The Stocklist by David Spragg

Stocklists The

6 December 2010

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FlooringNews

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

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Stocklists The

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO OUR ADVERTISERS & READERS Page No.

Index

Contact No.

6 December 2010 Published by Mayville Publishing Co Ltd 219 West Ella Road, West Ella, Hull HU10 7SD 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.

FlooringNews starts on page 35

Price List date

Hot Shots 2010

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD ACCU-CUT.............................................................................—......................0800

862 0251 ...............— ...........................

ACG...........................................................................................—......................01942 AFS...........................................................................................20......................020

FLOORING.................................................50......................01264 335111.................— ...........................

ALTERNATIVE

ASIATIC ....................................................................................51......................020 ASSOCIATED

8800 2000 ...............— ...........................

WEAVERS ..........................................52......................01422 431100.................— ...........................

BONDWORTH .................................................................21,53 ................01562 BRINTONS

271315.................— ...........................

8805 8620 ...............April 2009 .............

745000.................1.9.2010 ................

..............................................................................54......................0800 505055 ...................— ...........................

BRITISH WOOL .............................................................39......................01274 688 666 ...............— ........................... BROCKWAY BRONTE

CARPETS LTD. ................................22,55 ................01562 828200.................March 2010..........

..............................................................................—......................01282 862736.................— ...........................

CARPENTER .....................................................................23......................01457 CAVALIER

861141.................— ...........................

................................................................................47,56 ................01254 268000.................— ...........................

COLUMBIA

FLOORING ............................................24......................0208 443 3322 ...............— ...........................

CONTEMPORARY

LIFE .......................................................IFC....................01254 296829.................— ...........................

DMS

FLOORING SUPPLIES ....................................—......................0845 643 5344 ...............— ...........................

EDEL

TELENZO...............................................................25,57 ................01422 374417.................— ...........................

FITA ...........................................................................................66......................01159 FLOORTRAIN

FURLONG

506836.................— ...........................

........................................................................42,43 ................01709 780505.................— ...........................

FLOORWISE

......................................................................17......................01509 673974.................— ...........................

FLOORING ................................................26,27,48 ..........01772 696787.................Nov 2010 .............

HECKMONDWIKE ...............................................................58......................01924

406 161 ...............— ...........................

INTERFACEFLOR...................................................................59......................01274

698518.................— ...........................

INTERFLOOR.........................................................................—......................01706

213131 ...............— ...........................

INTERIORS

2011 ...................................................................FC.....................0207 921 8498 ...............— ...........................

IVC .............................................................................................—......................0800 LITTNER

032 3900 ...............— ...........................

HAMPTON..................................................—......................0208 520 8474 ...............— ...........................

MAYFIELD

CARPETS .................................................—......................01706 639 866 ...............— ..................................

MANX .......................................................................................60......................01827 MERRYFIELD METRO

...........................................................................28......................01480 479830 ...............— ...........................

NICF........................................................................................66......................0115

958 3077 ...............— ...........................

PENTHOUSE .....................................................................29......................01706 RACKHAMS.......................................................................30......................020

652 8811 ...............— ...........................

WHOLESALE CARPET .............................31......................01243 774623.................Nov/Dec 2010 ......

STAIRRODS

341 231 ...............— ..................................

85319225.................Nov/Dec 2010..........

RYALUX ....................................................................................61......................0845

STS

831434.................— ...........................

GROUP...........................................................37......................01422 373799.................— ...........................

GROUP.....................................................................13......................01204 393539.................— ...........................

MOHAWK

SOLENT

UK LIMITED........................................36......................01207 591176.................— ...........................

FLOORING DISTRIBUTORS ........................32......................0845 341000 ...................July 2009.................

& E DISPLAY GROUP ...........................................41......................0121 585 7600 ...............— ...........................

TRIPLE

KING ..........................................................................3........................01274 582056.................— ...........................

ULSTER .....................................................................................62......................028

38 334433 ...............— ...........................

VORWERK...............................................................................63......................020

7096 5090 ...............— ...........................

WESTON

HAMMER ....................................................33......................0845 644 9090 ...............— ...........................

WOOLSAFE ORGANISATION ..............................6,7.....................01943 850817.................— ...........................

WOOLS

2010

We’ve selected the very best photos from our editorial pages in 2010 which demonstrate that style, quality and creativity is alive and well in the UK flooring industry. pages 49 - 63

OF NEW ZEALAND ..........................................45......................01943 603888.................— ...........................

carpets/rugs/tiles woods/laminates/smooths accessories/services/organisations fibres underlay wholesalers/distributors adhesives

Classified advertising ...........................................................................................page 66

Meet the father-in-law! Prince Charles visits Yorkshire wool industry page 39 Prospects for 2011with some optimism amid the gloom page 64

Hoping for a happy’ish New Year! FlooringFactsheets Pattern book page ............................................................................................4 Adhesives............................................................................................................5 Woolsafe: the carpet care guide................................................................6-7 Carpet trouble-shooter.................................................................................8-9 Carpet types ....................................................................................................10 Wool fibre page ..............................................................................................11 Buying Groups...........................................................................................12-13 Underlay............................................................................................................14 Wholesaler Distribution Directory .....................................................15-17 Carpet Company Directory ..................................................................18-19 ISSN 0950-5024 © Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2010 Issue: 428 Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.

The UK’s largest interiors and flooring trade gathering with hundreds of suppliers under one roof and unique inspiration. More details - see page 40

The Stocklists Pattern book changes The month’s changes are brought together on one page so that pattern books can be quickly up-dated. New ranges/designs

Manufacturer

Withdrawn ranges/designs

AFS BONDWORTH BROCKWAY CARPETS OF KIDDERMINSTER CAVALIER EDEL TELENZO FELLS FURLONG LITTNER HAMPTON LTD MAYFIELD MOHAWK PENTHOUSE

TRADE WINDS

RACKHAMS

OAKLAND in WILTON

SOLENT STS

HAPPY DAYS in BALTA TANGIER in LUSOTUFO SUPASAVA ELITE in STS GOLDLINE TOWN & COUNTRY in CORMAR DUBLIN ELITE in BEAULIEU INT. SUPER TWIST in BEAULIEU INT. AMAZONE in EDEL TELENZO INSPIRATION in CARPET TILES

WESTON HAMMER

Wholesaler index Wholesaler

Page

Telephone

Price list date

0208 805 8620

July 2010

FLOORING

0208 443 3322

—

FLOORING SUPPPLIES

—

0845 643 5344

—

01977 662211

—

0208 520 8474

—

RACKHAMS

02085 319225

Oct/Nov/Dec 2010

SOLENT

01243 774623

Nov/Dec 2010

0845 341000

July 2010

AFS COLUMBIA DMS

FELLS

CARPETS

LITTNER

STS

HAMPTON

WHOLESALE CARPET CO. LTD

FLOORING DISTRIBUTORS

The new Factsheet about joining a buying group

see pages 12 and 13 4

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

Flooring factsheet Adhesives THE ADHESIVES SELECTION CHECKLIST

ADHESIVE TYPES

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:

Acrylic/resin • Ideal for plasticised PVC and most modern flooring.

Open time • How long the adhesive needs to form a tacky surface suitable for bonding. The time until the floor may be walked on should also be checked. Odour • Low odour and solvent free (low VOC) products are increasingly favoured and now have the same performance profile of older products. Coverage • How thick and how far can the adhesive be spread Application method • Different adhesives may be applied by brush, roller, trowel or spray. Strength • Including how quickly the adhesive will ‘grab’ the floor and how quickly its full strength is developed. Underfloor heating • Most modern adhesives are suitable for use with underfloor heating but this criteria must be checked where appropriate. Sub-floor • The surface the adhesive will stick to most effectively which may include concrete, sand cement screeds, levelling compounds and 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 types 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 increasing replaced by water-based adhesives with low or no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) characteristics.

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. Polyester resin • Typically a two-part resin adhesive used for wood floors. Polyurethane • An adhesive with rapid bonding characteristics, typically used for wood floors. Polyvinyl acetate • Typically used for close fitting joints in timber and laminate floors and panels. Also used to seal a porous sub-floor. Tackifier • An additive product designed to increase the tackiness – or the tack range – of an adhesive. Water-based adhesive • Many different types of adhesives now use water as their carrier to avoid odours and flammability issues which are common with chemical solvents.

SUB-FLOOR PREPARATION The preparation of a sound sub-floor is essential to any installation and any compromise can lead to under performance or a failure of the flooring. Some adhesive systems may seem to cope with poorer surfaces but their performance should not be relied upon to ‘cover all the cracks’, The overall approach should be to prepare the best possible surface before flooring installation to avoid problems and complaints later. The air temperature during installation should be ‘room temperature’ – with a floor temperature no lower than 10°C. The surface should be even, stable, free from cracks. Concrete, asphalt and tiled surfaces must be in excellent condition. Any contamination by old adhesive, polish, grease, oil or chemicals should be cleaned with chemical strippers. Existing floorcovering should always be removed (with the exception of firmly bonded vinyl tiles).

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

Flooring factsheet Carpet care guide from WOOLSAFE Housekeeping Tips for Carpets and Rugs Entrance or walk-off mats The use of entrance mats at all outside entrances to the house is highly recommended, as they will significantly reduce the rate at which the carpet will soil. They should be of adequate size to allow street dirt to be removed from shoe soles and must be cleaned regularly themselves.

