Who We Are

Who We Are

Hi, I’m Sue Baisden, Managing Director of John’s Blinds & Curtains – thank you for taking the time to find out more about us.

A Business Built on Family Values

John’s Blinds has been proudly serving homes and businesses in Essex since 1975. It all began with John and Janet Margrain, who set up a stall at Romford Market with a simple idea: to offer high-quality blinds with personal service.

Over time, their hard work and dedication earned the trust of local customers and the business grew.

A New Chapter Begins

In 2008, my husband Steven and I took over the business. We’d already spent several years working alongside John and Janet and shared their passion for great service and well-made products.

We made it our mission to grow the business further, without losing the personal touch that made it special. One of our goals was to make John’s Blinds a household name in Essex by 2018 – and thanks to our amazing team and loyal customers, we’ve achieved that.

We now have our own factory and showroom space in Wickford, always keeping those same values from our beginnings at heart.

Proudly Made in Wickford

Today, we operate from our showroom and factory in Wickford. Many of our blinds are made right here, using trusted components sourced from UK suppliers. This means we can maintain quality, offer fast turnarounds and control the details that matter.

Our growing team of over 11 experts shares our commitment to doing things right. Whether it’s one window or an entire home, every job gets the same level of care and attention.

Why Choose Us?

At John’s Blinds, we believe in doing business the old-fashioned way – with honesty, reliability and a friendly, helpful approach. We don’t believe in pressure sales. Instead, we focus on offering expert advice and tailored solutions that work for you.

We’re not an online-only business or a pop-up shop. We’re local, we’re here when you need us and we’ll still be here for years to come.

Real People, Real Passion

This business has been part of my life for over 20 years. Every member of our team plays a part in our success and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together.

If you’re thinking about Blinds, Curtains or Plantation Shutters, we’d love to help. Come visit us in Wickford or give us a call. There’s always a friendly face waiting to welcome you.

Thanks again for stopping by.

Sue Baisden
Managing Director
John’s Blinds & Curtains

Keeping it in the Family

John and Janet Margrain laid the foundations of our family business back in 1975, starting with a humble stall at Romford Market. Over the years, they built a loyal customer base across Romford and the surrounding areas – largely through word of mouth, repeat business and a reputation for quality and care.

“I can still remember when there used to be livestock in the Market,”
John Margrain, founder

Fast forward to 2006, when Steven and I welcomed our first child, Samuel. I returned to my job in the City, while Steven began working with John a few days a week. It was the perfect arrangement – Janet helped care for Samuel and Steven learned the ropes both on the market stall and during installations across local homes.

In 2008, while I was expecting our daughter Emily, John approached us about taking over the business. He was nearing retirement at 65, and after so many years of hard work, it was time for a new chapter. We knew it would be a shame to let such a well-loved local business simply close its doors. So, we said yes.

We bought the business with a vision: to build on the legacy John and Janet had created and to keep their name and values going strong.

And as the saying goes… the rest is history.