The View Summer 2025

SUMMER ISSUE 2025

From boardroom to bedroom WITH THE NEW DURASHADETM COLLECTION

ANDREW BINGHAM DECORA’S NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR

Premium Hardwood Shutters | Express Rail Service Available WWW.SANTAFESHUTTERS.CO.UK

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A Warm Welcome As the new Managing Director of Decora, I’m proud to lead an innovative business supporting the UK Window Coverings trade. We focus on aligning technology with products blending aesthetic appeal and performance, staying ahead of evolving market needs.

Our product portfolio continues to grow, reflecting this commitment. DurashadeTM, our latest launch, brings to market a highly versatile and functional solution, offering a range of practical benefits to meet the demands of contemporary living. We’re excited to preview a refreshed Sunwood® collection, one that builds on the brand’s success by adding Bamboo, retaining best-selling colours, and introducing trend-led finishes.

The Fabric BoxTM collection continues to evolve, offering on-trend textures alongside enhanced blockout and dimout options. With the introduction of Cruze® Pleated & Cellular system, we’re further expanding our offering to support today’s modern interiors with effortless installation and streamlined design.

At Decora, our commitment remains clear to provide high performing, design led products that empower our trade partners to market and sell with confidence. Hope you enjoy our Summer edition of The View!

Andrew Bingham Managing Director

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CON

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NEW DURASHADETM COLLECTION

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DECORA SUSTAINABILITY 4

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FITtoFRAMETM

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AI TRAVEL

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06 Behind The Success 28 Cruze FITtoFRAME 10 Decora Sustainability 30 Visual Impulse 14 The Fabric Box Voiles 34 Made To Measure Portal 16 Let’s Get Social Packs 36 Sport 18 Trends 38 Sunwood 22 Durashade 42 Santa Fe Hampton 24 Travel 44 Summer Food 26 Cruze Family 46 Summer Drinks TM

TM

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TM

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SUMMER FOOD

SUNWOOD®

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TENTS 5

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behind the

WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF ANDREW BINGHAM AS MANAGING DIRECTOR AND DAVID KENT AS TRADE SALES DIRECTOR, DECORA BLIND SYSTEMS ENTERS A BOLD NEW CHAPTER. Decora is proud to introduce a new leadership era as Andrew Bingham steps into the role of Managing Director and David Kent joins as Sales Director. This transition marks a strategic evolution for the business, moving beyond its family-run roots under the Dickson family to embrace a forward-thinking vision. With a wealth of industry expertise and a dynamic, customer-focused outlook, both leaders are poised to guide Decora into its next phase of innovation and growth.

In this issue of The View, Andrew and David share their thoughts, direction and ambitions for Decora offering insight into the future of the business and what it means for our valued customers.

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DRIVING DECORA FORWARD WITH A CLEAR VISION STRONG LEADERSHIP, AND CUSTOMER-FIRST FOCUS With over 10 years at Decora, Andrew brings extensive industry knowledge. He’s focused on building strong teams, customerdriven strategies and sustainable growth through innovation.

significant investment in the business over the last 18 months in product and systems with a clear focus on supporting our trade customers and creating opportunities for them to grow their businesses.

What first attracted you to the industry and to Decora as a business?

Which decisions or strategies do you believe will have the greatest impact on Decora’s growth in the coming years?

Like many reading this, window coverings wasn’t on my “What do you want to do when you grow up?” list! At the time, it was the attraction of a graduate opportunity, and I grew up in a house where my Dad worked for another local manufacturing company so I was familiar with that environment and the textiles industry.

In Decora, we have great people right across the business. By continuing to develop our teams and keeping customers central to our decisions, we aim to deliver the best service and quality. As part of the Mzuri Group, we’ll keep leveraging shared expertise to enhance our systems, product design and ways of working.

In your role as MD, what is the biggest opportunity for Decora moving forward?

From your perspective, what has shaped Decora’s evolution into the brand it is today?

Decora sits in a unique position where it can trade with our customers on a wholesale basis, supply manufactured blinds or a hybrid of both. There has been

Various areas have shaped Decora and are ingrained in our culture and brand. A strong team and committed employees are at the heart of everything we do.

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Over the years, clear reinvestment into the business, especially in product, has built the portfolio we have today. Across marketing, product, and technical teams, attention to detail from concept to completion gives our products the look, feel and quality our trade customers expect from Decora.

