Stocklists The
3 August 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
with
BRITAIN’S No. 1 FLOORCOVERING MAGAZINE FOR THE RETAIL AND CONTRACT MARKET
Inspired by chalky limestone. Designed to be down in no time.
karndean.com/discoverkorlok Featured floor: Frosted Stone RKT2401
CAREFREE ULTRA.
Your favourite twist just got heavier. Packed full of advancements in construction, appearance and backing, Carefree Twist really raised the bar for carpet. Carefree Ultra takes these advancements a step further.
STRESS FREE FITTING WITH COMBI-BAC®
Using Carefree Twist’s palette of 15 on-trend colourways in both plain and heathered tones, Carefree Ultra’s 48oz pile is a step up in quality and an opportunity for retailers to easily upsell. Furlong’s very own Combi-bac® backing means easy fitting and fault free installation – with practically no damage or cracking whilst handling and reduced chances of scuffing of walls – a real plus. Carefree Ultra - outstanding features
Made in the UK from 2-ply twist using our best-selling bleachcleanable Carefree fibres, it’s hard wearing, easy to clean and features 10th gauge construction for a fantastic, pinpoint finish. As you’d expect from Furlong Flooring, this range comes with all our service guarantees, including fast response, product quality and excellent customer service – plus a 10-year guarantee – protecting against more than just food and drink.
100% bleach cleanable fibres. Keeping your carpet looking great and easy to clean.
To find out how we could be your ideal flooring partner contact Furlong Flooring today.
CARPET 2
www.furlongflooring.co.uk
I
VINYL
LV T
L AMINATE
Sales: Preston - 01772 696 787
I
Combi-bac®. The ultimate backing for a carefree installation.
Tighter yarn spacing creates a uniform appearance and looks better for longer.
HARDWOOD
Dartford - 01322 628 707
I
Gloucester - 0845 520 0800
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
Stocklists The
ISSUE 545 : AUGUST 2020 Published by Mayville Publishing Co Ltd., 219 West Ella Road, West Ella, Hull HU10 7SD @thestocklists Tel: 01482 659396 Fax: 01482 659397 www.thestocklists.com Sales Director: Diane Martin. diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk Publication Director: David Spragg Founded by Roy Spragg in 1973.
THE MAGAZINE THAT’S ALL ABOUT FLOORING
Advertisers
Our news service starts on page 23
Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD Index
LVT inspiration Creativity and authenticity on show in our annual gallery of top shots
H ADAM CARPETS H ASSOCIATED WEAVERS t BRAMPTON CHASE
pages 33-39
o CARPENTER
Classically modern
Rita Bancroft looks at the firm favourites in contemporary design pages 40-41
2020
Show “must go on”
s COLUMBIA FLOORING
11
0208 443 3322
H CORMAR
—
01204 881234
36,39
01562 749300
—
01977 662211
14,27
01538 361633
H DISTINCTIVE FLOORING H FELLS CARPETS
n FITA 50
01159 506836
n FLOORWISE 48
01509 673974
H FURLONG FLOORING
01772 696787
IFC,12-14,38 15
01473 826870
H HUGH MACKAY 16
01429 892555
Heart of the family
Mind the skills gap
Brintons dye move
Celestial style
Hit the headliner
CRUK reports strong push for re-use Victoria launches EasiCare heathers page 20 page 24 Kidderminster dye plant to close page 44
LDP launches Swiss rugs designer page 26
FlooringFactsheets
Training starts back after lockdown page 42 Pinstripe panache from Balta pages 24
31
01706 213131
Cover,35,37
01386 820 100
3
n NICF 50
01422 373799 0115 958 3077
o NOVOSTRAT 41 00353 61 339287 H PENTHOUSE CARPETS
Recovery thriving
01604 664855 01457 861141
n MERRYFIELD ENGINEERING
Harrogate to change time & place pages 23
01422 431100
10
+31 38 477 8911
t KARNDEAN DESIGNFLOORING
Retailers report keen consumers page 30
4-9,34
25
n INTERFLOOR
Queuing up to buy
01562 822247
H CONDOR CARPETS
H HAMMER CARPETS
USA ranges ready to roll page 23
29
Back cover
n F. BALL
States, not waits
Page Contact No No
17
01706 639866
s SOLENT WHOLESALE CARPET 18
01243 774623
n T&E DISPLAYS
19
0121 558 4932
n THE FLOORING SHOW
23
—
H THOMAS WITTER 22
01429 892555
H VICTORIA CARPETS 20,21
01562 749300
o WILSON UNDERLAYS
01924 451138
43
Classified Adverts & Jobs .................... pages 51 H carpets/rugs/tiles t woods/laminates/smooths n accessories/services/organisations = fibres o underlay s wholesalers/distributors l adhesives
Are you ready for the industry’s Oscars!
The industry’s knowledge-bank
www.flooringinnovationawards.com – AWARD SCHEME LOGOS
Adhesives
45
Carpet Types
Buying Groups
49
Underlay 46-47
Carpet Company Directory
–
Wholesaler Distribution Directory 48.
48
Carpet Trouble-shooter
–
Woolsafe: the carpet care guide –.
–
ISSN 2046-7338 © Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2020. Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.
Enter or nominate the industry’s best new products - see page 44
2020
MERRYFIELD CARPET CUTTING MACHINERY
WINNERS BADGES
British Manufactured Carpet Cutting Machines THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
Visit ‘Merryfield Carpet’ on YOUTUBE to see our full range of cutting machines or call 01422 373799
Whi
3
T H E E STA B L I S H E D CARPET BRAND I N V I C T U S ® N OW B R I N G S YO U L U X U R Y V I N Y L F LO O R I N G www.invictus.co.uk 4
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
INVINCIBLE CARPET & FLOORING
Associated Weavers, the maker of Invictus® carpet, presents Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring. With the same attention to quality, the same eye for exclusive designs, and a unique performance level, Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring is the perfect match to Invictus ® carpet.
Always a trailblazer when it comes to branding, Associated Weavers reinvents the in-store display and brings an experience unseen in the flooring business. With traditional samples and an intuitive digital module, Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring invites the customer on a fun-to-do purchasing journey.
A UK brand since 1964 THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
5
6
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
A UK brand since 1964
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
7
WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SHOP-IN-SHOP BY AW? Please contact your local Area Sales Manager for more details.
8
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
• A bundle of successful concepts & innovations: iSense®, Invictus®, Vivendi®, Sedna® & StainAway®. • Multiple modules can be tailored individually to the concept of your store • Customers can stroll around the collections, presented in clear displays, in a relaxed atmosphere. • A dynamic overall solution for successful carpet sales.
www.carpetyourlife.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
9
Luxury Vinyl Planks
0.3mm
177.8 x 1219.2mm
2mm
Wear Layer
Plank Size
Thickness
Featured Design: Ashby
Find us on instagram @bramptonchase
Ten Stunning Designs in our latest Woodlands Collection
Water Resistant
Highly Durable
Next-day Sampling
Large Planks
Lifetime Guarantee*
*Domestic subject to T&Cs
Industry leading service and quality 01604 664855 | www.bramptonchase.co.uk | support@bramptonchase.co.uk 10
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
Columbia Flooring plc
The Leading Country Wide Carpet & Flooring Suppliers We can supply you with virtually any make of carpet and flooring at GUARANTEED maker’s list price... Delivered direct to business premises FREE OF CHARGE. For a Speedy and Efficient Service
Call US NOW!!! 020 8443 3322
sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooringplc.co.uk Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am to 12 noon Tel: 0208 443 3322 Fax: 0208 805 2346 TRAFALGAR TRADING ESTATE, JEFFREYS ROAD, ENFIELD , MIDDLESEX, EN3 7TY.
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
1970 – 2020
11
Furlong Flooring
ALAN CAIRNIE EAST SCOTLAND M: 07976 311434
SOUTH EAST
SCOTLAND
The people who care about your success
PAUL LOVELL NORFOLK, SUFFOLK & CAMBS
TONY CONWAY BEDS, NORTHANTS, OXON & BUCKS
M: 07816 217549
M: 07791 891025
plovell@furlongflooring.com
acairnie@furlongflooring.com CHRIS GRUBB WEST SCOTLAND
JOHN AKIEN EAST & WEST SUSSEX M: 07791 891024
M: 07970 163372
TIM BAILEY SOUTH EAST WALES & HEREFORDSHIRE M: 07794 048414
tbailey@furlongflooring.com JASON BRIMBLE AVON & GLOUCESTERSHIRE M: 07794 041266
jakien@furlongflooring.com
HARD FLOORING SPECIALISTS
WALES & SOUTH WEST
cgrubb@furlongflooring.com
GUY FERGUSON KENT, HAMPSHIRE, DORSET, SURREY, EAST & WEST SUSSEX M: 07816 217 558
tconway@furlongflooring.com PETER FLETCHER HAMPSHIRE & DORSET M: 07816 217561
pfletcher@furlongflooring.com ADAM CLARK S.YORKSHIRE, YORKSHIRE, LINCS NORTH EAST, EAST COAST, NOTTS, DERBYSHIRE M: 07970 269730
gferguson@furlongflooring.com ANTHONY SUMMERS NORTH WEST M: 07980 786264
aclark@furlongflooring.com JEFF COLLINS ESSEX, HERTS, N, N.W. & EAST LONDON, NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, CAMBS M: 07793 244 620
jbrimble@furlongflooring.com
asummers@furlongflooring.com
BEN THOMAS MID & WEST WALES
OWEN CHENERY S.E. WALES, HERTS, AVON & GLOS, LEICS, WARWICKS, BIRM’HAM, SHROPS, STAFFS, SOMERSET
M: 07794 048809
jcollins@furlongflooring.com PAUL COCKS WEST LONDON
pastelle
M: 07792477312
M: 07794 367 825
bthomas@furlongflooring.com
ochenery@furlongflooring.com
pcocks@furlongflooring.com
STEWART WAITHMAN DEVON & CORNWALL M: 07794 048413
Competitive, best-selling products all available now from UK stock
swaithman@furlongflooring.com
12
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
M: 07872 964685
cmcmaster@furlongflooring.com WESLEY GRAHAM LEICESTER, WARWICKSHIRE M: 07968 324598
wgraham@furlongflooring.com MIKE SHUTT BIRMINGHAM/ STAFFORDSHIRE, SHROPSHIRE
MARTYN MORRIS SOUTH YORKSHIRE M: 07973 403450
mmorris@furlongflooring.com TBA NORTH EAST, EAST COAST
enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk TBA YORKSHIRE & EAST LANCS
LONDON
enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk JACK O’CONNOR SOUTH BUCKS, BERKSHIRE, WEST LONDON, SURREY (OUTSIDE M25)
M: 07793 244619
M: 07816 217550
DARREN SPENDIFF KENT M: 07791 890861
joconnor@furlongflooring.com JAMIE BONE N.W, NORTH, EAST & CENTRAL LONDON M: 07816 217548
dspendiff@furlongflooring.com
M: 07966 263571
acheetham@furlongflooring.com DANNY BROWN MERSEYSIDE, WIRRAL & NORTH WALES
dbrown@furlongflooring.com MARK DOWSON PART LANCS, FLYDE COAST & CUMBRIA M: 07980 786265
ROSS BIRCH S.W, SOUTH, S.E. LONDON, SURREY (INSIDE M25)
rbirch@furlongflooring.com
ALAN CHEETHAM GTR MANCHESTER, CHESHIRE
M: 07597 459642
M: 07970 158594
mshutt@furlongflooring.com
NORTH WEST
MIDLANDS
COLBY McMASTER NOTTS, STAFFORD, SOT, DERBYSHIRE & LINCS
YORKSHIRE AND NORTH EAST
...and can help grow your sales in 2020!
