With many years experience in the window fashions industry behind him, Steve McGibbon, managing director of Rufflette answers the questions from Blinds & Shutters

I joined Rufflette in 1999, when I was head hunted for the UK national sales manager’s role.


What do you feel was the company’s big breakthrough?

I think it goes back to the 1930s when Rufflette invented curtain tape. Prior to that, the company produced gun belts for the military and towards the end of the Second World War the same looms were adapted for the window decoration products manufactured today. It’s this heritage as well as continued product development, backed up by powerful marketing that has given the company a respected brand world wide.


What do you feel is the greatest threat to the industry today?

Two things spring to mind, one being low cost, lower quality manufacturing in the Far East which will inevitably reduce the demand for higher quality UK produced products. I also think the lack of sewing skills and the growth of the throwaway society within the younger generation does have a bearing on the brand’s future strategy. We have to be proud of our heritage and at the same time remain one step ahead in terms of product development, marketing and the opportunities we offer our customers.


Where does your company draw inspiration from for its products?

We have a wide experience in design and innovation as well as a clear strategy, allowing most products to be developed in house. We work very closely with chosen suppliers also in developing the correct products in line with our vision.


What advice would you give someone entering the industry today?

My first reaction is - don’t bother. Go into banking or a service industry, not manufacturing. Sadly, there is no support for UK manufacturing from this government to the point where, if it continues, there will be no UK manufacturing business left. Having said that, the soft furnishing industry is an exciting arena to be in, with copious amounts of new and innovative products being sold every day.


How has the industry changed over the years?

Gone are the days where you could afford to take risks. The market is such nowadays that customers only want what they want, when they want it. As a consequence, suppliers and manufacturers have to make the correct product selections first time and find it difficult to push the boundaries as once they used to do. For everyone in the chain, stock is just cash tied up on the shelf and there are few businesses that can afford to have it tied up for long!


If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

Our industry competes in a worldwide market that isn’t a level playing field. As a result, the UK manufacturing industry has nearly disappeared along with much of the expertise. The UK is becoming a service nation which means our trade gap will continue to widen and I therefore believe that incentives ought to be put in place to bridge the gap and protect what is left of manufacturing industry in this country.


How do you relax?

Five years ago I was persuaded to buy a Blue Roan Cocker Spaniel for the kids, who were ten and 13 at the time. This was on the basis that they would take it for walks etc. So, for the last five years I have been up at 6 am taking the dog for a brisk 20 to 30 minute walk, which is great exercise and gets me ready for the day ahead. I also play golf which I find relaxing and frustrating at the same time.


What is the best thing about your job?

My role is to ensure the future of the Rufflette branded business and that of its employees. I am a team player and the team at Rufflette is an important reason for the efforts that I put in to the company.


What is your favourite pastime?

I played football to a reasonable standard for over 20 years and now have season tickets for Manchester City. I am a 15 handicap golfer and find the game both challenging and rewarding. I also played a reasonable amount of cricket in my time for Compstall Cricket Club, a village team near Marple in Stockport.


Are you for or against the smoking ban?

Absolutely for the smoking ban. Even though my mum has smoked all her life I detest the habit and brought in the no-smoking at work policy 12 months before it became a legal requirement.


What do you think will be the future big changes for the industry?

There are many changes happening within the industry at present that may have a bearing on future direction. The internet is reaching the consumer directly every day. I hope that we are strong enough to make the key strategic decisions at the right time to be a part of the industry’s/market’s future.


What has been your worst business decision?

I was headhunted for a role at Wardle Fabrics, a printing and dyeing business in Chinley, Derbyshire in 1988. I had left a secure job for the usual perks but after six months the decision was made at the head offices of Coats Viyella to close the plant. I was fortunate to be one of the last to leave but found myself out of work with a wife who was three months pregnant and, after an unfortunate footballing injury, a broken leg. Some business decisions are out of your hands but I will remember this one!


What has been your best business decision?

Moving to Rufflette in 1999 was one of the best decisions I have made – especially having previously worked for a large PLC. The phrase a small cog in a big wheel spring to mind. Since the Bandex family took over Rufflette in 2001, I have progressed my career to managing director thanks to gaining recognition for all the hard work I have put in along the way. The future strategy of the Rufflette business is the key decision at the moment with the launch of our ‘A La Carte’ window fashions offer to the market.


‘Live to work’ or ‘work to live’?

While I put in many extra hours when needed, I am definitely a ‘work to live’ person. I want to be a part of my wife and kids’ future and I enjoy every living moment.

• Rufflette