What drives you personally, and what continues to motivate you professionally?

For anyone that knows me, my personality is one of “All In” for everything I do. I continually have a drive to be better and ensure that anything I am part of moves forward with purpose. From a professional perspective, I have been entrusted with this new role in Decora and my motivation is to add value across the business and help it progress on the next stage of its journey.

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Are there any upcoming products, service improvements, or innovations customers can look forward to?

It’s been a busy 12 months for product launches, including the latest Fabric BoxTM Roller & Vertical collection, our new Cruze® Pleated & Cellular System with FITtoFRAMETM, Cruze® Roller System, additions to the growing Hampton shutter range and the blinds and Curtains collection.

Without revealing too much, customers should keep an eye on the Cruze® brand as we continue to expand and further expansion into the soft cloth market!

“By continuing to develop our teams and keeping customers central to our decisions, we aim to deliver the best service and quality.”

DAVID KENT WILL LEAD THE SALES OPERATION WITH A CLEAR MISSION: TO ENSURE DECORA REMAINS THE UK’S NUMBER ONE TRADE SUPPLIER, DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL VALUE AND SERVICE TO ITS PARTNERS.

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With over 35 years in window coverings, David is known for his drive and dedication. He aims to enhance the customer experience and keep Decora as the UK’s leading trade supplier.

What are your key priorities for Decora moving forward?

We will continue to explore new ways to innovate within the market, whether through product development, enhanced services, or advanced technology. Our focus is on making our customers’ lives as simple as possible and ensuring that working with Decora is always straightforward, rewarding and efficient. Our goal is to become the go-to choice in the industry, a partner so reliable and forwardthinking that customers wouldn’t consider going anywhere else.

We aim to be front and centre in the market, confidently setting the standard others aspire to.

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In your view, which of Decora’s strengths stand out most in today’s market, and how do you see them evolving?

Our greatest strength is the scale of the business, but also the ability to be agile and adapt quickly to the needs of our customers.

Our manufacturing capabilities are staggering. Customers love the fact that they can get products quickly.

This is key in a market which is moving increasingly towards quick turnaround products. We have seen a significant transition in shutters.

Historically, customers were prepared to wait 12 weeks for shutters. However, we are seeing greater demand for our UK made short lead time product.

I believe the appetite for getting products more quickly will continue. The great thing for me is that we have the infrastructure already in place to continue to meet this demand.

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time, and through a lot of hard work and determination, I have managed to enjoy a long career in blinds! I guess the most recent defining moment was a message out of the blue, asking if I would be interested in a conversation about a sales role at Tropical Blinds back in February 2023.

Thankfully, I got the job and made the decision to return to the industry. Without that message or my experience at Tropical, I wouldn’t be at Decora today.

I’ll always be thankful for my time there and for working with such an incredible team.

Looking to the future, what are you most excited about when it comes to Decora’s direction?

The journey! Decora has an incredibly successful past and I’m proud to be part of the team that can build a really successful future.

How do you ensure customer needs remain central to key business decisions?

It is important that we continue to listen to our customers. We are lucky to have customers from all parts of the industry, whether that be independent retailers, multi-channel retailers, customers who trade online and those that manufacture products using our wholesale service. The great thing about Decora is that we are able to attain feedback from all of the key sectors in the industry. This provides us with an excellent opportunity to ensure that our business provides the right products and services to keep Decora at the forefront of the industry. It is vital that we continue to act on input and keep developing great products, supported by market leading service.

Can you share one of the most defining or proudest moments in your career so far?

I have been in the industry for over 35 years, I left school without any qualifications and fortunately I managed to get a role on a youth training scheme with a local blinds company in Nottingham (Hillarys).

I guess it is all I have known. I feel extremely fortunate to have met some amazing people in that

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“I want to harness Decora’s scale to stay industry leaders.

With the right people, technology, and innovation, we must keep striving to be best in class.”

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AT DECORA, WE BELIEVE EVERY DECISION WE MAKE CAN HELP SHAPE A BETTER TOMORROW. THAT’S WHY SUSTAINABILITY IS EMBEDDED IN OUR CULTURE, INFLUENCING HOW WE INNOVATE, MANUFACTURE AND GROW.

99.5 %

of light sources in the Decora buildings are LED.

