The Stocklists - April 2020

Stocklists The

6 April 2020

Carpet&FlooringReview

with

BRITAIN’S No. 1 FLOORCOVERING MAGAZINE FOR THE RETAIL AND CONTRACT MARKET

SUPER SOFT CARPET SAVING SEA LIFE

2

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

Stocklists The

ISSUE 542 : 6 APRIL 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

Advertisers

Our news service starts on page 23

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD

Index

ON

n ACG

DISPLAY 2 0 2 0

H ADAM CARPETS

Page Contact No No

—

01942 825520

—

01562 822247

• A bundle of successful concepts & innovations: iSense®, Invictus®, Vivendi®, Sedna® & StainAway®.

• Multiple modules can be tailored individually to the concept of your store

H ASSOCIATED WEAVERS

• Customers can stroll around the collections, presented in clear displays, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Our annual focus on the point-of-sale that is fighting hard for your floor space

• A dynamic overall solution for successful carpet sales.

Virus attacks retail

Health crisis haunts the high street; hope for summer demand? pages 50

pages 42-49 WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SHOP-IN-SHOP BY AW? Please contact your local Area Sales Manager for more details.

IFC,4-7,44-45 01422 431100

H BALTA

25

n BGNFS

27 —

t BRAMPTON CHASE

8

o CARPENTER BC

+32 5662 2211

01604 664855 01457 861141

H CONDOR CARPETS

—

+31 38 477 8911

s COLUMBIA FLOORING

9

0208 443 3322

34-35

01204 881234

11

01977 662211

10,52

01538 361633

www.carpetyourlife.co.uk

AW UK adv POS 2020_SoMe.indd 1

13/03/2020 15:57:37

H CORMAR H FELLS CARPETS n F. BALL

Signature design

Dee Hardwicke at Harvey Maria page 23

Vibrant revival

Colour overhaul for Primo Plus page 23

Making an entrance Rita Bancroft reports on first impressions - pages 38-39

n FITA 66

01159 506836

n FITTER OF THE YEAR (LVT)

IBC

0115 958 3077

n FLOORWISE 64

01509 673974

H FURLONG FLOORING

12-14

01772 696787

15

01473 826870

H HAMMER CARPETS

H HUGH MACKAY 18

01429 892555

n INTERFLOOR

54

01706 213131

t KARNDEAN DESIGNFLOORING

31

01386 820 100

n MERRYFIELD ENGINEERING

3

01422 373799

n NICF 66

50 years & farewell Shaun Lewis signs off in style page 27

Crisis cancels BGNFS Solihull showcase is virus casualty page 50

Sprays the way Floorwise’s new cans can page 30

Digital initiatives

Tech takes on trade challenges page 40-41

FlooringFactsheets

Axminster survives

Double rescue for retail & contract page 36

Supertex buy-out

£1.3m for North West distributor pages 50

The industry’s knowledge-bank

Adhesives

52

Carpet Types

Buying Groups

53

Underlay 54-55

Carpet Company Directory

58-59

Wholesaler Distribution Directory 62-64

Carpet Trouble-shooter

60-61

Woolsafe: the carpet care guide

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.

65

56-57

0115 958 3077

o NOVOSTRAT 27 00353 61 339287 H PENTHOUSE CARPETS H RIVIERA HOME

16-17,37

01706 639866

—

01282 791255

s SOLENT WHOLESALE CARPET 19

01243 774623

n T&E DISPLAYS

20

0121 558 4932

H THOMAS WITTER 21

01429 892555

H VICTORIA CARPETS 22

01562 749300

o WILSON UNDERLAYS

01924 451138

n WOOLS OF NEW ZEALAND

33,51

— —

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 April 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 April 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 April 2020

5

6

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

A UK brand since 1964

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

7

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 8

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

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.

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

1970 – 2020

9

The Ultimate Adhesive Range for the Installation of Luxury Vinyl Tiles Styccobond F46, Styccobond F48 PLUS, and Styccobond F49.

The perfect adhesives for simply stunning luxurious floors.

A great finish starts with F. Ball

F. Ball and Co. Ltd. 01538 361 633 • mail@f-ball.co.uk • www.f-ball.co.uk 10

GREAT BRITISH INNOVATION THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

FLOORING INNOVATION GOLD WINNER 2019

Fashion for the floor

Artisan Wilton • Free Spirit

B2B website www.fellscarpets-sales.co.uk Check our full offer and order online (live stock)

Eastern Treasures • Pacific Blue

Eastern Treasure • Nordic

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 April 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 April 2020

M: 07872 964685

cmcmaster@furlongflooring.com WESLEY GRAHAM LEICESTER, WARWICKSHIRE M: 07968 324598

wgraham@furlongflooring.com

M: 07983 446969

rlockey@furlongflooring.com JAMES DAVIES YORKSHIRE & EAST LANCS M: 07968 828516

jdavies@furlongflooring.com

ALAN CHEETHAM GTR MANCHESTER, CHESHIRE M: 07966 263571

acheetham@furlongflooring.com DANNY BROWN MERSEYSIDE, WIRRAL & NORTH WALES M: 07597 459642

dbrown@furlongflooring.com

MIKE SHUTT BIRMINGHAM/ STAFFORDSHIRE, SHROPSHIRE

MARTYN MORRIS MORRIS SOUTH YORKSHIRE

MARK DOWSON PART LANCS, FLYDE COAST & CUMBRIA

M: 07970 158594

M: 07973 403450

M: 07980 786265

mshutt@furlongflooring.com

LONDON

RICHARD LOCKEY LOCKEY NORTH EAST, EAST COAST

NORTH WEST

MIDLANDS

COLBY McMASTER NOTTS, STAFFORD, SOT, DERBYSHIRE & LINCS

YORKSHIRE AND NORTH EAST

...and can help grow your sales in 2020!

mmorris@furlongflooring.com

ROSS BIRCH S.W, SOUTH, S.E. LONDON, SURREY (INSIDE M25)

JACK O’CONNOR SOUTH BUCKS, BERKSHIRE, WEST LONDON, SURREY (OUTSIDE M25)

M: 07793 244619

M: 07816 217550

rbirch@furlongflooring.com DARREN SPENDIFF KENT M: 07791 890861

joconnor@furlongflooring.com JAMIE BONE N.W, NORTH, EAST & CENTRAL LONDON M: 07816 217548

dspendiff@furlongflooring.com

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 April 2020

13

CAREFREE ULTRA.

Your favourite twist just got heavier.

Packed full of advancements in construction, appearance and backing, Carefree Twist really raised the bar for carpet.

Carefree Ultra takes these advancements a step further.

STRESS FREE FITTING WITH COMBI-BAC®

Using Carefree Twist’s palette of 15 on-trend colourways in both plain and heathered tones, Carefree Ultra’s 48oz pile is a step up in quality and an opportunity for retailers to easily upsell.

Furlong’s very own Combi-bac® backing means easy fitting and fault free installation – with practically no damage or cracking whilst handling and reduced chances of scuffing of walls – a real plus.

Carefree Ultra - outstanding features

Made in the UK from 2-ply twist using our best-selling bleachcleanable Carefree fibres, it’s hard wearing, easy to clean and features 10th gauge construction for a fantastic, pinpoint finish.

As you’d expect from Furlong Flooring, this range comes with all our service guarantees, including fast response, product quality and excellent customer service – plus a 10-year guarantee – protecting against more than just food and drink.

100% bleach cleanable fibres. Keeping your carpet looking great and easy to clean.

To find out how we could be your ideal flooring partner contact Furlong Flooring today.

CARPET www.furlongflooring.co.uk

14

I

VINYL

LV T

L AMINATE

Sales: Preston - 01772 696 787

I

Combi-bac®.

The ultimate backing for a carefree installation.

Tighter yarn spacing creates a uniform appearance and looks better for longer.

HARDWOOD

Dartford - 01322 628 707

I

Gloucester - 0845 520 0800

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

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.

W e 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.

W e 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 in a heavy wool loop with •W tones 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 THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

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 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 April 2020

Never Short

Full Width - Guaranteed At Penthouse we never cut corners, which is why we guarantee that every woollen carpet you order from us will be delivered exactly to your requirements. We understand that minimising costly waste on installations is paramount to maintaining that competitive edge; it’s better for the environment too.

Why compromise… choose a Penthouse Carpet.

For samples and further information call 01706 639 866 or visit penthousecarpets.co.uk image for illustration purposes only

Style • Colour • Comfort

It e s i l a u Vis with Hugh y! a k c a M

Transforming 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, BRISTOL, & GLOUCESTERSHIRE DAVID MAY M: 07976 204 778 E: mayatthelimes@talktalk.net 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 PAUL POWELL M: 07968 186 150 E: paulpowellagencies@gmail.com

NORTHERN IRELAND GARY O’BOYLE M: 07831 220 675 E: goboyle@ntlworld.com

SOUTH EAST & SOUTH LONDON MIKE ALP M: 07770 861 441 E: alp.michael@googlemail.com

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LARRY WHITE M: 03862 594 126 E: thelarwhite@hotmail.com

N LONDON & HOME COUNTIES DAVE MARNEY M: 07794 221 443 E: d.marney@sky.com

SALES DIRECTOR KEITH MORGAN M: 07710 701063 E: keith@hughmackay.com

CENTRAL LONDON NICK WOOD M: 07976 945 505 E: nick@essentialflooring.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR VINCE HOLDEN M: 07900 262 434 E: vince@hughmackay.com

H U G H M A C K AY

18

Support your British manufacturer

W W W . H U G H M A C K AY. C O . U K

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

E TS

EN

SOL

C

RP

CARPET, FLOORCOVERING & ACCESSORY WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS

H O L E SA L E

50

W

A

Solent Wholesale Carpet Company Ltd

T

YEARS IN FLOORING

Telephone: 01243 774623 Fax: 01243 210105 E-mail: sales@solentwholesale.co.uk Website: www.solentwholesale.com Zola Park, Barnfield Drive, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6UX.

1969 - 2019 IMPROVING WITH AGE

ST

THE SHIELD YOUR TAGLINE HERE

IL

U L F A M I LY R

N

DLEIHS EHT EREH ENILGAT RUOY

CHECK STOCK, PLACE ORDERS AND MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT 24/7 ALL THROUGH OUR WEBSITE Oxford, Berks, Bucks, Beds, Hants, Middlesex & Herts . . . . . . . . . . Ian Cardrick, i.cardrick@solentwholesale.co.uk, mobile: 07973 406329 Sussex E & W, Surrey, South London & Kent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Robson, j.robson@solentwholesale.co.uk, mobile: 07973 898453 Hants, Wilts, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucs, & I.O.W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phil Gozzard, p.gozzard@solentwholesale.com, mobile: 07973 406799 VICTORIA Atlas Burford Celestial EasiCare Heartland First Impressions Freedom Royal Victoria Strathmore Collection Tudor Twist Wentworth Wentworth Saxony LANO & BAJONG Cashmere Cashmere Luxe Fairfield Ceations Fairfield Silk Heather Twist Elite Heather Twist Supreme Inspiration Montana Montana Twist Oasis Pembridge Heathers Seranade Star Twist Collection 40/50 BALTA Aim High Belluno Big Hit Classic Charm Gala Cord - all options in stock Grand Prix Heritage Exquiste Luxury Heritage Heather Moorland Twist Noble Collection Noble Heathers Playground Saxon King Shepherd Twist Heather Shepherd Twist Soft Noble Superstar BROCKWAY Dimensions - New Dimensions Heathers - New Lingdale (Both Qualities) Orion/Orion Major

LUSOTUFO Nature/Nevada Safi Sahara Titan & Tital Diagonal Wool Cord Wool Dream CORMAR Apollo Comfort Apollo Elite Apollo Plus Gemini Home Counties Heathers Home Counties Plains Malabar 2 fold Oaklands 32 – to order Oaklands 42 Oaklands 50 Natural Berber Twist Primo Choice Super/Elite Primo Excellence Primo Grande Primo Plus Primo Ultra Sensation Sensation Feeling Sensation Heathers Sensation Supreme - limited Sensation Twist Soft Focus Soft Focus Heather’s - limited Southwold IVC Atlas II Classic Limestone Comfytex Cosmolike Fusion Groovy Isafe Apex Isafe First - limited Isafe One Isafe 70 Planet Presto Supertex Tile Styles Ultimate Elements Vigan Woodlike Woodmark MOHAWK CARPETS

The only distributor to offer Mohawk in the UK.

X Collection Freedom - to order Super Freedom - to order

IDEAL CARPETS Can can Dublin Echo Endurance - New Colours Grace – limited Grass Collection Mars Monsoon Motor Car VINYLS Athena Black-tex Emotions Galaxy Gemini Spectrum Taurus entrance matting Alicante Heavy Tread Orotex - Ceylon Orotex - Magnum Orotex - Matrix EARTHWERKS LVT Lagoon Dry Back Lagoon SPC Tempo MILLENIUM WEAVERS Millennium Twist Attraction Ultra Twist Glamorous Silky Saturn Toronto MISCELLANEOUS CLASSIS CARPETS Amber Amber Plains San Diego Winter MILLENNIUM WEAVERS Addiction Desire New Millennium Twist Ultra Twist PARAGON Toccarre Carpet Tiles SOLENT WHOLESALE Combat Carpet Tile TELENZO London Bridge/Kings Cross

We carry other products not listed above, and can also provide a swift special order service on non stock lines.

Our reps and sales office would be pleased to answer all enquiries. Our last Price List is dated March/April 2020.

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

Find us on 19

Made in the UK

FABRICATION & WELDING

POWDER COATING Our skilled staff come from a variety of backgrounds which enables us to manufacture your products all in house.

Our materials are all locally sourced giving you The Best Of British.

Contact us Today

CNC MACHINE 20

VINYL GRAPHICS THE STOCKLISTS April 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

KEITH MORGAN M: 07710 701063

T: 01429 892537

T: 0844 7252 034

THOMAS WITTER Support your British manufacturer

VIEW LOGISTICS, PA R K V I E W R O A D E A S T, H A RT L EPOOL , TS2 5 1 HT

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

E: SAL ES@THOMASWITTER.COM

WWW.TH OM A S WIT T E R .C OM

T: 0 1 4 2 9 892537

21

M

AD

E

IN

TH

EU

K

IN TRODUCI NG

BURFORD TWIST SUP ER W E ’ R E B R I N G I N G E V E N M O R E VA L U E TO O U R TO P -S E L L I N G B U R F O R D T W I S T ELITE WITH NEW BURFORD TWIST SUPER. LO O K O U T F O R S A M P L I N G C O M I N G I N S TO R E S O O N A S PA RT O F O U R N E W N AT U R E B O R N C O L L E C T I O N O F B E A U T I F U L LY N AT U R A L W O O L C A R P E T S .

NATUREBORN

U2V VICTORIA CARPETS PORTAL

22

Tel: 01562 749 600 Fax: 01562 749 349 sales@victoriacarpets.com www.victoriacarpets.com Worcester Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 1JR

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

Carpet&FlooringReview Signature design by Dee Harvey Maria is launching a new collection of decorative luxury vinyl tiles from celebrated British designer, Dee Hardwicke. Pattern includes four designs, each sharing a geometric flower motif adapted from an original ceramic illustration. The meadow-inspired design, with its heritage colour palette, creates a casual, rustic feel that’s suited to both modern and traditional interiors.

Pattern’s designer, Dee Hardwicke, is a mixed-media artist and also the creator of Harvey Maria’s Lattice Collection. “I’m really inspired by the creativity, ingenuity and craftsmanship embodied by the Garden City pioneers and the Arts & Crafts movement at the turn of the twentieth century,” Dee explained. “My new Pattern flooring design draws on that heritage and on the idea of beauty in simplicity. The geometric flower motif will be equally at home in the hallway of a beautiful Victorian townhouse as in a contemporary apartment or a country cottage, so it’s incredibly versatile. It’s also a lovely way of bringing the outside in and of being able to enjoy a little bit of the natural world whether you live in the city or the countryside.”

Pattern colourways include Larkspur, Warm Terracotta, Meadow Green and Ashen. Larkspur has a white motif and border, with golden highlights on a classic ceramic blue background; the colourway captures the essence of hand-painted Moroccan tiles. Warm Terracotta combines a golden motif and frame, on an earthy, clay-toned background. Meadow Green is a very British striking green tone, and Ashen – the most contemporary design - combines a white and smokey grey palette.