Services for Retailers Customer carpet care HELPLINE If you have trouble dealing with customer queries like “How do I get red wine stains out of my carpet?” Just give them our HELPLINE 01943 850 817 and we’ll give them the correct advice. Simple. Certified Operator Network For experienced, specialist wool carpet cleaners you can trust visit: www.woolsafe.org/find/aregistered-carpet-cleaner. WOOLSAFE Registered Inspectors Solve disputes with customers with our independent carpet complaint Investigators. Just visit: www.woolsafe.org/find/a-registered-carpetinspector and call your nearest inspector. WOOLSAFE Approved Products Have confidence in the cleaning product you recommend, use the WOOLSAFE Approved Products Directory it contains only safe and effective carpet cleaning products. For spot removers visit: www.woolsafe.org/spotremovers Carpet Care Leaflets We offer to help you develop custom carpet care literature and we also offer generic carpet care leaflets designed to be given away with each cut of carpet. Correct carpet maintenance should start from day one. Web pages and Links We offer to help you develop custom carpet care pages for your website or you can link to our website’s carpet care pages for up-to-date and accurate advice. Contact us by email, telephone or post to: The WOOLSAFE Organisation 49 Boroughgate, Otley, LS29 8NR Tel: 01943 850817 E-mail: office@woolsafe.org or visit www.woolsafe.org The WOOLSAFE Organisation – promoting quality carpet and rug care since 1991.

Regular Maintenance Regular cleaning will extend the life of a carpet and maintain its appearance. Vacuum clean regularly and thoroughly, which removes gritty dirt that can damage the fibres. Deal with spillages as soon as possible, preferably the moment they occur. Beware of products claiming to be safe on all fibres, including wool. It might be true, but if it does not have the WOOLSAFE Mark, it is not endorsed by most carpet manufacturers! Never use any detergents such as dishwashing liquids, soaps or other cleaners recommended for general household use. Although they may clean the carpet satisfactorily they will almost certainly cause problems such as rapid re-soiling, colour bleeding or other damage to the pile or backing of the carpet. Use only WOOLSAFE approved products WOOLSAFE-approved carpet care products have been independently and scientifically tested and are safe and effective for cleaning and maintaining all types of carpets and rugs.

The Green WOOLSAFE Mark identifies those products that not only are the most suitable for wool and other quality carpets, but also have the right environmental characteristics.

Periodic Cleaning When the carpet or rug reaches a stage where it could do with a really good clean, you can either do the job yourself, or you can call in a specialist carpet cleaning company. If you are considering cleaning the carpet or rug yourself make sure to use only WOOLSAFE approved products. Look for the WOOLSAFE Mark on the bottle or package. It is best to engage the services of a professional carpet & upholstery cleaning company. To get a really expert job done entrust the work to a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company. These companies are fully trained, have been in business for a considerable length of time, are members of one or more recognised professional trade associations related to the cleaning industry and have a reputation for top quality service. And they use only WOOLSAFE-approved cleaning agents on your wool carpets and rugs!

If you have a problem with a carpet or rug that requires an independent inspector, a network of carpet complaint investigators, trained and registered by The WOOLSAFE Organisation is available throughout the UK and Ireland. WOOLSAFE Registered Inspectors have extensive experience in investigating the causes for carpet complaints based on their practical involvement with carpets and rugs over many years. They are fully qualified to investigate carpet and rug complaints on-site on behalf of carpet manufacturers, retailers, cleaning companies and carpet owners. They can carry out or commission tests where required, and will provide comprehensive reports. To contact an inspector in your area call 01943 462127, email: inspector@woolsafe.org, or visit: www.woolsafe.org / Private Householder / Registered Inspectors

WOOLSAFE The Retailer's single source solution for carpet care advice and services. THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

maintenance • cleaning • spot removal • protection • inspection

General Rules for Spot Removal

WOOLSAFE Approved Carpet Cleaning Products www.prochem.co.uk

Treatments 1.

Blot with white kitchen roll or paper tissues

Vacuum clean

Cold water

Home of the Legendary Cleaning Product - Carpet Power www.ozkleen.co.uk

• Soak up liquids with white kitchen roll, tissues, toilet roll or clean cloth

Warm water

• Scoop up or scrape off solids

• Try to identify unknown spots prior to treatment – if unsure, use solvent first

WOOLSAFE-approved carpet shampoo solution (diluted)

WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for water-based stains

WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for greasy/oily stains

• Always work from the edge of the spot inwards • BLOT, do NOT rub • Use small quantities of spot remover at a time, applied to a cloth, NOT directly to the spot; work into the spot with a small, soft brush or sponge • Take care with applying solvents to bitumen-backed carpet tiles

Absorbent paper or paper tissue and hot iron

Chewing gum remover (solvent or freeze type)

Life inspired cleaning innovations www.bissell.com

10. Nail varnish remover or acetone 11. White spirit or turpentine substitute 12. Surgical spirit (ethyl alcohol or ethanol)

• When using solvents always ensure there is plenty of fresh air ventilation

14. Rub gently with coarse sand paper

• Always thoroughly rinse out water-based spotters with clean water

15. WOOLSAFE-approved disinfectant or deodorizer

• Dry the spot, if possible, with a hair dryer

16. Rust remover

13. Rub with a coin

17. Carpet re-colouring kit

The Clean Carpet you Expect... the Service you Deserve www.servicemasterclean.co.uk

(Treatments used by professional carpet cleaners)

More Difficult Spots Spot or stain

Easy Spots

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Artificially coloured drinks 3

Bleach

C/heating radiator fluid

Coffee

Spot or stain

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Blood

Felt-tip pen

7 or 11 12

Burn/scorch marks

Furniture polish

Butter

Glue/adhesive (plastic base)10

Candle wax

Chewing gum

5 15

Ink (fountain)

Ink (ballpoint pen)

Lipstick

Cola

Milk

Cream

Nail varnish

Egg

Paint (oil)

Rust

Soot

Tar (asphalt)

Urine (fresh stain)

Urine (old stain)

Fruit juice

Gravy and sauces

Herbal tea

Metal polish

Mustard

Oil and grease

Paint (emulsion)

Shoe polish

Tea

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

Chocolate/cocoa

Floor wax

Environmentally Aware for Superior Carpet Care www.envirodri.com

Vomit

Red wine

These may require repeated attempts with stronger spot removers. Some stains you may find impossible to remove completely in which case the assistance of a professional carpet cleaner is required.

Vacuum Cleaners the Choice of Cleaning Professionals www.sebo.co.uk

British Wool makes a Better Carpet... Naturally www.britishwool.org.uk

This information is provided with the support of WOOLSAFE members for the benefit of all carpet retailers and fitters.

Flooring factsheet Carpet trouble-shooter COLOUR MATCHING

SPROUTING

Carpets are produced in batches - known as creels - and usually each batch produces between 500m2 - 3000m2 in a single width, depending on the creel size. Whilst the recipe used by the dyer remains constant, and is followed to the letter, in each separate production the colour reproduction will vary from batch to batch. However production is matched back to the original or master sample to ensure that the colour remains ‘within a commercial tolerance’.

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

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

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

A greater level of tolerance is required on blended colours (Heathers etc). To ensure perfect colour matching it is advisable that a single width be used in any installation requiring exact colour matching. N.B. Carpets which are laid with the pile travelling in different directions, even though they be from the same batch will appear not to match. For further information please check with the manufacturers recommendations.

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

SHEDDING The original carpet tile

All cut pile carpets will lose short fibre, which is created during production when spun yarn is cut for tuft formation. These fibres fall onto the surface of the pile and appear as ‘fluff’. The effect varies with yarn type and may be removed without detrimental effect upon the carpet by vacuum cleaning. This excess fibre is only a small fraction of the total fibre contained in the carpet.

PULLED LOOPS

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

• shedding • pulled loops

Pulled loops occur only in looped pile carpet where one or more loops in the continuous pile is pulled through the primary backing of the carpet. This is usually due to some local condition, possibly some sharp object which has caught in a loop in situ and has resulted in a pull. Pulled loops are easily dealt with by trimming the offending end level with the rest of the pile.They should not be left as this could result in further loops being pulled and developing into a ladder.

SHADING

STATIC Carpets do not produce static but like other household fabrics and objects have the capacity to store it. Static is caused by the build up of static electricity upon personnel in a dry environment and is discharged when a person makes contact with an object which can conduct electricity (i.e. door handle or filing cabinets, etc). The static charges will vary in intensity depending upon the individual, air humidity and the contact materials. Static is more usually associated with synthetic materials as they do not retain moisture very well but it can and does occur with wool in very dry room conditions. Preventative measures include the introduction of moisture into the room or in situ carpet treatment.

FADING ON WOOL Carpets made from wool can and do fade in use. The degree of fade can vary depending on the colour chosen and the local conditions to which the carpet is subjected. Fading can be caused by exposure to ultra violet light which is found in daylight, but is accelerated when sunlight shines directly onto the carpet. This has the effect of lightening or “Bleaching” the colour just as exposure to sunlight will lighten human hair. Wool is after all animal hair. Protection should be given to carpets exposed to such conditions just as you would protect other furniture or fabrics. A complaint on fading would be considered justified if it failed to meet the required shade standard when tested to the British Standard BS1006 (1990).

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

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

PILE REVERSAL

FLATTENING

(SEE SHADING)

Flattening will occur as a result of traffic which eventually flattens the pile particularly in the main areas of use. All pile fabrics will flatten to greater or lesser degree dependant on the amount of traffic to which it is subjected and the construction (tuft density/pile fibre/height/weight) of the product concerned.

Like shading, this occurs when the pile or nap of the carpet changes direction and thus reflects light at different angles showing the effects of shading which can become permanent. It is also described as ‘watermarking’. This can happen to every carpet construction be it Axminster, Wilton, Tufted, Hand Woven, Persian, Chinese, Indian or even Coir Matting. Like shading it can be more apparent on plain carpet because heavy patterns can disguise the effects. It can occur quite quickly after installation. A tremendous amount of research has been carried out over many years by many institutes to determine the cause of this phenomenon but none of it has proved conclusive. There is no commonly known manufacturing process which can cause or cure this phenomenon and therefore it is not a manufacturing fault. For further information please check with individual manufacturers recommendations.