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3.4% reduction in general waste per

TONNES OF WASTE

were diverted from landfill.

1,000 blinds

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at our Northern Ireland sites.

WASTE STREAMS segregated and recycled across operations.

ZERO WASTE TO LANDFILL ACROSS ALL ENGLISH SITES

Our ISO 14001 reflects our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint through tangible, measurable action.

Each Decora delivery includes QR codes on dispatch dockets, providing clear, step-by-step instructions on how to disassemble blinds and recycle components at your nearest recycling centre.

INSTALLED 150kW OF SOLAR PV in 2017, with an additional 250kW in 2023, significantly reducing our carbon footprint.

RECYCLING REINVENTED Sustainability doesn’t stop at production. We’ve reimagined the full lifecycle of our blinds, making recycling easy, accessible and impactful.

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TRUE SUSTAINABILITY STARTS WITH THE RIGHT FABRICS, AND WE’RE LEADING THE WAY WITH ECO-CONSCIOUS INNOVATION.

ALARA & ARONA Wide width roller FR fabrics made from

80%

UNIVIEW 3000 ECO

A high-performance solar screen made with

86% recycled polyester.

RECYCLED VOILES

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TIMBERLUX BAMBOO

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recycled polyester, upcycled from plastic bottles to support circularity.

new colours crafted from renewable, sustainably sourced bamboo.

SUNWOOD BLINDS

100% are packaged in

recycled voiles offer eco-conscious elegance for modern spaces.

recyclable, biodegradable. materials.

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COLLECTION

UNILUX / UNIVIEW UNICOLOUR / UNISHADE

Scan to order your Fabric Box Contract binder now:

THEFABRICBOX .CO.UK

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We’re dedicated to supporting our trade partners by offering on-trend, high-demand products that drive sales. Our latest Voiles Curtain Collection is a beautifully curated range of 40 wide-width sheer fabrics designed to bring effortless elegance, versatility and innovation into modern interiors.

As longer days bring more sunlight, customers are looking for stylish ways to soften it.

Voile curtains offer a light, breathable solution that enhances any space with a soft airy feel. Voiles are not only beautiful - they’re practical and sustainable. With 15 recycled fabrics from the Bliss and Casa ranges, these stunning sheers are ideal for customers seeking eco-conscious style.

Wave Curtain Track While voiles work effortlessly with standard tracks, they look especially striking on a wave curtain track, creating soft, uniform S-shaped folds for a clean, contemporary finish.

For added luxury, we offer motorised wave tracks with remote, app, or voice control.

Powered by Somfy™ smart motors, these wire-free or wired option offer seamless operation, enhanced privacy, light control and energy efficiency.

The Power of Pairing Voiles also pair beautifully with curtains for stylish layered window treatments.

The Fabric BoxTM Roman Blinds & Curtains collection features almost 200 stunning fabrics carefully curated to appeal to every taste and preference.

From timeless plains and rich velvets, to striking prints and soft linens, our diverse range of fabrics offers style and uncompromising quality.

Scan here to order your Voiles Collection book

Special Price!

“Alexa, open the curtains”

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Customers Love!

Social packs make it easier to stay consistent on social media with stylish, on-brand, ready-to-use content that keeps our feed professional. A total time-saver!

- Art Blinds and Shutters 16

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Social Posts Made by Us, For You! To help your business thrive in the digital age, we’ve created a suite of marketing materials. The assets feature quality photography and video content, crafted for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. They’re designed to elevate online presence, boost engagement, and support success when selling with us.

Unlock the Power of Social Media Ready to use content.

Boost engagement.

Save time creating posts.

Ensure brand consistency.

Completely free.

Drive more sales.

Download Now!

How to Get Started: Login to the MyDecora Portal.

Select ‘Downloads’ from the left panel.

Select ‘The Fabric Box’ & brand folder.

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Begin elevating your brand!

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TRENDS

As the seasons change, so too does the world of design.

A palette of vibrant yet subtle hues, along with tactile textures, are making waves in both fashion and interiors. Delicate pastels, airy linens and organic weaves define the colours and textures of Summer 2025, celebrating emotion, elegance and individuality.

This season’s design story is about creating meaningful spaces that reflect who we are, inviting warmth, comfort and creativity into every corner of life.