As well as bringing pattern and colour to an interior, the new designs are also exceptionally durable and easy to maintain. They provide a waterproof, slip resistant and comfortable floor finish that can be laid with underfloor heating. Pattern is offered with a lifetime residential warranty and is suitable for all rooms, including kitchens, bathrooms, boot rooms and conservatories.

T +44 330 330 1231 www.harveymaria.com

Vibrant revival Award-winning British carpet manufacturer, Cormar Carpet Company, has relaunched its popular Easy Clean Twist carpet range, Primo Plus.

The collection has been updated with nine brand new luxury colours, as well as retaining nine of the most popular existing shades.

The refreshed collection now has 18 on trend colours, including a relaxed French Grey, a warm Cotswold Clay and a striking Cornflower Blue. The relaunched collection is bleach-cleanable, stain resistant and now comes with a 10 -Year Stain & Wear Warranty.

Primo Plus is a 10th Gauge, 2-ply carpet made with 100% Excellon polypropylene and can be ordered in both 4m and 5m widths. All 18 Primo Plus plain shades are now available in the heavier weight “Primo Ultra” collection.

David Cormack, Cormar Marketing Director, comments: “We’ve had great success with our Primo ‘family’ of Easy Clean carpets over the years, so it made sense to give the collection a makeover and offer all the colours in the heavier weight “Primo Ultra”. This gives customers even more choice and a vibrant new look to a collection that has been a firm favourite since it was first introduced in 2003.”

All Cormar’s wool and easy clean ranges are manufactured at its Lancashire mills and distributed throughout Britain and Ireland via its own delivery fleet.

T 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

23

NEWS Newport bridges the gap The continued popularity of Leonis has seen Balta carpets expand the collection with the addition of Newport.

This 1/8th plain saxony carpet is constructed using a strong 2-ply yarn resulting in a durable carpet with lasting looks. With a 2,000g/m² pile weight providing the luxury underfoot and 100% bleach cleanable StainSafe yarns, Newport provides an easy clean solution for consumers looking to add a luxury floor without compromising on durability.

The very ethos of the Leonis range is to combine lasting performance without compromise for the modern family home. Newport continues this rule with a super soft carpet and reassuring lasting performance backed up with a 15-year life wear and 20-year StainSafe guarantee. This is a carpet robust enough to cope with busy footfall without compromising on sumptuous feel and looks.

Available in a choice of 12 on-trend colour options, Newport bridges the gap between contemporary and classic home styles and will appeal to a wide range of consumers. The palettes reflect the consumer demand for calming and relaxing interior styles predicted to be an enduring trend for the foreseeable future with colours ranging from sands and light neutrals through to pastel lavenders and heather greens.

T +32 56 62 22 11 www.baltagroup.com

Blurred beauty Launched as part of its best-selling Atlantic collection, Monetti from Louis de Poortere strips away defining form and instead celebrates the impressionist artist’s palette in a glorious mix of blurred colours.

The use of colour without defined pattern gives the range an ethereal look, representing the brushstrokes of impressionist greats such as Monet, Manet and Renoir. This lack of form allows the colours to really take centre stage resulting in a collection of rugs that will sit comfortably in classic through to contemporary interiors.

This versatility allows retailers to appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers looking for luxury feel rugs that will weather design trends of now and the future. With six carefully selected colourways, the spectrum spans from the intense red oranges of Hibiscus Red, through soft blues of Nymphea Blue and to the monochromes of Grey Impression.

Each Monetti rug is constructed using an 85% cotton and 15% high gloss polyester woven into a jacquard flatweave. The backing is a natural anti-slip latex to prevent movement or trip hazards. Each rug provides a cosy 1500 gr/m2 weight with 3mm height pile.

Alan Russell, sales director UK, Louis de Poortere, says: “Many of the interior designers we work with have emphasised the importance of colour and The Atlantic Monetti Collection reflects a pure versatility that taps into a global audience. This ability to offer a rug that can stand the test of fluid trends, means Monetti is likely to become a firm favourite for homeowners looking for immediate impact.”

T +32 56 393 393 www.louisdepoortere.com

Get set to star in 2020!

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.

Check out the categories, rules and entry form onlilne.

READERS! Nominate your favourite products now

www.flooringinnovationawards.com

24 April 2020

Carpet&FlooringReview

ETERNITY

OF N O I T A R E N E G THE NEW arpet c n o l y n d e y Solution d

SOFTNESS TO LAST

0% stains

100%

everlasting softness

LIFETIME STAINSAFE WARRANTY

20 Years Wear Warranty

INFINITE LIGHT FASTNESS

EVERLASTING SOFTNESS

FOREVER BLEACH CLEANABLE

eternity-carpet.com from The Stocklists

April 2020 25

NEWS Rustique revisited Already known for its success in creating best sellers, Abingdon Flooring has updated popular Rustique, Rustique Deluxe and Country Life ranges to help retailers keep up with demand from modern consumers.

Stainfree Rustique, a versatile and robust cut pile twist, can be fitted into any room in the home. This durable carpet exudes a real rustic charm in a range of “salt & pepper” colour ways that has seen it become an established favourite among retailers. Stainfree Country Life is a durable cut pile saxony suitable for a variety of home uses. Both ranges are created using 100% Zylon Polypropylene resulting in Stainfree for life guarantees.

By adding a soft fleece bac Abingdon is providing these ranges with a softer feel underfoot.

This will make both ranges easier to install, alongside improving heat and noise insulation.

These are in addition to the bleach-cleanable performance that these strong twist carpets provide for end users.

In addition to the new fleece bac, the versatile twist of Stainfree Rustique will be extended with five new hues. The range continues to be inspired by the delicate earthy palettes of the British countryside. Joining the colourways are Witch Hazel, Hopsack, Ash Grove, Walnut and Greystone.

It will be available in the current Rustique and Rustique Deluxe weights and Abingdon Flooring will also be adding the heavier, Rustique Saxony back into the mix. Suitable for heavy domestic environments, both come in 2.5, 4 and 5 metre widths for ease of fitting and less wastage.

T 01274 655 694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Cascade of colour Balta has made sure its Satino range of super-soft Imprel polyamide carpets remains high-up on the shopping list of homeowners hunting out luxurious carpets with the introduction of Cascade, as well as colour updates to Exquisite and Royale.

In a colourful palette of 26 tones, including vibrant shades of Green Shimmer, Cliff Dive and Caramel Gold, there’s no doubt Cascade is capturing carpet’s welcome return to colour. With Sand Fossil, Slivery Moon and Winter Chill among others, there’s also plenty of choice for homeowners looking for something a little less adventurous making this polyamide style ready for almost any setting.

Made with Balta’s Imprel Opal yarn to deliver a subtle silk effect aimed at today’s fashion-conscious carpet purchaser, Cascade’s 4/64” Saxony construction enhances the look for a quality that gives a really luxurious mood in the home. With incredible underfoot softness and a 10-year wear promise, Cascade is an exciting addition to the Satino collection.

Alongside the launch of Cascade, Balta has also refreshed the palettes on two of its most popular Satino styles, Exquisite and Royale. Now enjoying colours that reflect the latest home trends, both styles retain the quality that have made them popular for homeowners. To ensure that Satino maintains its worthy position as a headline product for many retailers, Balta is making updates to the stand with enticing new graphics that offer a more appealing visual identity to the previous Satino branding.

T +32 56 62 22 11 www.baltagroup.com

Problem solving for the self-taught The Academy for Excellence in Flooring sees many self-taught flooring installers through its doors all with one thing in common, a desire to improve their skills in the installation of wood, laminate and LVT floors.

The Academy’s courses are designed to help installers work smarter and faster and teach everything from accurate cutting of stairs to replacing individual boards once the installation is complete. Boosting confidence and making installations 20 -30% faster, attending an Academy programme is well worth the investment.

Lee Thompson, technical manager, The Academy for Excellence in Flooring, explains more: “We often find self-taught installers will overprice complicated jobs or simply just avoid them altogether. At best this is somewhat deflating for confidence and at worst it is actually damaging to business. Taking a course at the Academy is a way that they can gain skills and make sure they are ready for any challenge.”

In terms of fixing problems, the Academy also adopts a ‘worst case’ approach so that self-taught installers are ready to tackle any on-site problem with fresh-found knowledge and confidence. Teaching how to replace a single damaged Panel whether it be laminate, lvt or even nailed down solid, rather than having to remove skirtings and lift the entire floor, is just one example. www.quick-step-academy.co.uk 26 April 2020

Carpet&FlooringReview

NEWS Fifty years and a farewell

The sexiest underlay you will never see

A surprise party in Kidderminster marked 50 “fabulous” years and a farewell to Shaun Lewis, one of the industry’s most respected and best-loved figures.

Shaun retires from the trade in April following leading roles in Tomkinsons, Victoria Carpets and Brockway.

“Shaun has achieved great things over 50 glorious years and his energy and passion for the trade is undiminished even now,” said Steve Glover of Brockway, who led the tributes as scores of colleagues from across the flooring industry sneaked into a Worcestershire hotel to gatecrash his quiet lunch and celebrate Shaun’s success in style.

Another industry icon, John Duncan, who was Shaun’s MD at Victoria Carpets, said: “He was nothing short of amazing and Victoria. I have never worked with someone who was so capable, so professional and so well liked.”

“Shaun is an industry legend,” commented Charles Annable, MD of Brockway Carpets. “He made a major difference to the professionalism of our business and was totally committed to building our success.”

After so many accolades, Shaun was uncharacteristically lost for words at the event. “What I just don’t know what to say – I am so humbled by this event and it is this that I will miss about the industry – all the fabulous people you get to work with in the flooring trade.”

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

“Shaun has achieved great things over 50 glorious years and his energy and passion for the trade is undiminished even now.”

Steve Glover of Brockway

HIGH PERFORMANCE UNDERLAYS

TEL: 00353 61-339287 www.novostrat.com info@novostrat.com from The Stocklists

April 2020 27

NEWS Retailer refreshment Balta carpets has announced a major refresh of its in-store merchandise, bringing new ranges and collection updates, as well as new stand designs, ready to boost sales in 2020 and beyond.

For its Balta carpets line-up, the manufacturer is introducing a new book stand, introducing Carinthia alongside other popular styles. In 14 elegant landscape inspired pastels, including tones such as Safari, Grassy Meadow, Sea Anemone and Mountain Lake; Carinthia enjoys a plush 1/10th gauge construction for a dense and plush cut-pile made from stain-resistant X-Tron high performance polypropylene yarn.

The popularity of Leonis, a collection of super-soft polypropylene carpets, has seen Balta extend the collection for 2020 with the introduction of Kings Court. With a deep pile of 13mm, this stain-resistant carpet provides a wonderful underfoot feel and in a palette of 10 modern hues, it’s certainly a tempting proposition for homeowners. This classic 1/8th gauge cut-pile is a true heavyweight quality ready to add luxury to homes.

Leonis also sees a new palette for Ascot, now available in 12 up-to-date colours that will serve modern family homes well. Ascot’s deep pile and luxury weight is set to continue making this 1/8th cut-pile a favourite.

Updates are also happening to Balta’s Satino tombola with new-look graphics and colour refreshes across Royale and Romantica.

Filip Poelman, sales director, Balta, says: “Through brand-new displays, improved graphics and introductions and updates to our leading brands, we are setting out a clear commitment to our retailers to deliver them the very latest carpet styles presented in beautiful fashion. It’s a striking mix that is sure to catch the focus of customers at all price points.”

T +32 56 62 22 11 www.baltagroup.com

Fast food Donnelly Watson Flooring, based in Ipswich, opted for fast-track subfloor preparation products from F. Ball and Co. Ltd. to create a perfectly smooth, hardwearing base for the receipt of vinyl floorcoverings as part of a canteen refurbishment at Endeavour House, Suffolk County Council.

Faced with an uneven screed and high subfloor relative humidity levels, contractors used Stopgap 1200 Pro moisture tolerant levelling compound to create a level surface prior to the application of Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane. A layer of F. Ball’s Stopgap 300 HD heavy duty levelling compound was then applied to ensure the floor would be able to withstand the high levels of foot traffic it was expected to be subject to.

The screed was particularly uneven. If a waterproof surface membrane is applied over a rough or uneven subfloor, it may pool in undulations on the surface. This will necessitate a greater quantity of product to achieve full coverage, adding more expense to the project. It can also result in an extended curing time for the areas where the membrane has pooled.

The contractors opted to apply F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound - a low-odour, fast-setting, fast-drying levelling compound suitable for preparing sound internal subfloors prior to the installation of new floorcoverings. It is ready to receive floorcoverings from as little as four hours after application..

F. Ball’s Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane was applied to create a barrier against excess subfloor moisture where RH levels are up to 98%, with a single coat application, in as little as three hours.

Contractors then applied F. Ball’s Stopgap P141 primer, which is designed to create a textured finish to enhance bond performance between levelling compounds and non-absorbent surfaces and finally, Stopgap 300 HD heavy duty levelling compound was applied to create a perfectly smooth and hardwearing base for the receipt of luxury vinyl tiles. It is also fast-setting and fast-drying, and is walk on hard from just 90 minutes following application.

T 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk

Dates for delayed Domotex The organizers of Domotex asia/ChinaFloor in Shanghai have confirmed that the leading flooring show in Asia Pacific will take place from August 31 to September 2, 2020.

With the new date, the exhibition gets also a new location: the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), the largest exhibition center in Shanghai. The postponement of the original date (March 24-26) was necessary to protect the health and safety of exhibitors and visitors from the recent outbreak of the coronavirus in China.

International visitors welcome the new dates since conveniently after the summer holidays and a perfect restart of the second half of the year. Moreover, organizers research has shown that September is the month with most international visits to Chinese suppliers. The show’s organizers are in very close contact with exhibitors and participants of the upcoming edition already and will also be updating potential exhibitors and visitors as the planning of the exhibition proceeds.

As always, Shanghai will continue to host the exhibition, but the postponement of the event has necessitated a move to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC). The NECC is the largest exhibition complex in Shanghai, located in the immediate vicinity of Shanghai-Hongqiao Airport. www.domotexasiachinafloor.com 28 April 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

April 2020 29

NEWS Avenue easy fitting Avenue has welcomed Comfytex into its 2020 collection, bringing a problem-solving cushion floor ready to take on troublesome subfloors to its network of independent retailers.

Thanks to the ingenious Luxatex textile-based backing, Comfytex can take on a range of challenging subfloors conditions and even over existing floor coverings, soaking up imperfections while laying perfectly flat.

Spray’s the way Whether you need a quick-fit solution or have got to cover a large area in super-fast time, floorwise has a range of spray adhesives ready and waiting at your local floorwise distributor.

For those big jobs, 19.5litre canister spray adhesives make light work of big surface areas, dramatically cutting down on installation time and getting fitters off their knees. With F592C Contact Spray Adhesive, F593C Super Contact Spray Adhesive and F594C Carpet Tile Tackifier, floorwise can tackle the sticking down of most floor coverings with its canister adhesives, including some vinyl floors, broadloom carpet and carpet tiles.

Using a pre-pressurised canister, these systems feature a wand that delivers a precise and controllable spread. Combined with high-solid content adhesives, the result is more consistent coverage and a secure bond for floor coverings. floorwise offers a choice of guns and spares to keep your system running faultlessly.

With Luxatex providing easy installation in refurbishment projects, the floor can also be loose-laid in rooms up to 20m2 making it a tempting choice for homeowners wanting to minimise unnecessary preparation and inconvenience.

Already a popular choice in the housebuilding sector, where it has a trackrecord of helping developers overcome subfloors that are far from perfect, Comfytex comes in a range of authentic wood, tile and stone designs.

In fact, with herringbone wood patterns, mosaic tiles and concrete looks; Comfytex delivers the very latest in stylish floor finishes.

For fixing trims and edges and securing those intricate details, installers will be turning to floorwise handy can spray adhesives. Including the newly formulated F596 Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive that’s free of chlorinated solvents and non-carcinogenic, as well as the awesome F599 Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive that’s as tenacious as a dog with a bone; cans of floorwise spray adhesives can be found in the vans of fitters right across the country.

