The Stocklists - April 2024

Showtime in Solihull

The new INDX National Flooring Show opens to all retailers on April 30 with over 60 of the leading brands in the trade.

pages 30–47

Flanders floor trends

Top Euro brands line up for Belgium showcase of quality page 22

Get a grip on luxury

floorwise's deep new XL gripper page 18

First impressions

Hallways have a warm welcome awaiting and Rita Bancroft examines the options pages 48–55

Chill with Zenn vinyl

BerryAlloc simplifies how consumers choose their floors page 17

Apprentice approval

Recognition for F Ball for "outstanding contribution" page 22

Rogue breaks code

Guarantee challenged by abuse – page 28

Digital drive

Portal power and technology tools are transforming the industy's efficiency pages 56–60

Class-leading design

Beauflor has Xtreme answers to demanding floor installations page 17

Grand Designs

Quick-Step flooring shines through the iconic show's own house page 18

Delayed recovey

Better prospects later in 2024

– Business news pages 26,28

Spring into quality with Betap.

This spring, let Betap spark a transformation in your favorite spaces. With over a century of experience, we craft carpets that cater to every corner, from your peaceful home to your lively office. As the world reawakens, invite our range to refresh your environment. Opt for the gentle finesse of nonwovens or the sumptuous comfort of premium wool, available in a palette that complements your unique taste. No matter your need, Betap has got you covered, literally!

Carpet: Ocean Twist Carpet: Ocean Twist

HUDSON & BROOKLYN

updated with soft & natural tones

Hudson & Brooklyn from AW has been a popular range for us over the years, it’s a great everyday carpet and suitable for anywhere in the home. We stock the Brooklyn quality and we find this a perfect family friendly carpet at an affordable price.

The new colours have definitely enhanced the range and kept it on trend for our customers.

Lee - Direct Carpets

Hudson is our “go to carpet”. Good quality, good colour range, good value.

Steve - Shaws floors

I’ve been using Hudson & Brooklyn for a few years and brooklyn has become one of my best sellers.

The colours are on point and the coverage of the product gives outstanding value for money.

Also which makes my life easier is that the fitters have no complaints and are complimentary to how it fits and looks after installation.

With the new colour bank and more Heather’s options

I’m confident it will remain my go to twist of choice!

Paul - Professional carpets

For 3 consecutive years Invictus® was awarded by the trade and trade press*

BEST BRANDING, BEST MARKETING BEST DISPLAY

Associated Weavers stands out from the crowd as to UK-presence, branding & in-store solutions. The Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring concept and display are no exception to that rule, the attractive branding and visuals will be the highlight of any store .

The Invictus® interactive Premium stand has reinvented the in-store display and brings a tool with an intuitive digital module that is sure to offer a great customer experience and guide customers through an efficient and fun-to-do purchase process. The symbiosis between traditional samples and digital journey is unseen in the flooring business. This display along with a modern, innovative Island stand & toastrack display completes the impactful instore presence of Invictus®.

SHARE YOUR INVICTUS

#invictuscarpetflooring

www.invictus.co.uk

A UK brand since 1964

A GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE FOR LUXURY VINYL TILES

Our System LVT guarantee gives flooring contractors the reassurance needed for all LVT installations. Our range helps flooring contractors achieve the best results when a resilient, attractive finish is required.

To find out more visit f-ball.com or call 01538 361 633. A great finish starts with F. Ball.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

First Impressions, Humble

Having sold over 5 million m2 of carpet since its launch, First Impressions remains a firm Victoria favourite.

Our recent colour update sees the introduction of 12 new shades which have been added to the 8 best-selling colours from the existing collection. The addition of on trend warm and neutral tones ensures First Impressions is the perfect choice for any location for years to come.

New style POS available to order now, contact the sales office to find out more.

Tel: 01562 749300 / Email: sales@myvictoria.co.uk

www.myvictoria.co.uk

FLOORINGNEWS

Vinyl chills out with Zenn

Whatever you need from a vinyl plank or tile, you’ll find it in Zenn. Herringbone or concrete looks, planks or tiles, glue-down or click, integrated underlay, commercial, residential and more; BerryAlloc has given it all to Zenn.

Zenn offers your customers a new way to buy vinyl planks or tiles. They simply choose the look and then, whether for the home or a commercial project, you help them to decide the specification that works best for them. From eight wood plank and four stone tile looks, homeowners and businesses can get a dream floor without compromise.

Two specifications both featuring a scratch and stainresistant surface – Zenn 30 (moderate use) and Zenn 55 (heavy duty/commercial) – take care of durability. Then decide between glue-down or click installation with integrated underlay. Zenn 55 also comes in a herringbone floor pattern, in either click or glue-down.

Scott Arundell, sales director UK & Ireland, BerryAlloc: “Quite frankly, there’s almost too much choice these days when it comes to picking a floor. It can also be frustrating for customers when they find a design they like, but then can’t get it in the specification they can afford or need. It’s like juggling plates and it’s no wonder that homeowners are often left befuddled. We’re changing that with Zenn, simplifying the purchase process and making it easier for you to give your customers the vinyl floor they need.”

The Zenn collection uses a stone composite core construction (also known as rigid core) and has been thoroughly tested for strength, waterproof and splash-resistance, impact damage, fading, stability and wear. Zenn is made to last a lifetime – backed by residential warranties ranging from 15 years to a lifetime, and commercial warranties varying from three to 10 years based on the chosen wear layer. The integrated underlay of Zenn 30 and Zenn 50 rigid click planks and tiles helps to reduce footstep and ambient noise levels, resulting in a decrease of 19 decibels in transmission sound.

Class leading design floors

Schools and colleges need a floor that’s not only good to look at, but it must also be able to withstand constant footfall, be easy to clean and prove a cost-effective choice: Beauflor sheet vinyl floors

Suitable for schools needing an affordable solution to their floor in corridors, congregation and other heavy-duty areas, Xtreme is made in Belgium for a quality solution. The floor features a 0.70mm wear layer that’s capable of withstanding intensive use over a long period and is protected with Premium Coating to resist scratches, marks and stains. It also makes Xtreme easy to clean using routine maintenance. The floor is available in a wide range of digitally printed looks including natural wood planks and all-over designs. Using high-definition digital printing ensures these designs also avoid tell-tale pattern

Digital printing is also behind the Create bespoke floor concept. Ideal for schools and academies looking to utilise the floor as a way of expressing the values of their learning environment or to inspire pupils.

First impressions

Rita Bancroft makes an entrance with a review of options for halls and stairs pages 48–55

Showtime in Solihull

The new INDX opens its doors to all retailers as the agenda setter for the season pages 30–47.

Portal power

Digital developments are transforming retailers' relationships with their suppliers pages 56–60

For schools looking for a take on existing designs, say a solid colour floor with the addition of a school logo or motif, the Studio programme is ideal: any Xtreme design can be chosen and adapted with text or logos. Crea is the completely bespoke service where Beauflor’s design team creates a floor from scratch, using your ideas and inspiration to create a one-off floor. Available on just a single full roll of Xtreme, Create brings a unique floor that can echo the values of education environments in a finish that is hardwearing and easy to maintain.

Chris Roberts, Regional Sales Manager, Beauflor: “The floor is one of the largest surfaces in the school environment and represents a great opportunity to do something creative. However, cutting in designs or logos into vinyl floors is costly and prohibitive, so not really an option for many schools, particularly in refurbishment. However, our Create programme makes it possible to have a floor that’s unique to your school and which reflects the values it bestows on pupils, while also benefitting from the affordable nature of sheet vinyl and the durability and ease of maintenance of our Xtreme specification.”

FLOORINGNEWS

Grand showcase for Quick-Step

Grand Designs Live is the UK’s leading consumer exhibition for those looking to take on their own home build or major renovation project. For the first time at ExCel this May, the exhibition is building its own house, the Grand House, as a showcase of stunning and innovative designs. Inside Grand House, the show’s 70,000 plus visitors will get to see the premium quality, impressive design and outstanding practicality of Quick-Step floors.

Installed by Quick-Step Master Installers, the only professionals to be able to provide a lifetime guarantee for installation of the brand’s floors, Quick-Step wood, laminate and vinyl will feature throughout Grand House, demonstrating how its floors can create a beautiful home while withstanding the footfall expected throughout the show’s weeklong opening.

The Wood for Life technology in Disegno and Cascada will be useful in ensuring these waterproof wood floors look just as good on day seven of the show as they did at the Grand House’s opening. Capture and Impressive laminate will stand-out for their masterful realism and Alpha Vinyl for its authentic looks and comfort underfoot.

Niall Cassidy, Sales Regions Manager UK & Ireland, Quick-Step, explains why the brand is sponsoring the Grand House: “Grand Designs Live provides us with a fantastic opportunity to be in front of an engaged audience looking for premium quality products for their personal homebuilding and renovation projects. And what better way to experience Quick-Step’s beauty and quality than by seeing and walking on our floors in the Grand House?

www.quick-step.co.uk

Get a grip on luxury

Think thinner for instals

British Standards stipulate that a 6mm (nom.) plywood should be used for the installation of all resilient floorcoverings, but with the high-density engineered hardboard of Lion Floor, you can opt for a 4.8mm thick board and still comply with BS 8203.

Thanks to Lion Floor’s high-grade construction that’s denser and more rigid than plywood, similar strength can be achieved with a thinner board, so British Standards and CFA guidance allow for the use of 4.8mm thick Lion Floor as an alternative to 6mm (nom.) plywood. Helping to minimise floor height, this makes Lion Floor ideal for refurbishment projects where floor to ceiling height or consistent floor levels are crucial. It also helps to reduce the amount of material used in the subfloor.

Not only is Lion Floor thinner than plywood, it also comes in a wider range of board sizes. In easy to handle sheets (4’ x 2’ and 4’ x 3’), Lion Floor is ideal when access is tight or installing floorcoverings smaller rooms. And for jobs where size isn’t such an issue, sheets are also available in 6’, 8’, 9’, 10’ x 4’ for faster installation.

Lion Floor is installed in exactly the same way as plywood, so despite its size advantages there’s no specialist knowledge needed to fit it. Unlike plywood, Lion Floor can also be cleanly cut with a knife, so it can help to cut down on dust and noise in sensitive environments like schools and health care.

“Other than habit, the arguments for choosing BS 8203 compliant plywood over Lion Floor are extremely limited,” says Peter Jones, Finnish Fibreboard. “The board has the reliability and durability needed for working to British Standards. Designed for flooring and without any changes to installation methods, once you’ve tried Lion Floor we’re confident you’ll be saying goodbye to plywood.” sales@finfib.fi • www.finfib.fi

The legendary hold of Diamond Gripper can now be enjoyed on the thickest underlay and carpet combinations with new floorwise Diamond XL9 Gripper.

The rise in thicker underlays beneath carpet has seen some fitters install double-runs of gripper, but even then, the thickness of gripper and pins is often not enough to get a good and reliable grip. So, floorwise has introduced Diamond XL9 Gripper. Using the wide 25mm format which has made Diamond Gripper the go-to product for installers, XL9 is now thicker at 9mm. Combined with the high nail and pin count, this means that Diamond XL9 Gripper brings the legendary hold to carpets with underlays 10mm thick and over.

Diamond XL9 Gripper comes pre-nailed for wood floors or with dual purpose nails for use with both concrete and wood floors, its zinc-coated nails and pins are rust-resistant and with 12 nails per five-foot length, Diamond XL9 Gripper also has a stronger fix to the subfloor. The extra-wide gripper is easier and safer to fit than conventional gripper as the nails are further away from walls and skirting, while 78 pins per five-foot length provide a superior hold of the stretched carpet.

Andrew Gill, product manager, floorwise, says: “Diamond Gripper has a legendary status amongst installers and many see it as a sign of a quality installation. As such, it’s at the heart of fantastic floors all around the country. However, with consumers demanding greater comfort, we now see 10mm thick underlays as commonplace, so the limiting factor has become the thickness of the ply used in Gripper. To address this trend we’ve now introduced Diamond XL9 Gripper with 9mm thick plywood to bring the legendary hold of Diamond Gripper to thick underlays and luxury carpets.

Supplied in boxes of 80, floorwise Diamond Gripper XL9 is available from floorwise distributors in UK, Ireland and Europe. You can earn points on every box of Diamond XL9 Gripper to redeem against over 70 rewards now available in flooring’s biggest promotion.