INDENTATIONS When a carpet is subjected to a heavy point load, such as under the legs of furniture, it is unreasonable to expect the carpet not to indent. Usually, the longer the load is in place, the longer will be the time for the pile to recover. In the case of very heavy loads in place for a considerable time, the recovery time can be very considerable. It must be remembered that it is not only the pile of the carpet that becomes indented. the underlay will also indent and the backing of the carpet may also distort into the indentation in the underlay. Some underlay’s will recover well and some less well depending upon their composition, thickness, density etc. The use of cups below furniture legs can spread the load and the net result is a larger area of less deeply indented carpet. The ability of a carpet to recover from a heavy static load can be measured in the laboratory, using the test method described in BS 4939 and many manufacturers will have data on this aspect of carpet performance. In this test the carpet is loaded for 24 hours and the degree of recovery is measured after 1 hour and 24 hours. Since there are so many different underlay’s however, it is very rare for the recovery from a heavy static load to be evaluated on carpet and underlay. Often normal maintenance (vacuum cleaning with a rotating brush machine) will speed up recovery but in the case of serious indentations the use of an iron and damp cloth or a steam iron together with a blunt darning needle to carefully tease up the pile can be beneficial. Care must be take not to over wet the carpet, of course.

SOILING Soiling is usually the result of some local condition to which the carpet has been subjected to, or maintenance, or lack of maintenance programme. There is nothing we as manufacturers can do to prevent soiling in use. There are several types of soiling which are quite common:

Spillages - Liquids such as soft drinks, cordials or

any drink which contains sugar, particularly hot drinks, is likely to leave a stain. In such instances, professional help should be sought.

Shampoo - if incorrectly applied, can leave

sticky soap residues in the fibres which can result in the soiling reappearing quite rapidly.

Dust - which is carried on draughts can soil carpets in various ways, apart from the obvious soiled edges, at gaping skirting boards for instance, dark lines appearing on surface might suggest airborne dust vacuum-drawn through poorly fitted floorboards. Sometimes the shape of floorboards can be seen quite clearly. Air borne dust sometimes shows itself as spots on the carpet, this is due to the air carried on a draught under the carpet escaping through minute holes both in the underlay and the carpet, leaving dust deposited on the pile much like a filter action. In such installations, the use of a lining paper is essential as a preventative measure. It is the responsibility of the retailer to advise the consumer when the carpet is measured of any poorly fitting doors, skirtings, or floorboards and the consumers responsibility to ensure any remedial work to seal draughts, is carried out before the carpet is fitted, if a resulting complaint is to be avoided.

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

Flooring factsheet Carpet types TUFTED

WOVEN

With advances in manufacturing technology, 95% of all carpet produced today is tufted. It takes about an hour to make a roll of carpet that might take eight hours to weave. To make tufted carpet, hundreds of yarn-threaded needles are pushed through the primary backing fabric to form loops or tufts, which may be left as is or cut. A heavy adhesive coating is applied to hold the tufts in place and a secondary backing is usually glued on for strength and stability. A wide variety of styles and textures can then be created using various techniques.

Woven carpet may be in a tiny minority of today’s production but still produces some of the finest carpets which are used for prestigious installations. Axminster • The pile of the carpet is inserted into the backing as it is woven and cut to length, creating U-shaped tufts to give a velvety surface. The process locks in the fibre to create a carpet of high durability and performance retention as well as a luxury feel. The process allows for intricate designs and colours to be used – although modern trends mean that the traditional patterned axminster has given way to current fashion trends for plain carpets.

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

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

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

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

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

ends blend together which then further enhances the overall finish. These carpets tend to ‘shade’ with heavy use. Footprints show easily and the colour looks different from place to place because fibres lying in different directions reflect the light differently. A luxury for occasional rooms.

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

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

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

Shag pile • Shag pile has varied in popularity. The pile is up to 50mm long and the texture is casual and loose but the surface flattens easily and lacks durability.

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

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

Velvet • Velvet textures (sometimes called ‘velour’ or ‘plush’) all have a level surface pile of approx 5mm to 10mm height, which is then sheared to give a smooth finish. With very little twist in the yarn, the

Tip Sheared

Level Loop

Random Sheared

Multi-Level Loop

Saxony

Sha

Velvet/Plush

Frieze

Twist

Berber

S Shag THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

Flooring factsheet Wool fibre THE BEST CARPET WOOL Wool carpets have a historic reputation for quality because as a fibre it is known to withstand pressure and have excellent appearance retention properties. The best wool for carpet production is ‘strong’ wool and this is grown on sheep breeds found in Britain and New Zealand. Most carpets will contain both British Wool and New Zealand Wool because British Wool is more bulky and resilient and offers texture and unique heathery shades to carpet, whilst New Zealand wool is softer and whiter and particularly good for plain, lighter shaded ranges. Combining the two within a blend for carpet yarn gives manufacturers the perfect qualities for carpet. 100% wool or 80/20 – 80/10/10 wool rich Wool has yet to be matched by any man-made fibre; it has superior strength and does not need other fibres to improve its performance. However manufacturers choose to use synthetic fibres within the yarn blend for a number of reasons. These include fibre flexibility, dyeing, heat setting, stain resistance, durability and cost. These wool rich compositions offer industry standard carpets which will perform well in the home. THE BENEFITS OF WOOL CARPET Practical Strong and Resilient – Wool carpet will provide superior performance over many years as it can offer unique resilience and long lasting durability. The natural crimp of wool offers valuable ‘bounce-back’ so that pile compression is resisted and the effects of tracking and shading are reduced – maintaining good appearance over many years. Easy care – Wool is a natural fibre that has an inbuilt resistance to soiling due to its natural oils and its outer surface of microscopic scales and as a result additional anti-soil treatments are not necessary. Simply vacuuming the carpet will keep it looking good and whilst wool initially repels spills, prompt and complete blotting with white paper towels or an absorbent cloth is advised and will address many household spillages.

SAFE

DURABLE

Comfort Soft and Warm – Wool carpet adds luxurious underfoot comfort and warmth to the home and acts as an insulator improving heat retention and energy efficiency. Peace and Quiet – Wool carpet absorbs sound and cushions the home against echo and room to room noise transfer. Safety Fire Retardant – Wool is naturally fire resistant, has a slow ignition rate and tests show that it is self extinguishing within seconds. It meets many safety regulations without additional treatments and is favoured in contract locations for this reason. Fall Friendly – Carpet cushions and so provides a softer floor which protects against serious injury in falls by the very young or the elderly. Internal Environment Indoor Environment – As a natural ‘smart’ fibre with a complex physical and chemical structure, wool helps to create a balanced atmosphere in the home. It breathes and absorbs humidity in the air, releasing it when the atmosphere becomes dry and helps improve air quality by absorbing airborne toxins in indoor air. Anti–allergy – The minute scales on the fibre’s surface will hold fine dust until vacuumed which helps to reduce floating particulate in the atmosphere. Wool does not give off harmful emissions or promote the growth of bacteria and wool is not a food source for dust mites. Eco/Environmental Natural and Sustainable – Grown on sheep, which graze freely, wool is both 100% natural and fully sustainable. As shearing is a necessary part of animal husbandry this means that every year there is a fresh supply of wool available for the carpet manufacturing industry. Energy Efficient – Wool is energy efficient in the home and also in carpet production. Biodegradable – Wool fibre is biodegradable in soil and will produce nitrogen, sulphur, carbon dioxide and water which are all plant nutrients. Environmentally Assessed – Wool is an environmentally responsible fibre that has been measured in terms of its ecological impact. A Life Cycle Analysis study carried out by Leeds University to ISO 14040 standard for British Wool concludes that it compares favourably when measured against man-made fibres.

EASY-CARE

COMFORT

British Wool The Planet Friendly Fibre for Carpet aboutwool.com THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

Flooring factsheet Buying Groups Why join? www.beautifulflooring.co.uk Contact: Paul Phillips Tel: 01892 549050 paul@atbrm.com

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.

www.flooringone.co.uk Contact: Glenn Harding Tel: 0121 683 1426 glenn.harding@flooringone.co.uk

While the benefits of bulk buying power are self-evident, the resistance to the buying group concept among nonmembers appears to be centred on fears of surrendering some control to a committee – and most particularly compromising long-established relationships and negotiated terms with current suppliers. The bottom line is the bottom line. A retailer selling across a broad range of products is likely to improve margins within a buying group – but you don’t need a leap of faith to join up. Ask the buying groups for answers...

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

Metro Group www.carpet1st.co.uk Contact: David Kipping Tel: 01204 393539 dek@carpet1st.co.uk

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

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

www.smg-group.co.uk Contact: David Lewis Tel: 0118 932 3832 info@smg-group.co.uk

• 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

Associated Carpet Group www.smartercarpets.co.uk Contact: Richard Moore Tel: 01942 271315 rjmoore65@googlemail.com moore@smartercarpets.com

• Review all the extra benefits and services to see what you would actually use

•

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

• Ensure you understand any rules that may limit your

Key benefits Increase margins • Group purchases to get beneficial rates • Rebates • Exclusive higher-margin products • Special promotions One of the key reasons to join a buying group is to benefit from the discounts they negotiate as a bulk buyer from manufacturers. The way discounts and rebates are passed on to members varies between groups so make sure it’s absolutely clear how this will be done. You’ll need to work out how this compares with discounts you have already negotiated locally with preferred suppliers. 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 point-of-sale, merchandising and displays. Central stockholding may also be on offer. Access professional services • Business services • 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. Network with other independents • Members-only exhibitions with preferred manufacturers • Regular meetings • Regional workshops • Supplier presentations • 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.

flexibility to run your business the way you want

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

Flooring factsheet Underlay In a tight market for margins, underlay for carpet and laminate 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 satisfaction levels with customers.

www.floorwise.co.uk

But 50% of carpet is still sold without new underlay! Retailers should create an assumption that new underlay is always required, the only decision is which type. It’s also a good target-setter for sales staff. 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.

www.numa-online.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

Sponge rubber The market’s most popular underlay is 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. PU (polyurethane) foam PU foam is a relative newcomer to the market, typically made from recycled foam offcuts. The foam provides excellent comfort and performance levels with lots of thickness options - and its light weight helps handling. The product can be re-cycled again after use. Crumb rubber Flat and dense, crumb rubber is good for heavy footfall - offering maximum protection but a little less comfort (and very good over stair nosings). Laminate underlay There’s still an opportunity to sell underlay with laminate flooring, improving the acoustic performance of the floor and helping the boards float above any imperfections in the sub-surface. Combination A rubber crumb base with a felt top layer offers a good combination of protection, durability and comfort. It also allows carpet with seaming to bed into the top felt. Underfloor heating underlay Always ask if there is underfloor heating. Most manufacturers offer specialised products. Underlay and carpet with a combined tog rating up to 2.5 can be used - which means the underlay would normally have a tog rating of 1.0. Felt This traditional (but environmentally friendly) underlay 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.

