Why We're Proud to Be a Louvolite Accredited Partner
When people buy made-to-measure blinds, they usually spend most of their time choosing colours, fabrics and finishes.
Very few people ask what sits behind the fabric.
Ironically, that's often the part that determines how well a blind performs five or ten years later.
The brackets.
The operating mechanism.
The controls.
The components you never see.
At Barlow Blinds, we've believed for decades that these hidden parts matter just as much as the fabric itself.
That's one of the biggest reasons we've worked with Louvolite for more than 30 years and why we're proud to have become a Louvolite Accredited Partner.
For us, this accreditation isn't about displaying another logo.
It's recognition of a long-standing commitment to building blinds properly.
Why We Chose Louvolite and Never Looked Back
Over the years we've been approached by companies offering cheaper alternatives.
We could have reduced costs by switching suppliers.
We never did.
Why?
Because we've seen what happens when manufacturers cut corners on the components hidden inside a blind.
Beautiful fabric doesn't matter very much if the mechanism begins to fail after only a few years.
A blind should feel just as smooth to operate years after installation as it did on day one.
That's why we've continued to trust Louvolite.
Their components have consistently delivered the reliability and quality we want our customers to receive.
It's What's Behind the Fabric That Matters Most
Most people naturally judge a blind by its appearance.
But from a manufacturer's perspective, the real quality is hidden inside.
Every roller blind, vertical blind and Perfect Fit blind we manufacture in Leicester uses premium UK-made Louvolite components produced at their Manchester manufacturing facility.
Those components are the result of extensive research, engineering and rigorous lifecycle testing before they ever reach our workshop.
That gives us confidence that every blind we manufacture starts with proven systems designed to perform reliably for years not just look good on installation day.
Built in Britain. Built Properly.
Manufacturing in Britain has always been important to us.
Our blinds are manufactured here in Leicester using British-made Louvolite systems.
That means:
- Proven British engineering
- Consistent manufacturing quality
- Shorter supply chains
- Faster access to replacement parts if they're ever needed
- Continued investment in UK manufacturing
We're proud that so much of what goes into our blinds is designed and manufactured here in the UK.
Accreditation Means More Than a Certificate
Becoming a Louvolite Accredited Partner isn't simply recognition of the products we use.
It also means our team has direct access to Louvolite's latest technical training, product developments and new innovations.
As manufacturing techniques evolve, we evolve with them.
That allows us to continually improve the blinds we manufacture and ensure our customers benefit from the latest systems and best practices.
Why This Matters to You
When you're comparing blinds, it's easy to focus entirely on fabrics, colours and prices.
Those things matter.
But so do the components working quietly behind the scenes every single day.
Choosing blinds built with proven systems means you're investing in:
- Premium UK-manufactured components
- Products designed using decades of engineering expertise
- Components that undergo extensive durability testing
- Reliable long-term performance
- Ongoing product support and innovation
They're details many people never think about until something goes wrong.
We think they're worth getting right from the very beginning.
More Than 30 Years of Shared Standards
Our relationship with Louvolite has lasted for more than three decades because we share the same philosophy.
Quality isn't something you add at the end.
It's built into every decision you make.
From the components we choose to the way every blind is manufactured here in Leicester, we've always focused on building products we'd be happy to install in our own homes.
Becoming a Louvolite Accredited Partner simply reinforces that commitment.
Our Promise
At Barlow Blinds, we've never wanted to manufacture the most blinds.
We've always wanted to manufacture the best blinds we possibly can.
Working with Louvolite for more than 30 years has helped us do exactly that.
This accreditation is another reminder that quality isn't created by one decision.
It's created by thousands of small decisions made over decades.
And that's exactly how we intend to keep making every blind that leaves our factory.
Ady Mumford – Factory Manager
Ady has spent over 25 years in the Barlow Blinds factory and understands blinds manufacturing down to the smallest detail. As Factory Manager, he leads the team that makes many of our blinds right here in Leicester, ensuring every product leaving the factory meets the standards we’ve built our reputation on.
Article Review & Accuracy
Reviewed by: Phil Coleman, Managing Director, Barlow Blinds
Last reviewed: July 2026
Our promise
If new evidence, products or British Standards change our advice, we'll update this article. If we make a mistake, we'll correct it.
This article forms part of the Barlow Blinds Knowledge Centre and is written or personally reviewed by Phil Coleman, drawing on more than 35 years' experience, guidance from the British Blind & Shutter Association (BBSA), British Standards where applicable, manufacturer technical information and real customer feedback.
Major updates to this article are shown at the top or bottom of the page.