Superguard is protected for easier maintenance and resistance to stains and scuffs, absorbing footfall noise by 16dB and with R10 slip resistance for assured footing in bathrooms. It is available in In 16 decors in 3 & 4m widths with a 10-year residential wear warranty.

“We spent years developing our spray adhesives. Both canisters and cans are among the best performing spray products on the market and are trusted by commercial installers and residential fitters looking for a reliable product every time the squeeze the trigger or press the nozzle,” says Richard Bailey, managing director, floorwise. “There’s been a lot of effort in making sure these products give a consistent and controllable spray in a range of working conditions, while delivering just the right amount of adhesive for a more secure bond every time.”

T 0800 032 3970 www.avenuefloors.co.uk

T 01509 673974 www.floorwise.co.uk

Skip away from extra cost If you haven’t yet been notified, you soon will be, your skip costs are going up again on April 1st.

Landfill tax has increased by a staggering 250% over the past few years and will continue to increase for the foreseeable future.

On the plus side, with improvements in technology and an increase in carpet recycling plants throughout the UK, it now costs less to recycle all types of carpet and underlay waste than it does to send it to landfill.

By installing a Kenburn Carpet Crusher (rental or purchase) you are not only going to reduce your ever increasing skip costs, you will also improve your sales conversion rates as well, as the public respond enthusiastically to environmentally friendly initiatives.

Please phone Kenburn for free, honest and no-obligation advice on “going green.”

T 01727 844988 www.kenburn.co.uk

30 April 2020

Carpet&FlooringReview

Inspired by age-old woodlands.

Designed for modern interiors.

Expanding its array of contemporary and classic timber designs, the Van Gogh collection welcomes six new colourways. Creating a neutral backdrop, the mix of fresh, clean and neutral tones including French, distressed and refined oak hues allow home decorators to accessorise from the ground up. from The Stocklists

karndean.com/VG2019 Featured floor: Natural Prime Oak VGW115T April 2020 31

Get set to star in 2020!

The 2020 awards are off to a flying start with dozens of entries in the the first few days of the scheme’s opening, demonstrating that inspiration and inventiveness is alive and well in the industry.

The all-star judges!

“The success of the scheme in the previous two years since we launched has really caught the imagination of the savvy suppliers in our sector and they have got off the mark quickly this time to compete for these prestigious awards,” said FIA organiser Bridgette Kelly.

And the independent panel of judges has now been finalised for 2020. Led once again by Chris Moffat, the SMG buying group chairman, the panel is now joined by new judge Wendy Adams, familiar to many in the industry as the event organiser who revitalised the national Flooring Show in Harrogate.

The “star” judges line-up (l to r): Chris Moffat, Wendy Adams, Laurance Bird, Bridgette Kelly and David Spragg.

With an eye on the environmental agenda, Laurence Bird of Carpet Recycling UK will serve again along with David Spragg, editorial director of The Stocklists and Bridgette Kelly, erstwhile of the Campaign for Wool, and now the awards scheme organiser.

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.

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

www.flooringinnovationawards.com

32 April 2020

Carpet&FlooringReview

Revolutionary New Carpet Underlay For

Underfloor Heating Systems

• • • •

10mm Thick - Feels Fantastic Underfoot, Doesn't Sacrifice On Comfort Perforated Holes Allow Quicker Heat Transfer To Carpets Uses Flame Retardant Foam For Excellent Safety Standards 15m2 Roll Size (11m x 1.37m)

FREE SAMPLE

Get your Free Sample delivered today

Call 01924 451 138

or email sales@wilsons-underlays.co.uk

from The Stocklists

April 2020 33

34 April 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

April 2020 35

NEWS Double rescue to revive iconic Axminster Carpets In an imaginative industry initiative, Axminster Carpets has been saved from administration by not just one rescuer, but two!

The retail business will go forward in a partnership with Cavalier Carpets and invest in five existing residential ranges – three stock tufted ranges manufactured in Blackburn and two exclusive ‘woven to order’ collections that will continue to be made at the factory in Axminster, Devon.

The contract operation becomes a wholly separate company called ACL Carpets Limited backed by a consortium of UK private investors and industry leaders and will continue to operate from its head office and manufacturing facility in Axminster. This business will specialise in the high-end bespoke commercial work for hotels, period buildings, cruise ships, airlines and trains.

The administrators, Duff & Phelps, said the speed with which the situation has been resolved and the structure of the deal should provide “a stable financial platform, ensuring long-term viability.”

The retail company retains the Axminster brand and will be run as a separate entity at the Cavalier site in Blackburn. This operation has acquired several hundred rolls of stock, some equipment, as well as merchandising including point-of-sale.

“We will deliver the unrivalled quality that the Axminster Carpets brand is famous for, alongside the service standards that the brand deserves.

We look forward to working with retailers to make this a great British manufacturing success story,” Nathan Lowe, MD of Cavalier Carpets and of the new Axminster Carpets retail operation, commented: “We are committed to investing in the brand, the stock and future product ranges to return the brand to past successes and in doing so will continue to support both tufted and axminster methods of manufacture.”

The company recognises that the Axminster brand has suffered from serious underinvestment in the past resulting in availability and service shortcomings.

“We will deliver the unrivalled quality that the Axminster Carpets brand is famous for, alongside the service standards that the brand deserves.

We look forward to working with retailers to make this a great British manufacturing success story,” said Nathan.

Following some consolidation of the product portfolio, flagship tufted ranges Devonia, Simply Naturals and Moorland Twist have been selected to benefit immediately from this boost. Woven ranges such as Myth & Moor and Hazy Days will be custom made to order in Devon, with a 4 to 5 week delivery schedule.

T 01297 33533 retail@axminster-carpets.co.uk

Super Plus Click, flick or now follow us on Twitter @thestocklists

Stocklists The

FIRST FOR FLOORING NEWS AND DATA

36 April 2020

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

The people power of Penthouse Happy people and “proper” carpet is secret of success at Penthouse Carpets says Andrew Davys as he reflects on a long career in the trade – and admits he still might be drawn to floor retailing in his retirement!

Andrew Davys (centre) with sales director Jonathan Gamble and MD Shirley Jackson Andrew joined Penthouse 21 years ago after starting out with the iconic carpet brand Kosset and then a stint with the Crowther group, best known for MCD Wholesale, Tintawn and BMK. It was a retailer – Castle Carpets in Mansfield – who recommended Penthouse carpets to Andrew. “We got on well and they had a lot of respect for the company so they suggested I join up – and I am happy to say they are still one of my customers today.”

And the rest, as they say, is Andrew’s history! “I felt good about it from the word go. The company has a great reputation and it all checked out.

“Penthouse has been the love affair of my working life. There is a great ethic in the company – it is a modern business with the latest systems and machinery but it has all the values and standards – and a real human face.

Rochdale-based Penthouse Carpets made its first carpet nearly 50 years ago but the company is known for its product development and investment in manufacturing technology.

Unusually for the manufacturing sector, Penthouse is an employee-owned business giving everyone in the business a pride in their company and a vested interest in maintaining the highest standards.

There’s a highly personal feel to its culture with several generations of many families working within the business.

The flagship ranges at Penthouse are British Wool twists including the latest 80/20 heathered Crofter and the Prism plains and colourful selections in Stateside and New Pentwist.

“The team in the office are just great and I have really enjoyed working with all my colleagues. But I suppose it’s the fact that the product is such a proper carpet that has made the job a dream. Retailers and fitters like working with Penthouse carpets and they know they are dealing with you with confidence,” he said.

“

Penthouse has been the love affair of my working life. There is a great ethic in the company...

”

Andrew lives in Nottingham and has been the company’s representative for South Yorkshire and the East Midlands.

“Best of all, I don’t think there has been a day at work when I haven’t laughed about something. This is a people business and there are some great people in it – undoubtedly that is what I will miss the most,” said Andrew.

The wool story has always been to the fore at Penthouse and Andrew urges retailers to get behind the promotion of natural fibres now that the attention on plastics is so high in public consciousness.

The commitment to colour is also singled out by Andrew as a differentiator at Penthouse. The trend for colour can wax and wane but Penthouse insisted in keeping a good colour mixing in the offer and most recently has seen increasing appetite for shades that go beyond beige and grays.

Andrew, aged 68, has a number of interests for life after flooring that include walking, climbing and orchestral music.

But like so many in our industry, the tug of the tufts is strong.

“I can see myself helping out a bit as a retailer maybe, if I ever get bored,” he said!

T 01706 341231 www.penthousecarpets.co.uk from The Stocklists

Crofter – Country Cream

Stateside – Atlanta

New Guy Guy Legg will replace Andrew in the South Yorkshire and the East Midlands area for Penthouse.

His career has covered Brintons, Carpet International and KJC but also included a two-and-a-half year shift for Penthouse in the Lancashire area. “That was the most enjoyable job I ever had so I am really delighted to be going back,” said Guy (pictured right), who now lives in Derby.

“Andrew is a great guy and a tough act to follow but I will benefit from a lot of the goodwill he has built up and I have worked in this territory before so it will be good to renew acquaintances,” said Guy. “I really like a well-made wool carpet so I think I have landed in the right place at the right time.”

April 2020 37

Marketing insights Making an Entrance First impressions count, so in addition to choosing a durable and practical floor for halls and stairs, this connective space needs to be welcoming and ideally have a wow factor.

The Grosvenor Wilton Design Folio is a breathtakingly beautiful collection of original designs which can be recoloured, giving consumers the freedom to create a unique carpet for their home. Whether it’s contemporary styling, historic authenticity or a desire to inject a cultural flavour, Grosvenor Wilton’s design and manufacturing expertise delivers captivating carpets to suit any interior style.

Each carpet is made to order and Grosvenor Wilton - Design Folio, Indigo can be woven in either 69cm (27”) or 91cm (36”) width in a choice of either a velvet cut pile in 80% wool 20% nylon, or a Brussels loop pile in 100% wool. To complete the look, all designs can be made into rugs, a perfect addition to the entrance hall or adjoining room.

Pictured is the striking harlequin design in amber, royal blue and aquamarine – a key colour trend for 2020. Woven in a narrow width in a sumptuous velvet cut pile finish.

Alternative Flooring Stair Art makes a great entrance. These stunning wool runners boast patterns created by British designers such as Divine Savages, Margo Selby and Ella Doran, with archive carpet designs by Lucienne Day, one of Britain’s most influential and best-loved 20th century designers.

Divine Savages bring flamboyant prints to the floor with bold colour and print.

Award-winning textile artist Margo Selby creates graphic patterns inspired by her hand-woven artworks. Ella Doran reimages nature in her designs including Waterlake, winning The Campaign for Wool, British Wool Carpet Award. For true works of art, Authentic Lucienne delights in sixties style with geometric designs meticulously reproduced from original archive carpet.

Kersaint Cobb - Morocco Runners, Tetouan

For glamour, Alternative have their first Stars runner. Expertly woven in British wool on axminster looms in Wilton, these unite traditional techniques and contemporary design.

Stripes are natural partners for stairs and hallways too. If stripes are your things take a look at Margo Selby with Alternative Flooring. Created to easily mix and match throughout an interior, these are just the ticket for a smart and stylish entrance.

Alternative Flooring champions design, craft and UK manufacturing. This British brand has been bringing award-winning designs to floors for 25 years.

Contemporary carpet, rugs and runners full of inspiration and innovation with a heady dose of heritage.

Runners are a beautiful and unique way to bring your hallway alive and add a stylish splash of colour. Lovingly handcrafted and made from 100% sisal, Kersaint Cobb’s sisal morocco runners make a fabulous focal point for any entrance, hallway and stairs.

Sisal is a reliable and hardwearing option for stairs and hallways, runners come in a 69cm width so are sure to suit most staircases and have pre-finished, hassle free edges; the complementary broadloom sisals for each design ensures consumers can create a cohesive look for their home.

Practical and durable, sisal offers plenty of exciting design and colour choices too, its natural fibres readily take on vegetable dyes, offering beautiful colour blends or solid tones. The trend for natural materials and rustic style not only looks great but is very hardwearing.

Kersaint Cobb also offer coir matting in 6 colours; practical and low maintenance it perfectly protects floors from unwanted dirt and debris being carried into the home. It also sits well with wood, sisal or wool. With a Kersaint Cobb Flooring, you really can create a wonderful and enduring new look for your home.

The choice of designs from Adam Carpets are sure to captivate consumers. Flare, a tonal herringbone in 10 feel good colourways offers a new level of design versatility.

Alternative Flooring - Margo Selby Stripe, Westbrook

Adam Carpets - Flare, Limoncello

38 April 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.

The understated simplicity of this geometric design makes it incredibly adaptable as it works well across a broad spectrum of interior styles; a perfect partner for patterned fabrics and walls, whether they are geometric, abstract or beautiful florals. As you’d expect the ten considered colour-ways are on trend, complementing Pantone’s colour of the year ‘Classic Blue 19-4052’ and Dulux’s Tranquil Dawn.

Flare is made in Kidderminster using premium UK wool, the 80/20 velvet in 38oz weight is sumptuous to touch and rated for heavy domestic rated use, making it the ideal choice for high traffic areas such as halls, stairs and landings.

Stella Coyle, national retail sales manager at Karndean Designflooring explains why entrance areas need particular consideration, “The hallway is a visitor’s first glimpse into a home so it’s important that it makes a great impression.

A patterned flooring is a clever way to introduce character, spaciousness and a welcoming atmosphere to this hardworking, often compact space.

The flexibility of luxury vinyl offers endless pattern possibilities as well as a practical surface that can stand up to the demands of modern family life. From modern interpretations of parquet in the latest shades of wood and stone to historic tile designs and contemporary geometric styles, a patterned floor is sure to add personality to any hallway.”

Karndean Designflooring - Art Select, Prairie Oak

“The eye-catching sophistication of parquet flooring is an enduring fashion and guaranteed to add a sense of elegance.”

Homeowners looking to create a bespoke look will be inspired by Karndean’s elegant and impactful geometric designs. The versatile Heritage Collection offers intriguing patterns inspired by grand Victorian interiors in a choice of traditional or contemporary colours, while the 3D illusions of the Kaleidoscope range can be created with any combination of contrasting or complementary wood and stone effect tiles.

Whether created in a timeless combination of black and white tiles, a bold mix of classic shades or an unexpected combination of modern shades, a patterned floor offers individuality that will attract attention for all the right reasons.

Harvey Maria has launched its Northmore Collection. Inspired by original encaustic floor tile designs, the brand new collection blends unique decorative pattern, heritage colour pigment and authentic Harvey Maria - Northmore, Sable Black patina. Six colourways have been carefully developed to form a natural palette, from stone to soft black.

Whilst inlaid tiles date back to the late medieval period, Mintons was recognised as the pioneer of robust and stylish ceramic encaustics in the mid-19th century.

Harvey Maria has reinterpreted these iconic Victorian designs, creating a collection for modern living where performance, comfort and acoustics being top of mind. The range includes three earthgrey neutrals, Pembroke Slate, Soapstone, and Mortar along with Waterhouse Blue, Sable Black and Fired Terracotta.

“Many original encaustics that were covered up in the 60’s and 70’s have been rediscovered and restored. Our own Northmore designs celebrate these stylish and durable tiles, capturing their essence in a form that meets today’s demands,” explains Harvey Maria’s Founder, Mark Findlay.

Harvey Maria has been creating luxury vinyl tiles since 1995. All designs are durable and practical, providing a waterproof and slip resistant finish.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Karndean Designflooring - Heritage, Clifton

She adds, “The eye-catching sophistication of parquet flooring is an enduring fashion and guaranteed to add a sense of elegance. The striking diagonal lines of parquet have seen a new lease of life in recent years with spectacular interpretations in wood or stone designs featuring longer herringbone layouts and brick, block or chevron patterns.”

from The Stocklists

Adam Carpets T 01562 829966 www.adamcarpets.co.uk Alternative Flooring T: 01264 335111 www.alternativeflooring.com Grosvenor Wilton T: 01562 701 456 www.grosvenorwilton.co.uk Harvey Maria T: 0330 330 1231 www.harveymaria.com Karndean Designflooring T: 01386 820100 www.karndean.com Kersaint Cobb T: 01675 430 430 www.kersaintcobb.co.uk

April 2020 39

Flower on Flooring Demonstrating digital initiative There are ever-increasing numbers of examples of improved engagement throughout the flooring sector using all aspects of digital technology.