jbone@furlongflooring.com
mdowson@furlongflooring.com ANDY THOMPSON ESSEX, HERTFORDSHIRE M: 07816 217565
athompson@furlongflooring.com
Preston Sales tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921
Gloucester Sales tel: 0845 520 0800 fax: 01452 222515
London Sales tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733
Email enquiries
enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk
New website
www.furlongflooring.co.uk
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
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TRUST THE YELLOW BUCKET Exceptional quality, innovative products and support that you can always rely on.
F. Ball Always Gives You More
F. Ball and Co. Ltd.
14
01538 361 633 • mail@f-ball.co.uk • www.f-ball.co.uk
GREAT BRITISH INNOVATION
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
Tel 01473 826870
Email infouk@hammercarpetsuk.com
Web www.hammercarpets.com
Beautiful carpet collections in 100% wool stocked in 4m and 5m wide
Jacs
Designer tonal loop pile in 100% wool available in 4m and 5m widths.
Natural Lines
Supreme Boucle
Super luxurious 100% wool loop pile available in 4m and 5m widths.
Natural Lines
Natural Weave
Skagen
Natural Weave
Key facts about our carpets
herringbone design with a stripe option.
All our carpet yarns are Mothproof protected for the life of the carpet.
Supreme boucle
The weloop use are the highest quality 2 and 3 ply yarns Our bestyarns selling level 100% wool product available in 12 up to the minute We use long staple, hank dyed, scoured and set fibre colours in bothonly 4m and 5m widths.
in 100% New Wool. which gives you the very best long term performance. Beware of cheaper imitations that use lower cost short All our carpet yarns are Mothproof protected for the life of the carpet. Las Vegas fibre loop which yarn quickly in use and will give inferior results in terms of A staple chunky luxurious pile inshed 100% wool available in 4m and 5m widths. The yarns we use are the highest quality 2 and 3 ply yarns in 100% New Wool. We use only long staple, hank dyed, scoured and wear and appearance retention.
Key facts about our carpets
set fibre which gives you the very best long term performance. Beware of cheaper imitations that use lower cost short staple fibre
Sisal Boucle & Sisal Berberis designed and made in Scandinavia using the best Everything we produce which shed yarn quickly in use and will give inferior results in terms of wear and appearance retention. A heavy domestic tonal stripe in 100% wool loop pile. sustainable New Zealand
Wool that is the whitest and cleanest available. This ensures excellent levelness of colour gives us the make cleanest available. This ensures excellent when levelness dyed of colourand when dyed and gives us theability ability to to make beautifulbeautiful pastel shades and The Stone Fibre Collection pastel shades and brighter brighter light colours including white. light colours including white. Everything we produce is designed and made in Scandinavia using the best sustainable New Zealand Wool that is the whitest and
designs. Each design available in 4 colours, in 4m and 5m widths.
Our eco Memphis
friendly credentials
100% wool textured loop available in • 5m We only use renewable 4& widths.
energy from offshore wind farms to power our factories
• We recover Diamond Weaveexcess heat and energy from the manufacturing process and use it to heat buildings in our vicinity Ourmunicipal eco friendly credentials
5m width.
• We make the carpet tubes that the finished carpets are delivered on from recycled Scandic Weave • We only use renewable energy from offshore wind farms to power our factories polypropylene
• We recover excess heat and energy from the manufacturing process and use it to heat municipal buildings in our vicinity 5m width.
• A•ll the waste water in manufacturing made drinkable before we We make the carpet tubeswe thatproduce the finished carpets are delivered on fromis recycled polypropylene dispose of itcutso 100% wool innovative andwe loopdo pile not pollute the environment
Sloane Square • All the waste water we produce in manufacturing is made drinkable before we dispose of it so we do not pollute the environment • We are committed to make products from materials that aid a healthy life cycle, with no harm to people or the environment geometric design.
• We are committed to make products from materials that aid a healthy life cycle,
Skagen with no harm to people or the environment Hammer Carpets are the world’s largest manufacturer of Soft tones in a heavy wool loop with a bespoke design 80/20 Colortec carpet. Ask your Agent for luxurious Wool pile.
Scandinavian quality by design Scandinavian quality Our UK Sales Team by design Steve Acton 07957 836207
Ron Fewery 07976 244892
London, Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Ron Fewery Buckinghamshire 07976 244892
London, Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Buckinghamshire
www.hammercarpets.com
Kent, Sussex, Surrey,
Sandy Anderson Jay Pallass UK Sales Team07414 837329 07445Our 232345
Cheshire,
Yorkshire &
Hampshire Greater Manchester, Steve Acton & Dorset Sandy Anderson Lee Palmer North East Jay Pallass Lancashire, 07957 836207 07445 232345 07774 101640 07414 837329 Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire & Dorset
Tel 01473 826870 THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
Merseyside Cheshire, Channel Islands & North Wales Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside & North Wales
Yorkshire & North East
Email infouk@hammercarpetsuk.com
Stephen Binnersley 07710 618754 Stephen Midlands, South Wales & Binnersley Northamptonshire 07710 618754
Midlands, South Wales & Northamptonshire
Robin Saunders 07968 344892 East Anglia
Robin Saunders 07968 344892 East Anglia
Web www.hammercarpets.com 15
It e s i l a Visu with Hugh y! Macka
Transforming your home in real time from the comfort of your own sofa or instore! Available for everyone to use, completely free of charge. Simply take a photo of your room and upload it to start installing our ranges
Change the way you choose... SCOTLAND JOHN STUART M: 07860 565 200 E: johnrstuart@btopenworld.com NORTH EAST & CUMBRIA BECKY GIBBONS M: 07970 491 215 E: rebann2@btinternet.com YORKSHIRE JOHN ALSOP M: 07860 572 220 E: alsopagencies@yahoo.co.uk
LANCASHIRE JOHN ROSTRON M: 07973 733 208 E: johnrostronagencies@hotmail.com EAST MIDLANDS STEVE FURNISS M: 07773 384 787 E: furnissagencies@btinternet.com WEST MIDLANDS DEAN STANLEY M: 07572 758 010 E: dssalesagencies@gmail.com
www.hughmackay.co.uk OXFORDSHIRE, WILTSHIRE, HAMPSHIRE, BRISTOL, & GLOUCESTERSHIRE DAVID MAY M: 07976 204 778 E: mayatthelimes@talktalk.net SOUTH WEST BRENDAN HART M: 07850 130 221 E: ba.hart1@yahoo.com NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, CAMBS, NORTH ESSEX ROBIN SAUNDERS M: 07968 344 892 E: rsagencies2004@aol.com
SOUTH WALES PAUL POWELL M: 07968 186 150 E: paulpowellagencies@gmail.com
NORTHERN IRELAND GARY O’BOYLE M: 07831 220 675 E: goboyle@ntlworld.com
SOUTH EAST & SOUTH LONDON MIKE ALP M: 07770 861 441 E: alp.michael@googlemail.com
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LARRY WHITE M: 03862 594 126 E: thelarwhite@hotmail.com
N LONDON & HOME COUNTIES DAVE MARNEY M: 07794 221 443 E: d.marney@sky.com
SALES DIRECTOR KEITH MORGAN M: 07710 701063 E: keith@hughmackay.com
CENTRAL LONDON NICK WOOD M: 07976 945 505 E: nick@essentialflooring.co.uk
MANAGING DIRECTOR VINCE HOLDEN M: 07900 262 434 E: vince@hughmackay.com
H U G H M A C K AY Support your British manufacturer 16 STOCKLISTS May / June 2020 THE
W W W . H U G H M A C K AY. C O . U K
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020 15
Meet the team... F I N D Y O U R L O C A L R E P R E S E N TAT I V E H E R E SCOTLAND & BORDERS
NORTH EAST, CUMBRIA & ISLE OF MAN
NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES
YORKSHIRE & THE HUMBER
Stephen Cawley
John Pringle
Ian Henderson
Christine Searle
07718 762236 stephen.cawley@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07825 991405 john.pringle@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07974 141919 ian.henderson@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07939 051608 christine.searle@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
Areas covered: All Scottish regions
Areas covered: Cumbria, Kirby Lonsdale via. Carnforth, Isle of Man, Cleveland, Northumberland, Durham, Tyne & Wear
Areas covered: Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire (inc. SK9, SK10, SK11), Greater Manchester (inc. SK1 to SK8, SK12, SK14 to SK16), Clwyd, Gwynedd
Areas covered: North Humberside, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire
WEST MIDLANDS, WORCESTER
SOUTH YORKSHIRE & EAST MIDLANDS
SOUTH EAST, LONDON HERTS & ESSEX
SOUTH EAST, LONDON
Sue Chapman
Chris Gee
Conway Morgan
Guy Legg
07801 538763 sue.chapman@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07919 047930 chris.gee@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07753 983714 conway.morgan@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07801 357622 guy.legg@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
Areas covered: Herts, Essex, North & West London
Areas covered: Kent, South & Central London, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex
Areas covered: Gloucester, Avon, West Midlands, Shropshire, Hereford & Worcester
Areas covered: Humberside, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire,
EAST MIDLANDS & SOUTH EAST
EAST ANGLIA, CAMBS & BEDFORDSHIRE
SOUTH WEST
SOUTH COAST & CHANNEL ISLES
Simon Beeby
Martin Hunter
Graham Wood
Nigel Woollard
07775 913380 simon.beeby@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07711 353982 martin.hunter@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07825 171482 graham.wood@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07767 213236 nigel.woollard@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
Areas covered: Somerset, Devon, Cornwall
Areas covered: Berkshire (Split), Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Isle of Wight, Channel Isles
Areas covered: Berkshire (Split), Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire
Areas covered: Cambridge, Bedford
NORTHERN IRELAND & REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
WALES
Herbie Montgomery
James Thomas
07774 695333 herbie.montgomery@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07932 458032 juncture2002@aol.com
Areas covered: Northern Ireland, Southern Ireland
Areas covered: West Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan, South Glamorgan, Gwent, Dyfed, Powys
Working for the independent retailer To find out more, call our sales team on 01706 639 866 or visit us at:
penthousecarpets.co.uk
Penthouse Carpets Buckley Carpet Mill, Buckley Road, Rochdale. Lancashire OL12 9DU • Fax: 01706 860 577 • Email: sales@penthousecarpets.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
17
Solent Wholesale Carpet Company Nationwide, Palletised Express Service www.solentwholesale.com
LVT - Carpet Tiles - Grass Matting - Vinyl - Underlay Screed - Adhesive - Primers Gripper - Trims - Plywood Tel: 01243 774623 Flooring Trade ONLY
BRAND NEW WEBSITE
Free Delivery on most orders over £350* *some products & postcodes may incur a surcharge.
