Stocklists The
Carpet&FlooringReview
with
May / June 2020
BRITAIN’S No. 1 FLOORCOVERING MAGAZINE FOR THE RETAIL AND CONTRACT MARKET
STRONGER TOGETHER The reliable partnership
We appreciate the superb support we get from our customers and we repay your trust with a total commitment to servicing your account on every level. At Furlong we manufacture in the UK and hold the highest levels of stock at our three regional distribution centres, linked to a fast delivery logistics network.
Carefree Ultra - your favourite twist just got heavier Carefree Ultra is a step up in quality and an opportunity for retailers to easily upsell. ® Using Carefree Twist’s palette of 15 on-trend colourways in both plain and heathered tones, Carefree Ultra is made in the UK from 2-ply twist using our best-selling bleach-cleanable Carefree fibres. It’s hard wearing with a 10-year guarantee, easy to clean and a 10th gauge construction for a fantastic, pinpoint finish.
With a superb range of options in all styles and colours, at every price point, we’re here to make sure you never miss a sales opportunity in the challenging market we face. We’re in this together, and together we will succeed. To find out how we can be your ideal flooring partner, contact us today - see pages 12 & 13.
CARPET www.furlongflooring.co.uk
I
VINYL
LV T
100% bleach cleanable
L AMINATE
Sales: Preston - 01772 696 787
I
Combi-bac® carefree installation.
Tighter yarn spacing
HARDWOOD
Dartford - 01322 628 707
I
Gloucester - 0845 520 0800
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THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
Stocklists The
ISSUE 543 : MAY / JUNE 2020 Published by Mayville Publishing Co Ltd., 219 West Ella Road, West Ella, Hull HU10 7SD @thestocklists Tel: 01482 659396 Fax: 01482 659397 www.thestocklists.com Sales Director: Diane Martin. diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk Publication Director: David Spragg Founded by Roy Spragg in 1973.
THE MAGAZINE THAT’S ALL ABOUT FLOORING
Our news service starts on page 21
Advertisers
Counting our blessings for the ‘new normal’
Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD Index
There’s no naivety here that the ‘new normal’ is going to be anything but tough but in these crazy times, the flooring sector really is more fortunate than most – let’s be grateful we’re not running pubs, car dealerships, cinema chains or airlines – or working in front-line healthcare.
H ABINGDON FLOORING
Flooring is less exposed to the now accelerated shift to online retailing than many sectors; we also have a high sales value compared to customer volume so social distancing is easier to manage in-store. Premises are typically off the actual high street so less susceptible to the vagaries of town centre footfall and also rents are therefore below average. Consumer confidence and disposable income will inevitably be depressed for discretionary purchases like flooring but the remainder of 2020 (and probably 2021) will be dominated by the trend to invest in our homes – our safe havens in this health crisis. This is especially true among the mid/older demographic who are historically the most valuable and less price sensitive flooring customers.
With travel, holidays and car purchases heavily compromised, some capacity for big ticket spending does exist in this group of consumers. The “pent-up” demand that was trumpeted after the Brexit decision and the December election (seems like ancient history?!) is still there as evidenced by the pre-lockdown statistics from key flooring companies. When the going gets tough, the tufters (and weavers!) get going. Floors will need to be covered. Make sure you get your share by keeping up-to-date with new products and offering excellent customer service. Good luck and we’ll continue to do our best to help inform your business decisions. David Spragg, Editor
“The remainder of 2020 (and probably 2021) will be dominated by the trend to invest in our homes – our safe havens in this crisis.” Staying COVID-19 Secure in 2020 We confirm we have complied with the government’s guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19
We have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and shared the results with the people who work here We have cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures in line with guidance We have taken all reasonable steps to help people work from home
“You can re-open” Foundation advises retailers page 21
We have taken all reasonable steps to maintain a 2m distance in the workplace
Re-opening rules
Where people cannot be 2m apart, we have done everything practical to manage transmission risk
Essential guide on retail safety page 22 Employer
Who to contact:
Date
Keep calm and be inspired SPECIAL FEATURE: pages 38-40
01274 655694
H ADAM CARPETS H ASSOCIATED WEAVERS
23
01562 822247
IFC,4-7
01422 431100
H BALTA
27
+32 5662 2211
t BRAMPTON CHASE
9
01604 664855
o CARPENTER BC
01457 861141
H CALVALIER CARPETS
49
01254 268000
H CONDOR CARPETS
35
+31 38 477 8911
s COLUMBIA FLOORING
10
0208 443 3322
36-37
01204 881234
H FELLS CARPETS
11
01977 662211
n F. BALL
8
01538 361633
H CORMAR
n FITA 34
01159 506836
n FLOORING ONE
41
0121 713 4486
n FLOORWISE 51
01509 673974
H FURLONG FLOORING
01772 696787
H HAMMER CARPETS
FC,12-13 14
01473 826870
H HUGH MACKAY 15
01429 892555
n INTERFLOOR
29
01706 213131
32,33
01386 820 100
n MERRYFIELD ENGINEERING
3
01422 373799
n METRO GROUP
47
01204 393539
n NICF 44
0115 958 3077
o NOVOSTRAT 46 00353 61 339287
“Hold your nerve”
Order backlog may support return page 24
H PENTHOUSE CARPETS
16
01706 639866
s SOLENT WHOLESALE CARPET 17
01243 774623
n SMG
45 _
Your Health and Safety Representative
(or the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk or 0300 003 1647)
Natural effects
31
01942 825520 n ACG 43
t KARNDEAN DESIGNFLOORING
FIVE STEPS TO SAFER WORKING TOGETHER
Page Contact No No
“Quick recovery”
Victoria boss has hope for future pages 38-39
n STAIRRODS
Triumph of 5K tonne Recycling milestone for Recofloor page 48
ISSN 2046-7338 © Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2020. Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.
22,26
01207 591176
n T&E DISPLAYS
18
0121 558 4932
n THE FLOORING SHOW
28
—
H THOMAS WITTER 19
01429 892555
H VICTORIA CARPETS 20
01562 749300
o WILSON UNDERLAYS
30
01924 451138
n WOOLS OF NEW ZEALAND
25 —
H carpets/rugs/tiles t woods/laminates/smooths n accessories/services/organisations = fibres o underlay s wholesalers/distributors l adhesives
MERRYFIELD CARPET CUTTING MACHINERY British Manufactured Carpet Cutting Machines THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
Visit ‘Merryfield Carpet’ on YOUTUBE to see our full range of cutting machines or call 01422 373799 3
T H E E STA B L I S H E D CARPET BRAND I N V I C T U S ® N OW B R I N G S YO U L U X U R Y V I N Y L F LO O R I N G www.invictus.co.uk 4
THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
INVINCIBLE CARPET & FLOORING
Associated Weavers, the maker of Invictus® carpet, presents Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring. With the same attention to quality, the same eye for exclusive designs, and a unique performance level, Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring is the perfect match to Invictus ® carpet.
Always a trailblazer when it comes to branding, Associated Weavers reinvents the in-store display and brings an experience unseen in the flooring business. With traditional samples and an intuitive digital module, Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring invites the customer on a fun-to-do purchasing journey.
A UK brand since 1964 THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
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THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
A UK brand since 1964
THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
7
Rely on the RAG for the right adhesive selection...GUARANTEED!
OUT NOW! ONLINE MOBILE PRINT
The 2020 F. Ball Recommended Adhesives Guide is out now! • The flooring industry’s most trusted guide to adhesive selection • More than 6,000 adhesive recommendations • Endorsed by over 200 leading, international floorcovering manufacturers • All fully backed by the F. Ball Guarantee • Order or download your FREE copy now!
Tested • Approved • Recommended • Guaranteed • Trusted SEARCH
FBALL RAG APP F. Ball and Co. Ltd. 01538 361 633 • mail@f-ball.co.uk • www.f-ball.co.uk 8
GREAT BRITISH INNOVATION THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
Luxury Vinyl Planks
0.3mm
177.8 x 1219.2mm
2mm
Wear Layer
Plank Size
Thickness
Featured Design: Ashby
Find us on instagram @bramptonchase
Ten Stunning Designs in our latest Woodlands Collection
Water Resistant
Highly Durable
Next-day Sampling
Large Planks
Lifetime Guarantee*
*Domestic subject to T&Cs
Industry leading service and quality 01604 664855 | www.bramptonchase.co.uk | support@bramptonchase.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
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Columbia Flooring plc
The Leading Country Wide Carpet & Flooring Suppliers We can supply you with virtually any make of carpet and flooring at GUARANTEED maker’s list price... Delivered direct to business premises FREE OF CHARGE. For a Speedy and Efficient Service
Call US NOW!!! 020 8443 3322
sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooringplc.co.uk Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am to 12 noon Tel: 0208 443 3322 Fax: 0208 805 2346 TRAFALGAR TRADING ESTATE, JEFFREYS ROAD, ENFIELD , MIDDLESEX, EN3 7TY.
10
1970 – 2020
THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
Fashion for the floor
Eastern Treasure • Nordic Sky
B2B website www.fellscarpets-sales.co.uk Check our full offer and order online (live stock)
Eastern Treasures • Pacific Blue
Eastern Treasure • Nordic Sky
Exciting, bold and unique ranges from the UK’s largest patterned carpet stockists Award-winning design innovation that earns the attention of discerning consumers that ask for something different in your store.