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

Crumb

Combination

PU foam

www.carpenter.limited.uk

www.interfloor.com

Specialists in pre-tacked underlays, soft fibre boards & Roberts Tools. www.estillon.co.uk

www.underlay.com

www.texfelt.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

Are you a Wholesaler? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not listed here, please call Diane Martin on 01482 659396.

The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory National Fells Carpets Goole 01977 662211 sales@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk

North East

John Evans Ltd Manchester 0161 368 2563 Fax: 0161 368 3039 Mobile: 07850 935301 Kellars Ltd Stockport 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk

Lee Floorstok Ltd Carpet & Flooring Gateshead Liverpool - see Floorwise p17 Gateshead Lee Floorstok Ltd 0844 824 3121 Manchester - see Floorwise p17 gateshead@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.cfgateshead.co.uk MCA Floorwise Ltd Morecambe - see Floorwise p17

Fells Carpets Goole 01977 662211

sales@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk

Mytton Flooring Norwich - see Floorwise p17

Floorwise (North East) Ltd Birtley - see Floorwise p17

Millbrook Carpets Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

Supertex Furnishings Lancashire 01772 457070 sales@supertexfurnishing.co.uk www.supertexfurnishing.co.uk

Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

North West Fells Carpets Goole 01977 662211 sales@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk D. M. Miller Ltd Manchester 0161 205 9949 dm.miller@btconnect.com www.dmmillerltd.spaces.lives.com

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

Walkwell Flooring Supplies Manchester 0161 786 6800 manchester@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.walkwell-flooring.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

Midlands Carpet & Flooring Birmingham Birmingham 0121 421 9131 birmingham@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.cfbirmingham.co.uk DMS Flooring Supplies Northampton 0845 643 5601 dmsnorthampton@ dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam- see Floorwise p17 J J Wholesale & Distribution Ltd Birmingham 0121 765 4994 jjwholesale@gmx.com RPS Flooring Mansfield Woodhouse - see Floorwise p17 STS Flooring Distributors Watford 08454 342000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 32 for details

Supertex Furnishings Leyland Tel: 01772 457070 sales@supertexfurnishing.co.uk www.supertexfurnishing.co.uk

Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise p17

East Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk Faithfull Floorcovering Suffolk 01473 822341 sales@faithfulls.co.uk www.faithfulls.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Cambridge Tel: 01954 781142 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com See page 32 for details Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

continued overleaf....

Are you a Wholesaler? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not listed here, please call Diane Martin on 01482 659396.

The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory South East Acorn Carpet Accessories Bromley, Kent - see Floorwise p17

Faithfulls Service Centre Walthamstow 0208 498 3040 sales.walthamstow@faithfulls.co.uk

AFS Middlesex 020 8805 8620 info@afsenfield.co.uk See page 20 for details

Faithfull Floorcovering Suffolk 01473 822341 sales@faithfulls.co.uk www.faithfulls.co.uk

Ashmount Flooring Supplies Ltd Tottenham 0208 808 2158 sales@ashmountflooring.co.uk www.ashmountflooring.co.uk

Kent Flooring Supplies Ltd Chatham 01634 668668 sales@kentflooring.co.uk www.kentflooring.co.uk

Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk Belvedere Carpets London 020 8800 0740 sales@belvederecarpets.co.uk www.belvederecarpets.co.uk Carpet & Flooring London Camberley 01276 672100 camberley@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.cflondon.co.uk Columbia Flooring Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk See page 24 for details

Littner Hampton London 020 8520 8474 littnerhampton@aol.com www.littnerhamptoncarpets.co.uk Potts & Ward, Woodcocks Ltd Brighton 01273 557211 pwwflooring@fastnet.co.uk www.pwwflooring.co.uk Rackhams London 020 8531 9225 sales@rackhamsltd.co.uk www.rackhamsltd.co.uk See page 30 for details Salesmark Lancing, - see Floorwise p17

Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex DMS Flooring Supplies 01243 774623 Hemel Hempstead sales@solentwholesale.co.uk 0845 643 5344 www.solentwholesale.co.uk dmshemel@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk See page 31 for details DMS Flooring Supplies Milton Keynes 0845 643 5320 dmslaser@dmsflooringsupplies.co.u Faithfulls Service Centre Kent 01322 285001

STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon 0845 434 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 32 for details

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@carpet andflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wessex Flooring Amesbury - see Floorwise p17

Scotland C. K. Davie Ltd Aberdeen - see Floorwise p17 C. K. Davie Ltd Dundee - see Floorwise p17 Headlam Scotland North Lanarkshire 01698 831 000 sales@headlamscotland.co.uk www.headlamscotland.co.uk

Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

Neil Smith Ltd Glasgow - see Floorwise p17

South West

Wales

Carpet & Flooring Bristol Bristol 0117 966 798l bristol@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.cfbristol.co.uk

Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise p17

Roma Flooring Neath - see Floorwise p17

Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise p17

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@carpet andflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk See page 31 for details STS Flooring Distributors Thame (Oxford) 01844 213555 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 32 for details Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@carpet andflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

Ireland Floorwise Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise p17 Floorwise Ltd N. Ireland - see Floorwise p17

Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

floorwise National Network of Floorwise Distributors Acorn Carpet Accessories 16 Bromley, Kent Tel: 020 8462 0422 Fax: 020 8462 0927

Neil Smith Ltd 3 Glasgow Tel: 0141 552 1141 Fax: 0141 552 0623

C. K. Davie Ltd 1 Aberdeen Tel: 01224 820077 Fax: 01224 822344

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 4 Belfast, Northern Ireland Tel: 028 9075 3202 Fax: 028 9075 3901

C. K. Davie Ltd 2 Dundee Tel: 01382 226533 Fax: 01382 226544 Fitwell Flooring Ltd 20 Redruth, Cornwall Tel: 01209 214344 Fax: 01209 21162 Fitwell Flooring Ltd 19 Newton Abbot, Devon Tel: 01626 835935 Fax: 01626 834334 Floorwise D & J Ltd 13 Southam, Warks Tel: 01926 814922 Fax: 01926 817899 Floorwise (North East) 5 Ltd Birtley, County Durham Tel: 0191 410 7070 Fax: 0191 410 6116 Lee Floorstok Ltd 8 Liverpool Tel: 0151 708 7420 Fax: 0151 708 7241 Lee Floorstok Ltd 7 Manchester Tel: 0161 231 8080 Fax: 0161 231 8787 MCA Floorwise Ltd 6 Morecambe, Lancashire Tel: 01524 33517 Fax: 01524 381852 Mytton Flooring 14 Norwich, Norfolk Tel: 01603 624387 Fax: 01603 612888

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 9 Dublin 12, ROI Tel: 00353 (0)1 626 3913 Fax: 00353 (0)1 626 3960 LoCall: 1850 445 746 (ROI)

1 2 3

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 10 Limerick Tel: 00353 (0)61 227 100 Fax: 00353 (0)61 227 000 LoCall: 1850 445 745 (ROI) Roma Flooring 15 Neath, West Glamorgan Tel: 01639 633001 Fax: 01639 646116 RPS Flooring 11 Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire Tel: 01623 624198 Fax: 01623 620931

7 10

11 12

Salesmark 17 Lancing, West Sussex Tel: 01903 750522 Fax: 01903 851111 Wessex Flooring 18 Amesbury, Wiltshire Tel: 01980 625888 Fax: 01980 676969 Woodall Brothers Ltd 12 Shrewsbury, Shropshire Tel: 01743 441584 Fax: 01743 441629

18 19

16 17

HEAD OFFICE Floorwise Group Limited, Floorwise House, 22 High Street, Kegworth, Derby DE74 2DA, UK. Tel: 0044 (0)1509 673974 Fax: 0044 (0)1509 674841

Award-Winning Flooring Accessories

GRIPPER

UNDERLAY

ADHESIVES & SCREEDS

PROFILES

www.floorwise.co.uk www.floorwise.co.uk •• www.carpetunderlay.net www.carpetunderlay.net www.signaturewoodfloors.com www.signaturewoodfloors.com •• www.siennawoodfloors.com www.siennawoodfloors.com THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

The Stocklists Carpet Company Directory Abingdon Flooring Adam Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W Ww

01562 829966

Associated Weavers Tw Tu

01422 431100

Avena Carpets Ltd Tu Ww

01422 330261

Axwoven Carpets Ltd Ax Be

0121 550 5788

Axminster Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tw

01297 32244

Bajong Carpets NV Tu Tw W

+32 56783250

Balta Industries NV Tu Tw W Ww

+32 56 62 2211

Beaulieu International Group Be Pr Tu Tw +32 56 67 66 11 Betap Tufting BV Tu Tw W

+31 383 861 060

BIC Carpets Be Tw W

01924 488882

Blenheim Carpets Ax Be Tw W Ww

020 7823 3040

BMK

0113 380 5333

Bond Worth Ltd Ax

01562 745000

Brintons Ax Tu Tw W Ww

0800 505055

Brockway Carpets Ltd

Edel Telenzo’s Rembrandt

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

01282 862 736

+32 56 35 4444

Custom Carpet Company Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01737 830301

