SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER 2025
Highlights
As we say goodbye to summer and welcome the crisp chill of autumn, we’ve noticed an increase in customer enquiries about insulation and preparing homes for the colder months ahead. 🍂
Here’s a round-up of exciting updates, highlights, team wins and competitor insights from across the business throughout September.
What’s Happening: Installations
Field Update from Rich Jones
🎶 BIMM Bristol: A High Note in Installation
Following last month’s mention of our work at BIMM Bristol Music College, we’re proud to report the successful completion of two XL Duo Lantern installations, each covering a massive 24.5 square metres. These weren’t just large in scale, they were monumental in complexity.
The real challenge? Getting the blinds and profiles up to the top. With no straightforward access, our team had to think creatively, removing sections of the platform floor to push the profiles up into the roof space. It was a logistical puzzle, a physical workout, and a true test of teamwork.
But the result speaks for itself. The finished article is not only visually striking, but also a testament to what Specialist Blinds does best: precision, perseverance, and pride in every detail.
This project is a reminder that when the structure says “no,” our team finds a way to say “yes.”
Big shout out to Jeff for his commitment getting this huge project completed!
🏅 Worthy of a Mention
Proud to Deliver, Precise by Design
We should all be proud, our current remedial rate in Installations stands at just 2%.
What does that mean in real terms? Out of all completed installations over the past two months, we’ve recorded only 9 errors. Of those, just a handful were mismeasures, and the remaining were unexpected challenges, not necessarily requiring a remake but still noted with accountability.
This is a magnificent achievement when you consider the sheer volume of precise measurements we take, the structural variety we face, and the concentration required to deliver standout jobs like BIMM Bristol’s XL Duo Lanterns and Ryan’s retractable roof installation.
Every blind fitted reflects our standards. Every low remedial rate reflects our pride.
Specialist Blinds, right first time, and proud to prove it
🌟 Special Mention: Jeff – September Standout 🌟
We’d like to give a huge shoutout to Jeff, who has received an outstanding amount of praise from our customers throughout September. His hard work, professionalism, and dedication have not gone unnoticed, the positive reviews have been pouring in, and it’s been an absolute pleasure to read them.
Jeff consistently represents the company with integrity and care, and his commitment to delivering excellent service is a credit to the team.
Thank you, Jeff, for your continued effort and the pride you take in your work. Keep it up, we’re lucky to have you!
🧠 Quote of the Month
All the best, Rich.
Installation of the Month
September Highlights
This month, instead of spotlighting just one standout project, we’re showcasing a collection of beautiful installations completed by our talented team throughout September.
From the North-East countryside to the South coast, each job reflects the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail our fitters deliver every day.
A huge thank you to all our teams in the factory and across the country for your continued hard work – here’s a glimpse of the stunning spaces you’ve helped transform.
Our Japandi Blinds transformed this space with sleek, minimalist charm — where modern design meets timeless tranquillity.
This living area was originally set to feature only a Lantern Roof Blind… but just look at the transformation with the addition of elegant Nordic Drapes on the sliding doors!
Custom angled rooflights – The solution: Clear Classic Lantern Blinds to eliminate visible cables for a seamless look.
This expansive sliding door, fitted with automated Roller Blinds, perfectly frames a stunning view across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight.
What’s Happening: Sales
Aaron has secured an order for this stunning Vale Garden House in the leafy village of Dockenfield outside of Farnham, for a not insubstantial sum of £45752.00!
The client was recommended to us by an Interior Designer, that Aaron has worked with on several projects previously. It wasn’t a given though, as Vale usually work in partnership with Appeal, but having presented to the client, it was an easy decision for her to move forward with us.
Aaron also met with the Vale team, as the area is currently under construction and their eyes were opened to our way of working and the specialist products we can bring to the room, so hopefully this may garner some contact in the future.
The construction is ongoing, and Aaron noted how amazing it was to watch the works being carried out. The ‘skeleton’ is an aluminium frame which is premanufactured and assembled like a large Meccano set, prior to being clad in timber to give the room a stunning luxurious finish.
The client has selected Duette Cloud Parchment fabric, with Solo Connect operation so they’ll have flexibility of use via our Pure handset or smart devices with our exclusive Solo App.
There’s so many roof blinds – 70! – that we will be fitting two Solo boxes and LV cable has already been supplied to the client for installation, so that there is no visible wiring.
Ryan has been in contact to discuss survey with the client, so watch this space for survey/installation updates.
Well done Aaron!
Spotlight on Innovation
It has been mentioned before in previous Newsletters, but the name above the door really does say who we are and what we can do!
This job initially caused much head scratching as this is the first of its kind we have come across.