T 01509 673974 • wiseup@floorwise.co.uk • www.floorwise.co.uk

A Modern Classic

Herringbone Classic is the smartly sized plank from Moduleo.

Whatever the room, Moduleo Herringbone Classic gives the perfect look. Choose from 12 wood looks designed and made exclusively in Belgium with selected floors available EIR for a true-to-nature floor.

As part of our Roots collection, this smartly sized herringbone can be matched to standard wood planks for an exclusive design floor. Or mix it up with unique stone, concrete and terrazzo looks.

moduleo.co.uk

Enjoy a premium natural look and authentic texture.

Perfect herringbone in flexible settings

With new Herringbone Classic and Herringbone Short, homeowners are sure to find the perfect Moduleo Roots herringbone floor, whatever the room. In large rooms or open plan living, Herringbone Short (63.2 x 15.8cm) brings a statement floor that doesn’t look too busy. For smaller rooms like cosy living spaces, kitchens, hallways or downstairs WC, Herringbone Classic (40.8 x 10.2cm) is the smartly sized herringbone floor.

Moduleo’s herringbone floors are available in a wide range of wood looks, ranging from the rustic Country Oak and colourful Blackjack Oak to the clean look of Laurel Oak, Glyde Oak and Mexican Ash. So, whatever their style, your customers are sure to find their perfect plank. And with Moduleo’s textured matt surface, there’s an original and authentic look to be enjoyed. For the best in realism, a selection of floors also come with emboss in register (EIR), where the texture and pattern are perfectly synchronised.

As with the rest of the Roots collection, Moduleo herringbone floors have the superior standard that comes from being made in Belgium. A floor that’s easy to look after, resistant to scratches, stains and water, and which comes with a long 25-year warranty thanks to its 0.55mm wear layer, choosing Moduleo herringbone is choosing quality.

What’s more, as part of the Roots collection, both Herringbone Classic and Herringbone Short can be matched to standard wood planks for an exclusive design floor that flows beautifully throughout the home. Or, they can be mixed with complementing stone, concrete and terrazzo designs to create a one-off floor to reflect a home’s personality.

Roots herringbone is now available on display boards for 36 and 72 slot displays, as well as all variants of the shop-in-shop unit. If you’re interested in seeing what else Moduleo has to offer, then contact your ASM.

www.moduleo.co.uk

Exceptional endless planks

Woodline is the new cushion vinyl collection from LeoLine with a painted wood look.

New from LeoLine for 2024, the endless plank of Woodline is an exceptional design, available in a range of 10 painted colours including tones of forest green, sky blue and mushroom beige to bring something unique to any home. Giving an alternative to painted wood floors that need careful treatment not to chip and scratch, Woodline makes full use of LeoLine’s new Realistic Look that brings defined plank grooves and an improved textured grain.

“Woodline was a joy to design, its ‘endless’ grain draws the eye through the room and is a twist on the expected, while its trending colours give a super desirable painted look,” says Elise Bylo, design manager, LeoLine. “Floors like this really show how you can be bold in your style choices and get a really unique interior while spending just a couple of hundred pounds.”

Woodline is made easy to clean thanks to the dirt protection of Superguard and because it is waterproof and comes with added slip-resistance, it’s suitable for bathroom use – not something that can be said about a painted wood floor. With a tough and durable Powerback construction, it’s also ready for busy areas of the homes like hallways, kitchens and living spaces.

Stuart Reeves, sales director, LeoLine: “Painted wood floors appear in magazines and on websites as a ‘must have’ look, but as anyone who has tried painting their floor before knows only too well, it doesn’t stay that way for long. Even if you’re careful, painted floors scratch up, can chip easily and become watermarked. In no time at all, they soon look past their best. Woodline brings the look in a range of bold heritage colours and neutral tones that stay looking good and which are warm and comfortable. It’s a win all-round.”

www.leoline.co.uk

Hartley heads national sales

Hugh Mackay are pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Hartley as the company’s new National Sales Manager. With over 20 years of service within the contract side of the business, Paul brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

"We are delighted to welcome Paul Hartley as our new National Sales Manager," said Sales Director, Charlotte Jarvis. "Paul's knowledge and passion for our industry make him the ideal candidate to lead our sales team and drive our business forward. We have full confidence in his ability to inspire and empower our team to achieve even greater success."

The appointment comes at an exciting time for Hugh Mackay as the company continues to expand its brand presence and reputation as a market leader.

T 01429 892555 • www.hughmackay.co.uk

Studio Casa

Say it in stone, work it in wood or create it in concrete; Studio Casa lets your customers have it their way in a cushion vinyl floor with performance that won’t let them down.

Studio Casa is coming to LeoLine stores this spring. Find out more from your LeoLine ASM.

LeoLine.co.uk

Flanders for flooring trends 2024

Are you passionate about flooring? Then make sure 13–16 May is blocked out in your calendar. Professionals will be gathering at the third year of the Flanders Flooring Days to experience the latest products, meet new and potential partners, and discover current trends in European flooring.

Leading European manufacturers present their newest hard and soft flooring and related products. Many of the Flemish participants will welcome visitors at their own showrooms. Other companies will exhibit at the booths in The Hub in Kortrijk Xpo. Spend four days immersing yourself in everything the sector has to offer, from the showrooms to The Hub and on to a sociable networking dinner.

Schedule your visit – If you’re interested in meeting a particular company or learning more about a specific product, register for your visit now. During the sign-up process, you can specify which of the exhibitors you want to meet, in the booths in The Hub and also in the showrooms. Once you've registered, the companies you’ve expressed interest in will get in touch to schedule a time slot for you. The organisers will be providing a free shuttle service for transport between the showrooms and The Hub.

Key exhibitors with a major presence in the UK include Associated Weavers, Betap, Condor, Coretec, IVC, Lano, Beaulieu, Mapei, Tapibel, Unifloor and Unilin.

T + 32 56 24 11 11 • info@flandersflooringdays.com www.flandersflooringdays.com

TOP BRANDS SHOWCASE IN FLANDERS

Aarova

Alfa Carpets

Associated Weavers

Balta

Barth & Co

Beaulieu

International

Belysse

Betap

Condor Group

Coretec

Creatuft/Tasibel

Decora

Decospan

Depro Profiles

Dollken Profiles

Egger

EOC

Fabromont

Gerflor

Hamat

IVC

Kuberit

Lamett

Lano

Mapei

Mercury Flooring

Neuhofer Holz

Objectflor

Osta

Ragolle Rugs

Rinos

Robusta

Selit

Dammtechnik

Soudal

Tapibel

Tuuli Flooring

Unifloor

Unillin

Verbatex

F. Ball is a top apprentice employer

F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has been recognised for supporting young people at the beginning of their careers, winning the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Apprentices (Large Employer)’ award at The Newcastle Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) Apprenticeship Awards. Last year, F. Ball created six new apprenticeships across its engineering, technical services, marketing, operations, business administration and safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) departments at the company’s Staffordshire headquarters. Each apprentice is allocated a personal mentor and has regular one-to-one catch up sessions to check progress, discuss opportunities for further support, future training and career aspirations. The company also helps local schools and colleges with student work experience placements and ensures that students get an opportunity to speak or work with an apprentice during the placement.

On the receipt of the award, F. Ball managing director, Darren Kenyon, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised for our work to help young people starting out in their careers, not least because it’s a key step towards addressing the UK’s skills gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) roles, which is particularly important for manufacturing and construction industries. Each one of the apprentices who has joined F. Ball in the past 12 months has made an invaluable contribution to the organisation.”

F. Ball is actively looking to identify additional opportunities for apprentices within the company. The awards were hosted at the NSCG Performing Arts Centre. An auction on the night also raised over £6,000 for the award’s nominated charity, The Peter Pan Centre for Children With Special Needs. T 01538 361 633 • www.f-ball.co.uk

All about flooring, every day!

THE 2024 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 Sunday 30 April 2024. NICF Council members and previous Carpet Fitter of The Year winners are excluded from entering.

2). Deadline for entry is 23:59 on Sunday 30 April 2024.

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 10 fitters will be selected to progress to the Semi-Final practical trials.

4). The Semi-Finals will be held on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 June 2024 (five fitters per day) at the FITA Training Centre, Loughborough. Five fitters will progress to the Final competition.

5). Briefing information for the five finalists will be supplied digitally in August.

6). The

Subdued UK demand for flooring says Victoria

Major flooring conglomerate Victoria plc says wider market demand for flooring is 20% down with subdued but stable trading in the UK.

But in a trading update to the City, Victoria was optimistic about the future saying "the medium-term macro-economic outlook is generally improving as well as key leading indicators for flooring demand."

These indicators cover housing transactions, mortgage rates, consumer confidence, employment, consumer savings, real wage growth and increased construction activity.

Victoria has already told the markets that its annual sales figures for the year ended 30 March 2024 will be below 2023 levels and has been working to maximise efficiencies and cost management across the Group, including a 16% reduction in workforce.

Executive chairman Geoff Wilding told investors: "We emphasise that we are not expecting some immediate improvement in flooring demand. However, we are confident of the impact on earnings and cashflow of management's actions, and are certain demand will inevitability revert to the long-term mean."

Meanwhile, the Group has said it will use cash generated from the sale of non-core and surplus assets to buy back up to £25m worth of shares which it believes are under-valued at present. It will also repay debt which was reported at a level of £670m in Victoria's half-year statement to September 30, 2023.

February dampens demand for furnishing

The dark and very damp February weather drove down demand for home furnishing, but analysts expect confidence to improve when the sun finally comes out!

Barclays Consumer Spending Index, which includes the majority of store purchases on both debit and credit cards, says the interior sector was down 3.6% compared to the same period last year.

Overall, consumer spending on cards grew 1.9% year-on-year in February which represents a decline given that general inflation is running at 4.2%. Karen Johnson, Head of Retail at Barclays, said: “February’s wet weather meant Brits chose to spend more time indoors, resulting in a slowdown in high-street spending.

“With Brits having reined in discretionary spending during the winter months, and as inflationary pressures begin to ease, retailers will be hopeful that the onset of warmer weather lifts spending – particularly if consumer confidence improves in the summer,” she added.

January decline for flooring imports

Confirming a slow start to the year across all flooring sectors, imports into the UK declined 6.8% to £115m in January compared to 2023.

Carpet imports declined 5.5% according to HM Revenue & Customs figures compiled by The Furnishing Report. This figure highlights a continuing shift away from Europe, notably a 27% fall in the value of incoming goods from the Netherlands while Turkey's sales into the UK were up 26%.

Other flooring sectors saw greater import declines with wood flooring down 12% and vinyl down 7.9%.

Furniture deflation, carpet inflation

While the furniture sector sees deflation with the fastest fall since 2016, carpets continue to buck the trend with prices still going up.

The monthly inflation figures from the Office for National Statistics saw consumer inflation reduce in February to 3.4% but in furniture, prices are now actually coming down i.e. deflation – 1.5% lower in January, 1.6% lower in February.

Floorcoverings appeared to be finally coming down in January too, with a modest 0.5% decline but while smooth flooring is continuing this trend, carpet retail prices have turned up again, driving overall flooring inflation up by 1.7% year-on-year in February.

Likewise defies gloom with upbeat start to 2024

Fast-growing flooring distributor Likewise has posted a positive report for the first two months of 2024 with sales up over 11% to £22.8m.

Bucking the trend of a slow start to the year for many manufacturers in the sector, Likewise also said average daily sales were increasing by 6.5%. Sales in Likewise's own branded businesses have increased by 20.1%. in January and February.

Whilst the first two months can only ever provide limited indication of the year as a whole, early trends are positive said the company in a trading update statement to shareholders.

Chief Executive Tony Brewer commented: "A good start to the year with many opportunities before us. The ongoing investment in Sales Teams, Product and Point of Sale Displays will continue to increase our market share. The Group continues to look forward with optimism as it accelerates towards its medium-term objectives."

Likewise has increased its sales team by 11 and announced "extensive launches" across all flooring categories to take advantage of the traditionally busy Spring trading period.

Glimmer of hope for housing

The latest for UK housing transactions shows some crumbs of comfort for manufacturers who rely on consumers moving house to boost "big ticket" sales such as flooring and furniture.

