50 Years, Three Generations And Thousands of Windows

Fifty years ago, Bob Talbot started making blinds in a small workshop on the Isle of Man alongside his son, Andy.

Half a century later, the family business is still going strong, only now it’s Bob’s grandchildren, Kirsty and Simon Talbot, who are calling the shots.

Talbot & Son, based in Union Mills, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, making it the Island’s longest-established blind manufacturer and supplier.

While plenty has changed since 1976, the family says one thing has stayed exactly the same: looking after people.

“We’ve never wanted to be the biggest,” says Kirsty. “We’ve always wanted to be the company people trust and recommend.”

If you’ve lived on the island for a while, there’s a fair chance you’ve had Talbot & Son in your home at some point. The company has fitted blinds, curtains and shutters for thousands of Manx homes and businesses over the years and in many cases, for more than one generation of the same family.

It’s not just the customers who’ve stuck around either. Several members of the eight-strong team have spent decades with the business, creating the sort of experience that only comes from years of working together.

While the business has its roots firmly in traditional craftsmanship, Simon has been leading the move into smart home technology, installing automated blinds and curtain systems that can improve energy efficiency and integrate with home automation.

“People are often surprised by what blinds can do these days,” Simon says. “They’re not just straight forward blinds anymore, they can actually make your home more comfortable and more efficient.”

Despite embracing new technology, the family believes being local is still their biggest advantage.

“When you choose a local business, you know we’re here if you need us,” Kirsty says. “We measure, we fit, we look after everything afterwards, and we’re only ever a phone call away.”

To mark the milestone, Talbot & Son is holding a 50th Anniversary Open Day at its Union Mills showroom on Saturday 5 September, from 10am until 4pm.

There’ll be refreshments, anniversary exclusive offers, more than £5,000 worth of prizes, and every visitor will receive a 10% discount voucher.

For Kirsty and Simon, though, the anniversary isn’t really about celebrating blinds.

“It’s about the people,” Kirsty says. “The customers who’ve supported us, the staff who’ve been with us for years, and the generations of families who’ve trusted us in their homes. We feel incredibly lucky to have been part of the Island for 50 years, and we’re excited to see what the next chapter brings.”