The riverbank in Spalding has to be one of the town’s most picturesque places to live - but even the ducks appreciate a little privacy sometimes.
Today, the choice of window dressings doesn’t have to stop at curtains and, as I was moving into a brand new pad, I was delighted when a local blinds company popped a message on the Free Press Facebook page.
Spalding man James Blade had aspired to be his own boss for quite some time.
Having worked in the building industry and seen a decrease in work projects, he started to research the opportunity of starting his own blind fitting business using the skills and knowledge gained with a local company earlier in his career.
With the help of his partner, Gemma, who first heard of the Start-up Loan scheme managed by former Dragons’ Den star James Caan, James got to work filling in the application.
After only a few weeks, he found out he had been successful. James (29) commented: “I had been thinking about starting my own business for some time, but never in a million years thought I would have the financial backing which would allow me to do so.
“Three months on and I wouldn’t look back! I enjoy being my own boss and the fact I get to do something every day which I love. All the lovely comments we get from our customers is also a plus.”
Since starting the business, Blades Blinds has had its story published on the NWES website, where details about the loans can be found, and has also had various emails and tweets of support from James Caan.
As for my windows, they are looking very smart in blue, beige and white stripe - with a New England meets California beach theme running throughout. Well, at least there’s water along the riverbank.
For more information, visit www.bladesblinds.co.uk or for a free quotation call 01406 821076.