Where It All Started
Tropical began life in 1978 when Martin Fells opened a small family blinds business with a £500 loan and a simple philosophy: work hard, treat people fairly, and never compromise on quality. Over the decades, Martin grew Tropical into one of the UK’s most trusted trade-only window covering suppliers – known for craftsmanship, reliability, and service.
Evolving for the Future
In 2015, Martin retired and Arron Zimmatore took over as CEO, bringing with him over a decade of industry experience, global sourcing expertise, and a fresh vision for the future. Honouring Martin’s legacy of hard work and fairness, Arron saw an opportunity to do more. Shutters were growing fast, but the market lacked a supplier who could combine quality, innovation, and true support for the trade.
Building on Strong Foundations
In 2016, Tropical Shutters was born – the next chapter in our window coverings story. Today, Tropical is still guided by the values that began with Martin and continue under Arron’s leadership: quality without compromise, partnerships built on respect, and a drive to keep improving for the benefit of our trade customers.
Our Timeline
A family Beginning
With just £500, founder Martin Fells opens a small blinds shop. His determination and fairness lay the foundations for everything Tropical would become.
Growth and Reputation
Tropical grows steadily into one of the UK’s largest trade-only blind suppliers, trusted for quality, reliability, and personal service.
A New Chapter Begins
Arron Zimmatore joins Tropical as CEO, bringing global sourcing experience and a bold vision for shutters.
Tropical Shutters is Born
Shutters launch with a disruptive idea: engineered wood, not MDF, at competitive prices. Partnership begins with a factory in Asia – invested in, supported, and transformed into a world-class supply chain.
Technology to Make Life Easier
The industry’s leading online portal launches – designed around the needs of the trade. Ordering, tracking, and managing jobs become faster, simpler, and more reliable.
Going to Market
Dealer network grows rapidly, thanks to quality products and a service-first ethos. Transparent partnerships become the hallmark of the Tropical way.
Part of the Mzuri Group
Joining Mzuri brings additional strength and reach, while keeping the same independent spirit and trade-first ethos.
Growth and Expansion
Factory expands and evolves, setting new benchmarks in quality and supply reliability.
The UK’s Most Helpful Shutter Supplier
Tropical Shutters is trusted by hundreds of partners across the UK. Our journey continues – built on quality, service, and the people who make it happen.
Arron’s Journey
From professional footballer to entrepreneur, CEO Arron brought the values of discipline, teamwork, and humility into business. He built Tropical Shutters not through ego, but through partnership, respect, and a constant drive to improve. That same spirit now runs through the whole team.
The Tropical Way
More than shutters. A way of doing business.
From day one, Tropical has set out to do things differently – not just supplying shutters, but building a business rooted in fairness, respect, and support for the trade.
“We know we’re offering the best — so much so, we are expanding.”
•Our Way is Simple
Fairness
Honest pricing, transparent service.
Respect
For partners, people, and supply chain.
Support
Real people at the end of the phone, always here when you need us.
Innovation
Finding smarter, simpler ways to help businesses grow.
That’s Why We’ve Been Called:
“the UK’s Most helpful Shutter Supplier.”
Our story is still unfolding. And we’re just getting started.