www.fellscarpets.co.uk
THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
11
Furlong Flooring
ALAN CAIRNIE EAST SCOTLAND M: 07976 311434
SOUTH EAST
SCOTLAND
The people who care about your success
PAUL LOVELL NORFOLK, SUFFOLK & CAMBS
TONY CONWAY BEDS, NORTHANTS, OXON & BUCKS
M: 07816 217549
M: 07791 891025
plovell@furlongflooring.com
acairnie@furlongflooring.com CHRIS GRUBB WEST SCOTLAND
JOHN AKIEN EAST & WEST SUSSEX M: 07791 891024
M: 07970 163372
TIM BAILEY SOUTH EAST WALES & HEREFORDSHIRE M: 07794 048414
tbailey@furlongflooring.com JASON BRIMBLE AVON & GLOUCESTERSHIRE M: 07794 041266
jakien@furlongflooring.com
HARD FLOORING SPECIALISTS
WALES & SOUTH WEST
cgrubb@furlongflooring.com
GUY FERGUSON KENT, HAMPSHIRE, DORSET, SURREY, EAST & WEST SUSSEX M: 07816 217 558
tconway@furlongflooring.com PETER FLETCHER HAMPSHIRE & DORSET M: 07816 217561
pfletcher@furlongflooring.com ADAM CLARK S.YORKSHIRE, YORKSHIRE, LINCS NORTH EAST, EAST COAST, NOTTS, DERBYSHIRE M: 07970 269730
gferguson@furlongflooring.com ANTHONY SUMMERS NORTH WEST M: 07980 786264
aclark@furlongflooring.com JEFF COLLINS ESSEX, HERTS, N, N.W. & EAST LONDON, NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, CAMBS M: 07793 244 620
jbrimble@furlongflooring.com
asummers@furlongflooring.com
BEN THOMAS MID & WEST WALES
OWEN CHENERY S.E. WALES, HERTS, AVON & GLOS, LEICS, WARWICKS, BIRM’HAM, SHROPS, STAFFS, SOMERSET
M: 07794 048809
jcollins@furlongflooring.com PAUL COCKS WEST LONDON
pastelle
M: 07792477312
M: 07794 367 825
bthomas@furlongflooring.com
ochenery@furlongflooring.com
pcocks@furlongflooring.com
STEWART WAITHMAN DEVON & CORNWALL M: 07794 048413
Competitive, best-selling products all available now from UK stock
swaithman@furlongflooring.com
12
THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
M: 07872 964685
cmcmaster@furlongflooring.com WESLEY GRAHAM LEICESTER, WARWICKSHIRE M: 07968 324598
wgraham@furlongflooring.com MIKE SHUTT BIRMINGHAM/ STAFFORDSHIRE, SHROPSHIRE
MARTYN MORRIS SOUTH YORKSHIRE M: 07973 403450
mmorris@furlongflooring.com TBA NORTH EAST, EAST COAST
enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk TBA YORKSHIRE & EAST LANCS
LONDON
enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk JACK O’CONNOR SOUTH BUCKS, BERKSHIRE, WEST LONDON, SURREY (OUTSIDE M25)
M: 07793 244619
M: 07816 217550
DARREN SPENDIFF KENT M: 07791 890861
joconnor@furlongflooring.com JAMIE BONE N.W, NORTH, EAST & CENTRAL LONDON M: 07816 217548
dspendiff@furlongflooring.com
M: 07966 263571
acheetham@furlongflooring.com DANNY BROWN MERSEYSIDE, WIRRAL & NORTH WALES
dbrown@furlongflooring.com MARK DOWSON PART LANCS, FLYDE COAST & CUMBRIA M: 07980 786265
ROSS BIRCH S.W, SOUTH, S.E. LONDON, SURREY (INSIDE M25)
rbirch@furlongflooring.com
ALAN CHEETHAM GTR MANCHESTER, CHESHIRE
M: 07597 459642
M: 07970 158594
mshutt@furlongflooring.com
NORTH WEST
COLBY McMASTER NOTTS, STAFFORD, SOT, DERBYSHIRE & LINCS
YORKSHIRE AND NORTH EAST
MIDLANDS
...and can help grow your sales in 2020!
jbone@furlongflooring.com
mdowson@furlongflooring.com ANDY THOMPSON ESSEX, HERTFORDSHIRE M: 07816 217565
athompson@furlongflooring.com
Preston Sales tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921
Gloucester Sales tel: 0845 520 0800 fax: 01452 222515
London Sales tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733
Email enquiries
enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk
New website
www.furlongflooring.co.uk
THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
13
Tel 01473 826870
Email infouk@hammercarpetsuk.com
Web www.hammercarpets.com
Tel 01473 826870
Email infouk@hammercarpetsuk.com
Web www.hammercarpets.com
Beautiful carpet collections in 100% wool stocked in collections 4m and 5minwide Beautiful carpet 100% wool stocked in 4m and 5m wide
Jacs
Designer tonal loop pile in 100% wool available in 4m and 5m widths.
Jacs Designer tonal loop pile in 100% wool Natural available in Lines 4m and 5m widths. Super luxurious 100% wool loop pile available in 4m and 5m widths.
Natural Lines Super luxurious 100% wool loop pile Natural available in Weave 4m and 5m widths. herringbone design with a stripe option.
Natural Weave Key facts about our Supreme boucle herringbone design with a stripe option.
Supreme Boucle
Natural Lines
Natural Weave
Skagen
Supreme Boucle
Natural Lines
Natural Weave
Skagen
carpets
Our selling level loop 100% wool Allbest our carpet yarns are Mothproof protected for the life of the carpet. product available in 12 up to the minute Supreme colours in bothboucle 4m and 5m widths. The weloop use are the highest quality 2 and 3 ply yarns in 100% New Wool. Our bestyarns selling level 100% wool product available in 12 up to the minute WeVegas use long staple, hank dyed, scoured and set fibre which gives you the very Las colours in bothonly 4m and 5m widths. A chunky luxurious loop pile in 100% wool best inlong term performance. Beware of cheaper imitations that use lower cost short available 4m and 5m widths.
Key facts about our carpets
All our carpet yarns are Mothproof protected for the life of the carpet. Las Vegas fibre loop which yarn quickly in use and will give inferior results in terms of A staple chunky luxurious pile inshed 100% wool Sisal Boucle Sisal available inyarns 4m and widths. The we&5m use are theBerber highest quality 2 and 3 ply yarns in 100% New Wool. We use only long staple, hank dyed, scoured and
and appearance retention. A wear heavy domestic tonal stripe in 100% set fibre wool loop pile. which gives you the very best long term performance. Beware of cheaper imitations that use lower cost short staple fibre
Sisal Boucle & Sisal Berberis designed and made in Scandinavia using the best Everything we produce which shed yarn quickly in use and will give inferior results in terms of wear and appearance retention. A heavy domestic tonal stripe in 100% The Stone Fibre Collection wool loop pile. sustainable New Zealand Wool that is the whitest and cleanest available. This ensures Everything we produce is designed and made in Scandinavia using the best sustainable New Zealand Wool that is the whitest and
designs. Each design available in excellent levelness of4 colours, colour gives us the make cleanest available. This ensures excellent when levelness dyed of colourand when dyed and gives us theability ability to to make beautifulbeautiful pastel shades and The Stone Fibre Collection in 4m and 5m widths.
pastel shades and brighter brighter light colours including white. light colours including white.
designs. Each design available in 4 colours, Memphis in 4m and 5m widths. 100% wool textured loop available in 4 & 5m widths.
Our eco friendly credentials Memphis 100% wool textured loop available in Diamond Weave • 5m We only use renewable energy from offshore wind farms to power our factories 4& widths. 5m • width. We recover
Diamond Weaveexcess heat and energy from the manufacturing process and use it to heat buildings in our vicinity Scandic Weave Ourmunicipal eco friendly credentials 5m width. 5m • width. We make
the carpet tubes that the finished carpets are delivered on from recycled Scandic Weave • We only use renewable energy from offshore wind farms to power our factories polypropylene Sloane Square • We recover excess heat and energy from the manufacturing process and use it to heat municipal buildings in our vicinity 5m width. 100% wool innovative cut and loop pile • A•ll the waste water in manufacturing made drinkable We make the carpet tubeswe thatproduce the finished carpets are delivered on fromis recycled polypropylene geometric design.
before we
Sloane Square water we produce in manufacturing is made drinkable before we dispose of it so we do not pollute the environment • All the waste dispose of itcutso 100% wool innovative andwe loopdo pile not pollute the environment Skagen • We are committed to make products from materials that aidCarpets a healthy life cycle, with no harm largest to people or the environment of geometric design. Hammer are the world’s manufacturer Soft tones in a heavy wool loop with • W e are committed toamake products from materials that aid a healthy life cycle, bespoke design 80/20 Colortec carpet. Ask your Agent for luxurious Wool pile. Skagen with no harm to people or the environment Hammer Carpets are the world’s largest manufacturer of Soft tones in a heavy wool loop with a bespoke design 80/20 Colortec carpet. Ask your Agent for luxurious Wool pile.
Scandinavian quality quality by by design design Scandinavian Scandinavian quality by design Our UK Sales Team www.hammercarpets.com
Ron Fewery 07976 244892
London, Oxfordshire, Ron Fewery Berkshire & 07976 244892 Buckinghamshire London, Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Buckinghamshire
Steve Acton 07957 836207
Kent, Sussex, Surrey,
Steve Acton Hampshire & Dorset 07957 836207
Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire & Dorset
Tel 01473 826870 14
Sandy Anderson Lee Palmer Sales101640 Team 07445 232345Our UK07774
Jay Pallass 07414 837329
Lee Palmer 07774 101640
07414 837329
Cheshire, Sandy Anderson Greater Manchester, 07445 232345 Lancashire, Merseyside Cheshire, & North Manchester, Wales Greater Lancashire, Merseyside & North Wales
Channel Islands Channel Islands
Yorkshire & Jay NorthPallass East Yorkshire & North East
Email infouk@hammercarpetsuk.com
Stephen Binnersley 07710 618754 Stephen Midlands, Binnersley South Wales & 07710 618754 Northamptonshire Midlands, South Wales & Northamptonshire
Robin Saunders 07968 344892 East Anglia
Robin Saunders 07968 344892 East Anglia
Web www.hammercarpets.com THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
to n i g n Spri ith w n o i act oom R r u o er! s i l a u s Vi
Transform your home in real time from the comfort of your own sofa or instore! Available for everyone to use, completely free of charge. Simply take a photo of your room and upload it to start installing our ranges
Change the way you choose...