18
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
The Struggle is over with our
Easy Lifters Supplied In Pairs & Delivered Nationwide!
Challenge Us To Any Quote
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
19
The latest edition to our family Our new Heartland Heathers collection offers twelve stunning subtle heather tones, in two-ply, 10th gauge carpet. As with all our EasiCare carpets, it’s 100% bleach cleanable. Complete with a 10 year wear warranty, this is the perfect carpet for today’s family life.
V I C TO R I AC A R P E T S . C O M 20
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
Heartland Heathers
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
21
Luxury Twist This luxury heathered range is made from quality British wool in a perfect 80/20 blend in both plain and striped designs. Available in 3 weights and 13 shades, this range adds effortless style to any home.
SCOTLAND MARK VINTER M: 07775 902 376
NORTH WEST & CUMBRIA JOHN ROSTRON M: 07973 733208
SOUTH WALES PAUL POWELL M: 07968 186150
NORTH EAST BECKY GIBBONS M: 07970 491 215
EAST MIDLANDS STEVE FURNISS M: 07773 384 787
SOUTH EAST & LONDON ANDREW GOLDSMITH M: 07432 119 220
YORKSHIRE ALDO BERETTONI M: 07971 173 560
WEST MIDLANDS DEAN STANLEY M: 07572 758010
CORNWALL/DEVON/ SOMERSET/DORSET BRENDAN HART M: 07850 130221
SALES DIRECTOR
SALES OFFICE
OXFORDSHIRE/WILTSHIRE/ HAMPSHIRE/BRISTOL & GLOUCESTER DAVID MAY M: 07976 204778 NORTHERN IRELAND GARY O’BOYLE M: 07831 220 675 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LARRY WHITE M: 0862 594 126
KEITH MORGAN M: 07710 701063
T: 01429 892537
T: 0844 7252 034
THOMAS WITTER Support your British manufacturer
VIEW LOGISTICS, PA R K V I E W R O A D E A S T, H A RT LEPOOL , TS2 5 1 HT
E: SAL ES@THOMASWITTER.COM
WWW.T HOM A S WIT T E R .C OM
T: 0 1 4 2 9 8 92537
FLOORINGNEWS FEATURES Marketing Insights – Contemporary Classics Rita Bancroft reports... p40–41
The traditional Harrogate venue for the show is still a Nightingale hospital so the nearby Yorkshire Event Centre (right) is likely to play host.
Flooring Focus Minding the skills gap as training gets back into business... p42
“Show must go on” - but later! The Flooring Show organisers say they can beat the coronavirus challenge by changing the date and venue of the exhibition. “The show must go on,” says event organiser Alex Butler of Ocean Media Group. “Flooring is a people business and if everyone can get together in Harrogate we can sustain the positive momentum that has followed lockdown and kick-start the business into the new year.” Urgent discussions are continuing between the organisers and key exhibitors on the feasibility of hosting the event on a later dateline.
Queuing up to buy floors – retailers report a brisk bounce-back after lockdown... p30
The event was to have taken place on September 20-22 but the Government has announced that exhibitions and conferences will not be able to open before October 1 and then “subject to the outcome of pilots.”
Smoothing over delays – F Ball demonstrates how to speed up tricky fits... p32
Also The Flooring Show’s traditional venue at the Harrogate Convention Centre is still functioning as a Nightingale Hospital without a firm end date to its NHS contract so now the organisers have plans to host the event at the modern Yorkshire Event Centre, about 2.5 miles from the original venue in the town.
Brintons to stop dyeing in Kidderminster... p44
T 020 7772 8345 www.theflooringshow.com
States with no waits! Sampling for Abingdon Flooring’s new StainFree The USA Collection is now being rolled out to retailers across the UK as the British manufacturer returns to full service. The luxurious USA Collection has been eagerly awaited by retailers since previewing at The Flooring Show back in 2019. With striking lecterns and wall unit updates now rolling out to Abingdon Flooring retailers across the UK, homes will soon be enjoying luxury carpeting inspired by famed cities of the country. Featuring three styles inspired by Miami’s art deco Atlantic architecture, the cool metropolis of New York and the ranch lands of Dallas, The USA Collection brings a lifetime of stain-resistance in carpets that set a luxury aesthetic in family homes. Martin Peace, sales and marketing director, Abingdon Flooring, says; “Because of the pandemic, retailers and homeowners have had to wait a little longer for the USA Collection than usual, but with stores now open and welcoming customers, reportedly with strong demand from customers, the timing of this new collection couldn’t be better. Offering great value in a super stylish package, we’re really excited about the potential of this new StainFree collection.” To give an even more impressive luxury feel, The USA Collection uses the British manufacturer’s Soft Fleece Bac. Soft Fleece Bac gives improved feel and a carpet that’s easier to install with less chance of damage to skirtings. Available in 2.5m, 4m and 4m widths, the collection is launching in 14 colours, including classic and ontrend shades. T 01274 655 694
www.abingdonflooring.co.uk
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FLOORING NEWS Hit the headlines With a tonal pinstripe design in a palette of rich functional colours, Headliner is the latest carpet tile from the LCT First collection by Balta carpet tiles. Designed for landlords and building operators looking for a low-cost solution for light public and private areas, Headliner’s 1/10th gauge loop pile construction gives great underfoot feel and premium looks. Filip Poelman, sales director, comments; “Headliner keeps up the pace for our LCT First collection of value carpet tiles. Providing a dualpurpose role in private and light public spaces, Headliner is the answer to a comfortable floor that’s easy to clean and maintain at a really accessible price point.” Made from 100% StainSafe polypropylene, Headliner is stain-resistant and bleach cleanable. And in the unlikely event that a carpet tile becomes permanently stained or damaged, it can be simply swapped out with minimal interruption or disturbance to residents, as well as at minimum cost to the building operator. Headliner is available in eight practical colourways, backed by 10-year stain and seven-year wear warranties. Supplied in boxes of 10 tiles (50cm x 50cm) for 5m2 coverage. T +32 56 62 22 11 www.balta-carpets.com
Re-use and recovery is thriving says CRUK Flooring industry support for carpet waste reuse and recycling in the UK continues to rise, despite an overall 10% decrease in the total amount of carpet waste identified and recorded in 2019 compared to 2018, according to Carpet Recycling UK’s latest achievements report. Since its formation in 2007, the not-for-profit, industry-led membership association has enabled both members and non-members to divert around 1.25 million tonnes of carpet waste otherwise destined for landfill. Creating further landfill diversion solutions for carpet waste reinforces Carpet Recycling UK as the only independent ‘go-to’ body to drive forward sustainability and circular economy principles in the carpet/flooring sector. CRUK’s latest data for 2019 reveals the volume of carpet waste diverted from landfill in the UK was 158,577 tonnes (175,252 tonnes in 2018), with the majority being post-consumer broadloom carpets compared to carpet tiles or post-manufacture waste. Material sent to the energy from waste sector as RDF/SRF had declined in line with other reports in that sector.
