Why I Joined the BBSA Management Committee (And Why That Matters To Leicester Homeowners)
When I first joined the family business, I never imagined that one day I would help shape the future of the blinds industry.
Like most people starting out, my focus was simple.
Learn the trade.
Look after customers.
Make the best blinds we could.
And if I'm honest, that would probably have been enough.
But over time, I started to notice something that didn't sit comfortably with me.
Not at Barlow Blinds, but across the industry as a whole.
I visited homes where customers had been given poor advice.
I saw products being recommended that were completely wrong for the room they were going into.
I saw shortcuts being taken.
And perhaps most importantly, I saw how difficult it was for homeowners to know who they could trust.
The good companies and the bad companies often looked exactly the same from the outside.
Why Trust Matters When Choosing a Blinds Company
Unlike some trades, the barriers to entry in the blinds industry are relatively low.
In reality, a car, a tape measure and a set of sample books are often enough to get started.
That isn't necessarily a bad thing. Every business has to start somewhere.
The challenge for homeowners is knowing who is genuinely experienced, properly trained and committed to doing things the right way.
After all, when you're inviting somebody into your home, you're placing a great deal of trust in them.
You expect them to give honest advice.
You expect them to recommend the right solution, not simply the most profitable one.
And you expect the products to be installed safely and correctly.
That's why professional standards matter.
It's also why organisations like the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) exist.
What Is the BBSA?
The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) is the UK's only trade association dedicated to blinds, shutters and awnings and is The Authority on UK Shading..
Its role is to promote safety, improve standards, provide technical guidance and help consumers make informed decisions.
For homeowners, BBSA membership provides reassurance that a company is committed to recognised industry standards and professional best practice.
Membership isn't simply a logo that can be added to a website.
It has to be earned.
That commitment to raising standards was one of the main reasons I decided to become involved.
To find out more about the BBSA click here
Why I Joined the BBSA Management Committee
In 2014, I was elected to the BBSA Management Committee.
For me, it wasn't about adding another title to a business card.
It was about helping to improve the industry for everyone.
If we wanted consumers to have confidence in our products, then we had a responsibility to raise standards, improve professionalism and make it easier for homeowners to identify companies they could trust.
I believed then, and still believe now, that the strongest industries are the ones that continually challenge themselves to improve.
Helping Raise Installation Standards
One of the projects I am most proud of was helping to develop the industry's recognised NVQ qualification for blind and shutter installers.
Most homeowners assume that anyone fitting blinds knows exactly what they are doing.
The reality is that installation is one of the most important parts of the entire process.
Even the highest quality blind can perform poorly if it is measured or fitted incorrectly.
The NVQ helped create a recognised benchmark for professional installation and acknowledged the skills that experienced installers had developed over many years.
It was an important step forward for both installers and consumers.
On stage with other industry experts at the Make It Safe Conference .
Why I Still Serve Today
More than ten years later, I remain a member of the BBSA Management Committee.
I also serve on the Promotions Working Group and currently chair the Website Working Group.
The reason is simple.
The role of blinds, shutters and awnings in modern homes has changed dramatically.
People are no longer just looking for privacy or decoration.
They're looking for ways to:
- Reduce overheating
- Improve sleep quality
- Lower energy consumption
- Increase comfort
- Create healthier living environments
Research supported by the BBSA continues to improve our understanding of how window coverings contribute to all of these areas.
Being involved allows me to help ensure that information reaches both consumers and industry professionals.
Will the BBSA Ever Be as Recognisable as Gas Safe?
Probably not.
At least not anytime soon.
Gas Safe registration protects consumers in an area where mistakes can have immediate and serious consequences.
But there is something we can learn from it.
Most homeowners recognise the Gas Safe logo because it represents professionalism, accountability and trust.
That's exactly what the BBSA has worked towards for decades.
Every improvement in standards, every training programme and every piece of consumer guidance helps move the industry in the right direction.
What This Means for Customers in Leicester
People occasionally ask why I volunteer my time attending committee meetings, working groups and industry events.
The answer is actually very simple.
Because every improvement made at industry level eventually benefits the customer sitting in front of me in their living room.
Whether that's improved safety guidance, better technical information, new research into overheating or higher installation standards, it all helps people make better decisions about their homes.
And that has always been the part of the job I enjoy most.
Helping people make the right choice.
My grandad, Alan Coleman, used to say:
"It is not our job to find customers for our blinds. It is our job to find the right blinds for our customers."
Joining the BBSA Management Committee was really just an extension of that philosophy.
An opportunity to help more people than I could ever visit myself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BBSA membership mean?
BBSA membership demonstrates a commitment to recognised industry standards, safety guidance, professionalism and ongoing development within the blinds, shutters and awnings industry.
Why is installer training important?
Even high-quality blinds can perform poorly if they are measured or fitted incorrectly. Professional training helps ensure products are installed safely and correctly.
How can homeowners identify a reputable blinds company?
Look for evidence of experience, independent reviews, professional memberships, clear product knowledge and a willingness to provide honest advice rather than simply make a sale.
Does BBSA membership guarantee quality?
No organisation can guarantee every customer experience. However, BBSA membership demonstrates that a company has committed to recognised standards and industry best practice and also offer a resolution service if things don’t go as expected.
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.”