The latest headline figures from HMRC's Monthly Property Transactions Commentary make grim reading. The provisional non-seasonally adjusted estimate of the number of UK residential transactions in January 2024 is 68,090, 10% lower than January 2023 and 20% lower than December 2023.

January is always a poor month for transactions and the seasonally adjusted figures actually estimate that the number of UK non-residential transactions in January 2024 is 9,790, 1% higher than January 2023 – the first month-on-month increase since August 2023.

Yasin Patel, of property specialists Autarky Sukuk, said: “A monthon-month uptick in transactions is a clear indication that there is momentum for growth in the property industry."

"Rogue retailer" forces Foundation to change code

The Carpet Foundation has said it will not be honouring orders from an insolvent retailer under its deposit protection programme, citing a "blatant abuse" of the scheme which threatens its viability.

Under the Foundation scheme, consumers' deposits of up to 50 per cent are guaranteed under its Code of Practice but the organisation says it will now have to re-write its rules after being inundated with calls relating to Cullingford Carpets of Wincanton.

Cullingford filed for insolvency in November but prior to the collapse the Foundation says that the business continued trading while knowing it was insolvent and used the Foundation's protection scheme to tell customers their deposits were safe. The Foundation says in many cases, Collingford did not then place customers' orders with manufacturers.

After taking legal advice and discussing the situation with Cullingford's administrators, the Foundation wrote to its members: "While there are moral and ethical issues, we fervently do not believe that the Carpet Foundation should be held accountable for the blatant abuse of the scheme by one of our retail members, nor should the malpractice of one retailer threaten the viability of the Carpet Foundation.

"The money entrusted to us by you, our law-abiding retail members, should not be spent on making good the foul play of one rotten apple. As a direct result of the actions of Cullingfords, we will be making changes to the Code of Practice to avoid a repeat of this behaviour and to reassure both members and the public, that it is fit for purpose," said the statement.

The Range ready to roll out flooring

Homeware retailer The Range is ready to roll out an extensive flooring offer in-store in a pilot scheme that could lead to the 220-store chain becoming a major player in the sector.

The pilot project opens in four stores in Plymouth, Bournemouth, Kidderminster and Swansea according to The Furnishing Report with a dedicated flooring department covering carpets, vinyl, underlay and accessories. The Range has offered a range of rugs and mats to date but this latest move is a major step forward into broadloom carpets, LVT and vinyl. The product range will be offered online as well as in-store.

Delayed market recovery, says Headlam

The residential flooring market is facing a prolonged period of tough trading as the market weakness of last year continues into 2024 says Headlam, the UK's top flooring distributor. But a strong recovery is forecast for the years ahead.

Announcing its full year results to investors, Headlam saw overall revenue decline 1% but with UK sales volume down 5%, "reflecting reduction in residential property transactions (which declined 20% in 2023) and cost of living crisis reducing consumer spending on home improvements." The Group's statement added: "The market weakness observed at the end of 2023 has continued into the first few weeks of 2024. We have seen negative volumes across our UK and Continental European businesses." Overall sales for February this year were 5% below the 2023 performance, said the statement.

"External data on housing transactions and consumer spending on home improvements, and latest projections for RMI (repair, maintenance, improvements) and flooring spend in 2024, indicate a delayed market recovery," it concluded.

However, on a more positive note, Headlam forecast: "The mediumterm market outlook remains strong; flooring market volumes in 2023 were around 20% lower than in 2019 and we expect volumes to improve significantly over the coming years as the market recovers."

While underlying profit before tax was £11.0 million compared to £37.1 million in 2022 and debt has increased to £30m after a period of sustained investment, Headlam remains bullish.

A major success is the group's 26% growth in its business with "large customers" – including retailer groups, homeware retailers, builders' merchants, house-builders and online retailers. It also saw sales through its enlarged trade counter network increase by 8.5%.

Brintons bounces back with optimism

High-end carpet maker Brintons have reported a strong recovery and a "healthy outlook" as sales and profits grew in 2023.

In its financial results files for the 12 months to 30 September 2023, sales were up 17% to £70.2m from £60.1m in 2022, and earnings (EBITDA) rose to £11.2m from £8.3m.

“Following the impact of global events [Covid & Ukraine] hospitality demand was severely constrained but in the past year market demand has recovered which has been reflected in a growth in orders,” said the company’s statement.

Brintons order book is driven by premium hospitality projects and the sector took a hit during the pandemic of course. But the company says market analysis and their own prospect data “indicates a healthy outlook for projects across 2024 and beyond. We forecast this growth will more than compensate for any downside to consumer demand in the residential sector."

“Confidence in our end markets has returned, leading to end users increasing the levels of capital expenditure on both new and existing projects,” said Brintons who says that big hotel and hospitality contracts are returning and casinos and cruise ship projects are showing strong recovery.

Novoturf grass stand now available, order yours today!

Showtime in Solihull

The agenda setter for the season • April 30 and May 1

Get set to go

The show takes place at one of the UK’s premier exhibition venues – Cranmore Park Conference, Event & Exhibition Venue – with unrivalled show facilities, excellent catering and ample free car parking just minutes from J4 M42, only 8 miles from the NEC.

There are details on the INDX website and visitors can pre-register now: www.indxshows.co.uk/indx-home/flooring/flooring

The new INDX National Flooring Show opens to all retailers on April 30 in Solihull with over 60 of the leading brands in the trade.

The two-day event on April 30 and May 1 replaces the popular Buying Groups National Flooring Show (BGNFS) at the same Cranmore Park venue and visitors will not need to be a member of any group to attend.

However, all the key buying groups continue to partner with the event - ACG, AIS Flooring One, Bond Retail Marketing, Carpet 1st, Greendale and SMG.

The top suppliers will be in attendance as in previous years but 2024 also sees a strong line-up of newcomers including Causeway Carpets, Floorwise Group, Footfall, ITC, Kellars, Kleen-Tex Industries, Lamett Europe and Tarkett.

Plus, following several years absence, Alternative Flooring, Moduleo, Stairrods, Telenzo Carpets, and WoolSafe will also be making a welcome come back.

For the full exhibitor list, please see page 46

Unmissable opportunity

“The INDX National Flooring Show 2024 will be an unmissable opportunity for flooring retailers to see the best the industry has to offer, all under one roof, and we also have some exciting plans to make the show extra special. ”

Jane Bartlett, Event Director at AIS.

All out to impress • Victoria Carpets & Design Floors

As always, there will be lots to see on the Victoria stand this year at the Solihull show.

Pure & Simple is Victoria’s first undyed British wool offer. This range (pictured here) truly encapsulates the origins of wool. With eight shades that symbolise natures rawest tones of browns, beiges and cool neutrals, this range is available in two designs, Plain and Loop. Plain, a velvet cut pile, is an 80/20 that sits perfectly alongside the 100% wool loop that will give any home a rustic and warm feeling throughout.

Having sold over 5 million m2 of carpet since its launch, First Impressions remains a firm favourite. The latest colour update sees an introduction of 12 new shades which have been added to the 8 best-selling colours from the existing collection. The addition of on trend warm and neutral tones will ensure that First Impressions is the perfect choice for any location for years to come.

Brand new for 2024 will be EasiSisal a range of twelve 4m carpets which can be used both indoors and out. Created using man made yarn, this range offers the look of traditional sisal carpet yet has the added benefit of being bleach cleanable. Meaning it is both beautiful to look at, yet easy to look after.

To showcase these beautiful new ranges, Victoria has launched its new lectern offer. This is a sleek, purpose-built unit which looks as good on its own, as it does in a bank. A clever pull-out draw holds pattern books, whilst the bottom shelf has room for A4 product folders, perfect for colour consultations.

The brand new 2024 LVT range will also be on display so make sure you drop by to see what will be hitting the stores this year.

Finishing touches • Balta

Unveiling several new products launches and a brand-new POS offer at INDX

Since moving the business to the UK, the team has been working hard behind the scenes on the Balta retail offer, and this will be unveiled at INDX in April. Alongside a brand-new POS offer, several new product launches will be on display.

Balta’s polyprop products have been rebranded under the collection name of Finishing Touch, because all products within this range complete any room they are added to. A fresh new look and feel will also accompany the new ranges on the stand.

Joining Classic and Endless Charm, Ultimate Charm is an inviting 73oz 100% polyprop. This is a 10th gauge carpet which is available in Action back and available in 12 neutral shades. The quality of this carpet is exception and bound to be a real people pleaser.

Balta’s updated Noble range will also be on display. A refreshed bank of 12 colours will keep this best-selling range feeling fresh for today’s home trends.

Not forgetting the roll line business there several new ranges to see here too. To start, Shepherd Twist and Super Twist. Both are 100% Polyprops made using an 8th gauge construction. Shepherd Twist has 12 colours and is available in Action back. Super Twist comes in 10 colours and is available on Ultratex backing. Both are available in 4 & 5 m widths.

Joining the Gala family will be two new loop products: Gala Promenade (linear design) and Gala Strand (plain weave). Both designs are available in 6 classic neutral shades perfect for any room.

The team is excited to show you their new look and feel, so make sure you drop by the stand to see what they have been up to..

Designed for use in healthcare & leisure locations, communal areas and domestic settings

Scala Combinations

Scala Endurance • Scala Fun • Scala Marathon • Scala Twist

WIDTH

Setting the pace

Furlong Flooring

Proven for profits • Ball & Young

For over 35 years Ball & Young has been the trusted name in the trade to help maximise your profits. Supplying the best products and service to their valued customers, ensuring their satisfaction and success. The company you can rely on.

Ball & Young underlays are made in the UK and all the foam is supplied in-house, meaning that they don’t have shortages and can deliver what you need, when you need it. With only a 5 day lead time you can buy little and often instead of tying up your cash in stock.

Ball & Young has a 99% fulfilment success rate and their quality promise means complaints are dealt with quickly and efficiently, so you can spend more time selling instead of dealing with issues.

Stand P120 • T 01536 200502 • www.ballandyoung.com

Furlong Flooring, a powerhouse in the flooring industry, continues to set the pace in 2024 with an array of exciting offerings. Building on the success of the Trident launch, they unveil their latest sustainable ranges, Beyond Wool and EcoSense, echoing their commitment to eco-friendly solutions.

Additionally, Furlong Flooring introduces the River, Chiltern, Fairway, and Vinyl ranges, catering to diverse consumer preferences and needs. Emphasising their dedication to providing stylish, contemporary, and well-fitting flooring, empowering clients to elevate their businesses and reputations.

With a focus on reliability, Furlong Flooring assures customers of consistent delivery of innovative products, ensuring their flooring needs are met promptly and efficiently Visit Furlong Flooring at INDX to explore their latest offerings and experience the future of flooring firsthand.

Stand P510 • T 01322 628700 • www.furlongflooring.com

Primo presentation Cormar Carpet Company

Cormar Carpet Company is delighted to be attending the INDX National Flooring Show this year, showcasing their extensive product portfolio alongside a selection of exciting new ranges.

With their recently launched, easy clean, loop pile, Primo Textures, Cormar demonstrate their ability to produce high quality, yet affordable carpets that meet the demand of today’s consumers. The first of its kind for Cormar, this impressive new addition marks a significant milestone for the company and presents an exceptional addition to the loop market, offering a hard-wearing and practical solution for any home, with the timeless appeal of a textured loop pile carpet. In addition to their latest easy clean launch, Cormar will also be unveiling a new range for Spring.

Stand P430 • T 01204 881234 • portal.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Be the first to discover… Interfloor

Interfloor announces an exciting campaign launching this April. While details of the campaign remain shrouded in secrecy, one thing is certain: it's going to be a game-changer. Interfloor has a long-standing reputation for innovation and quality, and this campaign promises to uphold that tradition.

Visit the Interfloor stand to be among the first to unravel the mystery behind this eagerly awaited campaign. Prepare to be dazzled as Interfloor showcases its latest offerings and unveils groundbreaking initiatives that will shape the future of the industry.

Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to mark your calendars for the INDX show. The countdown to the big reveal has begun!

Stand P320 • T 01706 213131 • www.interfloor.com

Hug an eco rug Phoenox Textiles

Discover the eco-friendly flooring solutions from Phoenox Textiles, an international supplier, and the leading UK independent manufacturer of flooring textiles for the home.

The well-loved eco-friendly barrier mat, Hug Rug, is manufactured using recycled materials, brings style and colour to a living space with an extensive range of designs, while keeping it clean and hygienic too.