These are proving useful in delivering improved levels of communication between manufacturers, distributors and retailers, particularly with the emergence of the coronavirus, as evidenced by the examples detailed below.

Karndean Designflooring reports it is the first to release a revolutionary new ‘view in room’ digital tool with the exclusive functionality to view alternative laying patterns and introduce added design features when selecting a floor.

Available to use on mobile, tablet or desktop, Floorstyle enables home designers to try out a range of vinyl Floorstyle by Karndean Designflooring flooring designs in typical room settings and users can even upload their own photo and visualise what a new floor might look like in their home.

“We’re always looking at ways in which we can make selecting a floor IVC Group UK and Eire national sales manager Matthew Brook to match individual styles and décor schemes even easier,” explains explains how vinyl flooring specialist Moduleo engages with its members Karndean Designflooring national retail sales manager Stella Coyle. and retailers on a regular basis via a series of strategic communications.

“Floorstyle is accessible to all and makes swapping out different designs “Retailers are kept up-to-date with new product launches and latest and laying patterns simple and a vital part of the decision process. We business news via a series of quarterly emails, e-brochures and promotions. know home decorators and renovators want to see how different News e-shots featuring seasonal trend updates and recent press activity designs will look in their home at a convenient time to suit their needs. are issued to stockists to enable them to showcase brand activity in their own way in store.”

“Being the first to introduce this level of digital tool allows us to make the selection process much more sophisticated when at home,” Recent email activity includes a headphone promotion to celebrate says Ms Coyle. the launch of Moduleo’s latest collection, LayRed, an engineered vinyl floorcovering. The initiative celebrated the product’s unique red-coloured Solent Wholesale Carpets says it now sends all newsletters and underside and sound-absorption qualities. clearance flyers via email, as opposed to posting them, and it also engages with its customers over social media, mainly through Twitter.

“By engaging with our ‘sales chain’, we aim to garner brand engagement and loyalty, which in turn will support our partners within their businesses,” Mr Brook concludes.

“We have definitely had a positive reaction to giving customers more information/resources available to them via their computers and mobile phones.”

“We have also found over the past 12 months a larger percentage of our customers ordering via our website, as opposed to phoning up or emailing orders,” says the company’s Luke Crooks. “We have definitely had a positive reaction to giving customers more information/resources available to them via their computers and mobile phones.”

British Wool refers to recent studies showing that 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information, with online sales numbers continuing to grow, and says that finding new ways to support local retail footfall are increasingly important.

Its website www.britishwool.org.uk provides information for several stakeholder groups, including specific resources for its manufacturing and retailing partners such as training materials and guides.

A new stockist locator function has recently been added, allowing consumers to quickly and easily locate their nearest retailer of British Wool products. The new functionality is designed to complement the British Wool licensee scheme, which promotes products with verified levels of British wool fibre content.

With options to search across different product categories, including carpets, clothing, beds and bedding, consumers can find their five nearest stores by current location, postcode or town. Once they have located their preferred store, they can view further information and request directions.

40 April 2020

F-Talk from F Ball

F Ball and Co sales director Darren Kenyon says: “As you would expect, F Ball’s website is the first touchpoint for most people requiring information about our products and how to use them. It features product data sheets, videos demonstrating their application, guides to subfloor preparation and floorcovering installation and details of how to contact the F Ball technical team or regional technical representatives for projectspecific advice.

“F-Talk, the e-newsletter for Loyalty Card holders, which wholesalers and manufacturers can also subscribe to, is invaluable for sharing company news, including product launches, as well as rewarding customer loyalty

Carpet&FlooringReview

by Dennis Flower

by communicating promotions, including regular cashback on purchases.

“Nowadays, we are increasingly using other digital channels, such as Twitter and LinkedIn, to communicate with flooring retailers and contractors.

Not only do these allow F Ball to provide information, they facilitate two-way conversations, which is great for engaging with the people who use our products,” Mr Kenyon concludes.

Hugh Mackay Carpets says Visualise offers a new way to choose carpet. The online room visualiser can be used from the comfort of retailers’ premises or consumers’ own home. It is completely free of charge and accessible via the company’s website using a laptop, tablet or phone.

It allows a photo of the setting to be uploaded and insertion of the company’s flooring into the room in real time.

Simply select the photo, select the carpet and Visualise does the rest.

You can see our ranges inserted into one of the six sample rooms in real time too. Users can also change the wall colour in these images to suit their room,” the company states. See page 18 for more details.

For more information F Ball – www.f-ball.com – 01538 361633 Karndean Designflooring – www.karndean.com – 01386 820200 Hugh Mackay – www.hughmackay.co.uk – T 01429 892555

Alternative show time Alternative Flooring’s Show Me My Room is a new branded visualisation tool for floors.

See any of Alternative carpets in your own home or interior space. It is easy to use and accessible to everyone with four simple steps with no technical photo editing required – Show Me My Room does it all for you.

As long as you have a photo of your interior space which you can upload to your PC, mobile phone or tablet, or can take a photo with your mobile or tablet, then you can use it. It works on the unique 4-digit Alternative Flooring product codes no need to type any complicated names or search your favourite carpet, just tap in its code number. Let’s go!

There are other links within Show Me My Room to save carpets to a ‘Favourites’ library which will be remembered each time you access the visualiser, order samples or search for your local Alternative Flooring retailer.

Show Me My Room gives users confidence in choosing carpet and making a purchase.

Interior designers can inspire their clients, bringing their vision of what is underfoot to life when presenting decorating schemes.

T 01264 335111 www.alternativeflooring.com

from The Stocklists

April 2020 41

ON DISPLAY 2 0 2 0

Positive POS for smart business POS is essential in a crowded, competitive market but your floor and wall space is a precious commodity that all your suppliers want a piece of. So we’ve selected some of the best displays for retailers to help drive your business in 2020.

• A bundle of successful concepts & innovations: iSense®, Invictus®, Vivendi®, Sedna® & StainAway®.

• Multiple modules can be tailored individually to the concept of your store • Customers can stroll around the collections, presented in clear displays, in a relaxed atmosphere.

• A dynamic overall solution for successful carpet sales.

See pages 43–49

WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SHOP-IN-SHOP BY AW? Please contact your local Area Sales Manager for more details.

www.carpetyourlife.co.uk

AW UK adv POS 2020_SoMe.indd 1

42 April 2020

13/03/2020 15:57:37

Carpet&FlooringReview

Special feature: Point-of-sale and merchandising

ITC Natural Luxury Flooring This sturdy well-constructed stand from ITC Natural Luxury Flooring shows 8 full ranges of 9 x18 samples and arrives pre-assembled.

The second shelf is easy to pull out and slides away to maintain the clean lines of this unit. There is also plenty of space to accommodate sample books and the A4 Folders and catalogues can be stored neatly in the generous drawer unit.

The compact design measures 122cm high x 103cm wide and 55cm deep.

This stylish unit delivers maximum display on minimal floor space.

Please contact your local Agent or the ITC Natural Luxury Flooring sales office for more details.

T 01622 534041

www.itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com

Fells Carpets

Furlong Flooring

Fells Carpets continue to move forward, with its black and lime display systems, inspiring retailers to be bold unique and stylish, with their in store offer. Flexibility is key, along with showing as much pattern as possible, allowing the consumer to be bold, unique and inspired.

“We are taking the feature wall and creating the feature floor,” says Carl Cummings, “putting pattern back where it belongs, on the floor.

T 0113 3071900 www.fellscarpets.co.uk

As a supplier of a wide variety of products, it is important that retailers can showcase their favourite ranges in one place. Furlong Flooring are committed to meeting customers’ needs and have consequently introduced brand new innovative POS display stands which can exhibit a mixture of products together.

The stands are adaptable and can be ordered as a small standalone unit or a larger graphic unit, creating a perfect display stand for any size store. For those customers who like to display a mixture of hard flooring and carpet or vinyl together, these brand-new stands may be the ideal display for you.

T 01772 316155 www.furlongflooring.co.uk

ON DISPLAY 2 0 2 0 from The Stocklists

April 2020 43

WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SHOP-IN-SHOP BY AW? Please contact your local Area Sales Manager for more details.

44 April 2020

Carpet&FlooringReview

• A bundle of successful concepts & innovations: iSense®, Invictus®, Vivendi®, Sedna® & StainAway®.

• Multiple modules can be tailored individually to the concept of your store • Customers can stroll around the collections, presented in clear displays, in a relaxed atmosphere.

• A dynamic overall solution for successful carpet sales.

www.carpetyourlife.co.uk

from The Stocklists

April 2020 45

ON DISPLAY 2 0 2 0

Cavalier Carpets Select-A-Swatch is the revolutionary new POS offering from Cavalier which puts a stylish end to swatches lying on the floor.

Following extensive development and many prototypes, Cavalier is now able to offer the perfect solution for the storage of swatch books.

Some of you may have seen the system on the Cavalier stand at Harrogate, where it met with a lot of interest and even generated orders prior to going into full production.

The modular wall mounted panel design allows you to display up to twelve Cavalier products within just one metre of wall space And why not take a look at the years hottest ‘video nasty’ featuring Retail Sales Director, Hans Lowe introducing our new Select-A-Swatch system at https://youtu.be/lqbZ2y4ntao T +44 (0) 1254 268000 www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk

Hugh Mackay Brand New for 2020, Hugh Mackay has introduced its brand new white unitary to step into the roaring 20’s with style and flare.

Hugh Mackay’s wall units and lecterns will now be available in the new colour to showcase and compliment its ranges whilst giving retailers a high quality, luxurious finish for their stores and showrooms.

Alongside the new modern unitary, Hugh Mackay also has the unique Quintessential Twist lectern, built with glamour and quality in mind.

The mirrored finish and perspex front add a contemporary style to this superb range. Contact your local sales agent for more information.

T 01429 892555 www.hughmackay.co.uk

Adam Carpets Wall Units • Making a bold statement with eye catching imagery and an abundance of colour, Adam’s wall units are designed to allow the retailer to select and display both plain and patterned ranges side by side.

Tombolas • The twin drum tombola is still a firm favourite, carrying 11 ranges, 233 samples, 454 options, all in a footprint of less than 1m2. The single 24” wide single drum tombola holds 90 patterned items, both contemporary graphics and unique overtuft ranges.

Lectern • The stand alone lectern displaying three new striking fashion ranges can be positioned alongside other Adam POS but can also be used as a focal point within any store.

T 01562 829966 www.adamcarpets.co.uk 46 April 2020

Carpet&FlooringReview

Special feature: Point-of-sale and merchandising

British Wool Quality Assured. The British Wool Collection is a new retail display designed to showcase British Wool accredited carpet manufacturers. Clearly communicating the benefits of buying British wool, the display also includes a hands-on feature designed to showcase its natural resilience in carpets. Contact the British Wool marketing team to find out more.

T 01274 688666 marketing@britishwool.org.uk

Associated Weavers Associated Weavers’ launch of their latest brand, Sedna, has had a major effect on the market and the displays that go with it reinforce the impact.

Sedna carpet is soft, luxurious and durable. It is made with Econyl regenerated nylon, a yarn made from recycled waste material such as old carpets and abandoned fishing nets collected from the bottom of the sea.

An impressive display with eye-catching visuals that are lit internally will be a highlight of any shop and attract immediate customer’s attention. The display also informs the consumer on the story behind the product and how the consumer can really make a difference and contribute to saving sea life.

T 01422 431100

www.sedna-carpet.co.uk

SMG SMG have always offered their members and suppliers ultimate flexibility in developing their businesses but nothing quite exemplifies this as much as their Pure branding concept.

Designed to be a ‘pick‘n’mix’ option for members it gives the retailer everything they need to optimise their de-branded offer in store. The retailer can choose from a range of bespoke unitary and then choose from a basket of products which include some of the top selling ranges from the best suppliers in the industry. There is something for every retailer large or small – featuring carpet or LVT - they don’t even need to have a direct account with the supplier whose product they feature.

The introduction of their new ‘Feature Table’ gives retailers the opportunity to really make a stylish statement in store. It’s a great way to stow away clutter and can be used to feature anything the retailer would like in the distinctive display glass top. It’s an excellent way to give a cohesive look to any carpet section in store.

T 0118 932 3832 www.smg-group.co.uk

ON DISPLAY 2 0 2 0

from The Stocklists

April 2020 47

ON DISPLAY 2 0 2 0

Distinctive Flooring Distinctive Flooring have updated their POS offering to include new swing arm units, designed to hold 50 functional double-sided boards.

Abingdon Flooring

The new stands showcase their Landscape and Aspect collections, which feature a varied range of authentic wood and stone finishes. Using top and bottom strip lighting, the grain detail of the planks is highlighted; and consumers can take a closer look by easily removing the boards to lay on the floor. The swing unit also houses sample chip arms and a brochure holder for a fully-branded browsing experience.

T 01562 749300 www.distinctiveflooring.co.uk

Abingdon Flooring’s ‘shop-in-shop’ concept is designed to maximise the potential of its carpet collections. Consisting of wall units, lecterns, bold wall graphics and showroom carpet; the concessions promise to deliver a unique shopping experience.

Providing a complete Abingdon Flooring zone for all sizes of store, the ‘shop-in-shop’ is available in three packages with retailers free to choose from any ranges available from the manufacturer’s StainFree, Love Story and Wilton Royal collections. Starting out with the Bronze package, ideal for smaller stores, and rising to the hugely impressive Gold Package; the introduction of the ‘shop-in-shop’ marks a major move for Abingdon Flooring.

Martin Peace, sales and marketing director, Abingdon Flooring, explains: “We want to make sure that we are giving retailers a way of capturing the diversity of our ranges, whilst also allowing them to fully capitalise on the Abingdon Flooring name.”

T 01274 655694

www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Interfloor Interfloor is focused on providing retailers with better products, better brands and better service. Providing everything from technical literature and POS, to product training and support to help customers choose the perfect range for their store. Also the Estimator Roll allows estimators to present the product to the customers in their own home.

The Gripperrods Premier floor edgings are a high-end addition to the existing range; and the POS provided perfectly captures their high quality and on-trend finishes. The sample box and wall-hangings have been designed to showcase flooring accessories that provide the perfect finishing touch and give retailers an upsell opportunity as they complete their in-store sales process.

T 01706 213 131

48 April 2020

www.interfloor.com

Carpet&FlooringReview

Special feature: Point-of-sale and merchandising

Balta Group Grabbing consumer attention has always been a key focus for the latest Balta POS displays. The latest generation of POS took inspiration from the modern contemporary palettes of the Eternity collection with an emphasis on its ode to nature message and key USPs. Setting itself apart from traditional greige, this fresh approach acts as a visual focal point in busy showrooms. A double-sided lectern provides retailers with the space to highlight all colours from the range.

Using this same double-sided format display, Satino uses softness, luxury and stylesavvy imagery as focal points. Aimed at the discerning family homeowner, the dual benefits of luxury combined with a suitable family flooring are highlighted perfectly, carrying a clear message to the ranges identified audience.

It is this attention to detail that provides retailers with the crucial visual tools that help them engage with confidence with an ever-demanding consumer.

T +32 56 62 22 11 www.baltagroup.com

Ten tips for top-selling stores 1. Ensure a large mix of standard and niche products to reassure consumers they have plenty to choose from – even if they ultimately go for something safe.

2. Mix more expensive items with cheaper products so that the opportunity to trade up is always there – don’t place the high end products on their own or in an increasing price layout where they can be disregarded by customers.

3. Use your window – too often this is a neglected area but a good display reassures consumers that you’re a smart retailer.

4. Use your floor! Have the most popular of your higher margin products laid in sections of your floor.

Consumers like to buy what they can see in a larger sample.

5. Keep literature racks full – empty displays look tired and complacent and consumers like to have material to take away – and you can clip your business card to it.

6. Create different areas for different product types so that consumers are not confused by too much on offer in the same place.

7.

Avoid an ‘industrial’ environment – too many stores are sheds with industrial roofs, lighting and ventilation on show. Use suspended ceilings, black paint and screens to hide the worst parts – the buying environment should be as domestic as possible.

