This was to be instrumental in the formation of JM Interiors.

Jane was made redundant and at the same time was going through a marriage split.

With experience and knowledge on her side, Ralph suggested that she start working from home offering a curtain make-up service to the domestic marketplace.

As Ralph had his own business supplying print and promotional items to the business community in the Northants area, he was able to help market the service locally with leaflet drops etc.

Although curtain manufacture was the starting point, it soon became clear that a full soft furnishing service was in demand from both the domestic and commercial sectors.

Jane and Ralph both realised the need to work more closely together in building the business in response to the enquiries received, plus not only manufacturing, but fitting, too.

Trading out of Thrapston, Northants, Classique Curtains and Blinds was becoming known for quality and reliability.

A little more than two years ago, the couple moved to Sawtry and became JM Interiors offering the same level of service to the area.

The business is a complete solution to all domestic and commercial soft furnishing requirements, backing up its motto of "our reputation is your guarantee".

With a free measuring service and no obligation quotes, the customer is under no pressure, but still able to obtain professional advice.

Regarding blinds, whether they be vertical, roller, venetian or a commercial option, all can be supplied and fitted.

"We can even create digitally-printed roller blinds and canvasses from your own photographs," said Jane, as well as offer a complete range of accessories to complement your new curtains and blinds from poles to feather tie backs, and cushions to trimmings."

About six months ago, Ralph and Jane introduced the innovative Blinds Healthcheck to all local companies. This is free to all businesses who wish to keep their window blinds in top working condition.

The service is available upon request and a visit will be made to check all mechanisms and working parts. Any maintenance required can then be discussed and, if necessary, quoted for.

The advantage is twofold, explained Ralph.

He said: "the first is to avoid future problems by simple attention to working parts, and the second being the intention to repair if possible rather than replace. Quite often it is simply prevention rather than cure."

And the couple have shown that you don't have to be a large company to complete major commercial jobs.

They have just completed the installation of curtains and blinds in 30 bedrooms, a honeymoon suite, fitness suite and restaurants at the £1.25 million refurbishment of the Queensgate Hotel, Fletton Avenue, Peterborough.

For further details of the services JM Interiors can help you with, call 01487 832683, 07889 014200 or e-mail jane-maloney@tiscali.co.uk. You can also visit www.jminteriors.co.uk.