Building on the strength of the Hug Rug brand, Phoenox have introduced Hug Rug Sculptured Washable Rugs, even more British made runners and rugs. Utilising a loop pile to create a stylish texture, while still being stain resistant, washable and hardwearing, making it practical as well as beautiful.

The Phoenox Rug Collection ranges from traditional to contemporary, British made to imported ethically sourced rugs. Exciting launch for 2024 – Hug Rug Eco-Washable Rugs. This range has been developed to be ‘Huggable’, made to feel good from recycled materials right here in the UK, ‘Washable’ to fit straight into modern life, and ‘Desirable’, designed by the in-house design team to suit allone not to miss!

Ready to supply customers with their reliable manufacturing and supply capabilities combined with excellent and friendly sales team and customer service, buying British has never been better!

Stand P260 • T 01484 863227 • www.phoenox.co.uk

Hawk Loop, naturally tinted, inspired by nature.

Hawk is a robust, geometric h hi-lo textured loop pile. Made using 1 100% undyed wool, 3 ply yarns, which produces six practical and natural r ustic colour s.

Undyed New Zealand yarns,

Coastal, the pinnacle of sophistication and comfort.

Coastal, with its u unique tonal lattice hi-lo loop design represents everything that is great about loop pile carpets. Five subtle, yet d distinctive colour s will work well in a host of either traditional or contemporary interiors.

unmistakably...Owlet.

What's great about loop pile carpets is that they're very d dur able and can stand up to heavy foot traffic, and O Owlet is no exception. In addition Owlet has the advantage of s super soft 100% undyed New Zealand Wool, which adds amazing underfoot comfort.

3 Ply Yarns

4 Ply Yarns

Happy celebration of heritage Lano Carpets

One of the advantages of producing carpets for close to 100 years is that Lano has on its record certain qualities that have earned their spurs over the years and have since become an established name in carpet wonderland.

At the Solihull show, Lano will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of StarTwist and HeatherTwist with a revamp worthy of their reputation and the heritage of Lano Carpets.

Stand P170 • T +32 (0)56 65 40 00 • www.lano.com

More of Everything • Louis De Poortere

A visit to Louis de Poortere is unmissable for anyone paying a visit to INDX National Flooring Show and visitors will find that Louis De Poortere has become more circular, more explorative and more customisable.

Launched for 2024, the Ecorugs collection is a circular model for Louis De Poortere’s rug production. Ecorugs replaces the cotton used previously with a 100% polyester construction that’s longer lasting, can be machine washed and which can be recycled back into a new rug through the manufacturer’s Take Care Program.

For those looking for ground-breaking design, The Monochromes rug series is the result of a textile research project by Stockholm-based art and design studio, Folkform. The Monochromes reverses the face of the rug, so that the jute backing takes front and centre, the textile’s Wilton structure highlighted by brightly coloured wool wefts.

Alongside Ecorugs and The Monochromes, visitors can also see the Richelieu Classic runners programme. Fully exploiting the versatility of Louis De Poortere’s woven Wilton programme, Richelieu Classic lets anyone create their own bespoke runner by choosing a bordered design in any two colours from 144 options. That’s 20,000 possible combinations!

Stand P300 • T +3256 393 393 • www.louisdepoortere.com

Stylish showcase ITC Natural Luxury Flooring

ITC will be showing off their brand new and very stylish POS display.

The black/gold textured stone effect finish and the attention to detail of ITC's display with beautifully crafted bronze finish handles brings the latest look to carpet stands.

A rug drawer, stylishly incorporated in the 8-bay unit, will hold a selection of tape examples for bespoke rugs.

The 8-bay stand highlights the latest ranges under ITC's new logo and the attractive new A4 folders fit in the especially designed section with the swatch books stored in the cupboard space.

Stand P155 • T 01622 534041 • www.itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com

Proving to be a super-popular range, the Kaleen by The Woven Edge hand loomed carpet collection gives you the option to have your chosen pattern fitted as a luxury wall-to-wall carpet or cut to size and finished as a rug or stair runner.

COMING SOON!

Brand-new custom cutto-order collection with a one week turnaround - visit our stand for details!

Extraordinary Options

STAND P420

Choose between 8 hand loomed flat weaves (available as a 5 metre width) and 4 hand loomed luxury pile (available as a 4 metre width). With the choice to have whipped or taped edges, you can create a finish to perfectly suits your interiors.

With our newest additions, ‘Diamond’, ‘Fretwork’, ‘Houndstooth’ and ‘Herringbone’, there are now 12 different patterns to choose from. 3 colour options for each design ensures the latest infashion looks are available for your floors.

As well as this versatile range, The Woven Edge offers a creative custom catalogue of rugs, runners and carpets, with compact display systems ready to install in store. We also have a dedicated UK-based design team to help with any bespoke interior projects.

Visit The Woven Edge website, www.thewovenedge.com to view our full range, and locate local stockists to view all collections and order samples in store.

In the meantime, please, follow us via social media to get the latest updates, @thewovenedge

Custom Rug collection

Kaleen Neutral Carpet collection

Houndstooth - Chino

Houndstooth - Black

Houndstooth - Grey

Fretwork - Blue

Fretwork - Silver

Fretwork - Grey

Diamond - Charcoal

Diamond - Ivory

Diamond - Green

Herringbone - Oatmeal Herringbone - Sand

Herringbone - Silver

Proud independence • SMG

SMG are the largest flooring group in the UK with over 450 retail outlets. SMG Members proudly retain their complete independence while enjoying the most profitable and comprehensive benefits package around.

Established retailers with existing direct accounts will benefit from SMG’s special pricing, rebates and promotions to improve their profitability and competitiveness. In addition to these financial advantages, members without direct accounts can still access products from any Approved Supplier via the unique central purchasing scheme.

At the INDX Show, SMG will be talking to Members about recent new Suppliers to the Group and launching their latest package of downloadable personalised in-store marketing and their new ‘Support Independent Retailers’ campaign. SMG look forward to seeing Members on their stand to discuss new products and all the advantages exclusive to SMG Members.

Stand P400 • T 0118 932 3832 • www.smg-group.co.uk

A plethora of products

Hugh Mackay Carpets

Customer centric • Causeway Carpets

Causeway Carpets has never been busier, completely refreshing its product offer and overall branding for a much more consumer centric approach.

Causeway Carpets is very excited to be exhibiting for the first time at the INDX trade show where Causeway will be showcasing their two latest wool product launches all displayed on the latest class leading multi display unit.

Firstly, the Shetland range featuring three textural designs in six stylish natural hues, these shades have been influenced by rugged mountain passes in the Scottish Highlands.

Crafted from the finest quality 100% 4ply wool yarn, which creates a soft and lavish carpet that feels cosy and luxurious underfoot.

This versatile and sumptuous collection would suit any interior scheme.

Secondly, they will be unveiling their brand new Kinsale, a stunning new ¼ gauge wool loop, made from premium New Zealand and British yarns. Kinsale offers a refined contemporary approach with a subtle and crisp looking colour palette.

Stand P330 • T 01388 737622 • www.causewaycarpets.com

Hugh Mackay are back this year with a plethora of products, new and existing, to show you.

Their Infinity bespoke design Axminster collection boasts new stock ranges and made to order designs, including Jasper and Harrison, which are guaranteed to bring a showroom to life on their latest point-of-sale.

Hugh Mackay will also highlight their extensive wool portfolio, for which they are renowned. This includes the new designer Deco Collection made up textured loops and modern flatweaves along with Durham Alternates, Natural Living and Natural Dwelling. Not to be overlooked are their popular classics such as Durham Twist and Tweed.

Their Q Floors offering will showcase the latest products in the Finesse family, Camden and Highgate. Camden is available in two weights and eight contemporary colours while Highgate offers ten stylish neutral shades.

Stand P250/270 • T 01429 892555 • www.hughmackay.co.uk

Stainfree success story

Abingdon Flooring

British carpet manufacturer, Abingdon Flooring, has been a regular exhibitor at the Buying Groups National Flooring Show and as the event enters a new era as INDX National Flooring Show, it continues showing market leading carpet and vinyl collections.

The Abingdon Flooring stand will feature the company’s latest updates to ranges from its Stainfree family of easy clean carpets. The luxurious quality of Stainfree Maximus and the popular Stainfree Ultra will be shown with updated colours. Both refreshed palettes will retain best-selling colours, with new ones introduced to keep the carpets in-line with the latest interior trends.

Even with these exciting colour updates, the big news comes in the preview of the new Stainfree Country Collection. Using a manmade Stainfree for Life yarn that’s made to look just like real wool, the Country Collection is Stainfree’s answer to more expensive wool carpet. It’s also a great choice for families worried that wool might be a little difficult to look after.

Country Collection’s de-lustred yarn has a berber fleck for a natural look and comes in three designs. Weave, herringbone and linear patterns give more options than any similar collection available today. Each comes in six colours, a mix of trending greys and beiges, for a versatile look that brings the natural appeal of wool into any room.

British-made, the Country Collection is a first for Abingdon Flooring as a coordinated pattern range and comes with a 10-year warranty. You can see the collection, plus the refreshed Maximus, and Ultra ranges at this year’s INDX National Flooring Show, 30th April – 1st May, which is open to all buyers in the trade.

Stand P180 • T 01274 655 694 • www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Likewise Floors has a stunning collection of ranges including Carpet, Vinyl, LVT, Laminate, Artificial Grass and more, presented on our superb retail displays. We will be showcasing many new ranges at this year’s show on our stunning wall units and lectern displays.

Likewise Rugs&Matting have some fantastic new rug and doormat ranges with an ever extended offer of eco friendly high quality products.

We look forward to welcoming you at the show on stands P110 and P160.

Atlantic 8mm laminate

Tokyo Rugs Abstract Rust

Exhibitors List

Some highlights from 2023

FLOORING BRAND OF THE YEAR 2023

Exclusive to 110 independent retailers throughout the UK greendalecarpets.co.uk

Marketing insights

First impressions count

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.

Our hallways probably withstand the greatest footfall in our home – it’s where we welcome guests and connect from room to room. First impressions count, so entrance areas need to be welcoming, durable, practical, and beautiful.

Putting your best foot forward is made easier with Ulster Carpets, regardless of your taste.

Combining style and substance, their range of Axminster and Wilton carpets, manufactured in the UK, and loop carpets, made by Danish specialists, Danfloor, mean you can make the right first impression at your entrance. Added to that is the option of complementing your choice with coordinating designs and colours throughout your home.

Their popular plaids are a great way to include pattern and colour. Choose from Braeburn, Beaumont, Glenmoy or Boho Hamilton designs which range from the more traditional styles to the modern take on this classic design.

For plains, finding the right colourway won’t be an issue with Ulster’s extensive Wilton offering. Opt for the high twist plain and heathered yarn of Grange Wilton, the gently textured twists of York Wilton, the smooth finish of Ulster Velvet or the 100% wool option of Natural Choice Plains.

“Their popular plaids are a great way to include pattern and colour. Choose from Braeburn, Beaumont, Glenmoy or Boho Hamilton designs...”

Between the patterns and the plains are Ulster’s loops. With their textured finishes, loops offer the best of both worlds, with Ulster’s three ranges – Habitus, Open Spaces , and Natural Choice Textures which are all made from 100% wool.

We asked: How do you make an entrance as fresh as a daisy?

“Choose Quirky Bloom carpet designed for Alternative by Kate Watson-Smyth the creator of the award-winning blog Mad About The House”, said Lorna Haigh, creative and marketing director at Alternative.

“Bloom joins Alternative’s award-winning Quirky collection of patterned carpet all designed and expertly woven in Britain using British wool.”

This fun floral captures the spirit of the sixties with a scoop of old fashioned Italian charm. The colourways are Tiramisu, Polenta, Gelato, Oliva, Pizzelle, Cavolo.

In her own home Watson-Smyth made a deliberate choice to go full width on the stairs and all out with pattern to make a design statement and create a focal point. As is often the case the stairs are the first thing you see when you open the door. This carpet delights the eye and seeing blooms tumbling down the stairs makes you feel happy.

Watson-Smyth

The clever palette makes this lively pattern easy to live with - the petals are in cream with muted colour centre and background.

Bloom joins Alternative’s award-winning Quirky collection of patterned carpet all designed and expertly woven in Britain using British wool. Contemporary patterns that inject personality on the floor and certainly make an entrance.

