SMG News - Autumn 2018

SMG News | Autumn 2018 | Issue 189 The Official Publication of SMG The National Furnishing Group

‘Shown: Crofter ~ Country Cream 50oz.

Crofter

A Quality British Made Woollen Carpet Penthouse Carpets are excited to present Crofter, a beautiful new cut pile berber range; expertly crafted at their mill in the UK, using a blend of the finest wools, and of course their signature easy-fit sustainable jute backing.

This stylish yet practical carpet is available in 9 subtle must have shades, in a choice of 40oz and 50oz, and 4m or 5m widths, to create a warm welcoming feel to your home.

Penthouse quality‌..naturally!

For all enquiries, please call: 01706 639 866

www.penthousecarpets.co.uk

CONTENTS SMG News | Autumn 2018 | Issue 189

NEWS

11 ADAM CARPETS REVEAL NEW STRIPES 12 SILENTNIGHT INTRODUCE ‘ECO COMFORT BREATHE’ RANGE 6 CARPET RECYCLING UK TAKES GOLD IN THE NATIONAL FLOORING INNOVATION AWARDS 13 VICTORIA CARPETS LAUNCH NEW ONLINE ORDER SERVICE

REGULARS 9 BUSINESS INSIGHT

An insight from Richard Renouf

17 AT THE SHARP END

Kevin Chaplin from Associated Weavers

30 QUESTION TIME

Hans Lowe from Cavalier Carpets

58 MEMBER FOCUS

Godalming Carpets & Flooring in Godalming

FEATURES

26 A ROYAL REVIVAL

Axminster Carpets restore Brighton Royal Pavilion

19 INSURANCE INSIGHT

Extra features with business insurance from SMG Insurance Solutions

18 WOOL, THE FORGOTTEN FIBRE

A letter from Martin Curtis of the Wool Carpet Focus Group

56 REVIEW: THE FLOORING SHOW 2018 IN HARROGATE

ON THE COVER: Cavalier Carpets

Cavalier Carpets - Icon, Chaplin

Icon, Bancroft

Y O U R D R I V I N G E X P E R I E N C E T O TA L LY T R A N S F O R M E D G et tin g b e hin d th e w h e el of th e All-N ew F o cus ha s n eve r b e e n m o re co mfo r t ab le o r le s s d e m an din g than k s to it s n ew d r i ve r a s sis t an ce te ch n o logi e s su ch a s Ad apti ve Cr uis e Co ntro l w ith Sto p & G o, Intellige nt Sp e e d A s sis t an d B lin d Sp ot Info r m ati o n Sy s te m (B LIS).

D is cove r m o re at fo r d .co.u k /n ew-fo cus o r co nt ac t th e F o rd B usin e s s Ce ntre: 03457 2 3 2 3 2 3 | flinf o r m@f o r d .co m

P11D

BIK

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COMBINED MPG

ÂŁ28,630 - ÂŁ17,730

28% - 22%

138- 91g/km

45.6- 80.7

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New Ford Focus range: urban 36.2-74.3 (7.8-3.8), extra urban 54.3-85.6 (5.2-3.3), combined 45.6-80.7 (6.2-3.5). Official CO2 emissions 138-91g/km.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Regulation 715/2007 and 692/2008 as last amended), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. Information correct at time of going to print.

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SMG News | Autumn 2018

Dear Members, After a difficult summer period for retail with seemingly constant news reports on large retail operations encountering financial problems, it is refreshing to speak with independent carpet retailers who are not only weathering the storm, but actually finding their expertise and specialist knowledge is giving them a positive edge in the market. Many businesses are finding that even though footfall might be slightly down, those consumers who come into their store have money to spend and the successful retailers in this climate are finding they don’t need to be afraid of upselling.

With this in mind, it was great to see that at The Flooring Show in Harrogate in September, so many of the quality brands had exciting new products and unitary to keep their product offerings fresh and contemporary. The Show was buzzing and there really was something for everyone in the products on offer. Have a look at the Show review on page 56 to find out more.

SMG were exhibiting and showcasing the Pure Carpets

and the brand new Pure Flooring unitary which generated a great deal of interest and positive feedback. It was great to see so many SMG Members there and we would like to thank those of you who came to the stand and supported the Show. This is an important event for the trade and a good opportunity to network and keep up with all the current trends. If we don’t use it we might end up losing it!

There are so many new and exciting product launches and new initiatives going into the autumn trading period that it’s very hard to mention them all but we have tried to include as many as we can in this issue, as well as our usual regular features.

This issue we have the sales director from Cavalier Carpets, Hans Lowe, taking the hot seat for Question Time with some great interesting answers to read on page 30. We have Kevin Chaplin from Associated Weavers giving us his view from ‘The Sharp End’ on page 17 and Godalming Carpets & Flooring in Surrey are the subject of our Member Focus.

Again, this SMG News is jam packed with news, insights and information to keep you up to date and to make for what we hope is a very interesting read. If you have any suggestions for features you might like to see in this publication, we always welcome reader feedback and ideas. SMG have just launched our Facebook page this summer so please do come and like the page to keep up to date on all things Group related and to share with us any interesting projects you have been involved in. We would love to share your pictures.

On behalf of SMG, I’d like to thank our members and suppliers for their continued support and to wish you a very successful final quarter trading.

All the best,

Mike Reed Head of Group Operations

SMG The National Furnishing Group 9 The Markham Centre, Station Road, Theale, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4PE Telephone 0118 932 3832 Fax 0118 930 4515 Email info@smg-group.co.uk Web www.smg-group.co.uk Published by SMG The National Furnishing Group. Printed by Lamport Gilbert Limited, 3 Darwin Close, Reading, Berkshire RG2 0TB

NEWS UPDATE ULSTER CARPETS’ STATE OF THE ART DYEHOUSE AND ENERGY CENTRE OFFICIAL OPENING On the 10th September Ulster Carpets held the official opening and unveiling of their new Dyehouse and Energy Centre, the first stage of the company’s £40 million capital investment and regeneration programme.

The state of the art facility located at Ulster’s Portadown headquarters sees traditional dyeing methods replaced with innovative technology which will improve energy efficiency, increase capacity and reduce the environmental impact of the company’s dyeing processes. This new building was designed and constructed by local businesses, a deliberate strategy by Ulster Carpets, supported by Invest NI, to continue to invest in the local economy and support local jobs.

Councillor Julie Flaherty said: “Ulster Carpets is clearly demonstrating their commitment to local jobs and the economy with the development of this impressive new facility. It’s fantastic to see this family business achieving success across the globe while keeping manufacturing here in the Borough.”

Nick Coburn, Ulster Carpets Group Managing Director and Deputy Ulster Carpets’ new dyehouse

Officially opening the new Dyehouse and Energy Centre, the Lord Mayor,

Chairman, added: “We are delighted to mark the official opening of our state of the art Dyehouse and Energy Centre today. This new facility, designed to improve energy efficiency and to significantly reduce the company’s carbon footprint, completed the first phase of our major £40million regeneration and capital investment programme. Ulster Carpets has been manufacturing carpet for 80 years in Portadown and today 75% of our product is exported out of the UK. As an indigenous Northern Ireland company we have proven that it is possible to successfully sell to every continent in the world despite many barriers and challenges. Ulster Carpets has always taken a long view of continually investing for the future and we are proud to be the leading company in our industry on the international stage.”

CARPET RECYCLING UK TAKES GOLD IN FLOORING INNOVATION AWARDS Carpet Recycling UK’s significant achievements in finding new uses for waste carpet have been recognised with an Innovation Gold Award for Landfill Diversion in the Environmental Category of the National Flooring Innovation Awards 2018.

Supported by The Stocklists magazine, the awards celebrate products and services that are genuinely new and exceptional within the flooring sector.

Set up in 2008 by industry leaders, CRUK has inspired and facilitated the diversion of one million tonnes of waste carpet in its first decade – equivalent to approximately 400 million m2 of carpet or 57,000 football pitches.

The not-for-profit association works with the supply chain to develop viable and sustainable solutions for the 400,000 tonnes of carpet waste that arise annually in the UK. CRUK has helped to increase landfill diversion of carpets from 2% to 42% (168,000 tonnes) over the last ten years. Its goal is 60% landfill diversion by 2020.

“We are delighted to have been recognised by the flooring industry with this Gold Award for Environmental Innovation. It is particularly important as we celebrate our tenth year of continuous increase in landfill diversion of carpets to recycling and energy recovery,” says CRUK Director Laurance Bird.

CRUK Director Laurance Bird with the award for Landfill Diversion

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“It’s a major achievement, which has led to a million tonnes less carpet burdening landfills. Innovation is seen in all leading flooring businesses as creative teams strive for sustainability, and reap the rewards of success.”

Thanking the industry for its support, Laurance adds: “All this would not have been possible without the on-going commitment and strong backing from our core funders and members. Their dedication has paid off in changing the perception of carpet waste to a valuable raw material resource that can be given a ‘second life’ in a variety of new reuse, recycling and energy recovery outlets.”

Carpet Recycling UK’s core funders are Cormar Carpets, Lifestyle Floors/ Headlam, Brintons Carpets, DESSO, ege, Milliken, and Balsan.

Enquiries are welcomed from all types of organisations interested in finding new outlets for their waste carpet with potential savings on disposal costs. For more information, please contact Marie Rhodes on 0161 440 8325 or email: Marie@carpetrecyclinguk.com or visit carpetrecyclinguk.com

A SILKEN FUTURE FOR WESTEX Westex’s new Silken Velvet Collection was officially launched at this year’s Harrogate Flooring Show. Not only was the new collection well received by all who visited their stand at the show but the collection also won the Gold Award for man-made carpets in the 2018 Flooring Innovation Awards.

For those who are already familiar with the Westex Silken Velvet range, with the introduction of this superior new collection, the ‘Divine’ quality has now been withdrawn along with 6 of

the less popular shades (Aventurine, Aegean, Contemplation, Earth, Sundae & Timeless). Please contact your local Westex representative or Westex sales office to receive the new sample book.

Available in 3 opulent qualities, Vogue, Chic and Debonair, and 40 stylish, contemporary shades, this luxurious collection creates an elegant, sumptuous ambience whilst still being a high performing and durable floor covering for any room.