CRUK - carpet offcuts
However, CRUK’s figures show sustained strong interest from across the supply chain in initiatives to reuse and recycle carpet waste where possible, with encouraging rises in activity in the following areas: • Carpet tiles reuse has more than doubled • Use in carpet fibre recovery was up by more than 50% • Plastics recycling (from synthetic fibres) went up by just under 50% • Small increase in surfaces material for the equestrian market • 660 enquiries from across the supply chain in 2019, compared to 624 in 2018 • More than 150 enquiries from flooring suppliers in 2019, versus 130 in 2018
Envirocycle - carpet tiles CRUK Manager Adnan Zeb-Khan said: “More than 60 flooring suppliers are now CRUK members, liaising with us in the development of recycling options for their customers. Enquiries from the waste/demolition and construction sectors are also increasing.” Highlighting CRUK’s critical ‘independent’ role on data collection, Adnan continues: “For the last 12 years, Carpet Recycling UK has maintained its position as the ‘go-to’ body for information on outlets for carpet and other textile waste, facilitation of networking and information on sustainability within the sector. “Going forward, our sustainable treatment of all types of waste in the UK is going to change – and carpet as a viable raw material resource will, in my view, be a key part of that equation. We are facilitating the growth of sustainability for companies who are engaging with us ahead of legislation.” www.carpetrecyclinguk.com. 24
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
Premium quality. Guaranteed
Condor Carpets bv Euroweg 3, 8061 SB | P.O. Box 21, 8060 AA | Hasselt, The Netherlands T (+31) 38 477 89 11 | F (+31) 38 477 89 22 | info@condorcarpets.nl
W W W . C O N D O R - G R O U P. E U THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
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FLOORING NEWS Refreshed Rustique Abingdon Flooring has refreshed the popular StainFree Rustique collection, introducing an improved specification and new colour palette. With a lifetime StainFree promise, the collection has long been a favourite with homeowners wanting a natural look carpet that benefits from easy maintenance and now Rustique has been made even more appealing with the addition of Abingdon Flooring’s Soft Fleece Bac. Improving underfoot comfort and making cut-lengths more flexible and easier to install, Soft Fleece Bac is now included on all qualities within the collection. Abingdon Flooring has also introduced five colours into the Rustique collection, updating a mottled palette grounded in earthy tones. On-trend natural hues of Witch Hazel, Hopsack, Ash Grove, Walnut and Greystone breathe new life into the collection, making it ready for 2021 and beyond. The new colours, as well as continued best-selling shades, are available on Rustique, Rustique Deluxe and Rustique Saxony. Offering a range of qualities in the same colour palette and multiple widths, the Rustique collection brings a classic look with a set of features well-suited to today’s homes. With three qualities to choose from, purchasing decisions can be made an affordability or use, room by room, and with the same choice of warming natural colours. Martin Peace, sales and marketing director, says; “The Rustique collection has become a popular style for us, bringing a classic looking carpet with the features needed for contemporary living. Easy to look after and with a 10-year wear warranty, the Rustique collection brings excellent value for homeowners.” Returning to full service, Abingdon Flooring is rolling out sampling of the new Rustique collection to retailers across the country with immediate effect. T 01274 655 694
www.abingdonflooring.co.uk
Ultimate underlay options With carpet, wood, laminate and LVT covered, the floorwise underlay collection is packed with great value products that are loved by installers across the country. Catalogued in ‘underlay the ultimate guide’, available from your floorwise distributor or for download from the website, www.floorwise.co.uk, the collection presents an option for all applications and price points. Whether you need an underlay for use with underfloor heating, to quieten the sounds of footsteps beneath a laminate floor, or simply to bring comfort and support beneath carpet; floorwise has the answer. As one of the UK’s leading underlay suppliers, floorwise works to bring unique specifications to the market developing products that uphold its belief that quality and value go hand-in-hand. Nowhere is this better shown than in an impressive selection of PU underlays, ranging from the base density of MD+ initio right up to the UHD+ of contract-ready lift. Each underlay delivers unbeatable long-term recovery and comfort at its price point. “We’re one of the UK’s biggest underlay brands and have the depth of product to answer the needs of residential and commercial installers,” says Richard Bailey, managing director, floorwise. “From our recycled PU foam qualities to the Acoustica underlay series for reducing sound, Duet combination rubber crumb and felt and our specialist LVT underlay, we’re not constrained by the limits of our manufacturing expertise, we simply specify the best quality product for the task.” T 01509 673974
www.floorwise.co.uk
Celestial style from LDP Louis de Poortere is bring stylish rugs from Swiss textiles and fabric house, Christian Fishbacher to the UK. The Prêt-à-Porter Carpet Collection is a collection of modern rugs drawing upon references such as Portuguese azulejo tiles, riverbeds, the night sky above deserts and macro studies of flowers. Crafted by Louis de Poortere in cotton and polyester chenille, with Celestial and Linares also featuring metallic polyester, the flatweave rugs are made to Christian Fishbacher’s exacting brief. Alan Russell of LDP says: “Christian Fishbacher is one of Switzerland’s most famous interior design houses with a long history in beautiful fabrics and we’re delighted to make the brand’s exquisite Prêt-à-Porter Carpet Collection. We’re even more pleased to be able to bring it to UK shores through our established distribution channels, which gives our customers the chance to stock this appealing brand.” Whether colourful and bold or elegant and discreet, these flatweave rugs by Christian Fischbacher are an expression of the brand’s experience and flair; statement pieces that redefine their surroundings. The Prêt-à-Porter designs are drawn from the rich mix of signature patterns as well as from the brand’s newest collection. The collection is made of six designs, each beautifully captured in an exclusive brochure. A sample presentation cataloguing the range in 14 large samples (30 x 30cm) is available from Louis de Poortere. T +32 56 393 393 www.louisdepoortere.com
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THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
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FLOORING NEWS Brockway drives forward Brockway Carpets has agreed to partner with two of the largest flooring distribution companies in the UK, ensuring they are well placed to service their national retailer network. Transfloor who are based in Lancashire will service Brockway’s Midlands and Northern accounts and Alliance who are based in Worcestershire will service their Southern customers. Brockway will continue to use their own fleet to support this national distribution network. Charles Annable, Managing Director of Brockway carpets explained, “Working with both Transfloor and Alliance, alongside our own delivery vehicles ensures we offer one of the best delivery services in the UK. I believe it is vital we support our retailers to meet consumer demand following months of shutdown. We are also investing in new products with the launch of three new designs to our popular Lakeland Herwick collection.” Brockway is a family owned business, and these new initiatives demonstrate their long term view and continued commitment to support their valued retail network. T 01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk
Take-back comeback Collections of waste vinyl flooring through the Recofloor take-back scheme will restart from August 3rd. The full service was temporarily suspended in April due to the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, with a “soft start” of some collections from June to help support Recofloor members and manage the volumes of waste vinyl flooring. Contractors and distributors can contact Recofloor through the website (www.recofloor.org) or by phone (0161 355 7618) to request their collection. Collections can take between four to ten working days and are carried out by Polyflor and Altro during their deliveries as backhaul. Founded by leading flooring manufacturers Polyflor and Altro in 2009, Recofloor accepts smooth vinyl (including luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and loose lay) and safety vinyl offcuts and roll ends, as well as uplifted smooth vinyl for recycling back into new products. Recofloor Scheme Manager, Carla Eslava comments: “As the construction sector gets back to work, we are reassuring Recofloor members that we are here for them and resuming collections from August 3rd. This helps them to recycle their material, a sustainable alternative to landfill that also helps them save on landfill disposal costs.” Carla emphasises that all waste vinyl flooring must be free from contamination as per the Recofloor guidelines. For collections over 1,000m² of vinyl waste, companies should check first if Recofloor is able to collect. She adds: “Recofloor is open for business, we can collect and can send bags to members who need them.” T 0161 355 7618 www.recofloor.org
Covering new ground The new keynote theme for Domotex 2021 is intended to motivate people to go beyond previous strategies, visions and experiences in flooring design. At the show in Hannover on January 15–18, this theme will zero in on three dimensions that permeate the latest trends: Balanced Living. Sustainable Living. More than Floor. How does the desire for deceleration, for more naturalness and more mindfulness affect the design of our environment? How can we change the interiors in which we live and work? Where do floors begin and where do they end? What new functionality will floors provide in the future? And: Who says nature only happens outdoors? In an age of coronavirus, more and more people are working from home and dynamically transitioning from work to private life and back again. As a result, the interior designs of and flooring used in home environments are becoming more and more significant. Moreover, unused office facilities are going vacant and being used in a variety of new ways, meaning that their interiors need to be adapted accordingly. Mindfulness, naturalness and well-being can be positively influenced by the appropriate selection of surfaces and materials as well as by innovative concepts. Here, too, it is important to blaze new trails – and not just because of the pandemic. The lead theme of Domotex is therefore a motivational call to all of us to think outside the box. www.domotex.de 28
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flare Adam Carpets Flare has an award-winning chevron design with two new options joining its stunning range of on-trend colours this Summer. • Best 80/20 blend of accredited 100% UK-wools and premium nylon 6.6 • 2-ply velvet yarn for performance • 4 metre and unique 5 metre width options for fewer joins Stand holders – please contact your rep about sampling for the 2 new colourways.
Limoncello FL09 with the 2019 Wool Carpet Award
Duck Egg FL04
Manufactured using accredited UK wool in our factory in Kidderminster.
www.adamcarpets.co.uk
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FLOORING NEWS
Queuing up to buy flooring! Retailers bounce back “For the first time ever I can say customers have been queuing up to get in the store!” says Steve Cox of Heritage Flooring in Leigh-on-Sea. “I think the levels of business are back to normal, if not slightly better than that. “We had a lively start to trading in the first week which tailed off a little in the following weeks but it’s pretty busy and there seems to be a good atmosphere among our customers, he added. Laura Bellamy at Brookside Carpets in Market Harborough has been operating an appointment-only policy for customers. “It has been brilliant for us. People are keen to make appointments and then we can give them our undivided attention. It creates a stronger relationship and a better chance to get a sale that really matches what they need. I think it’s the way forward for us.
“It has been brilliant for us. People are keen to make appointments.” says Laura Bellamy “There seems to be a lot of business out there,” adds Laura. “People have been spending a lot of time at home and not spending much of their money on anything so they seem to be keen to get out and start buying.” In a survey of retailers The Stocklists carried out in June, 69% believed there was pent-up demand waiting for re-opening and this appears to have been borne out in the first weeks of post-lockdown.
“People are spending money at the moment and we have to seize the opportunity.” says David Mudd the sentiment we hear often from retailers – that the next month or so should be strong but additional uncertainly lies in wait in the run up to Christmas in the form of worries about recession, redundancies and any second wave of coronavirus. In our survey, 77% of our respondents said a recession and the associated unemployment was the greatest threat to business in Q4 and overall only 27% believed monthly sales figures would return to prelockdown levels this year. Stock positions at the suppliers has been good say our sample of retailers, although carriers have been less reliable than usual. “We’ve been very impressed with manufacturers,” says Laura Bellamy. “They seem to have hit the ground running.” Securing prompt deliveries of underlay seems to have been an issue in some areas however.”
“Consumers are enthusiastic and we’re getting good quality sales.” says Ashley Horne
“Consumers are enthusiastic,” says Ashley Horne of Wall Bros in Sussex. “They’ve found it hard to spend money during lockdown and now we’re getting good quality sales right across the board. We’re very pleased with the response.”
Richard Moore, Executive Director of the ACG buying group, says: “We’ve found our members are very buoyant and our Facebook community are happy and very busy.
David Mudd at Premier Carpets & Flooring in Worcester says trade has been exceptionally busy. “That was the best June we have ever had and July is heading the same way. People are spending money at the moment and we have to seize the opportunity.
We’re delighted how resilient retailers have appeared to be,” he says. “The spike in business has been stronger than expected in many cases and left some of the suppliers’ logisitics with issues and it’s caught out the underlay manufacturers it seems. But overall there is a lot of confidence in the trade right now but with people looking over their shoulder a little, wondering how long it will last.”