SCOTLAND JOHN STUART M: 07860 565 200 E: johnrstuart@btopenworld.com NORTH EAST & CUMBRIA BECKY GIBBONS M: 07970 491 215 E: rebann2@btinternet.com YORKSHIRE JOHN ALSOP M: 07860 572 220 E: alsopagencies@yahoo.co.uk
LANCASHIRE JOHN ROSTRON M: 07973 733 208 E: johnrostronagencies@hotmail.com EAST MIDLANDS STEVE FURNISS M: 07773 384 787 E: furnissagencies@btinternet.com WEST MIDLANDS DEAN STANLEY M: 07572 758 010 E: dssalesagencies@gmail.com
www.hughmackay.co.uk
OXFORDSHIRE, WILTSHIRE, HAMPSHIRE ANDREW JEFFERIES M: 07831 457102 E: adj.agencies@gmail.com SOUTH WEST BRENDAN HART M: 07850 130 221 E: ba.hart1@yahoo.com NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, CAMBS, NORTH ESSEX ROBIN SAUNDERS M: 07968 344 892 E: rsagencies2004@aol.com
SOUTH WALES, BRISTOL, & GLOUCESTERSHIRE PAUL POWELL M: 07968 186 150 E: paulpowellagencies@gmail.com SOUTH EAST & SOUTH LONDON MIKE ALP M: 07770 861 441 E: alp.michael@googlemail.com N LONDON & HOME COUNTIES DAVE MARNEY M: 07794 221 443 E: d.marney@sky.com CENTRAL LONDON NICK WOOD M: 07976 945 505 E: nick@essentialflooring.co.uk
NORTHERN IRELAND GARY O’BOYLE M: 07831 220 675 E: goboyle@ntlworld.com REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LARRY WHITE M: 03862 594 126 E: thelarwhite@hotmail.com SALES DIRECTOR KEITH MORGAN M: 07710 701063 E: keith@hughmackay.com MANAGING DIRECTOR VINCE HOLDEN M: 07900 262 434 E: vince@hughmackay.com
H U G H M A C K AY Support your British manufacturer THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
W W W . H U G H M A C K AY. C O . U K
15
Meet the team... F I N D Y O U R L O C A L R E P R E S E N TAT I V E H E R E SCOTLAND & BORDERS
NORTH EAST, CUMBRIA & ISLE OF MAN
NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES
YORKSHIRE & THE HUMBER
Stephen Cawley
John Pringle
Ian Henderson
Christine Searle
07718 762236 stephen.cawley@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07825 991405 john.pringle@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07974 141919 ian.henderson@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07939 051608 christine.searle@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
Areas covered: All Scottish regions
Areas covered: Cumbria, Kirby Lonsdale via. Carnforth, Isle of Man, Cleveland, Northumberland, Durham, Tyne & Wear
Areas covered: Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire (inc. SK9, SK10, SK11), Greater Manchester (inc. SK1 to SK8, SK12, SK14 to SK16), Clwyd, Gwynedd
Areas covered: North Humberside, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire
WEST MIDLANDS, WORCESTER
SOUTH YORKSHIRE & EAST MIDLANDS
SOUTH EAST, LONDON HERTS & ESSEX
Sue Chapman
SOUTH EAST, LONDON
Chris Gee
Conway Morgan
Guy Legg
07801 538763 sue.chapman@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07919 047930 chris.gee@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07753 983714 conway.morgan@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07801 357622 guy.legg@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
Areas covered: Herts, Essex, North & West London
Areas covered: Kent, South & Central London, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex
Areas covered: Gloucester, Avon, West Midlands, Shropshire, Hereford & Worcester
Areas covered: Humberside, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire,
EAST MIDLANDS & SOUTH EAST
EAST ANGLIA, CAMBS & BEDFORDSHIRE
SOUTH WEST
SOUTH COAST & CHANNEL ISLES
Simon Beeby
Martin Hunter
Graham Wood
Nigel Woollard
07775 913380 simon.beeby@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07711 353982 martin.hunter@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07825 171482 graham.wood@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07767 213236 nigel.woollard@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
Areas covered: Somerset, Devon, Cornwall
Areas covered: Berkshire (Split), Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Isle of Wight, Channel Isles
Areas covered: Berkshire (Split), Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire
Areas covered: Cambridge, Bedford
NORTHERN IRELAND & REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
WALES
Herbie Montgomery
James Thomas
07774 695333 herbie.montgomery@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07932 458032 juncture2002@aol.com
Areas covered: Northern Ireland, Southern Ireland
Areas covered: West Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan, South Glamorgan, Gwent, Dyfed, Powys
Working for the independent retailer To find out more, call our sales team on 01706 639 866 or visit us at:
penthousecarpets.co.uk
Penthouse Carpets Buckley Carpet Mill, Buckley Road, Rochdale. Lancashire OL12 9DU • Fax: 01706 860 577 • Email: sales@penthousecarpets.co.uk 16
THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
Solent Wholesale Carpet Company Nationwide, Palletised Express Service www.solentwholesale.com
LVT - Carpet Tiles - Grass Matting - Vinyl - Underlay Screed - Adhesive - Primers Gripper - Trims - Plywood Tel: 01243 774623 Flooring Trade ONLY
BRAND NEW WEBSITE
Free Delivery on most orders over £350* *some products & postcodes may incur a surcharge.
THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
17
We are offering a discount to customers on our Standard & Super Jumbos. Doing our bit to help Businesses due to COVID-19
CHALLENGE US TO BEAT ANY COMPETITIVE QUOTE TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY
18
THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
Luxury Twist This luxury heathered range is made from quality British wool in a perfect 80/20 blend in both plain and striped designs. Available in 3 weights and 13 shades, this range adds effortless style to any home.
SCOTLAND MARK VINTER M: 07775 902 376
NORTH WEST & CUMBRIA JOHN ROSTRON M: 07973 733208
SOUTH WALES PAUL POWELL M: 07968 186150
NORTH EAST BECKY GIBBONS M: 07970 491 215
EAST MIDLANDS STEVE FURNISS M: 07773 384 787
SOUTH EAST & LONDON ANDREW GOLDSMITH M: 07432 119 220
YORKSHIRE ALDO BERETTONI M: 07971 173 560
WEST MIDLANDS DEAN STANLEY M: 07572 758010
CORNWALL/DEVON/ SOMERSET/DORSET BRENDAN HART M: 07850 130221
SALES DIRECTOR
SALES OFFICE
OXFORDSHIRE/WILTSHIRE/ HAMPSHIRE/BRISTOL & GLOUCESTER DAVID MAY M: 07976 204778 NORTHERN IRELAND GARY O’BOYLE M: 07831 220 675 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LARRY WHITE M: 0862 594 126
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THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview Flooring “will recover quickly” after lockdown
“No reason not to be open” says Carpet Foundation
Leading UK-based flooring company Victoria Plc have said the long-term outlook is still positive for sales after the coronavirus crisis has passed.
The Carpet Foundation’s intervention with Government advisers led to an early ending of the lockdown for some UK carpet retailers after the organisation confirmed there was “no reason not to be open” – provided they have strict ‘COVID-19 Secure’ guidelines in place and seek legal advice.
“Although the coronavirus is presently dominating the news cycle, once the storm has passed, people will again want flooring and revenues and profits will recover quickly for businesses in a position to respond to renewed demand,” said the company in a trading update to the City. The Plc flagged the key issues of the loss of consumer confidence following the emergence of the virus and the closure of retail in many countries plus supply chain disruption and workforce challenges. The statement from CEO Geoff Wilding (pictured left) commented: “As Darwin stated, those who survive ‘are not the strongest or the most intelligent, but the most adaptable to change.’ Therefore, our managers have been willing to think the unthinkable and act decisively and promptly to protect their business - particularly its cash position - as the impact will, in the short term, be significant.” Victoria has undertaken a detailed anaylsis of their business with stress-testing models showing that their diversified supply chain, secure supply of raw materials and the geographic spread of manufacturing operations will help them cope in adversity. On employment, Victoria says: “There is no reasonable scenario where there will be no impact on employment. However, fully consistent with maintaining Victoria’s financial security, we will endeavour to minimise the impact of this pandemic on our employees. To assist with this, and to share the financial burden, all middle and senior management have voluntarily reduced their salaries by 20% for the time being.” T 01562 749610 www.victoriaplc.com
The Carpet Foundation made a special plea to Government to “look positively” on independent flooring retailers and carpet manufacturers when considering plans to unwind the UK lockdown. After discussions with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Foundation received notification regarding the reopening of flooring stores confirming that “The regulations have always identified homeware, building supplies and hardware stores as being among those businesses which may be regarded as legal exceptions to the requirement to close and it remains for each business to seek its own legal advice in making decisions re: whether or not to operate.” In its guidance to its 370 retail members, the Foundation said; “What is 100% clear from this is that you need to take advice and follow that advice. Our advice is that you must fully comply with all the requirements of social distancing, putting in place the new practices for working in stores and other people’s homes.” “If you have all of the requirements for social distancing in place it would appear you have no reason not to be open,” it said. At present, this advice only applies to England as separate guidance will be issued for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Leading flooring chain Tapi Carpets with over 135 stores nationwide cited the “homewares” exclusion when it re-opened on May 12 in a limited trial. Selected premises offer pre-booked in-store appointments, with only one customer or couple on site at a time. Strict social distancing is applied and Tapi say staff will wear personal protective equipment (although this is not a Government requirement). The Carpet Foundation also comments on the sense of pent-up demand that was indicated by the post-election lift in carpet sales of 9% in January as evidence that the sector needs to be back in business and adds that “spending so much time at home recently is making people see things they would like to redecorate or replace – like carpet.” As a direct result of the letter, the Carpet Foundation were able to open a personal dialogue with senior officials in The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. “Up until our intervention, the carpet industry was not on their radar, says the Foundation. “Now they are fully aware of, and accepting of, what an important heritage industry we are for the UK.” See page 22 for our COVID-19 Secure re-opening guide T 01562 755568 www.carpetfoundation.com
THE STOCKLISTS May / June 2020
21
NEWS Stay safe on retail re-opening An essential guide to protect your staff and customers The British Retail Consortium has published a guide for non-food retailers to re-open once lockdown restrictions are eased. The BRC has worked with shop workers union Usdaw to help frame their recommendations. The Stocklists has added additional guidance for flooring retailers and installers.
Risk assessments - Retail employers will be expected to produce a
risk assessment for COVID-19 and consult with their staff (shops with less than five staff are not required to produce a written assessment). Further details are given in the Government guidance.
COVID-19 Secure status - An official poster detailing “Five Steps
to Safer Working Together” will have to be signed off by the employer and displayed in store (see download at www.thestocklists.com).
Outside your store • L imit number of entry and exit points into and out of store and consider having separate entrance and exit points if possible. • Use a colleague to meet customers, explain the social distancing requirements and control the number of customers entering. • Place clear signage outside of the store explaining the social distancing measures in place that customers should follow. • Encourage customers to shop alone or as a couple wherever possible. Please bear in mind that this is not always possible. • Schedule deliveries to avoid crowding in delivery areas.
Estimates/installations at customers’ homes • • • • • • • • • • • •
Make definite, timed appointments and advise duration of visit. Advise customers in advance of your social distancing precautions Confirm no-one is self-isolating or shielding at the location. Minimise time inside homes, work out estimates offsite. Wear gloves and consider reassuring customers by asking if they prefer fitters to wear masks. Decline offers of drinks and do not use the toilet. Use sanitiser immediately before and after visits. Sanitise all surfaces touched including door handles and furniture. Fitters should not share tools. Use fixed teams/partnering on fittings to reduce contact between different people. Consider travelling to site in two vehicles to maximise the distancing of two fitters. Avoid asking for signatures to sign-off work.
