As mentioned in the News at the end of May, we are proud to be sponsors of Longbenton Junior Under 11’s Football Team. We are delighted to announce that the new kits have been manufactured & are now in use. It is undeniable that these colourful strips certainly catch the eye. We wish them the best of luck for the new season.
A recent pic: Wearing poppies in respect to the fallen.
40 Custom Tension Pleated Blinds for Newcastle Airport Control Tower
Client: Newcastle International Airport
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Aviation – Air Traffic Control
Scope: 40 Bespoke Tension Pleated Blinds
Project Status: Delivered to Spec, On Time
The Project
We were commissioned to design and install 40 custom tension pleated blinds for Newcastle International Airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower. This wasn’t a straightforward job – the tower’s unique architecture and operational restrictions made it one of the most complex installations we’ve ever delivered.
What the Client Needed
The brief was simple but critical: shading and light control in an environment where visibility is paramount. The blinds needed to perform flawlessly to reduce glare, enhance comfort, and maintain clear sightlines for air traffic controllers at all times.
The Challenge
The tower’s design created a unique technical challenge: the windows are narrower at the top than the bottom. This meant the blinds had to operate in reverse, raising issues with tension and stability. Getting them to stay in place was no small feat.
How We Overcame It
Our team engineered a bespoke solution using:
We worked closely with the client throughout, being completely transparent about the technical hurdles. To build confidence, we produced working samples that were tested and signed off before full manufacture began.
Working in a Live Air Traffic Control Tower
This wasn’t just a technical project – it was also about precision planning. Working in one of the UK’s busiest control towers meant strict security measures:
To meet these requirements, we planned every step of the installation around an agreed programme of works, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and minimal disruption to airport operations.
The Result
The new blinds have transformed the tower environment, delivering:
✅ Glare reduction
✅ Improved visibility for controllers
✅ Greater comfort in a high-pressure workplace
The client praised not only the quality of the finished product but also our communication, professionalism, and how smoothly the installation was managed.
The Bigger Picture
This project highlights our ability to deliver bespoke blind solutions for even the most complex environments. From innovative design to meticulous project management, we can adapt to buildings where standard systems simply won’t work.
Ready for the Next One
If you’ve got a project that demands a tailored shading solution – whether it’s an airport, a commercial office, or a uniquely shaped building – we’ve got the expertise to deliver.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can design, manufacture, and install blinds that meet your exact requirements.
When it comes to getting little ones to bed, few things are as powerful as a pitch dark and well regulated room environment. Blackout blinds for children offer a proven solution – from boosting sleep hormone levels to keeping bedrooms cool in summer and warm in winter.
🌙 Why Darkness Matters for Children
Encouraging Melatonin Production
Exposure to light – even low light – can suppress melatonin by up to 90%, the hormone vital for sleep regulation. A darkened kids’ room enables natural melatonin levels to rise, helping children wind down and stay asleep longer.
Better Quality & Longer Sleep
According to the UK Sleep Council, around 30% of children aged 3-17 struggle with sleep onset or staying asleep through the night. By blocking early morning light or ambient evening glow, blackout blinds in nurseries and children’s bedrooms can help extend total sleep time – especially useful in summer, when dawn breaks as early as 4:30 AM.
🗣️ Parents’ Real World Experiences
From UK parenting groups, many families report that blackout blinds dramatically improve early-morning wake-ups and overnight sleep:
“We desperately need blackout blinds otherwise they’ll be up SO early… just won’t be able to get to sleep.” – Nichole.
“Blackout blinds saved the day… she slept through the night again.” – Shannon.
While airflow can be a trade off – especially with Velcro fit or fixed sheets – parents often find blackout solutions for kids that still allow for ventilation, such as blinds with suction cups or thermal liners.
🌡️ Temperature Control: Summer & Winter Benefits
In Summer
• Thick, opaque materials block sunlight and reduce solar heat gain, making children’s bedrooms cooler even without air conditioning.
• Tips from parents: using reflective foil, keeping blinds closed during heat of day, and opening only when ambient air is cooler.
In Winter
• Windows are responsible for up to 40% of home heat loss. Thermal blackout blinds for children’s rooms act as an insulating layer, trapping warmth and reducing the chill from cold panes.
• Retaining heat helps maintain a cosy sleep friendly environment even on frosty nights.
📊 Sleep & Health Stats (UK based context)
• Sleep struggles: 30% of children aged 3–17 experience sleep disruptions.
• Ideal bedroom temperature: 16–18 °C for optimal REM sleep; both overheating and chilliness disrupt sleep patterns.
Recommended sleep durations:
• Ages 3–5: 10–13 hours
• Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours
✅ What Blackout Blinds Offer for a Child’s Bedroom
• Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.
• An added insulation and thermal layer keeps rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, ensuring year-round comfort.
• Noise dampening materials reduce outside noise, making it easier for children to rest without disturbances.
• A cordless or child-safe design improves safety in nurseries and bedrooms, removing potential hazards.
• Easy-to-open and close blinds offer flexibility for daytime naps or letting in fresh air when needed.
• Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.
🧸 Tips for Parents
• Choose child-safe blackout blinds – cordless or securely fitted – to avoid hazards.
• Go for a snug, custom fit to reduce light leakage and maximise insulation.
• In summer, close blinds during the hottest part of the day. In winter, close them overnight to trap heat.
• Consider blackout blinds with side tracks or thermal lining for better light and temperature control.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Blackout blinds are more than just sleep accessories – they’re essential tools in creating a calm, restful space for kids. They help regulate temperature, support natural sleep cycles, and reduce those early wake-ups that can disrupt the whole household. For children (and their parents), a well-fitted blackout blind might just be the most peaceful upgrade you can make to a bedroom.
482 Roller Blinds Delivered for Student Accommodation – On Time, In Full
Client: Private Developer
Location: St James Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Commercial – Student Accommodation
Scope: 482 Roller Blinds
Project Status: Delivered On Time and In Full (OTIF)
The Project
We were proud to be chosen to supply and install 482 roller blinds for a major new-build student accommodation scheme right in the heart of Newcastle city centre. St James Boulevard is a fast-developing area – and this project was all about high-spec, modern student living. Our blinds now form part of that premium finish.
How It Came About
This one came through a LinkedIn referral – a great example of our work speaking for itself. Thanks to our reputation for reliability, quality, and our hands-on approach, we were recommended for the job. With in-house manufacturing and years of experience in student accommodation, we were the right fit from day one.
What the Client Needed
The brief was clear: style, safety, and performance.
We supplied blinds that ticked every box:
Why They Chose Us
We brought more than just products to the table:
How We Delivered
From the first site visit to the final installation, we worked in phases, fitting in with the client’s build schedule. Each floor was carefully surveyed, manufactured, and installed without a hitch.
What the Client Said
“Thank you for A1 Blinds’ commitment to the project – much appreciated. The rooms look very crisp. A1 Blinds have done a very good job and have been very helpful throughout.”
Nick Campfield, Project Director
The Result
This was a big one – and we’re proud of the result. The blinds we supplied don’t just look the part – they add comfort and functionality to every room. More importantly, we proved once again that we can handle large-scale commercial work without ever dropping the ball.
In 2024 alone, we delivered over £250,000 worth of commercial blind solutions – and with more exciting projects already underway, 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger.
Ready for the Next One
With projects like St James Boulevard under our belt, our commercial division is going from strength to strength. If you’re planning a development and want a trusted, local partner for blinds and shading – we’re ready when you are.
