James Robertshaw

05/05/2026

'We made the right choice.'
Gavin Sharp, Chief Executive, Inner City Music.

Making the magic happen, where heritage meets heritage. Located just next door to one of Manchester's most renowned and iconic live music venues, Band on the Wall, The Rose & Monkey is a unique and historic venue that hosts a small music stage, accommodation upstairs, and one of the Northern Quarter’s coolest beer gardens.

The client wanted to invest in dynamic coverage for their patrons within their outdoor space. Functionality and aesthetics were key to complement the garden, whilst protecting against the famous Manchester weather. Lighting and heating were also a consideration to maximise the atmosphere required.

WingLite, freestanding awning system @ 7,000mm (width) x 3,000mm (projection) x 3,000mm (projection) x 3,200mm (height), with RGBWW dimmable lighting and 2.4kw glass fronted heaters.

https://youtu.be/jwnM7MXLh0U?si=8XIiFkxUxFYSqfzI

Ged Hartshorn Lesley Sharrock Matthew Garnett James Robertshaw BBSA Northern Restaurant & Bar Debbie Hartshorn Expert Somfy Giovanardi Italia WO&WO Sonnenlichtdesign Window Blinds UK & Ireland Forum (Trade Only) Filip Kardaras Sara Lindoe-Fitton Guy Webster

01/08/2025

A huge thank you to James Robertshaw Bespoke Awnings and Blinds, for supplying our fabulous new red awning! ❤️

It’s brightened the front of Shakey J’s and we couldn’t be happier with the result. The team were a dream to deal with (especially Ellise) from start to finish – friendly, efficient, and made the whole process so easy.

Highly recommended if you’re looking to give your commercial space a fresh new look with professional, top-quality service 👏 James Robertshaw

01/07/2025

The launch of our newly completed project at Cronton Sixth Form College. Six joined bio-climatic pergola, all-weather Skyroof Prestige systems, wall mounted (no back leg or intermediate leg supports, maximising the internal footprint space), with integrated bi-folding glass within the front elevation, with fixed glass and powered electric door entry systems on both side elevations. Combined with fully dimmable RGBWW lighting and infra-red heating, whilst measuring a whopping 23,550mm in width x 7,000mm in projection, creating 164.8m2 of dynamic year-round space. Keep your eyes peeled for the full case study and movie...

Debbie Hartshorn Ged Hartshorn Lesley Sharrock Matthew Garnett James Robertshaw BBSA Northern Restaurant & Bar Expert Somfy Giovanardi Italia Serge Ferrari Window Blinds UK & Ireland Forum (Trade Only) LLAZA Webster Dimitris Karadimos Kardaras Nikos Karelis Filip Kardaras Jones Jones Sara Lindoe-Fitton Nuttall Sharrock

14/04/2025

Project: Crowwood Hotel & Spa, Burnley - the ultimate luxurious experience!

The fabulous, multi-award-winning facilities of the Woodland Spa, situated in Burnley, Lancashire, offer an unparalleled experience; everything is designed to maximize your comfort and well-being.

Set within 100 acres of the most magnificent countryside, with its undulating, rolling landscape, sensational woodland, and lush, verdant pasture, a true sense of intimacy and peace is created by the surroundings. The dramatic, distinct landscape is dominated by the impressive Pendle Hill – famous for its tales of Lancashire witches, sorcery, and black magic in the 17th century.

James Robertshaw was appointed and approved to be a small part of this amazing and prestigious project. From initial client briefings to design consultations, we were tasked with creating a dynamic and all-weather solution to cover approximately 203m2 of space, situated on the second-story rooftop of a brand-new £16 million building extension. With a specific brief from the client, our task was to design, facilitate, and deliver a premium solution that met the client's expectations and desires.

With this in mind, we specified, manufactured, project-managed, installed, and delivered four retractable and fixed (non-retractable) bioclimatic, insulated pergola systems, as well as a glass winter garden system. In addition, a combination of fixed, double glazed glazing systems, with entry doors and retractable glass balustrade (guillotine glass) systems, with RGBWW dimmable lighting and infra-red heating systems, controlled using an integrated automation system.

Working in collaboration with both the client and the respective trade sub-contractors on site, in addition to the famously harsh adverse weather conditions experienced, we manufactured and delivered the scheme within 10 weeks.

