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Go, Go With Pergolas
If you still picture an extension as something built with bricks and bi-folds, it might be time to refresh your thinking because outdoor space has evolved.
For design-conscious homeowners, a patio is no longer a place to park the barbecue. It is about creating a usable, stylish environment that works in every season and adds genuine lifestyle value. Putting a ‘roof’ over the space can be achieved in a variety of ways…with pergolas being particularly attractive.
That change in perception presents a real opportunity for installers. Yet tapping into it means working with the right systems, knowing how to fit them properly and feeling confident when you speak to clients.
Caribbean Blinds is making that easier to achieve by developing a complete package of outdoor solutions to help trade professionals expand their offer and grow their business. With premium products, expert support and a practical training academy, the company is focused on building skills and confidence across the board.
Louvered pergola
One of Caribbean Blinds’ most in-demand systems this year is the aluminium louvered pergola. The roof contains motorised slats that rotate at the touch of a button, giving users full control over light, ventilation and shelter. When closed, the roof becomes completely waterproof, transforming the space beneath into a defined outdoor room that feels like a true extension of the home.
Installers benefit from a system that is modular, made to measure and straightforward to fit. It is engineered for reliability and visual impact, making it a practical choice for a wide range of settings while offering excellent margins on every job.
Take cooking outdoors
To take things further, Caribbean Blinds has recently partnered with premium outdoor kitchen manufacturer Grillo which supplies marine-grade aluminium kitchens to bring cooking and entertaining outdoors without compromising on looks. The kitchens are colour-matched to the pergola system, creating a coordinated space that homeowners can use throughout the year.
This integration helps installers sell a complete lifestyle solution. It is not just a pergola or a barbecue area – it is a destination within the garden that adds value to the property and complements the idea of a ‘garden room’. For the installer, that means bigger opportunities and a more professional offer to present to clients.
Get trained
To support installers in delivering these projects to the highest standard, Caribbean Blinds offers a dedicated training academy at its headquarters in Suffolk. The training is free of charge and open to all trade professionals, regardless of previous experience. Sessions are run in small groups and include hands-on guidance across every stage of the process, from surveying and specifying to installation, automation, maintenance and troubleshooting.
Blinds and awnings
Separate courses are available for louvered pergolas and for external blinds and awnings. For those looking to cover both areas, it is possible to complete the training over two consecutive days. On completion, delegates receive a certificate of competency and are added to Caribbean Blinds’ database of approved installers, giving end customers peace of mind and helping installers stand out in the marketplace.
A small admin fee of £25 plus VAT is charged to cover food and refreshments, but this is credited back to the installer’s account once the training is complete.
Sales leads
Access is also granted to the company’s trade portal, which contains a library of quick-reference videos and product guides.
For those who prefer to concentrate on sales rather than fitting, Caribbean Blinds also offers a professional installation service. This is delivered by the company’s own team of trained technicians. Each installation is followed by a detailed handover and a care pack for the homeowner, ensuring a positive experience from start to finish.
Pictures: As demand for outdoor living continues to grow, installers have a valuable chance to take their business in a new and profitable direction. With Caribbean Blinds’ expert pergola, blinds and awning training.
www.caribbeanblinds.co.uk/trade
Article written by Brian Shillibeer
08th September 2025