Independent Chichester business has a new home

Parker and Gibbs let go of its shop space in Little London in September but is still ‘fully operational’ from a design studio in the city centre.

Owners Hannah and Steve Perry said: “The pandemic certainly made many businesses adapt quickly to the ever changing restrictions but we’ve been fortunate enough to see a real boom in our industry.

"As a service based business, it’s tricky to move ‘online’ as so much of what we do relies on that personal interaction and it is what we enjoy most. During lockdown we launched Design Boxes — a tailored design package that is posted out to our clients so they can see all the samples, from fabrics to paints and wallpapers, in the comfort of their home.”

Hannah and Steve said the personal dialogue is ‘still there’, on the phone or via Zoom which brings them and clients a ‘sense of normality during these rather isolating times’.

They added: “Now with restrictions starting to lift we can begin home consultations again but we will continue to also offer our Design Boxes as these have proven to be a great success for people wanting an affordable interior design service, whether they’re local or further afield. One of our boxes made it to America.

“Working with a wonderful local workroom has allowed us to continue with our bespoke curtains and blinds in a socially distanced manner. Offering the full service from fabric choice through to final fitting allows us to achieve the designer look within any budget for our clients.”

Brexit has also given the owners ‘a lot to contend with’, with supply issues and delays but it has ‘also given us the opportunity to explore alternatives’.

Hannah and Steve have recently launched a new range of shutters that are manufactured in the UK, ‘cutting out shipping issues and long lead times’.

To discuss your project or book a consultation, contact Parker and Gibbs by calling 01243 783944. You can also send an email to [email protected] or visit their website at www.parkerandgibbs.com.