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Summer 2025 channels the calm of the sea with interiors that feel light, soothing. Aquatic tones meet sandy neutrals and sun-bleached whites, capturing the ease of coastal living. This modern aesthetic embraces simplicity, open layouts and light.

Textures bring warmth through organic materials cane, rattan and jute, while soft slipcovers and sheer voiles add breezy, seaside charm.

Framed Skeleton Coral Prints - Oka

Zafira Cobalt Bold blue brushstrokes capture the ocean’s depth, blending drama with coastal elegance.

Boheme Surf

Voiles

Zafira Cobalt

Isla Sideboard - Dusk

The Fabric BoxTM Voiles Curtain Collection brings depth and elegance to any space, combining style and effortless functionality.

Orion Vases - Peach and Parrow 19

Boheme Surf A stencilled leaf motif that pops against a blue backdrop, bringing this nature inspired design to life.

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Butter yellow shines as the standout shade of the season, radiating warmth and subtle vibrancy. Exuding optimism, this gentle colour brings uplifting energy to fashion and interiors, embracing the hue with style. In home décor, it casts a soft glow on walls, upholstery, and accents, adding sunshine indoors. This colour pairs effortlessly with natural textures and earthy tones, enhancing its cosy, sunlit appeal. More than a trend, butter yellow taps into our collective desire for hope and comfort.

Tallulah Hope

Tallulah Hope

A soft splash of butter yellow that adds elegance with its hand-drawn florals.

Sisi Summer

Akita Shine

Akita Shine

Embrace the charm of Sisi Summer, a bouclé-woven texture that captures the warmth and ease of the season.

Jeffers Sofa - Loaf

A sophisticated floral fabric brought to life by soft butter yellow watercolour.

Square Ruffles Cushion - Maison flaneur 20

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Soft, muted shades like powder pink, dusky blue and lilac define interiors this season, bringing gentle, refined energy. Paired with natural materials such as linen, wood and stone, they create a harmonious blend of colour and texture. Accents in brushed gold or matte black lend understated luxury, while light-filtering fabrics enhance the palette’s softness. The result is a serene atmosphere perfect for long summer days and relaxed evenings at home.

Couleurs de La Mer Poster - Gallerix

Renzo Heat

Isla Sorbet This elegant leaf design brings subtlety with its soft hues and pearlised finish.

Sephora Azure Adds gentle colour and a calming vibe with its flowing design, bringing a sense of ease and quiet elegance.

Casterlin Upholstered Armchair - Wayfair

Metal Table Lamp - The Maise

Renzo Heat Inspired by classic tweed, Renzo Heat is a richly textured fabric that adds warmth and modern depth to soft, pastel interiors.

Isla Sorbet

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As demand for practical, design-led window coverings continues to grow, the newly updated Durashade™ Collection provides the perfect solution. Now part of The Fabric Box™ portfolio, this durable range of 89mm vertical PVC blinds is designed for both domestic and contract markets, offering a range as functional as it is stylish.

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Built for Performance, Designed to Sell

New Designs, Trusted Favourites

DurashadeTM is engineered to stand up to everyday use while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic. It’s a product you can recommend with certainty, offering many practical benefits:

With 34 colourways across 8 ranges, the new DurashadeTM collection offers even more flexibility. Key new additions include: Alaya: A fine linear pattern inspired by the

Waterproof and wipeable: Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and high traffic environments.

popular Renzo textured weave. Available in 5 colourways, including pops of colour.

Tosca: A soft, shantung-inspired texture

Flame-retardant: Essential for contract and commercial compliance.

bringing warmth and depth to interiors.

Niro: Based on the bestselling Plaza PVC,

Cordless and pet-friendly: Ideal for family homes and healthcare settings.

in 5 neutral shades for wide appeal.

Blockout options: Providing privacy and light control.

Curved PVC slats: Offers improved closure as well as a less obtrusive aesthetic when fully opened.

Scan to order your DurashadeTM swatch or contact your ASM to be one of the first to get this new collection!

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These sit alongside established favourites such as Occa, Kuta, and the double-sided Amari, all updated volume selling colours to ensure continued relevance and sales potential.

This is a collection designed to perform across multiple sectors, from homes to hospitality, offices to healthcare.

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T R AV E L

AI Chat AI, can you recommend a holiday destination for this summer?

