A Sudbury manufacturer of external shading products has won the People’s Choice Award for the East and East Anglia region at the Family Business of the Year Awards 2020.
Caribbean Blinds specialises in the manufacture and supply of outdoor shading systems including stylish patio awnings, external blinds and its louvred roof canopy branded the Outdoor Living Pod.
Founded in 1987 by Ray and Angie Dantzic, the independent company remains family-run following a structured buy-out by their sons, Stuart and Brad Dantzic in January 2017. Since this time, the duo have implemented a strategic development plan that has driven growth by 30% year-on-year, more than doubling turnover and tripling net worth by the close of 2019.
An annual celebration of the UK’s leading family run organisations, the Family Business of the Year Awards by Family Business United recognises the best of British family businesses and celebrates the contribution that family firms make to the UK economy.
With 2020’s ceremony taking place virtually on 25 June 2020, Caribbean Blinds scooped the People’s Choice Award for the East and East Anglia; demonstrating a high level of support from customers across the region.
Stuart Dantzic, managing director at Caribbean Blinds, commented: “The entire Caribbean Blinds team love what they do and take great pride in providing the very finest external shading systems. Whether offering expert advice, precision manufacturing our solutions or carrying out a perfect installation, every team member works tirelessly to ensure a seamless process from start to finish, so this highly coveted award is great recognition of everyone’s continued, outstanding work.
“Caribbean Blinds has had a successful start to the year, with the introduction of an upgraded software system, alongside the launch of a new website that provides the largest information resource on external shading. Winning the People’s Choice Award is another great achievement for 2020 and we are extremely honoured to be taking home an award from such a reputable organisation that is close to our hearts. Congratulations to all other winners on the night.”
Caribbean Blinds celebrated a record sales month, with a 10% increase in sales compared to May 2019.
This surge in revenue follows the launch of the brand’s dedicated ‘Holiday at Home’ campaign, which encourages consumers to make the most of the current lockdown period by creating their very own ‘slice of paradise’ in their garden.
Employing 24 staff at its Headquarters in Sudbury, Suffolk, the family run business says it has ambitious objectives for continued growth.