8. Use soft furnishing, furniture items and flowers around the flooring displays to create a homely environment.

9. Avoid empty racks, dead bulbs and dark video screens.

10. Be careful about locating roll stock – very often it has a prominent position and lures consumers past the higher margin material. Consumers not only know it’s cheaper but the large area helps them visualise it in their own home which is more challenging with small samples.

ON DISPLAY 2 0 2 0 from The Stocklists

April 2020 49

BUSINESS NEWS Retail therapy to mitigate virus Chancellor Rishi Sunak has abolished business rates for a year for retailers and introduced grants and a loan scheme to rise to the challenge.

These are the key parts of the Government’s “whatever it takes” package of £330 billion in state-backed funding to help businesses pay for supplies, rent and salaries.

Smaller retailers with rateable values below £51,000, which will include the majority of independent flooring retailers, should also be able to claim a cash grant of up to £25,000 as well.

A Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme to support long-term viable businesses who need to respond to cash-flow problems will provide loans of up to £5m with no interest for six months.

Other measures include a statutory sick pay relief package and extended help under the HMRC’s Time To Pay Scheme British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “The business rates holiday, together with the announcement of a loan package, represent a vital shot in the arm for a sector facing enormous uncertainty.

“We still need to see the details and make sure that retailers can access cash with the minimum of delay, but it is a welcome and necessary first step to protect jobs,” she said.

Adam Marshall of the British Chambers of Commerce said the size of the grants and loans were good news for smaller businesses “but what’s going to be hugley important is that cash gets to the front line and gets there quickly.”

Crisis cancels BGNFS The flooring trade’s key summer showcase in Solihull has been cancelled due to the health crisis.

The Buying Groups National Flooring Show was due to take place on May 13 and 14.

The event takes place at Cranmore Park and on behalf of the buying groups that proudly support the event, BRM, Flooring One, Greendale, Metro and SMG, the organisers commented: “The crisis gave us no option other than to cancel the event but we are very grateful for the patience and understanding of all the suppliers who were pulling together to put on what would have been a great show.

“We’ll look forward to next year when we will have a bigger and better event. In the meantime, we wish all the people we work with, including all our buying group members, good health through this period. Keep safe.”

The annual show for members of the UK’s leading buying groups attracts more than 60 exhibitors and is seen as a key event to announce new products in advance of the Autumn buying season. Dates for 2021 will be announced later this year.

COMMENTARY Panic buying for flooring?

It’s an unlikely scenario that carpets and LVT will rank alongside toilet rolls and pasta in the retail frenzy but evidence from homeware stores holds out some hope for floorcovering retailers in these dark days.

Panic buying has literally been reported in recent days for paint, decorating products and garden items as consumers face the reality of a lengthy domestic incarceration. More investment at home is tipped to be a strong 2020 phenomenon.

Some of this may come sooner for flooring, but only among those few who are sufficiently confident of their financial status to buy big ticket items. However, this may include some older consumers who have paid off their mortgage and so on.

And this assumes that stores are allowed to stay open.

Otherwise, the uplift may come later and there is strong optimism expressed repeatedly by flooring industry leaders that pent-up demand really will kick in when covonavirus recedes, hopefully sometime in the summer or early autumn.

If pent-up demand sounds more like a pipe-dream than an economic reality right now, there is some evidence. Q1 results from various parts of the sector were encouraging and attributed to post-Brexit deferred purchases – shopper sentiment towards high-value items such as furniture and floorcovering jumped to its highest level in 17 months in February according to GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index. Ironically, Laura Ashley reported strong Q1 growth just before the virus caused them to call in the administrators on March 17.

The seismic impact of the health crisis has yet to be measured in terms of personal health and economic impact but a better future exists somewhere over the rainbow – but rainbows are tricky things to find the end of. Meanwhile, hang in there and stay safe.

David Spragg, Editor of The Stockllists

Other news North West distributor Supertex Furnishing has been acquired by the Headlam Group in a £1.3m deal.

The business will continue to trade with its own name and management team though the Supertex operations base will eventually move from Leyland in Lancashire to Headlam’s base in Stockport.

A family-owned company set up in 1978 by Brian Boocock, Supertex has sales of nearly £5m and 29 staff. The founder’s son Hayden is MD and commented: “Headlam was the favoured and trusted choice of buyer to protect the Supertex brand.

“Our loyal customer base, many of whom have traded with us for over 40 years, will only benefit from the investment and logistical expertise that Headlam has to offer.”

The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has agreed a deal for Danspin to sell Lawton Yarns to a London investment company Breal Capital.

Danspin rescued troubled Lawton last Summer, saving 300 jobs at the Dewsbury-based business which has sales of c. £47m, but regulators insisted they should re-sell the business because of competition concerns. Danspin with Lawton accounts for 80% of all UK wool carpet yarn and the CMA said the acqusition was a “significant threat” to the supply market.

Breal Capital is an independently-backed private equity firm and experienced investor in UK manufacturing businesses. The CMA said the firm had “credible plans as to how it would retain the current management, support the operations of Lawton Yarns” and would manage the business as an

Carpetright has signed up to sponsor a football club and will appear on the shirts of League Two Exeter City next season.

Wilf Walsh, Carpetright CEO, was born in Exeter and is a season ticket holder at the club and Supporters’ Trust member, along with his son Harry. “We’re pleased to be sponsoring Exeter City FC and we have committed to supporting them for the next three years. The supporter-owned club plays a vital role in the local community and we’re glad to be able to play a part in their continued success.” The flooring company follows in inauspicious footsteps – Flybe’s logo sponsored the team before its collapse last month!

50 April 2020

Carpet&FlooringReview

Cushion keeps it simple Leoline has introduced Comfytex Deluxe into its 2020 collection, bringing retailers a problem-solving cushion floor ready to tackle troublesome subfloors Thanks to its Luxatex textile-based backing, Comfytex Deluxe can take on a range of challenging subfloors and even over existing floor coverings, absorbing imperfections while laying perfectly flat. With Luxatex providing easy installation in refurbishment projects, the floor can also be loose-laid in rooms up to 24m2 making it an even more tempting choice for homeowners wanting to minimise unnecessary preparation and inconvenience.

Already a popular choice in the housebuilding sector, where it has a proven track-record in helping developers overcome on-site issues and changes of specification, Comfytex Deluxe comes in a range of authentic looking wood, tile and stone designs.

In fact, with herringbone and chevron wood patterns, geometric tiles and minimalist stone decors; Comfytex Deluxe delivers the very latest in popular looks.

Superguard protected for easier maintenance and resistance to stains and scuffs, absorbing footfall noise by 16dB and with R10 slip resistance for assured footing in bathrooms; Comfytex Deluxe is a true nocompromise solution for today’s homes.

Comfytex Deluxe is available in two-metre, three-metre and fourmetre width options and In 19 decors stock, with a 15-year residential wear warranty.

T 0800 032 3970 www.leoline.co.uk

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)

3.4 TOG

ADVANCE THERMAL

INSULATION PROPERTIES

Sound Reduction: 48dB Get your Free Sample delivered today

Call 01924 451 138

or email sales@wilsons-underlays.co.uk

from The Stocklists

FREE SAMPLE

April 2020 51

Flooring

Factsheet Adhesive Types Acrylic/Resin: Ideal for plasticized PVC and most modern flooring.

Bitumen: A tar-like material, bitumen has a high degree of moisture resistance and is used for damp-proof membranes and installing tiles, wood blocks and mosaics.

Epoxy Resin: A two-part chemical curing system that is used in aggressive environments such as conservatories, wet rooms, commercial kitchens and exterior installations.

Polyurethane: An adhesive with rapid bonding characteristics, typically used for wood floors.

ADHESIVES

SELECTION CHECKLIST

The criteria to select an adhesive will cover the following points.

Larger manufacturers offer detailed guides to select the correct adhesive – even indexing floor manufacturer’s products by name to ensure an accurate match. For accurate and up-to-date information consult the F. Ball Recommended Adhesives Guide.

Open Time: The time you have to fit the flooring into the adhesive after which the bond will no longer be ideal. The time until the floor may be walked on should be checked.

Odour: Low odour, solvent free and low VOC products are increasingly favoured and now have the same performance characteristics of older products.

Polyvinyl Acetate: Typically used for close fitting joints in timber, laminate floors and panels.

Coverage: How thick and how far can the adhesive be spread.

Tackifier: An adhesive for carpet designed to increase the tackiness – or the tack range – of an adhesive.

Application Method: Different adhesives may be applied by roller, trowel or spray.

Water-based Adhesive: Many different types of adhesives now use water as their carrier to avoid odours and flammability issues which are common with chemical solvents.

Strength: Including how quickly the adhesive will “grab” the floor covering and its strength when fully cured.

W NE

Underfloor Heating: A lot of modern adhesives are suitable for use with underfloor heating but

this criteria must be checked where appropriate.

Subfloor: What surface will the adhesive stick to most effectively including concrete, sand cement screeds, levelling compounds, plywood and chipboard. While there are multi-purpose adhesives, specialist products will be better suited to certain surfaces. The porosity of the floor is a key determinant of the type of adhesive to be used and its performance during installation.

Special Performance: Certain adhesives are more suitable for damp, humid or high temperature environments.

Air Quality and the Environment: The old wisdom that the more it smells, the better it sticks is no longer acceptable to modern consumers and solvent-based products are increasingly replaced by water-based adhesives.

STYCCOBOND F73PLUS HEAVY DUTYONE PART FLOORING ADHESIVE • No mixing, no waste, easy to use • Fibre-reinforced with high bond strength

• Suitable for internal and external areas • Fast setting - traffic from 90 minutes • Weld from 2 hours

Let F73 Plus take the strain in the most demanding environments Trust the yellow bucket

F. Ball and Co. Ltd.

GREAT BRITISH INNOVATION

01538 361 633 • mail@f-ball.co.uk • www.f-ball.co.uk 52 April 2020

Carpet&FlooringReview

Flooring factsheet Buying Groups Pick the right one How to decide whether to join a buying group – and which one…

• Evaluate all buying groups as they all work differently • Talk to the main marketing contact and/or a member

Metro Group www.carpet1st.co.uk Contact: Jill Coward Tel: 01204 393539 jillcoward@carpet1st.co.uk

of the committee

Why join?

Buying groups have been a highly successful feature of the floor retailing scene in the last decade or so, giving independents the extra edge they need to compete effectively with the retail park chains.

More than 1000 retailers are now members of one of the several buying groups which operate in our sector and the numbers are slowly, but steadily growing.

• Get a list of members and call up two or three for a ‘real-world’ view

• Establish your territorial exclusivity – where’s the next nearest member of each buying group

• Ensure you understand the financial arrangements,

any fees that would relate to your membership, how the bills are paid and whether your fees are refundable if it doesn’t work out. Ask the buying group for a consultation to estimate your potential savings

While the benefits of bulk buying power are self-evident, the resistance to the buying group concept among nonmembers appears to be centred on fears of surrendering some control to a committee – and most particularly compromising long-established relationships and negotiated terms with current suppliers.

• Review all the extra benefits and services to see

The bottom line is the bottom line. A retailer selling across a broad range of products is likely to improve margins within a buying group – but you don’t need a leap of faith to join up. Ask the buying groups for answers...

flexibility to run your business the way you want

www.smg-group.co.uk Contact: Mike Reed Tel: 0118 932 3832 info@smg-group.co.uk

what you would actually use

• Check out the product ranges offered including the own-label options and the UK/European mix

• Ensure you understand any rules that may limit your

Associated Carpet Group www.acgcarpets.com Contact: Richard Moore Tel: 01942 825520 richard@acgcarpets.com

Key benefits Increase margins • Group purchases to get beneficial rates • Rebates • Exclusive higher-margin products • Special promotions ne of the key reasons to join a buying group is to O benefit from the discounts they negotiate as a bulk buyer from manufacturers. The way discounts and rebates are passed on to members varies between groups so make sure it’s absolutely clear how this will be done. You’ll need to work out how this compares with discounts you have already negotiated locally with preferred suppliers.

Access professional services • Business and financial services • IT and internet support • Training and workshops • Professional bodies Some buying groups offer an excellent range of other services which may be valuable to your business.

Financial services include invoice factoring, credit, loans and insurance. Some of the more sophisticated groups offering marketing packages, software systems to help you run your business operations and customised websites ready to use. Relationships with professional and training organisations can also offer discounts.

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

Increase sales

• Best of both worlds’ proposition • Wider ranges and exclusive products • POS, displays and merchandising support

www.beautifulflooring.co.uk Contact: Carl Harris Tel: 01892 549050 charris31@sky.com

Your customers will like the proposition that you are independent but with the buying power of a group – this gives them (and you) the ‘best of both worlds’ with personal service and competitive pricing. Most groups will also offer you ‘own label’ ranges and support with pointof-sale, merchandising and displays. Central stockholding may also be on offer.

Network with other independents • Members-only exhibitions with preferred manufacturers • Regular meetings and supplier presentations • Regional workshops • Helpline A lot of retailers enjoy the buying group environment of being independent but not alone out there on the High Street. Groups hold regular meetings and some have their own trade shows, regional meetings and workshops to help you develop your business. The network gives you someone to call when you need advice on, for example, an unusual installation, a technical consumer complaint, legal issue or business dilemma.

www.flooringone.co.uk Mandy Powell Tel: 0121 683 1426 mandy.powell@flooringone.co.uk

www.greendalecarpets.co.uk Contact: Rob Harding Tel: 01432 852000 Fax: 01432 852005 rharding@greendalecarpets.co.uk

53

Flooring factsheet from Interfloor Best Practice Guide Fitting the Right Underlay Selecting the right underlay is not always easy. There are a lot to choose from and there are many factors to consider such as comfort, durability, suitability with underfloor heating, noise reduction, warmth and more.

Interfloor has been advocating the use of underlay with new floorcoverings since the 1940s, pioneering its “British method” worldwide and developing its market-leading brands Duralay and Tredaire to supply hundreds of customers in over 70 countries.

Here they offer advice on the key considerations for selecting the best underlay …

Our Underlay Range

Sustainability Re-use and recycling are key considerations for determining a flooring product’s green credentials.

Interfloor’s crumb rubber and PU foam underlays contain approximately 80%-90% recycled content. The crumb rubber is made from recycled car tyres and some 3 million are recycled every year to make our underlay.

We launched FSC® certified carpet gripper in 2011 and produced the first EC1 and EC2 flooring adhesives in 2008.

Impact sound With more people opting for hard floorcoverings there are major benefits to using a specialist underlay; not least, the reduction in sound impact.

Interfloor’s Duralay was the first brand to develop special noise reduction underlays for wood and laminate floors. Independent tests prove our sponge rubber Timbermate underlays, with their superior weight and density, reduce acoustic noise levels by up to 30 per cent.

Underfloor heating It’s important to make sure that the effect of underfloor heating is not reduced by the underlay. Choose a specialist underlay for use with underfloor heating and check its thermal insulation value, making sure the thermal resistance of the total installation doesn’t exceed 0.15m2 K/W. Interfloor’s high tog underlays, including Duralay Heatflow and Tredaire King and Defender, help keep rooms warm and cosy.

Quality standards With greater emphasis being placed on building products’ performance, it’s important that those used in residential and commercial environments conform to British and European quality standards.

Interfloor’s underlays and accessories are compliant with the relevant quality and safety standards, including BS 5808: 1991 / EN14499 : 2015.

They also hold the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus accreditation, meaning our products conform to the CRI’s high standards for indoor air quality and low VOC emissions.

Interfloor manufactures Tredaire and Duralay, leading brands underlay market, that are recognized by customers as brands of quality, and with over 70 years of expertise, they are trusted by users throughout the world.

54

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

Flooring factsheet Underlay In a tight market for margins, underlay for carpet and hard flooring offers retailers one of the best opportunities to add value to every sale – with good profitability, trade-up potential once benefits are understood and high customer satisfaction levels.

www.interfloor.com

The Carpet Foundation and its Consumer Code of Practice approved by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) recommend that new carpet underlay is bought with every new carpet.

Many consumers are now aware of the benefits of underlay but more needs to be done to provide information about the different types available and their suitability for different areas of the home.

www.floorwise.co.uk

Setting up in-store demonstrations so customers can walk on samples with different grades of underlay and feel the difference has shown excellent results. Some manufacturers offer point-of-sale units and foot testers.

www.carpenterunderlay.co.uk

Benefits

Types

Good underlay will...

