And the company's success is down to old-fashioned virtues of giving the customer what they want, coming up with the right product and above all, no middle men.

As one of the few suppliers in the area which also manufactures its products, Blind Design is competitively priced compared with national companies who have huge overheads.

Graham Malcolmson, commercial sales manager, said, "We now have 19 people working for us which is quite a work force considering our modest beginnings.

"The company can supply nearly any type of blind and as a family-owned concern, all of us know that customer satisfaction is paramount.

"We never pressurise visitors to our showroom but we're confident we can service their needs."

The opening of the new factory unit, which is adjacent to the showroom in Harvington Business Park, was attended by Eastbourne and Wealden MP Nigel Waterson and the Mayor of Eastbourne Cllr Mary Pooley.

Cllr Pooley said, "This is a local success story based on constant improvement, innovation and understanding of the marketplace.

"It's exactly the kind of growth we want for companies in Eastbourne and Hampden Park. Blind Design is offering excellent products at a reasonable price.

"With new independent concerns flourishing in the Arndale Centre, the local business community is buoyant at the moment."

He said, "I was delighted to open the new facility for Blind Design and am always pleased to see a local company progressing the way this long-established concern has done."