How to Become a Blinds & Shutters Installer: Hillarys, Shutterly Fabulous & Other UK Training Opportunities
Want to become a blinds fitter or plantation shutters installer but don't know where to start? Well you are in luck, several established UK companies offer training, self-employed opportunities and franchise programmes.
We compare the main options, what they involve, the plus points and negatives, and whether starting your own independent business might be a better choice.
When you first look at considering a career fitting blinds or plantation shutters, one of your first questions is probably going to be:
"Where can I learn to fit blinds and shutters, and can I train with an established company?"
The good news is that there are several routes into this industry. You could train with a national company such as Hillarys, work as a self-employed shutter specialist with Shutterly Fabulous, investigate a franchise or gain experience before launching your own independent installation business.
But these options work differently, particularly when it comes to training costs, customer appointments, earning potential and business ownership.
Here's what you need to know.
1. Can You Become a Blinds Installer Without Experience?
Yes, some companies recruit people without previous blinds-fitting experience and provide practical training. However, fitting made-to-measure blinds and shutters involves more than basic DIY skills.
You'll need to learn how to measure accurately, choose suitable fittings, understand different window constructions, operate safely and deal professionally with customers.
Different training programmes may focus on:
Product knowledge and customer consultations.
Measuring windows accurately.
Installing different blinds and shutters.
Safe use of drills, tools and fixings.
Child safety requirements.
Preparing quotations.
Managing appointments and orders.
Some opportunities combine selling and installing products, while others focus primarily on installations.
If you prefer practical work to sales, make sure you understand exactly what a position involves before applying.
2. Hillarys Blinds Training and Self-Employed Opportunities
Hillarys is one of the UK's best-known window furnishings companies. The company recruits self-employed advisers who visit customers, demonstrate products, measure windows and return to fit the finished blinds or curtains.
What training does Hillarys provide?
Its recruitment information describes a structured training programme covering product knowledge, sales, measuring and fitting.
Training takes place at its specialist facilities, where new advisers learn how to work with the product range and manage customer appointments and previous fitting experience is not necessarily required.
What support do you receive?
Depending on the opportunity, the package can include:
Initial training.
Measuring and fitting tools.
Product sample collections.
Technology for managing appointments and orders.
Customer appointments arranged through the company.
Ongoing operational support.
Is there a startup cost?
Yes. Hillarys advertises an initial investment for its self-employed adviser opportunity. The amount, payment options and terms should always be confirmed directly with Hillarys before you commit.
It's also important to understand that self-employed earnings are not the same as a guaranteed salary.
Who might this suit?
The Hillarys route may suit someone who wants structured training, a recognisable brand and access to customer appointments without immediately building their own marketing operation.
Official information:Hillarys Expert Advisor opportunities
3. Shutterly Fabulous - Becoming a Self-Employed Shutter Specialist
Shutterly Fabulous specialises in supplying and installing plantation shutters. Its self-employed specialist model allows individuals to operate independently while working with the company's established products and customer service system.
What does a Shutterly Fabulous specialist do?
Typical responsibilities include:
Visiting customers for home surveys.
Demonstrating shutter options.
Measuring window openings.
Providing quotations.
Managing orders.
Returning to install the shutters.
What training and support are provided?
The company advertises training for surveying and installation, along with equipment, uniforms, marketing support and assistance from its office and regional teams. Customer appointments can be arranged through the company.
Do you need previous experience?
This is an important difference from Hillarys. Shutterly Fabulous's current application asks candidates to confirm at least two years of experience in the shutters or blinds industry.
That means its specialist programme may be more appropriate for someone with relevant experience than a complete beginner.
Check the latest eligibility requirements before applying.
Official information:Become a Shutterly Fabulous specialist
4. Thomas Sanderson - Sales Designer and Installer Opportunities
Thomas Sanderson is another established business offering self-employed opportunities in premium window furnishings. It recruits for both sales designer and installer roles.
Its installer role involves visiting homes to take detailed measurements and subsequently fitting the customer's chosen products.
The company advertises training and mentoring for applicants with a practical background, including those who haven't previously worked in this particular industry.
Its recruitment information also describes a startup investment, so make sure you understand the current costs and included equipment.
This route may appeal to someone who enjoys practical work and wants an established structure for finding and serving customers.
Official information:Thomas Sanderson careers
5. Shuttercraft - Starting a Shutters Franchise
Shuttercraft offers a different approach: owning and developing a local business within an established franchise network.
Rather than working simply as an installer, you operate a business using the company's model, supplier relationships and support systems.
What does the franchise include?
Shuttercraft advertises:
Product and sales training.
Business planning and launch support.
Marketing assistance.
Product samples and sales tools.
Ongoing business development guidance.
Previous experience in shutters or blinds isn't necessarily required.
However, running a franchise involves more than measuring and fitting products. You'll also need to manage customers, finances, operations and potentially a team.
What should you check?