Dan-Floor UK W

01454 858014

Burmatex Tu

01924 262525

Domo International Be Pr Tu Tw W

Cadogan Carpet Co W

01562 733610

Drury Lane Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

01254 296829

Cavalier Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01254 268000

E & WE Carpets W

01562 825952

Christy Carpets Tu Clarendon Carpets Tw Classis Carpets Tu W Ww Condor Carpets BV Tu

+32 92 41 4511

019078 308777

Edel Telenzo Carpets Ltd 01675 433066 0870 020 1725 +31 38 4778911

Tu Tw W sales@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk Enterprise Weaving Co Be Ww

01422 374 417

01562 745030

+32 56 23 54 10

Bizspoke Custom Carpets Be Tw W

Tw W sales@brockway.co.uk

Creatuft Carpets Tu W

01274 655694

01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk

Contemporary Life & Textiles Be Tw sales@contemporarylife.co.uk www.contemporarylife.co.uk

01254 296829

Ww cummings@btinternet.com www.fellscarpets.co.uk Fetcham Furnishings Ltd Tw

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

01204 881 234

Couristan Carpets Ax Tu W Ww

800 223 6186

Craigie Carpets Be

01294 558400

Creative Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

Mohawk’s Cherbourg Check

Fells Carpets

0116 284 1455

Fletco Taepper A/S Tu W

01977 662211

020 8944 6220 +45 96 60 3000

Furlong Flooring Tw W enquiries@furlongcentral.co.uk www.furlongflooring.co.uk

01772 696 787

Brockway’s Vogue

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

If you would like to be included in this section or upgrade your listing, please contact Diane Martin on +44 (0)1482 659396 or email diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk

Every time you see a web or email address in The Stocklists, you can click straight to it from our online edition at www.thestocklists.com

KEY TO CODES: Be: Bespoke • Pr: Printed • Tu: Tufted • Tw: Twist • W: Wool • Ww: Woven Wilton

Gaskell Tu Tw W

01827 831525

Manx Carpets Tw W

01827 831 434

The Sultana Carpet Co Ax

01299 822300

Gaskell Mackay Carpets Ltd Ax Tu Tw W

01429 892525

Mayfield Carpets W

01706 639 866

The Wilton Carpet Co Ax W Ww

0845 296 8850

Georgian Carpets Tu Tw W

01827 831430

MID NL Be

Thomas Witter UK Ltd Tu Tw

0870 1128318

Godfrey Hirst (GB) Ltd Tu Halbmond Teppichwerke Be Pr Tu Heckmondwike FB ITC Be Pr Tw

Joseph Hamilton & Seaton W Kingsmead Carpets Tu Tw W

Timzo Tufting Industry BV Tu +31 38 385 4477

0800 526696 +49 037 421 420 01924 410544 0032 51 424 411

John Lanham Watts Carpets Ax Tw Ww 01937 588511 John Evans Ltd Ax Tu Tw W

+31 38 851 8700

0161 368 2563 01827 831400 01827 831 424

Mohawk Europe marinagooch@mohawkeurope.com www.mohawkinternational.com Mr Tomkinson Tw Ww

01827 831 450

Ossfloor UK

01675 433031

Penthouse Carpets Tu Tw W

01706 341231

Phoenox Textiles Pr Tu Pownall Carpets Tw W Roger Vanden Berghe.NV Tu Ww

Lano NV Ax Pr Tu Tw W Ww marketing@lano.be www.lano.com Le Tissage d'Arcade Ax Ww Lecaflor Ltd Ax Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww Leigh Spinners Ltd Tw Louis de Poortere W Lusotufo Tu

+32 56 65 4300

01480 479830 01480 471304

01709 732 666

Vorwerk

08700 104484

01484 863227

Westex Carpets Tu

01274 861334

0845 6528811

Weston Hammer W

+32 56 73 57 11

Ryalux Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

0845 652 8811

Sans Frontieres Ltd Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

0844 5611977

0800 78 33 712

Tapibel NV Pr Tu Tw

01623 481 221

01942 673232

Tasibel NV Tw

+32 52 499600

01388 664101

United Carpets & Beds Tw W Ww

02838 334433

01562 749300

01675 433 501

+32 56 393 386

Ulster Carpets Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

+41 71 791 0111

Victoria Carpets Tu Tw W Ww

Shaw Home Foundations Tu

+32 05685 4747

Tisca Tiara Tu Ww

The Alternative Flooring Co

01264 335111

The Grosvenor Wilton Co W Ww

01562 701456

Whitestone Weavers Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww Wilkies Carpets Tw Woodward Grosvenor Ax Tu Tw W Ww Wool Classics Tu Ww

0845 644 9090 01429 892555 0113 307 9955 0800 526696 0207 349 1560

Tollgate stand

Bronte’s stand

Cormar’s Berwick

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

UNDERLAYS

CARPETS NATURAL/LOOPS HIGH FLYER MARRAKESH NOMAD

Tex Loop Natural 50/50 Nat Loop

SAXONY FIVE STAR STAINFREE ROMANCE SEDUCTION NOBLE SAXONY ROYAL TOUCH STAINFREE FLAIR SENSATIONAL

32oz PP Saxony 35oz PP Saxony 37oz PP Saxony 40oz Saxony 45oz Nylon Saxony 50oz PP Saxony 58oz Saxony

80/20 WOOL TWIST BELMONT TWIST WESSEX TWIST NEW ASPEN TWIST BELMONT SUPREME ARRAN TWIST HARRISON TWIST (Victoria)

80/20 40oz 80/20 40oz 80/20 40oz 80/20 50oz 80/20 50oz 80/20 60oz

PP TWIST VIVA TWIST SALT N PEPPER CABARET ELITE TWIST SHEPHERDS TWIST

PP Twist PP Twist PP Twist PP Twist PP Twist

LOOP PILE AND CORD PINCH FELT PINCH FOAM ROCKY HB ROCKY FB DIMENSIONS TITAN CORD GALA CORD FB GALA CORD HB

Needle Punch Cord Needle Punch Loop Pile Cord Loop Pile Cord Loop Pile Stripe/Wave Loop Pile Gel Back Loop Pile Cord Loop Pile Cord

AFS WOOL COLLECTION 100% WOOL LOOP WELLFIELD IMRA 100% Wool 2 Ply Yarn WELLFIELD KAMRA 100% Wool 2 Ply Yarn CORMAR STOCKED APOLLO BERWICK 40 BERWICK 50 BUCHANAN HIGHLANDER HOME COUNTIES HOME COUNTIES MALABAR NATURAL BERBER SUPER NATURAL BERBER ELITE NATURAL BERBER DELUXE NEW OAKLANDS NEW OAKLANDS NEW OAKLANDS PRIMO PLUS PRIMO ULTRA PRIMO TWEED PRIMO SAXONY

Excellon Twist 80/10/10 40 oz Twist 80/10/10 50 oz Twist 80/10/10 40 oz Twist 80/10/10 50 oz Twist 42 oz Twist 50 oz Twist 100% Natural 80/10/10 35 oz Twist 80/10/10 45 oz Twist 80/10/10 55 oz Twist 80/10/10 32 oz Twist 80/10/10 42 oz Twist 80/10/10 50 oz Twist Excellon Twist Excellon Twist Excellon Twist Excellon Saxony

CORMAR CARPETS AVEBURY LINDISFARNE TOWN AND COUNTRY

3/5 DAYS DELIVERY 100% Pure New Wool 100% Pure New Wool 80/10/10 60 oz Twist

Roll Size Full Roll EQ* Description BRANDED TOP END RUBBER SPONGE RANGE ELITE 11 m2 129lb Textured Rubber Underlay 11 m2 135lb Waffle Rubber Underlay MAJESTIC Waffle Rubber Underlay COLOURS RED 11 m2 135lb WILLOW GREEN 15 m2 90lb Waffle Rubber Underlay CRUSADER SUPREME 15 m2 100lb Waffle Rubber Underlay SUPREME LIGHT 11 m2 101lb Waffle Rubber Underlay UNBRANDED TREDAIRE SPONGE RUBBER Rubber Underlay 15 m2 95 lb AFS CLASSIC GOLD Rubber Underlay AFS SUPER GOLD 15 m2 80lb AFS STANDARD GOLD 15 m2 60lb Rubber Underlay GRAPHITE 15 m2 Light Weight PE WOOD FLOOR UNDERLAYS BOARDWALK (Timbermate) 15 m2 3.75mm ALL IN ONE 10 m2 3mm COMFORT SILVER 15 m2 2.5mm

23dB Moisture Barrier 20dB Self Adhesive Strip 18dB PE Foam + Foil

TREDAIRE PU UNDERLAYS ALPHA 15 m2 OMEGA 15 m2 BRIO 15 m2 ZEST 15 m2 SOFTWALK 15 m2 DREAMWALK 15 m2 CONTRACT 9 15 m2

Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Contract PU

8mm 10mm 8mm 10mm 9 mm 11 mm 9 mm

DURALAY CONTRACT UNDERLAYS TREADMORE 11 m2 8.0mm SYSTEM 10 11 m2 10mm DURAFIT 650 15 m2 6.5mm DURAFIT 500 15 m2 5.0mm DEFENDER 15 m2 100lb HEATFLOW CARPET 15 m2 6.0mm HEATFLOW WOOD 15 m2 2.75mm TECHNICS 5 15 m2 5.0mm

Crumb Crumb single stick under 40m2 Double stick crumb Double stick crumb Flat sponge 0.80 TOG 0.75 TOG sponge carpet 0.35 TOG sponge laminate U/L Double stick sponge

CARPENTERS PU UNDERLAYS GREENSTEP 15 m2 SUPER GREEN STEP 15 m2 RICHSTEP 15 m2 DEEPSTEP 15 m2

PU Underlay PU Underlay PU Underlay PU Underlay

8mm 10mm 9mm 11mm

CARPENTERS CONTRACT UNDERLAYS FIRMSTEP 15 m2 7mm POWERSTEP 15 m2 9mm MARINESTEP 15 m2 7mm

Contract PU Contract PU Contract PU IMO Rated

FELT UNDERLAYS FELT 28 FELT 42 KENSINGTON DELUXE

Wool/jute felt 8mm Contract wool/jute felt 11mm Felt crumb rubber

15 m2 28oz 15 m2 42oz 11 m2 74oz

AFS Unit 4 Baird Road, Enfield, Middlesex EN1 1SJ Tel: 020 8805 8620 Fax: 020 8805 6840 Email: info@afsenfield.co.uk

PLUS A VAST RANGE OF ACCESSORIES AND TOOLS FOR CARPETS AND LAMINATES Contact our sales office or your area representative for prices on any of the above ranges. We also offer a fast service on non stock items. Phone our showroom manager for prices and samples. Our latest price list is dated July 2010.