“After that, we hold on tight and see how it goes,” said David, echoing
Safe re-opening for Academy With strong interest in its training programmes, the Academy for Excellence in Flooring is set to resume in August with measures being taken to keep its colleagues and course trainees safe. Lee Thompson, Procurement and Technical manager, says; “We’re delighted to be reopening the Academy and judging by the stream of enquiries we’ve received during lockdown, we’re expecting a fast start. We’ve taken every possible measure to protect our colleagues and course attendees and we’re on hand to help alleviate any fears or concerns about the course before booking your place.” Refurbished training bays have been equipped with new challenges and obstacles but as the Academy’s courses are now limited to four candidates, demand is expected to be high, so flooring professionals are being encouraged to contact the Academy early to avoid disappointment. Upon arrival, delegates will be allocated a seat, separated at distances of 2m, and this remains theirs throughout the course (one-day or two-day duration). The same pre-assignment of areas also applies for training bays. All materials and tools are pre-sanitised and prepared with trainees using only allocated equipment. The Academy is also allocating all candidates with individual catering, closing the kitchen and shop area until it is deemed safe to reopen for candidates. Academy clothing can still be purchased through a member of staff. Sanitisation points have also been implemented throughout the centre to encourage the regular cleaning of hands when travelling around the Academy. www.quick-step-academy.co.uk 30
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
Kensington DeluxeÂŽ 25% Recycled Plastic Bottles
80% recycled for the ultimate feel good factor
55% Recycled Car Tyres Tredaire Kensington Deluxe is a unique combination underlay manufactured from post consumer waste (recycled PET plastic bottles and rubber crumb from car tyres). The crumb/felt combination creates an underlay with superior wear and comfort properties. Kensington Deluxe is the perfect choice for Wilton and Axminster style carpets. The PET felt backing means that carpets with stitched joins bed into the top felt layer and prevent wear along the join.
Best Underlay Manufacturer
interfloor.com 01706 238 810 THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
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FLOORING NEWS Smoothing over delays Products from F. Ball and Co. have helped to create a professional flooring finish over both wood and metal raised access panels as part of a refurbishment to create new office space for a government service in Liverpool. Contractors from HB Flooring, based in Sutton Coldfield, used F. Ball’s dual-purpose Stopgap Fill and Prime and Stopgap 1200 Pro smoothing underlayment to prepare subfloors before installing LVT and carpet tiles over one floor of the building, totalling 2,500m². It was first necessary to prime the wooden raised access panels where the LVTs would be installed, and fill joints between panels. Contractors therefore applied F. Ball’s Stopgap Fill and Prime over an area of 400m². Stopgap Fill and Prime sets to a gel-like consistency on standing, enabling the joints at panels to remain filled and preventing depressions resulting from a subsequently-applied levelling compound or smoothing underlayments sinking into them while setting.
Truck it for bucket design Iconic products from F. Ball and Co. are centre stage of an eye-catching creative refresh of the company’s delivery lorry liveries, the unveiling of which is being celebrated with a fun social media giveaway. The distinctive designs can already be seen making their way up and down the country, with the new graphics creating the illusion lorry curtains have been ‘opened’ to showcase F. Ball’s famous yellow products in all their glory.
Once the primer had cured, F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 Pro smoothing underlayment was applied to create a perfectly smooth base for the installation of the LVTs. it’s fast drying and fast setting, allowing floorcoverings to be installed in as little as four hours after application. F. Ball’s Styccobond F41 carpet tile tackifier was then used to install carpet tiles directly over the metal raised access flooring. The adhesive dries to a permanently tacky film, allowing carpet tiles, installed directly over the metal raised access panels, to be removed easily. T 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk
The first two editions to be revealed feature some of the company’s most popular products, including the UK’s most-used adhesive for textile floorcoverings, Styccobond F3, paired with Stopgap 300 HD heavy-duty levelling compound. A second design depicts buckets of F. Ball’s pressure sensitive flooring adhesive, Styccobond F46, together with sacks of Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound. As part of the launch, F. Ball is inviting people to keep an eye out for the new liveries and tweet a picture to @FBallUK on Twitter, using the hashtag #IsawFBall, in return for some branded merchandise. T 01538 361 633
www.f-ball.co.uk
Fast vinyl gets back to work safely Polyflor are getting fitters back to work safely with the advantage of Expona EnCore Rigid Loc resilient vinyl flooring. Minimum subfloor prep is required and Expona EnCore flooring can be installed over most hard subfloors and planks are loose laid using a 5Gi locking mechanism, meaning there is no need for adhesive. These properties make Expona EnCore much quicker to install than a traditional LVT product and when combined with the other steps above, you can really reduce the amount of time spent in a customers home. Expona EnCore is a unique floor covering, offering 12 faithfully replicated wood designs and superior performance. It is 100% waterproof, features an acoustic layer, provides underfoot comfort and has a PUR surface treatment, And before installation, face-to-face contact can be minimised by previewing Expona EnCore in any space quickly and easily with Polyflor’s room visualiser, and free samples can be ordered directly to the customers home. T 0161 767 1111
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www.polyflor.com
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2020 THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
We’ve selected the very best photos from our editorial pages over the last year which demonstrate that style, quality and creativity is alive and well in the smooth flooring industry.
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Associated Weavers • Victorian Treasure Stone design luxury vinyl tiles for a vintage cement tile look. A classy statement floor, alone or with matching borders. Available in 2 colourways: Charcoal & Smoke. For more inspiration, check the Invictus website and social media: www.invictus.co.uk Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest: @invictuscarpetflooring #invictuscarpetflooring
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
Korlok by Karndean Designflooring, Metro Grey New for 2020, Karndean Designflooring introduced five new limestone inspired stone designs to its Korlok collection. A rigid core format with enhanced acoustics and quick and easy installation, Metro Grey is an on-trend mid-grey with enough natural detail to provide interest without detracting from the rest of your dĂŠcor. T 01386 820100 www.karndean.com THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
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Distinctive Flooring • Landscape Wildwood There are six beautiful parquets within the Landscape Wildwood Collection. These can be seen along with the other 92 products on their dedicated wall display stand. Available for immediate delivery contact them to order yours today. T 01562 749300 www.distinctiveflooring.co.uk
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
Heritage by Karndean Designflooring, Clifton From striking monochrome designs to beautifully blended traditional patterns, the Heritage Collection reflects both the classic elegance of historic homes and the boldness of contemporary trends. Clifton is a timeless, classic pattern shown here in a traditional black and white design. T 01386 820100 www.karndean.com
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Furlong Flooring • Sirona, Carina and Aurora The LVT range from Furlong Flooring offers a contemporary selection of plank and tile designs. Available in three specifications; Sirona, Carina and Aurora are suitable for all rooms and budgets. Available with matching accessories, underlays and glues. Backed by Furlong Flooring’s industry leading service levels. T 01322 628707 www.furlongflooring.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
Distinctive Flooring • Aspect Urban Skylight Multi tonal planks are the reason the Hue range of designs within the Aspect Urban collection are so beautiful. The registered emboss and bevelled edges give this 0.55mm plank a luxurious look and feel. T 01562 749300 www.distinctiveflooring.co.uk
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Marketing insights Contemporary Classics Abingdon Flooring – StainFree Satin Touch, Crystal Many consumers took the opportunity to redecorate during lockdown, and as flooring is the finishing touch, we take a look at carpet and hard flooring design styles which are firm favourites today. Adam Carpets believe in inspiring consumers with timeless designs. Their Flare collection is a classic example of this, as the zig-zag chevron pattern is incredibly versatile. Available in 10 colourways, the on-trend colour combinations ensure this range looks sensational on stairs, in lounges, studies and bedrooms. Two new colourways will be launched in early autumn, so stand-holders should contact their representatives in September. Flare is made using 100% accredited UK wool, combined with premium nylon 6.6. The 2-ply yarn construction ensures softness underfoot with the assurance of added durability and performance. It is available in both a 4m and a unique 5m width to provide retailers with greater flexibility for larger rooms. The choice of widths means consumers can be confident there is less wastage and fewer joins. Like all Adam Carpets, the Flare range is made in their own modern factory in Kidderminster and coordinates beautifully with their popular Castlemead Twist range.
“The choice of widths means consumers can be confident there is less wastage and fewer joins” Adam Carpets – Flare, Duck Egg
“Satin Touch offers a premium underfoot feel and its quality will be felt for years” A classic 1/8th cut-pile saxony, Satin Touch comes in tones such as Angora, Satine, Mohair, Velour and Velvet; colours driven by the close trend-monitoring undertaken at Abingdon Flooring’s Centre of Development and Excellence. With a future-ready palette and impressive feel, the new-look Satin Touch is well geared for capitalising on the popularity of bleach-cleanable carpet at a new, premium price position. Available in 2.5m, 4m and 5m widths, the carpet comes with Abingdon Flooring’s famous StainFree for Life promise and is suitable for Heavy Domestic use, underlining its high-quality construction. The Associated Weavers Invictus brand offers an invincible collection of carpets and luxury vinyl flooring, consisting of twelve carpet ranges and three luxury vinyl flooring collections. The Magnificus carpet range is the all-time favourite within their carpet offer, thanks to its high weight, bulky handle and invincible comfort. The colour bank has been revamped for 2020 with 14 wellbalanced colours. Their 20 year wear and stain warranties provide added assurance to consumers. The collection is made from 1/10 gauge twin ply yarn, ensuring additional performance and is 100% bleach cleanable. The multi-width choice of 3m, 4m and 5m carpets all incorporate fusionbac, providing ease of installation to retailers. Headquartered in Halifax, Associated Weavers has been present in the UK since 1964. The company has been at the forefront of many broadloom carpet innovations through their product knowledge and passion for interior design. Their Invictus carpets stand for invincible comfort that will convince even the most demanding consumers.
Abingdon Flooring luxurious StainFree Satin Touch collection delivers the perfect blend of luxurious underfoot comfort with exceptional durability and stain performance.
