 Broadview is a family-run business, headed by brothers, Mark and Ian Pratt. With a comprehensive range of custom-made blinds, canopies, awnings and security shutters, the company has acquired an extensive customer base which covers both the domestic and commercial markets.
What got you started in this industry?
Mark and Ian - Our father, David Pratt, who retired three years ago, began selling timber and mail order Venetian blinds in 1969. The demand was much greater for blinds and as a result of recognising the industry’s potential he expanded the blinds range and acquired premises. It was important to both of us to join our father when we completed our studies.
What do you feel was the company's big breakthrough?
Ian - When Broadview started the manufacturing process it provided us with the ability to respond quickly and effectively to individual requirements – ensuring total customer satisfaction. We believe in the slogan “It’s always a pleasure to measure”
Mark – When Ian and I decided to join our father to help build and manage the business. Broadview has built its success on the enthusiasm of its highly skilled craftsmen and consultation staff, who use their years of experience to design tailor-made products to meet individual customer requirements which are stylish, functional and affordable.
What do you feel is the greatest threat to the industry today?
Mark and Ian - Cheap imports could be a threat. To ensure we maintain a high presence in the market, we constantly invest in researching and developing new products.
Where does your company draw inspiration from for its products?
Mark and Ian - Our extensive experience is second to none in this industry. To remain at the cutting edge, we are inspired to develop product ranges that meet individual needs and we have confidence in our team to deliver the right product solution. We respond to client requests extremely well and implement changes to products, as and when required, very effectively.
What advice would you give someone entering the industry today?
Ian - Specialise in one area of the industry - retail, wholesale or contract.
Mark – Together with a comprehensive product range, provide a quick, efficient and affordable service.
How has the industry changed over the years?
Ian – The biggest change has been the increase in the choice of blinds and awnings for the end user allied to ever improving levels of automation.
Mark – Many businesses within the industry were small family-run firms. Today, as demand has increased in both the domestic and commercial markets, larger manufacturers are beginning to dominate the market.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
Ian and Mark – Eliminate seasonality.
How do you relax?
Ian - I race motocross and participate in endurance off-road motorcycle events on my Suzuki. I used to compete in the British Championship in my earlier years but now ride purely for fun at amateur club level. I also enjoy playing golf and going horse riding with my family.
Mark – During the winter I manage a local football team and in the summer I follow my daughter, who rides for Dorset, to national horse riding competitions. I also enjoy golf.
Who do you most admire in business?
Ian - Bill Gates from Microsoft. He has influenced our day to day activity in a way which was previously inconceivable.
Mark - The type of person I most admire is someone who can run a successful, thriving business and has time to listen to people’s needs.
What is the best thing about your job?
Ian - We have worked extremely hard to build and maintain a strong team at Broadview. One of the most satisfying parts of my job is finding bespoke solutions for individual businesses, for example working with RAC Auto Windscreens and Sunseeker to deliver tailor- made systems for their requirements.
Mark - Being able to create my own destiny.
What is your favourite pastime?
Ian - I ride my mountain bike twice a week off-road. This keeps me fit for the motocross and is very good for stress management.
Mark – I love football. I’m an avid Manchester United supporter!
Are you for or against the smoking ban?
Ian - Totally for it. It has also been a positive move for the awning industry, with businesses within the hospitality market recognising that they could profit from the ban by creating comfortable outdoor facilities to accommodate new, as well as existing, customers.
Mark- For it. I like going to restaurants and pubs and coming home not smelling of smoke.
What do you think will be the future big changes for the industry?
Ian - Growth in internet sales. Broadview have recently launched
the industry’s first innovative website with a dedicated section for trade customers. The site provides the opportunity to immediately request quotes, track the status of orders as well as check invoices and credits at the touch of a button.
Mark - Supermarkets selling blinds.
What has been your worst business decision?
Mark and Ian - Importing bamboo blinds. During the early nineties the demand for bamboo blinds was huge, although we had to dispose of a large quantity of them due to poor quality.
What has been your best business decision?
Ian – Setting up our strong UK dealer network and also developing our contracts with a host of blue chip clients.
Mark - Forging ahead with the plan to resolve the seasonality of the business. By investing in research and development, we have the ability to design and develop innovative awning products for non sun- related industries such as motor and marine.
'Live to work' or 'work to live'?
Ian - Both. My motto is work hard, play harder.
Mark - Work to live definitely.
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