Manufactured from an innovative development of 100% Polyamide 6.6, 2-Fold Yarn; the fibre technology has a tighter and smoother molecular structure which achieves the exceptional sheen and softness whilst still being resistant to pilling. Combined with Westex Stain Resist, this collection is even more resistant to staining and dirt, keeping it looking newer for longer.

BRINTONS AWARD WINS Brintons were pleased to be recognised for their efforts across commercial and residential sectors with fantastic award wins throughout September.

Running for the first time in 2018, The

National Flooring Innovation Awards 2018 set out to identify products and services that are genuinely new and exceptional within the residential flooring sector. Brintons has triumphed, winning two prestigious awards:

Gold Award - Marketing

Design

Bring your home to life with Brintons Carpets

Perpetual Textures

A stunning, room-size 3D model landscape was built from multiple carpet ranges illustrating the breadth of colour and texture of Brintons’ portfolio. The model was centre-stage at the Harrogate Flooring Show in 2017 and led advertising and creative campaigns throughout 2018.

A new woven axminster range with eight sophisticated and understated contemporary patterns taking inspiration from natural fibres and textures. Clever texturing techniques including mottles, striés and fades add to the appeal.

SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 7

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BUSINESS INSIGHT IN A REGULAR FEATURE RICHARD RENOUF HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANT BUSINESS ISSUES TO HELP MEMBERS STAY UP TO DATE!

“

How long does it take to fit a carpet? Let’s say it’s 2.4 metres long and 1.2 metres wide with two steps up to a small landing and three offset steps running down the other side. There’s a door mat to be fitted into the front corner of the main area and there’s a small understairs cupboard.

it down, take the money, move on, don’t look back’. But that mindset doesn’t make you the best, and it doesn’t impress your customers.

What were the judges looking for?

The overall finished appearance had to be good, but the unseen parts

We weren’t asking the question, but we heard lots of answers.

Fortunately the finalists of the UK Carpet Fitter of the Year at the Harrogate Flooring Show were too engrossed in what they were doing to pay much attention.

‘How long? I’d want to knock that off in less than an hour!’ was the boldest. The competitors had been given six and a half hours, and although they all finished, some of them would gladly have spent another half an hour double checking to make sure they had done the best job ever.

‘You couldn’t take that long in a customer’s house, and how much would that work out an hour?’ For those who simply wanted to lay as much as possible in the shortest time possible, the idea of taking a little more time to do a first-class job was puzzling. Their mindset was ‘Get

of the job were just as important.

Was the gripper the right sort and fixed correctly – two-thirds of the thickness of the carpet away from the skirting boards, following the shape of the architraves and other obstructions, at least two fixings in every piece and a fixing within 2.5cm of each end? How was the underlay fixed and were the joins taped rather than stapled to avoid

cutting into the back of the carpet?

Was the pile direction correct and in line with the main wall (even though it was a plain carpet)? Did the striped carpet run correctly on the stairs with the pattern centred and the sides straight? Was there tension in all areas of the carpet and was the seam cut, edge-sealed and seamed correctly? Was there any damage to skirting boards, or knee-kicker damage to the pile or backing of the carpet? Those were the basics, there was detailed scrutiny because the winner would be the best of the best.

In their every day work these fitters would not be judged so closely, but their standard of work would still be exceptional. Is it unrealistic to take a little longer to ensure a professional job? Not at all. The paybacks include customer satisfaction and fewer (if any) call backs to put things right, repeat business, personal recommendations and much more besides.

Congratulations to John Wright of Leighton Buzzard who clinched this year’s title. A quick look at his website shows his customers rate him as highly as the competition judges did. Will you or your fitters be in the running next year?

”

Richard has worked in floorcoverings and furniture retail for more than thirty years. His experience includes independent family businesses and a major national retail chain. In 1992 Richard established the Qualitas Conciliation Service (now the Furniture Ombudsman) to help resolve disputes about furniture and floorcoverings and is now working as an independent consultant and is a consultant member of the Contract Flooring Association.

SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 9

NEWS UPDATE MADE IN HEAVEN WINS FLOORING INNOVATION AWARD From over 100 entries, the Made in Heaven polyester carpet collection from Balta Carpets, has been awarded a National Flooring Innovation Award.

In the inaugural awards, judged by key industry figures and Deborah Barker, editor-in-chief of Homes & Gardens and 25 Beautiful Homes, the Made in Heaven collection was considered among the very best man-made carpets available today.

Crafted from eco-friendly polyester and in a durable two-ply yarn for added resilience and recovery, Made in Heaven is a collection of three supersoft qualities, each sharing an elegant palette of modern neutrals, pastels and greys.

Offering homes a beautifully soft, silklike carpet that can be used throughout the home, Made in Heaven is Balta’s first entry into the polyester market segment: “We wanted to make sure Made in Heaven was technically excellent and so we’ve come to market with a fibre that’s not only incredibly soft, but resilient and stain-resistant too,” explains Geert Vanden Bossche, marketing director, Balta. “We’re delighted that our efforts in developing the range have been recognised by key figures within the industry through this National Flooring Innovation Award.”

View the Made in Heaven collection at madeinheavencarpets.com For further information, contact Balta on +32 56 62 22 11 or marketing@baltagroup.com

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NEW STRIPES A HUGE HIT AT THE FLOORING SHOW Adam Carpets launched three new stripe ranges at The Flooring Show, Harrogate, aimed at fascinating and engaging the consumer and making any home more enjoyable.

For more information visit adamcarpets.com or contact Adam Carpets on 01562 829966

The stripes are a combination of velvet and twist yarns aimed at creating subtle textural effects. All yarns are dyed and all carpet is made in Kidderminster, using the finest UK-grown wool. All are dust mite treated, moth proofed and are suitable for all areas of the home, including stairs.

PINSTRIPE: This is inspired by city life and tailoring. The Pinstripe is set apart from the rest because of its creative combination of twist and velvet yarn that is tailored to give a smart, clean, sharp, defined stripe. The 6 colourways are fashionable but timeless. Lipstick red and aqua is to become a new modern classic which is fresh and fun loving.

DECKCHAIR: Some of the ‘louder’ items are inspired by the trend ‘Maximalism’, a reaction against austerity. Maximalism means more vivid colour, mix of texture and more fun. Silver Sands and Lulworth Cove are both colourways of calm, blues from the coast still inspire and grey is here to stay.

PANACHE: Panache’s broken design effect allows the colours to ‘blend’ and become a harmony of colour. It’s a carpet that can be a subtle backdrop as well as make a statement in any room.

There are a mixture of colourways on offer. Some are vibrant, bold colours with clashing hues, others are calming and use the emergence of new neutrals such as russet, ochre, caramel and cream.

Chateau is a nod to retro and avocado mixed with other 1970’s colours, this time with a more delicate touch.

Pinstripe

Panache fitted in colour Boutique

Deckchair

Panache SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 11

NEWS UPDATE ECO COMFORT BREATHE “A good night’s sleep doesn’t have to cost the earth” Building on the strong foundations of the Eco Comfort range, Silentnight have developed a superb collection of new mattresses that feel fantastic, are great value and they are made from recycled plastic bottles.

Also worth noting is that the Eco Comfort Breathe mattresses (1200 & 2000, all options) will be available to order for next day delivery (as Studio) to your customer’s home as long as the order is placed before 12:00 lunchtime at the normal DHD cost of £42 + vat.

At Silentnight, our commitment to sustainability is engrained across the business. Our exciting new advertising campaign promotes our Eco product ranges …

Eco Comfort and the Marine Conservation Society: Furthermore, to support Eco Comfort, Silentnight have agreed an exclusive partnership with the Marine Conservation Society whereby they will be working together to reduce ocean plastic waste and these mattresses contain recycled plastic bottles that otherwise could end up in our oceans.

For more information contact your local representative or Silentnight on 01282 851111

The campaign launches on Saturday 1st September.

The theme ‘A great night’s sleep shouldn’t cost the Earth’ will continue to push our sustainable mattresses, which are not only good for sleep, they are good for the environment too.

The creative shows a bed on the beach to link to our partnership with the Marine Conservation Society.

This is a multi-media campaign featuring high impact outdoor, press, magazines and digital content

Advertising briefing pack

OUTDOOR

PRESS

You will see our adverts on high profile large format digital sites nationwide during September and October.

A series of colour ads will appear in selected titles throughout the campaign period.

Silentnight’s new Eco Comfort Breathe Collection is available in 2 models: • 1200 Pocket • 2000 Pocket in 3 comforts; Softer, Medium and Firmer at one price (The 2000 is available as 180cm split tension (Soft side / Firm side) for floor models) Eco Comfort Breathe key points: • The sleep surface contains no FR chemicals • The next layer is vertically lapped which helps transfer moisture through the mattress and allows the mattress to spring back into shape • The final layer holds moisture whilst asleep and allows this to evaporate during the day • The product is fully recyclable

We have a nine week burst of press advertising across national newspapers, newspaper supplements and magazines from 1st September – 28th October

DIGITAL A series of ads will appear on many digital platforms helping to drive traffic to retail stockists of the Silentnight eco mattresses.

The print creative encourages the reader to go online to silentnight.co.uk/eco

DIGITAL

WEBSITE

This includes website takeovers

A dedicated eco mattress web page has been developed to showcase the complete eco mattress collection and help drive quality leads to selected retailers. www.silentnight.co.uk/eco

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

CAMPAIGN SCHEDULE

Working with the Marine Conservation Society, we will be organising beach clean activity in October, hosting guest blogs on our website and supporting the campaign through our social media activity.

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We have also gifted mattresses to influencers and celebrities

Campaign media

Silentnight is making a considerable investment in the new Eco Comfort collection and has created the an extensive advertising pack to support the new campaign. The campaign focuses on the eco product range to support Silentnight’s ongoing commitment to sustainability across the business. This is a multi-media advertising campaign across broadcast, national press and digital and will be supported by PR and social media, as well as content on the Silentnight website.