A glass atrium divides the property extension on the upper floor, to give a light and airy relaxing area. The unique detail though is that the roof slides across, so the area transforms to give the feel of sitting outside. As with all glazed areas though the client required shading so that insulation can be achieved and glare controlled.
The very cool detail of the sliding roof presented some challenges as space between the moving panel and the roof structure, it slides across, was tight and there was a concern that any blind fitted may be damaged due to exposure. At its highest point the roof is just shy of 5 metres so ease of operation was also a prime consideration.
The solution – 3 x Classic Clear lanterns. The compact nature of the lantern frame, meant the blinds recess perfectly between the rafters and the size of the fabric stack prevented the blinds from being exposed, as it remains inside the roof area, so does not come into contact with anything as the area slides open. The concerns regarding operating the blinds at height were overcome by specifying Pure Power 10 12v battery motors and the addition of solar panels will reduce the frequency of the need to charge, giving the client peace of mind. Duette Linen Silk Ivory fabric gives the area a lovely light appearance and Pearl Mouse Grey hardware perfectly complements the structure. All in all a unique and stunning installation.
Well done to James Alexander for securing the order and Ryan Keegan for a high-quality installation.
What’s Happening: Factory
Factory Office Set to Receive Air Conditioning This Month
Having moved both the Contracts and Factory Office to the mezzanine above the loading bay some time ago; to garner better communication, the benefit of the showroom air conditioning was lost. This month a newly installed unit in the office area will provide lasting comfort, particularly in the summer months next year.
September Reviews Showcase
We’ve received some fantastic reviews this month, and we wanted to share a few standouts:
An Excellent Job Done by Specialist Blinds
⭐ 10/10 Checkatrade™ – (Aaron Sparks-Carolan / Ryan Keegan)
An excellent job from start to finish – we had conservatory ceiling blinds fitted. The sales consultation was excellent, as was the survey and the fitting. All performed in a professional and exemplary manner. We would heartily recommend Specialist Blinds. – Peter Newman
Quality Product, Excellent Service & Company
⭐ 10/10 Checkatrade™ – (Grant S Johnston / Martin Evans)
Very professional company, knowledgeable salesperson who comes to your home to do a comprehensive assessment on which to base the quote. Lots of samples and options with helpful advice. Our fitter (Martin) was superb, really took pride in what he did. We had a large gable and bi-folds, and they were fitted with millimetre precision. The blinds are not cheap (gable especially), but you can see why and have already been told by a retired estate agent that they have added value. Motors seems robust (German made), and the actual blinds are excellent. 6 months with no issues this far. Would recommend. – Neil Horne
Conservatory Blinds
⭐ 10/10 Checkatrade™ – (Arnaud Keat / Lex Allan)
We’ve had 2 lots of pleated thermal conservatory blinds fitted by Specialist Blinds & couldn’t be happier. Can highly recommend. – Carol Green
Great Product at a Good Price
⭐ 10/10 Checkatrade™ – (Steve Locker)
We were looking for Conservatory roof blinds and from survey to installation it was easy and efficient. Excellent choice and all carried out in good time. – Adrian Munday
Wide Choice and Excellent Fitting
⭐ 9/10 Checkatrade™ – (Kevin Rogers / Jeff Cox)
The blinds were carefully measured to fit within bifolding doors. Wide range of choice and colour shades. Very happy with the result. No hesitation in recommending this company. – Brendan Lynch
Wide Choice and Excellent Fitting
⭐ 10/10 Checkatrade™ – (Paul Herrington & Dan Watson)
We had spent rather a lot of money on new patio windows – it’s a great view and one of the windows is a funny shape so we knew from experience that it wouldn’t be easy to find blinds to fit. The window company recommended specialist blinds. They’re not cheap either! But they’re automatic, which is a lot easier with 6 separate blinds – select 0 and they all go up or down together. It’s also nice to be able to shut the glare of the sun out from the top without obscuring the view, which our previous panel blinds did. – Jane Littlewood
What’s Happening: Marketing
number of leads increased
Leads dipped slightly mid-September, which is normal for this time of year and repeats the pattern of last year’s figures almost identically. Leads picked up again last week, and we’ve added more budget to GoogleAds to gain as many enquiries as we can.
Overall, for the quarter (July-Sept) we’ve seen a 16% increase in the number of leads compared to the same period in 2024, which is great news considering the slower pace earlier in the year.
Website Update – New Main Product Pages
We have been working on a new design for the website, which aims to improve visitor’s experience and their journey through the website, with the ultimate goal of increasing enquiries.
We’ve updated the main product pages to start with and will continue to add new pages over the coming weeks. You’ll see new interactive images highlighting some of our unique points on each product, as well as icons showing the features and options available.
