Flooring Oct-Nov 2013

october/november 2013

Design is ASAP At Shaw Contract Group we understand that retrofit and refurbishment jobs run to restrictive timeframes and budgets which is why we offer award-winning carpet tile that’s delivered on time, on budget, easy to install and environmentally sustainable.

See page 13 >

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incorporating

FLOORS

october/november 2013 | vol 31 no 05 www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Industry News

Special features

Regular Reports

FrontCover

06 Airstep Footy Tipping winners

26 Carpets & Rugs

24 Airstep Retailer of the Month: Precision Carpets, Leedervile, WA

01 Shaw Contract Group

08 Dunlop Flooring wins sustainability award 10 Carpet Court welcomes new store in Grovedale 12 Colour and design showcase 14 US Protect Crete principals visit 16 Australian International Sourcing Fair 17 Catastrophic flames engulf QEP building

36 Software 40 Alternative Floors 45 Tiles

30 Business: How successful business owners manage money 32 Surfaces Today 42 PIC Floors - Preparation, Installation and Care 46 Advertisers Index Classified advertising 47 Exhibition Calendar

18 New staff for Shaw Contract

Flooring Oct/Nov 2013 3

LettertotheEditor

We are writing in response to an article that was published in the August/September issue of Flooring magazine entitled "Floors for food processing" and written by Anthony Lewis and David De Wit from Sika Australia.

With a great deal of respect towards the people from Sika Australia, we would like to share a recent example of food processing floor that is contrary to their generalisations provided about epoxy resin based floors.

We have been installing our two pack solventless epoxy flooring system onboard navy vessels for over 10 years and we were recently installing a floor in the galley and scullery.

Within a couple of hours of

applying our coating, the floor was flooded.

I wonder how a polyurethane concrete would have handled that situation?

In our world, this is not uncommon and we drained the water and used fans in the

ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD ABN: 27 006 876 419 PO BOX 800, Templestowe Victoria, Australia 3106 Ph: + 61 3 9890 0815 Fax: + 61 3 9890 0087 Email: info@elitepublishing.com.au Website: www.elitepublishing.com.au PUBLISHER Vicky Cammiade Email: vicky.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au GROUP MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Curtis Email: jennifer.curtis@elitepublishing.com.au NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Ashley Cooper Email: ashley.cooper@elitepublishing.com.au CIRCULATION MANAGER Georgia Gilmour Email: georgia.gilmour@elitepublishing.com.au PRODUCTION For artwork and production enquiries please email: production@elitepublishing.com.au PRE-PRESS Prominent Digital PRINTED BY Prominent Group Pty Ltd EXHIBITION ORGANISERS & PROMOTERS Elite Media & Marketing Pty Ltd P O BOX 800, Templestowe Victoria, Australia 3106 Ph: + 61 3 9890 0815 Fax: + 61 3 9890 0087 Email: info@elitepublishing.com.au Website: www.elitepublishing.com.au

4 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

space to dry off the surface.

Our coating did not discolour, blush or suffer any detrimental effects of the water. We completed our project on time and on budget.

We formulate chemically resistant, genuinely moisture

tolerant systems that have been proven in demanding environments for over 10 years. We have a track record of performance in areas that are constantly wet including underwater applications. Not all epoxies are formulated the same –I guess that is why we have the slogan "Real Word Epoxies".

Jack Josephsen, National Maintenance Products, Yatala, Queensland

ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD PUBLISHERS OF: Supplier Woodworking Magazine, Furniture & Bedding Magazine, Flooring Magazine Member of the International Woodworking and Furniture Supplier Magazine Associationt

ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD (established 1985) All rights reserved – No part of this publication maybe reproduced, transmitted or copied in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without the express prior written consent of Elite Publishing Co Pty Ltd. Viewpoints, opinions, claims, etc expressed in articles appearing in this publication are those of the authors. The Publishers accept no responsibility for the information supplied or for claims made by companies or their representatives regarding product performance, etc or for any errors, omissions, misplacement, alterations, or any subsequent changes, or for any consequences of reliance on this information or this publication.

Jennifer Curtis – Group Managing Editor

Ashley Cooper – National Sales Manager

"Your Industry - Your Magazine"

THE CHOICES FLOORING FAMILY CONTINUES TO GROW

Choices Flooring are proud to announce another new store now open. Owners Ritchie & Wendy Whyte are very excited about the opportunity to open a Choices Flooring store in Myaree, WA. Choices Flooring Myaree has joined the Choices Flooring Store Evolution, featuring new innovations in technology and display to enhance the customer experience.

“We decided to join the Choices Flooring Group because not only were they the most professional and knowledgeable, but were also by far the most enthusiastic when it came to the flooring industry.

After speaking with many contacts within the industry, not one had a bad thing to say about them. Our decision was made.”

Ritchie & Wendy Whyte

For a strictly confidential discussion about the future direction of your business, please contact: Andrew Lewis Chief Executive Officer Mobile: 0400 400 036 Email: alewis@choicesflooring.com.au

Tim Drew Group Manager - Retail Development Mobile: 0425 751 756 Email: tdrew@choicesflooring.com.au

choicesflooring.com.au

“We are so excited about the opportunity to be able to provide the local community with a really great service and fantastic products, alongside having such a great team behind us at Choices Flooring Central Office.”

News WerkMaster is on the move After six years in its North Vancouver location, WerkMaster is moving to a much larger facility in Burnaby, British Columbia.

The new location will provide expanded production capacity to meet the growing global demand for WerkMaster's extensive line of floor care equipment and maintenance products.

WerkMaster is an award winning manufacturer of concrete polishing and surface preparation equipment, stone, terrazzo, VCT and vinyl restoration and refinishing equipment as well as hardwood floor sanding machines, propane burnishers, concrete densifiers, sealers, cleaners and etchers.

"Quality, durability, versatility and innovative design along with our continued commitment to

provide superior customer service and support has led to the successful growth of WerkMaster and our product distribution has grown significantly," stated Brian Wilson, President of WerkMaster.

Wilson further stated, "A select number of stores are now renting the Scarab, Termite XT and Viper XT for concrete surface preparation, leveling and flattening concrete, polishing concrete, refinishing wood decks and hardwood floors. Designed to remove epoxy coatings, paint, thinset, yellow cutback carpet glue, black VCT vinyl glue, micro toppings, as well as polish concrete, terrazzo, granite, marble and natural stone surfaces, WerkMaster is the perfect choice for contractors and DIY customers."

Airstep footy tipping winners Airstep's annual footy tipping competition has been run and won for 2013, with a record numbers of entrants in both the AFL and NRL divisions.

“Congratulations to all prizewinners, especially our two winners, Peter Jennings in the NRL and Tramane Webster in the AFL,” said Airstep general manager Paul Verschaeren. “We are looking forward to another record year in 2014.

Winners – AFL tipping 1st prize - $1000 – Tramane Webster, Wodonga Border Carpets; 2nd prize – $400 – Tracey Winterton, Dandy Choices; Equal 3rd prize – $150 each Chris Black, Carpet Court Bunbury and Linda Stellas, Inner City Floorworld, Victoria; 5th prize – $50 – Chris Glenane, Wodonga Border Carpets.

Winners – NRL tipping 1st prize – $1000 – Peter Jennings, Andersens Caloundra; Equal 2nd prize – $300 each – Graham Wallis, Paton Commercial Carpets and Leanne Cameron, PKF; Equal 4th prize – $75 each – Emanuele Failla, Carpet Court Kogarah and Jason McEwen, Carpet Call.

Clockwise from left: The AFL premiership cup took time out of its busy schedule to drop into the Airstep head office; Tracey Winterton of Dandy Choices (Vic) receiving the AFL runner-up cheque of $400; Equal third Place getter AFL, Linda Stellas, Inner City Floorworld (Vic). $150; Wodonga Border Carpets shows its footy tipping skills with first place winner Tramane Webster(right) ($1000) and fifth place winner Chris Glenane ($50); nrl winner Peter Jennings.

6 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

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News Dunlop Flooring wins 25th anniversary Banksia Sustainability Award

Getting connected As part of a phased global launch that will see a complete rebranding of its massive global construction chemicals business, BASF has launched the Master Builders Solutions brand in Australia.

Highlighting BASF’s strong ongoing commitment to the construction industry, the new Master Builders Solutions brand represents a wide range of construction chemical solutions previously sold under a variety of specialty brands. The globally aligned new product naming system provides customers with more orientation and trust – delivering one strong brand for the construction industry.

The portfolio of products and services marketed under the Master Builders Solutions brand embraces construction chemical solutions for new construction, maintenance, repair and renovation of buildings and infrastructure, including: concrete admixtures, cement additives, chemical solutions for mining and tunnelling, waterproofing, concrete protection and repair products, grouts and high-performance flooring products.

Highlighting the new brand’s key theme of

8 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

‘connectedness’, the official celebrations saw the unveiling of the new brand in the form of a giant jigsaw, which was put together by members of the Master Builders Solutions management team on the main putting green.

As highlighted by the new logo’s two ‘connectors’, the Master Builders Solutions brand connects the strengths of an array of products and brands – including many of the world’s best known and most highly respected construction chemical products – bringing 30 brands under the one Master Builders Solutions banner.

As well as connecting each of the individual product offerings to deliver an holistic ‘total solution’ approach that is able to meet customers’ specific needs, the Master Builders Solutions brand is about much more than simply renaming products. It places a significant emphasis on connecting customers with BASF’s global expertise and knowledge base: Working together with customers to provide high quality, sustainable solutions to meet the needs of all types of building and construction projects.

Dunlop Flooring has been acknowledged amongst Australia’s most environmentally and sustainable organisations by winning a Banksia Sustainability Award for its Recycle by Dunlop Program in the category of Waste Minimisation.

This award recognises leadership, innovation and a commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing processes and carpet underlay recycling program. Dunlop not only reduces waste of polyurethane foam, the company cleans, sorts and, ultimately, recycles into a new reusable carpet underlay.

Celebrating their 25th anniversary, the Banksia Sustainability Awards acknowledge excellence, dedication and leadership in various areas that contribute to the environment and a sustainable future.

As Australia’s largest recycler of polyurethane foam, Dunlop Flooring processes in excess of 10,000 tonnes of foam per year that would otherwise go to landfill.

“That’s enough foam to fill the MCG,” explained Yvette Fitzpatrick, Senior Marketing Co-ordinator for Dunlop. “We are committed to playing our part in reducing landfill and our overall impact on the environment by providing the market with

environmentally friendly solutions.

“We recycle carpet underlay and use recycled content within our carpet underlay products.

Dunlop underlays are made of 90% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable. What’s more, we manage our own recycling program, Recycle by Dunlop, which encourages retailers to return their used underlay to us.”

In March 2011 Dunlop commissioned a study by the Evah Institute to measure how the recycling program helps stem the tide of global warming.

“At that time it showed that in six months we had saved approximately 1,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere,” said Yvette.