2m
22 May / June 2020
2m
2m
Click GET READY TO RE-OPEN at www.thestocklists.com for the latest advice and to download Government guidance Inside your store LAYOUT • Limit the number of customers in the store at any time. Assess the size of the store and its layout, this will enable you to calculate the number of customers who can reasonably follow 2m social distancing. • Ensure aisles are as clear as possible to allow 2m social distancing, including some removal of promotional fixtures, lecterns and tombolas. • In smaller stores, consider whether one-customer-at-a-time and/or an appointment-only system is appropriate. • Use floor markings inside to facilitate compliance with the social distancing advice of 2 metres. • Place clear signage throughout the store, reminding customers of the social distancing measures and asking them to follow these rules. • Consider one-way systems using floor markings and signage to highlight system and direction. • Use flexiplastic screens to provide a barrier for those working on the tills. These should be included in store cleaning programmes. • If necessary, use staff to manage the flow of customers to pay points. Where counters are close together, consider closing some. • Leave non-essential doors open to minimise the number of people who touch them. This does not apply to fire doors. HYGIENE • Encourage very regular hand washing • Provide cleaning stations around the store including hand sanitiser and/or disinfectant wipes or spray. • Identify and regularly clean key touch points eg. door handles, keypads, stair handrails. • Encourage customer to leave out pattern books/samples after use so that they can be sanitised between customers. Do not allow pattern books off-site. • Limit tills, desks and equipment (even pens!) to one person per shift • Encourage cashless purchases. • Consider whether it is safe to keep customer toilets open or if these should be available on request. If open, regular cleaning should include manual multi-person touch points such as door handles, flushes, taps. etc. • Government is advice is not to encourage the use of PPE in workplaces OTHER POINTS • Ask reps to confirm visiting times and ensure you have adequate staffing to deal with them safely. Encourage visits during your quietest times. • Designate a “social distancing champion” to monitor and encourage best practice on your premises.
Carpet&FlooringReview
stripes Adam Carpets stripes, available in an array of palettes that are a perfect backdrop to Pantone’s colour of the year Classic Blue 19-4052. The image shows colourway Zing in the range Panache - offered in a palette of blues with warm and soothing neutrals, this is just one of our stripes which pairs well with many shades already in our homes.
Manufactured using accredited UK wool in our factory in Kidderminster.
www.adamcarpets.co.uk
from The Stocklists
May / June 2020 23
NEWS “Hold your nerve” Order backlog may support initial bounce-back Flooring is ready to roll and the industry expects Q3 to be relatively buoyant as a backlog of demand drives high levels of activity. But Q4 and beyond are less certain! A strong start to the year and a high level of enquiries immediately before lockdown (and even during the closure) has prompted manufacturers and retailers to be cautiously optimistic about the immediate future. “We have a backlog of orders to work through and we’re very keen to get started,” said Gary Tyler, of retailer Bradfords of Evesham. “We have spent the last two weeks gearing up for a return to work and we have just been waiting for the green light.” “We took a lot of orders in just before the lockdown and the enquiries have continued,” says Steve Cox of Heritage Flooring in Leigh-on-Sea. “There is business out there and I’m looking forward to getting back into it.” Manufacturer Chris Adam, MD of Adam Carpets agrees: “We saw good growth in interest before the lockdown and our intake of sample requests has been strong so there is definitely some pent-up demand in the market. We know some consumers are desperate to get their carpets down.
“There is definitely some pent-up demand. We know some customers are desparate to get their carpets down.” “There’s no way of knowing how strong this demand will be or how long it will last but my glass is half full at the moment. For the people who have some funds, there are limited options for spending and the home will be a focus for their investment,” says Chris. The sense that consumers will be focussed on their homes in 2020 comes through strongly across the trade. “It’s difficult to work out what the new normal will look like but there is definitely demand out there. People have been decorating their houses and have had to wait to get to the floor so we should see a good re-start for retailers,” says Martin West of Balta Carpets. Retailer Steve Cox agrees: “During the lockdown people have had the chance to re-discover their homes and have taken a fresh look at their décor. Now it’s time for flooring. Provided we’re sensible and tread carefully in people’s home when fitting, I think we can resume our trade successfully.”
Matt Collins of Design Flooring in Bristol, adds: “We’ve also had time to stand back and make some improvements to our store and make our operation more efficient so that we can provide a really effective and safe service. Now I’m excited to get back to work and it’s full steam ahead.” From the discussions The Stocklists has had over the last two weeks, no one is under any illusions that it will be easy. We’ll be doing a survey next month but anecdotal evidence suggests that many retailers expect annual turnover to be up to a third down on last year’s sales figures by Christmas. Improvements in the health situation may soon be tempered by fears of recession.
“The importance of selling up has never been greater to get the best value out of every sales opportunity” Mike Reed of buying group SMG asks retailers to “hold their nerve.” “There are a lot of people who will still want to buy carpet and we need to be prepared to make good sales. Hold your nerve! The importance of selling up has never been greater to get the best value out of every sales opportunity,” he said. “There may be a lot of people who are still holding back because of this crisis, but the ones that do start shopping again need to be encouraged to buy a better product – so make sure people pay a good price.” “Stock will be king to support orders in the short term,” adds Balta’s Martin West. “Supply chains are likely to be disrupted for some time so the industry is going to have to work around the stock available to meet demand and generate the cashflow that will be badly needed in many businesses.” “There’s no naivety the the new normal is going to be anything other than tough,” says The Stocklists editor David Spragg. “But the flooring industry is more resilient than many. Retailers are less exposed to the online shift than many sectors and social distancing is relatively easy with a little care and attention to detail. “Those consumers who still do have disposable income may avoid big ticket items like cars and kitchens until life is more certain, and their holiday funds may go unspent,” he said. “The home has been our safe haven in this crisis and all the signs are that consumers will invest in it – now that all the fences and sheds have been painted and once garden centres run out of meagre stocks, home furnishing will be to the fore!”
Harrogate hopes to host industry reunion Organisers of The Flooring Show are still hoping to host the event in September with Harrogate seen as a vital opportunity to showcase products after the lockdown and get the industry back together. Planning is continues for the September 20-22 show dates in the expectation that the ban on large indoor gatherings will be lifted in time. The venue should also have completed its service as a 500-bed Nightingale hospital serving the Yorkshire area during the pandemic. Organisers are working hard this year to build on the show’s growing success and recognises the event will be “more important than ever” as the trade comes together after the crisis. “We know that things seem uncertain at the moment, but here at The Flooring Show we firmly believe that as the lockdown is lifted, our industry will need to hit the ground running,” said Alex Butler, event director of The Flooring Show. “Companies need to prepare for trading to resume and showcase their products. With this in mind, we think the show in September is going be more important than ever as the industry meets, shares and does business. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to Harrogate,” said Alex. Some of flooring’s best loved brands are returning to this year’s show, including Cormar, Abingdon Flooring, Victoria PLC, Furlong Flooring, Hugh Mackay, Lifestyle Floors, Lano, Factory Flooring Outlet, Ball & Young, F.Ball & Co, Interfloor, Kellars, Brockway Carpets, Cavalier Carpets, Penthouse Carpets, Ulster Carpets, BerryAlloc, Millennium Weavers, Associated Weavers and Supreme Carpets. There’s also an array of new brands exhibiting, including Bijlard International, Bostik Limited, Satra Technology Centre, Bulut Sentetik, Rana Hasir, My Hali, Erdemoglu, Curtain Express and Axminster Carpets. www.theflooringshow.com
24 May / June 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
from The Stocklists
May / June 2020 25
BIZ NEWS Glimmer of hope in consumer confidence Consumer confidence for “big ticket” purchases made a surprise improvement at the end of April with researchers considering the real possibility of “pent-up” demand. The GfK Major Purchase Index showed a 3-point increase at the end of April after plummeting to record lows at the start of the pandemic. GfK researcher Joe Staton said; “Consumer confidence in Britain’s lockdown economy is still severely depressed. However, we are recording small improvements in our personal finances and the wider economic picture for the next 12 months, key indicators when gauging optimism for our path to recovery.” The improvement in the Major Purchase Index was “possibly indicating pent-up demand” says GfK but its Savings Index published at the same time showed a 9-point rise, suggesting consumers were being cautious about spending.
Balta “back to 85% by Q4” Belgium carpets group Balta – one of the leading importers into the UK - expects its production to be back to 85% of normal by the fourth quarter. ”We are currently forecasting a ramp-up in production beginning in early June 2020,” says the company in a trading update to investors. Balta closed 6 of its 8 plants in March when sales revenue slumped 29%. Balta had already launched a 3-year efficiency campaign in 2019 and saw a 16% improvement in profits for the first two months of 2020 before the coronavirus changed everything. “Following a strong start in the first two months of the year, the impact of COVID-19 has been felt from March 2020, with falling orders across all business lines. Balta has taken swift and decisive measures to mitigate the situation,” the company said.
Covid is show stopper The crisis is taking its toll on trade shows with key events cancelled and postponed across the UK. A key summer trade event, the Manchester Furniture Show, has cancelled its July 19-21 dates following its venue’s conversion to a ‘Nightingale Hospital’ to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. The Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show 2020 was due to run in Solihull on May 13 and 14 but has been postponed until 2021. The ACG buying group’s Platinum Event which was due to take place in July has now been rearranged for July 10, 2021, at the showcase Slate venue at Warwick University. This year’s Carpet Recycling UK annual conference planned for 9th July 2020 has been postponed until further notice but CRUK awards will go ahead and members will be invited to submit their awards applications and they will be presented virtually. Plans for The Flooring Show in Harrogate are still going ahead for the September – see page 21 for details.
26 May / June 2020
If somehow you missed the Covid survey by German ultra fashionistas Highsnobiety in their High Style magazine, read on... They were shocked that 35% of their customers said they were now more likely to spend on home furnishing than their usual obsession with “sneakers and streetwear.” Their analyst reported: “The more time someone spends in his or her home, the more attention that consumer will start to pay to other things beyond their closet!”
British Wool pledges support British Wool has appointed Jim Robertson as its new chairman and has pledged support for the industry during the Covid crisis “by working together we will come out of this stronger,” he said. Jim is a sheep and cattle farmer from Dumfriesshire in Scotland, running a flock of 950 South Country Cheviots. Commenting on his appointment, Jim said: “Wool producers can be assured that with the support of my fellow board members I will represent your best interests and despite the short term challenges posed by Covid-19, by working together we will come out of this stronger.” British Wool has circa 7m kgs extra of unsold 2019 clip wool on top of the circa 3m kgs that it would normally be carrying at this time of year due to the Covid-19 crisis which is likely to “severely impact prices”. In a business update from British Wool, the organisation said the pandemic has had a significant impact on the global wool market. Joe Farren, CEO at British Wool says: “The severe, hopefully short term, drop in demand for wool products coupled with the huge global overhang in cross bred wool stocks from the 2019 season is likely to severely impact prices for the next 12-18 months. “Wool producers can be assured that British Wool will be at the forefront of leading the growth and renewal of wool values, but this will take time,” he said. “We will emerge stronger from this period.”
