George Clarke learns the tricks of the trade

Author George ClarkeArchitect & TV PresenterWritten 16/12/2022

George Clarke and an advisor demonstrating bay window blinds to a customer

To celebrate our 50th anniversary, we invited George Clarke to Nottingham to see how our expert advisors learn their craft.

Hillarys has a network of local advisors, which means that, wherever you live, they have experts all over the country who will come and take care of everything for you.

I visited the Hillarys Academy in Nottingham to get a taster of the rigorous training programme all advisors go through, before joining experienced advisor Libby who helped me try out my new skills with real customers.

George Clarke with advisors practicing product fitting

Tools and knowledge to get it right every time

I’m comfortable using power tools but trainer Ben put us through our paces with advanced drilling skills. Hillarys training teaches advisors all the technical skills they need to complete even the most challenging jobs to perfection.

Ben explained that’s why Hillarys customers choose them as the experts.

George Clarke and advisors demonstrating product fitting

The perfect place to learn

Hillarys advisors come across all different shapes and sizes of windows so it’s important they know how to measure and fit in any scenario.

At the Hillarys house trainee advisors learn just that. From awkwardly shaped to hard to reach windows, Ben showed us the vital tools and what to look out for when measuring and fitting so the end result is perfectly balanced.

"From new builds to Victorian styles, the Hillarys house replicates many types of homes to prepare advisors for the different window challenges they might come across."
BEN TRING, TRAINER

A woman adjusts a window frame in a room with floral curtains. Outside, greenery is visible. She wears a dark polo shirt with �Hillarys� embroidered on it.

Trying out my new skills

Next, it was time to put my new skills to the test. I met local advisor Libby and joined her for a measuring appointment.

Customer Jen, who is renovating her home, wanted Roman blinds to replace her old curtains and knew that Libby was the woman for the job! It was great that Libby was on hand with her tool kit to take precise measurements of the tall window.

"I love my job as a local advisor. Living in the area means I really get to know the types of local properties and styles of homes so I have a good understanding of the solutions my customers are looking for."
LIBBY NOBLE, HILLARYS LOCAL ADVISOR

Two people installing a window shade; one on a ladder, assisted by another holding it. They work in a living room with a gray sofa, side table with a lamp, and a drill on the floor.

Expert service every step of the way

We then fitted another customer’s bow window with a Vertical blind. The curved headrail gave a beautifully neat finish, following the lines of the bow shapes and helping to control light and privacy

These appointments taught me why Hillarys customers come to the experts –it would be really tricky to handle yourself.

Truly local advisors

Advisors really are part of the local community. They understand customers and their homes, and can work around their schedule.

If fact, many of Libby’s customers are neighbours, or even friends.

"Libby and I have been friends for ages–our children go to the same school. I’ve done a whole house renovation, so it’s been fantastic to know an expert to help me with the finishing off! Libby has done all the blinds for my parents too."
DEBS REID, HILLARYS CUSTOMER

An advisor fitting a product on a bay window

The best results, every time

Well, that was an intense day! But it really does show that when you invite a Hillarys advisor into your home, they’re going to know exactly what they’re talking about.

So, if you’re thinking about booking an appointment, take it from me that you’ll be getting product knowledge, technical expertise and a friendly, local service too

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