• Improve underfoot comfort • Increase appearance retention, reducing flattening • Absorb the pressure of foot traffic and reduce wear • Improve thermal insulation and warmth • Increase sound insulation • Smooth out sub-floor imperfections • Last the lifetime of the carpet

PU (polyurethane) foam This is now the market’s most popular underlay and is typically made from recycled foam offcuts. The foam provides excellent comfort and performance levels with lots of thickness options and densities and provides great insulation – and its light weight helps handling.

Poor or old underlay will...

• Feel hard and unwelcoming • Reduce carpet life • Cause wrinkling and premature wear spots • Cause carpet fibres to break down more quickly • Not meet British Standards How thick?

A maximum of 12mm is recommended (working with gripper will be difficult thereafter) but rooms with heavy traffic will need a thinner, denser pad. The combination of thickness and density is all important as a thick underlay with low density may not perform well. Typically, the thicker the underlay, the better quality it will need to be – 11mm is often used for luxury installations with 9mm and 7mm the common domestic thickness.

Sponge rubber

Combination

Crumb

PU foam

Sponge rubber Introduced in the 1950s, this is a more traditionally manufactured underlay available in flat or waffle patterns in a wide range of weights for different applications. It performs well for comfort and has a durable spring retention.

Crumb rubber Flat and dense, crumb rubber is good for heavy footfall – offering maximum protection but a little less comfort (and very good over stair nosings).

www.wilsons-carpet-underlays.co.uk

Laminate underlay There’s still an opportunity to sell underlay with laminate flooring, improving the acoustic performance of the floor and helping the boards float above any imperfections in the sub-floor.

Combination A rubber crumb base with a felt top layer offers a good combination of protection, durability and comfort. It also allows carpet with seaming to bed into the top felt.

www.luxeunderlay.com

Underfloor heating underlay Always ask if there is underfloor heating. Most manufacturers offer specialised products. Underlay and carpet with a combined tog rating of 2.5 can be used – which means the underlay would normally have a tog rating of 1.0.

Felt This traditional (but environmentally friendly) undelay is made from recycled fibres – wool, jute and synthetic – to create a firm, dense pad with excellent thermal insulation.

Still a very popular choice among contractors when stretch fitting woven carpets.

Pre-tackified underlay A self-adhesive single stick underlay in both needlefelt and PU. A removable system for heavy use when comfort is desired.

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

www.underlay.com

www.qaflooringsolutions.com

www.interfloor.com

55

WoolSafe factsheet Caring for carpet the right way The WoolSafe Organisation is the UK’s leading authority for the correct care and maintenance of carpet and offers a range of services empowering retailers to build a reputation for great service and consumers to get the most out of their investment.

A

W :RRO6DIH ZH ZRUN KDUG WR EULQJ \RX VHUYLFHV WKDW KDYH D SRVLWLYH LPSDFW RQ \RXU EXVLQHVV /RRNLQJ DIWHU \RXU FXVWRPHUV LV NH\ LQ PDLQWDLQLQJ \RXU UHSXWDWLRQ :KHQ \RX VHOO D FDUSHW RU UXJ WR D FXVWRPHU GR \RX SURYLGH WKHP ZLWK DQ\ DGYLFH DERXW KRZ WR ORRN DIWHU WKHLU YDOXDEOH LQYHVWPHQW" $IWHU DOO LI WKH\ FDUH IRU WKHLU FDUSHW SURSHUO\ LW ZLOO SHUIRUP ZHOO RYHU WKH ORQJ WHUP DQG \RX ZLOO KDYH D PRUH VDWLVČ´HG FXVWRPHU

Stain Removal Guides 7KH IUHH WR GRZQORDG :RRO6DIH &DUSHW 6WDLQ &OHDQLQJ *XLGH $SS SXWV WKH ULJKW ZD\ WR WUHDWLQJ VSLOOV DQG DFFLGHQWV DW \RXU Č´QJHUWLSV 7HOO \RXU FXVWRPHUV DERXW WKLV DSS DQG KHOS WKHP WR PDLQWDLQ WKHLU LQYHVWPHQW WKH FRUUHFW ZD\

Approved Service Provider

$YDLODEOH IRU L3KRQH DQG L3DG RQ $SS 6WRUH DQG $QGURLG GHYLFHV RQ *RRJOH 3OD\

7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ LV GHGLFDWHG WR UDLVLQJ VWDQGDUGV LQ WKH FDUSHW FOHDQLQJ VHFWRU DQG VR UXQV WKH :RRO6DIH $SSURYHG 6HUYLFH 3URYLGHU 1HWZRUN

:RRO6DIH 79 RQ <RXWXEH LQFOXGLQJ KRZ WR UHPRYH UHG

2Î?HULQJ FRYHUDJH RI WKH 8. DQG Î&#x2013;UHODQG WKH :RRO6DIH $SSURYHG 6HUYLFH 3URYLGHU 1HWZRUN FRQVLVWV RI WUXVWHG DQG KLJKO\ SURIHVVLRQDO FDUSHW FOHDQLQJ FRPSDQLHV WKDW RSHUDWH WR D VWULFW FRGH RI SUDFWLFH 6HUYLFH 3URYLGHUV KDYH DW OHDVW RQH :RRO6DIH )LEUH &DUH 6SHFLDOLVW LQ SHUPDQHQW HPSOR\PHQW ZKR KDV SDVVHG :RRO6DIHČ&#x2021;V ULJRURXV WUDLQLQJ FRXUVH 7KHVH SURIHVVLRQDOV DUH DPRQJ WKH EHVW LQ WKHLU LQGXVWU\ DQG VKRXOG EH WKH Č´UVW SRLQW RI FDOO ZKHQ SURIHVVLRQDO FOHDQLQJ VHUYLFHV DUH UHTXLUHG )LQG \RXU $SSURYHG 6HUYLFH 3URYLGHU DW ZZZ ZRROVDIH RUJ

The clean carpet you expect... the service you deserve www.servicemasterclean.co.uk 56

$ VHULHV RI RQH PLQXWH VWDLQ UHPRYDO YLGHRV DUH YLHZDEOH RQ

ZLQH DQG FRÎ?HH VSLOOV IURP D ZRRO FDUSHW ZLWK MXVW WLVVXH SDSHU DQG D :RRO6DIH DSSURYHG VSRW UHPRYHU

Free Customer Care Helpline Î&#x2013;I \RX KDYH WURXEOH GHDOLQJ ZLWK FXVWRPHU TXHULHV RQ FDUSHW PDLQWHQDQFH VXFK DV Č&#x2020;KRZ GR Î&#x2013; JHW UHG ZLQH RXW RI P\ FDUSHWČ&#x2021; WKHQ MXVW JLYH WKHP WKH :RRO6DIH +HOSOLQH QXPEHU DQG ZHČ&#x2021;OO JLYH WKHP WKH ULJKW DGYLFH

01943 850817 British Wool makes a better carpet... naturally www.britishwool.org.uk THEâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;STOCKLISTS April 2020

Registered Registered Inspectors Inspectors Network Network 7KH :RRO6DIH 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV 1HWZRUN LV 7KH :RRO6DIH 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV 1HWZRUN LV RQ KDQG VKRXOG D SUREOHP EH WRR ELJ WR VROYH RQ KDQG VKRXOG D SUREOHP EH WRR ELJ WR VROYH :KHWKHU EHWZHHQ EHWZHHQ \RX \RX DQG DQG \RXU \RXU FXVWRPHU FXVWRPHU :KHWKHU \RXU FXVWRPHU FXVWRPHU DQG DQG WKH WKH PDQXIDFWXUHU PDQXIDFWXUHU RU RU WKH WKH \RXU PDQXIDFWXUHU DQG DQG \RX \RX :RRO6DIH :RRO6DIH 5HJLVWHUHG 5HJLVWHUHG PDQXIDFWXUHU ΖQVSHFWRUV XVH XVH WKHLU WKHLU H[SHUW H[SHUW NQRZOHGJH NQRZOHGJH WR WR ΖQVSHFWRUV LQGHSHQGHQWO\ LQYHVWLJDWH FDUSHW FRPSODLQWV LQGHSHQGHQWO\ LQYHVWLJDWH FDUSHW FRPSODLQWV 8VLQJ H[SHULHQFH H[SHULHQFH JDLQHG JDLQHG RYHU RYHU PDQ\ PDQ\ \HDUV \HDUV RI RI 8VLQJ SUDFWLFDO LQYROYHPHQW ZLWK FDUSHWV DQG UXJV DQG WKHLU H[WHQVLYH SUDFWLFDO LQYROYHPHQW ZLWK FDUSHWV DQG UXJV DQG WKHLU H[WHQVLYH WUDLQLQJ :RRO6DIH :RRO6DIH 5HJLVWHUHG 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV ΖQVSHFWRUV DUH DUH IXOO\ IXOO\ TXDOLȴHG TXDOLȴHG WR WR WUDLQLQJ LQYHVWLJDWH FRPSODLQWV RQ VLWH IRU ERWK GRPHVWLF DQG FRPPHUFLDO LQYHVWLJDWH FRPSODLQWV RQ VLWH IRU ERWK GRPHVWLF DQG FRPPHUFLDO LQVWDOODWLRQV 7KH\ 7KH\ FDQ FDQ FDUU\ FDUU\ RXW RXW RU RU FRPPLVVLRQ FRPPLVVLRQ WHVWV WHVWV ZKHUH ZKHUH LQVWDOODWLRQV UHTXLUHG DQG ZLOO SURYLGH D FRPSUHKHQVLYH UHSRUW UHTXLUHG DQG ZLOO SURYLGH D FRPSUHKHQVLYH UHSRUW 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV DUH OLVWHG DW ZZZ ZRROVDIH RUJ 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV DUH OLVWHG DW ZZZ ZRROVDIH RUJ

WoolSafe Approved Approved Products Products WoolSafe 6RPH RI WKH ZRUOGȇV ELJJHVW FOHDQLQJ SURGXFW QDPHV DUH HQUROOHG 6RPH RI WKH ZRUOGȇV ELJJHVW FOHDQLQJ SURGXFW QDPHV DUH HQUROOHG LQ WKH :RRO6DIH $SSURYHG SURJUDPPH $SSURYHG SURGXFWV KDYH LQ WKH :RRO6DIH $SSURYHG SURJUDPPH $SSURYHG SURGXFWV KDYH EHHQ WHVWHG WHVWHG LQ LQ WKH WKH :RRO6DIH :RRO6DIH ODERUDWRU\ ODERUDWRU\ E\ E\ VFLHQWLVWV VFLHQWLVWV IRU IRU WKHLU WKHLU EHHQ H΍HFWLYHQHVV DQG VDIHW\ 7KHUH DUH DSSURYHG SURGXFWV VXLWDEOH H΍HFWLYHQHVV DQG VDIHW\ 7KHUH DUH DSSURYHG SURGXFWV VXLWDEOH IRU FOHDQLQJ DQG PDLQWDLQLQJ $// W\SHV RI FDUSHWV DQG UXJV QRW IRU FOHDQLQJ DQG PDLQWDLQLQJ $// W\SHV RI FDUSHWV DQG UXJV QRW MXVW WKRVH PDGH IURP ZRRO MXVW WKRVH PDGH IURP ZRRO )LQG DSSURYHG SURGXFWV RQ ZZZ ZRROVDIH RUJ RU ZKHQ XVLQJ WKH )LQG DSSURYHG SURGXFWV RQ ZZZ ZRROVDIH RUJ RU ZKHQ XVLQJ WKH :RRO6DIH $SSV DYDLODEOH RQ $SSOH DQG $QGURLG :RRO6DIH $SSV DYDLODEOH RQ $SSOH DQG $QGURLG

Wool Owners Warranty 7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ LQ SDUWQHUVKLS ZLWK VRPH RI WKH 7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ LQ SDUWQHUVKLS ZLWK VRPH RI WKH 8.ȇV OHDGLQJ OHDGLQJ ZRRO FDUSHW PDQXIDFWXUHUV KDYH 8.ȇV KDYH ODXQFKHG ODXQFKHG DQ DQ LQGXVWU\ ȴUVW D EUDQG QHZ DIWHUFDUH VHUYLFH IRU LQGXVWU\ ȴUVW IRU WKRVH WKRVH ZKR ZKR SXUFKDVH D ZRRO FDUSHW WKH :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ :2:

SXUFKDVH D ZRRO FDUSHW WKH :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ :2:

:KHQ D FRQVXPHU EX\V D ZRRO RU ZRRO ULFK FDUSHW IURP DQ\ :KHQ D FRQVXPHU EX\V D ZRRO RU ZRRO ULFK FDUSHW IURP DQ\ RI WKH UDQJHV RI WKH SDUWLFLSDWLQJ PDQXIDFWXUHUV DQG UHJLVWHUV RI WKH UDQJHV RI WKH SDUWLFLSDWLQJ PDQXIDFWXUHUV DQG UHJLVWHUV WKHLU SXUFKDVH SXUFKDVH RQOLQH RQOLQH WKH\ WKH\ DUH DUH DOORFDWHG WKHLU DOORFDWHG WKHLU WKHLU RZQ RZQ SHUVRQDO SHUVRQDO FDUSHW FDUH DGYLVRU D :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &DUSHW &OHDQHU FDUSHW FDUH DGYLVRU D :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &DUSHW &OHDQHU 6KRUWO\ DIWHU DIWHU LQVWDOODWLRQ LQVWDOODWLRQ WKH WKH :2: :2: &DUSHW 6KRUWO\ &DUSHW &OHDQHU &OHDQHU YLVLWV YLVLWV WKH WKH FDUSHW RZQHU GHOLYHUV D IUHH ERWWOH RI VSRW UHPRYHU DQG JLYHV FDUSHW RZQHU GHOLYHUV D IUHH ERWWOH RI VSRW UHPRYHU DQG JLYHV VRPH LQYDOXDEOH FDUSHW FDUH DGYLFH 7KLV LV D )5(( VHUYLFH VRPH LQYDOXDEOH FDUSHW FDUH DGYLFH 7KLV LV D )5(( VHUYLFH ΖQ WKH HYHQW RI D VSLOODJH RQ WKHLU WUHDVXUHG ZRRO FDUSHW \RXU Ζ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ȇV FXVWRPHUȇV SUHPLVHV WR DWWHPSW D SURIHVVLRQDO WUHDWPHQW )5(( RI FKDUJH SUHPLVHV WR DWWHPSW D SURIHVVLRQDO WUHDWPHQW )5(( RI FKDUJH 7KH HDV\ VWHSV WR UHJLVWHU \RXU FXVWRPHU IRU 7KH HDV\ VWHSV WR UHJLVWHU \RXU FXVWRPHU IRU :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ 9LVLW ZZZ ZRZZDUUDQW\ FRP FOLFN RQ WKH UHWDLOHU SRUWDO 9LVLW ZZZ ZRZZDUUDQW\ FRP FOLFN RQ WKH UHWDLOHU SRUWDO

DQG UHJLVWHU \RXU FRPSDQ\ ΖQ IXWXUH \RX ZLOO ORJLQ WKURXJK DQG UHJLVWHU \RXU FRPSDQ\ ΖQ IXWXUH \RX ZLOO ORJLQ WKURXJK WKH VDPH SRUWDO

WKH VDPH SRUWDO

ΖQSXW \RXU FXVWRPHUȇV GHWDLOV DQG WKH LQIRUPDWLRQ RI WKH ΖQSXW \RXU FXVWRPHUȇV GHWDLOV DQG WKH LQIRUPDWLRQ RI WKH FDUSHW SXUFKDVHG FDUSHW SXUFKDVHG (LWKHU VHOHFW D ORFDO :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &OHDQHU RU OHDYH LW RQ (LWKHU VHOHFW D ORFDO :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &OHDQHU RU OHDYH LW RQ DXWRPDWLF DOORFDWLRQ DJUHH WR WKH 7 &V DQG FOLFN 5HJLVWHU DXWRPDWLF DOORFDWLRQ DJUHH WR WKH 7 &V DQG FOLFN 5HJLVWHU 7KH SURFHVV LV VLPSOH DQG WDNHV MXVW WZR PLQXWHV 7KH SURFHVV LV VLPSOH DQG WDNHV MXVW WZR PLQXWHV