Relief on retail rates revaluation The rates revaluation planned for 2021 has now been abandoned and is now likely to take place in 2022. The move is good news for retailers as a 2021 revaluation would have been based on 2019 pre-pandemic rent values which are now likely to be unrealistic. “We have listened to businesses and their concerns about the timing of the 2021 business rates revaluation and have acted to end that uncertainty by postponing the change,” said Government Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick MP.
Carpet&FlooringReview
Make more of your store. Made with IMPREL® Finesse SD for super-soft nylon carpet with a lifetime of stain-resistance
Just
£79.00 delivered
The new Eternity collection is made for modern homes featuring elegant and luxurious nylon saxony carpets with reassuring performance. With a lifetime of stain-resistance, lightfast and hardwearing, this is softness to last.
New look Satino update coming to existing displays
www.eterrnity-carpet.com
Call us today to order your Eternity display: 0032 56 622 233
We’ve created a brand-new look for our best-selling Satino® collection. Bringing more focus on the incredible softness and leading resilience of every Satino® style, all existing Satino® displays will receive this update free of charge. from The Stocklists
baltacarpets.com May / June 2020 27
NEWS Flooring helps fight the virus F. Ball has been helping to support frontline NHS workers as part of SalutetheNHS.org, a major non-profit initiative, which aims to provide one million nutritious, free meals to these vital NHS staff over a threemonth period as they fight the coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, F. Ball has donated floor preparation materials and adhesive to install temporary flooring at a former aircraft hangar in Bicester that has been transformed into a food distribution centre for the project. The brainchild of former McLaren boss Ron Dennis CBE and his daughter Dr Charlotte Hall, an NHS anaesthetist, SalutetheNHS.org, delivers nutritious and ready-to-eat ‘BOOST’ meal packs to NHS doctors and nurses working on the front line and those infected and selfisolating at home. Commenting on the project, F. Ball Managing Director Mark Hughes said: “We’re delighted to be involved in such a fantastic initiative as SalutetheNHS.org, helping to support the incredible work of the doctors and nurses putting themselves on the line as they battle through the coronavirus crisis.” Karndean Designflooring is joining forces with interior designers throughout the UK in a bid to create havens for NHS workers who are working on the frontline during the Covid-19 crisis. Design Havens for Heroes is a charity initiative spearheaded by interior designer Francesca Rowan Plowden, which is centred around giving back to the NHS by offering the heroes on the frontline of the coronavirus outbreak a bespoke room makeover by a professional interior designer. Paul Barratt, managing director of Karndean Designflooring, said: “It is a pleasure to be involved in such a fantastic campaign to help the NHS frontline workers who are putting themselves at risk to save lives during this difficult time.“Many NHS workers are sacrificing spending time at home with their loved ones and families. Francesca’s idea has allowed us to play a small part in helping to create a safe and relaxing environment for our heroes,” added Paul. The public can nominate accredited NHS keyworkers by emailing, nominations@designhavensforheroes.org.uk.
Ulster Carpets’ long-term commitment support for the community has been re-focused on the health crisis. A £50,000 donation to support front line workers in Craigavon Area Hospital, which serves the town where the company still manufacturers today, has purchased over 9,000 bottles of hand sanitiser for hospital staff. A further £15,000 donation has also been made by the trust to support the Southern Area Hospice Services in its vital work in the local area. While Mourne Textiles, sister company of Mourne Weavers who are part of the Ulster Group have been inspired by the nations pictures of rainbows to create a limited edition rainbow scarf, with all the profits going to the Northern Ireland Hospice and Children’s Hospice ‘Now, More than Ever’ emergency appeal. The scarves are individually woven on vintage shuttle looms, sewn and finished on site at their hand weaving workshop at the foothills of the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland. Ulster Carpets are also providing logistical support by collecting and delivering components that are being made across Northern Ireland for the production of Hero Shields for health care workers. Amtico’s Coventry factory is fighting the virus by re-purposing part of its flooring production line to produce face shields used by the NHS and critical key workers. Amtico has joined forces with schools from around the country, who were working on producing face shields using 3D printing before assembling and distributing them nationwide. The company has already produced 4,500 of the headbands to date, with capacity to produce up to 20,000 per day, Experts at Amtico created a new composition of its flooring material for the head straps, ensuring the best balance between flexibility and rigidity.
The Stocklists posts daily updates to our news website at www.thestocklists.com and to twitter @thestocklists
The unmissable show for the flooring industry The Flooring Show is the UK’s largest and only event dedicated to the industry. See all the best brands from around the world in one place, discover latest industry trends, develop new skills and source the latest products. theflooringshow.com 28 May / June 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
Kensington DeluxeÂŽ 25% Recycled Plastic Bottles
80% recycled for the ultimate feel good factor
55% Recycled Car Tyres Tredaire Kensington Deluxe is a unique combination underlay manufactured from post consumer waste (recycled PET plastic bottles and rubber crumb from car tyres). The crumb/felt combination creates an underlay with superior wear and comfort properties. Kensington Deluxe is the perfect choice for Wilton and Axminster style carpets. The PET felt backing means that carpets with stitched joins bed into the top felt layer and prevent wear along the join.
Best Underlay Manufacturer
interfloor.com 01706 238 810 from The Stocklists
May / June 2020 29
NEWS Flower powers Balta launch Primrose and Amaryllis, from the recently launched Eternity range, promote the best in super-soft, stain-free and durable nylon carpets. Brand new for 2020, Eternity takes inspiration from the natural world and uses the latest in yarn technology to cope with the rigours of the modern home. Made with Balta’s wonderfully soft IMPREL Finesse SD yarn in a fine 1/10th gauge cut pile, Primrose and Amaryllis deliver a radiant silk-like shimmer that responds to the demand for a super luxurious look in the home. What’s more, IMPREL Finesse SD has colour that runs right through the yarn, so that these two beautiful styles also come with lifetime stain-and fade-resistance. And thanks to the solution-dyed technology, Eternity carpets are bleachcleanable too, proving that timeless beauty and lasting practicality go hand-in-hand. Both ranges come in 12 on-trend colourways, sharing a palette focused on warm and bright tones, from deep greens such as Seabreeze to soft neutrals such as Coconut Butter. The colourbank also includes a range of grey neutrals to tie in with the continued trend for monochrome tones.
Amaryllis – Eternity range
“The Eternity range delivers on this with super-soft nylon carpets that give lifetime stain-resistance and excellent wear in a range perfectly in-tune with today’s style-hungry homeowners.”
Amaryllis comes in a luxurious 2,200g/m2 heavyweight pile while Primrose offers a practical 1,430g/m2 quality, resulting in two options that give consumers a choice based on budget or need. Whether opting for a more indulgent underfoot feel in master bedrooms and grown-up spaces with Amaryllis, or choosing the all-round luxury of Primrose, both styles come with the a confidence-inspiring 20-year wear warranty. Filip Poelman, sales director, “We have listened to the market and understood the consumer demand for luxury carpets that don’t compromise on aesthetics or practicality. The Eternity range delivers on this with super-soft nylon carpets that give lifetime stain-resistance and excellent wear in a range perfectly in-tune with today’s style-hungry homeowners.” Retailers will be able to take advantage of Eternity’s specially designed in-store lectern that has been created to stand out in-store and deliver optimum engagement with consumers. The Eternity range is supported with a website, www.eternity-carpet.com, along with a striking mood-focused brochure. T +32 56 62 22 11
www.baltagroup.com
Carpet Underlay That Uses Memory Foam Available in 8mm 10mm 12mm Thickness Uses Memory Foam For The Ultimate Soft Feeling Underfoot Suitable For Stretch Fit Installations Luxury Domestic or Contract Use Applicable Tested To BS5808:1991 15.07m2 Roll Size (11m x 1.37m)
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30 May / June 2020
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Carpet&FlooringReview
Designer Carpet Tiles.
Delivering designer style, powerful performance and great value.
With the new Designer Carpet Tiles collection ready to transform a wide range of commercial interiors, Abingdon Carpet Tile Division is driving forward with British made products that deliver designer style, powerful performance and great value. Made from solution-dyed nylon for the best performance in demanding commercial spaces, the Designer Carpet Tiles collection presents three tufted loop-pile designs that deliver lasting and impressive looks.
from The Stocklists
Unit 5a, Wharfedale Business Par, Edward Street, Bradford. BD4 9RT Sales 01274 655 694 | www.abingdonflooring.co.uk | info@abingdonflooring.co.uk
May / June 2020 31
Inspired by French parquetry. Designed for luxury interiors.
Explore the revival of classic flooring with collections inspired by French parquetry, creating an element of sophistication to any dĂŠcor. See our timeless herringbone patterns; an effect that will create a luxurious feel to any home or try a traditional look with a modern twist in our basketweave design. 32 May / June 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
karndean.com from The Stocklists
Featured floor: Prairie Oak SM-RL20 with DS06 5mm design strip May / June 2020 33
NEWS Going gets tough, tufted Adding to the popular StainSafe family by Balta carpets, Provincetown is the latest introduction from Europe’s largest carpet manufacturer, bringing an enduring and bleachcleanable carpet for today’s modern homes. In a palette of 12 timeless tones, from classic ruby through to beige and modern greys, Provincetown offers a great range of colours for any homeowner looking for a carpet that’s easy to live with and which can endure busy family life. Wherever it’s found, from living spaces to hallways and bedrooms, Provincetown brings a classic twist look. Tufted from Balta’s 100% StainSafe polypropylene, the carpet’s enduring two-ply yarn gives a soft tactile finish while bringing the resilience needed throughout the home. A 1,400gr/m2 pile weight certainly makes Provincetown hard-wearing enough for use in all domestic settings, with the bleach-cleanable fibres fighting off common household stains and making the carpet easy to clean.
Provincetown from the StainSafe range
“Providing retailers with engaging and functional carpets that appeal to homeowners remains a priority for Balta.”
With a 20-year StainSafe promise and 15-year wear warranty, Provincetown is a carpet that will satisfy any consumer looking for a lasting choice. And with four- and five-metre widths, it will also keep waste and seams to a minimum in any size room.