PRESS

ABOVE THE LINE CAMPAIGN • National press & magazines •

Outdoor

•

Digital display

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE

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VICTORIA CARPETS ADDING TO EASICARE Building on an already successful and established EasiCare polyester collection, Victoria Carpets introduced a new addition to the family this Harrogate in ARCADIA, with a 10th gauge 40oz pile this gives the range that pin point quality and look you would expect from Victoria Carpets. Like their other polyester ranges, Arcadia comes in nine subtle and modern tones and is available in 4 & 5m widths and is made in the UK. With a better resilience than perhaps traditional ‘soft’ PP’s, Arcadia’s 100% Easi-Care polyester makes it a carpet suitable for today’s demanding lifestyles, yet adding a touch of luxury to every room. Speak to your Victoria Carpets Area Sales Manager now for pricing and sampling needs.

New B2B online portal from Victoria Carpets Victoria Carpets are making it easier to order and manage your account with their new Victoria Carpets online order service… U2V. This online portal will allow retailers to check stock and order online, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Simply login, select what you want to view, select the product you want to order and enter how much you want, place your order, see your invoice and check you invoice history.

For more information, please contact Victoria Carpets on 01562 749600

SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 13

Pure Pure Pure Care Care Care

With a fully impervious backing on a tighter pile, Pure Care is a highly stain resistant carpet With a fully impervious backing on a tighter pile, ideally suited for the fullbacking carehome With a fully on aenvironment. tighter Pure Careimpervious is a highly stain resistant carpet pile, Pure Care suited is a highly stain resistant carpet ideally for the full carehome environment. ideally suited for the full carehome environment.

• AVAILABLE IN 4M SHEET • AQUA-BAC IMPERVIOUS BACKING • AVAILABLE IN 4M SHEET • AVAILABLE IN 4M SHEET IMPACT NOISE REDUCTION : 31dB • AQUA-BAC IMPERVIOUS BACKING • AQUA-BAC IMPERVIOUS BACKING HEALTH CARE SUPPLY COUNCIL • IMPACT NOISE REDUCTION : 31dB • IMPACT NOISE REDUCTION : 31dB TEST : PASS • HEALTH CARE SUPPLY COUNCIL • HEALTH CARE SUPPLY COUNCIL TEST : PASS TEST : PASS

https://heckmondwike-fb.co.uk/products/pure-care/ https://heckmondwike-fb.co.uk/products/pure-care/ https://heckmondwike-fb.co.uk/products/pure-care/

42 COLOUR CHOICE FOR INSPIRING SCHEMES 42 42 COLOUR CHOICE FOR INSPIRING SCHEMES COLOUR CHOICE FOR INSPIRING SCHEMES

Total Total Total Care Care Care

A Heavy Contract tufted carpet with a fully A Heavy Contract tufted carpet with fully impervious backing, Total Care iscarpet ideal fora health A Heavy Contract tufted with a fully backing, Total Care is ideal forfor health care impervious environments, or wherever a durable, impervious backing, Total Care is ideal health care environments, or wherever a durable, yet softer finish is required. care environments, or wherever a durable, yetyet softer finish is required. softer finish is required.

• AVAILABLE IN 4M SHEET • AVAILABLE IN 4M SHEET • AQUA-BAC IMPERVIOUS BACKING • AVAILABLE IN 4M SHEET • AQUA-BAC IMPERVIOUS BACKING • IMPACT•NOISE REDUCTION : 29dB AQUA-BAC IMPERVIOUS BACKING • IMPACT NOISE REDUCTION : 29dB • HEALTH CARE SUPPLY COUNCIL • IMPACT NOISE REDUCTION : 29dB CARE SUPPLY COUNCIL TEST• :HEALTH PASS • HEALTH CARE SUPPLY COUNCIL TEST : PASS TEST : PASS

https://heckmondwike-fb.co.uk/products/total-care/ https://heckmondwike-fb.co.uk/products/total-care/ https://heckmondwike-fb.co.uk/products/total-care/

NEWS UPDATE WOOLSAFE ASSOCIATE MEMBER PROGRAMME FOR CARPET PRODUCERS TAKES OFF WoolSafe have been helping wool carpets look their best and last longer around the world for over 27 years by testing cleaning products and, through the Certification Mark, making it clear to carpet owners and cleaners which products are both safe and effective.

WoolSafe have recently put together a package of benefits and launched a new Associate Member programme aimed at carpet producers and suppliers.

Without exception the initiative has been met with a very positive reception, with dozens of mills on five continents signing up already: Asia, Africa, Europe, Australasia and North America. Several more have confirmed their wish to work closer together with WoolSafe to spread a positive message about the easy cleanability of wool carpets and rugs.

The benefits of particular interest to the mills and retailers were the different ways WoolSafe is able to deliver care advice direct to carpet owners. Not only

does WoolSafe have the award-winning WoolSafe Stain Removal Guide App, videos and stain wizards that become available to associates, but WoolSafe UK and their representatives around the globe will field calls and emails from the clients of Associate Members advising them how to keep their carpets spotless.

can be found at woolsafe.org/

industry-partners

For further information contact The WoolSafe Organisation on 01943 850 817, or email info@woolsafe.org

The package of benefits WoolSafe have put together includes technical support, free and discounted carpet testing, emergency advice hotlines and customisable carpet care advice iFrames.

This will ensure that Associate Member’s wool carpets and rugs perform best and look better for longer than any other flooring on the market.

WoolSafe are calling on all manufacturers, suppliers and retailers of quality flooring to please get on board and support them to spread a positive message about the cleanability of wonderful woolly carpets. A full list of current WoolSafe Associate Members

AWARD NOMINATION FOR THE CARPET FOUNDATION “Patting ourselves on the back is not something we like to do. However, we have been shortlisted for the Overall Best Trade Association with under 1000 members in the 2018 Association Excellence Awards. We face stiff

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competition from the likes of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association that is backed by all leading drinks names; the British Toy & Hobby Association; Builders Merchant Federation and the Charity Retail Association. The shortlist illustrates

the depth and breadth of influence that trade bodies and associations have, not just on the industries they represent, but on society at large. The Awards took place on 12th October in London.” said Rupert Anton of The Carpet Foundation.

AT THE SHARP END EACH ISSUE SMG PUTS TEN QUESTIONS TO A SALES REPRESENTATIVE TO HEAR THEIR THOUGHTS FROM ‘THE SHARP END’.

Kevin Chaplin is the Associated Weavers area sales manager who covers East Anglia. Kevin began in the carpet industry in 1990 after the fitted furniture company he had worked for as sales manager was sold in 1989. A colleague told him about a sales job he had seen advertised with a recruitment consultant for a salesman with a carpet wholesaler – Kevin applied and started with Kent Carpets in 1990. He moved to Shaw Carpets in 1995 and then on to AW in 1999. It will soon be 20 years with AW and he has loved every minute of it. We asked Kevin the usual Sharp End questions…

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE TRADE?

WHICH SELLS MOST IN YOUR AREA?

“I fell into it really, I was looking for another job after the fitted furniture company I had been working for as a sales manager was sold in November 1989 & a work colleague at the time told me about a sales job he had seen advertised at a recruitment consultants for a salesman with a carpet wholesaler - I applied for it & got it!!”

“At the moment it is our 1/10 gauge Invictus product Magnificus - a 70oz soft saxony. It is a massive seller.”

WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN CHANGE THE MOST IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS? “I think for me it is the increase in value of tufted carpet which was started by Associated Weavers with the introduction of iSense.”

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT? “My favourite product is Vivendi because it does everything that you’d want from a carpet - bleach cleanable & crush resistant with the look of wool.”

AS A REPRESENTATIVE WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES? “Traffic! - traffic jams, speed cameras, it’s an ever bigger challenge to be on time & to be able to concentrate at the end of the day as well as during it.”

OF ALL THE RETAILERS YOU VISIT WHAT COMMON DENOMINATOR CONTRIBUTES TO THEM BEING SUCCESSFUL? “Attention to detail - making sure ticketing, POS, displays, lecterns, stands are all in good order and, most importantly, being customer focused.”

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE KEY MARKET CHALLENGE FOR RETAILERS AT THE MOMENT? “Customer footfall. This has been difficult for everyone over the

last few months - so the biggest challenge is getting customers into the store.”

IF YOU COULD ASK RETAILERS TO CHANGE ONE THING WHAT WOULD IT BE? “To keep their toilets clean!!”

OUTSIDE OF WORK, WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS? “Family, I love walking, particularly hiking in the mountains - the Alps & the Lakes being my favourites.

Also sport, I regularly watch rugby & cricket & really love all sport.”

IF YOU DIDN’T WORK IN THIS INDUSTRY WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING NOW? “This is a hard one, but I would be working in sales because I really enjoy people & selling.”

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN? “Only worry about what you can deal with & control today - tomorrow’s worry can be dealt with tomorrow!”

Associated Weavers is one of the biggest producers of tufted broadloom carpet in Europe. Since the 1960s AW has been the designer par excellence of printed Broadloom product. AW’s innovative designs have been trendsetters for markets in Europe and The United Kingdom SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 17

WOOL CARPET FOCUS GROUP WOOL, THE FORGOTTEN FIBRE: A LETTER FROM MARTIN CURTIS, CHAIRMAN OF THE WOOL CARPET FOCUS GROUP IN SUPPORT OF WOOL

“

I am sitting in Dogwood Cottage, Mid Pines Golf and Country Club, Southern Pines, North Carolina, USA. I am writing this article having just played golf in the annual tournament organised by the Carpet Trade Golf Association of America of which I am honoured to be the only overseas member.

The CTGA has been going for over 100 years and encompasses members from every sector of the carpet industry; machinery manufacturers, specialist bankers, yarn producers, backing suppliers, carpet tufters and weavers and many more that we seldom think about but couldn’t do without. This year there were 104 members playing in the tournament and every one gets a special gift for attending. The gift is usually something golf related such as a windproof jacket or a pair of golf shoes or the like. Well, last year I suggested the committee should consider something a little different...

Yes, it was something woolly - a very special and unique wool throw made from Real Shetland Wool, grown exclusively in the Shetland Islands. It was

18

a bit of a risk, not at all what everyone was expecting and I was a little nervous about what people would say about them. I needn’t have worried. They were received so well and I got loads of compliments about them, it was enlightening. Even this year guys were coming up to me and saying what a great gift it was and several said their wives had never had a present from the event so Brownie points were earned into the bargain!

