VISUAL Blinds has been based in Bradford for 32 years and has produced blinds for a variety of clients - including hospitals, schools and Premier League footballers.

The company makes all types of window blinds, curtains, shutters, insect screens and security grilles.

Says the team: Visual Blinds is owned by Stephen Jarvis and Zen Zdolyny, who became business partners in 1992. Stephen was already working in the window blind industry. Both Stephen and Zen worked hard to establish the business and it has continued to grow. Whilst we do commercial work for companies across the UK, we also do lots of retail work.

“The industry has come a long away since your standard vertical blinds. There are now many different types of blinds - some of which can save money. Energy efficient blinds can help reduce energy bills. We have supplied blinds for, to name a few: Bradford Council, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Calderdale Royal Hospital, Harrogate Hospital, Dixons Academy - and Premier League footballers, most recently Bernados Silva, Man City player.

Most of our blinds are manufactured/assembled in-house. We’re a firm believer of supporting fellow UK businesses and a large proportion of our components are sourced within the UK, reducing our carbon footprint.

One of our most popular products is the perfect-fit range - a blind encased within an aluminium frame which clips into the window beading, taking installation less than five minutes. No drilling or screws required. There are several options of blinds within the frame and they come cordless, making them child and pet friendly too.

When the business first started, everything was done by hand and the main product was vertical blinds. Now we have fully automated blinds and machines that cut fabrics, Venetian slatting and welding machines. But all the cording and assembling is done by hand by our fantastic team. We’re now able to control our blinds via an app, from anywhere in the world, you can even use voice command to control them. Motorisation has become a staple in the industry and helps people who are not able-bodied to maintain their independence - just by being able to open and close their blinds.

As technology has improved so have components and material used. There are so many types of blinds now, each with benefits. Faux wood blinds are perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, PVC rollers and vertical blinds are great for clinical settings as they’re easy to keep clean. Cellular blinds help retain heat and keep energy bills down. Shutters are a growing trend; they reduce heat loss by 28per cent and are a stylish addition to a home.

We consider ourselves part of the community - we help local charities and schools with fundraising and we sponsor football teams. Visual Blinds is very much a family business: two staff members have been with us over 25 years and both Stephen and Zen’s children have done work experience here. Now Stephen’s daughter Charlie is training up to take over from her dad. We’ll be offering 10per cent off on our facebook page to T&A readers when they quote ‘Trader of the Week’!

* Visual Blinds, Duncombe Street, Bradford. Tel (01274) 367010; email info@visualblinds.co.uk; Facebook: Visual Blinds; Instagram: @Visualblindsyorkshire