Whether it’s a warm welcome or lasting impression you’re looking to achieve, flooring is the way to do it, says Stella Coyle, head of retail sales for Karndean Designflooring

She explains: “Hallways are hardworking spaces and so they need a floor that can stand up to the rough and tumble of life. Luxury vinyl flooring is perfect for this, offering the natural look of real wood or stone but with a hygienic durable surface that will look fabulous for many years with minimal maintenance.

“Tone and pattern are big decisions when it comes to the hallway. Having the flexibility to opt for different laying patterns allows savvy home decorators to get creative when selecting their floor.

Continued on page 50...

Beaumont Turtle Dove - one of the popular plaids from Ulster Carpets.

Alternative Quirky Bloom Gelato by Kate

Marketing insights

“Hallways are hardworking spaces and so they need a floor that can stand up to the rough and tumble of life. Luxury vinyl flooring is perfect for this,”

For narrow hallways, we’d recommend a parquet herringbone or patterned design as it will naturally draw attention and trick you into thinking it’s a wider space. In more generous hallways, why not look to extra-large planks or tiles for maximum impact to make the most of your space? Likewise, go for a full-length plank herringbone for extra impact. There are also design strips that can be added between individual planks or tiles or introduced as border details, giving a sophisticated edge that effortlessly disguises the awkward angles often found in hallways.”

“For narrow hallways, we’d recommend a parquet herringbone or patterned design as it will naturally draw attention and trick you into thinking it’s a wider space.”

continued from page 48

This summer, Karndean will present new designs to its premium Art Select range. A collection first introduced in 2006, Art Select is the jewel in the crown so they are very excited about this upcoming launch.

Stella added: “You can expect our refreshed Art Select range will look to fill the gaps that have naturally revealed themselves over time. I can’t give too much away at this stage, but I can say that the new collection will consist of an exceptional selection of designs, including unique timbers and rare stones, each with a hand scraped emboss for a truly authentic look.

A simple yet striking stair runner elevates the entrance to a home and adds a splash of personality, style and comfort to any hallway space which explains why this contemporary trend is seeing no signs of waning say Cormar Carpet Company

Stair runners using wool loop ranges are becoming increasingly popular as a way of adding style, safety, and comfort to a staircase. The addition of a canvas taped border provides another dimension to your stairs and offers the opportunity to bring in a co-ordinating or contrasting colour.

The naturally textured Fairisle collection from Cormar is available in a variety of stunning neutral tones to complement any colour scheme or decor. Fairisle is produced using 100% Pure New Wool, in a premium quality 3-ply heather yarn, making it not only delightfully soft under your feet but also durable and long-lasting. Ideal for traditional or modern homes and available in both 4 and 5 metre widths.

“Stair runners using wool loop ranges are becoming increasingly popular as a way of adding style, safety, and comfort to a staircase.”

An easy clean carpet is also a popular choice for a well-used hallway space. Comar’s Primo Naturals is stain-resistant, bleach-cleanable and comes with a 10-year stain and wear warranty to eliminate the stress that comes with the thrills and spills of busy family life. This range is manufactured in a palette of sophisticated tri-colour heather shades and is available in 4 and 5 metre widths.

Amtico recognise that hallways are a great space for beautiful flooring to make a statement but need to be practical enough to withstand busy daily life.

Launched in January, Décor x National Trust is the second collection in collaboration with the National Trust. This new edit comprises of five distinctive designs inspired by the captivating architecture and ornate features of Kedleston Hall, a property built by renowned British architect Robert Adam in the 18th Century.

continued on page 52

Karndean Designflooring, Canadian Urban Oak from the Van Gogh collection.

Comar, Fairisle in Ridge Mist 100% Pure New Wool

Karndean Designflooring, Montpellier from the Heritage collection.

Warm up your summer sales - get outdoors!

Don’t let all that summer consumer spending go on garden furniture!

Flooring retailers can get a slice of the outdoor action in a proven proposition to diversify and make more profits.

The Composite Timber Company is looking for partners across the UK to unleash the potential of your flooring store with outside composite decking and garden buildings.

Exceptional returns

Selling to trade

• Landscape gardeners/joiners/builders caravan parks, etc – decking supply only = 30% return large orders £1,000 plus.

Supply and install to public

• Garden buildings = £5k profit on average £20k sale

• Decking = £1,200 profit on 20sqm installed

You’ll be 30% cheaper than the market-leading competitor for the same products

Proven potential

Our pilot scheme in Oldham turned over £1million in 2022/23 with just decking an garden buildings only, no carpets.

• Maximise your space and profits

• No extra staff needed

• 50-mile radius exclusive territory

• Full technical support and documentation

• 25-year guarantee on the product

What you need to be a partner

•

•

•

•

•

DECKING

SHOWROOM

Marketing insights

“As with all Décor products, the new designs are proudly Made in Britain, in Amtico’s Coventry factory, and all come with a lifetime warranty.”

The new designs: Venetian Wood, Venetian Stone, Akari Lattice, Corinthian, and Temple Diamond provide a choice of beautiful wood and stone LVT flooring finishes. Reimagined for the modern home, the unique geometric shape of Venetian Parquet Wood and Stone was inspired by Lady Mary Curzon’s beautiful 1903 peacock dress, which is displayed at Kedleston Hall. The beautiful gilt fretwork cabinet by famous London cabinet maker John Linnell, provided the inspiration for Akari Lattice, blending authentic woods and effortless pattern. The Corinthian design delicately balances squares, diamonds, and circles to create an elegant design and was influenced by Robert Adam’s beautiful ceilings. And the Temple Diamond design has a history of its own, inspired by the Temple of Venus, a ruin in the Roman Forum.

As with all Décor products, the new designs are proudly Made in Britain, in Amtico’s Coventry factory, and all come with a lifetime warranty. Abingdon Flooring’s wool carpets bring British-made quality to make any entrance grander.

“Nothing says welcome home quite like a wool carpet,” says Charlotte Coop, marketing manager, Abingdon Flooring. “And with our wool carpets, we bring that welcome with the quality that’s synonymous with British carpet manufacturing.

continued from page 50

“One of our newest wool carpets is the loop pile of Charter Plain Loop from our Wilton Royal family. Its heavy domestic rating is perfect for hallways. Made from 100% wool, Charter Plain Loop is a hardwearing loop in a range of 12 natural colours. Featuring our extra durable threeply yarn, it’s a luxurious look in any hallway.

“One of our newest wool carpets is the loop pile of Charter Plain Loop from our Wilton Royal family. Its heavy domestic rating is perfect for hallways.”

“The carpet features our fleece backing for more flexibility and less risk of damage to skirtings and wall when installing. In narrow hallways this is something that shouldn’t be underestimated. As a plus for homeowners, the fleece also has a more comfortable underfoot feel. Most hallways will also benefit from Charter Plain Loop’s 2.5m width option which cuts down on wastage.

‘We offer a 12-year warranty with Wilton Royal Charter Plain Loop, so any hallway can benefit from a welcoming and luxurious wool loop pile carpet that’s made to stick around.”

The entrance hall is a great place to try something different, says Moduleo’s marketing manager, Orla Kerr: “When you spend a lot of time in a room, say the kitchen or living room, you naturally want a floor that’s calming and restful so people often play a little safer and will generally opt for a wood plank. But when it comes to areas where you spend less time, like the entrance hall, where you want to make an impact, there’s a chance to be a little more expressive.

“When you spend a lot of time in a room, say the kitchen or living room, you naturally want a floor that’s calming and restful so people often play a little safer and will generally opt for a wood plank.”

“We designed the Moduleo Roots collection around these playful combinations, letting people choose between different material looks that work in harmony. With Roots, homeowners can be confident in choosing a wood plank in living areas and then finding the perfect matching tone in a concrete, stone or terrazzo tile for the entrance hall. continued on page 54

Abingdon Flooring, Wilton Royal Charter Plain Loop

Moduleo LayRed York Stone

Amtico Décor x National Trust collection - Venetian Parquet Pavilion

Marketing insights

First impressions count

Choosing something different in the entrance is a great way to add instant character and personality to a home. Our six design themes guide homeowners in possible combinations, so it’s really easy to find an entrance hall floor that’s different and unexpected, while balancing perfectly with the calming and restful looks of living spaces.”

Create a wow factor with Hugh Mackay’s Deco Collection which includes 43 colour options over 7 beautiful designs, that comprise of four textured loops and three flatweaves. The three flatweave designs are available in 4m width, and the four textured loops come in both 4m and 5m widths.

The Deco Collection sits beautifully against their Habitat LVT Collection. Habitat is available in ten colours and has two plank designs and two herringbone designs. All designs come with smart four-sided bevelled edges and have two glue and two click installation options.

Quick-Step’s

Capture laminate is the ultimate entrance hall floor. Impossible to tell apart from real wood, yet with the durability, scratch resistance and ease of cleaning that comes with premium quality laminate flooring, Quick-Step Capture is the ultimate entrance hall floor.

Made in Belgium, the Capture range is Quick-Step’s best ever laminate floor. That’s because QuickStep’s designers have recreated every detail of natural wood with surfaces that look and feel just like the real thing. Knots, cracks and grains are tracked with 20 times the texture of other laminate floors and with a finish that has just

continued from page 52

“Quick-Step’s Capture laminate is the ultimate entrance hall floor. Impossible to tell apart from real wood, yet with the durability, scratch resistance and ease of cleaning that comes with premium quality laminate flooring.”

the right amount of matt or gloss, Capture has created a new level of realism in laminate flooring.

And when it comes to hallways and entrances, everyone will appreciate Capture’s impressive scratch and stain resistance that will see it remain spick and span for years to come. Plus, its waterproof construction means that dirty boots, soaking wet coats and muddy paws won’t damage or mark the floor, no matter how long they hang around.

Capture is available in 18 decors including the rustic Cracked Oak Natural to the sophisticated Chic Walnut, classic Natural Varnished Oak and trending Painted Oak Rose, so there’s a Capture floor for any entrance.

Life is not always black and white, is it? It’s not even beige and grey as much as it used to be.

Tarkett told us they see that more customers are finally looking for some colour in their lives. And, when it comes to colours there are two which the paint guys can’t stop talking about.

Through all the magazines, the blog posts, the various influencers content reviewed by the team, Tarkett have honed into two recurring threads: French Grey, which is basically a lovely, subtle greengrey and a husky tone of powder blue - to keep our lives simple, Inspiration by Tarkett have called this French Blue.

“These tones re-emerged in kitchen design a while back and are claiming a foothold now throughout the home.”

Steve Urwin, retail marketing manager at Tarkett explains, “These tones re-emerged in kitchen design a while back and are claiming a foothold now throughout the home. They are perfect for creating a colourful first impression, and our Farringdon design is the ideal vehicle for these cool and welcoming colours.

Urwin adds, “Black and white is classic styling of course, here we’ve mellowed the white to an ivory tone which works so much better with the highlight colours and added some finishing touches in the form of inlay strips and a diamond border all available to order”.

The new colours are available now as part of the Inspiration by Tarkett collection.

Quick-Step Capture Brushed Oak Beige

The Inspiration by Tarkett collection

Hugh Mackay, Deco Flatweave and Habitat

“The Deco Collection sits beautifully against Hugh Mackay’s plains and their Habitat LVT Collection.”

“Nexus adds a playful touch of strong shape which brings any interior to life. To be had in sumptuous yet bold colours for a striking look.”

Available in 4 metre and 5 metre widths and insect resistant to the industry gold standard Woolmark Level Two; Adam Carpets offer a durable and comfortable choice for anyone looking for a stylish and inspirational impact to wow visiting guests.

Choose one of their woollen hard-wearing carpets to minimise the daily impact of foot traffic. Adam carpets are made with premium blends of wool and the best nylon 6.6 to achieve the best performance and appearance retention. Most use blends of accredited 100% UK-grown wool for a lower carbon footprint.

Patterns from their award-winning “Geometrics” range are a great way to make a statement and leave a lasting impression in any hallway. Offered in a range of scales and complimentary and calm colours, they work with any room scheme. Hallways are now more than ever seen as an essential key interior space in the home. That’s why their woollen carpets are a perfect fit, bringing that sense of comfort and warmth using renewable natural fibres.

Nexus adds a playful touch of strong shape which brings any interior to life. To be had in sumptuous yet bold colours for a striking look.