The reason I mention this? It is because no one really knows how good wool is nowadays. They don’t know the benefits that we enjoy when we wear wool, walk on it or sleep on or under it! They don’t know that it is healthier, safer, better for the environment and many more things. It is time to remind everyone and make it easy to understand and explain why wool is the best fibre for so many products, especially carpets and rugs (and throws!).

The Campaign for Wool’s Careability of Wool event at Covent Garden explained how well wool garments wash and how easily wool carpets can be cleaned -

without the slightest mention of bleach!

According to a leading industry expert wool carpets clean better than synthetics and his demonstrations prove it.

Wool carpets look better for longer than synthetics. Wool needs more oxygen than exists in our atmosphere to allow it to burn so wool carpets, upholstery fabrics, bedding and clothing that you or your children are wearing is much safer than synthetics that burn, melt, stick to the skin and poison you with acrid black smoke when alight! Wool is sustainable, biodegradable, it is hypoallergenic, it breathes and it is great value!

Having spoken to lots of people here I realised how little many people know about wool and its benefits. Of course, this is America and they haven’t been brought up with wool like we in the UK and Europe have but even back home people don’t remember what our parents and our grandparents knew...

Wool is the best fibre for so many things and for so many reasons let’s start remembering why!

”

INSURANCE INSIGHT IN THIS ISSUE MATT GOWING OUTLINES THE COVER AVAILABLE UNDER THE SMG INSURANCE SOLUTIONS POLICY INCLUDING SOME OF THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO SMG MEMBERS

“

In this article I’d like to look again at the SMG Insurance Policy and why it is a great benefit to you as members of SMG. Not only do we guarantee to beat your current Insurance premium by a minimum of 10% if you haven’t made any claims within the last 5 years, we also offer a number of additional Insurance covers which are not included within a standard commercial insurance policy.

I have spoken to a number of members over the last 12 months who have a shop policy that covers stock, contents, plant and machinery, Public & Employers Liability but also have a tradesman policy to cover work away from the premises for carpet & flooring fitting and the use of subcontractors.

The SMG policy can provide cover for stock, contents, computer equipment, buildings, tenant’s improvements, stock in transit, money, employers & public/products liability and includes commercial legal expenses as standard.

In addition the policy can also include cover for manual work away from your premises such as carpet and flooring fitting, delivery & installation including cover for your use of subcontractors all under one policy.

The policy includes, as standard a number of enhanced covers exclusive to

members of SMG and I’d like to outline and discuss these extensions in further detail: Loss of Customers’ Keys During the course of your business you may at times need to use a customer’s keys to enter their premises, perhaps to measure up or to fit carpet or flooring whilst they are not there. If you or your employees were to lose the keys whilst they are in your custody or control the policy will provide cover up to £75,000 for the cost of replacements and/ or the alteration of keys or affected locks, including any consequential loss suffered by the customer through being unable to gain access to their premises.

Failure to Secure Customers’ Premises In the unfortunate event of you or your employees failing to secure your customers’ premises, which results in damage to or theft of their property, this extension will provide cover up to £75,000.

Cleaning Cover to Items Being Worked Upon Cover is provided under the policy to protect you in the event of the incorrect application of cleaning products to a customer’s flooring, soft furnishings, carpets, curtains or upholstery up to the limit insured under the Public Liability section of the policy (£5million any one occurrence as standard).

Professional Indemnity Provides cover for professional advice provided by you, or on your behalf, in connection with your business. The limit of cover provided under the policy is up to a maximum of £250,000 in any one policy period. The cover is provided on a ‘claims made’ basis, so will only apply if the claim is incurred on or after the start date of cover and is reported during the current period of insurance.

Financial Loss This is an extension to the Products Liability section of the policy. It provides for situations where there has been no physical damage or injury caused by products supplied by you (the usual trigger for products liability claims), but instead they have caused a financial loss to the third party. Again this is on a ‘claims made’ basis, as described above, and the limit of cover provided is up to a maximum of £250,000 in any one policy period. This does not cover product recall, however we can arrange separate cover if this is required.

All of the cover extensions mentioned here are automatically included at no extra cost, so in short the SMG Insurance policy gives you more Insurance cover that is designed specifically for your business whilst saving you money.

”

SMG Insurance Solutions is a comprehensive insurance scheme arranged by Stackhouse Poland, a top 10 UK independent insurance broker. It is available exclusively for SMG Members and designed to protect you from the risks faced by Carpet, Flooring and Soft Furnishing retailers and installers.

Visit www.smginsurance.co.uk to register your interest, alternatively call the SMG team on 01202 647444.

SMG Insurance Solutions is a trading style of Stackhouse Poland Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 19

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SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 21

Ulster’s Braeburn collection of contemporary plaids is boosted by the addition of ‘Biscay’ and ‘Forge’.

These new colours use a subtle combination of tones to create a contemporary yet timeless feel.

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NEWS UPDATE THE CARPET FOUNDATION NEWS New advertorial campaign The Carpet Foundation has embarked upon a new series of advertorials in leading home interest magazines. The campaign, which will run for 12 months, will use a variety of titles and cover a wide range of topics with direct consumer interest such as asthma and shopping locally. The first one, which appeared last month in Country Living, a title bought by 184,156 consumers every month, focussed on buying from independent carpet specialists, and used imagery from Kersaint Cobb, Cormar, Brockway and Brintons.

This month, they are in The English Home and again the focus is on supporting local experts. It includes images from Ulster, Cormar, Brintons and Brockway.

In the Press Media coverage for carpet continues. Recent successes include some top advice in the September issue of Country Homes & Interiors who told their readers to look no further than their local Carpet Foundation retailer when buying carpet. The English Home ran an interesting feature on wool carpets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; From Fleece to Floor. The Carpet Foundation worked closely with freelancer Jill Morgan with the content and it included images from Brintons, Ulster and Victoria. The current issue of Homes & Antiques turns the spotlight onto carpet while next month Your Home, Homestyle and Real Homes all feature carpets from Patron Members.

New Patron and Retail Members Abingdon and Wilton Royal are the latest big names to join the Carpet Foundation as Patron Members. Twenty one of the top names in the industry, comprising over 70% of the UK carpet industry in volume, now support the trade association backing the industry and independent retailers. Retailers also continue to join with seven added in the last month.

SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 23

NEWS UPDATE AWARD-WINNING INNOVATIONS FROM INTERFLOOR LVT underlays and adhesives available now New to Interfloor’s market-leading professional Duralay brand is a specialist collection of luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) underlays and adhesives designed to make floors even more comfortable underfoot and to ensure the tiles look good for longer.

Top left: The Premier range of trims from Gripperrods Bottom right: Point-of-sale display stands for the Premier range Interfloor was proud to have two of its products recognised in the inaugural National Flooring Innovation Awards, demonstrating its commitment to delivering new and exciting creations into an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The awards scheme is designed to celebrate the ideas, imagination and innovation driving the UK flooring industry to new heights. Winners were announced in August, with Gold Medallists revealed at the Flooring Show in Harrogate.

Winner Underlay: Tredaire Palladium Interfloor introduced its highest density PU underlay range in response to market demand for firmer and more luxurious products suitable for use in all areas of the home as well for contract installations.

One of three products in the new Premium High Density (PHD) range, Tredaire Palladium 10mm has recently been relaunched due to customer feedback.

Tredaire Palladium has high performance Textron backing to give it more dimensional stability and cleaner cutting during installation as well as exceptional ‘shock absorber’ properties to help give it a longer life. It has superior heat 24

insulation properties and high acoustic ratings to reduce noise. It has a nominal density of 180kg/m3 and offers superior protection for carpets that is longer lasting and better performing.

Palladium is also made from 100 percent recycled foam, giving it excellent “green” credentials.

Winner Point-of-Sale: Gripperrods Premier “The new Premier trims are a high-end addition to the existing range; and the POS we provide perfectly captures their high quality and on-trend finishes,” said Gary Cowley, Interfloor Sales Director.

“The sample box and wall-hangings have been designed to showcase flooring accessories that provide the perfect finishing touch and give retailers an upsell opportunity as they complete their in-store sales process.”

The Premier range includes a very ontrend brushed steel nickel or an elegant bright chrome which will co-ordinate well with other home accessories, light switches and door handles to ensure a seamless finish.

Both finishes are available in six specialist trims designed to provide the perfect solution for all types of flooring.

The LVT underlays are quick to fit, easy to work with, and help to reduce the risk of damage to flooring due to uneven sub-floors. The three underlays are: Duralay LVT Multi-fit which is a versatile option, ideal for double-stick installation in high temperature locations when used with Duralay LVT620 Adhesive; Duralay LVT Low-Grab, a versatile solution for ‘click fit’ luxury tiles; and Duralay LVT Dry-back with a high grab backing. The accompanying range of LVT adhesives are suitable for single stick, double-stick or for directly sticking LVT to the sub-floor.

Premier

The perfect finish

GripperrodsÂŽ Premier Floor Edgings provide an exceptional finish to premium flooring installations.

Available in two finishes; brushed steel nickel and chrome to co-ordinate with modern home accessories.

interfloor.com 01706 238 810

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A ROYAL REVIVAL Axminster Carpets restore Brighton Royal Pavilion Painstaking investigative work led to the design of the luxurious, vibrant circular carpet which transforms the floor of the Saloon.

With a Royal Warrant and a heritage of 250 years’ experience, Axminster Carpets can be found in prestigious locations worldwide. The Saloon carpet is one of the most lavish, complex designs ever woven by Axminster Carpets and it features 20 dragons, 100 sun rays and 274 lotus leaves.

The Royal Pavilion holds a rich history – originally built as a seaside retreat, the ‘Marine Pavilion’ for the then Prince Regent (later King George IV).

This Neoclassical build was designed

by Henry Holland and completed in 1787 before being transformed to the Indian style building by John Nash, in 1815-1822. Using new technology, Nash enlarged the building and added the domes and minarets by superimposing a cast iron framework over Holland’s pavilion. The Saloon is the most central and oldest space in the historical Royal Palace and one of the three great state rooms.