Debbie Hartshorn Ged Hartshorn Lesley Sharrock Matthew Garnett James Robertshaw BBSA Northern Restaurant & Bar Expert Somfy Giovanardi Italia Serge Ferrari Window Blinds UK & Ireland Forum (Trade Only) Sara Lindoe-Fitton LLAZA Guy Webster Dimitris Kardaras Pavlos Kardaras Nikos Kardaras Kardaras Victoria Jones Chris Jones Simon Nuttall Laura Sharrock

08/04/2025

Originally, the site at Uppermill was an old and disused toilet block. Rick Scholes and his team had the vision and foresight to convert this local, famous eyesore into a cool, contemporary, and vibrant hospitality space, serving their luxury ice cream and coffees to the locality. Situated within the picturesque King George V Playing fields, Rick needed to find a company that could make his dreams happen…

James Robertshaw was instructed to design, manufacture, install, and project manage an all-weather retractable roof solution, with automated retractable double glazed balustrade glass systems, in addition to fixed glass curtain walling and glazed access doors. As well as this 65m2 building extension, the client also required a retractable awning to cover the service kiosk for customers not wanting to sit within the bistro area. Management of time was scheduled, and the JR technical surveyor and project manager arranged to meet both the client and building contractor on site, to discuss and agree on the project and preparation. The site time lasted a day, detail was agreed, and we then produced all the technical CAD and visualisation concepts for the client to agree and sign off. The project moved into manufacture…

Upon sign-off of the CAD drawings by the client, the project was processed and released into manufacture within our Greater Manchester operation. All products within the project were scheduled, processed, and made within six weeks. Dates were agreed and our installation process began! Working collaboratively with other trades on site, the JR installation team installed and commissioned the project within a week's timescale.

George V Playing Fields in Uppermill is now home to another outlet for Diggle-based Grandpa Greene’s Luxury Ice Cream. Happy client and a happy community. Who doesn't like ice cream?

https://youtu.be/HtOa4-Hs3Kk?feature=shared

Debbie Hartshorn Ged Hartshorn Lesley Sharrock Matthew Garnett James Robertshaw BBSA Northern Restaurant & Bar Expert Somfy Giovanardi Italia Serge Ferrari Window Blinds UK & Ireland Forum (Trade Only) Sara Lindoe-Fitton LLAZA Guy Webster Filip Kardaras Pavlos Kardaras Nikos Kardaras

01/04/2025

Project brief: VINCI was appointed to build “the largest build-to-rent-led forward funding transaction inside and outside of London”. Comprising of two residential buildings, totalling 150,000ft² of residential space, this project consisted of one hundred and seventy-eight one-bed, two hundred and eighty-six two-bed and fifty-six three-bed apartments, providing a total number of five hundred and twenty apartments, across twenty and twenty-five storeys respectively, as well as 6,000ft2 of ground floor amenity and retail space. Sheppard Robson was the scheme’s architect and, working alongside the end client, James Robertshaw was instructed to consult regarding its window blind and curtain track requirements. Working to a BREEAM standard, sustainability and energy retention were key topics in achieving the client’s requirement and expectations, whilst maintaining the challenging manufacture and fit-out schedule demanded to make sure the project retains the overall expected schedules.

A specification, based on the requirements the client required, was proposed. Having to meet a number of key factors that included sustainability of both the company and products proposed, commitment of support from both the supply chain, the client, and ourselves, to delivery, high quality and service, combined with confidence to meet standards and deadlines of all partners involved. James Robertshaw Ltd had the pleasure of being appointed on this prestigious scheme. For a huge project based in Manchester, we took great pride in fabricating our components and textiles within Manchester, whilst manufacturing, testing, and installing the finished product within Manchester.

Result: The survey, manufacture, installation, project management, and delivery of 3,391 performance roller blind systems, all housed within a recessed ceiling reveal, over a sixty-week delivery programme, meeting all expectations involved.

Debbie Hartshorn Matthew Garnett James Robertshaw BBSA Northern Restaurant & Bar Expert Somfy Giovanardi Italia Serge Ferrari Window Blinds UK & Ireland Forum (Trade Only) Sara Lindoe-Fitton LLAZA Guy Webster Ged Hartshorn Lesley Sharrock

27/03/2025

The Marine Hall and Gardens complex overlooks the beaches of Fleetwood. At its centre is an original art deco theatre. The beautiful 1930s building has retained many of its original features, including the huge 9-meter-diameter stained glass dome that dominates the room. The dome provides a magnificent centrepiece for the historic hall, but it also creates a huge headache for performances and events, light ingress.