With LeoLine homeowners can make an entrance as unique as they are, says Stuart Reeves, sales director for the leading cushion vinyl manufacturer.

“Everyone wants their home to make a great first impression and because the hallway isn’t a ‘regular’ room where they may entertain or relax, homeowners tend to think more freely about the design of their floor.

“Bolder looks inspired by classic ceramic tiles like Evora can be one way of making hallways stand out in older homes. Modern properties might look towards the concrete tile of Challenger or maybe even dare to use the marble of Stromboli

by Rita Bancroft

or the new Celeste. Whatever look the homeowner wants for their hallway you’re sure to find it in LeoLine. And, of course, there’s also a huge range of welcoming wood looks including herringbone, chevron and painted styles for something a little different.

“Thankfully, because LeoLine’s easy to fit, durable and simple to look after, it can bring all of these looks without the cost, hassle and worry that often comes with the real thing. A good quality entrance mat and regular vacuuming is all that’s needed to keep any LeoLine hallway floor ready to make any entrance feel extra special.”

Is your business ready to Make an Entrance?

After almost two decades of selling mats to businesses across the UK and working with many well-known suppliers and manufacturers, Make An Entrance know the frustration the lack of a named point of contact can bring. At Make An Entrance, they make a point of doing things differently. Based in Lincoln, their account managers and manufacturing team are all located on one site to ensure the creation of your new entrance mat is as seamless as possible.

Whether you choose Coir or Synthetic Coir Logo mats, your logo or design is expertly hand inlaid by their workshop team. Make An Entrance prefer to inlay rather than print, so your design is embedded all the way through the mat and your logo lasts as long as the mat does, which is the only way to go for business entrances. Throughout the process your account manager will be in contact with you, they will produce artworks to show you how your mat will look before it goes into production. They can also send you samples free of charge to ensure you select the best material and the best colour for your new entrance mat.

For more information contact:

Abingdon Flooring • 01274 655 694 • www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Adam Carpets • 01562 822247 • www.adamcarpets.com

Alternative • 01264 335111 • www.alternativeflooring.com

Amtico • 0121 745 0800 • www.amtico.com

Cormar Carpet Company • 01204 881234 • www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Hugh MacKay • 01429 892525 • www.hughmackay.co.uk

Karndean Designflooring • 01386 820100 • www.karndean.com

LeoLine • 0800 032 3970 • www.leoline.co.uk

Make An Entrance • 020 8819 5869 • www.makeanentrance.com

Moduleo • 01332 851 500 • www.moduleo.co.uk

QuickStep • 028 3025 0477 • www.quick-step.co.uk

Tarkett • 01233 746020 • www.tarkett.co.uk

Ulster Carpets • 028 3833 4433 • www.ulstercarpets.com

Join the online community on: facebook.com twitter.com pinterest.com instagram.com youtube.com houzz.com

Adam Carpets, Nexus

LeoLine, Atomic XT Obelisk

Make An Entrance

FLOORING FOCUS

Digital drives forward industry efficiency

The flooring industry’s digital landscape has been developing fast over the last five years with an increasingly sophisticated network of high performance portals, digital tools and carefully curated social media communication channels.

The appetite for IT among flooring retailers is accelerating and flexible, effective digital solutions to make the working day easier and more effective has become the expectation in the industry.

Here are some of the best solutions…

PORTALS

After a successful summer launch of the Associated Weavers customer portal last year, the increasing amount of new portal registrations every month shows how valuable this asset is for their UK customer network.

“The portal is a significant component of the impressive improvements in improving AW service levels and meeting customer expectations”

Stores have been quick to take advantage of its numerous features, including 24/7 order entry with anytime access to the entire product portfolio of wall-to-wall carpet and luxury vinyl flooring with live stock availability and immediate access to your invoices and statements.

And the portal is a significant component of the impressive developments in improving AW service levels and meeting customer expectations in a rapidly evolving market. A Track & Trace facility offers higher transparency and reliable tracking of open orders right up to delivery.

Since its launch in 2011, Cormar Carpet Company's award-winning online Trade Portal has gone from strength to strength, with over 66% of customers now benefitting from 24/7 access to order processing, stock checks, invoicing and statements.

In the last 12 months, Cormar has invested over £100,000 towards enhancements, such as a brand-new pending deliveries feature and further improvements to functionality of their industry leading after-sales area.

“Cormar are committed to continuing to work with their customers to further enhance user experience and bring useful and exciting new features to their Trade Portal.”

Launched this Spring, Cormar have also introduced enhanced collection centre notifications, offering Trade Portal users the option to receive email updates regarding their collection point deliveries, informing when the order is ready to collect, as well as a follow up email reminder if the order is still awaiting collection. This, alongside numerous other improvements, further secures the portal as a ‘one stop shop’ for customers to carry out most of their interactions with Cormar online. Cormar are committed to continuing to work with their customers to further enhance user experience and bring useful and exciting new features to their Trade Portal.

Headlam Group continues to invest in its digital channels, to provide all their customers with a consistent, leading offering. Over a third of company sales are now made through their digital platforms, with over 70% of customers accessing the sites for reference, personalised information and purchasing

As well as their popular and well-established trade websites and accompanying myheadlam app, they have recently launched an exciting new Headlam website (www.headlamgroup.com) to showcase everything that the business has to offer. This engaging site highlights their extensive range of brands and products, vast experience and sector expertise, and their best-in-class service proposition - through engaging and relevant customer case studies.

“Headlam Group continues to invest in its digital channels, to provide all their customers with a consistent, leading offering.”

Headlam is also connecting with its customers through its social media channels, providing timely and engaging content to customers, such as local promotions, trade events and their inspirational brands.

Underpinning the customer facing improvements are a suite of new internal systems designed to make Headlam more efficient and effective, allowing them to focus on providing a market leading customer experience.

Headlam Group

Cormar Carpet Company

Associated Weavers

The B2B website and app ordering system at Likewise uses the latest technology to deliver a fast efficient self-serve solution to its customers. Available 24/7, customers can check stock availability in real time, place orders, check prices and track their order history and account status at their convenience.

“Useful analytics tools also allow Likewise to track session activity to constantly improve and enhance the customer experience...”

As more and more customers use the platform, Likewise has recently added a “Special offers” category to ensure instant access to some great discounts.

Fully automated with Likewise systems, it allows fast order processing and delivery, ensuring they are meeting the demands and providing the best service to customers. Offering a great online catalogue too, the portal allows customers to browse Likewise’s entire flooring collection or, using the enhanced search facility to find exactly what they need. A sophisticated technical set up ensures both products and data are loaded instantly allowing a smooth and speedy way to place orders

Useful analytics tools also allow Likewise to track session activity to constantly improve and enhance the customer experience with regular new features and updates.

“We’re continually investing and driving forward improvements to ensure our AdVantage online ordering portal delivers what partners expect from us as the UK’s market leader in luxury vinyl flooring,” explains Fleur Carson, managing director of Karndean Designflooring.

She said: “There are more challenges on retail partners to provide all the information up front to customers. For example, stock availability.

“It’s important for us to help retail partners close the order by having all the

high performing features they need

including quick order.”

"We have a sophisticated online stock checker and delivery service with next day delivery available when required. This gives retailers the peace of mind they can give customers an accurate date for delivery and installation. Trust is so important when customers are purchasing a new floor.

“It’s important for us to help retail partners close the order by having all the high performing features they need including quick order. Understanding user behaviour on our portal is crucial for delivering the best experience. We know partners rely on our quick order as they know exactly what they’re ordering and what they need," she said.

Having a dedicated retailer support area also gives Karndean's partners the opportunity to utilise instant marketing materials to help them drive new business. It also allows the company to provide helpful guides and updates on new fitting courses at our dedicated Karndean Training Academy.

Fleur adds: "“We’re constantly driving new users to our Find a Retailer area on karndean.com. As well as being able to place orders flexibly and at speed, partners can see new leads within the same portal. This keeps the journey seamless for partners.

“Finally, we’re able to share exclusive offers when they come available on products or ranges. We want to keep competitive and help partners drive business when customers visit in-store.”

Harvey Maria are keen to reassure retailers they won't see Harvey Maria collections on any 3rd party websites, or widely available elsewhere at discounted prices.

Instead, the company continues to develop innovative features for its online retailer dashboard and have now launched a new 'Buy with Fitting' Service. This innovative online feature is designed to drive sales enquiries for the supply & fitting of Harvey Maria floors directly to retailers, from users of harveymaria.com.

The online retailer account dashboard is packed with more new features. The popular Rewards programme is now in its third year after a really successful launch. Retailers can easily track their targets and it's a great way for Harvey Maria to show their appreciation for sales efforts throughout the year.

Harvey Maria retailers can also enjoy a share of online sales with their unique Local Online Sales Commission. The company pays them a percentage of the invoice value on consumer orders received at harveymaria.com for delivery within the retailer's territory – a really effective way of supporting local business and traditional retail, which is extremely important within the industry.

And the digital development goes on at Harvey Maria with a popular online Room Size Calculator, a newly launched series of online guides for installation and care and next up will be the launch of online training courses.

“Harvey Maria are keen to reassure retailers they won't see Harvey Maria collections on any 3rd party websites, or widely available elsewhere at discounted prices.”

Karndean Designflooring

Likewise

Digital drives forward industry efficiency

“Amongst the wide range of digital channels utilised by F. Ball and Co. Ltd., its website is the first touchpoint for many people requiring information about the company’s products and how to use them...”

COMMUNICATION

Amongst the wide range of digital channels utilised by F. Ball and Co. Ltd., its website is the first touchpoint for many people requiring information about the company’s products and how to use them, including product data sheets, videos demonstrating their application and guides to subfloor preparation and floorcovering installation.

Retailers and manufacturers can also subscribe to F-Talk, the e-newsletter for the Ball Rewards loyalty scheme members, for free, to receive company news, including product launches and promotions, such as regular cashback on purchases of F. Ball products. F. Ball’s virtual site visits, facilitated by video-messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and FaceTime, allow contractors using F. Ball products to receive an on-the-spot site assessment and advice on the best course of action for specific flooring projects from an F. Ball technical service officer.

Alternatively, enquiries can be made using the company’s other social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, which also serve as noticeboards for information about F. Ball products, as well as video demonstrations, case studies and promotions. They also facilitate two-way conversations with flooring retailers and contractors, allowing you to be part of one of the flooring industry’s largest online communities.

F. Ball’s industry-acclaimed Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG), which lists the compatibility of the company’s adhesives with over 6,000 floorcoverings from more than 200 manufacturers, is also accessible online and via a mobile app, which is free to download from the Apple App store or Google Play.

“With no foot soldiers on the ground, social media channels play an important role in our communication with both members and the trade at large,” says Rupert Anton at the Carpet Foundation

“Our content is very different from that of manufacturers or retailers as we don’t wax lyrical about, or promote, individual products or retailers, but rather focus on the bigger picture and issues and topics that are of wider, general interest,” he says.

“Facebook is definitely our most potent tool, followed by Instagram (although this is a tricky medium for us as it is essentially a visual medium and, as we say, we don’t promote products per se). That said, it continues to gain traction for us. We have over 4500 followers on social media across the channels but of the lot, X, formerly known as Twitter, is on the wane although we still use it,’ says Rupert.

continued on page 60...

BUSINESS TOOLS

Accounting systems are commonplace in businesses, these days. However, their offerings often fall a little short when trying to manage your business. Most are just invoicing systems, that will give you some “fancy” graphics and banking, but no real operational information. None of them manage stock correctly or look after your delivery and job planning in any meaningful way. These systems tend to charge per user, making their running cost more than you first think.

Company Dynamics needed to run a busy, growing business, at an affordable price. Their stock control works with items, rolls, remnants and packs. Allowing your branches and warehouse to keep on top of goods in, through to orders and fitting, meaning you can focus on your customers and let the software look after your business.

“Company Dynamics aim to give a flooring company all the tools needed to run a busy, growing business, at an affordable price.”

Prebuilt reports help monitor user, product, and business performance, along with quick functions for the day-to-day operations. They have been creating new links to measuring software, where your staff can create quotes from plans and measures. Then the system takes over to run your quote process, with conversion tracking, and manage your delivery and fitting diary, eventually through to invoicing and accounts.

“We are very conscious of giving a company what they actually need to run their business,” says Stuart Hunt, technical director. “Getting a system that helps you to run your business, is more important than something to make your accountant have an easy life. Who or what is running your business?”