In 1850 Queen Victoria decided to sell the Royal Pavilion to the town of Brighton. All the furniture, fittings 26

and carpets were to be transported to Buckingham Palace to be used by the Queen and her household.

Unfortunately, the original carpet, designed by Thomas Whitty in 1822 for Axminster was not needed and as Queen Victoria was highly thrifty, it was deconstructed in order to make rugs for the Royal London residence.

It was essential to the members of the Royal Pavilion that in order to maintain the authentic history of the pavilion, the replica should be made at the home of its original birthplace – Axminster Carpets™ – some 195 years later.

A Royal Revival Using Robert Jones’ 1823 design, restoration work began on the Saloon in January 2014. From the luxurious silk drapery to the hand-stencilled walls and platinum leaf beading, every aspect of the interior has been carefully researched and considered to align with an exotic motif and a crimson-silvergold colour scheme.

RPM Decorative Artist and Glass Conservator Anne Sowden used the fragile portion of the original carpet still existing, on loan from the Royal Collection, as it provided invaluable insight and information. Using this as a starting point, she researched the Saloon using an aquatint, an early type

of etching by John Nash of the room in 1822-3 and a detailed description in the 1828 Pavilion inventory.

Sowden, who has worked at the Royal Pavilion for 30 years, and was previously a designer for Royal Doulton, then created an intricate line-drawn and painted design which was in turn translated to a digital version by Axminster – this took seven months to complete.

Axminster Carpets worked closely with Anne from start to finish, conducting regular site visits at both the Pavilion and Axminster to share samples and discuss the development of artwork and colours. It was also of prime importance to meet with the fitters, to discuss practicalities and tolerances of the design therefore ensuring all eventualities of fitting were considered.

John Nash’s 1823 picture of the Saloon

All pictures copyright © Royal Pavilion and Museums Brighton and Hove / Jim Holden

SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 27

SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 28

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QUESTION TIME HANS LOWE SALES DIRECTOR AT CAVALIER CARPETS

In this issue of Question Time, SMG took the opportunity to invite Hans Lowe, Sales Director of Cavalier Carpets to join us and answer our usual questions.

SO HANS, CAN YOU GIVE US SOME BACKGROUND ON YOUR CAREER PATH SO FAR? “After gaining a degree in Industrial Design at Leicester, I had the opportunity to work in Denmark a week after graduating. As this seemed like a fantastic opportunity to travel abroad, I took the chance and lived there for two years and then went on to Germany for two years working for a Cavalier Agent.

At that point I started to think about carpets and the future. I knew someone back at home in the UK who could help me along and, after advice from an uncle, I decided to join the family business to gain some experience - with a two-year plan.

As I was proficient in a few languages “it was obvious”, to my father, that I should be in the Export Department, although he forgot to inform my future direct boss, Dieter Jolmes. Typical Gerry!

Yes, I did know a few languages and so exporting made sense but I didn’t know anything about sales, or business for that matter. I was like a fish out of water. Dieter took me in arm together with the Export Manager, Dino Merotto and between them, they showed me everything to do with exports. I enjoyed every second of working with them.

Sadly, both are no longer with us and as a result I ended up running our Export division.

Some years later The UK Sales Director, John Richardson was due to retire. Over the years John and I had forged a strong bond and he suggested I follow in his footsteps and take over his role. This was nine years ago!

Above I stated when I joined the family company I had a 2-year plan. 24 years later… I’m stuck here and I love it, no doubt like many of you reading this.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE VALUES THAT HAVE MADE CAVALIER CARPETS SUCCESSFUL? “Feet firmly on the ground yet prepared to take an educated gamble. We are large enough to play with the big boys at the same time as being small enough to be flexible.”

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU ARE CURRENTLY FACING AS A MANUFACTURER? “Cheaper and inferior products being accepted into the market place, which has affected all the traditional quality British carpet manufacturers.”

INDEPENDENT RETAILERS ARE ALSO FACING MAJOR CHALLENGES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER THEM? “Don’t sell on price alone. It’s a downward spiral. Sell yourself. Sell real advice. Don’t be happy with getting that sale from that customer. You want all of that customer’s friends to come to you for carpet because they have heard of your fabulous service, honesty and advice. A customer can always buy a carpet cheaper somewhere else!”

IF YOU COULD ASK RETAILERS TO CHANGE ONE THING WHAT WOULD IT BE? “Whilst it’s not true for all, I would suggest many need to streamline and tidy up. “Jack of all trades, master of none”, springs to mind in too many accounts. Don’t let the fear of losing a sale turn you into a sample hoarder; your shop will start to look a mess resulting in a loss of sales!”

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE INDUSTRY CHANGE IN THE FUTURE? “Whilst we supply many different carpets due to demand, I would like some movement back towards what is generally accepted as the best material to use for carpet, wool. There is a place for synthetics, in fact we supply many ourselves, but we believe wool is the Rolls Royce of carpet yarns both functionally, aesthetically and environmentally.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CAVALIER CARPETS PRODUCT? “This is the part where I try to sell our products then! Well, where do I start?

Such a plethora of quality and value!

In all honesty, there are a number of Cavalier made products that I have had in my homes over the years. My favourite though is yet to come, Icon.

Icon is a new 3 ply range in the latest colours which brings texture back to the floor. How many twists have over the years moved into velvet territory? Isn’t texture what carpet should be about?”

Continued on the next page >> SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 31

ASIDE FROM CAVALIER CARPETS, WHICH OTHER MANUFACTURER DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

great people as clearly evidenced to me with all the messages our family received when Gerry died earlier this year.”

“Now there’s a question! Who do I plug whilst gritting my teeth? Well the answer is in fact very simple and avoids any name dropping. I admire most of our competitors for one reason or another.

I can say that I do have a loyalty to UK manufacturers who continue to push the best product in the world for carpets, wool. You know who they are!”

OUTSIDE OF WORK, WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHTS? “I can still see the order now… 18,000 yds² for the Treasure Island Casino in Las Vegas. 6,000 of them were for spares and repair. 60 rolls, for spares and repair!

25 years old and 24 years ago and 100% my project! America here I come!

That particular customer is now a close friend. They say don’t mix business with pleasure and, as a rule, I agree but it is possible to have a wonderful time mixing the two. On a slight tangent I think it’s a fabulous industry to work in, lots of

“Women, sex and rock and roll are all well and good but I am actually very fond of antiques, or ‘old stuff’ as my children call it. Whether it be made of wood, metal, glass, wool or even plastic, if it’s old, I like it. My education was in Industrial Design so I like quirky, interesting, and unique. I hate Athena. I am also interested in DIY and at the weekend you often find me doing ‘stuff’ around the house. In this high tech sophisticated world, strange though it may sound, if I’ve had a busy day at work or home I find it good to destress by chopping wood for the wood burner, followed by a beer… or two.”

Reuben and Aaron. The boys are 5 and 4 respectively. If you did the sums above when I was talking about career highlights, you will notice that I was not young when I became a father. I love it!”

DO YOU HAVE ANY REGRETS? “Quite a few actually, but that said, if I didn’t, I would have had more failures, so I’m happy.”

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN? “Give a little get a lot. I stand by that mantra both in my private and business life. Give a little and you will always get something back, if you don’t, then you have learnt something important about that person. Great lesson, move on.”

IN YOUR WHOLE LIFE, WHAT MAKES YOU MOST PROUD/WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT? “Ah, this is the bit where I mention my family. Lorraine and the boys,

Cavalier Carpets’ Stain-less Elements Range in colour Cameo

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THE INDUSTRY ALL-STARS! The major new awards scheme to celebrate the ideas, imagination and innovation that drive forward the UK flooring industry.

The flooring industry’s newest awards scheme exceeded expectations with more than 100 submissions – all competing to become one of the “stars” of the Flooring Innovation Awards.

The National Flooring Innovation Awards 2018 is designed to be different to the usual ranked prizes given out across the industry and instead sets out to identify products and services that are genuinely new and exceptional in the sector.

Awards scheme organiser Bridgette Kelly commented: “The first year of the scheme has been a phenomenal success with far more submissions than even we expected and exceptional quality across the board. This industry clearly has an appetite for innovation and that is clearly a strong factor in securing future success.”

Judging for the category winners took place in August and the independent judges decided

on the ten most exceptional “Innovation Gold” titles which were handed out at the Harrogate flooring show.

The judges were leading figures from the industry: Chris Moffat of SMG; Martin West, ex-Kingsmead and now MD of William Armes; Deborah Barker, editor-inchief of Homes & Gardens and 25 Beautiful Homes; wool campaigner Bridgette Kelly and David Spragg, editorial director of The Stocklists magazine.

“This industry clearly has an appetite for innovation” -Bridgette Kelly, awards scheme organiser

THE WORTHY GOLD AWARD WINNERS FOR 2018 BY CATEGORY: Granorte

Westex

Cavalier Carpets

SMOOTHS Kenko from Granorte

CARPETS – MAN-MADE Silken Velvet from Westex

CARPETS – NATURAL Icon from Cavalier Carpets

A PVC-and-plasticiser-free alternative to LVT when the polymer wear-layer is hardened using a Japanese electron beam technology underpinned by the natural benefits of cork.

Innovative fibre technology creating a tighter and smoother molecule structure in polyamide 6.6 2-fold yarn which is soft, silky and resistant to piling.

A unique 3-ply, eighth-gauge wool twist using New Zealand yarns for well-defined texture and enhanced performance.

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Ulster Carpets

Brintons Carpets

Crucial Trading

MARKETING Bring your home to life from Brintons Carpets

DESIGN Fusion from Ulster Carpets

POINT-OF-SALE Mini Consultation Table from Crucial Trading

A stunning, room-size 3D model landscape was built from multiple carpet ranges illustrating the breadth of colour and texture of Brintons’ portfolio. The model was centrestage at Harrogate in 2017 and led advertising and creative campaigns.

An impactful range with striking patterns and colourways inspired by rediscovered classics which have been revisited to have a completely modern feel – the chevron “Reverb”, the tweedy “Tones” and the “Sonic” slub yarn design.

The innovative design of the consultation table creates an inspirational focal point to engage retailers and consumers in creative conversations about flooring, with samples by style, texture or colour immediately to hand.