TheWoolSafe WoolSafe Academy Academy The 7KH :RRO6DIH $FDGHP\ LV \RXU SRUWDO IRU SURIHVVLRQDO 7KH :RRO6DIH $FDGHP\ LV \RXU SRUWDO IRU SURIHVVLRQDO OHDUQLQJ DQG \RX FDQ GLVFRYHU D ZRUOG RI DGYLFH WHFKQLFDO OHDUQLQJ DQG \RX FDQ GLVFRYHU D ZRUOG RI DGYLFH WHFKQLFDO ȴOHV DQG D IXOO OLEUDU\ RI LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ FDUSHW FDUH ȴOHV DQG D IXOO OLEUDU\ RI LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ FDUSHW FDUH ZZZ ZRROVDIHDFDGHP\ RUJ ZZZ ZRROVDIHDFDGHP\ RUJ 7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ 7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ %RURXJKJDWH 2WOH\ :HVW <RUNVKLUH /6 $* %RURXJKJDWH 2WOH\ :HVW <RUNVKLUH /6 $* 7HO RɝFH#ZRROVDIH RUJ 7HO RɝFH#ZRROVDIH RUJ

Environmentally aware for superior carpet care www.cleantecinnovation.com THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

:RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ LV XQLTXH DQG FDQ EH H[WHQGHG IRU WKH :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ LV XQLTXH DQG FDQ EH H[WHQGHG IRU WKH OLIHWLPH RI WKH FDUSHW RQ FRQGLWLRQ LW LV FOHDQHG DQQXDOO\ E\ D OLIHWLPH RI WKH FDUSHW RQ FRQGLWLRQ LW LV FOHDQHG DQQXDOO\ E\ D :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &OHDQHU ΖW LV XQOLNH DQ\ RWKHU FDUSHW ZDUUDQW\ :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &OHDQHU ΖW LV XQOLNH DQ\ RWKHU FDUSHW ZDUUDQW\ RU ȆVWDLQ SURRIȇ JXDUDQWHH DWWDFKHG WR FHUWDLQ V\QWKHWLF FDUSHWV RU ȆVWDLQ SURRIȇ JXDUDQWHH DWWDFKHG WR FHUWDLQ V\QWKHWLF FDUSHWV 1R RWKHU ZDUUDQW\ R΍HUV D IUHH VSRW UHPRYDO VHUYLFH IUHH 1R RWKHU ZDUUDQW\ R΍HUV D IUHH VSRW UHPRYDO VHUYLFH IUHH ERWWOH RI VSRW UHPRYHU DQG IUHH SHUVRQDOLVHG FDUSHW FDUH ERWWOH RI VSRW UHPRYHU DQG IUHH SHUVRQDOLVHG FDUSHW FDUH DGYLFH ΖPSUHVV \RXU FXVWRPHUV VHOO PRUH ZRRO FDUSHW DQG DGYLFH ΖPSUHVV \RXU FXVWRPHUV VHOO PRUH ZRRO FDUSHW DQG PDNH PRUH SURȴW 5HJLVWHU WRGD\ PDNH PRUH SURȴW 5HJLVWHU WRGD\

ZZZ ZRZZDUUDQW\ FRP ZZZ ZRZZDUUDQW\ FRP

Vacuum cleaners - the choice of cleaning professionals www.sebo.co.uk 57

The Stocklists Carpet Company Directory Abingdon Flooring

01274 655694

Adam Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W Ww

01562 829966

Alternative Flooring

01264 335111

Associated Weavers Tw Tu

01422 431100

Avena Carpets Ltd Tu Ww Axwoven Carpets Ltd Ax Be Axminster Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tw

01422 330261

0121 550 5788

01297 32244

Brockway Carpets Ltd Tw W 01562 828200 sales@brockway.co.uk www.brockway.co.uk

Bronte Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W office@brontecarpets.co.uk www.brontecarpets.co.uk

01282 862 736

Burmatex Tu

01924 262525

+32 56 62 2211

Cavalier Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww 01254 268000

Beaulieu International Group Be Pr Tu Tw

+32 56 67 66 11

Christy Carpets Tu 019078 308777

Belvedere Carpets Tu W sales@belvederecarpets.co.uk www.belvederecarpets.co.uk Betap Tufting BV +31 383 861 060 BIC Carpets +32 56 23 54 10

020 8800 0740

Clarendon Carpets Tw

01827 831480

Classis Carpets Tu W Ww

0870 020 1725

Condor Carpets BV Tu Tw W Tu

Contempo Carpets 01924 488882

Blenheim Carpets Ax Be Tw W Ww

020 7823 3040

BMK

0113 380 5333

Bond Worth Ltd Ax 01562 745000

58

0116 284 1455

Creatuft Carpets Tu W

+32 56 35 4444

Custom Carpet Company Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01737 830301

Dan-Floor UK W

0844 9151000 +32 55 335211

E & WE Carpets W

01562 825952

Edel Telenzo Carpets Ltd Tu Tw W sales@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk Enterprise Weaving Co Be Ww

Fells Carpets

0800 689 4741

sales@contempocarpets.co.uk www.contempocarpets.co.uk

Cormar Carpets Ltd Tu Tw W info@cormarcarpets.co.uk www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Brintons Couristan Carpets Ax Tu Tw W Ww 0800 505055 Ax Tu W Ww

Stainfree Twist from Abingdon

Creative Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

01422 374 417

01562 745030

+31 38 4778911

Be Tw W

Bizspoke Custom Carpets Be Tw W

01294 558400

Domo Floorcovering Pr Tu Tw

Balta Industries Tu Tw W Ww

Belvedere Carpets

Craigie Carpets Be

Durham Twist from Hugh Mackay

01204 881 234

800 223 6186

Ww cummings@btinternet.com www.fellscarpets.co.uk Fletco Taepper A/S Tu W

Flock-living Limited Tu Wa info@flock-living.com www.flock-living.com

Firth Carpets & Flooring Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

01977 662211

+45 96 60 3000

+44 (0)20 8440 8777

01484 721529

Brockway’s Vogue

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

If you would like to be included in this section or upgrade your listing, please contact Diane Martin on +44 (0)1482 659396 or email diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk KEY TO CODES: Be: Bespoke • Pr: Printed • Tu: Tufted • Tw: Twist • W: Wool • Ww: Woven Wilton • Wa: Woven Axminster

Le Tissage d’Arcade Ax Ww

+32 05685 4747

Lecaflor Ltd Ax Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

Furlong Flooring

Tw W enquiries@furlongcentral.co.uk www.furlongflooring.co.uk Gaskell Wool Rich Tu Tw W

01772 696 787

01827 831525

Gaskell Mackay Carpets Ltd Ax Tu Tw W Georgian Carpets Tu Tw W

01429 892525 01827 831430

Godfrey Hirst (GB) Ltd Tu Halbmond Teppichwerke Be Pr Tu

Hammer Carpets

0800 526696 +49 037 421 420

01473 826870

infouk@hammercarpetsuk.com www.hammercarpets.com Heckmondwike FB

01924 410544

ITC Be Pr Tw Tu

0032 51 424 411

John Lanham Watts Carpets Ax Tw Ww John Evans Ltd Ax Tu Tw W

07850 935301

Joseph Hamilton & Seaton W Kingsmead Carpets Tu Tw W

Lano NV

Ax Pr Tu Tw W Ww marketing@lano.be www.lano.com

01937 588511

01827 831400 01827 831 424

+32 56 65 4300

Bronte’s Cream Shagpile

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

0800 78 33 712

Leigh Spinners Ltd Tw

01942 673232

Louis de Poortere W

+32 56 393 386

Lusotufo Tu

+35 12 56 750 500

Manx Carpets Tw W

01827 831 434

Master Weaver W Ww

01562 754 382

Mayfield Carpets Tu Tw W

01706 639 866

MID NL Be

+31 38 851 8700

Millennium Weavers Europe Tu Tw sales@millenniumweavers.eu www.millenniumweavers.be Modulyss Be Tu Tw Pr

+32 55 50 9050

+32 52 457211

Mr Tomkinson Tw Ww

01827 831 450

Penthouse Carpets Tu Tw W

01706 341231

Phoenox Textiles Pr Tu

01484 863227

Pownall Carpets Tw W

0845 6528811

Roger Vanden Berghe.NV Tu Ww

+32 56 73 57 11

Signature Carpets Be Tu W

01422 845075

TAT Carpet

07976 607657

Tapibel NV Pr Tu Tw

01623 481 221

Tasibel NV Tw

+32 52 499600

The Grosvenor Wilton Co W Ww

01562 701456

The Sultana Carpet Co Ax

01299 822300

Wilton Carpet Commercial Ax Tu Tw Ww W Be

01722 746000

Thomas Witter UK Ltd Tu Tw

0870 1128318

Timzo Tufting Industry BV Tu

+31 38 385 4477

Tisca Tiara Tu Ww

07860 911748

Trendy Tuft Designs Be Tu Tw W

01274 855080

Ulster Carpets Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

02838 334433

United Carpets & Beds Tw W Ww

01709 732 666

Victoria Carpets Tu Tw W Ww

01562 749300

Vorwerk Flooring

01282 332025

Westex Carpets Tu

01274 861334

Weston Hammer W

0845 644 9090

Whitestone Weavers Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01429 892555

Wilkies Carpets Tw

0113 307 9955

Ryalux Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

0845 652 8811

Woodward Grosvenor Ax Tu Tw W Ww

Sans Frontieres Ltd Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

0844 5611977

Wool Classics Tu Ww

Shaw Home Foundations Tu

01675 433 501

Woven Carpets of Kidderminster W 01299 827477

Cormar’s Sensation Twist

0800 526696 0207 349 1560

Wellington Stripe from Ulster

59

Flooring factsheet Carpet trouble-shooter

• shedding • pulled loops

Fading on Wool

Carpets made from wool can and do fade in use. The degree of fade can vary depending on the colour chosen and the local conditions to which the carpet is subjected.

Fading can be caused by exposure to ultra violet light which is found in daylight, but is accelerated when sunlight shines directly onto the carpet. This has the effect of lightening or “Bleaching” the colour just as exposure to sunlight will lighten human hair. Wool is after all animal hair.

Protection should be given to carpets exposed to such conditions just as you would protect other furniture or fabrics.

A complaint on fading would be considered justified if it failed to meet the required shade standard when tested to the British Standard BS1006 (1990).

Soiling

Soiling is usually the result of some local condition to which the carpet has been subjected to, or maintenance, or lack of maintenance programme. There is nothing we as manufacturers can do to prevent soiling in use. There are several types of soiling which are quite common: Spillages - Liquids such as soft drinks, cordials or any drink which contains sugar, particularly hot drinks, is likely to leave a stain. In such instances, professional help should be sought.

Colour matching Carpets are produced in batches - known as creels - and usually each batch produces between 500m2 - 3000m2 in a single width, depending on the creel size. Whilst the recipe used by the dyer remains constant, and is followed to the letter, in each separate production the colour reproduction will vary from batch to batch.

However production is matched back to the original or master sample to ensure that the colour remains ‘within a commercial tolerance’.

This process if not an exact science and a commercial tolerance is subjective but nevertheless is usually the professional judgement of the head dyer based on his/her experience.

Shampoo - if incorrectly applied, can leave sticky soap residues in the fibres which can result in the soiling reappearing quite rapidly.

Dust - which is carried on draughts can soil carpets in various ways, apart from the obvious soiled edges, at gaping skirting boards for instance, dark lines appearing on surface might suggest airborne dust vacuum-drawn through poorly fitted floorboards. Sometimes the shape of floorboards can be seen quite clearly. Air borne dust sometimes shows itself as spots on the carpet, this is due to the air carried on a draught under the carpet escaping through minute holes both in the underlay and the carpet, leaving dust deposited on the pile much like a filter action. In such installations, the use of a lining paper is essential as a preventative measure.

A greater level of tolerance is required on blended colours (Heathers etc). To ensure perfect colour matching it is advisable that a single width be used in any installation requiring exact colour matching.

It is the responsibility of the retailer to advise the consumer when the carpet is measured of any poorly fitting doors, skirtings, or floorboards and the consumers responsibility to ensure any remedial work to seal draughts, is carried out before the carpet is fitted, if a resulting complaint is to be avoided.

N.B. Carpets which are laid with the pile travelling in different directions, even though they be from the same batch will appear not to match. For further information please check with the manufacturers recommendations.

Static

Sprouting

Occasionally an odd tuft or two can work its way to the surface and stand proud of the rest of the pile. This is probably due to one end of the tuft being longer than the other i.e. J shaped tuft instead of V shaped. Remedial action merely requires that the offending tufts be scissor trimmed level with the rest of the pile. They should never be pulled out.

60

Carpets do not produce static but like other household fabrics and objects have the capacity to store it. Static is caused by the build up of static electricity upon personnel in a dry environment and is discharged when a person makes contact with an object which can conduct electricity (i.e. door handle or filing cabinets, etc).

The static charges will vary in intensity depending upon the individual, air humidity and the contact materials. Static is more usually associated with synthetic materials as they do not retain moisture very well but it can and does occur with wool in very dry room conditions.

Preventative measures include the introduction of moisture into the room or in situ carpet treatment.

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

• sprouting • shading • static • fading • pile reversal • shedding • flattening • soiling

Flattening

Flattening will occur as a result of traffic which eventually flattens the pile particularly in the main areas of use.

All pile fabrics will flatten to greater or lesser degree dependant on the amount of traffic to which it is subjected and the construction (tuft density/pile fibre/height/weight) of the product concerned.

Shading

Shading occurs because the pile of the carpet has become crushed, flattened or brushed in a different direction to the natural lie of the pile whilst in situ. This causes light reflection at differing angles resulting in the creation of light and dark patches on the carpet. This will occur on all pile fabrics but can be more noticeable on plainer carpets because the shadows created by pile pressure will not be disguised by a heavy pattern or design.

Pile Reversal

Like shading, this occurs when the pile or nap of the carpet changes direction and thus reflects light at different angles showing the effects of shading which can become permanent. It is also described as ‘watermarking’. This can happen to every carpet construction be it Axminster, Wilton, Tufted, Hand Woven, Persian, Chinese, Indian or even Coir Matting. Like shading it can be more apparent on plain carpet because heavy patterns can disguise the effects.

It can occur quite quickly after installation. A tremendous amount of research has been carried out over many years by many institutes to determine the cause of this phenomenon but none of it has proved conclusive.

Shedding

All cut pile carpets will lose short fibre, which is created during production when spun yarn is cut for tuft formation.

These fibres fall onto the surface of the pile and appear as ‘fluff’.

The effect varies with yarn type and may be removed without detrimental effect upon the carpet by vacuum cleaning. This excess fibre is only a small fraction of the total fibre contained in the carpet.

Indentations

When a carpet is subjected to a heavy point load, such as under the legs of furniture, it is unreasonable to expect the carpet not to indent. Usually, the longer the load is in place, the longer will be the time for the pile to recover.

In the case of very heavy loads in place for a considerable time, the recovery time can be very considerable.

It must be remembered that it is not only the pile of the carpet that becomes indented. The underlay will also indent and the backing of the carpet may also distort into the indentation in the underlay. Some underlay’s will recover well and some less well depending upon their composition, thickness, density etc. The use of cups below furniture legs can spread the load and the net result is a larger area of less deeply indented carpet.

The ability of a carpet to recover from a heavy static load can be measured in the laboratory, using the test method described in BS 4939 and many manufacturers will have data on this aspect of carpet performance. In this test the carpet is loaded for 24 hours and the degree of recovery is measured after 1 hour and 24 hours. Since there are so many different underlay’s however, it is very rare for the recovery from a heavy static load to be evaluated on carpet and underlay.

There is no commonly known manufacturing process which can cause or cure this phenomenon and therefore it is not a manufacturing fault. For further information please check with individual manufacturers recommendations.

Often normal maintenance (vacuum cleaning with a rotating brush machine) will speed up recovery but in the case of serious indentations the use of an iron and damp cloth or a steam iron together with a blunt darning needle to carefully tease up the pile can be beneficial. Care must be take not to over wet the carpet, of course.