The challenge was to design, manufacture, and install a bespoke blind system that could be remotely operated from the theatre floor, providing total blackout cover.

Our challenges began with the surveying process – the unique design of the dome required an equally unique system. The blind system would only function with straight sections, so a straight-edged timber frame had to be built to fit inside the curvature of the dome. We designed and manufactured additional blackout sections to create a completely light-proof surround for the roller blinds to operate within.

The final solution was a system made up of 8 individual blind segments, measuring 3,200mm wide x 3,000mm drop each, covering a total surface area of 58 square metres. The individual segments were installed on spring tensioned rollers and operated by electric rollers with tape spools, which gathered the control tapes. These electric rollers would be installed to the top section of the dome, directly above the spring rollers, with the fabric attached.

The next challenge - installation! No mean feat when the location is on the roof of a 90-year-old theatre that can only be accessed by tiny stage doors and two external ladders! When combined with gale-force winds and icy surfaces, it took all of our expert team’s experience, concentration, and ingenuity to get the job done. Operation is via radio remote control (iO), with the sound engineers able to control the blind systems from the stage area below the dome. With all the blinds retracted into a PVC sill profile, light ingress is prevented.

This project is a fantastic reminder to all of us about why we’re so proud of the work we do. It encapsulated all the things that we do best: ingenious design and engineering, precision manufacture, expert installation, and exceptional customer service.

We don’t just find the solution, we create it.

Do you have a challenging building that requires a bespoke blind or awning? Told that what you want just isn’t possible? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRV_v1kt1rE





Debbie Hartshorn Matthew Garnett James Robertshaw BBSA Northern Restaurant & Bar Expert Somfy Giovanardi Italia Serge Ferrari Window Blinds UK & Ireland Forum (Trade Only) Sara Lindoe-Fitton LLAZA Guy Webster Ged Hartshorn

www.jamesrobertshaw.co.uk

03/02/2025

Traditional Indian, Pakistani, and grill dishes in a spotlit, contemporary setting with banquettes!

Wrapping the facade of the building, and creating a stunning focal point of the business facade, 2 x fixed ‘Waterfall Canopy Systems’ at a whopping 12,000mm (width) x 1,580mm (projection) x 950mm (drop), certainly make an impact for our hospitality client.

The brief was to advise and design a system to reflect a bright and vibrant colour, whilst also promoting the client's brand, offering protection from Manchester's famously unpredictable weather during service, and creating a welcome space and feel.

Debbie Hartshorn Matthew Garnett James Robertshaw BBSA Northern Restaurant & Bar Expert Somfy Giovanardi Italia Serge Ferrari Window Blinds UK & Ireland Forum (Trade Only) Sara Lindoe-Fitton LLAZA Ged Hartshorn

18/12/2024

Simmons Bar is a national chain for whom we have designed, manufactured and installed two Traditional Victorian Box retractable awnings at their new venue on Deansgate, Manchester. James Robertshaw were selected for this project as the client wanted a supplier who could design and supply bespoke awnings for their bespoke decorated shopfront.

It was important to the client to specify and manufacture the acrylic cover within their bespoke 'candy pink' colour brand, in addition to their hardwood timber box and fascia to match Pantone 629 blue, with branded valances. The signage you can see on the awning valances has been created through our UV digital printer and software branding processes, which has ensured fine detail partnered with exact colour reproduction.

Ged Hartshorn Debbie Hartshorn Matthew Garnett James Robertshaw BBSA Northern Restaurant & Bar Expert Somfy Giovanardi Italia Serge Ferrari Window Blinds UK & Ireland Forum (Trade Only) Sara Lindoe-Fitton LLAZA

17/12/2024

More than just fries!

A simple, yet bespoke, design of a fixed frame canopy system installed onto a shipping container, turned kitchen, for our hospitality client. The brief was to advice and design a system to wrap around a new, bright yellow, steel framed shipping container to help promote the client's brand, whilst offering protection from Manchester's famous unpredictable weather during service.

What’s not to love about the humble chip?

https://youtu.be/0PetIh1XgoI?feature=shared

Ged Hartshorn Debbie Hartshorn Matthew Garnett James Robertshaw BBSA Members Northern Restaurant & Bar Expert Somfyt Giovanardi Italia Serge Ferrari Window Blinds UK & Ireland Forum (Trade Only) Guy Webster Sara Lindoe-Fitton LLAZA