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Algarve, Portugal Flights start at £259pp from London

Alcudia, Mallorca

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Santorini, Greece

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Flights start at £479pp from London

Sure! Let’s take a look above at the exciting destinations you could choose to go to this summer.

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Rome, It

O

Flights start at £399pp from London

Flights star

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FROM TRIP PLANNING TO SHARING MEMORIES, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS REDEFINING TRAVEL. With smart tools, real-time assistance and personalised recommendations, travel is becoming more intuitive, efficient and enjoyable. From planning to booking, AI streamlines each step,anticipating needs and offering tailored suggestions in real time. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time traveller, technology makes every journey smoother and more inspiring.

This new era of exploration makes every journey seamless, personalised and uniquely yours.

PLANNING MADE EFFORTLESS

A PERSONAL TOUCH AT SCALE

SMOOTHER, SMARTER TRAVEL DAYS

Gone are the days of spending hours browsing flights, hotels and guides.

AI-powered platforms now learn from your preferences, suggest destinations based on your budget and interests and even build full itineraries at the click of a button. Tools like ChatGPT and AI-driven travel apps can help you discover hidden gems, create packing lists and navigate visa requirements all in real time.

One of the most exciting things about AI in travel is personalisation. Whether you’re a luxury traveller or a budget backpacker, AI can tailor recommendations just for you. From hotel rooms that adjust lighting and temperature based on your habits, to restaurant suggestions based on your previous reviews, AI helps to make every trip feel just right.

Travel itself is becoming more seamless too. Airports are adopting facial recognition to speed up security checks. Airlines are using predictive AI to minimise delays and rebook passengers automatically. Even language barriers are becoming a thing of the past, thanks to real-time AI translation tools that help you communicate anywhere in the world.

taly

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL AI is also helping both travellers and travel companies make more sustainable choices, from mapping out the most eco-efficient routes to helping hotels cut down on energy waste. By enabling smarter, data-driven decisions, AI supports environmentally friendly travel without sacrificing comfort.

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As AI continues to learn, adapt, and personalise, it has the potential to make travel more seamless, more sustainable, and more connected than ever before. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a once-a-year explorer, the future of travel is no longer just about where you go, it’s about how effortlessly you get there and how intuitively it responds to you. The journey is just beginning.

rt at £375pp from London

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Where Engineering Meets Design ESSENCE OF MOTION

CRUZE Vertical System

CRUZE Roller System

• Lightly textured headrail with

• Half fascia and full fascia options for

colour-matched components.

32mm and 40mm roller clutches.

• Patented headrail presents double

• Two fascia end cap options with standard

facing channels.

and fabric insert profile. available.

• Increase light management control

• Enhanced light control.

with handles closer to the headrail.

• Back bar for easy installation.

• Enclosed travellers increasing the speed of cording.

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f a m i l y System aesthetics merge with precision engineering, resulting in the coveted Cruze Family.

CRUZE Pleated & Cellular • Patented interlocking brackets on the FITtoFRAMETM system.

• Available in Tension, Freehanging, Perfect Fit® and FITtoFRAMETM.

• Suitable for bi-fold, sliding doors and tilt and turn windows.

• Versatile array of system options.

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The new unique FITtoFRAMETM system features patented interlocking brackets for a sleek, functional and integrated solution, for modern homes.

Why FITtoFRAMETM? • • • • •

FITtoFRAMETM in minutes.

No drilling required.

Frameless, streamlined finish.

Fold away handle for safety and minimal look.

Fast fitting using high-strength adhesive or beading brackets.

Engineered to work seamlessly with a range of doors and windows, ensuring smooth use without interfering with the blind.

Available in Wholesale & Made to Measure.

Wholesale Benefits: • Faster, more efficient production.

• Simplified measuring process (by glass size).

• Ideal for large windows.

Easy to fit in 3 simple steps.

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THE

VISUAL IMPULSE The secrets to a standout showroom

Why Update your Display Space?

Stay Current Keeping your product displays current helps to align with the latest interior design trends.

Boost Sales Showcasing the latest fabrics helps to drive customer interest and conversations.

Stay Competitive Fresh, modern displays capture attention and differentiate your store.

Showroom Experience Having blinds on display allows customers to visualise how they will look while seeing quality and functionality up close.

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Did you Know?

8 out of 10 customers base their buying decisions on what they see in-store.