Pulling Loops

Samples

Pulled loops occur only in looped pile carpet where one or more loops in the continuous pile is pulled through the primary backing of the carpet. This is usually due to some local condition, possibly some sharp object which has caught in a loop in situ and has resulted in a pull.

Pulled loops are easily dealt with by trimming the offending end level with the rest of the pile. They should not be left as this could result in further loops being pulled and developing into a ladder.

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

The original carpet tile

The samples held by individual retailers may not be from the same batch as current production and therefore should be used as a guide and not an exact colour match.

Installation

Telephone National Institute of Carpet Fitters (NICF) for further information – 0115 958 3077.

This information is given by responsible manufacturers to help you help your customer to make an informed choice.

61

The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory East

National

North East

Fells Carpets

Fells Carpets Leeds 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk

Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk

TCS “The Carpet Specialists” Morecambe 01524 840177 info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com

Floorwise (North East)Ltd Birtley - see Floorwise page 64

Salesmark Ltd St Neots - see Floorwise page 64

Midlands

STS Flooring Distributors Cambridge Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk

Leeds 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk

Xylo Wood Flooring London 020 8368 8122 infouk@xyloflooring.com www.xyloflooring.com

North West Carpet Line Direct Manchester 01204 701188 salesnw@carpetlinedirect.co.uk www.carpetlinedirect.co.uk Fells Carpets Goole 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Choice Flooring Manchester - see Floorwise page 64 Millbrook Carpets Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk Preston Underlay Centre Ltd Preston/Lancashire - see Floorwise page 64

Birch Distribution Sheffield - see Floorwise page 64 Birch Distribution Leeds - see Floorwise page 64

South West

Birch Distribution Hull - see Floorwise page 64

BL Flooring Supplies Bristol - see Floorwise page 64

Cornerstone Flooring Doncaster - see Floorwise page 64

BL Flooring Supplies Gloucester - see Floorwise page 64

Cornerstone Flooring East Midlands and Warwickshire 01159 444711 sales@cornerstoneflooring.co.uk www.cornerstoneflooring.co.uk

Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise page 64

DMS Flooring Supplies Northampton 0845 643 5601 dmsnorthampton@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

Flooring Supplies (Wessex) Amesbury 01980 625888 orders@flooringsupplieswessex.co.uk

Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam - see Floorwise page 64 Matty’s Wholesale Carpets Birmingham 01675 433072 sales@mattys.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Watford 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk Trade Counter Carpets Leicester 0845 604 3055 tradecountercarpets@gmail.com

Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise page 64

R & M Wholesale Bristol 01179 531222 Tiverton 01884 258266 sales@rmwholesale.co.uk Salesmark West Ltd Amesbury - see Floorwise page 64 Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk see page 19 for details

Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise page 64

62

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

Are you a Wholesaler?

If you’re not listed here, please call Diane Martin on 01482 659396

South East Acorn Carpet Accessories Bromley, Kent - see Floorwise page 64 Ashmount Flooring Supplies Tottenham 0208 808 2158 sales@ashmountflooring.co.uk www.ashmountflooringsupplies.co.uk Ballister London 020 8570 1668 london@ballister.co.uk www.ballister.co.uk Ballister Reading 0118 931 3535 reading@ballister.co.uk www.ballister.co.uk Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk Clifford Floors Strood 01634 285900 sales@clifford.uk.com Culpeck Strood 01634 299000 sales@culpeck.uk­­.com Columbia Flooring Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk see page 9 for details DMS Flooring Supplies Hemel Hempstead 0845 643 5344 dmshemel@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk DMS Flooring Supplies Milton Keynes 0845 643 5320 dmslaser@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

Littner Hampton London 020 8520 8474 littnerhampton@aol.com www.littnerhamptoncarpets.co.uk John Palmer Carpets Fareham 01329 221933 sales@johnpalmercarpets.uk.net Potts & Ward, Woodcocks Ltd Brighton 01273 557211 sales@pwwflooring.com www.pwwflooring.com Salesmark Lancing - see Floorwise page 64 Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk - see page 19 STS Flooring Distributors Basildon 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk Trade Carpet London Wimbledon 0208 247 3891 sales@tradecarpet.com www.tradecarpet.com

Scotland Flanagan Flooring Distributors Glasgow Business Park Baillieston Tel: 0141 773 1122 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com MCD Scotland Uddingston Glasgow 01698 808000 mcdscotland@mcd.co.uk www.mcdscotland.co.uk Neil Smith Ltd Glasgow - see Floorwise page 64

Ireland Flanagan Flooring Distributors Belfast & Saintfield Co. Down Northern Ireland Tel: 028 9751 0932 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com Flanagan Flooring Distributors Willow Business Park Dublin Tel: (01) 429 7800 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise page 64 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Belfast - see Floorwise page 64 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Limerick - see Floorwise page 64

Wales Matty’s Wholesale Carpets Birmingham 01675 433072 sales@mattys.co.uk

TCS “The Carpet Specialists” Co. Louth 00353 429 351 351 info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com

Flooring Storage UK Potters Bar 01707 245999 sales@flooringstorage.com www.flooringstorage.com

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

63

wiseup to floorwise quality&value guaranteed

gripper

underlay

stair nosings

profiles

tools

adhesives + screeds

Nosings Artificial Grass Tools network Tools Profiles Stair N national distributor Profiles Laminates Tools Gripper Underlay Scre ols Gripper Underlay Screeds Adhesives Profiles Grip Tools Profiles Stair Nosings Tools Gripper U ols Gripper Underlay Screeds Adhesives Profiles Screeds Adhesives Profiles Stair Screeds Profiles air Nosings Tools Gripper Underlay Screeds Profile creeds Adhesives Profiles Stair Nosings Tools G es Profiles Stair Screeds Profiles Stair Nosings To 1 Neil Smith Ltd 16 Salesmark West Ltd 8 Choice Flooring Ltd Glasgow Amesbury, Wiltshire Trafford Park, Manchester Tel: 0141 552 1141 Tel: 01980 880933 Tel: 0161 872 8003 sales@neilsmithltd.co.uk mail@salesmark-west.co.uk sales@choiceflooringwholesale.co.uk 2 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 17 Acorn Carpet Accessories 9 Cornerstone Flooring Belfast Bromley, Kent Doncaster Tel: 028 9075 3202 Tel: 020 8462 0422 Tel: 01302 835117 Fax: 028 9075 3901 Fax: 020 8462 0927 Fax: 01302 302542 salesbelfast@pfl.ie sales@acorncarpetsacc.co.uk cornerstonefloor@btconnect.com 3 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 10 Birch Distribution 18 Salesmark Dublin 12 Lancing, West Sussex Sheffield, S9 5PH Tel: 00353 (0)1 626 3913 Tel: 01903 750522 Tel: 0114 243 1230 Fax: 00353 (0)1 460 4669 Fax: 01903 851111 Fax: 0114 243 5118 salesdublin@pfl.ie sales@salesmark-floorwise.co.uk n.maude@birchdistribution.co.uk 4 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 11 Woodall Brothers Ltd 19 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Limerick Newton Abbot, Devon Shrewsbury, Shropshire Tel: 00353 (0)61 227 100 Tel: 01626 835935 Tel: 01743 441584 Fax: 00353 (0)61 227 000 sales@fitwell.co.uk Fax: 01743 441629 sales@pfl.ie sales@woodallbrothers.co.uk 20 Fitwell Flooring Ltd 5 Preston Underlay Centre Ltd Redruth, Cornwall 12 Floorwise D & J Ltd Preston, Lancashire Tel: 01209 214344 Southam, Warwickshire 1 Tel: 01772 556345 sales@fitwell.co.uk Tel: 01926 814922 sales@pucflooring.co.uk Fax: 01926 817899 sales@fwdj.co.uk 6 Birch Distribution 2 Leeds, LS10 1AG 13 Salesmark Ltd Tel: 0113 244 4363 St Neots, Cambridgeshire Fax: 0113 244 8665 Tel: 01480 212888 5 6 l.sigsworth@birchdistribution.co.uk Fax: 01480 218585 3 8 9 7 sales@salesmark.co.uk 7 Birch Distribution 10 4 Hull, HU7 0XD 14 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd 11 Tel: 01482 826654 Gloucester 12 Fax: 01482 878693 Tel: 01452 223355 13 d.ostler@birchdistribution.co.uk Fax: 01452 371284 14 info@blflooring.co.uk 17 15 16 15 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd 18 19 Bristol 20 Tel: 0117 955 5454 Floorwise Group Ltd. Fax: 0117 955 2626 Floorwise House, 22 High Street, info@blflooring.co.uk Kegworth, Derby, DE74 2DA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1509 673974 Fax: +44 (0)1509 674841

he +s sive cr ee s ds lam ina tes

ad

ng tti ma

es tap

ls too

pr ofi les

gr ipp er

n pv osin c s gs kir + tin g

64

un de rla y

headoffice:

THEâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;STOCKLISTS April 2020

Flooring factsheet Carpet types

Tufted With advances in manufacturing technology, 95% of all carpet produced today is tufted. It takes about an hour to make a roll of carpet that might take eight hours to weave. To make tufted carpet, hundreds of yarn-threaded needles are pushed through the primary backing fabric to form loops or tufts, which may be left as is or cut.

A heavy adhesive coating is applied to hold the tufts in place and a secondary backing is usually glued on for strength and stability. A wide variety of styles and textures can then be created using various techniques.

LOOP PILE

Berber ­­– Berber carpets look like and are named after a handmade, bulky wool carpet made by the Berber tribes of North Africa and Asia. The loops are made from thick or bulky yarns of wool, nylon, polypropylene or a blend of these fibres to give a cushioned effect underfoot. These carpets are available in an assortment of colours and may be flecked and can be either level loop or multilevel loop.

Level loop ­­– When all the loops are of the same height, a highly flexible and durable carpet is created which has a natural, casual appearance even when (commonly) it is made from synthetic fibres. The tight loop texture tends to hide marks so it’s a good blend between luxury and practicality.

Multi-level loop –­­ The loops vary to two or sometimes three loop heights to create informal, random textures which are very forgiving for marks and stains and therefore very suitable for high traffic areas and busy family rooms.

BONDED

Bonded carpets (sometimes called ‘fibre-bonded’ or ‘fusion bonded’) are created by firing fibres into an adhesive material – the fibres are not stitched into the backing in any way. The technique is principally used for commercial carpet tiles.

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

CUT PILE

Freize ­­– Frieze or frisée (pronounced freesay) carpets are similar to saxony, but the yarns are more tightly twisted and should always be heat set. They have a dense, low pile surface which creates a coarse, pebbly texture. Frieze carpets are very durable and hide footprints, dust and dirt, which makes them suitable for heavy traffic areas.

Saxony ­­– Saxony textures are made of twisted yarns, which should be heat set. The tips remain very distinct, rather than blending together to form a very elegant finish. Saxony textures show footprints and vacuum marks so are suitable for more occasional rooms in the home. More textured variations improve the practicality of saxonies.

Twist ­­– The popular twist carpet is the cut-pile standard. The yarn is tightly twisted and often heatset to retain this feature and the result is a versatile, textured finish that is ideal for plain colours.

Velvet ­­– Velvet textures (sometimes called ‘velour’ or ‘plush’) all have a level surface pile of approx 5mm to 10mm height, which is then sheared to give a smooth finish. With very little twist in the yarn, the ends blend together which then further enhances the overall finish. These carpets tend to ‘shade’ with heavy use. Footprints show easily and the colour looks different from place to place because fibres lying in different directions reflect the light differently. A luxury for occasional rooms.

CUT AND LOOP

When some of the pile is cut and other left as loop, a variety of surface textures and patterns can be created (in a variety of colours). The multi-level surface is excellent for hiding footprints and stains so cut and loop is good for high traffic areas and general purpose rooms in the home.

Shag pile –­­ Shag pile has varied in popularity.

The pile is up to 50mm long and the texture is casual and loose but the surface can flatten easily and may lack durability.

Woven Woven carpet may be in a tiny minority of today’s production but still produces some of the finest carpets which are used for prestigious installations.

Axminster The pile of the carpet is inserted into the backing as it is woven and cut to length, creating U-shaped tufts to give a velvety surface. The process locks in the fibre to create a carpet of high durability and performance retention as well as a luxury feel. The process allows for intricate designs and colours to be used – although modern trends mean that the traditional patterned axminster has given way to current fashion trends for plain carpets.

Wilton Wilton woven carpets are produced in a similar way to axminsters – the principal difference being that a continuous fibre is woven all the way through. The carpet can be sheared to create a range of cut and loop textured effects. The result is a high quality carpet of unrivalled durability.

Flat weave Manufactured in the same way as wilton, flat weave is a loop pile which allows the yarn to be woven across a wider area to created a flatter, more textured effect.

65

Tel: 0115 950 6836 Email: info@fita.co.uk www.fita.co.uk

national institute of carpet & floorlayers

D DE

CALL NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION!

LO

C AT

IO N AD D

ED

Vinyl

Sheet Vinyl Installation — Commercial — Basic/Intermediate Sheet Vinyl Installation — Commercial — Advanced Sheet Vinyl Installation — Domestic Sheet Vinyl — Wetrooms Installation — Advanced

Linoleum

Linoleum Installation — Basic Linoleum Installation — Intermediate

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

Subfloor Preparation — Commercial Subfloor Preparation — Domestic

Supplementary

Cost-Effective Estimating and Planning — Commercial Profitable Measuring and Quoting — Domestic Moisture — Preventing Floor Failures

national institute of carpet & floorlayers

FITA is a joint venture by CFA and NICF

KIRKCA LDY

W

FITA provides short training courses, workshops and assessments for both commercial and domestic markets.

Both our fully equipped training centres at Loughborough and Kirkcaldy are run by seasoned professional instructors with specialist knowledge of the flooring industry.

NE

Carpet Fitting — Basic Carpet Fitting — Intermediate Carpet Fitting — Advanced NEW! Carpet — Borders NEW! Natural Floorcoverings

Carpet

PROFESSIONAL FLOORING TRAINING

N

TRAINING COURSES — 1 TO 4 DAYS

LOCATION A D EW Now you can tr LOUGHB ain at OROUG H or

CARPET WORKSHOPS — ALL 1 DAY DURATION Carpet

NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW!

Bullnose and Double Bullnose Joins (including Repairs) Stairs (including Open Plan) Stretching Techniques (including Power Stretching)

stand out from the crowd

The NICF offers something for all levels of floorlayers, from Apprentice level all the way through to Master Fitter It not only helps me gain work , but gives my customers the assurance that their flooring will be fitted to the highest of standards Making the most of the benefits on offer from the NICF has helped to enhance my fitting and my business to make me stand out from the crowd Give us a try or you will never know if the NICF is right for you!

Dan Evans

Master Fitter

Joining th e I did since NICF is the best th in deciding to be a fitt g er!

Tel: 0115 958 3077 www.nicfltd.org.uk Email: info@nicfltd.org.uk

66

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020

WIN

£2000 C ! + TO ASH + TROOLS PHY

national institute of carpet & floorlayers

DO YOU HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS TO BE LVT FITTER OF THE YEAR 2020?

THE COMPETITION FORMAT IS AS FOLLOWS: 1). *You do NOT need to be an NICF member to enter this competition. Applicants must be aged 18 years or over on Tuesday 31st March 2020. NICF Council members are excluded from entering.

2). Deadline for entry is midnight of Tuesday 31st March 2020.

3). Entrants are initially required to complete a questionnaire giving the most full and accurate answers possible. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on the answers provided and 14 fitters will be selected to progress to the Semi-Final practical trials.

4). The Semi-Finals will be held on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th June 2020 at the FITA Training Centre, Loughborough.

5). The 6 Finalists MUST be available to attend a briefing day on Friday 17th July 2020 at the FITA Training Centre, Loughborough.

6). The Final is at The Flooring Show, Harrogate, Sunday 20th to Monday 21st September 2020.

ENTER ONLINE NOW!

www.nicfltd.org.uk/FOTY-Competition The Final will be held at The Flooring Show, Harrogate in Sept 2020 Fitter of The Year LVT 2020 Competition is kindly sponsored by

THE STOCKLISTS April 2020 NICF FOTY LVT 2020_CFJ Jan 2020_Final.indd 1

67 04/12/2019 11:12:41