A true North East family success story, Contour Blinds and Shutters has been transforming homes and businesses across the region for three decades — powered by strong family values and a dedication to local craftsmanship.
Run by Trevor and Andrea Dingwall, alongside their daughter Zoe Brown, Contour Blinds and Shutters is based at their showroom in Whitley Bay with its factory in Benton. The business has grown steadily through word of mouth, quality products and good old-fashioned service — and now even includes a third generation of the family, as the grandchildren come in for work experience.
“We bought the company back in 2004,” says Trevor. “It was a small husband and wife business back then. We spotted a ‘for sale’ sign while driving past, decided to take a chance — and we’ve never looked back. When we took it on, there was only myself Andrea and Ben. Today, we employ twelve local staff who are all time served and very dedicated.”
Originally established in 1995, Contour Blinds and Shutters is celebrating 30 years in business this year. The company’s growth and longevity are rooted in its reputation for quality, service and trust.
“All our staff are employed directly — no subcontractors,” Trevor explains. “Everyone starts by learning how to make blinds before moving on to fitting them, so they understand the full process. That’s why our customers keep coming back — we take care of people properly, and they know we’ll always be there when they need us.”
For daughter Zoe, Contour Blinds has been part of life for as long as she can remember. “I started out helping in the factory, cutting louvres and getting hands-on,” she says. “Then I moved into the showroom. I’d trained in beauty and holistic therapy, so I’ve always enjoyed talking to people, but that personal connection is what makes us who we are.”
And the family link doesn’t stop there. “All of our children have worked here at some point — Saturday jobs, holiday jobs, you name it,” adds Andrea. “Now even the grandchildren have started coming in for work experience. It really is a full family effort.”
The company’s work covers everything from private homes and schools to commercial properties and bespoke projects — and Contour is well-known for finding creative solutions where others might give up. “We’ll always find a way to make it work,” says Trevor. “That’s why other companies often send customers our way.”
As they celebrate three decades of business, Trevor, Andrea and Zoe are proud that Contour Blinds and Shutters remain a family-run firm built on loyalty, care and community.
“We might be talking about blinds all the time — even at family gatherings,” laughs Zoe, “but we love what we do. And I think that’s why our customers love coming back to us. Here’s to another 30 years in business.”
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Photo: The Dingwall family in their showroom (Steve Brock Photography)