Associated Weavers Invictus – Magnificus
Relaunched in 2019 with a new polypropylene yarn that offered an even softer and silkier feel, Satin Touch comprises 16 beautiful contemporary shades and represents a premium choice in the StainFree collection. Boasting an impressive 14mm pile height for a truly indulgent feel, the collection is equipped with Abingdon Flooring’s Soft Fleece Bac for easier installation and improved comfort; this is a collection ready for discerning homes. Martin Peace, sales director, Abingdon Flooring said, “Satin Touch offers a premium underfoot feel and its quality will be felt for years to come, bringing homes a luxurious and lasting ‘investment’ carpet from the StainFree collection. We see no reason why someone looking for highspec finishes for their home wouldn’t also want them to be easy to care for, so we’ve made sure that Satin Touch delivers on both fronts.” 40
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by Rita Bancroft Rita is Director of Bancmarketing Ltd and has over 30 years of marketing experience with a proven track record in both business to business and business to consumer multi-channel marketing.
The carpets’ stunningly rich texture and opulent body is created using the latest generations of solution dyed yarns, both iVinci (Polypropylene) and iVerse (Polyester - The Aquarius Collection), combining appealing comfort with superior stain resistance and excellent durability. Karndean Designflooring have introduced a new wood hue to their popular Korlock rigid core collection. The satin look of their new Canadian Nude Oak, teamed with its straight grain detail makes for a subtle, contemporary classic floor. The neutral tone perfectly complements a minimal interior but works equally well with a more extravagant décor, toning down bright colour or busy prints. “Our modern Korlok collection features a range of timeless light colour palettes all inspired by natural materials, explains Stella Coyle, national sales manager of Karndean Designflooring. She said: “A relaxing bedroom offers the perfect sanctuary from the pressures of the world. For anyone looking to create a space for their own personal retreat, there’s no better place to look for inspiration than classic contemporary designs. The sophisticated pared back feel, airy colour schemes and natural textures are the ideal combination for a bedroom escape that will help you find serenity and balance.” Karndean Designflooring – Korlack, Canadian Nude Oak
Karndean’s Korlok collection features 11 wood designs all inspired by European and North American woods. It is recognised for boosting wellness with its excellent acoustic benefits reducing noise transfer to rooms below up to 21dB, without the need for separate underlay. It recently welcomed five new limestone stone designs featuring a mix of cool silvery greys to warm charcoals and muted honey tones.
For more information contact: Abingdon Flooring T: 01274 655 694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk Adam Carpets T: 01562 822247 www.adamcarpets.com Associated Weavers Invictus T:Join 01422 www.invictus.co.uk the431100 online community on: Karndean Designflooring T: 01386 820100 www.karndean.com
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Flooring FOCUS Minding the skills gap Coronavirus put training on hold across the country but the skills gap in the industry hasn’t stopped getting wider with a shortage of qualified fitters in general and skilled installers in particular for some of the more challenging, aspects of the industry. Now, at last, the trainers are able to get back to business. “Basic training and upskilling, with the introduction of new products and regulations, it is more important today than ever before,” says renowned flooring consultant John Hopkins. “For newcomers to an industry, basic training is essential to enable a person to understand the fundamentals of the job and to carry out a given task correctly. With the development of new techniques, products and regulations, upskilling on a regular basis is essential.” A number of commercial companies offer practical training courses and seminars of their own products whereas a number of independent organisations offer a more comprehensive range of courses on different products and techniques. The Academy for Excellence in Flooring re-opens in August after the Covid-19 shutdown with a range of specialist courses for the installation of wood, laminate and LVT floors. Powered by an industry leader Quick-Step, the Academy offers training that can make installations 20-30% faster and boost confidence for tackling more complex tasks like, for example, accurate cutting for stairs and replacing individual damaged planks. Lee Thompson, technical manager at The Academy said: “We often find self-taught installers will overprice complicated jobs or simply just avoid them altogether. At best this is somewhat deflating for confidence and at worst it is actually damaging to business. Taking a course at the Academy is a way that they can gain skills and make sure they are ready for any challenge.”
Quick-Step Academy accelerates installations
FITA builds confidence for the future
“Improved confidence in their ability through learning the ‘FITA way’ can give floorlayers an edge in a highly competitive market.” FITA runs over 20 different courses ranging from one-day workshops to fourday intensive courses. On-site assessment and training with the chance to achieve an NVQ Level 2 in Floorcoverings is also available. After discussions with the Trustees and staff at the Museum of Carpet in Kidderminster the National Association of Carpet Cleaners (NCCA) have moved their office from Leicester to the Museum. They will be offering a wide range of specialist cleaning and maintenance courses. This will be of benefit to both the NCCA and the museum. Floorskills, Europe’s largest and most comprehensive independent training organisation for the flooring industry, is based in Solihull in the West Midlands but suffered major flood damage during the lockdown. Matt Bourne, the Managing Director, says the reconstruction and refurbishment will be up and functioning by August and will be bigger, brighter and more comprehensive than before. A full range of training and upskilling courses for all areas of the flooring industry both commercial and residential, as well as apprenticeship schemes, will be offered. The ITFA is an online information resource and training facility at www.itfacademy.org for the carpet industry, both for manufacturers and retailers, with an extensive online library holding over 2000 pages of carpet information ranging from technical papers, sales aids and marketing information. ITFA was launched to the carpet industry in 2018, and was created, developed and operated by experienced carpet industry professionals based in the UK.
“We often find self-taught installers will overprice complicated jobs or simply just avoid them altogether.” In terms of fixing problems, the Academy also adopts a ‘worst case’ approach so that self-taught installers are ready to tackle any on-site problem with fresh-found knowledge and confidence. The training bays at the Academy’s centre in Manchester have just been refurbished with new challenges! See also page 30 for more news on the Academy. The Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA), an independent, notfor-profit organisation, set up by the NICF and CFA to provide not only courses and workshops designed to suit beginners getting started in the industry, but also upskilling courses aimed towards seasoned professionals. Following British Standards and current industry best practices, the courses utilise the latest products, tools and techniques. FITA believes its method of teaching gives the best opportunity to learn both new skills and develop existing. “Improved confidence in their ability through learning the ‘FITA way’ can give floorlayers an edge in a highly competitive market. An investment in training is an investment in a floorlayer’s business and therefore their future,” it says. 42
In addition to information, ITFA offers a set of online courses including “Fit Me” for installers, “Fibre to Floor” for an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of both synthetic and wool carpets, manufacturing and performance, and a specialist course of carpet inspection and complaints investigation. ITFA also work with the Woolsafe Academy and shares resources. Steve Bakker of Woolsafe is currently also developing a Wool Specialist Retailer training course for the upcoming WoolSafe Associate Retailer programme.
For more information Academy for Excellence in Flooring www.quick-step-academy.co.uk – 0161 877 6955 Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA) www.fita.co.uk – 0115 950 6836 Floorskills – www.floorskills.co.uk – 01564 703900 ITFA – www.itfacademy.org – 01943 899 682 National Association of Carpet Cleaners www.ncca.co.uk – 01507 463129 Woolsafe Academy – www.woolsafeacademy.org – 01943 850 817 THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
FLOORING NEWS Getting the measure of leisure Floorcoverings at a new £18 million entertainment complex at the White Horse leisure park, in Selsey, West Sussex. have been installed using products from F. Ball and Co., including the company’s Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound and F46 pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive. As part of extensive work undertaken throughout the new development by contractors from Sovereign Flooring,, a range of floorcoverings were installed in a new private members bar and restaurant, function room, adjoining kitchens and bathrooms, and showers and changing rooms. A moisture test conducted by an F. Ball technical representative indicated that subfloor relative humidity (RH) levels were higher than the maximum 75% threshold for floorcoverings to be installed without a moisture management solution in place. If left untreated, the subfloor moisture would likely cause damage to floorcoverings and adhesives, which could result in complete floor failure. F. Ball’s Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane was applied where vinyl floorcoverings were to be installed. A solvent-free, two-part epoxy resin system, Stopgap F77 cures in as little as three hours to create a barrier against excess subfloor moisture. In the upstairs private members bar, function room, changing rooms and shower rooms, F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 Pro high performance levelling compound was applied to create a perfectly smooth base for the receipt of vinyl floorcoverings. It was also used to patch-fill areas where carpet was to be fitted in the private members bar, function room and corridors. Stopgap 1200 Pro is a low odour, fast-setting, fast-drying, two-component levelling compound that is suitable for preparing sound internal subfloors prior to the installation of new floorcoverings. It offers the benefit of being suitable for use over old adhesive residues (including bitumen and carpet tile tackifiers), in which case there is no need to prime beforehand. In the wet rooms, F. Ball’s fast setting Stopgap 400 Repair was used to create an incline to ensure adequate drainage. Contractors then used F. Ball’s Styccobond F46 pressure sensitive adhesive to install a combination of luxury vinyl tiles and safety flooring. F46 makes it ideal for installing LVTs. It provides a high bond strength, which increases as it is trafficked, and a strong initial tack, meaning that tiles or planks will not move around once positioned by contractors. Polyflor Expona Endgrain vinyl planks, which create the appearance of wood blocks, were used in the area in front of the bars in both the private members bar and function room. Safety flooring was installed in the areas behind the bars, kitchens and bathrooms, shower rooms and changing rooms. In the wet rooms, Polyflor flexible PVC sit-on skirting was installed using Styccobond F60 contact adhesive, seams between sheet floorcoverings were welded to prevent water ingress, and seals were formed where floorcoverings meet drains and skirting. T 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk
Carpet Underlay That Uses Memory Foam Available in 8mm 10mm 12mm Thickness Incorporates Memory Foam DPM (Damp Proof Membrane) Installed Suitable For Stretch Fit Installations Luxury Domestic or Contract Use Applicable Tested To BS5808:1991 15.07m2 Roll Size (11m x 1.37m)
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THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
FREE SAMPLE
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FLOORING BUSINESS NEWS Brintons to stop dyeing in Kidderminster
Cost of Covid revealed in Balta report
Brintons Carpets plans to close its Kidderminster yarn dyeing plant, citing a drop in hospitality sales due to the Covid-19.
Covid-19 cost Balta a 36.5% decline in Q2 sales with a “severe impact” in April before it got back into production mid-May.
The move signals Brintons’ further manufacturing consolidation, moving some operations out of the UK to its factories in Europe and Asia. It follows confirmation in June of the closure of its yarn spinning factory in Telford. Rob Greenfield, Group Manufacturing & Logistics Director said: “The global coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on hospitality demand and we have to face the reality that as a result we need to consolidate our manufacturing operations”.