SERVICES Masterpiece Cloud from Masterpiece

ENVIRONMENTAL Landfill diversion from Carpet Recycling

A measuring, planning, estimating, invoicing and sales support system with innovations that allow it to be used on any desktop or mobile device and with an advanced user guidance system and a unique automated costing module.

Carpet Recycling UK has diverted nearly one million tonnes of carpet waste from landfill over the past 10 years, working with the supply chain to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for carpet waste.

ACCESSORIES Bendy Bull from Stairrods

UNDERLAY Cloud 9 Eco Cushion from Ball & Young

INSTALLATION PRODUCTS Repair Adhesive from Fix-A-Floor

The first bend-on-site stair nosing which has overcome the challenge of installing LVT on curved bullnose/ curtail steps, designed for use with 2.5 and 3mm dryback vinyl.

A specialised high density underlay for cushioning artificial grass outdoors which is designed to cope with life outdoors and allows water to pass through its structure.

An innovative, eco-friendly extra strength bonding adhesive customised for the specific use of re-bonding loose and hollow tile, marble, stone & squeaky wood floors.

Stairrods

THE NATIONAL FLOORING INNOVATION AWARDS 2018 JUDGES:

David Spragg Editorial director of The Stocklists

Chris Moffat Chairman of SMG

Deborah Barker Editor-in-chief of Homes & Gardens + 25 Beautiful Homes

Martin West MD of William Armes

Bridgette Kelly Interiors industry consultant

SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 35

Best Flooring Manufacturer

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Product of the year

Best Customer Service

Best UK Flooring Manufacturer

Best UK Flooring Manufacturer

Essenzo Vivace A lively new addition to our soft touch family

Essenzo Vivace, super-soft touch luxury in a selection of styish tones.

Vivace offers 14 elegant tones in superb, super-soft touch luxury. This latest addition to our successful Essenzo collection, fits perfectly alongside our existing ranges Charme, Aria, Spirito & Solitaire.

Available in plain & heathered, natural and neutral tones, Vivace is manufactured using our fantastic SuperSoft fibre technology.

This elegant Saxony is bleach cleanable, mothproof, available in both 4m & 5m widths and features an extra soft Combi-bac backing plus a Free 10 year manufacturers wear & stain warranty.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to rethink your definition of soft touch luxury and explore Essenzo Vivace today.

Visit us on Stand A14-20 at The Flooring Show, Harrogate,16 - 18 September 2018

www.furlongflooring.co.uk

I

Sales: Preston - 01772 696 787

I

Dartford - 01322 628 707

SMG News | Autumn 2017 | 37 I Gloucester - 0845 520 0800

Buoyant launches fabulous new models at Manchester Furniture Show!

Champ

ILIV - Fusion

Tizzy

Salute

The Manchester Furniture Show saw the launch of new models (Champ, Stella, Tizzy and Salute) as well as showcasing our already popular models which all received a positive response by visitors to our stand.

If you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a chance to visit us at the Manchester Furniture Show, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry because our sales agents will be visiting your area in our show vans soon.

MADE IN THE UK

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www.buoyant-upholstery.co.uk Telephone - 01282 691631

Stella

www.buoyant-upholstery.co.uk Telephone - 01282 691631

New Showroom Unveiled!

You may have heard, here at Buoyant Upholstery, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been working hard over the last few months to renovate our showroom and build a new, inspiring Design oďŹ&#x192;ce. We are very excited to announce that this is now complete!

We would like to welcome visitors to our brand new showroom. Keep an eye out on our social media sites for when our open days will be taking place where we will be showcasing our latest British made sofas and accent pieces.

www.facebook.com/BuoyantUpholsteryltd www.twitter.com/BuoyantUph www.linkedin.com/company/buoyant-upholstery

SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 39

Sancerre in colour Mineral 40

The look and feel of luxury: ITC NATURAL LUXURY FLOORING responsibility, the Connoisseur Collection features the Eco range in 100% wool, which adheres to the most stringent environmental standards without sacrificing the opulent underfoot feel, resilience and style for which ITC carpets are renowned. There are three distinctive carpets in the collection: Eco Loop, Eco Velvet and Eco Rib, all of which come in a co-ordinating selection of six contemporary colours.

ITC offer a colour matching service on broadloom carpets to co-ordinate with interiors and can produce a sample of the exact colour required. Bespoke colour requirements may require a minimum size order.

Chamonix in colour Platinum For the look and feel of luxury, ITC Natural Luxury Flooring provides peerless quality, design, choice and availability.

Choosing a carpet for the home, office, hotel or even super-yacht is underpinned by various criteria â&#x20AC;&#x201C; durability, longevity, colour, style and most importantly being rigorously tested for being fit for purpose.

Kensington is a perfect choice for areas of heavy footfall.

Richmond is a new 6.6PA Nylon, contract rated, low pile carpet with a matt velvet finish, and all the hard-wearing attributes of nylon, yet has the sophistication of a wool-like feel, appearance and softness.

For those who want products that demonstrate environmental

To meet the increasing demand for bespoke rugs and carpets ITC can create a rug in any size (maximum width 500cm) from its collection. ITC also offers a very comprehensive rug collection that is carried in a wide range of stocked sizes.

ITC have recently announced the launch of the Classic Collection, a new range of carpets specifically designed for the contract market.

For more information go to itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com or contact your local agent

The Campeone Collection of beautiful, hardwearing and simply gorgeous faux silk carpets has been enhanced with the introduction of new and stunning qualities to complement the established ranges of Cannes and Chablis.

Sancerre has that indefinable feel of silky luxury, which would grace any penthouse or luxury yacht, through to a stylish and practical range of boutique hotels and high-end corporate hospitality settings.

Chamonix is a luxurious heavy weight carpet with a very high, dense pile and an iridescent shimmer that gives it a unique and stunning appearance.

Kensington is a contract rated carpet, incorporating the latest advanced solution dyed Nylon yarn technology featuring Stainmaster protection.

With a high resistance to soiling and a heavy commercial classification,

Cannes in colour Chalk SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 41

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New from Ulster Carpets Ulster Carpets is unveiling terræn, a stylish new Danish-inspired cut and loop collection.

The six designs in terræn are a reflection of familiar surfaces found in both urban and rural settings, from concrete castings to forest floors – this range is all about creating pattern with texture.

The three urban textures – Berg, Lenke and Ryg - explore designs from sources as varied as angled shadows and light from urban architecture, sculpted concrete surfaces, and the more familiar hounds tooth design from furnishing and fashion.

In contrast the three more organic designs – Oska, Frond and Nömad reflect dappled shade through branches of trees, sprays of grass or slender

branches of new buds in a gentle breeze, and again a design familiar in furnishing and fashion – a flowing paisley motif reminiscent of henna painting.

All six designs within terræn resonate with the places we live in, and our surrounding environment. And because the range is plain, they are perfect for modern, calm interiors and as a foil to statement pieces. terræn offers a restrained, neutral colour palette with four colourways – Grå, Krem, Kaffe and Granit.

helps lower our carbon footprint but it also proves more cost effective to customers.

Manufactured in Denmark by danfloor (an Ulster Group Company specialising in the manufacture of loop products), terræn sits alongside Ulster’s popular ØPEN SPΛCES and HΛBITÜS collections.

For more information visit ulstercarpets.com or contact Ulster on 028 3833 3177

Constructed using 80% wool 20% nylon pile yarn in premium British and New Zealand wool, terraen is available in 4m, 3m, 2m and 1m colour matching multi widths. Ulster’s unique multi widths service not only reduces wastage and

SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 43

NE W

Introducing ...

Arena PLUS

www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

SMG News | Summer 2018 | 44

New from Abingdon Flooring: A NEW GENERATION OF STAINFREE CARPET Adored by feet in homes right across the country, StainFree® by Abingdon Flooring has become one of the nation’s most-loved carpet ranges. Now, with the manufacturer revealing the fourthgeneration of the carpet, the passion for this classic style is set to be renewed.

Abingdon Flooring has developed a new PP yarn that has a finer quality, now in a 1/10th gauge over the previous generation’s 1/8th gauge. Giving StainFree Twist and StainFree Ultra a softer feel that’s immediately noticeable beneath fingers and toes, the new yarn trades nothing in terms of performance.

Stain-resistant and safe to clean with diluted bleach, StainFree Twist and StainFree Ultra are ready to tackle the busiest family homes.

Yet Abingdon Flooring hasn’t just improved the fibre, including a new fleece backing that doesn’t scuff skirting boards and makes the carpet easier to handle. Cleverly, the fleece back also heightens the perception of softness for feeler samples on displays and lecterns.

And in 2, 2.5, 4 and 5m options, there is a StainFree Twist or StainFree Ultra in a width perfect for any room.

As well as improvements to the feel and fit of the carpets, the fourth generation StainFree Twist and StainFree Ultra are available in a refreshed palette of 20 contemporary colours, including timeless neutrals that will remain elegant for years to come. Rounding out a major generational update for the collection, this new colourbank also reflects the dominance of grey in today’s carpet choices.

passion for these enduring qualities in the key sales period for the year.

For more information, call Abingdon Flooring on 01274 655 694 or go to abingdonflooring.com

“As two of the nation’s best loved carpets, StainFree Twist and StainFree Ultra have become a firm fixture on the shop floor for retailers across the UK,” says Martin Peace, sales director, Abingdon Flooring. “For nearly 30 years, the StainFree name has defined polypropylene carpet, so any change to styles under the brand must be considered carefully. That’s why we’ve improved the style, made fitting easier and reduced the price; all while keeping the same StainFree for Life Promise and 10-year wear warranty.”

The new, more-competitive StainFree Twist and StainFree Ultra will be rolling out to stores immediately, so that retailers can capitalise on the renewed

SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 45

Vivendi Lectern Stand

Double Warranty Assurance

The latest addition to the Vivendi collection is Verve and Ardour. An exciting new duel weighted heathers which is a brand new hard wearing solution dyed Nylon. Available on lecterns from your local Area Manager.

NEW 2018 Look out for Ardour and Verve Associated Weavers www.vivendi-carpet.co.uk Sales: 01422 431100 Email: salesuk@awe.be

C O L L E C T I O N A Q U A R I U S Invictus Aquarius Lectern Stand The latest addition to the INVICTUS brand is the new Aquarius collection featuring the Modern High Performance Polyester ranges Indus and Dorado. Available on lecterns from your local Area Manager.

