a very well established business with excellent growth prospects or an existing operator in this sector looking to expand their area of operation and acquire an additional customer base.

Key strengths:

Ideally located, just outside the centre of town, this business enjoys high levels of awareness from passing traffic. A constant favourite amongst its customer base – and operating over a wide geographical area encompassing Tunbridge Wells in Kent, Rye and Brighton in Sussex and even as far afield as Hampton Court in Middlesex, this business has seen off many local competitors over its many years of operation.

As an independent manufacturer, this business has access to all the leading suppliers with regard to fabrics and components at very competitive prices. With excellent supplier relationships, this business is able to supply good quality products with limited leadtimes – manufactured and fitted to the highest standards possible.

The company has built an outstanding reputation for its honesty and integrity, high levels of personal service – pre and post sale, knowledge and reliability. Not just limited to recommending the best type of blind, this business is also comfortable in assisting with colour choices, type of fabric, material choices etc.

The business is extremely well managed with excellent cashflows and has performed consistently well during the tenure of the current owners. It has a loyal customer base – both domestic and commercial, retaining a high level of return custom.

Key opportunities:

There is an outstanding opportunity to build on the existing business levels and customer base of this company. With a strong demand for this business's products, a new owner contributing fresh ideas and energy will have every advantage of building on an excellent platform.

Currently operated within the capacity constraints of the current owner – responsible for estimating, making up, fitting and selling - this business is constantly turning work away. Additional manpower would enable this business to increase its turnover and profitability significantly. Even without additional manpower, this business could more aggressively market its ‘supply only’ service.

This business maintains an extensive base of satisfied customers, who appreciate the company's superior products and service. With the excellent reputation this business has, there is certainly scope to open an additional outlet in a nearby town where there is currently little or no competition.

Although well managed this business has yet to fully realize its recent investment in IT and Internet technology. The business has only recently launched its very own website and a facility for ordering via this facility with e-mailing of quotations has yet to come on stream. The computerization of customer files facilitating more efficient management of the business has only just started.

Property information

Location:

Approximately 1200 square feet of trading space – 200 square feet of which is retail with the remainder given over to workshop, this business occupies an ideal secondary retail position, amongst a row of shops containing synergistic retailers, on the outskirts of the town centre. Positioned on a major thoroughfare with high volumes of passing traffic the business enjoys constant levels of top of mind awareness. The shop has good frontage and interest is maintained with frequent changes to the window display.

There is good access and ample free parking in the streets nearby.

The premises are leasehold, with the benefit of a three year renewable lease – next due for renewal in December 2007 – considered a mere formality. Rent is £250 per month with Rates £534 per annum.

Other information

Competition / Market:

Well established in an area that likes to support its local businesses, with an excellent reputation and little or no local competition this business has little need of advertising – featuring in the local Yellow Pages and the BT Phone Book augmented by occasional community based advertising – Church magazines, charity brochures etc. The business also has a very well designed, informative and easy to navigate website that performs very well in all the major search engines for all appropriate search topics. However, a high proportion of the business's revenue has been due to its excellent reputation for quality and service and strong word of mouth recommendation

Support & training:

The current owner will provide all necessary training and handover to ensure a smooth transfer of the business

Reasons for selling:

The Owner wishes to pursue other business interests

Trading hours:

The business currently opens from 10.00am- 4.00pm Tuesdays to Fridays and on a Saturday until 2.00pm. The business is currently closed on Sundays and Mondays.