Business Summary

A SUCCESFUL PROFITABLE ON-LINE MADE-TO-MEASURE CURTAIN SUPPLY BUSINESS CURRENTLY LOCATED IN A SHOP/OFFICE UNIT IN SUSSEX, BUT EQUALLY EASILY RELOCATABLE

LOCATION
This successful on-line business is currently located on the outskirts of a major town in East Sussex, but can easily be relocated if preferred, it is considered that the business can be run either from its existing shop/ office unit, a home base with some storage or from a shop or unit in virtually any location in the UK.

Orders are received from all over the UK, as well as some from abroad (mainly Europe) and the vast majority are placed directly on-line on the company's website and are then easily processed and dispatched accordingly.

THE CURRENT BUSINESS PREMISES
Until 2012 the business was run from the owner's home with a workshop in the garden and office in the house, but with the demands of a family, the owner decided it was time to move out of the home environment into the current premises comprised of a lock-up shop unit with workshop and administration office above. The shop was opened for additional retail sales in September 2012.

The shop is located in a secondary parade position and is comprised of a double width unit which has been completely refurbished, decorated and fitted out by the owner. To the outside it has a colourful and eye-catching fascia name board and large display windows.

As you enter the shop there is attractive laminate wood flooring and a large display of purpose built shelving for the wide range of materials that are on offer, to the rear is a customer serving area with PC and till, there is a further area to the side for additional displays. This leads into the workshop, which includes a large central work bench and various fitted storage cupboards and shelves.

Open-plan stairs to the rear of the shop lead up to another large room, which is effectively split into an Administration Office area with 2 x desks and 3 x computers, printers, filing cabinets, etc and a further area with small work bench and large purpose built multi-shelved storage cupboard for samples. On this level there is also a Kitchenette and a further small Store Room.

TENURE
We understand from the owner that the Freeholder is very reasonable and they are in current negotiations to agree the terms of a formal lease on the premises and the rent going forward, subject to the sale of the business.

Therefore it is envisaged that a new owner can either choose to relocate the business or enter into a new lease. As detailed earlier, the position is secondary so it is likely that any rent agreed will be at a competitive rate.

THE BUSINESS
The business was started by the owner approximately 10 years ago and specialises in made-to-measure curtains, roman blinds, roller blinds and co-ordinating soft furnishings, all professionally hand-made.

Clients simply browse the large collection of designs on the website and by using the on-line quotation system can find out in an instant how much their choice will cost and order directly on-line or take advantage of the free sampling service. 95% of all orders are on-line, with the shop accounting for 5%. Some 75%-80% of orders are made without any other contact from the client, whilst approximately 20% like to discuss their choice/ options and then place a telephone or on-line order. All orders are paid for in advance, so the business benefits from a very positive cash flow situation and with no bad debt issues.

Made-to-measure curtains and blinds take approximately 3-4 weeks, with fabrics being delivered in a matter of days. The vast majority of sales are of curtains, but the website which has recently been updated and has full IT Support is fully automatic. There is also lots of potential to add more associated products in addition to the current range which also includes headboards, coat hooks, beanbags, cushion covers, bedding and bedside lamps.

The business is run by the owner with the assistance of one full-time member of staff, a further part-timer, a part-time bookkeeper and 8 self-employed sub-contracted curtain makers, and in the last financial year turnover was in excess of £260,000 with a Net Profit well in excess of £33,000.

Further growth potential also exists with a recently launched associated website aimed at a slightly different market of buyers of curtains and their associated products, as well as a recently started Ebay trading site for discounted lines, lots of additional potential exists with the introduction of a Facebook presence. The unique range of products supplied have been featured on ITV's 60 Minute Makeover, as well as in Traditional Homes & Interiors and Vogue Magazine.

This growing business is well organized and run, the owner has the benefit of taking holidays, even a month's holiday last year without problem, and the business is perhaps ideal for someone with a flair or interest in interiors or furnishings, it would equally be ideally suited for a husband & wife operation or partnership arrangement.

The current owner is willing to help and assist a new owner with agreed training/ hand-over to ensure a smooth transition to new ownership.

Stock is estimated to be in the region of £30,000.

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