A CARPET store owner has opened a new DIY section at his premises – to capitalise on the boom in home improvements brought about by the coronavirus lockdown.

The Quickfix Supplies DIY store is located next to the Premier Flooring and Furniture showroom on Whalley Banks, Blackburn. Formerly the Pump House Pub, Premier Flooring opened in 2012 after a series of major renovations.

Manager Amjad Rafiq said: “When we opened eight years ago our building was a large space which we used primarily for our carpet and furniture business.

“After lockdown we thought it would be natural progression if we used the half the space to open a new business. Quickfix Supplies opened recently and we have had a good response from customers.”

The store provides a range of household products as well as building supplies.

Mr Rafiq said: “During lockdown a lot of people got into their DIY and this we feel is set to continue. People have spent more time at home and are looking to fix or do jobs they had put off for a long time.

“There was a real appetite for DIY in the summer and we have found people have become a lot more resourceful.

“For many people DIY is a hobby but for others it is something they are trying for the first time."

The store also has acts as a builder’s merchants.

Mr Rafiq said he was confident Blackburn would find a way through the uncertainly after lockdown.

He said: “It has been a difficult time for us all and small businesses have needed to adapt and find new ways to attract custom. Blackburn has a great entrepreneurial spirit and we all have a duty to support one another through these tough times.”

His brother Arshad Rafiq added "We have always supplied customers at the end of a project and decided that we would supply our loyal base of customers throughout their projects from start to finish.

"Blackburn is a vibrant town with lots of people investing in their building and diy projects and we feel we can provide a vital service to the booming building work around blackburn by providing a 7 day service and free delivery service."