NEW 2018 Look out for Dorado and Indus SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 47 Associated Weavers www.invictus-carpet.co.uk Sales: 01422 431100 Email: salesuk@awe.be

EXPERIENCE BOUTIQUE Inspired by Zoffany’s ‘The Muse’ collection of fabrics and wallpapers and infused with the alchemy of colour, these graphic designs are the perfect answer for boutique spaces

Serpentine Celadon rug with Dunand Noir carpet from Alternative Flooring’s Boutique collection 48

New from Alternative Flooring: BOUTIQUE: ZOFFANY FOR ALTERNATIVE FLOORING This new collaboration launches Alternative Flooring Boutique, five-star luxury carpet for the hotel and retail markets. The designs are Dunand, Seizo, Clio, Serpentine and Crackle in a total of sixteen colourways, that take inspiration from Zoffany’s wallpaper and fabric collections.

Boutique celebrates craft and colour.

‘The Muse’ epitomizes the decadent spirit of the 1920’s and combines modernist style with fine craftsmanship.

The ‘Alchemy of Colour’ is a sumptuous palette of natural dyes, based on jewellike shades from the Zoffany archive.

Lorna Haigh, Creative and Marketing Director comments, “this is the beginning of our exciting collaboration with the luxury fabric house Zoffany. For the first time, their inspirational design stories are translated into a different cloth, wall to wall carpet. This allows the interior designer to play with scale and texture using these design concepts for projects where the blurred lines between the luxury boutique and luxury residential markets reside.”

The designs are opulent in colour with patterns that capture elegance and prestige.

Dunand: Jean Dunand was an Art Deco artist, designer and master of lacquer. He gives his name to this jazzy geometric which reproduces the positive negative silhouette of Brik.

Colourways: Tiger’s Eye, Armadillo, Como and Empire Clio: a small-scale, geometric motif inspired by Roman mosaic flooring and named after one of the nine Greek Muses.

Colourways: Mousseux, Bone Black, Prussian and Ash Crackle: a pattern that imitates the crackle of paint glazes or dried earth inspired by the epic landscape of the Gobi and Sahara Desert.

Colourways: Fossil and Old Gold Serpentine: an exuberant design that translates classic marble into the softness of carpet.

Colourways: Celadon and Malachite

Seizo: a fretwork geometric with a sophisticated modernist style.

Colourways: Vermeer, Vine, Indigo and Zinc Technique: printed hand-tufted carpet.

Composition: 100% Nylon ABOUT Alternative Flooring is British brand that has been bringing award-winning designs to floors for over twenty years.

High-quality carpet, rugs and runners are crafted from wool, faux and natural fibres. Collaborations create pattern by leading figures in interiors. This is the first collaborative works with Zoffany, with exploration in runners and British Axminster designs to follow.

Instagram: alternativeflooring Twitter: @AlternativeFlr Facebook: @alternativeflooring Alternative Flooring 01264 335111 alternativeflooring.com

Serpentine Malachite from the Boutique collection SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 49

New from Kettle Interiors: SW BEDROOM COLLECTION Offered in Classic White and Moonlight Grey paint finishes, The SW bedroom has a timeless style that is sure to bring a touch of character and charm to any bedroom.

The SW collection delivers an array of products covering everything needed to turn bedrooms into elegant spaces.

Featuring beds from 3’ to 6’ and with three wardrobe styles to fit any room, the range is already enjoying strong interest from retailers looking for quality, class and style at highly competitive prices.

The SW Bedroom Collection is available from UK stocks through Kettle Interiors’ Wholesale and Stockist service, as well as mixed containers supplied in just 8 weeks.

NTP COLLECTION Finished in a Dove Grey paint and with natural light oak tops, there’s no doubt the new NTP collection from Kettle Interiors, is a stylish addition to any home.

Building on the success of its hugely popular sister range, the NTP collection retains the Danish inspired shape of the NT, but broadens appeal with a beautiful Dove Grey painted finish, paired with lovely charcoal fabric elements in the chairs, padded headboard and stool that capitalise on the popularity of the painted furniture market segment. Offering a great balance between a modern Scandi-look and classic English style, the NTP collection is available for both bedroom and dining.

With an extraordinary 51 quality items to choose from launch, the new range offers the depth to accommodate all sizes of home. This collection also features a choice of handle style, metal drawer runners and a stylish Eames inspired dining chair, delivering on trend, quality 50

and style all in one range. NTP is available from the end of September from Kettle Interiors through wholesale, stockist and

container packages with free delivery from just £250.

Better bedrooms and bigger choice with TT BEDROOM COLLECTION Launched this summer in an impressive range of products stocked in both Millstone Grey and Old White, The TT Bedroom Collection is proving popular with customers across the country. The traditional chunky style paired with modern colours makes the range a longterm favourite, its well-made construction perfect for making a lasting addition to the home.

The range brings both quality and quantity, with 22 items available in each paint finish. Featuring metal drawer runners and chrome cup handles and knobs, TT Bedroom covers all the bases; bedside chests, wardrobes, bedframes and dressing table sets are all here, ensuring the perfect fit in any size home. The TT Bedroom Collection is in stock now, available with free delivery from just £250.

Classic chic style with FR BEDROOM COLLECTION The FR Collection by Kettle Interiors was launched earlier this year and breaks from the traditional broad-appeal of furniture released by the manufacturer. An exquisite French chateau style, with carved legs and a lime-washed grey finish, FR has a number of details that tune-in to the growing trends for classic ‘chic’ style furniture.

Paired with modern quality, such as metal drawer runners, the style of the FR collection is unmistakable and makes a great addition in traditional and period homes, as well as a bold statement in modern interiors. Featuring several items for an elegant bedroom, including three sizes of upholstered bed frame, chests, bedsides and wardrobes, The FR Collection is in stock now, available with free delivery from just £250.

For further information contact Kettle Interiors Agencies on 01536 444960 or email sales@kettleinteriorsagencies.com SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 51

Level IT Super Flex 30 – your solution for substrates with vibration and movement: Choose UltraFloor Level IT Super Flex 30 for a speedy installation even on floors where movement and vibration is likely.

Specifically designed for use over a wide variety of subfloors including steel mezzanine decks and flooring grade plywood, Level IT Super Flex 30 is a rapid setting and drying, fibre reinforced flexible smoothing finishing compound.

Developed with a high polymer content, Level IT Super Flex 30 boasts superior flexible properties, making it the perfect smoothing underlayment for floors where movement is likely.

What’s more, subfloors prepared using Level IT Super Flex 30 are available to receive foot traffic in as little as 30 minutes, bonded floor coverings after 1 hour and resin finishes and fork lift traffic after just 24 hours, allowing you to move on to another project quickly, increasing productivity.

Level IT Super Flex 30 is suitable for depths between 2-10mm, is compatible with underfloor heating systems, boasts a coverage of 6.5m² when applied at a 2mm thickness, and can be used as a finished wear surface – the perfect smoothing underlayment for all types of flooring installations.

In addition, Level IT Super Flex 30 is available as a two-component system, eliminating on-site mixing errors and guaranteeing a perfect application every single time.

The superior performance capabilities of Level IT Super Flex 30 were particularly appealing to LGM Flooring, who were looking for suitable subfloor preparation materials to complete a tiled floor installation at two brand new Next stores.

Experienced flooring contractor, LGM Flooring, secured both the Cardiff and Tamworth projects at the end of 2016 and worked on the large stores for several weeks before handing them over.

The project was completed successfully and on time, and both stores have now been open for 2 years with hundreds of shoppers walking over the floors daily.

Developing products and solutions for today’s flooring problems has always been extremely important to UltraFloor and they are delighted to have received a number of Tweets from contractors, like this one from RL Flooring, praising the performance of Level IT Super Flex 30.

“Well @Ultra_Floor I’m very impressed with Level IT Super Flex 30!!!!”

Find out how you can benefit from Level IT Super Flex 30 by visiting ultra-floor.co.uk or contacting the UltraFloor sales team by emailing ultrafloor@instarmac.co.uk or calling 01827 254402 Keep up-to-date with the latest product developments and news from UltraFloor HQ by following them on Twitter @Ultra_Floor and connecting with Instarmac Group plc on Linkedin

52

•• ••

Are you prepared for HMRC’s MTD Digital deadline Worried about GDPR and the effect on your business?

Worried about GDPR and the effect on your business?

• for Worried about GDPR the effect in onApril your business? taking away theand VAT portal 2019?

Concerned about HMRC change, MTD (Making TaxTax Digital)?

Concerned HMRC change, MTD (Making Tax Digital)?

Usersabout of about Carman software are prepared!

• Concerned HMRC change, MTD (Making Digital)?

Spending time updating product &product pricing changes?

•• Spending time updating product & pricing Carman will also allow you to access automatic and changes? pricing updates, and offers • software Spending time updating product & pricing changes? innovative features to change the way you communicate with your customers and the tax man!

Fed up up of manual manual data entry, daily, weekly, quarterly, yearly?

Fed up of data entry, daily, weekly, quarterly, yearly?

••Computers • Fed of manual data entry, daily, weekly, quarterly, yearly? for Flooring are SMG’s chosen supplier of retail software for Members as it’s easy to use, bespoke to flooring retail, excellent value for money and has ongoing support. If you want to Drowning in paperwork? paperwork?

•• Drowning in • Drowning in measure, paperwork? integrate how you estimate, quote, invoice and market to your potential customers and manage your cash flow – this is the system for you.

www.computersforflooring.com

02921 679719

sales@computersforflooring.com

@CFFltd

As focus an SMG discounts single Whether your business focus isMember retail orextra commercial, single or or Whether your business is retail or commercial, or Whether your business focus is retail or commercial, single on settingFor up and monthly licensing multi site,site, speak to Computers Computers For Flooring today andand putput these multi site, speak to Flooring today and put these multi speak to Computers For Flooring today these are yours – Just give them a call. problems behind you.you. problems behind you. problems behind Name:

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DOB:

10th July 2010

Address: 1, Drake Walk, Brigantine Place, Cardiff, CF10 4AN; Hobbies: Dancing, I love to cut a rug;

Interests: I am an avid collector of door bars, underlay & gripper; Travel:

I regularly visit Harrogate, Hannover, Solihull and Las Vegas.

