Why The BMAA is essential to the shading industry

In this article I will explore the many successes and benefits of our association and why it’s important for the industry to join and support the BMAA.

I’m starting this essay after attending the directors meeting in Adelaide. It is the first time that the BMAA has held a meeting in Adelaide.

If you’re not familiar with the BMAA, let me give you a brief history and description of its activities.

The association started in the 1940s and was known as the Venetian Blind Manufacturers Association (VBMA), with branches in most States and a head office in Canberra (VBMFA).   Eventually the State VBMAs folded, with only Queensland remaining.  In 2000 VBMA Queensland adopted a more formal structure and changed its name to the Blind Manufacturers’ Association of Australia. 

In 1987 the BMAA held its first trade exhibition in Bronte, in Sydney. The first Queensland exhibition was at Sheraton Mirage in 1991. From 1994 until 2010 the exhibition was held at the Royal Pines Resort.  The expos had grown significantly and additional display space was required and a new venue was needed.  In 2013 the trade show moved to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre where it still continues, with the next show to be held in June 2023.  This has now become our “SuperExpo” that we hold every three years on the Gold Coast, generally in the year following R+T in Stuttgart, Germany.  

The BMAA still has its office in Queensland and is run by a board of 10 volunteers directors from within industry and meet about 4-6 times a year and correspond regularly on industry issues.

Over the years, the BMAA has had many major achievements.

1. Child safety regulations. The government introduced a set of safety protocols for blinds following several instances of child strangulation but the industry found that the rules were onerous and unworkable.  The BMAA lobbied over 12 months to modify the rules, so they became workable. This was a major success for the BMAA.

2. Industry training. In 2017, the BMAA partnered with a training company – The Frontline Group – and has developed a national training guideline and certification for our industry. This has been a major success. We are currently focussed on training installers.

3. Compliance. The BMAA has partnered with Watchdog Compliance to provide legal compliance advice regarding products and advertising. This service is free for members.

4. WincovER. Over the past 20 years the BMAA has been developing an energy rating system for window coverings known as WincovER. This is now in industry testing mode with two member companies testing the system in the marketplace. Over the 20 years, the program has changed significantly. It has required a substantial investment from the BMAA but the star based system that is the end product is destined to be a significant tool for our industry.  It will only be available to BMAA members.

5. Performance Solutions. The BMAA has developed a Performance Solution for awnings and blinds on the outside of Level 2 – 9 buildings. This has been used successfully by several of our members and is available to members now. 

6. Consumer Complaints. BMAA also has a service to the public to advise on blind issues and offer advice on suitable remedies. While not legally binding, we have found this system to be very successful and the ACCC accepts our inspections when these are required.  Our member follow our code of ethics, which helps reassure customers that they will be treated fairly and professionally. 

7. Website and Social Media. The BMAA’s website contains a great deal of useful information.  We have a social media presence on Facebook and LinkedIn to promote discussion and public awareness.   

8. Lobbying. The BMAA actively lobbies the government on matters relevant to our industry. Currently we are addressing the maximum size of awnings requiring council permission.

9. Sustainability. The current focus of the Board is to promote sustainability within our industry and reduce industry waste and our carbon footprint. 

The main benefits of membership are:

• Gain access to industry-specific expertise;

• Develop relationships with key industry stakeholders;

• Receive industry updates and news;

• Access professional development and training opportunities;

• Participate in industry forums and networking events;

• Use of BMAA Member logo on your website and in advertising;

• Participate in our trade exhibitions;

• Be listed on the BMAA website, with a direct link to your company’s website;

• Attend our face-to-face interstate meetings and other networking events.

For further information, contact [email protected] or visit www.bmaa.net.au to access a membership application form.