Top Tips for a Standout Display

Mix & Match Combine different textures, colours and accessories to showcase the versatility of our collections.

Customer Engagement Well curated displays help customers envision the fabrics in their homes.

Accessories Matter Incorporate accessories like bottom bars and fascias, delivering a defined, custom finish and easy upsell to boost profit.

Need inspiration designing your Display?

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Email marketing@decora.co.uk or scan the QR code to access pre-curated designs tailored to The Fabric BoxTM 2025 collection.

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That drives sales Design Favourites: What’s Selling in Showrooms

Customers have been refreshing their showrooms with the latest styles from The Fabric BoxTM. Designed to inspire, engage, and convert, these top-selling fabrics stand out for their on-trend palettes and modern designs.

ABS Blinds, Kent

Flock

A bold showroom favourite, Flock features a striking flamingo print, perfect for turning heads. Its strong design presence makes it ideal for display, especially when styled alongside complementary plains or textured fabrics.

Sabina

With painterly florals and a velvet-inspired finish, Sabina brings a soft, trend-led look. Its versatile palette of pinks, greys and blues suits modern displays, bringing element of luxury with velvet texture into showrooms.

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Ella

Designed with statement styling in mind, Ella’s bold, wallpaper-inspired lines and rich colourways deliver instant visual impact. A strong option for modern showroom layouts looking to stand out.

Showcase your Fabric Box in Style

Kelso

Our new POS materials are designed to enhance your showroom presence and attract attention!

Branding Block

Kelso’s organic geometric pattern adds colour and depth to displays.

Its dramatic design and trio of colourways offer a bold yet balanced look, perfect for creating high-impact moments on walls or stand units.

Reinforces brand presence and visual appeal.

Window Sticker Highlights you’re an official The Fabric BoxTM stockist.

Swatches Pocket-size and portable swatches showcasing Splash & Bella, and Wide Width Fabrics. mpany, Belfast

The Vertical Blind Co

Zafira

Order Your POS Here

Zafira brings strong visual impact to any showroom display, with bold vertical brushstrokes and rich, confident colourways, softened edges and striking lines to create a refined, contemporary statement- ideal option for a head-turning fabric.

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measu

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ade to

En joy

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5%

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Ma

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MyDecora® is your streamlined portal built for ease and efficiency. With one login, access MTM, Wholesale, and Santa Fe portals, track deliveries, get updates and download marketing assets - all in one place.

to mea

s

count! s i D On selected MTM products when you order through MyDecora®, start ordering today!

*Terms apply. Selected products only.

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Ordering blinds is about to get easier. Our upcoming developments to the Made to Measure portal will make the process faster and more visual.

Responsive & Intuitive Mobile responsive design for easy access on any device.

Quickly add new orders, view previous ones, or check unsubmitted orders directly from the homepage.

Full Order History Easily move between live and archived orders.

Navigate orders with detailed visuals and a progress bar to show the current order status.

Helpful Resources Easy access to fitting instructions and specifications.

Click the (i) for quick option descriptions.

Visual previews with option images.

Streamlined Ordering Tailored product selection: Choose from blind categories with real-time visual updates showing blind appearance.

Realtime order updates.

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eads Back to R H p i sh oya n o i lP p or m a tru h C s n

The 15

h

3rd Op e

SPORT

SUMMER OF SPORT THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP ROYAL PORTRUSH, N.I 13-20 JULY 2025 36

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The sporting calendar for 2025 promises another bumper summer of British and Irish sport.

From iconic events like The Open Championship and Wimbledon to global showpieces such as the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, the summer is packed with thrilling competition.

Following our favourite teams and athletes around the world presents the perfect opportunity to blend our passion for sport with travel and exploration.

Whether it’s experiencing the electric atmosphere of a major golf championship or simply enjoying the buzz of a host city in full swing, these moments create lasting memories.

uniting the world’s best golfers and the sport’s most passionate fans on the magical Causeway Coast.

From local hero Rory McIlroy to world number one Scottie Scheffler, golf’s biggest stars will descend on the iconic Royal Portrush Golf Club to compete for the coveted Claret Jug in what promises to be one of the standout sporting showdowns of 2025.

From picturesque coastal towns to bustling cities, each destination offers its own unique charm, making every trip as much about the journey as the sport itself.