CARMAN skills & attributes

Call: 02921 679719 Call: 02921 679719 Call: 02921 679719 Or go to: www.computersforflooring.com SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 53 Or go Or to: go www.computersforflooring.com to: www.computersforflooring.com

•

I have knowledge of every flooring product in the UK including price, colour and size;

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I have an excellent memory, able to recall every quote and invoice I’ve ever created;

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I have never forgotten a customer’s contact details, measurements or preferences;

Gaskell Wool Rich bring back an old favourite: Rusticana, the original Berber Loop from Gaskell Wool Rich is back! It has been re-launched with the modern market in mind.

In two designs, Nova & Original, and in six subtle shades it is sure to be a winner.

For more information contact Gaskell Wool Rich on 01827 831525 or visit their website at gaskellwoolrich.co.uk

Nova Acacia from Gaskell Wool Richâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rusticana collection 54

Forbo’s new Tessera Cloudscape: Expressive.

Calming.

With many businesses looking to take health and well-being to the next level, Forbo Flooring Systems has developed a new carpet tile that helps contribute to the creation of a more relaxed and reflective working environment. The soft and atmospheric patterns of Tessera Cloudscape, inspired by constantly changing cloud formations, provide end users with a comfortable workspace, which encourages mindfulness and an opportunity to reconnect with nature.

Tessera Cloudscape’s softly textured look and feel is delivered by the clever use of a multi-height loop design that delivers calming aesthetics and provides comfort underfoot. The collection consists of 16 naturally inspired tonal colourways, which allows the creation of light, fresh and airy spaces where mindfulness,

comfort and reconnection are key.

Janet Lowe, Head of Marketing UK and Ireland, at Forbo Flooring Systems commented: “With everyday life becoming increasingly busy, we often risk losing touch with nature – and our only connection is to the sky above us. When you look up to the sky it can be quite hypnotic, making you forget about your worries and be in the present moment. With this in mind, we designed Tessera Cloudscape with a view to bringing a sense of nature and calm into workspaces.”

From the very dark shades such as the moody Thunderbolt to the pale tones (with higher LRVs) like Light Airs, the colourways have been designed to provide specifiers with a sophisticated

colour palette. Available in 50cm x 50cm tiles, which can be laid non-directional or monolithic, Tessera Cloudscape can also be installed alongside Forbo’s other popular carpet tile ranges, such as Tessera Layout, and Allura Flex Luxury Vinyl Tiles – meaning clients can easily create an integrated flooring scheme to cater for different demands within every work environment.

In addition to its unique look and feel, Tessera Cloudscape has a sound sustainable profile with 62% recycled content by weight and meets the Ska rating criteria for M12 soft floor coverings.

For more information please visit forbo-flooring.co.uk/cloudscape

Light Airs (3401) Sunset Sky (3405) and Grey Dawn (3408)

April Shower (3407)

Ocean Winds (3402) and Light Airs (3401)

Sirocco Blue (3406) and Cumulus Blue (3404) SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 55

REVIEW: THE FLOORING SHOW 2018 WHEN SEPTEMBER COMES AROUND, THE FLOORING INDUSTRY’S THOUGHTS TURN TO THE BIGGEST UK FLOORING SHOW OF THE YEAR! FROM THE 16TH – 18TH SEPTEMBER HARROGATE WAS THE PLACE TO BE! SMG WERE DELIGHTED TO HAVE A STAND IN HALL C AND TO BE A PART OF THIS VIBRANT AND LIVELY SHOW. Many of the top Suppliers in the industry were represented with some amazing stands and fantastic new initiatives to share.

Some highlights were:

With all of this as well as Carpet Fitter of the Year, seminars, demonstrations, hospitality and Show only offers, it really did have something for everyone!

A big thank you to everyone who visited the Show and especially to those members who came to the SMG Stand in Hall C – your support is very much appreciated.

The SMG stand

Adam Carpets

Furlong Flooring

Cormar Carpet Company

Interfloor

Ball & Young

Wool Carpet Focus Group

Ulster Carpets

• Brockway launched their high definition Dimensions Plain Stripe and the recoloured Dimensions Range • New Pinstripe, Deckchair & Panache were show stoppers from Adam Carpets • A brand new LVT offer was launched by Westex • New product, Stainfree Ultra, was on display at the Abingdon Flooring stand • Cavalier Carpets were award winners at the Show with their innovative Icon range • Cormar Carpet Company were demonstrating their remarkable interactive portal • Penthouse Carpets were showcasing their new range – Crofter • Ball & Young were proud to have won a gold award for their Eco Cushion • Interfloor were showing off their fabulous metals ranges • Ulster Carpets were launching their great new cut and loop product terraen • Furlong Flooring had on show a huge array of products both new and old favourites • Distinctive Flooring were catching the eye with their striking new branding and full range of LVT products • Hugh Mackay had something for everyone on their stand with some striking patterns and plains • Victoria Carpets had new products and unitary on their eye-catching stand • Wool Carpet Focus Group showed a great new collaborative offer with Miele • Ena Shaw were showcasing their made to measure curtain point of sale • Computers for Flooring were demonstrating their retail software designed to make a retailer’s life easier • On the back of their recent promotions, Dandy by William Armes had their full range of entrance mats and POS on show 56

Perpetual Textures New for 2018 Layered Herringbone

Maze

Bedford

Neoteric

Conjunction

Celestial Cord

Barleycorn

Isochrone

Sophisticated and understated for simplistic modern living our new Perpetual Textures carpet series takes inspiration from natural fibres and textures to add a calming influence to any home. The discreet colour palette gives a contemporary twist to nostalgic prints and was influenced by the beauty of chenille, corded and tweed fabrics while inspired by rattan and handwoven techniques.

www.brintons.co.uk Š Brintons Carpets Limited 2018 Brintons is a trademark of Brintons Carpets Limited

SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 57

SMG MEMBER FOCUS

EACH ISSUE SMG PUTS A MEMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS AND THEIR VIEWS ABOUT THE INDUSTRY.

BARRY BROCKMAN & DARON WALLER

For this autumnal issue of SMG News, we headed over the beautiful Surrey hills to visit with Barry Brockman of Godalming Carpets & Flooring. A Member of SMG since April 2016, it was a pleasure to visit this well laid out, light and airy store.

Barry has been in the flooring business since he was 18, when he gained employment with a friend of his who was a carpet fitter. He learned the trade, went self employed and fitted for the next 15 years. After he developed some tendonitis in his arm, he was forced to stop fitting and moved on to be an estimator for Ladymead Carpets, who he had fitted for previously and where he stayed for another 3 years. He moved on to Bagshot Carpets in Sandhurst for a change of scene and stayed there for a further 14 years where he learned all about retail. The opportunity came up to take premises of his own in his home town of Godalming and on the 21st October 2014 he opened his doors and has not looked back.

The store is beautifully presented, with strong brands featuring throughout and a warm welcome waiting for customers coming in. With large windows the store is bright and cheery and with its position on the main road into Godalming and with its own car park it is ideally situated.

58

We put our usual questions to Barry and here’s what he said: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE INDEPENDENT RETAILER’S STRENGTH? “Service! First, second and third. We have fitters I have known for years, we move furniture, we give honest advice and just give the customer the absolute best service we can.”

WHAT IS THE KEY MARKET CHALLENGE TODAY? “We are finding the market is good in this area and providing your pricing is right and you give friendly and excellent service to your customers, the money looks after itself. We don’t try to compete with internet pricing but concentrate on giving fair pricing and all round good service. If you want internet price, you get internet service!”

SMG HAS A STRONG POLICY OF SUPPORTING BRITISH MANUFACTURERS, IS THIS SOMETHING YOU SUPPORT? “Yes definitely - it is important to me and to our customers. It used to be a generational thing but now we are finding all age groups are keen to buy British!”

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS YOU HAVE FROM CUSTOMERS? “We find that practicality is now a big factor in customer questions – how will this wear? How easy is it to look after?

How easy is it to clean? There seem to be two groups of customer – those who just want luxury – soft, longer pile etc.

and the other group who want a product that gives them ease of living – it’s like hair – if you have long hair, it takes far more looking after than a grade 1! So long as you are honest with the customer on how the product is likely to perform, you find that you have happy customers who come back again and again.”

IF YOU COULD ASK SUPPLIERS TO CHANGE ONE THING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? “Well I think they will have to change with regard to health and safety legislation – they need 2 people on the van for deliveries. They can’t expect older people, pregnant women, people on their own to help unload carpet deliveries!”

WHAT IS YOUR TOP SELLING PRODUCT AT THE MOMENT? “It has to be Furlong Flooring’s Elegance.

We have it on the floor in the shop and it’s been down for 4 years and looks great. British made, bleach cleanable - it wears so well and to the untrained eye looks like a much more expensive wool product.”

WHAT WAS THE MAIN REASON FOR JOINING SMG? “Well, I’d seen it work at Bagshot Carpets and when I set up originally I thought it might be really useful for getting unitary for the shop. Now I find that the rebate and preferential pricing mean that I’m earning far more than my membership costs and if I need a product I don’t have an account for, I can order via Orderlink - so why wouldn’t I do that?”

Continued on the next page >>

MEMBER: GODALMING CARPETS & FLOORING JOINED SMG: APRIL 2016 LOCATION: GODALMING, SURREY

WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE TO NON-ALIGNED RETAILERS? “At least have a look at joining a group.

Financially it makes sense – you can only gain. It’s a plus plus!”

WHAT HAS CHANGED MOST DURING YOUR TIME IN THE INDUSTRY? “Margins are definitely tighter now than they used to be. Also the balance of fitters in relation to retailers has changed over the years. Good fitters wield a lot of power and you have to treat your fitters well to keep them.”

SMG News | Autumn 2018 | 59

ECO Cushion The No1 base for artificial grass with moisture release and breathable properties

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When tested to BS EN 1177:2008 25mm of Cloud 9 ECO Cushion with Artificial Landscaping Turf attains Critical Fall Height (hic) value of 1.2 metres