“Using a vehicle calculator we found that over five years the Recycle by Dunlop program saved the same amount of CO2 emissions as those given out by 42,924 vehicles.”

Andrew Spence, National Sales Manager, Dunlop Flooring commented on the win by saying: “This award is a significant acknowledgement of us as a sustainable leader in Australia. It further supports our association with the Green Building Council of Australia and their Green Star program. Our products meet their requirements achieving maximum rating points for building interiors.”

Andrew Spence, National Sales Manager, Dunlop Flooring with the company’s Banksia Sustainability Award.

DARREN PALMER INTERIOR DESIGN & CARPET COURT AMBASSADOR

Be Part of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Flooring Retailer Franchise Opportunities Available Carpet Court is a brand Australians know and love. As an industry leader and retail innovator, we take great pride in our reputation for expertise, product knowledge and service.

These values go far beyond the customer experience. They extend to each and every one of our franchisees. We value highly motivated, entrepreneurial members and as part of the Carpet Court team, we consider your success our success.

From the marketing to the merchandising, we give you the tools to help you make your business succeed.

Want to join Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Flooring Retailer?

Get in touch with us today.

Franchise Manager - franchise@carpetcourt.com.au Ph: (03) 9244 7999

www.carpetcourt.com.au www.carpetcourt.com.au

News Carpet Court welcomes new store in Grovedale, Vic The doors are now open to Carpet Court’s newest store, Grovedale Carpet Court, offering flooring solutions for homes and businesses throughout the Grovedale and wider Geelong area.

The locally owned business is now a member of Australia’s largest flooring retailer, joining a network of more than 200 Carpet Court stores nationwide.

Grovedale Carpet Court, originally a timber flooring store, opened in September with a dedicated team of 12 flooring specialists offering advice, superb service and expert installation.

With more than 25 years experience in the flooring industry, store owner Ashley Foot has the skill and experience to tackle any flooring challenge and makes sure his team stay up-to-date with latest industry trends and embrace new products and techniques.

Ashley’s decision to join the Carpet Court group was easy. As Australia’s largest retail floor covering group, he said the brand can offer a large range of flooring options at very competitive pricing, something that Ashley is proud to be able to provide to the local community.

Carpet Court’s national franchise services manager, Brian Moroney, greeted the new store into the group saying: “We’re very pleased to welcome the new Grovedale site to the Carpet Court network. Ashley is dedicated to his local customers and believes they deserve to have an extensive range of flooring options on their doorstep. We look forward to watching the business flourish in the coming years”.

Choices Flooring Member Conference: Sydney 2013 Choices Flooring recently held its biannual members conference in Sydney to much enthusiasm and fanfare.

The theme of ‘Together – Stronger as One’ was based around the current strength of the group.

The conference, held over two days, unveiled many new initiatives including exciting exclusive products, marketing strategies and the launch of the Store Evolution Program.

Hosted by TV funny man John Blackman and with guest presentations from Tom Potter (Founder of Eagle

Boys Pizza) and Laurie Lawrence (Swim Legend), the event left members, alliance partners and staff wanting more.

The alliance partner showcase had over 20 booths displaying exciting new product and services for the group’s members. The conference dinner was also jam-packed with excitement, with the famed Magic Carpet Ride destination for 2014 announcement (Singapore), launch of a new apprentice scheme and a charity auction whereby over $12,000 was raised for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

John Blackman

Tom Potter

Domotex puts spotlight on novel products

FreeFit

™

Clickless, Glueless 45cm Vinyl Tile.

Call David Coggins 0419 798 726

10 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

The upcoming Domotex fair for carpets and floorcoverings in 2014 will be geared more strongly than ever to the latest flooring industry trends.

A special highlight will consist of the new Innovations@DOMOTEX initiative designed to put novel products at centre stage and turn the spotlight on product innovations in the fitted carpets, resilient floorcoverings, parquet, laminate flooring and modern hand-made carpets product categories.

The initiative will be spearheaded by special display zones designed to give visitors looking for fresh ideas and

inspiration an initial overview of the latest innovations. From there, they can head straight to the exhibition stands to find out more about the innovations that have caught their eye.

Established special displays such as Souk Deluxe in Hall 17, with its focus on modern luxury carpets and rugs, will be closely aligned with the new innovation format. Similarly, the Innovations@ DOMOTEX Area in Hall 9 will be integrated into the Wood Flooring Summit showcase for the parquet and laminate flooring sector.

When it comes to durability and comfort, Dunlop Flooring performs. With frequent foot traffic, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that commercial environments provide carpet that lasts. Meeting the AS4288 standard Dunlop carpet cushion ensures that commerical carpet will remain comfortable for longer whilst also providing superior thermal and acoustic performance.

dunlopflooring.com.au

News Great prizes for Dunlop footy tipping winners Dunlop Flooring’s AFL/NRL footy tipping results have been announced with the winners taking away some great prizes.

Dunlop Flooring AFL footy tipping winners were: 1st: Tramane Webster from Wodonga Border Carpets, who won the Winter Warmer Grand Final Package: RRP $1300; 2nd: Tracey Winterton from Dandy Choices Flooring who won the Luxe Bedroom Package: RRP $500; 3rd: Ray de Man from Freijah Carpets in Geelong who won the Luxe Bathroom Package: RRP $250; The group winners were: Wodonga Border Carpets team who win a Visa Gift Card worth $200.

Dunlop Flooring NRL footy tipping winners were 1st: Leanne Cameron from PKF, Stafford, QLD who won the Winter Warmer Grand Final Package: RRP $1300; 2nd: Graham Wallis from Paton Commercial Carpets, Brookvale, NSW who won the Luxe Bedroom Package: RRP $500; 3rd: Julie Burgess from Simons Carpets, Wollongong, NSW who won the Luxe Bathroom Package: RRP $250;

Group winners were: Andersens, Grafton, QLD who won a Visa Gift Card worth $200.

The Dunlop Flooring team thanked all who took part and looks forward to their participation next year.

From top: AFL First Prize – Tramane Webster from Wodonga Border Carpets; 1st Prize NRL – Leanne Cameron with Dunlop’s Andrew Spence; AFL Group Winners – Wodonga Border Carpets team.

12 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

Colour and design showcase Natural plywood provides the perfect canvas for a celebration of colour and design at the new Gerflor Showroom in Hawthorn, Victoria.

Designed by Daniel Dalla Riva of UNO the showroom is an inviting space where the extensive portfolio of Gerflor’s commercial and residential flooring is on display.

“The aesthetic is built around a neutral, minimal palette of natural plywood that does not conflict with the product. This project was all about the product and creating a welcoming space where samples are accessible and it is easy to navigate through the different flooring styles and solutions,” Daniel said.

Daniel’s graphic display features a mix of colours, designs and textures mounted to ply cut-away panels for dramatic effect.

“There was enormous breadth in the products that Gerflor wanted to display.

One of the challenges was to not only show the colours and textures, the decors if you like, but also

the practical aspects of the ranges,” he said.

“I hope the outcome is a space that is easy for specifiers, designers and other visitors to navigate, with the assistance of the Gerflor team, their way through the many different solutions that are offered.”

The unique expression of the Gerflor brand and its product offer captured in the showroom design is representative of the broader UNO design philosophy.

“We don’t have a signature style. It’s all about locking in and engaging with the brand and the client to deliver the right solution or outcome for their particular needs. So the Gerflor showroom should be, and is, all about Gerflor,” Daniel said.

The Gerflor showroom is open to design professionals by appointment.

DuraCore now member of Australian Made Campaign DuraCore Pty Ltd is an Australian manufacturer of concrete protection treatments.

“The products and manufacturing processes have undergone the necessary audit to qualify to be registered with the Australian Made Campaign,” said distributor Andrew McLeay, director of Con-Treat. “Not only did DuraCore easily pass the stringent audit process but it is a 100% Australian owned and operated company.

“DuraCore is excited to be a part of the Australian

Made Campaign and proud to be offering the industry high quality Australian made products without a high price tag.

“The DuraCore range is one of the most technically advanced systems on the market,” said Andrew.

“DuraCore’s Densi Crete and Moisture Proof are colloidal silicates that should not be confused with cheaper, less effective sodium silicates.

The products are easy to use, single application, offer permanent results and are environmentally friendly.”

Design is ASAP A wholly owned subsidiary of Shaw Industries Inc, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer and recycler, Shaw Contract Group Australia provide commercial flooring that not only defines design through aesthetic elements, but also through superior performance, innovation and sustainability.

We believe restrictive budgets and timeframes should not mean a sacrifice on style or the environment for any project. With our ‘In Stock. In Australia.’ collection we can deliver sustainable, design inspired carpet tile on time and on budget.

Contact us for an ‘In Stock. In Australia’ swatch of carpet tiles today.

Australia 1800 556 302 shawcontractgroup.com.au

New Zealand 09 574 0640 jacobsens.co.nz

News Grand Designs and twin choices US Protect Crete principals visit Gerflor congratulates Robert Price from Choices Flooring Ballarat and Brett Ward from Foster on winning the Gerflor Grand Designs Texline promotion.

Robert and his wife Linda along with Brett and his wife Lisa were in the house when architect and television personality Kevin McCloud took centre stage at the 2013 Melbourne and Sydney Grand Designs Live extravaganzas.

As well as VIP entry to the shows and a beautiful Kevin McLeod book, the prize winners enjoyed reserved seating at Kevin McCloud’s presentations, overnight accommodation at Melbourne’s Crown Promenade Studio and

Sydney’s Park Royal hotels, and dinner at the Meat and Wine Company restaurants in their respective cities.

Gerflor’s Victorian Account Manager, Nick Cross and Sydney Account Manager, Joe Bongiorno said their customers were thrilled with their win.

“They were both very appreciative when I presented them with their tickets and vouchers and really excited about the show, “ Nick said.

Joe said his customers were surprised and thrilled with their win too.

“Lisa and Brett are both looking forward to Grand Designs. Lisa in particular as she a big fan of Kevin McCloud,” said Joe.

Choices Foster, NSW.

Choices Ballarat, Victoria.

Fred Land, president of Spraylock Concrete Protection, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, which supplies the Protect Crete technology, along with distributors from New Zealand and Australia, travelled a combined 91,573 kilometres for briefing and planning at the Coolum Palmer resort on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland in October.

Fred and Michael Land presented Protect Crete with new, completed testing and an agenda for planned testing. He spoke of new opportunities and markets in infrastructure protection, waterproofing, concrete remediation and concrete element manufacturing in the US and Brazil with the Protect Crete technology products.

A video of the origin of the technology featuring Bill Ward, the inventor, was presented and will be used to counter many of the copycat silicate products cashing in on the Protect Crete success and proven performance.

Fred was quoted as saying: “The Densi Proof and Moisture-Fix products are Bill Ward’s technology

Five million catalogues distributed The Choices Flooring Spring/ Summer catalogue campaign (currently running) has seen over five million catalogues distributed across the majority of Australia.