Here’s an example of one of the pages:
https://www.specialist-blinds.co.uk/blinds/gable-blinds/
New ‘About Us’ video
We now have a new updated video showcasing everything that sets us apart from our competitors. This is the perfect way to help us build customer confidence and entice them to click those ‘contact us’ buttons!
We’ve posted the new video on YouTube, so please do take a look, and click ‘like’ to help boost the popularity:
It’s also been added to our website here and will be shared across all social media channels asap.
updating website articles
We continue to improve existing articles throughout both websites by updating photos/videos to show more impressive jobs, and adding additional FAQ questions that are popular searches in Google. The updated and more relevant content should be picked up by Google to help increase our website traffic, and again, the aim of the improved content is to encourage more enquiries.
Social Media News
Instagram – customers tagging us in posts
A happy customer has shared a video on Instagram showing their new lantern and bi-fold door blinds “total game-changer!” It’s always lovely to get positive feedback from our customers, and even better when they share/tag us in the social posts publicly for all their friends and family to see!
@SalesTeam / @InstallationTeam: If you get the opportunity, please do ask your customers to tag us in any posts that they create. When installs are completed, we email customers to ask them to leave us a review, and we also ask if they’d tag us in their videos on their socials. A personal request from you might help too.
Social Media Content Leaderboard
Thank you to the installation team for your continued effort to supply great marketing content!
We’ve used photos/videos from almost everyone over the last 3 months, which is amazing! Some of your content will also be included in the new website gallery that went live last month. Please remember to like and comment on our posts.
Our top 5 contributors are shown below, with Lex slightly in the lead with 7 posts.
Staff News
How long have you been with CBL?
4 and a half years.
What’s your go-to snack or drink during a busy workday?
Cadbury Starbar 🍫
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
When I was young I had a week’s trial at Liverpool. 👟 ⚽
What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?
I love going to watch West Ham play!
What’s something on your bucket list that you’re determined to cross off?
I would like to go to Jamaica 🏝️⛰️☀️
If you weren’t working for CBL, what other profession would you be in?
Wood Machinist.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (work-related or not)?
“Be yourself”
If you could swap jobs with anyone in the company for a day, who would it be and why?
Tom Q, the General Manager, so I could boss people about (joking)😂
September Birthday Celebrations
Happy Birthday to all our wonderful colleagues who celebrated their birthdays in September! Wishing you a fantastic year ahead filled with happiness, success, and good health. Here’s to many more celebrations! 🎉🥳🎉
🔔WEDDING BELLS🔔
“We got married on the 23rd of August. Lauren and I have been together since our school days, and our first formal event together was prom at the age of 15, held at the Niagara Conference & Leisure Centre. It felt only right to return to that special place, this time to tie the knot in the outdoor marquee, after 14 years together and four children later. 💒💖
Before the wedding, I faced a health scare, and while I was in pain and suffering, I was worried we might have to postpone the wedding. I had the operation on the 5th of August, and initially, the recovery was expected to take 2-3 months. Despite this, we decided to go ahead with the wedding, and we were able to enjoy our special day filled with love and laughter. I even managed to dance—though I say that loosely, as I’m not exactly built for dancing!”🕺🏻- Rob D.
GOOD LUCK🍀
Aaron Sparks-Carolan Aims to Fly the Flag for GB in Spain 2026
“I’m excited to share that I’ll be competing in the European Olympic Duathlon Qualifier this October — a challenging race consisting of a 10K run, 40K bike, and a final 5K run. If all goes well and I qualify, I’ll have the incredible honour of representing Great Britain in my age group at the European Championships in Spain in 2026. 🤞🏻
Earlier this summer, I was thrilled to take first place at the Eastbourne Duathlon, which has given me a huge confidence boost heading into this next big race.”🥇🚴🏻♂️
Everyone at Specialist Blinds is incredibly proud and cheering you on every step of the way. We wish you all the best in your training and can’t wait to see you take on the qualifier in October. 🏆🇬🇧
Good luck — we’ll be rooting for you all the way to Spain in 2026!
Welcome to our Newcomers
Welcome to our new team members! We are thrilled to have you onboard and look forward to working together. Your skills and enthusiasm will be a great addition to our company, and we’re excited to support you as you settle in. Here’s to a successful journey ahead!
Matt Crisford – Specialist Department (factory)
Glenn Pheiffer – Pinoleum Supervisor (factory)
🎉Congratulations🎉
Factory Employee of the Month
Our employee of the month for September is
Bhim Chhantyal 🥳🥇
“Bhim has been a loyal member of the team for over 14 years now. She was nominated because she’s always willing to help others and keeps a smile on her face at all times. Her hard work is noticed by everyone around her.” – Ellie Smith-Anderson
Specialist Blinds Staff Blog 