Caribbean Blinds managing director Stuart Dantzic took part in a stimulating and wide-ranging discussion about leadership and entrepreneurship at last month’s FIT Show, held at Birmingham’s NEC.
The panel-led discussion was a key part of the three-day show, the biggest of its kind for the UK’s fenestration and related hardware sector. Stuart was part of the panel which included representatives from industry and associated trade bodies.
Moderated by carpenter and influencer Robin Clevett, the discussion centred around how leaders emerge and develop, and how entrepreneurship must work hand-in-hand with new technology and the changing tastes of customers.
Stuart described how he and his brother Brad had bought the Caribbean Blinds business in 2016 from their parents, who had founded it in 1987. Stuart joined the company in 2001, beginning on the shop floor and learning every aspect of the business as he worked his way to the top.
He told the discussion how his leadership style had encompassed the areas of staff training and company values. The first has included a drive to get every member of staff trained to understand the company’s products inside out, culminating in every person becoming Smart Solar Shading Advisors following a training course.
The emphasis on company values is centred around how well the company integrates with the local community. Stuart talked about some of the firm’s initiatives – sponsoring the local football team, for example – and how each member of staff was asked about what they would like to see happen in terms of community engagement.
Stuart also talked about his own leadership style. “You have to be brave, stick to decisions you’ve made and not procrastinate,” he told the audience. “Also, look inward to your own teams, especially when times are tough and you need to make cuts. Very often, it’s those members of staff who have solutions that will save money without having to make drastic changes.”
All the panellists – which included Greg Johnson (MD, Warwick North West), Ryan Breslin (MD, Cherwell Windows) and Sarah Cresswell (Group Director of Strategy at the Glass and Glazing Federation) agreed that marketing should always play a prominent part in any management strategy. “Continue to invest in marketing, and continue to stick with it, especially in the tough times,” Stuart said, “because when things get better you will be the brand people know and want to buy.”
The Suffolk-based manufacturer showcased its premium range of external blinds, patio awnings and louvered roof pergolas at the event, which ran from April 29 – May 1.
Stuart said: “The FIT Show is a great opportunity to meet prospective clients, find out about developments in our sector and share knowledge. I was delighted to be asked to join the Entrepreneurship and Leadership panel event, and I hope the audience enjoyed the discussion as much as the panellists did.”