The catalogue is the first in a long line of fully designed and co-ordinated campaigns by the internal design team at Choices Flooring. Group Manager for Marketing, Jason Verstak, stated: “We’ve pulled away from using many different advertising agencies based on time, cost and their inability to understand our industry and customers.

14 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

“Having our own design team provides us with the ability to react quicker, provide greater marketing materials for our members and keep pushing the edge in design and multimedia.”

This campaign is also supported by television, radio, magazine, press, online and in-store media elements.

Protect Crete Australia’s John Daymond with US principals Fred and Michael Land.

and the recent products supplied to the market here are absolutely not the same as has been claimed. Protect Crete is licensed under agreement by us to manufacture here in Australasia exclusively."

Protect Crete's Managing Director, John Daymond, added: "We are very concerned for our customers, retailers and contractors who are being confused by a couple of new players in the market using our references, data and copyrighted label layout.

“We are urging everyone to ask for relevant testing for the new products backed up with real references, real testimonials and history before you chance using them on your project. Also, please check warranties."

Fred and the team at Protect Crete congratulate Tony McCorry of Concord Industrial Coatings on winning Stage 2 of the $15 million Stockland Hervey Bay Shopping Centre Redevelopment built by Lend Lease. The contract is for the application of 35,000m2 of Protect Crete Densi Proof.

BE PART OF THE BIGGER PICTURE 134 members and growing

For a strictly confidential discussion about the future direction of your business, please contact: Andrew Lewis General Manager Mobile: 0400 400 036 Email: alewis@choicesflooring.com.au

Tim Drew Group Manager - Retail Development Mobile: 0425 751 756 Email: tdrew@choicesflooring.com.au

choicesflooring.com.au

News New flooring perspectives The 16th annual DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR exhibition is filling up fast. With 75% of exhibit space already booked, the fair will open new perspectives to the floorcovering industry in the Asian Pacific markets.

DOMOTEX asia/ CHINAFLOOR 2014 is scheduled to take place from 25 to 27 March, 2014.

Exhibitor registration for

2014 began onsite during the 2013 show and has continued to grow steadily.

With one additional exhibition hall (hall E7) since 2013, the show now has 140,000 m2 of exhibit space at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre (SNIEC). About 1,200 exhibitors will present all types of flooring products.

Australian International Sourcing Fair A wide range of handmade woollen carpets and other floorcoverings will be showcased by Indian exhibitors at the Australian International Sourcing Fair (AISF) 2013.

Presenting a record number of exhibitors and the most comprehensive seminar program to date, the fair will unite manufacturers and wholesalers with retailers and designers over an action packed three days from 13 to 15 November, 2013.

This season, the AISF is thrilled to introduce a new country, Taiwan, which will join the extensive list of countries participating. In addition, the AISF will welcome back Thailand and Fiji while Brand India will return bigger than ever before, filling the Indian Pavilion with a large focus on home textiles and floorcoverings.

This focus on flooring comes through the participation of the Carpet

Export Promotion Council of India, which has been set up the Ministry of Textiles Government of India to promote, maintain and increase the exports of India’s floorcoverings.

The council actively promotes exports of Indian handmade woollen carpets, rugs, dhurries, hand tufted woollen carpets, synthetic carpets and other floorcoverings. Earlier this year the CEPC organised the participation of 234 Indian exhibitors in the world’s largest specialised trade fair for flooring, Domotex in Hannover, Germany, where India ranked the single largest exhibiting country outside Germany.

Creating a positive learning environment for visitors and exhibitors alike, the AISF will also deliver a comprehensive and informative seminar program aimed at helping attendees make informed business decisions.

While new flooring will create a positive learning environment for schools and community programs, to help foster a love of learning at home, Carpet Court will also offer one entrant per state* a $100 Dymocks voucher so they can stock up on the latest best selling kids’ books for bedtime reading.

This approach comes in response to research from the Victorian Department of Education that shows fewer

children are being read to at home despite findings that show reading to a child six to seven days a week has a significant impact on language, literacy, numeracy and cognition.(1) Carpet Court’s Flooring Grant consists of retail value flooring from selected ranges (including installation) to the value of $10,000.

$10,000 community flooring grant Applications for Carpet Court’s 2013 Flooring Grant have opened, giving schools and community groups the chance to win a $10,000 flooring makeover and individual book prizes.

Whether it’s fresh carpet in the classroom, rugs for the school library, new vinyl for the school cafeteria or hardwood floors for the local community hall, Carpet Court’s Flooring Grant provides up to $10,000 of the latest flooring products for schools and community groups.

The Carpet Court Flooring Grant program will be open to schools and community groups until Friday 8 November. Entrants must visit www.carpetcourt.com.au/

16 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

flooring-grants and fill out the entry form with a story, song, poem, photo or drawing that explains why they love their school or community group.

Carpet Court’s National Marketing Manager, Natasha Gallardo, said the grant aims to provide schools and community groups with much needed flooring resources to foster a positive and functional learning environment.

“We’re passionate about supporting our local communities and we hope the Flooring Grant will provide a deserving school or community group with an improved space in which to learn and grow,” said Natasha.

*Book vouchers to be awarded in WA, SA, Tasmania, Victoria and NSW. (1) Reading to young children: a head-start in life, G. Kalb and J.C. van Ours

Catastrophic flames engulf QEP building QEP thanks all its customers and suppliers who have communicated their concern, well wishes and support following the catastrophic events of 19 September when its main Melbourne warehouse, administration facility and AFS Dandenong branch was engulfed in flames.

“We are indebted to the fire authorities for the professional way they have handled the situation and kept us informed of developments,” said Bruce Maclaren, Managing Director of QEP Australia. “That said, everything from the Dunlopillo Drive site is destroyed, but luckily everyone got out of the building safely and no one was hurt in any way.

“Whilst only a few weeks have passed since the event we are already well on the way to recovery.”

Currently all company systems and telephone lines are up and running and administration staff have been rehoused temporarily within the AFS branch network.

AFS trading has remained unaffected with no interruption to supply due to extensive stock holding.

While the AFS Dandenong branch premises have been destroyed, a van has been set up on Dunlopillo Drive to continue with sales and to service customer requirements.

Through the generous support of one of QEP’s business partners, temporary warehousing space has been made available in the Dandenong area and, with the significant stock holding of flooring products in NSW and a further 19 container loads on the water arriving in the coming weeks, the company

Concrete polishing course The concrete polishing industry continues to grow significantly and now an ideal opportunity to train and become educated in this segment is being offered.

IBS has successfully trained some 200 polished concrete professionals from regions as diverse as South America, Asia and Africa. Regarded as a leader in its field, the next IBS Professional Concrete Course will take place in Sydney on 4, 5 and 6 December 2013. Early booking is essential as the numbers are limited to 12.

The course will be conducted by IBS principal and trainer Ivan Imerman, a specialist in construction and concrete for nearly 40 years.

Ivan is also a member of the Master Builders Association.

The course is 80% hands on, working in groups,

and comprehensive notes are issued. This three-day course is open to anyone, regardless of experience.

Day One of the course is all about concrete cutting, grouting and floor repair.

Diamond selection and dry cutting is also included.

Day Two covers concrete densification – how to harden, grout and stainproof concrete floors using the Starseal FSR system.

Day Three is about food stain resistance and non-slip finishing; how to finish the polished concrete surface to a mirror gloss without sealers and Plus None Slip application of Tough Grip R11 + W self crystallizing surface sealer.

Bookings close 8 November. The next course will be held from 19 to 21 February 2014. Bookings available now.

expects to maintain supply of products of all known specification jobs for Amtico and ProTile.

“We have now secured new 5000m premises in Dandenong and have started moving inventory and staff in,” said Bruce Maclaren. “I am in awe of the efforts of everyone so far and indebted to all the QEP team for the commitment they are showing to ‘making things happen’. Clearly there are going to be major hurdles and challenges to overcome but we are looking forward in a positive manner.

“Be assured that with the great support of our US based parent company, our local bank, our fantastic customer base and, of course, the great people here in Australia, we will see a bigger and better QEP Australia in the near future.”

POLISHED CONCRETE TRAINING COURSE Learn from the experts in a booming industry The IBS Professional Polished Concrete Course is regarded as the best in Australia

WHEN? 4, 5, 6 December 2013 WHERE? Mascot, Sydney DAY ONE Concrete cutting, grouting and floor repair DAY TWO Concrete densification DAY THREE Food stain resistance and non-slip finishing

The 3 day professional course is open to anyone, regardless of experience. You will be able to polish concrete once you have completed the course!

Cost $1000.00 per person Bookings close 8th November, places are limited

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News Shaw Contract Group Australia expands sales force Shaw Contract Group Australia has expanded their sales force to include a team of commercial consultants to specifically service flooring contractors and retailers.

The three new consultants, Paul Williams, Boris Stefanovic and Stefan Marinkovic are based in Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne respectively and join an already established team of Shaw specification consultants located throughout Australia.

According to Shaw Contract Group Australia National Sales Manager, Blair Coventry, the new commercial consultant team bring a wealth of experience to the company.

“Our new commercial consultants have all been

working in the flooring industry in a multitude of capacities for a significant time and offer flooring contractors and retailers a service tailored to their needs,” Mr Coventry said.

“Paul has 25 years industry experience, is a qualified carpet and resilient installer with a background in teaching flooring installation and has come from a project manager role with a large flooring contractor.

“Boris has been working in flooring for the past nine years and has specific experience servicing the hospitality, aged care and education segments while Stefan has worked in the Victorian flooring industry for over 16 years and has

experience in carpet and resilient products,” he said.

Shaw’s commercial and specification consultants are specialised in broadloom and modular carpets and resilient flooring solutions for the healthcare, hospitality, education, cultural, retail and office sectors.

Paul Williams

Boris Stefanovic

Stefan Marinkovic

Crack down on non-compliant steel storage materials The Australian Steel Storage Manufacturers Group (the Group) has issued a warning to the Australian industry that they could face legal action or exposure to health and safety risks by purchasing imported steel storage products that fail to observe Australia’s established design and manufacturing standards.

An initiative of the Australian Steel Institute (the ASI), the group was formed in 2010 by leading manufacturers Dexion, Dematic, Macrack, Commando and APC through concern that Australia’s move towards a global market in steel supply was leading to an unacceptable degree of non-compliant, uncertified and untested steel storage products.

The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS) and its linkage to compliance of steel storage products have been firmly established through a “Questions answered”

18 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

document prepared by the ASI in collaboration with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. The document, which is freely downloadable from the ASI website at http://steel.org.au/keyissues/compliance/whs2011/, also provides further resources on the compliance initiatives undertaken by the ASI. According to the ASI, a number of major Australian steel projects have recently

reported quality concerns and even fraudulent importer behaviour (such as falsified test certificates). The ASI’s national manager and manager of the Group, Ian Cairns acknowledges this growing trend.