With more than 250,000 fans expected to flock to County Antrim’s breathtaking North Coast, there will be plenty for visitors to enjoy beyond the fairways, including live music, local cuisine and cultural celebrations throughout the week.

After the success of 2019, golf’s original championship is returning to Northern Ireland,

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At Royal Portrush, the 19th hole extends beyond the green, it’s where world-class golf meets Northern Ireland’s standout attractions.

Royal Portrush Golf Course

Dunluce Castle Dark Hedges

Bushmills Distillery

Magheracross Viewpoint

Whiterocks Beach

A short drive from Royal Portrush opens a world of discovery along Northern Ireland’s stunning North Coast. Beyond the greens, visitors can explore a landscape rich in natural beauty, history, warm hospitality, and flavour.

Walk in the footsteps of giants at the Giant’s Causeway, where hexagonal stone columns shaped by volcanic activity – and local mythology – form one of nature’s most striking landscapes. Equally dramatic, the Dark Hedges, once a quiet lane made famous by Game of Thrones, is a moody, tree-lined avenue offering a photogenic detour.

For the adventurous, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge provides a thrilling crossing high above the Atlantic, while those seeking tranquillity can find it on the coast’s windswept beaches, perfect for seaside escapes.

Toast a day well spent at the world-famous Bushmills Distillery, tasting centuries of whiskey-making tradition, with guided tours and exclusive tasting experiences available.

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A

LAUNCHING AUTUMN 2025

N G E

E ST

A material that not only aligns with today’s sustainability expectations but also offers a fresh take on interior window styling, blending natural elegance with modern design sensibilities.

SUNWOOD R

At the heart of this launch is the introduction of Bamboo.

A BO

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Elevate Your Space with the new Sunwood Real Wood Collection For over 25 years, Sunwood® has been a trusted name in timeless style and craftsmanship. The new Sunwood® Wood Collection goes even further, offering real wood venetian blinds in a selection of natural finishes, textures and tones. Choose from 23 stylish colours, in 35mm and 50mm slat widths, across 4 distinctive ranges: Essential, Perfect Grain, Soft Grain, and the all-new Bamboo.

The bamboo range introduces 4 stunning finishes, Capella, Cordia, Barsa and Jarrah, each offering a refined aesthetic that complements a range of interior palettes, from clean contemporary whites to deep, moody tones. These blinds are also presented with a new soft-angled valance, a subtle yet elegant detail that reinforces the brand’s attention to both function and form.

Alongside bamboo, the rest of the collection continues to celebrate natural textures and on-trend finishes. The Essential painted range returns with 12 versatile shades, including top-sellers like Pure and Carbon, while introducing Perla, a warm cream that perfectly captures the market’s shift from greys to earthy neutrals. The Soft Grain collection sees the debut of Narra Oak, a rich, oak-toned wood that brings depth and warmth to any space. Meanwhile, the Perfect Grain series launches Koa and Oska, 2 colourways designed for contemporary interiors.

Koa’s stunning white wood grain developed from our top seller Arctic Oak and Oska’s whitewash grain effect capture the essence of the Scandi interior trend.

With consumers actively seeking eco-conscious options that don’t compromise on style, the enhanced 2025 Sunwood® collection offers a strong, meaningful response. More than just blinds, Sunwood® is a considered choice for the modern home where style and sustainability go hand in hand.

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SUMMER ISSUE 25

FA S T E R ,

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Santa Fe’s Hampton Shutter Collection sets the standard with UK craftsmanship, combining exceptional durability, premium quality and fast lead times.

B I G G E R

The expansion of the shutter facility in Lisburn isn’t just about capacity, it’s about community. The new production line will bring 10 new jobs to the area, boosting the local economy while keeping production on UK soil. Local manufacturing also means a smaller carbon footprint, helping trade professionals offer customers a more sustainable product.

Following the ongoing uptake in demand, Decora is investing a further £100,000 into its Lisburn shutter production facility, increasing production space to 30,000 sqft. The installation of a fourth production line will increase output by 35%, to ensure Hampton’s impressive 2-week lead time remains in place, even through the busy Christmas season when overseas made options are no longer available for pre-Christmas Delivery.

With over 10 years of shutter-making experience, Santa Fe’s production team doesn’t just manufacture, they craft. Every shutter is measured, cut and assembled with a hands-on, local touch. Santa Fe sets the standard in both craftsmanship and quality across every aspect of production.

