illumin8 Global has been a leader in the window coverings sector for over 50 years, bringing unparalleled knowledge and talent to the industry. Our business has evolved into a versatile and flexible model that eliminates minimum order quantities (MOQs) and stock-holding requirements for our customers.
With thousands of fabrics readily available in our stocked factories, we provide a wide selection to meet diverse needs. Strong relationships with mills and distributors worldwide allow us to expand our offerings with minimized risk.
At illumin8 Global, we view our team as an extension of our customers’. Whether through customer service, marketing, or production, we are committed to working collaboratively to drive mutual success and growth.
illumin8 becomes part of the Mzuri Group, marking a significant milestone in our growth journey. This strategic partnership combines illumin8’s expertise in soft furnishings with Mzuri’s global reach and resources. The collaboration sets the stage for innovation, sustainable development, and expansion into new markets, strengthening our position in the window coverings industry.
As a second-generation family business, we have solidified our position as an industry expert in innovating, manufacturing, and distributing a wide range of window solutions. Over the years, we have experienced significant growth, tripled the size of our manufacturing facility and established a marketing studio in the UK. This expansion has led to a continuous influx of new customers from around the globe. We are also investing in cutting-edge technologies to make high-quality products more affordable. Our new printer is currently being tested with innovative base materials and complex designs, all while adhering to our newly established sustainability goals.
Our dedication and hard work caught the attention of investors and customers worldwide, providing us the opportunity to expand into new territories, particularly India. We have begun the process of opening a new factory in India to better serve the Asian market and support our existing operations.
With a focus on the UK and global markets, we faced increasing demand that challenged our capacity to serve all our customers effectively. To address this, we opened a sales office in Dubai, UAE, ensuring that we deliver the best possible service to our growing customer base in the region.
The rapid growth of our business presented new challenges, prompting us to establish a new factory in the UAE to meet customer expectations. This facility features a high-tech print room, enabling us to deliver intricate designs on our blinds reliably. Our new paperless policy has also helped reduce waste and align with our sustainability initiatives. Read our environment goals in details here.
Our Nottingham office was established to provide our British customers with the face-to-face support they needed. Alongside this, we offered services like website development and visual merchandising to our global clients. Our deep understanding of the industry attracted partnerships with prominent companies like Next and Blinds2Go. The networking opportunities in the UK allowed us to collaborate with several award-winning designers, beginning with Orla Kiely and expanding to many others over time. You can read more about brands here.
Initially selling to the home market in the UAE while shipping back to the UK, our business enjoyed steady growth. To keep up with demand, we opened a new factory, which allowed us to manufacture and deliver products efficiently to customers across the UAE, UK, US, and Europe.
In 2008, illumin8 made a significant entry into the markets of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This strategic move introduced us to new territories known for their appreciation of luxury and high-quality products, reinforcing our reputation for top-notch curtains and blinds.
The year 2004 marked a pivotal moment as we relocated our manufacturing facility to the UAE, where the owners moved with their families. This strategic move allowed us to access a skilled workforce, enabling us to produce fabulous products at great prices. Our dedication quickly attracted the attention of trade customers in the UK, many of whom continue to work with us today.
illumin8 burst onto the curtains and blinds scene, changing the game with exceptional quality and innovative ideas. We aimed not just to cover windows, but to enhance homes with practical yet stylish solutions. To differentiate ourselves, we adopted a catchy brand name that signified brightening up spaces with a special, custom touch.
Recognizing that mass-produced goods did not align with our goals, we opened our first made-to-measure shop, Harfab, in Leicester, UK. This new industry focus allowed us to prioritise quality and customer care, using more refined materials and techniques thanks to the higher price point of our offerings.
During this period, a surge in homeownership rates and economic prosperity led to increased demand for home decor items. Consumers were eager to customise their living spaces, supported by a favourable economic climate. In response, we established a new store, Curtlin, offering a diverse range of ready-made curtains and bedding options, positioning us to meet evolving consumer preferences.
Our family business began by selling furnishing fabrics and net curtains in Leicester, UK. Our market store, Green Lords Textiles, grew in size and popularity, earning a warm welcome from the local community. In 1981, we expanded by opening a second store under the same name, laying the foundation for our future growth and success.