“Over the past five years, the ASI has seen an increase in the number of complaints in relation to non-compliant imported steel products.

This spike is caused by the lack of accountability when it

comes to imported products, many of which have been found to be non-compliant in accordance with Australia’s strict standards.

“In particular, we are seeing a trend towards businesses procuring material such as steel plates, structural sections and metal castings from outside of Australia that are often found to have some issues in meeting local specifications,” said Cairns.

News SA winner for Protect Crete Shana Lamont form York Peninsular in South Australia was this year’s winner of the Protect Crete AFL tipping competition, whose first prize was two tickets to the Hawks-Dockers Grand Final and a reception at the Hilton Hotel after the game.

Shana made a weekend of it by attending the Grand Final parade on Friday and later the Footy Show Grand Final at the Tennis Centre.

Shana said: “We had great fun with the tipping but I was nervous before the last round and just got home by a point.

Thanks to Protect Crete for running the competition and for the great first prize.”

This year only one winner of the seven prizes (prize pool $3,540.00) awarded was from Victoria.

Protect Crete’s John Daymond said: ‘It will all be on again next year and is open to anyone, free of charge, for a bit of fun and interaction with fellow tippers.”

Melbourne design practice, peckvonhartel has been recognised as an Asia-Pacific region Market Winner at the eighth annual Shaw Contract Group Design is… Awards.

The Design is… Awards recognised peckvonhartel’s State Government of Victoria office fit-out entry as one of 48 Market Winners from a field of 369 entries from 26 countries.

According to Shaw Contract Group Australia General Manager, Paul McCosker, Peckvonhartel’s entry represented the highest calibre of work within the Asia-Pacific.

“The awards honour architecture

Winner Shana Lamont with John Daymond.

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Design awards celebrate Melbourne design practice and design firms from around the globe that are changing the idea of what design is and in the Asia-Pacific region Peckvonhartel’s entry was a stand out,” Paul said.

“A global panel of judges consisting of some of the most profound voices in global architecture and design made the selections and critically assessed the projects on every design element against the client brief.

“In peckvonhartel’s entry the judges particularly liked the use of colour blocking, the sense of comfort the space created and the modest and humble approach taken,” he said.

Peckvonhartel’s win saw two team members Emma Coulter and Olivia Hrvojevic travel to China to attend the awards ceremony.

The 2013 Shaw Contract Group Design Is… Award program was open to all professional design firms, architectural firms and end users. To be eligible, projects must featured a Shaw Contract Group product as the predominant flooring in the space, and must have been completed between February 2011 and February 2013.

Entries for the 2014 program are now open for projects completed after February 2012.

5–7 February 2014 Hordern Pavilion Moore Park, Sydney

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News Leading commercial design companies host inaugural Brisbane design event Corporate Culture, ZIP Industries, Artedomus and Bang & Olufsen teamed up with Shaw Contract Group Australia to host over 200 of Brisbane’s leading architects and interior designers at the inaugural Design Is Inspiring event in September, 2013.

Staged at Corporate Culture’s showroom in Fortitude Valley the event showcased new local and international designs from a collective of designer brands.

According to Shaw Contract Group National Sales Manager, Blair Coventry, the evening delivered an opportunity for architects and interior designers to see the latest and most inspiring design trends across a range of categories.

“Our clients are often invited to events showcasing

products by one brand and we thought we would take a different approach with Design Is Inspiring,” Mr Coventry said.

“Working with our event partners we wanted to create a unique event where clients had the opportunity to interact with everything from flooring, furniture and lighting to accessories, audio and visual products in one place at one time.

“The platform for Design Is Inspiring was well received with the event being a great success and we look forward to hosting the event again next year,” he said.

Shaw Contract Group showcased the much anticipated Hexagon carpet tile collection among other flooring installations in conjunction with a wide collection of furniture, lighting and accessories from Corporate Culture’s brand partners.

Zip’s Industries highly innovative instant boiling water systems were on display and contributed to the evening’s refreshments while Artedomus showcased tiles and architectural ceramics from INAX Japan, an exclusive collection of European natural stone and the iconic Agape bathware range from Italy.

Bang & Olufsen previewed their new Beo Vision 12 65” motorised floor TV as well as the BeoSound A9 and Beolit 12 sound systems.

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Retailer of the month

A commitment to quality Precision Carpets Pty Ltd, Leederville, Perth, WA

P

recision Carpets Pty Ltd is a Perthbased company that supplies and installs flooring for both commercial and domestic projects. Operating in Perth for over 10 years, Precision Carpets has established itself as a market leader in the flooring industry through its expertise, innovation, experience and commitment to customer service.

Mike Kane, the owner of Precision Carpets, is a qualified flooring installer who began working in the flooring installation industry over 20 years ago. From this background, Mike has developed a true understanding of all aspects of the industry. He is ably assisted by his staff of three – Ashlee Salmon, project manager; Mark Pritchard, project manager/estimator and Rebekah Clements, administration assistant.

Nearly 10 years ago, Mike opened a showroom in Mount Hawthorn, housing all the major manufacturers’ products and providing a convenient venue for customers both domestic and commercial to browse flooring samples and view examples of recent work. While the business has grown from its small beginnings as a sole trader, Mike has strived to keep his business to a size that is manageable so that he can continue to be “hands on” and able to be involved with all projects.

The majority of the projects carried out

by Precision Carpets take place in the Perth metropolitan area. However, some large projects have also been undertaken in other regions of Western Australia.

The company’s main clientele consists of commercial customers

although they do carry out a small proportion of work for domestic customers. These domestic jobs often come about through “word-of-mouth” references from other customers.

“Our expertise in the commercial market has led to Precision Carpets completing some of Perth’s most prestigious projects,” explained Mike.

“From hospitality to office and retail customers, we have undertaken some of the biggest projects in the Perth region.

These include Crown Perth, the Gold Class Cinemas at Innaloo, the Perth Hyatt, Joondalup Resort Conference Centre and a number of other hotels including Travelodge, Holiday Inn, Rydges Hotel, Seashells, Wyndham Estate and Ibis."

The team at Precision Carpets – Mark Pritchard, Rebekah Clements, Ashlee Salmon and Mike Kane.

Isika Spa.

24 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

Aveling Training Centre.

“Major office projects have included Raine Square, the University of WA’s Currie Hall, which was 15,000 m2 of student accommodation; the Optima Building and the Aveling Training Centre.”

Mike is particularly proud of the work that they have done at Crown Perth, where the company installed the majority of the carpet installed at this venue including the gaming floors, Silks restaurant, Rockpool, Bistro Guillaume, Western Grill and Nobu.

“The installation of carpet to the new gaming floor was a challenging project as it had to be done whilst still having the area fully operational,” said Mike. “We had to ensure a minimum of disruption to normal operations whilst making certain that the high level of finishes required for

such a project were maintained.”

At the moment Mike believes that overall business confidence is low. “The small commercial jobs such as the offices of accounting firms and the like that were the mainstay of our business have diminished and many of the large projects and buildings have been put on hold until overall confidence improves,” said Mike.

Nonetheless, Mike maintains his commitment to customer service and innovative design, and this includes providing a complementary service of a flooring design consultant to all clients.

“Our consultant, Ashlee Salmon will work with the customer or their interior designer to advise on the perfect flooring solution for the project, whether it is commercial or residential,” explained Mike.

“Our professional and experienced sales team has been trained in all aspects of commercial flooring. They have access to comprehensive sampling and are all qualified to assist our customers with the right flooring product choices to suit their individual requirements.

“Product knowledge is vital to the success of my business so we make sure to keep up to date with new products and new innovations with regular meetings with manufacturers.”

Mike’s commitment to his clients also extends to being available to them when they need him. “I believe that no matter the size of the project, the end user or client should have the ability to contact me to discuss any matters of concern. This gives the client confidence that they will never be handed down the line of communication.”

The gaming floor at Crown Perth.

Holiday Inn.

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Carpets&Rugs

New additions to Flotex range Create a warm, comfortable and striking indoor environment with Karndean Design flooring’s new additions to the Flotex range, Metro and Journeys.

Manufactured from durable nylon fibres, Flotex sheet products are strong, durable and have an R12 slip resistance rating. Easily cleaned and hygienic, Flotex lends itself to a wide range of commercial uses including general health and aged care, retail, education and offices.

Flotex sheet is treated with an antimicrobial agent to ensure a lifetime’s security against bacteria and odour, and is backed with comfortable cushioning.

With a fifteen-year commercial warranty, the long-lasting performance of the Flotex Range is guaranteed.

The Flotex Metro Collection is available in twelve versatile colours, ranging from neutral grey and blue tones, to berry and green shades. The Journey Collection is a new design in

Flotex HD Sheet, reminiscent of luxury woven carpet with its textured design.

Available in six elegant colours, this collection is perfect for both aged care and the hospitality industry.

Retrofit flooring solutions from Shaw Understanding the unique requirements of retrofit projects, Shaw Contract Group Australia delivers an award-winning carpet tile that’s delivered on time, on budget, easy to install and environmentally sustainable.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Shaw Industries Inc – the world’s largest carpet manufacturer and recycler – Shaw Contract

26 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

Group Australia combines the expertise of its parent company with local knowledge to deliver tailored flooring solutions.

“At Shaw Contract Group Australia we understand that retrofit projects run to restrictive budgets and timeframes but believe this should not mean a sacrifice on style or the environment,” said Paul McCosker, General Manager of Shaw Contract Group Australia.

“Our ‘In Stock. In Australia.’ collection of EcoWorx carpet tile combined with our revolutionary LokDots installation system offers customers a flooring solution that’s not only able to meet tight budgets and timelines but enables design and the environment to be considered,” he said.

Shaw’s ‘In Stock. In Australia.’ collections of EcoWorx carpet tile include some of the company’s most popular styles, suitable for everything from front of house projects through to high volume, budget conscious projects. Better still, the collection can be despatched within 48 hours of confirming an order.

When it comes to occupied space installations, Shaw’s revolutionary LokDots system is an alternative to traditional wet adhesive and allows carpet tile to be installed with minimum disruption to tenants, ultimately saving time and money.

Designed for EcoWorx carpet tile installation, LokDots is a Cradle to Cradle certified non-toxic and odourless pressuresensitive dot installation system. The

system uses 97% less adhesive, virtually eliminating the issue of VOCS, making it an ideal solution for occupied space applications.

Shaw’s EcoWorx carpet tiles are 100% PVC and bitumen free and are Cradle to Cradle Silver certified, ensuring a healthy, safe, efficient and quality product that is recyclable again and again.

EcoWorx carpet tiles were the world’s first fully recyclable Cradle to Cradle carpet tile and, in Australia, are certified with the highest level of GECA certification (GECA 50-2011) and a Level A rating according to the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star rating system, delivering maximum Green Star points.

All of Shaw’s EcoWorx products are also backed with an environmental guarantee for reclamation and recycling. At the end of the carpet’s useful life, Shaw will reclaim any EcoWorx carpet at no cost and recycle it into new product.

