Just Shutters are the fastest-growing independent retail shutter company in the UK with over £27 million pounds worth of shutters successfully installed. That is quite an achievement, of which company founder Chris Rocker is extremely proud. So, what is the secret of this phenomenal success?

Chris grew up in Bournemouth and having spent six years in the Royal Air Force, he forged a career in growing significant sales and reinventing operational systems with several national companies. As Sales Director with John Lewis of Hungerford, Chris gained valuable and in-depth experience in marketing and attention to detail and the thousand-piece jigsaw that makes a successful company.

Following over 25 years of experience in Sales and Operations, Chris was looking for a fresh challenge and a change of lifestyle. In 2006, having fallen in love with Plantation Shutters, his dream of starting a specialist company to meet the growing demand in the field was realised, Just Shutters was born.

Chris and his team have worked tirelessly to grow the business steadily while providing exemplary customer service. Having created the best-loved shutter company in the South of England, the way forward was to create a business model, offering owners the best possible operational systems, marketing, training and business support, to grow their businesses quickly and competitively whilst ensuring outstanding customer satisfaction.

The banks view investing in this type of business as a very strong proposition and are generally supportive with funding up to 70% available. Buying into an established and much-loved brand is far less risky than starting a business from scratch.

An investment of £15,500 secures the Just Shutters business partner a 5-year renewable licence, an exclusive dedicated sales area, with proven demographics, as well as access to the operational systems, product samples, branded clothing, vehicle branding, stationery/marketing materials and point of sale products. In addition, funds are required to secure a suitable vehicle, and cover your general living/household expenses for a minimum of six to twelve months until the new business is flourishing.

Just Shutters back the investment with expert in-house marketing which creates a bespoke launch package worth £6,000 to include local advertising, dedicated web pages and Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising. The Just Shutters website also brings in leads which exceeds the industry standard.

Just Shutters is a business with high margins, steady cash flow and low staffing requirements in a growing market. The company’s finance team is on hand to help partners, if required, on best practices for running a profitable business. Marketing can advise on details such as advertising strategy, building strong relationships and lead creation, as well as providing needed marketing assets, ensuring the best possible start, so the business will hit the ground running.  

Just Shutters firmly believe in family values and co-operation across all partners to maximise returns for all. The main aim is for partners to grow with the company and benefit from a superior quality lifestyle whilst enjoying great earning potential. 

Going forward, key objectives for Just Shutters are to actively help grow all business partners to exceed goals and continue exploring product diversification such as voice-activated shutter control. The company is ideally placed to consolidate what is already a strong position.

And the secret of success? Chris says, “The ability to adapt is key to any businesses success, I believe in development, forward-thinking, and an entrepreneurial spirit whilst maintaining a family feel has been our success. Our network of passionate business owners work together as a whole to push the business forward. We tackled the Covid-19 crisis in a professional and 'can-do' manner and while the business couldn't actively trade, we introduced a Home Measuring Kit to keep the sales coming in. During this time, many of our business owners chose to support their local communities by providing a shop-and-drop service to the elderly or vulnerable. I'm exceptionally proud of all their efforts.”