REP DETAILS: Ashley Best Nick Hart Karl Goult

Tel: 07976 916752 Tel: 07771 967609 Tel: 07957 685428

Zac Marsh

Tel: 07828 663325

Surrey , Hampshire, South London Essex, East London North London, West London, North West London, Middlesex, Herts., Beds., and Bucks. Kent, South East London THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

85% STOCKED Townshend Works, Puxton Lane, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY11 5DF. Sales: 01562 745000 Fax: 01562 732827 New trade price list effective 1st September 2010

Berkeley Axminster

BOND WORTH

V.I.P. CLUB Call us today for a personal service that reaches beyond your expectations...

80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m & 4.57m Range comprises 8 Designs Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order 4.57m wide Majestic 2-9102 Early December 4.57m wide Sofiya 4-9082 Early December 3.66m wide Firenza 3-9080 Mid December

Variations Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m

• Buy one Axminster cut at your standard terms, when you place another within 8 weeks we give you an EXTRA 10% off!

• We guarantee our delivery dates. If we miss it by 7 days then you get 5% off the invoice value of the order!

Range comprises 12 Designs Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order No Stock Green Valencia 1-9073 Early December No Stock Green Khalabar 9-9100 Mid December

• Access to the Managing Director and

Precious Gems Axminster

• Have a complaint? We guarantee

80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m Range comprises 5 Designs - All Stock Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

Wensleydale Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m Range comprises 8 Designs - All Stock Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

Cornell & Stanford Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 4.00m Range comprises 5 Colourways in 2 Designs Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order No Stock Cornell Wild Beet 21-9301 Mid December Low Stock Stanford Wild Beet 21-9300 Mid December Low Stock Cornell Lawnswood 1-9301 Mid December

New Afghan Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m Range comprises 5 Designs - All Stock Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order No Stock Sultan 2-3100 End December No Stock Red Pamir 2-3104 End December No Stock Medici 2-3105 End December

Romanesque Berber Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 4.00m

Sales Director 24 hours a day 7 days a week. to contact your customer with 24 hours.We will inspect all complaints regardless of age.

• Order 16 linear meters or more in one cut we give you roll price!

• Exclusive first access to new ranges. • Bi-Monthly News Letter. • Real Time Updates via Facebook & Twitter.

• Dedicated Sales Line. • Special Roll Offers. • ABOVE ALL ITS FREE TO JOIN! TELEPHONE 01562 745000 NOW FOR YOUR INFORMATION PACK

NEW UPDATED WEBSITE! Check out our new updated website at:

www.bondworth.co.uk

Range comprises 3 Designs - All Stock Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

PORTOBELLO – 01 CHARCOAL TOP TO BOTTOM SAVILE ROW – 81 TWEED PINSTRIPE GELATO – 12 SORBET CONCERTO – 01 CAPELLA CREAM

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

For every step you take there’s a Carpenter luxury underlay In stock throughout the UK and Europe from a network of wholesale partners

Product Range ®

A general domestic underlay Density: 75kg/m3 – Roll weight: 10kg Thickness: 8mm

Product of the Month - UltraStep A general domestic underlay Density: 75kg/m3 – Roll weight: 12kg Thickness: 10mm

For Luxury use domestic areas anywhere in the home Density: 100kg/m3 – Roll weight: 14.5kg Thickness: 9mm

For Luxury use, domestic areas in the home Density: 100kg/m3 – Roll weight: 17kg Thickness: 11mm

For Heavy contract locations Recommended for stretch fit or doublestick applications Density: 145kg/m3 – Roll weight: 16kg Thickness: 7mm

Ultrastep is 9mm thick, 180kg/m3 product that has been created for the top end of the luxury domestic market but is also suitable for contract situations. It is the highest density PU underlay available on the market. Ultrastep is suitable for both stretch-fit or doublestick installations and has excellent insulation properties, keeping heat in and noise out. It’s up there with the very best. Ultrastep is made from recycled product and is manufactured in Glossop, Derbyshire.

DOMOTEX 2011 Please come and visit us at the Domotex Exhibition in Hannover, 15th January to 18th January 2011 in Hall 6 stand A59. We look forward to seeing you there........

For more product information contact: JOHN HUGHES Northern Sales Manager 07788 924606

HELEN ROWBERRY National Sales Manager 07702 319748

SUE HOWLAND Southern Sales Manager 07795 823190

For details of your local Carpenter Wholesaler Partner Tel: +44 (0)1457 861141 Fax: +44 (0)1457 863242 Email: Glossop.sales@carpenter.com Web: www.carpenter.ltd.uk Carpenter Ltd, Dinting Lodge Industrial Estate, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 6LE.

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

For luxury use, in domestic or contract areas Recommended for stretch fit or doublestick applications Density: 145kg/m3 – Roll weight: 20kg Thickness 9mm

For luxury use in domestic and contract areas – IMO rating Recommended for stretch fit or doublestick applications Density: 145kg/m3 – Roll weight: 16kg Thickness 7mm

For heavy contract locations – IMO rating Recommended for stretch fit or doublestick applications Density: 180kg/m3 – Roll weight: 17kg Thickness 6mm

For luxury use in contract and domestic areas Recommended for stretch fit or doublestick applications Density: 180kg/m3 – Roll weight: 26kg Thickness 9mm

All rolls are: 11 metres x 1.37 metres + 15sq metres

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 Columbia Flooring plc

Trade Show Rooms Available • Specialist advice and terms available on contract enquiries • TRAFALGAR TRADING ESTATE JEFFREYS ROAD ENFIELD MIDDLESEX EN3 7TY 24

Tel: 0208 443 3322 Fax: 0208 805 2346 Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am to 12 noon THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

IN JANUARY IT MUST BE GERMANY January means one thing to us – Domotex! Yes, we’ll be there once more from 15-18 January 2011, with a stand packed full of samples of current ranges and a few new ones to get your feedback on, too. Says operations manager Lesley Inman: “2010 has been a busy year for us as we’ve strengthened our offering in both wool and synthetic carpets and in ranges for both domestic and commercial applications. We’ve had some notable successes such as with the new multi-stripe Bakerloo, our luxurious Alpine Collection and our value for money Hudson and Lawrence roll only programmes. Now we are rolling out super smart Chelsea and our two thick pile synthetic options Verdi (pictured right) and Wild Romance and we’ve got some exciting surprises in the pipeline for 2011, which visitors to Domotex will get first sight of.” So if you’re planning on coming to Hannover, don’t forget to call in and have a drink with us – Hall 6, stand E42.

A TALE OF TWO TAGS We now have a stock of tags promoting the Prince of Wales’ Campaign for Wool on an ongoing basis. There are two versions: the triangular one is four-sided and features inside ‘8 unwoolly reasons for loving wool’. The other, creditcard sized and shaped is singlesided, and refers to ‘Wool-rich carpet – naturally the best’. Our agents are armed with tag guns and can attach these tags to our tombolas and lecterns, if you wish. Or, just give us a call at head office to discuss your requirements.

OUR SALES TEAM Greater London as far as N. Circular on north side of Thames and as far as M25 on south side, Surrey, Middlesex, Sussex, Kent John A Constable T: 01622 685397 M: 07836 734322 E: john@jcagencies.co.uk Yorkshire & North Lincs John Alsop T: 01904 762471 M: 07860 572220 E: alsopagencies@yahoo.co.uk Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset Brendan Hart M: 07850 130221 E: a.b.hart@btinternet.com

SHOWING WE CARE We recently brought out an updated and re-designed version of our popular care instructions. If you would like some stocks of these, please just pick up the phone or send us an email and ask!

Lincs, Leics, Northants, Notts, Derbyshire Jim Osborne M: 07738 642934 E: jim.osborne@sky.com Hampshire, Berkshire, Bucks, Oxfordshire Niall Martin M: 07866 735772 E: niallmartin@msn.com South Wales, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire Andrew Jefferies M: 07831 457102 E: adj.agencies@btinternet.com Lancashire, Cumbria & Isle of Man John Rostron M: 07973 733208 E: johnrostron@aol.com

YOUR HEAD OFFICE TEAM CONTACTS Operations Manager: Lesley Inman M: 07703 337989 E: l.inman@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk National Sales Manager: Gary Prophet M: 07889 602234 E: g.prophet@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

HAPPY CHRISTMAS! We’d like to wish all our customers and colleagues the warmest Season’s Greetings! This year we are sending a donation to the local hospice ‘Overgate’ in place of sending the usual Christmas Cards.

GO ON – GIVE US YOUR EMAILS! We’ll probably be asking this question for quite some time to come but, here goes again! We are trying to get hold of as many of our customers’ email addresses as we can so we can bring our communications into the 21st century. So, once more, if you’re reading this and you’re one of our customers, please email Lesley on l.inman@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk (please note, you’ll see we’ve added email addresses to all our field sales team contacts below, to start the ball rolling!)

OUT WITH THE OLD... Please bear with us if our normally excellent service is a bit hard pressed this month. As we mentioned last time, we are having new IT systems installed throughout the business, which will hopefully result in a much enhanced service – but there are bound to be a few initial teething problems!

