Made in the UK But What Does That Really Mean?
“Made in the UK” appears on a lot of products. But dig a little deeper, and it doesn’t always mean what it suggests.
At Barlow Blinds, we believe in something more:
Made in Leicester. From UK parts. Using UK fabrics. By a local team who actually know what they’re making.
Here’s what Made in the UK actually means for us.
🏭 Our Factory Isn’t Just a Place It’s Part of the Product
We’ve been making blinds in Leicester for generations. For most of the products we install it’s not something we outsource, or badge over.
You’ll find our team:
- Cutting fabric and slats by hand
- Assembling headrails with proper care
- Checking every order before it leaves the workshop
It’s not the fastest way. But it’s the right way and it shows in the finished product.
🧵 Made in the UK… or Just Assembled Here?
This is where most companies blur the lines.
You might see “Made in the UK” on a product that’s:
- Made from imported components
- Using mass-produced fabrics from China or Turkey
- Assembled here by a subcontracted team
At Barlow Blinds, we use:
- UK-made components (like our vertical and roller systems from Louvolite in Manchester)
- UK-woven fabrics where possible
- A local team in Leicester who’ve been doing this for years
That’s not the cheapest route but it means we know what’s in your blinds, how they were made, and who made them. Trust me over the years when we have tried to save some money buy using imported parts and it has backfired. The cost saving looks great on our bank statement but we lost the reliability, which meant more call backs to site and replacing parts. So it actually cost us. That idea lasted 2 months and is not something we would ever do again..
🛠️ What Difference Does It Make for You?
✅ Better quality control
If something’s not right, we catch it in the factory not weeks later after it’s been shipped halfway across the world.
✅ Faster turnaround
We don’t have to wait for shipping containers, customs delays or third-party suppliers. If you need something quickly, we can usually help.
✅ Real accountability
If we made it, we stand behind it. No blaming factories you’ll never see or support teams that never call back.
✅ Better for the planet
UK-made parts and fabrics mean fewer transport miles, less packaging, and more transparency on working conditions.
🤫 What Other Companies Might Not Tell You
- Some “UK-made” blinds are actually imported kits clipped together here.
- Some national brands don’t make anything themselves at all.
We’ve walked away from industry shortcuts and we sleep better because of it.
💬 From Our Workshop Floor
“We’ve tested cheaper components. We’ve trialled imported kits. And we always come back to this if we wouldn’t fit it in our homes, we won’t fit it in yours.”
🧠 FAQs
Are your blinds really made in the UK?
Yes, our vertical and roller blinds are fully made in our Leicester factory, using UK-made parts and fabrics wherever possible.
Where do your components come from?
We use British suppliers like Louvolite (Manchester) for tracks and systems, and select UK-based mills for fabric.
Are UK-made blinds better?
In our experience, yes, better quality control, safer components, and more reliable supply.
Are imported blinds always bad?
Not always but we believe in being transparent. If we offer something made overseas (like shutters), we’ll explain why and where it comes from.
Do UK-made blinds cost more?
Sometimes but not always. And over time, they often last longer and perform better, making them better value.
✅ Final Thought
“There’s Made in the UK… and then there’s actually made here, from start to finish, with pride.”
We make blinds… that’s it! We don’t sell carpets, we don’t fit curtains and we don’t supply furniture. Our aim is to make and install the best blinds possible, not the most blinds possible.