Total sales for the Belgium-based company, which is a major importer into the UK, were €106.7m. In the sector breakdown for the quarter, rugs were down 35%, commercial down 28% and the residential sector fell 44%. But the resilience of Balta’s business was demonstrated by its cashflow position, adding €7m to its balance sheet for the period. The implementation of NEXT, the company’s three-year program designed to deliver significant improvement in earnings, resumed in early July. Balta believes the benefits, which had started to become visible in the first two months of 2020, will continue once demand and production return towards normal levels.
“Remarkable upturn” for furnishing stores The latest data from Barclaycard cites “remarkable upturns” in furnishing sales with growth of nearly 18% after lockdown – real evidence of the pent-up demand in the sector which includes flooring. The company says the proposed changes, which will affect some 25 employees will ensure they “continue to safeguard the company’s longer term interests.” Brintons has confirmed that its Kidderminster site will continue to operate warehousing and the distribution of residential carpet to retail partners and will also retain the group’s head office. The company, which is owned by US private equity firm Argand Partners, has operations in Australia, India, Portugal, Poland and the U.S., in addition to its U.K. activities.
Consumer spending fell 14.5 per cent year-on-year in June – the smallest decline since lockdown began – with month-on-month figures showing an uplift as shops re-open. But home improvement (up 31.3%) and furnishing (up 17.6% compared to May’s figures which which were minus 28.2%). Esme Harwood, Director at Barclaycard, said: “While shoppers remain understandably cautious, slowly but surely Brits are starting to spend again. Some retailers have seen really positive increases, particularly home improvement where spend has reached higher levels than before the onset of coronavirus, when spending at these stores was in decline.” There were signs, however, that the high street’s recovery may be slow as over half (56 per cent) of consumers continue to avoid the shops.
Consumer confidence “bodes well”
Retail rules could be a benefit, says Foundation
Consumer confidence in buying “big ticket” items like flooring continues to build slowly as lockdown loosens, with an extra boost from high street pubs and cafes.
Restrictions on the numbers of consumers in shops at any time plus the move to ‘by appointment only’ could be highly beneficial for independent retailers, says the Carpet Foundation.
According to research analysts GfK, their “Major Purchase Index” taken at the end of June improved seven points to minus 25 – the fifth straight improvement in the researchers’ fortnightly reports.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for independents to showcase their unique selling points of personal service and knowledge,” says the Foundation, who lobbied the Government on the early reopening for flooring retailers.
Joe Staton, GfK‘s Client Strategy Director, says: “Despite the backdrop of dire warnings about the state of the economy, large-scale job losses, the end of furlough with the prospect of further unemployment, and a possible second-wave of COVID-19, consumers appear to be slightly more confident as lockdown loosens across parts of the UK.”
“It is unlikely that consumers will want to have telephone or face to face appointments with several retailers so it should lead to order conversion. We genuinely believe independent retailers in their local communities are well placed to benefit at a time when ‘community spirit’ has rarely been higher,” says the organisation in its latest newsletter.
An improvement in the retail environment after the high street hospitality sector re-opened on Saturday will help says Joe: “The seven-point jump in the Major Purchase Index could bode well as more shoppers hit the high streets after a trip to the pub and visit to the hairdresser.
“While no one knows the long-term consequences of the Coronavirus epidemic, pleasingly, early indications are that the hoped for ‘pent-up’ demand is, indeed, there,” it said.
Extended opportunity for star awards The deadlines for entries for the popular Flooring Innovation Awars has been extended to give companies more time after the lockdown and to take account of delays in product development. “These are challenging times for the industry but we know how important these awards have become” says Bridgette Kelly, the award scheme organiser. “So we’ve reset the closing date to September 17 with the winners to be announced in October.” The national Flooring Innovation Awards sets out to identify products and services that are genuinely new and exceptional in the sector. Award categories cover not only flooring products, but also recognise achievements in service, technology and marketing. The awards scheme website gives full details of all the categories for 2020 and has an entry form for companies to make their first submissions to the judges or for readers to suggest their favourite innovation products. www.flooringinnovationawards.com 44
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
Flooring
Factsheet Adhesive Types Acrylic/Resin: Ideal for plasticized PVC and most modern flooring. Bitumen: A tar-like material, bitumen has a high degree of moisture resistance and is used for damp-proof membranes and installing tiles, wood blocks and mosaics. Epoxy Resin: A two-part chemical curing system that is used in aggressive environments such as conservatories, wet rooms, commercial kitchens and exterior installations. Polyurethane: An adhesive with rapid bonding characteristics, typically used for wood floors.
ADHESIVES
SELECTION CHECKLIST
The criteria to select an adhesive will cover the following points. Larger manufacturers offer detailed guides to select the correct adhesive – even indexing floor manufacturer’s products by name to ensure an accurate match. For accurate and up-to-date information consult the F. Ball Recommended Adhesives Guide. Open Time: The time you have to fit the flooring into the adhesive after which the bond will no longer be ideal. The time until the floor may be walked on should be checked. Odour: Low odour, solvent free and low VOC products are increasingly favoured and now have the same performance characteristics of older products.
Polyvinyl Acetate: Typically used for close fitting joints in timber, laminate floors and panels.
Coverage: How thick and how far can the adhesive be spread.
Tackifier: An adhesive for carpet designed to increase the tackiness – or the tack range – of an adhesive.
Application Method: Different adhesives may be applied by roller, trowel or spray.
Water-based Adhesive: Many different types of adhesives now use water as their carrier to avoid odours and flammability issues which are common with chemical solvents.
Strength: Including how quickly the adhesive will “grab” the floor covering and its strength when fully cured.
W NE
Underfloor Heating: A lot of modern adhesives are suitable for use with underfloor heating but
this criteria must be checked where appropriate. Subfloor: What surface will the adhesive stick to most effectively including concrete, sand cement screeds, levelling compounds, plywood and chipboard. While there are multi-purpose adhesives, specialist products will be better suited to certain surfaces. The porosity of the floor is a key determinant of the type of adhesive to be used and its performance during installation. Special Performance: Certain adhesives are more suitable for damp, humid or high temperature environments. Air Quality and the Environment: The old wisdom that the more it smells, the better it sticks is no longer acceptable to modern consumers and solvent-based products are increasingly replaced by water-based adhesives.
STYCCOBOND F73PLUS HEAVY DUTYONE PART FLOORING ADHESIVE • No mixing, no waste, easy to use • Fibre-reinforced with high bond strength
• Suitable for internal and external areas • Fast setting - traffic from 90 minutes • Weld from 2 hours
Let F73 Plus take the strain in the most demanding environments Trust the yellow bucket
F. Ball and Co. Ltd.
GREAT BRITISH INNOVATION
01538 361 633 • mail@f-ball.co.uk • www.f-ball.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
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Flooring factsheet from Interfloor Best Practice Guide Fitting the Right Underlay Selecting the right underlay is not always easy. There are a lot to choose from and there are many factors to consider such as comfort, durability, suitability with underfloor heating, noise reduction, warmth and more. Interfloor has been advocating the use of underlay with new floorcoverings since the 1940s, pioneering its “British method” worldwide and developing its market-leading brands Duralay and Tredaire to supply hundreds of customers in over 70 countries. Here they offer advice on the key considerations for selecting the best underlay …
Our Underlay Range
Sustainability Re-use and recycling are key considerations for determining a flooring product’s green credentials. Interfloor’s crumb rubber and PU foam underlays contain approximately 80%-90% recycled content. The crumb rubber is made from recycled car tyres and some 3 million are recycled every year to make our underlay. We launched FSC® certified carpet gripper in 2011 and produced the first EC1 and EC2 flooring adhesives in 2008.
Impact sound With more people opting for hard floorcoverings there are major benefits to using a specialist underlay; not least, the reduction in sound impact. Interfloor’s Duralay was the first brand to develop special noise reduction underlays for wood and laminate floors. Independent tests prove our sponge rubber Timbermate underlays, with their superior weight and density, reduce acoustic noise levels by up to 30 per cent.
Underfloor heating It’s important to make sure that the effect of underfloor heating is not reduced by the underlay. Choose a specialist underlay for use with underfloor heating and check its thermal insulation value, making sure the thermal resistance of the total installation doesn’t exceed 0.15m2 K/W. Interfloor’s high tog underlays, including Duralay Heatflow and Tredaire King and Defender, help keep rooms warm and cosy.
Quality standards With greater emphasis being placed on building products’ performance, it’s important that those used in residential and commercial environments conform to British and European quality standards. Interfloor’s underlays and accessories are compliant with the relevant quality and safety standards, including BS 5808: 1991 / EN14499 : 2015. They also hold the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus accreditation, meaning our products conform to the CRI’s high standards for indoor air quality and low VOC emissions.
Interfloor manufactures Tredaire and Duralay, leading brands underlay market, that are recognized by customers as brands of quality, and with over 70 years of expertise, they are trusted by users throughout the world. 46
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
Flooring factsheet Underlay In a tight market for margins, underlay for carpet and hard flooring offers retailers one of the best opportunities to add value to every sale – with good profitability, trade-up potential once benefits are understood and high customer satisfaction levels.
www.interfloor.com
The Carpet Foundation and its Consumer Code of Practice approved by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) recommend that new carpet underlay is bought with every new carpet. Many consumers are now aware of the benefits of underlay but more needs to be done to provide information about the different types available and their suitability for different areas of the home.
www.floorwise.co.uk
Setting up in-store demonstrations so customers can walk on samples with different grades of underlay and feel the difference has shown excellent results. Some manufacturers offer point-of-sale units and foot testers.
www.carpenterunderlay.co.uk
Benefits
Types
Good underlay will... • Improve underfoot comfort • Increase appearance retention, reducing flattening • Absorb the pressure of foot traffic and reduce wear • Improve thermal insulation and warmth • Increase sound insulation • Smooth out sub-floor imperfections • Last the lifetime of the carpet
PU (polyurethane) foam This is now the market’s most popular underlay and is typically made from recycled foam offcuts. The foam provides excellent comfort and performance levels with lots of thickness options and densities and provides great insulation – and its light weight helps handling.
Poor or old underlay will...
• Feel hard and unwelcoming • Reduce carpet life • Cause wrinkling and premature wear spots • Cause carpet fibres to break down more quickly • Not meet British Standards How thick? A maximum of 12mm is recommended (working with gripper will be difficult thereafter) but rooms with heavy traffic will need a thinner, denser pad. The combination of thickness and density is all important as a thick underlay with low density may not perform well. Typically, the thicker the underlay, the better quality it will need to be – 11mm is often used for luxury installations with 9mm and 7mm the common domestic thickness.
