Blind Screen Ltd
30 January 2025
Sector: Blind Manufacturing
Location: Derby
Blind Screen Ltd is an international blind design and manufacturing business based at Pride Park in Derby.
With over 20 years of experience in the blinds industry, it was set up in 2022 by entrepreneurs Lenny Reynolds and Paul Cheetham. Their products are manufactured in the UK and fitted by more than 1,000 national and independent blind companies nationwide.
It recently unveiled its next-generation thermal solution Blind ScreenTM 02 DT which reduces heat loss by a massive 49% compared with just double glazing alone. Blind Screen currently has 8 employees.
Challenges faced
The business had ambitions to grow but has faced challenges around getting the funding to support its growth plans.
Another issue was the lack of 3D CAD (computer-aided design) development skills internally, which was hindering innovation
The business also needed help to test and prove the thermal efficiency of its blinds enabling Blind Screen to accurately promote its full features and benefits. Finally, as experienced by many businesses, Brexit has made it much more difficult for Blind Screen to supply its products to Europe.
Solution and Impact
Blind Screen has been supported by several business support programmes.
The Derby Innovation Accelerator grant from the University of Derby has helped support the mass production and worldwide distribution of its latest blind innovation, ZEDDFIT. Accelerator is funded by Derby City Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.
Blind Screen has also worked with the University of Derby on an accelerated KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) helping them develop new innovative products to bring 3D modelling in-house, enabling prototyping of its products with the use of a 3D printer. This has led to reduced costs for the business and helped it stay ahead in a highly competitive market.
Innovate UK Business Growth funding and advice from East Midland Chamber’s Innovation & Growth Specialist, Neil McCluskey helped the business refocus and reposition its strategy.
The previous academic research from the KTP study showed that the Blind Screen product had advanced thermic properties, and the blinds could dramatically reduce heat loss through windows and help towards the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.
Using funding from Innovate UK Business Growth the business was able to perform an IP audit and identify and patent the Blind Screen designs.
With support from Innovate UK Business Growth the business now has the intellectual foundations on which they can build a globally scalable business.
Blind Screen has also benefited from Derby City Council’s Ascend programme. With support from the Council’s Economic Growth Manager, Jane Kirby, the business has received a £25,000 loan and £10,000 grant to support the business’ growth. The support included, but was not restricted to, capital investment and costs towards the KTP with the University of Derby.
In addition, the Council supported the business with a pilot test in a nursing home, alongside Derby University, to do some initial thermal testing of the blinds (both keeping heat in in the winter and heat out in the summer).
Other support includes a £10,000 grant from Vision Derbyshire enabling them to exhibit at the Grand Design Live and other shows.
“The support received has been instrumental in the success of Blind Screen’s worldwide expansion. We wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without it.”
- Paul Cheetham, Marketing Director
This initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of Derby City Council.