Filip Poelman, sales director, “Providing retailers with engaging and functional carpets that appeal to homeowners remains a priority for Balta. Boosting StainSafe with the addition of Provincetown underlines our commitment to this popular collection, while enabling retailers to offer a stain-resistant carpet that delivers on all-round looks and great performance.” As part of the StainSafe range, Provincetown is supported with a dedicated website, www.stain-safe.com, that helps consumers deal with the most common household stains in the right way and which explains just why these carpets are loved in homes across the country. T +32 56 62 22 11
www.baltagroup.com
LOCATION A D EW Now you can tr LOUGHB ain at OROUG H or
CALL NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Tel: 0115 950 6836 Email: info@fita.co.uk www.fita.co.uk
34 May / June 2020
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Linoleum
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Resilient
Resilient/LVT Fitting — Basic Resilient/LVT Fitting — Intermediate Resilient/LVT Fitting — Advanced
Wood
Laminate and Floating Wood Fitting — Basic Wood Fitting — Intermediate Wood Fitting — Advanced Wood Sanding and Finishing
Subfloors
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Condor Grass bv Euroweg 3, 8061 SB | P.O. Box 21, 8060 AA | Hasselt, The Netherlands T +31 (0)38 477 89 11 | F +31 (0)38 477 89 22 | E info@condorgrass.com
W W W . C O N D O R - G R O U P. E U from The Stocklists
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36 May / June 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
PRIMO PLUS One of Cormar Carpet Company’s most loved and popular ranges, ‘Primo Plus’ has been given a new look with the addition of some exciting on-trend new colours ready for the Spring/Summer season. Perfect for high traffic, domestic areas of the home such as the living and dining room as well as the stairs. Primo Plus has been refreshed in 9 stunning new shades, with the 9 best selling colours also being retained. And to widen the choice, all plain 18 shades are also available in the heavier weight Primo Ultra. Made using a durable 2-Ply, bleach cleanable 100% Excellon Polypropylene yarn, the range is both pet and family friendly. The collection is available in 4 and 5 metre widths and will be delivered via the Cormar nationwide delivery fleet.
www.cormarcarpets.co.uk portal.cormarcarpets.co.uk
from The Stocklists
May / June 2020 37
Marketing insights Nature’s effect on our wellbeing Connecting with nature instils a sense of wellbeing which is particularly important right now. At a time when travel is restricted, the ability to create interiors which are inspired by nature provide a much needed sense of calmness and harmony. When it comes to carpets and rugs, British Wool are clear on why wool is the ultimate natural fibre. The complexity of wool fibre provides many features and benefits that man-made fibres could never replicate, offering complete flexibility and superior performance characteristics. Sustainable and biodegradable, it offers fantastic choice for flooring, with many options for colour, pattern and texture. The coiled and crimped structure provides natural elasticity, making wool, and particularly British wool, strong and resistant to flattening. The fibres can be bent back on themselves over 20,000 times without breaking, so it’s a great choice for carpets, offering superior resilience to constant footfall. Wool feels great beneath your feet and will look good for years to come.
“The complexity of wool fibre provides many features and benefits that man-made fibres could never replicate” The wool has been exclusively sourced from British farmers and then spun by British spinners before being manufactured by Adam Carpets in their own modern factory in Kidderminster. Sold exclusively within the United Kingdom, Pure Brit not only has a low carbon footprint, it also delivers outstanding value for money for those wanting a berber look with a modern, sophisticated finish. The range is available in eight natural shades and comes in 4m and 5m wide options. Brockway – Lakeland Herdwick Collection
The British sheep population is the most varied in the world, with over sixty different breeds cared for by more than forty thousand sheep farmers on hills and lowlands. This variety in wool type means we can produce many different flooring options – from chunky bouclé’s, right through to the finest velvet finish. British wool also looks great undyed, offering a beautiful, natural look – the heather tones and flecks seen in British wool are a unique fibre characteristic of British sheep breeds. In addition to this, there’s a whole host of other benefits to consider – it’s fire-resistant, hard-wearing, hypoallergenic and easy to care for. The ultimate natural fibre. Pure Brit by Adam Carpets has been developed using undyed British Wool. This range delivers so much more than the beautifully curated colour palette and the high quality we know to expect from Adam Carpets. Adam Carpets – Pure Brit, Porlock Brockway are adding three new designs styles to their popular Lakeland Herdwick Collection. The new flatweave chevron, chunky loop and rustic twist will complement their award winning stripe, check and plain loop designs. Grown in Cumbria, spun in Yorkshire and tufted in Kidderminster, the Lakeland Herdwick carpet collection is authentically British. Soft and cosy underfoot, resilient and hard wearing, the natural beauty and durability of this collection is a credit to one of Britain’s best loved and hardiest sheep breeds. Each 100% wool design will be available in the five contemporary shades of Ullswater, Buttermere, Fornside, Rydal and Windermere. Available in 4m and 5m widths, each carpet is backed with Brockway’s pioneering Envirobac system which replaces conventional latex backing with polymer granules. Suitable for all rooms, staircases and landings in the home, Lakeland Herdwick has become a naturally discerning carpet of choice. Alternative Flooring are committed to making a difference and ensuring you and our planet stay healthy. The beauty of their deep pile Barefoot carpets is that they are completely hand crafted.
38 May / June 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
by Rita Bancroft Rita is Director of Bancmarketing Ltd and has over 30 years of marketing experience with a proven track record in both business to business and business to consumer multi-channel marketing.
Alternative Flooring – Barefoot Wool, Taj Rani
The 6 contemporary colours will appeal to those seeing a wool carpet that delivers on performance and good looks. Available in 5m widths and a made to measure rug service is available, with a choice of tape finishes. Inspired by authentic wood and stone designs, Karndean Designflooring is celebrating the understated colour tones found in natural limestone by introducing five new stone designs to its modern Korlok collection from July 2020.
Made on traditional looms, these carpets are mostly made from natural undyed wool and woven onto a base of cotton, secured by latex. Barefoot Taj Rani contains two beautiful soft tones and gives a contemporary feel with its geometric diamond shape design. The perfect choice to add a little luxury to your home. Riverline is a striking range from ITC Natural Luxury Flooring and is a fine example of craftsmanship in achieving a high definition, textured cable rib design. Constructed from a mix of 6-ply and 2-ply 100% New Zealand wool and with a Ceneva backing, Riverline is an excellent choice for residential and general commercial locations.
Karndean Designflooring – Korlok, Metro Grey
Designed to offer quicker installation times and added acoustic benefits, it is the first time the brand has added stones to its ‘click and lock’ rigid core portfolio. Warmer underfoot and easier to maintain than natural stone, the 18” x 24” tiles will be the perfect choice for large and open plan spaces. The new Korlok stone palette of five hues includes a range of silvery and warm mid-greys, muted and soft neutrals and honey-colours.
“Warmer underfoot and easier to maintain than natural stone, the 18” x 24” tiles will be the perfect choice for large and open plan spaces.” Like all Karndean floors, the designs are handcrafted to reflect the muted colour tones found in natural limestone and have been developed to include subtle veining, delicate mottling and a chalky appearance to create a realistic finish.
ITC Natural Luxury Flooring – Riverline Ribble
Stella Coyle, national retail sales manager of Karndean Designflooring, said: “Our new limestone inspired stones are perfect if you’re looking to create a neutral backdrop. Each design can be perfectly paired with a wide range of trends including Scandi, modern industrial and minimalist.” continued overleaf...
from The Stocklists
May / June 2020 39
Nature’s effect... continued Distinctive Flooring, one of the Victoria Design Floors brands, offers a wide range of LVT solutions which embody authentic designs, with the intricate knots, grains and textures of real wood and stone.
Harvey Maria – MSeries
Their Landscape Wildwood collection includes over 30 colours across three wood designs incorporating a 0.7mm wear layer along with a registered embossed to highlight the rustics knots and graining within the planks. With names such as Hawthorn, Treehouse and Crows Nest, you can’t help but be transported into woodland areas you’d expect to find these things in real life. The stones in the Landscape Shoreline collection follow suit with slate designs in both 12x24”, 18x18” and 9x9” carrying names such as Puddle, Cobblestone and Thunder.
Distinctive Flooring – Aspect Urban Skylight plank with Dust design strip
The new biophilic-inspired designs are presented across four collections. ‘Natural Plank’ includes the most rustic MSeries designs, whilst ‘Natural Oak’ has a quieter grain. Colours cluster around soft grey and mid oak tones, with White Oak and Cinder at either end of the spectrum. The ‘Parquet Oak’ Collection replicates Natural Oak in miniature and can be laid to create a classic parquet floor or a decorative border. The fourth new collection – ‘Selected Woods’ – is an eclectic mix of reclaimed pine and engineered oak décors. Beyond the tactile matt finish and calming colourways, the new designs also provide an alternative sustainable floor finish. In addition to a low-carbon production – with material recycled back into its designs – the range has A and A+ BREEAM ratings, complies with BREEAM NOR M1 and exceeds DIBt French A+ and Eurofins Gold air quality standards. It also has REACH and FloorScore IAQ certification.
“A wide range of LVT solutions embody authentic designs, with the intricate knots, grains and textures of real wood and stone” There are several woods in the Aspect Urban collection which are multi tonal so offer a beautiful contrast in colour between the planks. Also available as a 6”x24” herringbone, it is perfect for a larger space when a parquet is too small and a full-sized plank is too large! The Skyline collection offers 12x18” tiles named after constellations as one of the design team remarked they were like looking at the night sky as the stones have subtle metallic tones running throughout them. Harvey Maria’s new MSeries offers an incredibly realistic woodeffect for the modern rustic interior. The new designs capture the true character of wood by combining a tactile Emboss In Register grain, a natural palette and an ultra matt finish. Other benefits like water-resistance, good grip and durability – as well as compatibility with underfloor heating - make the collection an ideal option for kitchen and bathroom settings. 40 May / June 2020
For more information contact: Adam Carpets T: 01562 822247 www.adamcarpets.com Alternative Flooring T: 01264 335111 www.alternativeflooring.com British Wool T: 01274 688666 www.britishwool.org.uk Brockway Carpets T: 01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk Distinctive Flooring T: 01562 749300 www.distinctiveflooring.co.uk Harvey Maria T: 0330 330 1231 www.harveymaria.com ITC Natural Luxury Flooring T: 01622 534041 www.itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com Karndean Designflooring T: 01386 820100 www.karndean.com
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Carpet&FlooringReview
10 great reasons to join Flooring One ... the leading flooring buying group 1. You remain independent and gain multiple benefits. 2. Improve member profitability through better buying terms, exclusive ranges, promotional prices and rebates. 3. Flooring One rebranding gives members differentiation in the marketplace and higher margin opportunities. 4. We strongly support the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show held at Cranmore Place in Solihull, a first class show held in a first class exhibition venue. 5. Support and advice from the Flooring One team and regular visits from one of the Flooring One merchandisers. 6. Comprehensive buyers guide pages and range plans, all available via Flooring One Membersnet, the communication hub for all members. 7. Free on line training available via Membersnet. 8. Bespoke ticketing to help improve in store point of sale, award winning marketing support and own branded unitary is also available. 9. Industry leading settlement terms are available through our central payment system, Cenpac, an efficient way for members to process transactions with suppliers, advantageous for members and suppliers alike. 10. Procurement division saves members ÂŁâ€˜000s on non retail goods and services from insurance to delivery vehicles and utility contracts.