Sustainability meets style Style, durability and functionality have long been on the check-list of consumers purchasing new carpet, but sustainable flooring options are fast being added to that list for many eco-conscious consumers.

Exclusive to Carpet Court, the new Redbook green life range meets this demand without compromising on style, comfort and durability.

Redbook green life carpets are manufactured in Australia using Sorona polymer, made from 37% natural corn

sugar. The Sorona polymer in Redbook green life is made by unlocking and harnessing the solar energy stored in corn and separating naturally occurring compounds. The natural corn sugar component is then used to create the unique monomer that is joined with others to form the DuPont Sorona polymer. This is extruded to make triexta yarn, which is converted into Redbook green life carpets. To reduce wastage, unused parts of the corn are utilised for agricultural feedstock.

Redbook green life carpets are exceptionally resistant to stains, pets, soil, wear and carry colourfast protection.

Designed for the Australian climate, the range is extremely resistant to fading and performs well in areas of direct sunlight.

If the new range’s numerous features weren’t enough, Redbook green life carpets also come with 25 year and lifetime Australian warranties so customers can relax knowing their carpet will stand the test of time.

The first Redbook green life collection to be released, appropriately named Nature’s Gift, consists of 14 on trend colours inspired by nature.

The colours include a mix of classic earthy tones that bring a sense of calm and elegance to a room while the range also includes pops of bold blues, a refreshing tangerine and a deep sea green to create bold signature looks.

Parisian flair, Signature style It’s no surprise that Paris has long been known as the chic capital of the world; however, it is the city’s ability to combine this with an “heirloom elegance” and classical features that has inspired Signature Floors’ Parisian Chic range of carpet.

The range utilises a neutral palette of greys, taupes and creams – colours that not only complement most décors but also promote a peaceful elegance.

In true chic fashion, the Art Nouveau swirling pattern is able to blend with both modern-look and classic homes to give a

truly eye catching floor. With the added benefit of Colour Gard protection, your customer’s carpet will retain its radiant colour and pattern for years to come.

There is a further practical side to this stylish and elegant look carpet though. Signature Floors’ Parisian Chic carpet has a 5-star rating and is further treated with Ultra Gard to give you additional stain resistance and practicality.

Totally chic yet classic, airy and restful – elements delicately balanced with each other. This is Signature’s Parisian Chic.

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Carpets&Rugs

Desso carpets achieve new milestone Desso, the European carpet and sports pitches company reached a new milestone as its commercial and consumer carpet products became the first in the world to be certified under Version 3.0 of the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard administered by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.

A substantial part of Desso’s commercial carpet tile range as well as commercial and consumer broadloom carpets have achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified Bronze.

The US-based Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII) is a non-profit organisation established to serve as an independent assessment, auditing and certification authority for Cradle to Cradle product certification.

The institute works with leaders from the academic world, the NGO environmental community, government and industry to implement its standard for assessing and continuously improving products based upon five categories: 1. material health; 2. material re-utilisation; 3. renewable energy and carbon management; 4. water stewardship; 5. social fairness.

With the aim of continuing to improve human health, resource scarcity and the climate, the institute developed a new version of its Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard that takes the discipline to the next level. Companies currently certified under Version 2.1.1

must start to make the transition to the more advanced 3.0 version, launched in January 2013.

In Version 3.0 of the standard, a new Bronze level has been added to create a more logical progression for product optimisation. This means that there are now five certification levels awarded to products: Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

At the basic level of the new standard, a product is just starting out on the path to optimisation and a basic inventory of materials, energy use, water use, and social fairness issues is established.

At the new Bronze level, product assessment goes deeper. At least

75% of the materials in a product are assessed for chemical safety and potential biodegradability and recyclability. In addition, Desso has met requirements for developing a strategy with respect to renewable energy use and carbon management, and has completed a facility-wide water audit and a full social responsibility self-audit.

“We are pleased to be the first company to be awarded certification under Version 3.0, which will continue to help us create products that contribute to people’s health and wellbeing and are positive to the environment,” says Alexander Collot d’Escury, CEO of Desso.

Desso is distributed in Australia by The Gibbon Group.

The official certificates were handed over

by Roy Vercoulen, Vice President Europe of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute to d’Escury and his team.

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Business

How successful business owners manage money

By Sue Hirst, CFO On-Call Of the five key areas involved in running most businesses, ie. your product/service, marketing and sales, operations and finance, human resources and customer service, finance is probably the one that brings most businesses undone. It’s the one that many business owners avoid because they don’t feel comfortable with it.

Here are some tips from successful businesses that we’ve observed over the years: 1. If finance isn’t your thing (or your partner’s) – admit it and get a qualified person to look after it for you. As well as a bookkeeper, get someone (financial controller/ business advisor) who can read reports, explain them to you, highlight the key issues and guide you to use the information to make profit and cash-flow improvements, as well as to avoid hitting an iceberg. It’s not necessary to employ a full time person to do this, as there are great out-sourced service providers available to help part time, which is more cost effective.

2. Invest in a good accounting system – it will save you thousands of dollars in data entry and reconciling time if you get it right, eg. cloud based, connected to your bank account for automatic bank feeds.

3. Invest in a good operational management system, eg. stock control, job management, point of sale etc. that links to your accounting system. This will also save you thousands of dollars in avoiding over/ under stock or jobs in progress for too long prior

30 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

to being invoiced. A great example of this is some of the mobile staff management apps available nowadays, that can really improve time management and minimise travel and non-productive time of key chargeable people.

4. Ensure operational and accounting systems are set up right from the beginning.

Correct opening balances need to be entered. It needs to be set up with your outcome in mind, ie. what information you want to get out of it to help you run your business more effectively.

Change and Project Management will need to be considered ensuring staff understand the reason for a new system and processes, managing and allocating the resources for a successful implementation.

5. Train people who will be using the systems properly to get maximum value from your investment. It’s a great benefit for staff too, as they learn new skills and feel motivated because they’re part of the improvement process.

6. Understand what information you need to get

from your systems to keep abreast of the KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) in your business. Industry benchmarks can be a great clue about these or simply consider if you were stuck on a desert island for a few weeks what are the six numbers you would want to know, eg. weekly sales, bank balance, customer enquiries, quotes issued/won, sales pipeline, staff productivity etc.

7. Have the discipline to view the reports regularly and seek help from a professional to act as a ‘sounding board’ and to work with you to develop strategy to improve your results such as profit and cash flow. When reading reports focus attention on percentages such as gross profit and net profit. These are important to keep an eye on as they are a quick indicator of changes that need attention.

8. Have a really good understanding of what impacts profit and cash flow – sales, pricing, costs percentage, overheads percentage, accounts receivable days, accounts payable days, inventory days

and WIP days. Also know your break-even sales and the difference between margin and mark-up. We’ve seen many examples where these get mixed up and cost much gross profit margin that you can never get back.

9. Think ahead and have a budget and cash flow forecast and understand the difference between them. The budget forecasts profit, whereas the cash flow forecasts deals with money in and out of the business. The best type of budget and cash flow is a rolling forecast, which shows the actuals for the year so far, added to the budget for the rest of the year. That way you will see exactly what your position will be if you meet targets. This allows you to plan for growth and avoid running out of funds.

Review them monthly and take corrective action quickly.

Your bank or lender will love this too.

10. Use the time saved with good systems to focus on the other areas of business like marketing, sales, operations, customer service, product/service development and staff management.

All of the above allows you to sleep well at night knowing you’ve done all you possibly can to be in control of your situation, rather than being at the mercy of fluctuations and the impact of events beyond your control.

CFO On-Call is a team of financial and business advisors who work with open-minded people, committed to business growth and achieving success. For help call us on 0800 180 400 or visit our website www.CFOonCall.co.nz

Introducing new products to our range of detail trims 2013

3mm Vinyl to Carpet.

Carpet to Bare Floor.

5mm Vinyl or Sure-click to Carpet.

For LVT or Sure-click.

DT027

DT028

DT029

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3mm LVT to Carpet.

Contoured option available DT034.

3mm LVT. Contoured option available DT067.

3mm Vinyl to Carpet.

Contoured option available DT039.

3mm Carpet Border.

Contoured option available DT039.

DT033

DT065

DT038

DT038

5mm LVT or Sure-click to Carpet.

Contoured option available DT023.

5mm LVT or Sure-click.

Contoured option available DT066.

DT022

DT064

Northern Territory, Western Australia

Queensland

NSW, Tasmania, VIC, South Australia

Flooring Distributors Ltd

PR Floors Ltd

George Low Ltd

Phone: +61 8 9314 3177 www.fda.net.au

Phone: +61 8 3807 4422 www.prfloors.com

Phone: +61 3 9587 4222 www.georgelow.com.au

To view our full range of profiles visit our website www.tredsafe.com

SurfacesToday

Provincial Lane by Darren Palmer “I’ve always been fascinated with the power and beauty of nature so I love to find ways to bring nature’s colours and textures indoors,” said Darren.

Reflecting the spring and summer runway trends, Provincial Lane showcases stormy greys and earthy tones that anchor the design elements of an interior space and bring a sense of calm and stillness.

In contrast, the sensual and dramatic hard flooring ranges create a bold signature look with dark bamboos and dreamy oaks.

To pull it all together, the exquisite textures and classic colours of the carpet range complement interiors, much like the warm, textured fabrics seen in current runway trends.

After dishing out style and design advice as a judge on The Block All Stars and The Block Sky High this year, Darren Palmer has collaborated with Carpet Court to create Provincial Lane by Darren Palmer, an affordable designer flooring range which will be available only at Carpet Court from October.

In a first for the interior designer, Darren’s unique range will include durable and hard wearing laminate, a European vinyl plank and gorgeous bamboo hard flooring as well as a luxurious 100% wool carpet range from Cavalier Bremworth and the latest generation solution dyed nylon.

Darren believes the range is both on trend, affordable and retains the beauty of natural elements.

Ergonomic handling

Hot Air Tool

A real lightweight

Swiss Made Quality

Always keeps

a cool head Design meets experience

- The new S

NEW

- Vinyl Floor Welder

This high-quality hot air tool is equipped for any use. Its universal areas of application are virtually unlimited. The TRIAC AT will continue to prove its merit in any weather condition and is just as effective outside as it is indoors – all during continuous operation. No question, the new TRIAC AT is sure to impress!

TRIAC ST – Design meets experience

HotThe air new tool TRIAC ST from Leister is primarily used for welding

The low weight of less than 1 kg/2.18 lbs ensures a perfect weight balance.Wide Therange innovative motor and turbine design, combined of applications and processing plastic. During its development, a deliberate with the heating element familiar from the TRIAC AT, enhance the choice was made to do without extra technical features. Instead value even more. Also new are two air filters that can easily be it is distinguished by handiness, reliability and versatility, like its removed and cleaned.

