Two Huddersfield blinds and interiors firms have been subject to a management buy-out.
E-commerce retailer Interior Goods Direct Ltd (IGD) and Green & Brown Ltd (G&B), a manufacturer of quality home and commercial window coverings, have been bought by the directors to continue the growth of both companies.
Led by managing director Nigel Blakey, the buyout sees the four directors – Job Brown (operations), James Toase (commercial) and Andy Thomson (finance) – taking a controlling interest in both companies.
Darren Green, who founded IGD in 2003, alongside its retail e-commerce business, BlindsDirect.co.uk, and G&B in 2010, will remain as non-executive chairman for both organisations.
The buyout is aimed at furthering growth and providing more employment and opportunities for the 270 staff.
Both companies have seen recent multi-million-pound investments including a move to a new, 130,000 sq ft manufacturing facility based at Colne Bridge Road, Huddersfield.
The business has also recently invested close to a quarter of a million pounds in sustainability initiatives including roof-mounted solar panels and energy efficient LED lighting.
Blinds Direct, IGD’s online retail e-commerce business, continues to grow its reputation as one of the UK’s leading blinds and home accessories specialists serving over 15,000 customers per month.
Since its creation, Green & Brown has grown and established itself as a leading supplier for trade blinds, manufacturing a comprehensive range of UK made interior furnishings including vertical blinds, roller blinds and wooden blinds, alongside hand-sewn Roman blinds and curtains.
Nigel Blakey, managing director, said: “It is a very exciting time for the future of our companies. This buyout is a testament to our team’s hard work, dedication and belief in the potential of our company.
“We are proud to be one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of made-to-measure blinds, curtains and shutters, based in Huddersfield, the traditional UK heartland of textiles.
“Unlike many online retailers we have our own manufacturing facility in the UK, and we are passionate about doing all we can to help our UK textile industries thrive and survive, not losing the deep heritage and skilled people that make our fantastic products.
“With the buyout now complete, and a strong and ambitious team in place, we can focus on our plans for growth and to continue to implement a range of initiatives that will further strengthen our operations.
“While developing both companies, we also look forward to providing greater employment opportunities for the region, developing our existing team members, and delivering exceptional value and service for our customers.”
