A family-run soft furnishings company is looking ahead to a bright future after expanding and growing its business during the height of the recession.Brian Fisher and Sons was formed by a Norfolk curtain maker at an industrial unit in Harleston 24-years-ago.

A family-run soft furnishings company is looking ahead to a bright future after expanding and growing its business during the height of the recession.

Brian Fisher and Sons was formed by a Norfolk curtain maker at an industrial unit in Harleston 24-years-ago.

The firm, which is now run by the founder's identical twin sons, Paul and Stephan Fisher, is looking at taking on new staff after securing extra work with a prestigious department store.

The company, which has grown from three to more than 40 members of staff, is also aiming to expand its premises on the Harleston Industrial Estate after raising its national profile.

Despite the economic downturn, the managing directors have found themselves busier than ever after securing a contract to supply curtains, blinds, and soft furnishings for an extra six department stores from its main client John Lewis.

Brian Fisher and Sons, which has a client list that includes The Silk Trading Company at Harrods and Liberty, has also featured on two home makeover television shows in recent months.

The company, which measures, makes, and fits curtains, blinds, upholstery, cushions, bedspreads and headboards for interior designers and corporate clients, has supplied soft furnishings for four properties on Channel 4's The Home Show. Its products are also set to feature on a future episode of The Hotel Inspector on Channel 5.

Paul Fisher said the firm, which has a turnover of more than �1m, had been hit by the recession. However, the company was beginning to look at extending its warehouse in Harleston from 12,000sqft to 32,000sqft if business continues to grow.

'We have been hit over the last few months and there has been a downturn in business coming through the door. We have fought hard over the last six months and won new business from John Lewis. There seems to be general thinking that things are starting to turn around and people are a bit more confident.'

'Everyone is struggling at the end of the day and we are seen as the mid to upper end of the market. But there is always a need for blinds and curtains,' he said.

As well as taking on new curtain makers, the family company, which is gearing up to celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, has also invested in a marketing executive, and PR consultant to improve its profile. They have also relaunched their website.