More than 80its nozzles fit onto the TRIAC ST Thepredecessor new TRIAC fromS.Leister is primarily used for twowelding and processing plastic. During development, a theST TRIAC A prominent feature here is the — also compatible with the TRIAC AT and TRIAC S — making all component handle, is to notdo only attractive visually but also deliberate choice waswhich made without extra technical features.

Instead itapplications is distinguished by handiness, conceivable possible, both indoors reliability and outdoors. gives the user perfect grip.

TRIAC ST – Design meets experience

and versatility, like its predecessor the TRIAC S. A prominent feature here is the two-component handle, which is

perfect weight balance. The innovative motor and turbine design, combined with the heating element familiar from the

not only attractive visually but also gives the user perfect grip. The low weight of less than 1 kg/2.18 lbs ensures a Billboards and tarpaulins

Flat and sloping roofs

TRIAC AT, enhance the value even more. Also new are two air filters that can easily be removed and cleaned. More

TRIAC ST – The New S

Floor welding

thanquality 80 nozzles fit onto the TRIAC ST — also compatible withwelding the TRIAC AT and TRIAC S — making all conceivable • 100% Swiss made • Overlap applications possible, and outdoors. • Draw welding • 60 years of expertise in making hot-air both toolsindoors – Product brought advantage together in the new TRIAC ST • Stitching • The sturdy, professional hot-air tool that weighs Ergonomic handling: 1 less than 1 kg/2.18 lbs The 2-component handleSand perfect TRIAC ST – The new Plastic fabrication Plastic and linoleum floors Plastic welding • Functional design: two-component grip grip and tool balancehandle ensure ideal • 100% Swiss made quality optimum working even underworking the and optimum center of gravity ensure ergonomic • Overlap welding Heat applications conditions.in making hot-air tools – • 60 yearstoughest of expertise • Quick clean air filters • Draw welding • Heat forming together in the new TRIAC ST • Automatic carbon brought stop (collector protection) • Activating• Stitching A real lightweight: • The sturdy, professional hot-air and heating element protection Weighing less than 1 kg/2.18 lbs, tool that weighs • Drying less than 1 kg/2.18 lbs • Always keeps a cool head, there is an actively cooled the TRIAC ST is even lighter than its • Removing paint, varnish and glue predecessor. design: protective tube • forFunctional greater work safety. two-component handle grip Shrinking Civil engineering, tunnels, landfill • Shrinking and optimum center of gravity ensure ergonomic Always keeps a cool head: 2 workingThere is an actively cooled protective • Quick clean filters tube forair greater work safety.

1

Imported by:

Accessories: Heat applications

• Automatic carbon stop (collector protection)The andentire nozzle range for the TRIAC S and TRIAC AT is also meets experience: heating Design element protection

forming compatible• Heat with the new TRIAC ST. That means over 80 nozzles The TRIAC ST is already the the seventh generation of the revolutionary • Activating are available to the expert craftsman.

TRIAC hot air tool range from Leister.

• Drying Decades of experience packed into a • Removing paint, varnish For more information and closest stockist: modern design.

Distributed by:

and glue

5 University Place, Clayton, Vic 3168 • Shrinking AUST Ph: (03) 9562 0777 Fax: (03) 9562 0500 Email: sales@diplomatblades.com.au Website: www.diplomatblades.com.au

Technical data

Art. no.

Voltage

V~

230

200

120

100

Designation

Voltage

Power

W

1600

1600

1600

1500

US, push-fit

120 V

Frequency 2

Hz

50 / 60

CN, push-fit

Temperature 2013°C 32 Flooring Oct/Nov °F

40 – 700 100 – 1290

JP, push-fit

100 V

1500 W

141.230

JP, push-fit

200 V

1600 W

143.841

(20 °C) max. 240 (68 °F) 3max. 8.48

120 V

1600 W

141.308

UK, push-fit

Air volume

l / min cfm

Nozzle holder

mm

31.5

UK, push-fit

230 V

3

“Darren is a highly regarded member of the design community and enjoys a strong fan following thanks to his work on The Block.

The new range is a great way for our customers to add a touch of Darren’s style and sophistication to their own homes,” Natasha said.

Diamond deck brushes off the competition

Easy operation

TRIAC TRIAC ST ST

Carpet Court’s National Marketing Manager, Natasha Gallardo, said Darren has been teaming up with Carpet Court for the past 12 months as an ambassador and described the Provincial Lane range as an exciting new chapter in the partnership.

Power

Art. no.

1600 W

141.228

4 1600 W

141.312

Swiss thoroughness: V 1600 Wcan easily 141.309 The230 air filters on both sides

3

Outdoor decking that is stronger than steel, lighter than aluminium, looks great and is made in Western Australia has been launched

by WA firm ABBIX Industries. diamond deck is made from a unique, super strength fibre reinforcement so can span a massive 900mm between joists, compared to 400 to 450mm for traditional wood and composite decks. It is maintenance free, so never needs to be oiled or painted, is UV stable and fats and oils from BBQs can be wiped clean with detergent and water. diamond deck comes in a range of colours, suits a variety of commercial and residential designs with the added advantage of stain and spill resistant technology, so the decking

stays as beautiful as the day it was laid.

Unlike traditional timber decking, diamond deck is 100% waterproof so can be installed at ground level on soil, sand, concrete or brick, providing greater options for designers and architects.

Due to diamond deck’s capability to span 900mm, savings as much as 50% can be achieved on building the deck substructure in comparison to a traditional timber and composite decking. “diamond deck does not absorb water, so it can be used as pool decking with no swelling or warping,” ABBIX Chairman Fraser Tonner said.

To give extra piece of mind and quality assurance, diamond deck comes with a 25 year structural warranty.

Advantages of Intafloors Ply Underlay:

Ply Underlay

n n n n n

Tested to Meet Australian and NZ Standards The Successful Alternative to Hardboard!

n n n n

Dimensionally stable No tendency to distort No defects or knots on surface Scores and snaps with knife Larger sheet size (1220x1220mm) reduces installation time Staples bed below the ply surface, therefore feathering is reduced Exterior grade bonding adhesive used in construction Accepted and installed across USA and UK Nail pattern to facilitate quick and easy installation

n n n n AUS / NZ Distributors NSW

QLD

Intafloors Trade Depot Sydney: 02 8678 5479

McDonalds Flooring Accessories Gold Coast: 07 5564 9999

Gibbon Group Newcastle: 02 4951 1002

NZ

Nuplex Construction Products NZ Free Phone: 0508 882 288

Gibbon Group Brisbane: 07 3881 1777

SA

Seal and Sons Adelaide: 08 8346 9833

TAS

Total Flooring North Hobart: 03 6234 9855

Scores and snaps with knife Less sanding / preparation time Well established in USA and UK Remains smooth and undamaged when stapled

VIC

FIS Distributors Knoxfield: 03 9764 2400 Dandenong: 03 9702 7822 Geelong: 03 5521 6670 Preston: 03 9416 7878

WA

Kevmor Wholesale Trade Supplies Perth: 08 9277 7177

SurfacesToday

Raising the bar with new resilient collections Shaw Contract Group Australia has extended its resilient flooring offering to include two new collections, Crete and Jeogori, inspired by aged leather, industrial stained concrete and fabric used in the luxurious silk jeogori.

“The stylish patterns of Crete and Jeogori are printed using digital imaging technology for maximum clarity demonstrating resilient floor covering design is no longer confined to merely mimicking organic materials,” said Shaw Contract Group Australia National Sales Manager, Blair Coventry.

“The collections are constructed with high performance raw materials and feature our exclusive ExoGuard quartzenhanced urethane finish to withstand heavy traffic in the retail, healthcare, hospitality and other commercial installations.

“In addition to the urethane finish the tiles boast a 20mm commercial wear layer and are 3mm thick, making them more forgiving over uneven subfloors,” he said.

Classic gives longer warranties The acclaimed Integra Vantt range of aluminium entrance matting from Classic Architectural Group is destined to become even more popular thanks to it now being offered with a full 10 year warranty.

In an industry first, the standard warranty for the Integra Vantt 5500 and 7500 series from Classic has now been extended to 10 years. Considering that the industry average for warranties on aluminium entrance matting is five to six years, Classic has displayed its confidence in the quality and longevity of this matting by lengthening its warranties.

Classic’s range of aluminium entrance matting is now broader than ever with a variety of styles, colours and inserts being offered to fulfil the needs of everyone, from the budget conscious buyer, right through to the fussy contemporary specifier.

Classic’s range of matting is always increasing and now the warranties have too.

Chilewich recognised at NeoCon 2013 Chilewich’s BioFelt Tiles received large praise at this year’s NeoCon conference for their felt backed woven vinyl tiles, paired with Velco squares for a new flooring system.

The logical combination brings together two quality and proven products, which provide solutions to temporary and raised access flooring areas.

The design and architecture community has proved very receptive of the concept with BioFelt giving a permanent look, while at the same time allowing individual tiles to be pulled up, and replaced in seconds.

Advantages can also be found for installing in areas where adhesives would not be allowed, or as temporary events flooring, with the products first commercial outing being the Design Museum in the London Summer Olympics 2012.

BioFelt also brings with it new sustainability to the marketplace, now boasting 55% recycled content.

With equally renewable Terrastrand with its 25% vegetable content, Chilewich can bring a completely PVCfree product to your next Green project.

Style

Texture

& Green ®

®

Chilewich Plynyl Tile with Biofelt and Terrastrand NeoCon 2013 Product Innovations Grand Prize.

TM

For more information on Chilewich® products and ranges contact: Pacific Floors Pty Ltd +61 3 8825 6780 www.pacificfloors.com.au projects@pacificfloors.com.au

TM

Software

Reporting and analysing your business

By Chris Ogden, Managing Director, RFMS Australasia Over the last couple of articles I have talked about the fact that, as business owners and managers, we tend to look outside our business when looking for factors contributing to performance. Often information about external influencers is more readily available than information about things inside our own business. What I would like to consider in this article is the information that you would have at your fingertips if you were using a fully integrated system such as RFMS.

One of the most significant influencers in your business is the performance of your salespeople so let’s start right at the beginning on the sales floor.

Samples: We spend a fortune on samples because many are never returned or not returned on time. The opportunity cost of missing or late samples is considerable.

RFMS allows you to track samples through the Sample Management Report, which gives you the details of customers who have taken

www.leister.com

New from the K 2013

Strong, compact and handy.

NEW ELECTRON ST • Suitable for all jobsites • Leister‘s most powerful hand tool • Easy-clean air filter • Carbon brush stop and heating element protection provide automatic protective measures • Sturdy tool case supplied • Swiss made

Leister Technologies AG Switzerland

36 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

We know how.

samples; what samples were taken; when they were taken and when they are due back. It also gives you return dates and a list of those that are overdue.

The people on this list represent valuable leads that can be followed up on to get them to the next stage of the sales process.