East Anglia, Bedfordshire, Cambs, Essex, Herts, Norfolk, Suffolk Jonathan Hart T: 01621 817992 M: 07889 264466 E: jonathanhart66@hotmail.co.uk West Midlands, South Wales (Wholesalers) Paul Brewer T: 0121 4277117 M: 07798 745181 E: paulbrewer@fsmail.net Greater Manchester, Cheshire, North Wales Philip Hambleton T: 01925 740050 M: 07966 397676 E: carpetphil@aol.com

North East Rebecca Gibbons M: 07970 491215 E: rebann2@btinternet.com Scotland Tim Tindal T: 01436 671421 M: 07836 705620 E: ttcarpetagencies@aol.com Channel Islands, Isle of Wight John Eastlake T: 01323 896141 M: 07885 398858 E: john-eastlake@hotmail.co.uk Northern Ireland Gary O’Boyle M: 07831 220675 E: goboyle@ntlworld.com

Tel: 01422 374417 or 01422 371226 Fax: 01422 377452 Email: sales@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk Edel Telenzo Carpets, 2- 4 Southgate, Elland, West Yorkshire, HX5 0BW.

CAREFREE - the stunning new collection Contact your local representative

Best-selling products at every price point As a UK manufacturer and distributor, Furlong’s objective is simply to offer its customers the best of all worlds in terms of price, service and quality - a partnership that retailers can rely on and a comprehensive product range that consumers will respond to. Furlong’s wholly-owned manufacturing company, Regency Carpets, is one of the UK’s top three tufters with a modern plant located in Bangor, Northern Ireland. A long-term programme of substantial investment has created a major production facility for both 4m and 5m wide carpet and the new backing plant commissioned last year is now fully on line. As a result, the company can produce hundreds of thousands of square metres of carpet every week, covering all the key sectors – stain resistant polypropylene, wool twist, wool natural and many others. Being in control of its manufacturing means Furlong can control the cost base and the quality to provide a range of products that is competitive at each of the price points. Manufacturing also means they can manage stock more closely and respond to changes in demand so that the right carpet is always ready for dispatch.

Furlong’s nationwide distribution network operates across three depots – London, Preston and Newport – using a dedicated fleet to carry rolls and cut lengths to our customers usually within 24 hours. Furlong’s product development team has created a portfolio of products matched to the diverse needs of different customer groups, rooms styles and performance requirements. Regency’s stain-resistant ranges use their own ‘Carefree’ fibre which is bleach cleanable and offered with a warranty for absolute confidence. New ranges are introduced several times a year to keep the offering fresh and interesting and respond to consumer trends and colour shifts.

the aim is simply to offer customers the best of all worlds in terms of price, service and quality Furlong have paid particular attention to the presentation of their product range to consumers with market-leading point-of-sale systems incorporating the latest video technology. Furlong believes in working in partnership with their customers to provide products and services that ticks all the boxes.

Investing in quality and service

Extensive tufting expertise 26

Effective service systems

Large group stock-holding

Fast delivery fleet THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

All the products shown are available in the CAREFREE Collection Here are the people who try harder London & Home Counties JOHN AKIEN M: 07791 891024 S.W LONDON, SURREY (INS. M25) jonakien@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

GEOFF ABERNETHY M: 07970 229717 CUMBRIA, POTTERIES, CHESHIRE & FYLDE COAST geoff.abernethy@furlongflooring.co.uk

IAN COLLACOTT M: 07816 217550 MIDDLESEX, W. LONDON, BERKSHIRE iancollacott@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

ALAN CHEETHAM M: 07966 263571 GREATER MANCHESTER alan.cheetham@furlongflooring.co.uk

DARREN SPENDIFF M: 07791 890861 KENT darrenspendiff@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

BOB CHRISTIE M: 07980 786264 MERSEYSIDE, WIRRAL & N. WALES bob.christie@furlongflooring.co.uk

RAYMOND SMITH M: 07816 217565 ESSEX raymondsmith@furlongflooringltd.co.uk REG HOWSON M: 07816 217548 N, N W & E LONDON, HERTFORDSHIRE reghowson@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

South East

Seeing is believing Customers can buy with confidence when they see the Carefree cleanability in action with the new video units for your existing Regency POS systems.

IAN ROBERTSON M: 07816 217563 E & WEST SUSSEX ianrobertson@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

REG SYKES M: 07973 403450 SOUTH YORKSHIRE reg.sykes@furlongflooring.co.uk

TONY CONWAY M: 07791 891025 BEDS, NORTHANTS, OXON & BUCKS tonyconway@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

Wales & South West

PETER FLETCHER M: 07816 217561 HAMPSHIRE, DORSET & SURREY (OUTSIDE M25) peterfletcher@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

BEN THOMAS M: 07794 048809 S./MID & W. WALES bthomas@furlongflooring.com

Midlands

JASON BRIMBLE M: 07794 041266 AVON & GLOUCESTERSHIRE jbrimble@furlongflooring.com TIM BAILEY M: 07794 048414 S.E. WALES & HEREFORDSHIRE tbailey@furlongflooring.com STEWART WAITHMAN M: 07794 048413 DEVON & CORNWALL swaithman@furlongflooring.com

MARTYN REA M: 07968 324598 LEICESTER/WARWICKSHIRE/LINCS martyn.rea@furlongflooring.co.uk

Wood Floor Specialists

Scotland

JOHN POWERS M: 07792 477312 SALES MANAGER BEDS, NORTHANTS, OXON, BUCKS, MIDDLESEX, W&S LONDON, BERKS, SURRY johnpowers@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

GEORGE WISELY M: 07967 148665 SCOTTISH SALES george.wisely@furlongflooring.co.uk COLIN RICHFORD M: 07970 163372 WEST SCOTLAND colin.richford@furlongflooring.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

DES BEST M: 07968 828516 NORTH EAST des.best@furlongflooring.co.uk RAY ANDREW M: 07973 719801 EAST LANCS/W.YORKS ray.andrew@furlongflooring.co.uk

MIKE SHUTT M: 07970 158594 BIRMINGHAM/ STAFFORDSHIRE, SHROPSHIRE mike.shutt@furlongflooring.co.uk

quality choice availability service price

Yorkshire & North East

PAUL LOVELL M: 07816 217549 NORFOLK, SUFFOLK & CAMBS paullovell@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

PAUL HARRIS M: 07980 786265 NOTTS & DERBYSHIRE paul.harris@furlongflooring.co.uk

The Regency range of stain-resistant carpets ticks all the boxes:

North West

ALAN CAIRNIE M: 07976 311434 EAST SCOTLAND alan.cairnie@furlongflooring.co.uk

London Sales tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733

RICHARD RICHMAN M: 07791 891044 AREA SALES MANAGER NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, CAMBS, N&E LONDON, ESSEX, KENT, SUSSEX & HERTS richardrichman@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

Preston Sales tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921

Newport Sales tel: 01633 283959 fax: 01633 275454

Email: enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk

PENTHOUSE CARPETS

Buckley Carpet Mill Buckley Rd, Rochdale Lancashire OL12 9DU

Telephone 01706 341231 Facsmile 01706 860577 sales@penthousecarpets.co.uk www.penthousecarpets.co.uk

working for the independent retailer New Pentwist 50

Extra Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

New Pentwist 40

Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Esprit

Extra Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Aurora 60

Super Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Aurora 50

Extra Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Vantage 60

Super Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Vantage 50

Extra Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Pinnacle

Extra Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Super Carlton

Extra Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Carlton

Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Maple

Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Vermont 60

Super Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Vermont 50

Extra Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Vermont 40

Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Stateside 50

Extra Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Stateside 40

Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

County Berber

Extra Heavy Domestic: Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

County Tweed

Extra Heavy Domestic: Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

REPRESENTED BY: Robin Leiper (Area Manager) SOUTH EAST M: 07801 357601 Chris Twinn (Area Manager) CAMBRIDGE, BEDS, E. ANGLIA M: 07711 353982 Andrew Westwell (Representative) NORTH WEST M: 07974 141919

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

80% British Wool Weight: 50oz per sq. yd. 80% British Wool Weight: 40oz per sq. yd. 80% British Wool Weight: 75oz per sq. yd. 80% British Wool Weight: 60oz per sq. yd. 80% British Wool Weight: 50oz per sq. yd. 80% British Wool Weight: 60oz per sq. yd. 80% British Wool Weight: 50oz per sq. yd.

75ozs of pure luxury using the finest British wool with a natural jute backing

80% British Wool Weight: 42oz per sq. yd. 80% British Wool Weight: 42oz per sq. yd. 80% British Wool Weight: 36oz per sq. yd. 80% British Wool Weight: 30oz per sq. yd. 80% British Wool Weight: 60oz per sq. yd. 80% British Wool Weight: 50oz per sq. yd. 80% British Wool Weight: 40oz per sq. yd. 80% British Wool Weight: 50oz per sq. yd.

PENTHOUSE NEWS Two retirements in November - Dave Arnold after 27 years with the company and Michael Woodard who has been at Penthouse for 16 years. Replacements are already in position to ensure continued customer service. Nigel Woollard replaces Dave Arnold and Mark Fletcher takes over from Mike Woodward. Wentworth 50

80% British Wool Weight: 40oz per sq. yd.

80% British Wool Weight: 50oz per sq. yd.

Extra Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Wentworth 40 80% British Wool Weight: 50oz per sq. yd.

80% British Wool Weight: 40oz per sq. yd.

Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Pinaster

80% British Wool Weight: 50oz per sq. yd.

Extra Heavy Domestic: Medium Contract Widths: 4.00m (13’1”) & 5.00m (16’4”)

Chris Davis (Representative) W. MIDS, HEREFORD, GLOS, AVON, WORC. & SHROPSHIRE M: 07753 983714

Mark Fletcher (Representative) N. LONDON, ESSEx, HERTFORDSHIRE M: 07801 538783

Darren Jackson DEVON, CORNWALL & SOMERSET M: 07825 171482

Andrew Davys (Representative) S. YORKSHIRE, STAFFS, DERBYSHIRE, NOTTS. & LINCS M: 07801 357622

Neil Moore (Representative) SCOTLAND M: 07718 762236

Nigel Woollard DORSET, HANTS, BERKS. & WILTSHIRE M: 07767 213236

Simon Beeby (Representative) LEIC’S, NORTHANTS, OxON, WARKS, BUCKS. & BERKS M: 07775 913380

David Bell (Representative) YORKSHIRE & N. EAST M: 07939 051608 Mike Williams SOUTH WALES M: 07919 047930

AGENT: Peter Steel NORTH WALES M: 07710 443589

“Check out my latest words of wisdom in our new Autumn price guide dated October/November/ December. Look out for an array of new products, new ideas and developments – and of course my end-of-year closing address!”

