HOMEFAIR Blinds, which has head offices in Seaham and Manchester, has been acquired in a management buy-out led by Steve Ellithorn, Claire Ripley and Shaun Welsh.

The trio acquired the company from retiring director, Jonathan Fitton.

The County Durham retailer and manufacturer of blinds and shutters is looking to develop and grow its product offerings as the management buy-out team has extensive knowledge of the sector and have exciting plans for the growth of the business.

Steve Ellithorn, sales and customer service director has been at Homefair Blinds more than 22 years. Claire Ripley, finance director joined the business over a decade ago following 13 years in accountancy practice, having trained with Ernst & Young earlier in her career.

Shaun Welsh joined the business as operations director in 2017 bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience having worked in the industry for the UK market leader for more than 25 years.

Founded in 1985 with one showroom, Homefair Blinds has been offering its clients window covering solutions for over 30 years. The business now currently employs in excess of 180 people across the North-East and North-West, within more than 25 showrooms and also two large manufacturing plants in County Durham.

Steve said, “We have a fantastic team and are proud of what we have achieved at Homefair Blinds, which we aim to build upon as owners of the business. We have exciting plans for the future as part of our overall vision including, increasing our digital presence and showroom portfolio, particularly in the North West.

Shaun added, “With blind technology continuously developing, we will also be extending our product portfolio to offer customers, safe cutting-edge window coverings.”

Marie-Louise Bozonet, corporate partner at Square One Law said, “We were delighted to act for Steve, Claire and Shaun. The management buy-out is an important succession opportunity for the business and the significant experience in the new management team will set the business in good stead for the future.”

Claire Ripley commented, “We are grateful to Square One Law, which has expertly guided us through the buy-out process. Marie-Louise and the team provided us with helpful and intelligible advice, and we couldn’t have done it without them.”