35% increase in capacity means faster deliveries and no festive cut-off panic.

Buying local shutters helps reduce shipping emissions, good for customers, good for the planet.

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SHUTTER ORDERING PORTAL

Solid PVC construction makes Hampton Shutters ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or any space where humidity is high.

The Santa Fe Ordering Portal transforms the way trade professionals quote, design, and deliver. Whether you’re in the showroom or on-site with a customer, the platform offers end-to-end support.

PORTAL FEATURES:

The matt finish emulates painted wood, offering a premium aesthetic with lasting endurance.

Quick quotes with ‘Quick Calculate’.

Urban 89mm louvre blades provide a contemporary closure aesthetic.

Live order tracking and status updates.

Rack and Pinion Operation, offering no visible tilt rods.

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Crafted with installer needs in mind, Hampton PVC shutters are robust, beautiful and with a concise portfolio to aid easier end user order decision making.

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Interactive design tools with line drawings.

3D visualisation to show clients exactly what they’re getting.

Online chat support from the Santa Fe team.

The online portal helps users go from quote to delivery, all from your laptop or tablet.

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SUMMER ISSUE 25

FOOD + DRINK

SAVOURING SUMMER Summer 2025 is serving up bold flavours, fresh ideas and a world of culinary creativity. This season, food isn’t just about satisfying cravings - it’s about exploring, experimenting and elevating the everyday. From globally inspired mashups to mood-boosting meals, these are the standout trends redefining how we eat, drink and entertain this summer.

Bold bites ahead flavour, fun, & fearless experimentation

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lavender

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Global Fusion

plant-based movement continues to flourish, with The experts and food enthusiasts experimenting beyond

traditional meat substitutes. Ingredients like jackfruit, lupini beans, and mycelium-based proteins are gaining popularity for their versatility and nutritional benefits.

These innovative plant-powered options are transforming how we think about plantbased eating, offering exciting new possibilities for both flavour and sustainability.

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Botanical Blends

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Plant Based Innovations

with international flavours weaving their way into everyday favourites. Traditional dishes are getting a fresh twist by blending flavours from different cultures - think Japanese-inspired tacos, Pork Banh Mi Burgers, or Indian fusion pizzas. Chefs and home cooks alike are embracing diverse ingredients such as harissa, yuzu and tamarind, bringing new dimensions to everyday meals.

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season is all about This celebrating culinary diversity,

SUMMER ISSUE 25

p izz a ion

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Floral flavours are in full

bloom. From elderflower cocktails to lavender-infused ice cream, botanical ingredients are adding an aromatic and refreshing touch to summer treats. Even coffee culture is getting the floral treatment - just look to Starbucks’ limited-edition lavender drinks for inspiration. These delicate, fragrant notes are the perfect way to add elegance to warm-weather entertaining.

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SUMMER ISSUE 25

SIPPING SUMMER

Paloma brings a bold, zesty energy F resca to every sip, bursting with flavour. This

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vibrant twist on a classic mixes the sharp sparkle of grapefruit with smooth tequila for a drink that dances on the palette.

Ingredients

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2oz Tequila 2oz grapefruit juice plus wedges for garnish 2oz sparkling water 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 1/4 ounce agave nectar or simple syrup Coarse sea salt, for the rim of the glass Ice

Method Salt the rim of the glass by rubbing a grapefruit wedge around the edge and dipping it onto a small plate of salt. Mix the tequila, grapefruit juice, sparkling water, lime juice and agave nectar into the glass. Fill the remainder of the glass with ice. Adjust sweetness to taste. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.

Ingredients • • • • •

Peach puree 1oz lemon juice 6 - 8 basil leaves 1/2 teaspoon of honey 3oz soda water (or kombucha)

Method

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your glass. Peach meets lemon and basil, with a hint of honey for smooth sweetness. A splash of fizz adds lift, making it ideal for warm days, slow brunches or garden escape.

Add the peach puree, lemon juice, basil, honey and a splash of water into the shaker and mix with ice and shake well. Strain over ice on top with your choice of kombucha or soda water.

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the soft light of a summer evening, this L ike mocktail brings a mellow kind of magic to

Taste the bold vibrant, zesty & bursting with flavour

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