From The BBSA Openings Magazine Archives: How Child Safety Changed the Blinds Industry

When child safety regulations first changed within the blinds industry, many companies saw the changes as a problem.

We saw them as an opportunity to improve standards.

That was the message we shared when Barlow Blinds was featured in BBSA Openings Magazine discussing the positive impact of blind child safety changes across the industry.

We were featured because we were already discussing and promoting child safety for blinds a year or so before the regulation changes and reading about an incident with blind cords.

Looking back now, it’s clear those changes helped improve both product standards and customer awareness enormously.

Blind Safety Became a Bigger Conversation

Years ago, blind safety often received very little attention.

Today, child safety is one of the most important parts of choosing blinds for family homes.

Modern safety regulations helped push the blinds industry towards:

• safer operating systems
• cordless blinds
• improved blind design
• better customer education
• stronger installation standards

Importantly, customers also became far more informed about blind safety risks.

To find out more on window blind safety from the BBSA who are The Authority on UK Shading

Product Knowledge Became Essential

One of the biggest lessons from the child safety changes was how important proper product knowledge really is.

Customers rely on blinds companies to explain:

• safe operating systems
• compliant blinds
• suitable products for family homes
• cordless blind options
• safer alternatives for children’s bedrooms and living spaces

The companies that embraced those conversations built far stronger customer trust.

The Rise of Cordless Blinds

One of the major industry shifts discussed in BBSA Openings Magazine was the growth of cordless blinds.

Originally driven by child safety improvements, cordless systems also became increasingly popular because customers liked:

• cleaner aesthetics
• easier operation
• modern styling
• reduced clutter

In many ways, child safety improvements actually helped push product innovation forward within the blinds industry.

Safety Should Never Feel Like an Obstacle

Some businesses initially treated the regulations as an inconvenience.

But the companies that approached child safety positively quickly realised something important:

Customers value expertise and reassurance.

Helping homeowners understand blind safety builds trust rather than damaging it.

We were also featured on ITV’s Daybreak (now called Good Morning Britain) when our showroom was used to help raise awareness nationally.

Why Professional Advice Still Matters

Even with modern safer systems, professional advice remains incredibly important.

Different homes, rooms and blind products all require different considerations.

That’s why choosing an experienced blinds company still matters enormously when selecting:

• blinds for children’s bedrooms
• motorised blinds
• cordless blinds
• large blinds
• electric blinds

Raising Standards Across the Industry

We were proud to discuss this subject in BBSA Openings Magazine because improving standards benefits everyone:

• homeowners
• installers
• manufacturers
• the blinds industry itself

Today’s blinds industry is safer, more professional and more technically advanced than ever before.

And ultimately, that can only be a positive thing for customers.

Read the full  BBSA Openings Article from Summer 2014

“Make it Safe… Trust me there is a bright light at the end of this tunnel!”

Phil Coleman of Barlow Blinds, Leicester tells Openings about the positive way he has approached the issue of Child Safety.

“The recent changes to the legislation regarding blind safety seem to have taken a lot of people by surprise and saddled a little panic in some, but trust me things do get better.

I know this for a fact because we implemented these changes over 18 months ago and we have reaped just the benefits from it and are now making the switch.

In my opinion there are two things you need to make the most of these changes; firstly an in-depth product knowledge and secondly a positive attitude.

Let’s take the first one — product knowledge.

We have seen a huge switch in the types of products we are now selling, many of which are higher priced and more profitable including electric operation, gear operated roller blinds and perhaps group awareness, integrated blinds (INTU/Perfect Fit etc).

It seems the fear factor of prices was actually in our heads and not our customers. It has turned out to be far more important than price.

I guarantee that there is a percentage of your customers who are willing to pay more for the right product, give them the options and let them choose.”

Phil continued:

“The second point is positive attitude, we hear from so many customers that some blind companies don’t like the changes, don’t really want to implement them and even appear scared of doing so.

We think attitude what do you think their chances are of getting the job? Pretty slim I would suggest.

We all want to be seen as the go-to guys for blinds in our locality and blind safety is another area where we can be seen as the experts.

Child Safety has been an important part of our sales approach for years, with the changes now in force it has raised it to a whole new level.

The conversations we have with potential customers and the paperwork we leave are what makes it virtually impossible for any of our customers to feel sold to, in fact to be asked about child safety and in some cases the customer now knows more than the blind companies. Now that’s a scary thought!

With a little bit of thinking outside the box these changes do not need to have a negative impact on your business and more importantly your profit margins.”

Key points to spend some time thinking about:

• Product knowledge, have as many different products available for your customers as possible, and SHOW THEM!
• Positive attitude, make sure customer facing staff see child safety as a positive.
• Promote cordless option; we have “Cordless For Kids” promotion that raises the profile of cordless blinds.
• Leaflets/Paperwork, after quoting leave potential customers with something that backs up the importance of child safety and the measures all companies have to take.

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FAQs

Why are child safety regulations important for blinds?

Child safety regulations help reduce risks associated with blind cords and chains, particularly in homes with young children. Modern blinds now include safer operating systems, cordless options and improved safety devices.

What are cordless blinds?

Cordless blinds are blinds designed without exposed operating cords or chains. They are popular because they improve both child safety and the overall appearance of the blind.

Are modern blinds safer than older blinds?

Yes. Modern blinds are designed to meet much stricter safety standards than many older systems, particularly regarding cord and chain safety.

Why does professional blind advice matter for child safety?

Different blinds suit different rooms and homes. An experienced blinds company can recommend safer systems, suitable operating methods and products that comply with current safety standards.

Can motorised blinds improve child safety?

Yes. Motorised blinds remove the need for manual operating cords and chains, making them a popular option for improving both convenience and child safety.

Was Barlow Blinds featured in BBSA Openings Magazine discussing child safety?

Yes. Barlow Blinds previously discussed blind child safety, product knowledge and changing industry standards in BBSA Openings Magazine, the official publication of the British Blind and Shutter Association who are The Authority on UK Shading..

About Phil Coleman
Phil Coleman is the fifth generation of his family to run Barlow Blinds, a Leicester business that has been making blinds since 1887. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Phil has played a leading role in shaping industry standards including being part of the team that wrote the only NVQ qualification for blind and shutter installers. He also serves on the Management Committee of the British Blind & Shutter Association (BBSA), helping to set best practice across the trade. Under his leadership, Barlow Blinds has remained true to its founding principle: “It’s not our job to find customers for our blinds, it’s our job to find the right blinds for our customers.”

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