“Getting a system that helps you to run your business, is more important than something to make your accountant have an easy life.”

F. Ball and Co. Ltd

DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE FLOORING TRADE

FLOORING FOCUS

Digital drives forward industry efficiency continued

In supporting the customer journey from first contact to delivery, MasterPiece does the business. For measuring, planning and supporting the selling process via costing, emailed estimates and invoices, MasterPiece has become a ‘Go to’ software solution. The same rapid real-time speed is applied to doing costing revisions used by both estimator and then by the salesperson, post visit. Access is on iPad/Android/Windows tablet on site, and Windows PCs or Macs in store.

from page 58

Beyond this core function, the retailer can add value by taking up useful additional modules, all seamlessly integrated, such as “Ballpark quote & customer own measure” so that within minutes of starting conversation (telephone or in-store) with customer provide a ballpark quote, with upper and lower bound – ideal for both novices and experienced salespeople.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Associated Weavers • 01422 431100 • www.carpetyourlife.com

Cormar Carpet Co. • 01204 881234 • www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Headlam Group • 01675 433000 • www.headlam.com

Likewise • 01924 978400 • www.likewisefloors.co.uk

Karndean Designflooring • 01386 820 200 • www.karndean.com

“The Fitter and Estimator Scheduling Diary supports your fittings manager by automatically assessing the duration of the fit and handling agreement with the customer on time band of arrival. Fitters sees their own schedule and captures customer signature and notes.”

The Fitter and Wstimator Scheduling Diary supports your fittings manager by automatically assessing the duration of the fit and handling agreement with the customer on time band of arrival. Fitters sees their own schedule and captures customer signature and notes.

Other features include an Accounts System Entry Support/Check-off List, for the accounting system manager; a Part-fits Manager which rapidly and accurately generates info for the fitter and informs the warehouse what to put on the van for each part fit; and also a simple in-store sales tool for ad-hoc items which don’t require a visit to measure.

F. Ball and Co. Ltd • 01538 361633 • www.f-ball.com

Carpet Foundation • 01562 755568 • www.carpetfoundation.com

Company Dynamics Software • 08000 72 85 39 • www.companydynamics.co.uk

MasterPiece • 01737 355831 • www.masterpiece-system.com

Of course, The Stocklists magazine offers one of the best digital experiences in the flooring industry!

• Daily updates to our news website

• Daily posts to social media

• Online digital magazine - searchable and with live web links

• Archive of back issues

• Monthly e-newsletter

DAILY HEADLINES ARE POSTED TO OUR NEWS WEBSITE AT WWW.THESTOCKLISTS.COM

FOLLOW @THESTOCKLISTS ON LINKEDIN + X/TWITTER FOR KEY ALERTS AND NEWS UPDATES

JOIN OUR FREE MAILING LIST FOR THE DIGITAL EDITIONS AND E-NEWSLETTERS AT: WWW.THESTOCKLISTS.COM/CONTACT

What

FLOORING FACTSHEET 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.

Coverage:

How thick and how far can the adhesive be spread.

Application Method:

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

Strength:

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

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.

Acrylic/Resin: Ideal for plasticised 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.

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

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

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.

To find out more visit f-ball.com/training

Carpet trouble-shooter

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 toleranc e’. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Static

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.

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.

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.

Pulling Loops

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.

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.

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.

Samples Installation

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.

The original carpet tile

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

Vinyl + LVT Supplier Directory

Abingdon SoftStep info@abingdonflooring.co.uk 01274 655 694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Adoretouch

+1.631.843.0900 www.adorefloors.com

Alsapan g.folkes@alsapan.com

03 88 59 29 89 www.alsapan.com

Altro enquiries@altro.com 01462 489 516 www.altro.co.uk

Amtico info@amtico.com

0121 745 0800 www.amtico.com

Aspecta

+31 (0) 88 1662500 www.aspectaflooring.com

Beauflor sales@beauflor.com

+32 56 67 66 11 www.beauflor.com

BerryAlloc

+32 56 52 84 80 www.berryalloc.com

Brampton Chase support@bramptonchase.co.uk 01604 664855 www.bramptonchase.co.uk

Earthwerks saleseurope@earthwerks.com 0800 689 1657 www.earthwerks.eu.com

Forbo Flooring info.flooring.uk@forbo.com 01773 744 121 www.forbo.com

Furlong enquiries@furlongflooring.com 01772 316155 www.furlongflooring.co.uk

Harvey Maria info@harveymaria.com 0330 330 1231 www.harveymaria.com

Interface interface.uk@interface.com 0800 313 4465 www.interface.com

Invictus Info@invictus.co.uk 01422 431100 www.invictus.co.uk/lvt

Kährs UK sales@kahrs.com

023 9245 3045 www.kahrs.com

Karndean Designflooring 01386 820100 www.karndean.com

Kellars sales@kellars.co.uk 0161 443 0970 www.kellars.co.uk

Kraus sales@qep.com

01283 245430 www.krausflooring.co.uk

Lifestyle Floors info@lifestyle-floors.co.uk

01827 831448 www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk

Leoline info@leoline.co.uk www.leoline.co.uk

Moduleo salesuk@moduleo.com

01332 851 500 www.moduleo.co.uk

Polyflor info@polyflor.com

0161 767 1111 www.polyflor.com

Tarkett communication@tarkett.com 01622 854040 www.tarkett.com

Quick-Step 08448 118 288 www.quick-step.co.uk

Victoria Design Floors (Distinctive Flooring/Universal Flooring) info@myvictoria.co.uk

01562 749300 www.myvictoria.co.uk

Wineo info@wineo.de +49 (0) 5237 6090 www.en.wineo.de

Westex info@westexflooring.co.uk 01274 861334 www.westexflooring.com

Landscape Parquet by Victoria Design Floors

Victorian Treasure by Invictus

Van Gogh Classic Oak by Karndean Designflooring Studio Designs by Brampton Chase

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is a fast growing sector of the flooring market due to its durability at relatively low cost and huge range of designs available. Sheet vinyl and cushion floor by the roll are popular but the sector is dominated by LVT. In reality, most of the products sold today are “LVP”, Luxury Vinyl Planks, as wood decors are more popular than ceramics and stone but the term LVT is still used to cover the whole non-sheet market.

Benefits

• Huge choice in terms of decors across wood, ceramic, stone and geometric designs

• Impressive realism – not just in the design but infinishing techniques that allow for wood knots you can feel, tiles you can grout, etc. See appearance options.

• Excellent performance in durability for high traffic areas, scratch resistance and cleanability. Vinyl also tends to be much more nonslip than natural materials. Some products are water resistant for bathrooms and kitchens.

• Warm and soft to touch compared to ceramic and stone floors - and a good heat insulator anyhow, and suitable for use with underfloor heating systems.

• Sound reduction – vinyl has neglible impact sound compared to the tap/click of laminate and transmits less sound and vibration compared to solid floor.

• Considerably cheaper than the ‘real’ thing – both to buy and to fit – and tile/plank approach minimises wastage.

Installation

Installation preparation

Vinyl requires a dry, sound, level subfloor as the relative thinness of vinyl and its light reflection performance will quickly reveal imperfections after installation as well as cause potential wear issues.

Exisitng wooden/MDF floors may need a plywood underlay up to 6mm thick and then the joints will need to be skimmed or taped. Non-wood sub-floors will need a self-levelling screed to be laid to ensure a suitable base for the floor. A damp-proof membrane may be required depending on sub-floor moisture levels.

However, new rigid core products are less flexible and can be laid more easily over existing floors – see Construction.

Top Coating

Wear Layer

Decor Layer

Product options

• Dry back – a sheet or tile that needs to be fixed to the sub-floor using an adhesive.

• Self-adhesive – tiles with a peel-off backing paper to stick to the sub-floor. Some tiles have adhesive overlaps to stick to each other rather than the sub-floor.

• Loose lay vinyl – tiles that simply drop onto the floor and rely on a high friction backing to keep them in place – they demand a very sound, level sub-floor but are the easiset type of tile to lay or replace.

• Click – tiles that have a mechanical jointing system to attach to one another (like a locked tongue and groove system) and ‘float’ on the sub-floor without being glued down. There are many proprietary versions of the click system which offer fast, clean installation and stability.

Appearance options

Vinyl tiles and planks cover a hugh variety of sizes and shapes and can be mix-and-matched to achieve an infinite number of designs. Current fashions include extra wide and long planks for wood through to very small planks for wood. Border effects can be easy to achieve in LVT. Other notable options include:

• Embossed – this is where the top clear layer of the tile has been embossed to create a realistic texture that matches the style of the stone of wood decor. Registered embossed is the most authentic –the texture matches the design so that, for example, a wood knot or hand-scraped element in the wood design can be felt on the surface of the flooring.

• Grouting and grooving – vinyl tiles can be laid with grouting inlay strips or beads of vinyl for addewd realism – and there are acrylic grouts that can be applied. In wood decors, planks are available with v-grooves or bevelled edges between planks for added realism.

LVT construction

PVC Middle Layer(s)

Fibre Glass Layer(s)

PVC Base Layer

www.bramptonchase.co.uk

www.invictus.co.uk

www.krausflooring.co.uk

www.myvictoria.co.uk

Top coating – A polyurethane or aluminium oxide coating provides protection against scratches and stains and gives enhances anti-slip.

Wear layer – This is a key layer - determining the performance and resilience of the product. A 0.3mm (12 mil) wear layer is a good for heavy wear areas. Commercial installations need 0.5mm wear layers or above with 0.7mm at the top end. The wear warranties and guarantees carried by products will be based on this thickness.

Decor layer – This is the decor itself - in essence it is a paper- or filmbased photographic inkjet print. (A few LVT floors have the image printed directly to the surface of the floor but this implies less image definition and different wear characteristics.)

PVC and fibre glass layers – The construction ‘sandwich’ can vary between products but a combination of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) layers for strength and flexibility and fibre glass layers for structural stability may be used. Any click-system profile will be incorporated into these layers. Products often use a combination of recycled vinyl which is cheaper and virgin PVC which lasts longer and is more stable.

Rigid core LVT has a solid, less flexible PVC layer with maximum stability which means it can be laid over exisiting, less even flooring without showing imperfections and therefore avoiding wear problems.

Base (or backing) layer – The final high density PVC layer varies according to the installation requirement and is designed for taking adhesive or as an ‘underlay’ for loose-lay and click installations.

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.

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.

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.

Benefits

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

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.

Types

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.

Sponge rubber • 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).

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.

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.

Underlayment for LVT • This provides a smooth surface on which you can glue down immediately. If there is a time or acoustic issue or a problematic underfloor, a stable, smooth dual underlay system will provide the best solution.

Sponge rubber

Crumb

Combination

PU foam

Flooring factsheet

Buying Groups

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.

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.

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...

Key benefits

Increase margins

• Group purchases to get beneficial rates

• Rebates

• Exclusive higher-margin products

• Special promotions

One of the key reasons to join a buying group is to 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.

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 of the committee

• 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

• Review all the extra benefits and services to see 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 flexibility to run your business the way you want

Increase sales

• Best of both worlds’ proposition

• Wider ranges and exclusive products

• POS, displays and merchandising support

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.