Sponge rubber
Combination
Crumb
PU foam
Sponge rubber Introduced in the 1950s, this is a more traditionally manufactured underlay available in flat or waffle patterns in a wide range of weights for different applications. It performs well for comfort and has a durable spring retention. Crumb rubber Flat and dense, crumb rubber is good for heavy footfall – offering maximum protection but a little less comfort (and very good over stair nosings).
www.wilsons-carpet-underlays.co.uk
Laminate underlay There’s still an opportunity to sell underlay with laminate flooring, improving the acoustic performance of the floor and helping the boards float above any imperfections in the sub-floor. Combination A rubber crumb base with a felt top layer offers a good combination of protection, durability and comfort. It also allows carpet with seaming to bed into the top felt.
www.luxeunderlay.com
Underfloor heating underlay Always ask if there is underfloor heating. Most manufacturers offer specialised products. Underlay and carpet with a combined tog rating of 2.5 can be used – which means the underlay would normally have a tog rating of 1.0. Felt This traditional (but environmentally friendly) undelay is made from recycled fibres – wool, jute and synthetic – to create a firm, dense pad with excellent thermal insulation. Still a very popular choice among contractors when stretch fitting woven carpets. Pre-tackified underlay A self-adhesive single stick underlay in both needlefelt and PU. A removable system for heavy use when comfort is desired.
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
www.underlay.com
www.qaflooringsolutions.com
www.interfloor.com
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wiseup to floorwise quality&value guaranteed
gripper
underlay
stair nosings
profiles
tools
adhesives + screeds
national distributor network
2 5
3 4
headoffice:
8
6 9 10
7
11 12 14 15 16 20
19
13 17 18
he +s sive cr ee s ds lam ina tes
Floorwise Group Ltd. Floorwise House, 22 High Street, Kegworth, Derby, DE74 2DA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1509 673974 Fax: +44 (0)1509 674841
ma tti ng
tap es
too ls
pr ofi les
gr ipp er
16 Salesmark West Ltd Amesbury, Wiltshire Tel: 01980 880933 mail@salesmark-west.co.uk 17 Acorn Carpet Accessories Bromley, Kent Tel: 020 8462 0422 Fax: 020 8462 0927 sales@acorncarpetsacc.co.uk 18 Salesmark Lancing, West Sussex Tel: 01903 750522 Fax: 01903 851111 sales@salesmark-floorwise.co.uk 19 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abbot, Devon Tel: 01626 835935 sales@fitwell.co.uk 20 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth, Cornwall Tel: 01209 214344 1 sales@fitwell.co.uk
ad
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1 Neil Smith Ltd 8 Hathaway Flooring Glasgow Trafford Park, Manchester Tel: 0141 552 1141 Tel: 0161 872 8003 sales@neilsmithltd.co.uk sales@hathawayflooring.com 2 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 9 Cornerstone Flooring Belfast Doncaster Tel: 028 9075 3202 Tel: 01302 835117 Fax: 028 9075 3901 Fax: 01302 302542 salesbelfast@pfl.ie cornerstonefloor@btconnect.com 3 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 10 Birch Distribution Dublin 12 Sheffield, S9 5PH Tel: 00353 (0)1 626 3913 Tel: 0114 243 1230 Fax: 00353 (0)1 460 4669 Fax: 0114 243 5118 salesdublin@pfl.ie n.maude@birchdistribution.co.uk 4 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 11 Woodall Brothers Ltd Limerick Shrewsbury, Shropshire Tel: 00353 (0)61 227 100 Tel: 01743 441584 Fax: 00353 (0)61 227 000 Fax: 01743 441629 sales@pfl.ie sales@woodallbrothers.co.uk 5 Preston Underlay Centre Ltd 12 Floorwise D & J Ltd Preston, Lancashire Southam, Warwickshire Tel: 01772 556345 Tel: 01926 814922 sales@pucflooring.co.uk Fax: 01926 817899 sales@fwdj.co.uk 6 Birch Distribution Leeds, LS10 1AG 13 Salesmark Ltd Tel: 0113 244 4363 St Neots, Cambridgeshire Fax: 0113 244 8665 Tel: 01480 212888 l.sigsworth@birchdistribution.co.uk Fax: 01480 218585 sales@salesmark.co.uk 7 Birch Distribution Hull, HU7 0XD 14 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd Tel: 01482 826654 Gloucester Fax: 01482 878693 Tel: 01452 223355 d.ostler@birchdistribution.co.uk Fax: 01452 371284 info@blflooring.co.uk 15 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd Bristol Tel: 0117 955 5454 Fax: 0117 955 2626 info@blflooring.co.uk
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
Flooring factsheet Buying Groups Pick the right one How to decide whether to join a buying group – and which one…
• Evaluate all buying groups as they all work differently • Talk to the main marketing contact and/or a member
www.smg-group.co.uk Contact: Mike Reed Tel: 0118 932 3832 info@smg-group.co.uk
of the committee
Why join? Buying groups have been a highly successful feature of the floor retailing scene in the last decade or so, giving independents the extra edge they need to compete effectively with the retail park chains. More than 1000 retailers are now members of one of the several buying groups which operate in our sector and the numbers are slowly, but steadily growing.
• Get a list of members and call up two or three for a ‘real-world’ view
• Establish your territorial exclusivity – where’s the next nearest member of each buying group
• Ensure you understand the financial arrangements,
any fees that would relate to your membership, how the bills are paid and whether your fees are refundable if it doesn’t work out. Ask the buying group for a consultation to estimate your potential savings
While the benefits of bulk buying power are self-evident, the resistance to the buying group concept among nonmembers appears to be centred on fears of surrendering some control to a committee – and most particularly compromising long-established relationships and negotiated terms with current suppliers.
• Review all the extra benefits and services to see
The bottom line is the bottom line. A retailer selling across a broad range of products is likely to improve margins within a buying group – but you don’t need a leap of faith to join up. Ask the buying groups for answers...
flexibility to run your business the way you want
Associated Carpet Group www.acgcarpets.com Contact: Richard Moore Tel: 01942 825520 richard@acgcarpets.com
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
www.beautifulflooring.co.uk Contact: Carl Harris Tel: 01892 549050 charris31@sky.com
Key benefits Increase margins • Group purchases to get beneficial rates • Rebates • Exclusive higher-margin products • Special promotions ne of the key reasons to join a buying group is to O benefit from the discounts they negotiate as a bulk buyer from manufacturers. The way discounts and rebates are passed on to members varies between groups so make sure it’s absolutely clear how this will be done. You’ll need to work out how this compares with discounts you have already negotiated locally with preferred suppliers. Access professional services • Business and financial services • IT and internet support • Training and workshops • Professional bodies Some buying groups offer an excellent range of other services which may be valuable to your business. Financial services include invoice factoring, credit, loans and insurance. Some of the more sophisticated groups offering marketing packages, software systems to help you run your business operations and customised websites ready to use. Relationships with professional and training organisations can also offer discounts. THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
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.
www.flooringone.co.uk Mandy Powell Tel: 0121 683 1426 mandy.powell@flooringone.co.uk
www.greendalecarpets.co.uk Contact: Rob Harding Tel: 01432 852000 Fax: 01432 852005 rharding@greendalecarpets.co.uk
Metro Group www.carpet1st.co.uk Contact: Jill Coward Tel: 01204 393539 jillcoward@carpet1st.co.uk
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FITA provides short training courses, workshops and assessments for both commercial and domestic markets. Both our fully equipped training centres at Loughborough and Kirkcaldy are run by seasoned professional instructors with specialist knowledge of the flooring industry.
CALL NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Tel: 0115 950 6836 Email: info@fita.co.uk www.fita.co.uk
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Vinyl
Sheet Vinyl Installation — Commercial — Basic/Intermediate Sheet Vinyl Installation — Commercial — Advanced Sheet Vinyl Installation — Domestic Sheet Vinyl — Wetrooms Installation — Advanced
Linoleum
Linoleum Installation — Basic Linoleum Installation — Intermediate
Resilient
Resilient/LVT Fitting — Basic Resilient/LVT Fitting — Intermediate Resilient/LVT Fitting — Advanced
Wood
Laminate and Floating Wood Fitting — Basic Wood Fitting — Intermediate Wood Fitting — Advanced Wood Sanding and Finishing
Subfloors
Subfloor Preparation — Commercial Subfloor Preparation — Domestic
Supplementary
Cost-Effective Estimating and Planning — Commercial Profitable Measuring and Quoting — Domestic Moisture — Preventing Floor Failures
national institute of carpet & floorlayers
FITA is a joint venture by CFA and NICF
KIRKCA LDY
W
PROFESSIONAL FLOORING TRAINING
NE
Carpet
Carpet Fitting — Basic Carpet Fitting — Intermediate Carpet Fitting — Advanced NEW! Carpet — Borders NEW! Natural Floorcoverings
D DE
TRAINING COURSES — 1 TO 4 DAYS
LOCATION A D EW Now you can tr LOUGHB ain at OROUG H or
CARPET WORKSHOPS — ALL 1 DAY DURATION Carpet
NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW!
Bullnose and Double Bullnose Joins (including Repairs) Stairs (including Open Plan) Stretching Techniques (including Power Stretching)
THE STOCKLISTS August 2020
StocklistsClassified The
SITUATIONS VACANT
AREA SALES MANAGER
OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN THE BRAND LEADER CLOUD 9 UNDERLAY MANUFACTURER
Cleveland, Durham, Northern Ireland, Northumberland, Scotland, Tyne & Wear This position would suit a well-structured and professional sales individual with experience selling to senior buyers. Knowledge of the carpet trade is required. Do you have a proven track record of sales growth? You need to be organised, ambitious with good communication skills. An excellent benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate. Please mark your CV for the attention of Mark Townend and send to mark.townend@ballandyoung.com Closing Date: 14th August 2020
Sales Representative or Agent London and South East
Balta are seeking to recruit a sales representative or agent to service buying group retail customers in the areas London postal districts, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Essex. Potential Agents will already be covering the area calling on independent retailers and carrying non conflicting products. The Sales Representative role would ideally suit someone with previous experience however full training will be given. Candidates should at least have experience in the carpet trade or of B2B field sales. A full UK driving licence is required and the candidate should reside on the territory. Applications by email to Martin.west@baltagroup.com enclosing your CV. Closing date: August 14.
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