Quotes: As your salespeople generate quotes out of RFMS you can monitor progress through the Quote Information Report. This reports breaks down sales activity showing quotes issued and quotes converted to sales for a given period. Amongst other things this report shows gross profit for each job and average gross profit across all jobs. From this report you can monitor sales activity and conversion rates for each of your salespeople.

The information in this report will give you a window into your salespeople along with the tools needed to commend or coach them.

Sales and sales profitability: There are a host of sales reports so we can only look at a couple here. Once the sale is made we want to ensure that the installation proceeds as quickly as possible. The Open Orders Report gives you an up-to-date listing of all jobs in your business that have not yet been completed and notes attached to the order can be used to record information about the job that you might otherwise forget.

Sales Totals Report gives a breakdown of written sales (not yet installed and invoiced) and delivered sales (installed, invoiced and job costed). This is a great way of measuring what is in your sales pipeline.

Marketing: You have access to reports showing you where you are doing business by post code; what your top selling products are either by volume or by profit and who your top customers are, again by volume or by profit. The Product Performance Report gives you the ability to determine how products that you have on display in your store are performing for you. This report gives you the number and value of quotes on the product along with number and value of sales in the product. It shows you which colours in the range are selling and who is making sales in the product along with gross profit percentage.

Management Report: This is a key report that has been designed to give managers and owners a snapshot view of the business. Information included in this report covers bank balances, receipts for the period, delivered sales broken down into profit centres showing gross profit percentage, accounts receivable and accounts payable (aged), sales by salesperson, sales by customer type, profit analysis year to date and stock (aged).

In this article we have covered only a small portion of the reporting and analysis capability of a fully integrated IT solution that is designed specifically for the flooring industry. In my next article I will discuss some further analytical tools and how they might be used to improve the performance of a flooring business.

Trying to put the pieces together?

cia

ls

ortin

Sales

How many systems do you have in your flooring business?

You only need one.

The Flooring Software leader for more than 26 years Clients in Australia and NZ since 1999 More than 50 flooring businesses in Australia and NZ (8000 world-wide) Out of the box-requires no development Configured to your exact requirements

Australia: 800 229 427 New Zealand: 0800 643 012 www.rfms.com cogden@rfms.com

g

rs

an

Rep

ry

Layers Dia

bto

Fin

Qu

De

Stock

s e t o

Software

Getting the best information Elsewhere in this issue I discuss the potential mine of information that you could access about your flooring business given the right IT solution.

The same principle applies to the jobs you quantify. In addition to quantifying quickly and accurately you want to generate good information for your quote, for your customer and for the installation team.

If you use Measure (from RFMS) as your tool for quantifying plans, you will be able to quickly and accurately generate information about a job, which will provide you with a competitive edge in the sales process along with quality information and reports that will ensure that everybody

38 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

in your organisation has what they need to finish the job according to plan.

A common comment as people are introduced to Measure is that they could quantify the job more quickly using traditional methods.

This can be true but only for small jobs.

Where Measure outperforms even the quickest quantifier, however, is when it comes to providing alternatives for consideration by the quantifier and by the customer. Changing direction of the product takes seconds; deleting rooms or changing products similarly takes much less time than it would take using traditional methods and all of this is information that

can help you win jobs.

Printed output showing the options is generated more quickly and more professionally than anything that can be done manually and, where necessary, customers can be provided with a seam plan and plans showing alternative flooring solutions.

For your installer, Measure generates seam plans along with all notes that they need to be aware of for the job.

For large commercial jobs you can either use the report writing function or you can export data to Excel for further

manipulation. At the press of a button you can display the job according to product or according to rooms or, in fact, according to a range of different criteria.

Information is power and the ability to quickly interpret and act on that information can give you a competitive edge. This principle applies to your estimating process.

Chris Ogden is a consultant and Managing Director of RFMS Australasia. Chris has extensive experience at all levels in the flooring industry and he can be contacted at cogden@rfms.com.

Alternative

Food grade flooring system A national food manufacturer in Queensland was establishing a new food processing facility. To comply with Australian and New Zealand food processing legislation, the company was required to ensure that the flooring system installed met the relevant legislative requirements relating to flooring systems in all food preparation areas.

The flooring system to be installed had to meet three requirements. It had to be easy to clean and maintain on a daily basis; of a non-slip 438-1013 Advert Flooring Magazine quality for OH&S reasons and

as well as its easy to fume safe to ensure it would clean, non-slip appearance not taint food during and after ensured that all legislative its installation. requirements were met and The Epirez Supatuff FG the facility was completed to (food grade) flooring product specification. available from ITW Australia Epirez offers a Pty Ltd was found to best comprehensive range of epoxy meet the three requirements and cement base construction outlined by the client and products. The Epirez SupaTuff was applied on the floors FG food grade flooring system and covings. Its non-taint offers a seamless hygienic and low odour properties Nov - Dec 2013.pdf 1 14/10/13 11:13 AM

flooring coat. The product is abrasion and chemical resistant; available in a range of colours and tested and approved by CSIRO to Australian Standard AS2542.

Other applications include food technology establishments, hospitals, educational facilities, catering establishments, dairies and nursing homes.

HIGH PERFORMANCE

SANDING BELTS

SCREEN MESH DISCS

Saint-Gobain Saint-Gobain Abrasives Abrasives Pty Pty Ltd Ltd 15 15 Edgars Edgars Road, Road,Thomastown, Thomastown,Victoria Victoria Australia Australia 3074 3074 Toll Free: 1300 007 650 Fax: 03 9930 7832 Toll Free: 1300 007 650 Fax: 03 9930 7832 www.saint-gobain.com.au www.saint-gobain.com.au Saint-Gobain Saint-Gobain Abrasives Abrasives Ltd Ltd 70 70 Wharf Wharf Road, Road,Te Te Atatu Atatu Peninsula, Peninsula,Auckland, Auckland, New New Zealand Zealand 0610 0610 Phone: Phone: 09 09 834 834 7119 7119 Fax: Fax: 0800 0800 404 404 044 044 www.abrasives.net.nz www.abrasives.net.nz Š Š Saint-Gobain Saint-Gobain Abrasives Abrasives Pty Pty Ltd. Ltd. All All rights rights reserved. reserved.

438-1013

LONG-TIP™ SUREEDGE®

BBS

28mm 3-PIN

HIGHEST QUALITY SureEdge® 3-Pin is made of 28mm Radiata Pine 5-ply, bonded with low formaldehyde resins. It contains 105 high tensile strength Japanese LONGTIP™ pins laid out in a stagger pattern to maximise their total holding power (each pin holds a full stretch). 10 high quality Japanese ‘black’ nails are provided for superior anchoring power in most conditions.

EASY TO INSTALL SureEdge® 3-Pin is made with 100% easy-to-cut Radiata Pine that has been kiln dried to prevent pin rust and bowing.

A third row of pins makes it easier to hook onto stiff carpet backings and our anchoring nails are setback to reduce the chance of ‘wall-strike’.

ECONOMICAL SureEdge® 3-Pin never requires extra nails to anchor it down, or call-backs to fix stretch problems. This superior quality makes it quicker to install and saves time and money doing the job right the first time.

AUSTRALIAN MADE Locally made, price competitive carpet gripper to meet every local standard.

TOUGH 28mm wide with 3 full rows of pins, SureEdge® 3-Pin is designed for difficult installations and carpet types in heavy traffic areas.

These pins will penetrate dense carpet backings and grip and hold coarse backings.

28mm

SSE8-522-7.5/72, 28mm 3-Pin Wood SSE8-540-7.5/72, 28mm 3-Pin Concrete (Actual width of Archi 3-Pin)

MADE TO STANDARD AS/NZS 2455.1.2007 calls for commercial gripper (Archi) where the area covered is greater than 7m in any direction.

SureEdge® 3-Pin meets and exceeds the requirements of this standard in every way.

No more double battening!

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS SureEdge® 3-Pin contains 105 Japanese LONG-TIP™ pins placed in 3 neat rows to penetrate and securely grip dense and course carpet backings. 10 hardened ‘black’ Japanese nails easily anchor most subfloors, never bending or breaking. A Full Width 28mm plywood base prevents pivoting when being stretched.

2 / 75 Zenith Road, Dandenong, VIC 3175, Australia TEL: +61 3 9793 2244 FAX: +61 3 9793 4488 info@bateman-business-services.com

BBS Flooring Products

PICFloors

Protection, Installation & Care

Effortless vinyl laying Leister Technologies has long been a leader in the manufacture and supply of Leister hot air tools used in the vinyl floor laying industry allowing floorcoverings to be laid efficiently and effortlessly.

Automatic machines, grooving machines, hand welding tools and accessories from Leister are extremely effective and easy to operate. Thanks to premium quality, durability and performance, as well as valuable expert advice,

Leister has remained a leader in the hot air plastic welding industry for over 60 years.

The current range of tools includes the brand new Leister Triac ST welder recently launched to replace the Triac S welder, which has been supplied in its current form for over 16 years.

New and improved features include more ergonomic handling, lower weight, safer handling and most importantly, reliability.

FAST. SAFE. CLEAN. GUARANTEED!

DENSI CRETE

dal Colloi ! e Silicat

MOISTURE PROOF MOISTURE PROOF II

Eliminates Subfloor Moisture Problems

LUSTER CRETE

Walkable in 1 Hour REPELLER

Install Floor Coverings After 24 Hours

MIX WATER ADDITIVE

Minimum Downtime

Visit the website for local stockists Distribution Opportunities Available 42 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

The Best Just Got Better!

Tramex, the moisture meter specialists, are proud to announce the release of the new concrete moisture meter

with

The importance of surface preparation The rustic texture, colour palette and intricate designs available has led to a significant increase in the trend toward ‘painted’ or epoxy coated concrete floors in homes, cafes, retail spaces and offices. Practicality and low maintenance is also what makes polished and epoxy coated concrete ideally suited to commercial and industrial centres.

With this trend, professional residential and commercial contractors are being engaged to utilise their expertise and undertake concrete coating and polishing projects.

Kennards Concrete Care has an extensive range of specialised equipment and can provide expert advice to ensure the flooring surface has the required preparation for maximum coating adhesion and longevity.

No matter how good the quality of paint or epoxy coating, its adhesion, appearance and longevity can be compromised significantly if contaminants such as rubber marks/streaks, chemicals, grease, oil, dirt, flaking old paint or coatings are not completely removed through adequate surface preparation.

The surface preparation equipment solutions available include but are not limited to grinders, mowers, planers, shot blasters, scrapers/floor strippers and profilers.

• Grinders mechanically abrade the concrete surface using horizontally rotating diamond tooling removing approximately only one millimetre per pass. This leads to a greater flatness in the floor surface and quality of

finish. Grinding is ideally suited for floors being prepared for a topical or clear epoxy coating.

They have an extensive range of quick change diamond consumables to match the required surface profile, or remove existing contaminants such as rubber marks, floor coatings, and paints.