Associated Carpet Group

www.acgcarpets.com

Contact: Jon Richardson

Tel: 01942 825520 jon@acgcarpets.com

www.beautifulflooring.co.uk

Contact: Carl Harris

Tel: 01892 549050 charris31@sky.com

www.flooringone.co.uk

Peter Karra

Tel: 0121 683 1426 peter.karra@flooringone.co.uk

www.greendalecarpets.co.uk

Contact: Eamonn Prescott

Tel: 01432 852000 eamonn@greendalecarpets.co.uk

Metro Group

www.carpet1st.co.uk

Contact: Jill Coward

Tel: 01204 393539 jillcoward@carpet1st.co.uk

www.smg-group.co.uk

Contact: Mike Reed

Tel: 0118 932 3832 info@smg-group.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS Feburary 2022

Caring for carpet the right way

The

The WoolSafe Academy

Wool

The Stocklists

Wholesale

NATIONAL

Fells Carpets

Leeds 0113 3071900

carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk

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

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

NORTH WEST

A&A Carpets

Manchester 01204 701188 sales@aandacarpets.co.uk www.aandacarpets.co.uk

Hathaway Flooring Manchester - see Floorwise page 71

Kellars Limited

Manchester - see pages 23,29 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk

Lakes Flooring Supplies

Kendal - see Floorwise page 71

Millbrook Carpets

Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk

Preston Underlay Centre Ltd

Preston/Lancashire - see Floorwise page 71

EAST

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

Salesmark Ltd St Neots Tel: 01480 212888 sales@salesmark.co.uk www.salesmark.co.uk

STS Flooring Distributors Cambridge - see page 14 and Floorwise page 71

NORTH EAST/YORKSHIRE

Fells Carpets

Leeds 0113 3071900

carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk

Kellars Limited

Darlington - see pages 23,29 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk

Fells Carpets

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

RBV Flooring

Bradford 01274 670011 rbvflooring@yahoo.com

Trade Carpets and Floors Ltd Rotherham 01709 437723

sales@tradecarpetsandfloors.co.uk

MIDLANDS

Birch Distribution

Sheffield - see Floorwise page 71

Birch Distribution

Leeds - see Floorwise page 71

Birch Distribution

Hull - see Floorwise page 71

Cornerstone Flooring Supplies

Doncaster - see Floorwise page 71

Cornerstone Flooring

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

DMS Flooring Supplies Northampton 01604 664850 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

Floorwise D & J Ltd

Southam - see Floorwise page 71

Kellars Limited

Rugby - see pages 23,29 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk

Matty’s Wholesale Carpets

Birmingham 01675 433072 sales@mattys.co.uk

STS Flooring Distributors

Hemel Hempstead - see page 14 wand Floorwise page 71

Trade Counter Carpets

Leicester 0845 604 3055 tradecountercarpets@gmail.com

Woodall Brothers Ltd

Shrewsbury - see Floorwise page 71

SOUTH WEST

BL Flooring Supplies

Bristol - see Floorwise page 71

BL Flooring Supplies

Gloucester - see Floorwise page 71

Fitwell Flooring Ltd

Redruth - see Floorwise page 71

Fitwell Flooring Ltd

Newton Abott - see Floorwise page 71

Flooring Supplies (Wessex)

Amesbury 01980 625888 orders@flooringsupplieswessex.co.uk

R & M Wholesale

Bristol 01179 531222

Tiverton 01884 258266 sales@rmwholesale.co.uk

Salesmark West Ltd

Amesbury - see Floorwise page 71 Tel: 01980 880933 mail@salesmark-west.co.uk www.salesmark-west.co.uk

Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623

sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk

SOUTH EAST

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 10 for details

DMS Flooring Supplies

Hemel Hempstead 01442 502562 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

DMS Flooring Supplies

Milton Keynes 01908 049006 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

DMS Flooring Supplies Colindale, North London 0208 036 9945 colindale@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

Flooring Supplies UK Potters Bar 01707 245999 info@flooringsuppliesuk.com www.fsuk.floorgear.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 71 Tel: 01903 750522 sales@salesmark.co.uk www.salesmark.co.uk

Solent Wholesale Carpet

West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk

STS Flooring Distributors

Basildon - see p14 & Floorwise 71

STS Flooring Distributors

Croydon - see p14 & Floorwise 71

STS Flooring Distributors

Orpington/Croydon - see page 14 & Floorwise page 71

Trade Carpet London Wimbledon 0208 247 3891 sales@tradecarpet.com www.tradecarpet.com

IRELAND (NI + ROI)

Flanagan Flooring Distributors Saintfield, Belfast 028 9751 0932 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com

Flanagan Flooring Distributors Republic of Ireland 048 9751 0932 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise page 71

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Belfast - see Floorwise page 71

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Limerick - see Floorwise page 71

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

SCOTLAND

Flanagan Flooring Distributors Baillieston 0141 773 1122 scotland-sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com

Flanagan Flooring Distributors Loanhead 0131 2029 291 scotland.sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com

Kellars Limited Glasgow - see pages 23,29 0141 647 7685 sales@kellars.co.uk

MCD Scotland Uddingston Glasgow 01698 808000 mcdscotland@mcd.co.uk www.mcdscotland.co.uk

Neil Smith Ltd Glasgow - see Floorwise page 71

WALES

CBW Flooring Supplies

Pontyclun 01443 492510 www.cbwflooringsupplies.co.uk

1 Neil Smith Ltd Glasgow, G4 0TX

Tel: 0141 552 1141 sales@neilsmithltd.co.uk

2 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd

Belfast, BT15 3GU

Tel: 028 9075 3202

Fax: 028 9075 3901 salesbelfast@pfl.ie

3 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd

Dublin, D12 E540

Tel: 00353 (0)1 626 3913

Fax: 00353 (0)1 460 4669

salesdublin@pfl.ie

4 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd

Limerick, V94 W863

Tel: 00353 (0)61 227 100

Fax: 00353 (0)61 227 000 sales@pfl.ie

5 Lakes Flooring Supplies

Kendal. LA9 5RR

Tel: 01539 726500 sales@pucflooring.co.uk

6 Preston Underlay Centre Ltd

Preston, PR1 1PN

Tel: 01772 556345 sales@pucflooring.co.uk

7 Birch Distribution Leeds, LS10 1AG

Tel: 0113 244 4363

Fax: 0113 244 8665

l.sales@birchdistribution.co.uk

8 Birch Distribution Hull, HU7 0XD

Tel: 01482 826654

Fax: 01482 878693 h.sales@birchdistribution.co.uk

9 Hathaway Flooring

Manchester, M17 1EB

Tel: 0161 872 8003

sales@hathawayflooring.com

10 Cornerstone Flooring

Doncaster, DN3 3FE

Tel: 01302 835117

Fax: 01302 302542

cornerstonefloor@ btconnect.com

11 Birch Distribution

Sheffield, S9 5PH

Tel: 0114 243 1230

Fax: 0114 243 5118

s.sales@birchdistribution.co.uk

12 Woodall Brothers Ltd

Shrewsbury, SY1 3JE

Tel: 01743 441584

Fax: 01743 441629

sales@woodallbrothers.co.uk

13 Floorwise D & J Ltd

Southam, CV47 0DR

Tel: 01926 814922

Fax: 01926 817899

sales@fwdj.co.uk

14 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd

Gloucester, GL2 5HY

Tel: 01452 223355

Fax: 01452 371284

info@blflooring.co.uk

15 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd

Bristol, BS2 9SH

Tel: 0117 955 5454

Fax: 0117 955 2626

info@blflooring.co.uk

16 Salesmark West Ltd

Amesbury, SP4 7LN

Tel: 01980 880933

mail@salesmark-west.co.uk

17 Salesmark

Lancing, BN15 8UN

Tel: 01903 750522

Fax: 01903 851111

sales@salesmark-floorwise.co.uk

18 Fitwell Flooring Ltd

Newton Abbot, TQ12 6TR

Tel: 01626 835935

sales@fitwell.co.uk

19 Fitwell Flooring Ltd

Redruth, TR15 1SS

Tel: 01209 214344

sales@fitwell.co.uk

20 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd

Cambridge, CB23 8UD

Tel: 0345 899 1000

sales@stsflooring.co.uk

21 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd

Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7ER

Tel: 0345 899 1000

sales@stsflooring.co.uk

22 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd

Basildon, Essex, SS14 3DW

Tel: 0345 899 1000

sales@stsflooring.co.uk

23 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd

Croydon, Surrey, CR0 4WP

Tel: 0345 899 1000

sales@stsflooring.co.uk

24 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd

Orpington, Kent, BR5 3SS

Tel: 0345 899 1000

sales@stsflooring.co.uk

25 ProFlooring S.R.O

Prague, Bavorská 856/14

Czech Republic

Tel: +420 224 454 231

Email: info@proflooring.cz

● head office:

Floorwise Group Ltd.

Floorwise House, 22 High Street

Kegworth, Derby, DE74 2DA, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1509 673974

Fax: +44 (0)1509 674841

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.

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.

TRAINING COURSES — 1 TO 4 DAYS

Carpet Fitting — Basic

Carpet Fitting — Intermediate

Carpet

Carpet Fitting — Advanced

NEW! Carpet — Borders

NEW! Natural Floorcoverings

Sheet Vinyl Installation — Commercial — Basic/Intermediate

Sheet Vinyl Installation — Commercial — Advanced

Vinyl

Sheet Vinyl Installation — Domestic

Sheet Vinyl — Wetrooms Installation — Advanced

Linoleum Linoleum Installation — Basic

Resilient

Wood

Linoleum Installation — Intermediate

Resilient/LVT Fitting — Basic

Resilient/LVT Fitting — Intermediate

Resilient/LVT Fitting — Advanced

Laminate and Floating Wood Fitting — Basic

Wood Fitting — Intermediate

Wood Fitting — Advanced

Wood Sanding and Finishing

Subfloors Subfloor Preparation — Commercial

Supplementary

Subfloor Preparation — Domestic

Cost-Effective Estimating and Planning — Commercial

Profitable Measuring and Quoting — Domestic Moisture — Preventing

Super Plus

The Rug Tamer! Keeps Rugs In Their Place

COMBINATION UNDERLAYS NEEDLEFELT UNDERLAYS

For orders and further information, please ring P&R Ratcliffe (Underlays) Ltd.

Burnley, Lancashire BB10 3BH

Tel: 01282 421026, Fax: 01282 412321 www.foxirugtamer.co.uk

In an independent survey which asked 450 retailers which of the nine trade titles they actually read, our magazine came top of the pile.

Thank you!

Help us grow!

SALES REPRESENTATIVE UK

This is your fantastic opportunity to join a leading player in the textile floor coverings sector. Will you help us realize our growth ambitions?

Unique opportunity with great remuneration

As a sales representative for Betap you will work in a dedicated UK team and together you will maintaining existing account relationships whilst developing new opportunities. We are looking for a proactive candidate with great communication skills and a ‘can do’ attitude. We offer a highly competitive salary & attractive bonus structure and all the tools and product training you need to be succesful in your roll.

Globally renowed carpet manufacturer

Betap is a globally renowned carpet manufacturer, tailoring to clients in the automotive, residential, landscape, commercial and exhibition sectors and part of the Condor Group - a world leader in textile manufacturing.

Interested? Please send your CV & covering letter to hr@condor-group.eu. For the full job description; visit our website:

J O I N T H E A S S O C I A T E D W E AV E R S

C A R P E T T E A M

A R E A S A L E S M A N A G E R

S C O T L A N D

Associated Weavers - a leading, trailblazing carpet manufacturer at the forefront of broadloom carpets

Our strengths are our passion for flooring, in depth product knowledge, eye for great interior design and for ward thinking innovation Over the years we have built strong and lasting relationships with our par tners nationwide

We have an opportunity for a Carpet Retail Area Sales Manager covering Scotland.

Job Description & Main Responsibilities

- To maximise sales on your area with both roll & cut length customers

- To achieve monthly, quar terly and annual sales targets

- To sell point of sale display into new and existing customers

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills

- Excellent communication, dedication, initiative and enthusiasm

- Self-motivation, good planning and organisational skills

- General IT awareness and a full driving licence

The Package

Competitive salar y, sales related bonus structure, pension scheme, company car, laptop & mobile phone

Interested applicants should send their CV and covering letter to stephen kaye@associatedweavers co uk

AW-LVT Ad_IM_(210x143)_2-24.qxp_Layout 1 13/03/2024 16:08 Page 1

We are looking for motivated & committed Area Sales Managers to join the team and enable the company to drive for ward in the fast-growing Luxur y Vinyl Flooring market We have oppor tunities in the Nor th East and Nor th West of England.

INVICTUS Flooring is par t of Associated Weavers family and has quickly become a serious contender in the UK LVT market in since its launch in 2019, this is an oppor tunity to join a dynamic for ward thinking company at an exciting period in its development

The ideal applicant will have proven detailed experience of Luxur y Vinyl Flooring with a good understanding of the market, ideally living on the territor y, you will be required to visit existing INVICTUS floors customers as well as sourcing new customers selling display stands, managing their Luxur y Vinyl Flooring account and of course building the brand

The roles are suited to someone who is a great communicator with good sales, IT and planning skills, you must be driven to succeed and enjoy working hard, you will also hold a full driving licence.

A competitive salar y, attractive bonus structure, pension scheme with a company car, laptop & phone will be offered to the successful applicants

Interested applicants should send their CV and covering letter to james.taylor@invictus.co.uk