In November, something happened that most companies will never experience.
Twice in one month, we were recommended by two competitors, not customers, not suppliers, but direct competitors:
Newbold Blinds and Curtains
Phantom Blinds
Both had customers with challenging needs. And instead of saying “we can’t do that,” they pointed them to us.
Think about that.
It’s one thing to get recommended by a happy customer and we love that.
It’s something else entirely when a competitor, who knows this industry inside and out, trusts you with their customer.
That kind of respect? Makes me feel so proud..
Why It Happens
At Barlow Blinds, we’ve never built our reputation on speed or sales tactics. We built it on doing things right:
✔ We don’t cut corners.
✔ We don’t do “close enough.”
✔ And we don’t upsell people into things they don’t need.
Most importantly?
We still manufacture blinds right here in Leicester.
That gives us a rare advantage:
- Local craftsmanship: We have total control of the quality.
- Experienced people: Our team has years of experience, so there are not many jobs where we can’t find a solution.
What This Really Means
When your competitors recommend you, it says:
- “These people care about doing things properly.”
- “They’ve earned trust in the industry.”
- “They know how to find solutions others can’t or won’t.”
It proves something we’ve always believed:
Good work gets noticed even by your rivals.
To Newbold and Phantom
Thank you.
Not just for trusting us.
But for showing the kind of professionalism that keeps standards in our trade high for everyone.
You chose to put your customers first and that’s what the best companies do.
We used your example for inspiration at our weekly team meeting. If there is an enquiry and we cannot help then we need to work hard towards pointing them in the right direction.
Final Thought: This Is What Healthy Competition Looks Like
Too often, this industry is about what’s quickest, easiest, or already “in the van.”
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
We believe in long-term trust, real craftsmanship, and giving honest advice even if it means sending a job elsewhere.
Sometimes that earns you a happy customer.
And sometimes if you’re lucky it earns you a nod from the competition.
We’re proud of both.
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.”