• Mowers use the rotation of one or more diamond discs at high RPMs to abrade the surface. Mowers generally leave a more aggressive finish than grinders and are ideal for removing existing coatings, rubber membrane (<3mm), grinding high spots, preparation for tile/screed beds and ardit overlay materials • Planers use the rotary action of tungsten carbide cutters that impact the surface at right angles to fracture and pulverize materials. Planers are ideal for removing hard brittle materials/coatings, unsound materials and provide an excellent surface profile for tile beds, high build coatings or repair mortars.

• Shotblasters propel steel pellets at high velocity into the floor within its contained blast chamber, and is one of the most ideal ways to clean and prepare a concrete surface simultaneously. Shotblasting surface profiles can vary significantly depending on the operator’s travel speeds and material’s hardness, with the ideal applications including preparation for floor coatings/paints, cleaning of dirty concrete surfaces, non-slip finishes and overlays.

Pictured in Kit Form

Perform testing to the latest Australian Standard AS18842012. ASTM F2170 & ASTM F2659 as well as ASTM F2420: The complete moisture and humidity testing kit for concrete and wood, incorporating the Tramex instant moisture test and the new Hygro-i in-situ probe working together to provide a new standard in speed & accuracy which can be used again & again...

Don’t waste time and money waiting up to 72 hours for a moisture test when the slab is not ready! Check it first with a Tramex CMEXpert II.

For more information contact Tel: 02 9418 1002 Fax: 02 9498 8576 Email: sales@cornell.com.au

www.cornell.com.au

PICFloors

Protection, Installation & Care

Increased productivity – as easy as 1, 2, 3 Do you ever wish that you could mix and cover up to 1000 m2 in less than an hour? Or simply just get home earlier? Now you can, with the new Mega Hippo Portamix 80.

This revolutionary product has a 160kg capacity (it’s the biggest portable tipping mixer on the market), and will mix six 20kg bags of floor level in around seven minutes. It’s easy to mix large volumes with the Hippo three-step process.

As a contractor, you are paid for the completion of the entire job – not the time

44 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

it takes to mix bags of floor levelling compound. This means that the longer it takes to mix, the less money you’ll earn, which is how using the Mega Hippo Portamix can help you increase productivity and profit.

Some companies even find that the Mega Hippo helps

them reduce the number of contractors they need on each job, which means they only have the one-off payment for the machine instead of paying employees by the hour – increasing hourly productivity while decreasing labour costs.

As easy as 1, 2, 3 Using a handheld mixer to prepare floor levelling compound is tiring, back breaking work. The Mega Hippo Portamix makes even big jobs easier by saving you time and effort. To mix up a load, simply: 1) add water; 2) add the powder, and mix for seven minutes; 3) pour straight on the floor.

The result? An excellent finish with minimal effort.

Contractors all over Australia are discovering the benefits of

the revolutionary Mega Hippo Portamix 80.

As Phil Archer, Managing Director of All Preparation Equipment, explained: “We’re getting rave reports from customers who have been using handheld mixers or smaller capacity mixers and have switched to the Mega Hippo. They can’t believe how much they can get done in such a short time period – giving them the edge over their competitors in the industry.

“At All Preparation Equipment, we have a convenient ‘hire to buy’ option on the Mega Hippo Portamix.

In our experience, those who try it will love it, which is testament to its ability to help you work faster, better and smarter.”

Tiles Do you have heavy rolls of Vinyl or linoleum to move around?

A touch of nature Recreate the beauty of timber with Amber’s new and exclusive Timberstone and Atelier collections.

Replicating the authentic look of timber into a paver or a porcelain tile, Amber’s range of timber-inspired products bring natural perfection and a modern twist to any home environment.

Amber’s tile specialist, Kate Lane, said the trend had emerged from Europe for a timber look in a wide variety of shapes, finishes and colours.

“Timber products are commonly being used overseas as feature walls, within bedrooms and lounge rooms and throughout the backyard.

“We have experienced a strong demand for tile and paving applications that provide a sophisticated and detailed edge by incorporating the look of timber,” Kate said.

Amber’s new Timberstone collection replicates the look of authentic-aged sleepers while boasting the durability of a concrete paver with a unique timber finish. Timberstone pavers are ideal for creating a vintage and rustic look to outdoor retaining walls and garden beds.

Mike Barden, Amber’s outdoor and paving expert, explained that the Timberstone range provided renovators with an opportunity to create a unique sense of style to any outdoor area.

“Timberstone pavers perfectly recreate the intricate detail of aged-timber sleepers.

“It differentiates any outdoor area with a product that can withstand Australia’s harsh environment but is on trend,” Mike said.

Elegant and cutting edge, Amber’s innovative Atelier collection combines the unrivalled reliability of porcelain with the aesthetic appeal of timber. Purposedesigned for use both inside and outside the home, the Atelier collection brings the style and character of Italy to any home environment.

“In a nutshell, it provides the best of both worlds.

The Atelier collection has perfectly reproduced the visual characteristics of timber in a tile that is affordable and suitable for all areas of the family home,” said Kate Lane.

“The richness of details, knots and shades that are beautifully evident within each tile makes for an incredibly unique collection that is surely among Amber’s best!”

On-trend and catering to renovators’ dreams, Amber’s exclusive timber-inspired collections bring the exciting, intricate details of nature to any home environment. For all your indoor and outdoor needs, only Amber brings it all together.

out d k ec h C ew an the nnovative in riton T lley Tro

• At Last; a trolley strong enough to carry the heaviest rolls of vinyl and linoleum • One person operation that saves your back and increases productivity • A great health and safety device • Heavy duty pneumatic tyres also make it ideal for manoeuvring around job sites

Triton’s range of Climate friendly flooring adhesives As Australia’s climate heats up so do the deals on our warm climate flooring adhesives.

With longer open time to lay in your product and aggressive grab once tacked off our warm climate adhesives ensures your jobs done right first time every time.

Contact the sales team at Triton flooring for scorching hot price’s on these adhesives.

Check out our website at www.tritonflooring.com.au

Advertisers Index Agnews Water Putty

Airstep

46 24 & 25

All Preparation Equipment

44

Australian International Sourcing Fair 2013

22

BASF 2 BBS Flooring Products Choices Flooring Carpet Court

41 5, 15

9

Classic Architectural Products 19

International Building Supply 17 Jacobsen Tredsafe Kennards

23, Back Cover

Laser Measure Leister

31

39 36

MJS Floorcoverings

28

Pacific Floors

35

Plastral Protect Crete

32

RFMS Australasia

7

34

Con-Treat

42

Cornell Group

43

Shaw Contract Group

29

Signature Floorcoverings

27

11

Triton Underlays

45

21

Ufloor-Systems Insert

Desso/Gibbon Group

Dunlop Flooring Flooring & Finishes Expo GMK Logistics GTP Australasia

6 10, 20, 46

Intafloors/Gibbon Group

Yarra Glen Floors Pty Ltd YARRA GLEN VIC 3775 Established 24 years No current competition All training provided Excellent reputation Great Potential for growth Long Lease on premises Owner retiring.

Contact: Ian Wollermann 0408 355 407 Email: ian@wollermann.com.au Web: www.wollermann.com.au

37, 38

Clever Choice

Saint-Gobain Abrasive

BUSINESS FOR SALE

FreeFit

â&#x201E;˘

40

Clickless, Glueless 45cm Vinyl Tile.

Front Cover, 13

Werkmaster

46

Yarra Glen Floors

46

33

Call David Coggins 0419 798 726

#1 in Prep & Shine WerkMaster delivers

Highest Gloss Meter readings at WOC 2013 & ICPSC 2013

See why more contractors are choosing WerkMaster www.werkmaster.com 1-866-373-WERK

46 Flooring Oct/Nov 2013

Exhibitioncalendar 2013/2014 Exhibitions

November 2013

7-10

11-14

Domotex Contractworld 2014 World trade fair for carpets and floor coverings Hannover, Germany www.domotex.de

Domotex Middle East 2013 World trade fair for carpets and floor coverings

Istanbul, Turkey www.domotex-middle-east.com

19-22 Interiors Birmingham 2014

Furniture, Furnishing Accessories, Lighting Collection, Soft furnishings, Design Interiores, Outdoor Collection

12-14 Index KSA 2013

International Design Exhibition

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia www.indexksa.com

Birmingham, UK www.interiorsuk.com

14-16 100% Design Shanghai 2013

Contemporary Interior Design Exhibition

Shanghai, China www.100percentdesign.com.cn

24-28

Maison & Objet 2014 The International Homestyle Exhibition Paris, France www.maison-objet.com

14-17

Index 2013 international fair for furniture interiors and design

New Delhi, India www.ubmindexfairs.com

24-28

Meuble Paris 2014. Paris Furniture Fair Paris, France www.meuble-paris.net/

20-23

Best5 Algeria 2013 International Algeria Expo: Climate Expo, Floor Expo, Decor Expo, Windoor Expo, SIVA Glass & Aluminium

Algiers, Algeria www.best5algeria.com

JANUARY 2014 8-11

Heimtextil Frankfurt 2014 International Trade Fair for Home Textiles and Commercially used Textiles

Frankfurt, Germany http://heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com/ frankfurt/en/besucher/willkommen.html

28-30 Surfaces 2014

Floor Covering Show

Las Vegas, USA www.surfaces.com

5-7 flooring & finishes with atfa

co-located with Decoration + Design

Hodern Pavilion, Moore Park,

Sydney, NSW www.flooringandfinishes.com.au

MARCH 2014 4-6

EcoBuild 2014 Ecobuild is the biggest event in the world for sustainable design, construction and the built environment London, UK www.ecobuild.co.uk 13-16

IFFS / AFS 2014 International Furniture Fair Singapore - ASEAN Furniture Show incorporating the Decor Show and Hospitality 360º Singapore www.iffs.com.sg/ 18-22

HTC HomeTextile InterTextile 2014 China International Trade Fair for Home Textile

Guangzhou, China http://htc.fairwindow.com/en/index.htm

1-4

Domotex Russia ARTPLAY Design Centre, Moscow, Russia www.domotex-russia.com

*** For more information on the fairs or to confirm dates, please check the individual websites.

FLOORS Australia and New Zealand

The only specialist business publication for the flooring and floorcoverings industry. Totally pertinent to the floorcovering retailer, manufacturer, distributor, specifier and interior designer. flooring incorporating PIC (Preparation, Installation, Care) services the Domestic Commercial & Industrial Flooring markets.

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Stockholm Furniture Fair 2014 Furniture exhibition including interiors for the home, office and contract markets Stockholm, Sweden www.stockholmfurniturefair.se

APRIL 2014

FEBRUARY 2014

incorporating

ELITE

4-8

A.B.N. 27 006 876 419

PO BOX 800 TEMPLESTOWE VICTORIA 3106, AUSTRALIA +61 3 9890 0815 FAX: +61 3 9890 0087 Email: info@elitepublishing.com.au

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