Why Choose a Blind Company That is a Member of the BBSA?

What is the BBSA?

The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) is the sole trade association for blinds, shutters and awning companies in the UK. The national association was established over 100 years ago with an aim to ensure high standards and fair trade within the industry. Starlight Blinds has been a BBSA member since 1998, showcasing our ongoing dedication to supplying and fitting only high quality and safe blinds and shutters. We’ve benefitted hugely from the association’s available resources including, thorough advice, industry news, research documentation and training courses.

Why Use a BBSA Accredited Company?

Companies that are members of the BBSA show their commitment to delivering top quality products, high levels of customer service and up to date advice. The BBSA put members through rigorous vetting criteria to ensure that those accredited have an assurance of high standards. Reaccreditation is required annually to ensure that all members retain the highest of standards. All members must adhere to the BBSA Code of Conduct and each have access to a library of the latest industry advice, guidance, safety updates and product regulations. 

The BBSA gives an assurance to customers that you can trust their members as they are:

• Fully insured
• Committed to training
• Able to use the free mediation service
• Committed to child safety
• Up-to-date with regulations and best practice
• Abiding by the BBSA Code of Conduct
• Annually reaccredited

Trust and Quality Assurance

The BBSA’s long standing reputation means it is an authoritative and trusted UK trade body within the industry. Their membership application process includes extensive vetting. Applicants must have been trading for a minimum of 3 years, be VAT registered and paying business rates. Applicants must also supply the BBSA with official documentation including sufficient insurance cover for product liability, public liability and employers liability. Members with over 5 employees must also have a robust health and safety policy in place and supply this documentation to the BBSA as part of the application process. 

Once an application is successful, members are committed to adhering to the BBSA Code of Practice. The code of conduct includes rules relating to ethical standards and fair trading, standards of service, standards of workmanship, safety, training and more. In the unlikely event that there is a dispute with a member, customers can reach out to the BBSA mediation service for a fair resolution. 

These compliance measures means that customers can have peace of mind that BBSA accredited members will provide high quality products and excellent standards of service.

Putting Safety First

Starlight Blinds are advocates of the BBSA Make it Safe campaign. This was launched by the trade body in 2009 to ensure that the safety of children and vulnerable people in both homes and businesses was of utmost priority to blinds and shutter companies. Starlight Blinds puts safety first and only supplies child safe blinds. Choosing a BBSA member to supply and fit your blinds, shutters or awning ensures that safe products are fitted to appropriate UK standards.

The BBSA provides its members with substantial amounts of training material, including 31 online health and safety courses. Their extensive library of courses also allows members to educate employees on the most up-to-date product guidance and information. This means that a BBSA member, such as Starlight Blinds, will have the appropriate expertise to guide you, advise you and install appropriate products for you. 

Ensuring consumer safety emphasises the importance of industry standards in the blinds, shutters and awnings market.

Dedication to Sustainability

The BBSA promotes environmental responsibility and invests in research and development to help members improve their sustainability as well as their customers. Their current campaign, Shade IT, is undertaking independent research to improve the understanding of how solar shading can utilise science and technology to make homes and businesses more energy efficient. 

Members, including Starlight Blinds, are able to utilise the findings of such research to promote sustainable products to their customers. Customers benefit from choosing products that help to keep rooms insulated in winter and shaded in summer. 

How to Verify a Blinds Company’s BBSA Membership

If you want to find or verify a company’s BBSA membership. You can use the ‘member search’ function on the BBSA website. 

Starlight Blinds is proud to have been a member of the prestigious BBSA since 1998. We continue to deliver high levels of quality workmanship and service. If you’d like Starlight Blinds to take care of your window blinds, shutters or awning with the peace of mind that we adhere to the strict standards imposed by our membership, get in touch with our team today.