For more information please contact: Mandy Powell t: 0121 713 4454 e: mandy.powell@flooringone.co.uk Peter Karra t: 0121 713 4486 e: peter.karra@flooringone.co.uk
Facing challenges together from The Stocklists
May / June 2020 41
Responsible Riverline
NEWS
Riverline from ITC Natural Luxury Flooring is an eco-friendly 100% wool carpet with a VOC-free environmentally responsible backing that is ideal for both residential and general commercial locations. Constructed from a mix of 6ply and 2ply New Zealand wool, the textured cable knit design in 6 contemporary colours, delivers on good looks and performance and is now available in 4 & 5m widths. Riverline and all broadloom carpets from our Campeone and Connoisseur collections, have a made to measure rug option available, in sizes up to 500cm wide. A selection of exclusive tape finishes give a chic look and co-ordinate with the carpets. Coming soon is Cabernet, a soft touch nylon in 10 colours and 4 & 5 metre widths and Galaxy, a hand-woven, tip sheared nylon in 8 colours and 4 & 5 metre widths Despite these difficult times, the team at ITC Natural Luxury Flooring is available to help you. T 01622 534041 www.itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com
Inspiring apprentices F. Ball has helped a young flooring apprentice become the first graduate of a school for children with special needs and learning difficulties in Surrey to enter the world of work.
GoodWeave launches Covid fund GoodWeave, the leading nonprofit working to end child, forced and bonded labour in global supply chains, has launched the Covid-19 Child and Worker Protection Fund to deliver immediate humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations in India, Nepal and Afghanistan. To assist the most vulnerable children and workers, not seen or reached by other relief efforts in India, Nepal and Afghanistan, donating to the Fund ensures those populations receive life-saving access to food and other services. “We know from past experience that child labour increases during times of economic hardship,” said Nina Smith, CEO of GoodWeave. “Our goal now is to protect the hidden workforce at the bottom of the supply chain, and their families, who are so at-risk during this unprecedented crisis.” GoodWeave normally works with these communities to identify, remediate and prevent child labour and other forms of worker exploitation in carpet, home textile, apparel and other supply chains. This presence positions the organisation to reach vulnerable workers and children on the ground as factories close and subcontracting work ends as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. +44 844 2437838 T www.goodweave.org 42 May / June 2020
After being inspired by seeing a flooring installation at his school, Dan Holland, 16, was offered work experience, which has led to a fulltime role as a flooring contractor. His training included learning about all aspects of subfloor preparation and floorcovering installation by attending a free training course at F. Ball’s purpose-built facility at its Staffordshire headquarters. Products donated by F. Ball were used to install floorcoverings at Woodfield Secondary School. After seeing the installation Dan Holland (R) with first-hand, Dan approached Martin Murray (L) the project’s contractor, Period Flooring, expressing a desire to pursue a career as a flooring contractor, and was met with an offer of work experience. His work at the natural flooring specialists afforded him the opportunity to learn all about the flooring trade, including natural and wood flooring and fitting and installing carpet. Dan’s dream of becoming a flooring contractor came true when, upon finishing school in summer 2019, the offer was extended to a trainee position in the team, making him the first student of his school to obtain a permanent, full-time job. As part of his induction, he attended a specially tailored course on subfloor preparation and adhesive selection at F. Ball’s Staffordshire headquarters. The company provides free training courses for flooring contractors at its dedicated state-of-the-art training facility These are delivered by experts from the manufacturer’s technical department, ensuring that they cover the latest advancements in adhesive and levelling compound technology. Dan says he particularly enjoyed getting to apply different F. Ball products. T 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk
Carpet&FlooringReview
You can get yourself a good deal. Buying groups get you a better deal.
ACG will get you the
BEST DEAL!
ACG is dedicated to supporting independent carpet and flooring retailers for greater profits and business growth.
Not sure about joining a buying group? Don’t ask us, ask the real retailers...
Joining ACG was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my business. I always did well on my own but the benefits of being a member has further strengthened my competitiveness and profitability. I now enjoy better prices across all my suppliers and the rebates are fantastic. Also ACG provide exclusive group labels and displays which really helps protect my business.
INCREASED PROFITS
LEADING REBATES
Securing improved buying prices across all group suppliers.
All group suppliers pay rebates directly to your business.
OWN LABEL PROTECTION
TRADE SHOW & MEETINGS
Protecting profit margins from internet and home sellers.
Feel less isolated, meet with like minded retailers at regular meetings and events.
Gary Tyler
We are a well established business and enjoy significant benefits being an ACG member. They are a proactive group and dedicated to supporting family run independent retailers. The rebates more than offset our membership. On top of this we also benefit from group label products and promotions.
Bradfords of Evesham Worcestershire Tel: 01386 293949
The support from ACG is fantastic. However, we run our business our way, deal with suppliers directly, without any interference. We make more profit being a member and we love the protection of own label. We also love the annual Platinum trade show where we get to meet our main suppliers and take advantage of lucrative deals.
Dawn & Simon Barnes
Roy & Julia Sargeant
Simon Barnes Carpets and Flooring Ltd, West Kirby, Wirral Tel: 0151 625 8499
Sargeant Carpets Bognor Regis, West Sussex Tel: 01243 868888
Join ACG for Greater Profits & Business Growth without risk Please contact our Executive Director, Richard Moore on 07725 578773 or email: richard@acgcarpets.com
Tel: 01942 825520 www.acgcarpets.com from The Stocklists
ACG VOTED BEST BUYING GROUP IN THE UK 2019 May / June 2020 43
NEWS
Awards aim to drive market forward Product development is at a premium as the health crisis starves flooring businesses of investment funds, so this year’s Innovation Awards will be exceptionally important to make new ideas earn their place in the market. “It’s essential that new innovations get recognition in 2020 to support companies in this exceptional market,” says Bridgette Kelly, the award scheme organiser. “Investment will need to be carefully targetted and we hope the awards will help that effort get rewarded by promoting new products and giving retailers a focus for new sales.” The National Flooring Innovation Awards sets out to identify products and services that are genuinely new and exceptional in the sector. Award categories cover not only flooring products, but also recognise achievements in service, technology and marketing. Last year there were more than 140 submissions to the award scheme and 40 shortlisted entries received the coveted Innovation Star. The judges then went on to select the Innovation Gold in each of 10 categories to receive the ultimate award which is presented at The Flooring Show in Harrogate.
www.flooringinnovationawards.com
The awards scheme website is at www.flooringinnovationawards.com and gives full details of all the categories for 2020 and has an entry form for companies to make their first submissions to the judges. The award winners will be announced in August, with the exceptional Innovation Gold titles to be handed out at Harrogate in September. Check out the categories, rules and entry form at www.flooringinnovationawards.com READERS! Nominate your favourite products now
The “star” judges line-up (l to r): Chris Moffat, Wendy Adams, Laurance Bird, Bridgette Kelly and David Spragg.
44 May / June 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
There’s strength in numbers
Come Back Stronger! 7 Reasons to join SMG: • SMG’s Special Pricing • SMG Rebates • Monthly Special Promotions • SMG’s Award Winning Business and Marketing Support • Access to products via our unique Central Purchasing System • SMG Own Brand made up from the bestselling products from many of the best carpet and flooring suppliers • Support with bespoke rebranding to suit your needs
SMG The National Furnishing Group 9 The Markham Centre, Station Road, Theale, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4PE Telephone 0118 932 3832 Email info@smg-group.co.uk Web www.smg-group.co.uk
from The Stocklists
May / June 2020 45
NEWS AWARDS 2020
Invincible vinyl recyclers Recofloor, the vinyl flooring recycling scheme founded by leading flooring manufacturers Altro and Polyflor, has recognised its members’ sustainability achievements through the 2020 Awards. Although the Recofloor Award event – scheduled to be held at Twickenham Stadium on March 25th – was cancelled, the worthy winners were named and announced via Twitter. Praising the ‘high standard and quality’ of this year’s entries, Carla Eslava, Recofloor Scheme Manager commented: “While we had to cancel the Recofloor Award event due to unprecedented circumstances, the Award winners were still announced to recognise those collectors who incorporate Recofloor into their day-to-day practice and have made significant achievements throughout 2019.” Carla added: “We were very pleased with the number and high standard of entries, reflecting the efforts companies had made to showcase their results. Our warmest congratulations to all Recofloor winners and we look forward to continue providing our members with the unique, sustainable vinyl take-back scheme that is Recofloor.”