Before investing in any franchise, investigate the initial fee, ongoing royalties, territory arrangements, contract length and restrictions on selling competing products.
Official information:Shuttercraft franchise opportunities
6. Apollo Blinds - Franchise Training and Business Opportunities
Apollo Blinds offers franchise opportunities covering a range of window coverings, including blinds and shutters. Its franchise training covers product knowledge, sales, technical information, installation and business management.
Franchisees also receive access to operational and marketing support. Apollo can be worth researching if you want to develop a local blinds business within an established network rather than build your own brand from scratch.
As with Shuttercraft, check the full investment requirements, territory terms and ongoing financial obligations.
Official information:Apollo Blinds franchise training
7. Comparing the Different Routes
Here's a simple overview of the five opportunities.
Company | Opportunity | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
Hillarys | Self-employed adviser and fitter | Beginners seeking structured training and customer appointments |
Shutterly Fabulous | Self-employed shutter specialist | People with relevant industry experience |
Thomas Sanderson | Self-employed designer or installer | Practical people interested in premium home furnishings |
Shuttercraft | Franchise business ownership | People wanting to run a locally focused business with franchise support |
Apollo Blinds | Franchise business ownership | Entrepreneurs interested in operating a blinds business within an established network |
This comparison is based on published recruitment and franchise information in October 2026. Availability, eligibility, fees and terms can change.
8. Is It Better to Join Hillarys or Start Your Own Blinds Business?
This is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Joining a recognised brand may give you training, systems and support that would otherwise take considerable time to develop. However, starting your own independent business gives you more control.
Advantages of joining an established brand
Structured training.
Established products and processes.
Possible access to customer appointments.
Technical and operational support.
Recognisable brand identity.
Advantages of starting independently
Choose your own company name and brand.
Develop relationships with different suppliers.
Set your own prices.
Choose your product range.
Control your own marketing and customer relationships.
Build a business that isn't necessarily tied to one organisation.
Neither route is automatically better. Joining an established company may help you develop your skills and experience. Operating independently involves additional responsibilities, but offers different opportunities for building a business of your own.
Before making a decision, read any agreement carefully, particularly clauses relating to competing activities, customers, confidentiality and what happens if you leave.
9. Can You Train With a Company and Then Start Independently?
Potentially, but don't assume that joining a company gives you unrestricted rights to leave and immediately establish a competing business. Also check your contract before making any plans.
It may include obligations relating to confidential information, customer relationships, intellectual property or restrictions on competing activities.
Some restrictions may be enforceable depending on their wording and circumstances. If you're uncertain, get independent legal advice.
You can also explore training through suppliers, experienced installers and industry organisations without entering a long-term branded arrangement.
The British Blind and Shutter Association is another useful starting point for learning about recognised industry training.
10. What Do You Need to Start an Independent Blinds and Shutters Business?
If your ultimate goal is to run your own business, you'll need more than installation skills.
You'll also need:
Reliable product suppliers.
Appropriate tools and equipment.
Relevant insurance.
A clear pricing and quotation process.
Suitable business registration.
Understanding of product and installation safety.
A way to attract and manage customers.
A professional business website.
One advantage of starting independently is that you can build your own local reputation through customer reviews, completed projects and referrals. However, you'll need to invest time in marketing, particularly during the early stages.
We've covered these subjects in much greater detail in our main startup guide.
Read: How to Start a Blinds & Shutters Business in the UK
11. Building Your Own Brand and Winning Customers
Once you've developed your installation skills and chosen your suppliers, your next challenge is finding customers.
Homeowners searching for shutters or blinds will often want to see examples of completed installations, understand the products available and get an idea of pricing before booking an appointment.
A professional website can help establish trust and showcase your work.
Useful features include:
Product galleries.
Individual blinds and shutters pages.
Local service area information.
Customer reviews.
Quote request forms.
Online measuring appointments.
An indicative price estimator.
An estimator can be particularly useful for helping customers understand the likely cost of shutters or blinds before arranging a home survey.
Make sure all guide prices reflect your actual pricing and clearly explain that final quotes are subject to measurement and specification.
12. Need a Website for Your New Blinds or Shutters Business?
At SMB Booster, we build affordable websites for blinds and shutters businesses across the UK.
Whether you're just starting independently or you're an established installer wanting a better online presence, we can help you create a professional website without a large upfront design bill.
Our website packages start from £25 per month, with professional design, hosting, support and Business Hub tools.
We're also developing a £49 per month Website Plus package featuring an industry-specific online price estimator and appointment booking features.
You can see examples of our work, including our recent Rovanna Shutters project, and request a free website mockup for your own business.
Explore Blinds & Shutters Website Design →
Request a Free Website Mockup →
This guide is independently published by SMB Booster. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or recruiting on behalf of Hillarys, Shutterly Fabulous, Thomas Sanderson, Shuttercraft or Apollo Blinds. Check all training opportunities, contractual terms and current fees directly with the relevant organisations.
