Caribbean Blinds is thrilled to announce that we’ve taken home Best External Shading Installation at the BBSA Excellence Awards 2026 – and yes, that makes it two years running!
We’re especially pleased about this one because of what the BBSA (British Blind and Shutter Association) Awards represent. Within the shading industry, they’re seen as a real marker of quality and good practice, judged by people who understand the detail behind every project. So to be recognised again, and in such a competitive category, genuinely means a lot to us.
The winning project, based in Suffolk, is a great example of the kind of work we enjoy getting stuck into. At its heart are six Dominica external blinds, installed across a full-width slate-roof veranda. It sounds simple enough, but once you’re dealing with spans of up to six metres, things quickly become more complex.
We had to think carefully about how the system would perform in all conditions, especially in higher winds, while still looking clean and considered. The blinds were also integrated with a Rako smart-control system, giving the homeowner an easy way to manage light and shade throughout the day.
What we really like about this installation is how naturally it fits into the space. It’s not trying too hard, but it completely changes how the veranda can be used. It’s now a place that works year-round, offering shelter when it’s needed and opening up when it’s not.
Of course, projects like this are never just about one element. We worked closely with other trades on site to make sure everything aligned, from structure to electrics. That coordination, along with plenty of problem solving along the way, is a big part of what made the end result work so well.
As our MD Stuart Dantzic puts it: “This is a proud moment for the Caribbean Blinds team. To win Best External Shading Installation two years in a row is testament to the design thinking, problem solving, coordination with other trades and attention to detail that goes into every project. The client feedback tells the real story, highlighting the professionalism and care our team brings to every installation.”
And while we’re celebrating the win, we shouldn’t forget what came before it. We were shortlisted in all five categories we entered this year, which is something we’re just as proud of. It reflects the range of what we do, not just installations but product development, marketing, showroom design and how we collaborate on projects.
One example is the Grillo Pergola, which we developed alongside Grillo. Since launching in 2025, it’s become a popular addition to outdoor kitchen setups, with features like motorised roof louvres and integrated drainage helping it handle British weather without fuss. It’s been great to see how naturally it’s been taken up, with around 20 per cent of new Grillo kitchens now including one.
We’ve also put a lot into our Dream Gardens showsite in Sudbury. It’s designed so visitors can experience our systems in real settings rather than trying to imagine them from a catalogue. Being able to walk through different garden setups, see the shading in action and understand how it all works together makes a real difference.
In the end, this award is a moment we’re proud of, but it’s also a reflection of the work that goes into every project we take on. Winning once is always special. Doing it again, at this level, tells us we’re on the right track.
For more information about our work, contact us here.