The sexiest underlay you will never see
WINNERS 2020 • Contractor of the Year: S&D Flooring Ltd Highly commended – Bramhall Flooring Company Ltd • Distributor of the Year: SFS Flooring Supplies Highly commended – 3D Flooring Supplies, Bristol • Drop-off Site User of the Year: County Contract Flooring Highly commended – Darren Davies Flooring • Project of the Year: Bramhall Flooring Company Ltd • Recofloor Champion: Jeff Abbott, Top Floors (East Anglia) Ltd Highly commended – Mariusz Janczewski, First Call Flooring Ltd • Best Newcomer: New Homes Flooring Ltd Highly commended – Kilworth Flooring • Brand Ambassador: First Call Flooring Ltd Highly commended – SFS Flooring Supplies • Longstanding Achievement: Hicks Flooring Ltd • Outstanding Achievement: Fineweave Carpets Ltd • Greatest Improver 1st - Craftsman Flooring Ltd • Greatest Improver 2nd – Bramhall Flooring Company Ltd • Greatest Improver 3rd – Carpet & Flooring, Birmingham
The Winners of Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates can be found at www.recofloor.org. Recofloor will continue to support and promote its members and all winners will receive their trophies, certificates and a goody bag through the post. T 0161 355 7618 www.recofloor.org
46 May / June 2020
Sonic Gold Excel wood and laminate floor underlay
EXCEPTIONAL SOUND REDUCTION EXCELLENT IMPACT RESISTANCE EVENS OUT UNEVEN FLOORS Part of the Novostrat range of polyethylene underlays to suit every application and pocket. From store to floor - there’s no better solution
Sonic range Comfort range HIGH PERFORMANCE UNDERLAYS
TEL: 00353 61-339287 www.novostrat.com info@novostrat.com Carpet&FlooringReview
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from The Stocklists
May / June 2020 47
NEWS Postive feedback for crushing Over the past few years skip costs have increased dramatically in order to try and reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill and will continue to increase for the foreseeable future. However with improvements in technology it now costs less to recycle new and uplifted carpet and underlay waste using a Kenburn Carpet Crusher than it does to send it to landfill. The feedback Kenburn receives from its retail and contract customers who’ve installed a carpet crusher is not only that “going green” good for the environment, it also improves sales conversion rates as well as the public respond enthusiastically to recycling initiatives. So by installing a Kenburn Carpet Crusher you’ll reduce your waste disposal costs, improve your sales conversion rates and help save the planet. You can also compact and sell your cardboard and plastic wrapping waste. Kenburn can visit your premises and advise on what the recycling costs would be and also how the collections of the materials would take place. The company’s advice is free of charge with no obligation so you’ve nothing to lose by arranging a brief waste survey. T 01727 844988 www.kenburn.co.uk
Triumph of 5,000th tonne Recofloor has collected in total 5,000 tonnes of waste vinyl flooring since the national award-winning take back scheme was founded by leading flooring manufacturers Polyflor and Altro in 2009. Diligent collections by participating flooring companies, contractors and distributors across the UK and Ireland saw the landmark figure reached in March 2020. The scheme collects readily recyclable smooth vinyl (including luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and loose lay) and safety vinyl offcuts and roll ends, as well as uplifted smooth vinyl. Praising their members’ commitment and sustained efforts, Recofloor Scheme Manager, Carla Eslava comments: “We always go beyond our yearly target, so the 5000-tonne milestone is something that we were looking forward to very much. We are thrilled that we reached it in our 10th anniversary year.” Recofloor is a unique scheme established by Polyflor and Altro to take environmental responsibility for the materials they place on the market. Returning clean waste vinyl flooring through the scheme is the best and most sustainable way of ensuring that the material can be recycled back into flooring and into new items, such as traffic management products. As well as more than 60 drop-off sites accepting waste vinyl flooring, Recofloor can also collect from large commercial projects and construction sites. The scheme helps participants to save up to 70% on disposal costs, while helping flooring companies to improve their green credentials by providing an alternative to sending waste to landfill. Carla adds: “Flooring is at the vanguard of sustainability in the construction industry and that is all down to our members. In environmental terms, we’re proud of how Recofloor and the flooring sector is leading the way within the construction sector on sustainability issues. We look forward to celebrating the next 5,000th tonne milestone!” T 0161 355 7618
www.recofloor.org
F. Ball’s expert tech for Ireland F. Ball has strengthened its technical support team in Ireland with the appointment of Kevin Hardy. As one of F. Ball’s regional technical representatives, Kevin will provide expert technical advice, training and on-site assistance to flooring contractors, wholesalers and retailers across Ireland to enable them to get the most out of F. Ball’s subfloor preparation products and adhesives. This will include producing case-specific reports advising on the best course of action for particular flooring installations. Originally from Johannesberg, South Africa, Kevin moved to Ireland 16 years ago. He brings 26 years’ experience in sales roles at multinational companies to his new role, including seven years in the subfloor preparation and adhesive industry. During this time, he acquired business development, project forecasting and training skills, as well as extensive knowledge of subfloor preparation and floorcovering installation. Commenting on his appointment, Kevin said: “In Ireland, F. Ball is known for the quality and reliability of its products; contractors used to tell me daily how good they are. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work for a company with such a reputation. The F. Ball team have been very welcoming, and I look forward to expanding the company’s presence in the Irish market by showing more people the benefits of its products and building relationships with flooring professionals across the country.” T 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk
48 May / June 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
stunning new colour palette for Architect Twist, our award winning, luxury, super fine, 2ply tenthgaugetwist
2019 FLOORING INNOVATION WINNER
T H E C A M PA I G N FOR WOOL PATRON: HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES
from The Stocklists
May / June 2020 49
NEWS Setting high standards at school Brand new Altro Wood adhesive-free safety flooring has been fitted in Kaimes Special School, in Edinburgh, setting a high standard for easy to fit, slip-resistant and homely surfaces for pupils and staff. The installation of the new flooring was part of a wider refurbishment of the school by the City of Edinburgh Council, and integral to their drive to reduce sensory overload in primary and secondary schools by using ‘natural’ neutral colours and textures. A spokesperson from the Interiors team at Edinburgh Council, says: “The biophilic design principles of bringing nature into schools have been proven to aid learning, promote calm and improve mood among pupils. Using a wood-effect flooring is a great way to create that atmosphere, and this is why we use Altro Wood adhesive-free— it’s a beautiful, homely and comfortable surface that also has very high slip resistance. It ticks all the boxes for us. “We worked closely with Altro on Kaimes Special School, and they recommended their new Altro Wood adhesive-free flooring for several reasons. Pupils at Kaimes all have complex emotional needs and creating a calm, comfortable space is very important. Reducing sensory overload and harsh colours is a vital part of this, and the existing floors were solid blues and greens, which were too overpowering visually. We know from using ranges from the Altro Wood collection in other schools that this surface can very effectively change the mood of a space with its neutral, warm and natural look.” The adhesive-free element of the new flooring was also vital for this project, because the existing flooring had traces of asbestos in the adhesive.
Sailing to success F. Ball has announced its key involvment in the inaugural Cruise Ship Interiors Awards 2020, which take place on 15 June. F. Ball is the headline sponsor of the ‘Best Floorcovering Category’, which is contested by leading international floor covering manufacturers serving the cruise ship industry. The awards have been developed to recognise and reward excellence in cruise ship interior design and fitout, with an elite judging panel shortlisting four finalists in the Best Floor Covering category: Bolidt, Forbo, Gerflor and G Theodor Freese. Voting for the awards, which is now open on the Cruise Ship Interiors Award website, closes on 5th June, with the winner announced via live video on 15th June. Commenting on the company’s involvement as an award sponsor, Managing Director Mark Hughes said: “F. Ball is a well-established supplier of products to the cruise ship industry, with an extensive range of marine certified products for preparing and installing high quality, designer floor coverings in these prestigious vessels.
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“We’re enormously proud to be the inaugural sponsor of the ‘Best Floorcovering’ award and have been really impressed by the quality of the entries; especially the four finalists selected by the judges, and we wish them all the best of luck.”
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T 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk
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Instead of having to lift the old flooring; a very costly and time-consuming process, fitters were able to lay the new Altro adhesive-free flooring straight on top of the old surface, which rendered the asbestos harmless. New Altro Wood adhesive-free creates maximum impact with minimum downtime. Its 12 wood-look colour choices allow the creation of biophilic, stylish, or warm and homely aesthetics. It also coordinates with Altro’s other wood ranges. With 14dB impact sound reduction, a 10-year guarantee and Altro’s one in a million slip-resistance reassurance, the flooring offers high levels of comfort underfoot, providing a safe, durable and decorative solution for busy spaces. T 01462 489 516 www.altro.co.uk
50 May / June 2020
Super Plus The Rug Tamer! Keeps Rugs In Their Place COMBINATION UNDERLAYS NEEDLEFELT UNDERLAYS For orders and further information, please ring P&R Ratcliffe (Underlays) Ltd. Burnley, Lancashire BB10 3BH Tel: 01282 421026, Fax: 01282 412321 www.foxirugtamer.co.uk
Carpet&FlooringReview
wiseup to floorwise quality&value guaranteed
gripper
underlay
stair nosings
profiles
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national distributor network
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headoffice:
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Floorwise Group Ltd. Floorwise House, 22 High Street, Kegworth, Derby, DE74 2DA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1509 673974 Fax: +44 (0)1509 674841
ma tti ng
tap es
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16 Salesmark West Ltd Amesbury, Wiltshire Tel: 01980 880933 mail@salesmark-west.co.uk 17 Acorn Carpet Accessories Bromley, Kent Tel: 020 8462 0422 Fax: 020 8462 0927 sales@acorncarpetsacc.co.uk 18 Salesmark Lancing, West Sussex Tel: 01903 750522 Fax: 01903 851111 sales@salesmark-floorwise.co.uk 19 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abbot, Devon Tel: 01626 835935 sales@fitwell.co.uk 20 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth, Cornwall Tel: 01209 214344 1 sales@fitwell.co.uk
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from The Stocklists
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1 Neil Smith Ltd 8 Hathaway Flooring Glasgow Trafford Park, Manchester Tel: 0141 552 1141 Tel: 0161 872 8003 sales@neilsmithltd.co.uk sales@hathawayflooring.com 2 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 9 Cornerstone Flooring Belfast Doncaster Tel: 028 9075 3202 Tel: 01302 835117 Fax: 028 9075 3901 Fax: 01302 302542 salesbelfast@pfl.ie cornerstonefloor@btconnect.com 3 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 10 Birch Distribution Dublin 12 Sheffield, S9 5PH Tel: 00353 (0)1 626 3913 Tel: 0114 243 1230 Fax: 00353 (0)1 460 4669 Fax: 0114 243 5118 salesdublin@pfl.ie n.maude@birchdistribution.co.uk 4 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 11 Woodall Brothers Ltd Limerick Shrewsbury, Shropshire Tel: 00353 (0)61 227 100 Tel: 01743 441584 Fax: 00353 (0)61 227 000 Fax: 01743 441629 sales@pfl.ie sales@woodallbrothers.co.uk 5 Preston Underlay Centre Ltd 12 Floorwise D & J Ltd Preston, Lancashire Southam, Warwickshire Tel: 01772 556345 Tel: 01926 814922 sales@pucflooring.co.uk Fax: 01926 817899 sales@fwdj.co.uk 6 Birch Distribution Leeds, LS10 1AG 13 Salesmark Ltd Tel: 0113 244 4363 St Neots, Cambridgeshire Fax: 0113 244 8665 Tel: 01480 212888 l.sigsworth@birchdistribution.co.uk Fax: 01480 218585 sales@salesmark.co.uk 7 Birch Distribution Hull, HU7 0XD 14 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd Tel: 01482 826654 Gloucester Fax: 01482 878693 Tel: 01452 223355 d.ostler@birchdistribution.co.uk Fax: 01452 371284 info@blflooring.co.uk 15 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd Bristol Tel: 0117 955 5454 Fax: 0117 955 2626 info@blflooring.co.uk
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