CUT & LOOP PILE

CORD & NEEDLEPUNCH

VINYL / SMOOTH FLOORING

Revival Kreta Everglades

Gala Rackcord Scorpio Supacord

Arte Della Ceramica Blackjack Casino Royale Eclipse Medley Mojo Suregrip XL Thunderball

GRAPHICS / CONTRACT GELS Arena Sapphire Scala Senator Sentinel Statesman

NATURAL EFFECT Agadir Ancona Autumn Sunset Country Treasure 4&5M Challenger Berber Craftwork Berber 4&5M Delft 4&5M Harvester Hopscotch Ivory Coast London Life 4&5M Marrakesh Natures Writing Ohio Rustic Treasure San Salvador 4&5M Town & Country Tweed Woolweave 4&5M

SAXONY / SHAG PILE Big Softie Chamonix Cleopatra Eminence Half Century New Century Nobility Splendour Supreme Elegance Tennessee

TWISTS - STAINFREE Balmoral Chislehurst Clyde Easy Heathers Easy Twist Fairfield Supreme 4&5M Heathertwist / Heathertwist Supreme Mystery Twist Pembridge Twist Portman Rhapsody Stainfree Salt ‘n’ Pepa Stainsafe Touch 4&5M Startwist/Startwist Supreme (2010 colours) 4&5M Stanford Summer Skies

CARPET TILES Capital Plus Electron Magnesium Neutron Oxygen Positron Proton Quark Titanium

TWISTS - WOOL Eden Twist 30/40/50 4&5M Iconic Twist 40/50 4&5M Paramount 30/40 4&5M Super Sixty 4&5M The Berber Twist Collection 40/50 4&5M Ultimate Textures 4&5M Ultimate Berber Twist 4&5M Ultimate Twist 40/50 4&5M Ultimate Tweed Ultimate Luxury 4&5M

VELOUR / VELVET

CALL NOW TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THE LATEST PRICE GUIDE!

Designers Dream Le Touquet 4&5M Urban Life

WILTON The Arabica & Ceylon Wilton Collection 4&5M Parallel Lines Renaissance Ultimate Wilton Oakland

We also stock Ball & Young Underlays, Accessories, Entrance Matting and offer a Special Order Service on products from virtually every flooring manufacturer in existence! 48 hour Delivery Service on all Balterio Laminate Ranges.

Stop preSS...‘It’s time for stripes! As usual rackhams is ahead of the game! Having launched our first stripe range ‘Urban Life’ way back in January 2007 we have always been the first to ‘stripe you up’! Now the opposition is falling in behind us we are staying one step ahead with the launch of Ultimate Wilton, London Life and of course parallel Lines! Call the boys below for an express sample delivery!....Stop preSS

Area Sales Executives Ian Pullinger London N, EC & E postals, Essex & Middx (within M25) 07881-502506 Simon Brenner London SE & SW postals, Kent, Surrey & Sussex 07881-502507

Mark Euesden London W & NW postals, South Middx, Western Surrey, Berks & Bucks 07875-714269 James White Herts, Beds, Essex (west of M11) & North West Middx 07881-502508

Paul Henson Essex (Outside M25), Cambs & Suffolk 07837-295379 Antony Stapleton Sales Director 07881-502505/020-8498-2845

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

Solent Wholesale Carpet Company Ltd CARPET, FLOORCOVERING & ACCESSORY WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS Telephone: 01243 774623 Fax: 01243 533636 E-mail: sales@solentwholesale.co.uk Website: www.solentwholesale.co.uk Zola Park, Barnfield Drive, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6UX. Oxford, Berks, Bucks, Beds, Hants, Middlesex & Herts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian Cardrick Tel: 01235 535070, mobile 07973 406329 Sussex E & W, Surrey, South London & Kent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Robson Tel: 01323 504798, mobile: 07973 898453 Hants, Wilts, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucs, & I.O.W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Ayling Tel: 01202 683257, mobile 07973 406799 Accessary Sales and IT Specialist (All Areas) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke Crooks luke@solentwholesale.co.uk, mobile 07966 664379 VICTORIA Baronet Berber Stripe Castillion Celtic Heathers Crown Twist Duchess Elite Gaelic Heathers Imperial Velvet Kelso Natural Accents Natural Companions (Sisal, Chenille, Ridge) Regal Twist Rustic Jewels Tudor Twist Coll Tudor Manor LANO Bolero Campus X-treme Chiselhurst Havana Heathertwist Coll Inspiration 40/50oz Pembridge Twist - new colours Rustic Berber Rustic Sensations Scala Scala Tonals Sentinel Startwist Coll Twilight Coll Wilton Naturals Xtra Twist BALTA Berga Cobblestone Colorado Springs Desert Twist Diva Fiesta Fusion Happy Days High Flyers Gala Cord-all options in stock Rustic Twist Supreme Shepherd Twist Stainsafe Comfort Stainsafe Favourite Stainsafe Olympic Super Wiltax Techno Twisty LUSOTUFO Celtic Horizon Mandaly Tangier Titan Diagonal Unique

CORMAR Apollo Berwick 40/50 Buchanan Home Counties 42/50 Malabar Oaklands 32 Oaklands 42 Oaklands 50 Primo Plus West Country BROCKWAY Amore Cavendish Craftsman Elite Cresta 40/Cresta 50 Orion/Orion Major DOMO Absolut Luxury Alpina Auvergne Merino Metropolitan Mountain Peaks Legacy Ocean Breeze Orlando Planet Playground Portofino Scorpio Traditionals Weavers Twist ITC Belgravia Check Checkmate Concerto Consul Heritage Collection Jaguar - new colours Kreta Palace Stainblock Berber Stainblock Heathers Stainblock Tweed

QUICKSTEP Solent Wholesale - now a Quickstep stockist. We now have in stock the Quickstep 700 range and can order all other ranges with a very short lead time.

TAPIBEL Cachet Melody Nevada Reeds Sysoltex Homested/Aran/Crofter Toscana BEAULIEU INTERNATIONAL Adventure Twist Arte Del Ceramic Athena Celtic Stone Vinyl Comfort Grip Vinyl Dublin Durham Twist Fashion/Gallery Grass Collection Heavy Tread I-Twist Isis/Mentu Natural Life Pronto Selections Sherwood Oak Vinyl Studio Vinyl Sonata Vinyl Sweet Homes Texalino Sup Vinyl Urban Vinyl laminates Essentials (previously Casa) Cottage - new range BAJONG Home Twist Supreme Montana Montana Twist Sahara MISCELLANEOUS IVC Expressions Fantasy Fusion Master Grip Planet Presto Victoria CAVALIER Country Collection Hamlet Parish and Village LEIGH SPINNERS Atlas Velour THOMAS WITTER Innovations C&H - Now in Stock Homestyle LVT - planks and tiles PARAGON Toccarre Carpet Tiles

We carry other products not listed above, and can also provide a swift special order service on non stock lines. Our reps and sales office would be pleased to answer all enquiries. Our last Price List is dated Nov/Dec 2010.

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

DID YOU KNOW? STS Flooring Distributors Ltd stock a large range of carpets and carpet tiles via our 5 depots ORPINGTON • CROYDON • WATFORD • CAMBRIDGE • OXFORD (THAME) 08454 341000 08454 342000 01954 781142 01844 213555

NEXT DAY DELIVERY STS GOLDLINE STOCK CARPETS Abbey Twist 30/40 Aston Twist Bernwood Twist Bernwood Supreme Bernwood Forest Bernwood Heather Bernwood Heather Supreme Blenheim Twist 40 Blenheim Twist 50 Cherwell Cord Chislehurst Fairfield Supreme Gladiator Supreme Harrier Felt Harrier Gel Heathdale Magnum Gel Medicare Multicare Classic New Valley Twist Orinoco Opus Twist Ravensbury Twist 32/40/50 Ruskin Twist Scala Supersava Elite BALTA STOCK CARPETS New Shepherd Twist

PRICE LIST DATE JULY 2010 LANO STOCK CARPETS Bolero Chislehurst Fairfield Supreme Havanna Heather Twist Heather Twist Supreme Pembridge Twist Rustic Berber Sapphire Scala Startwist Startwist Supreme CORMAR STOCK CARPETS Apollo Berwick 40/50 Malabar Textures Natural Berber Twist New Oaklands 32/42/50 Primo Plus Primo Tweeds Primo Ultra Town & Country BEAULIEU INTERNATIONAL Bellini Dublin Elite Mercator EDEL TELENZO Fleur Hercules Orinoco Puma Amazone

CARPET STOCK TILES Ascot Beckenham Cheltenham Clipper Croydon Croydon Stripe Keston Latour Saturn Selsdon STOCK UNDERLAYS Goldtred Collection Cirrus Cumulus Nimbus Silver Lining Cloud Nine Contract Cloud Nine Super Contract Durafit 500 Durafit 650 Cosi 8mm & 10mm Heatflow Collection Roma Blue Heaven Willow Green Tredaire Elite Treadmore

STS Area Managers

Regional Manager Rachel Sherwood 07801 762724 Sales Merchandiser Dave Lowman 07500 847758

Steve Osman 07919 128401

Sales Area Managers Dana Baldock 07801 762725

Essex, Cambs, Suffolk, Norfolk

South/East London, Kent, E Sussex, Part Essex

Paul Jones 07801 762719

Mirka Mihulcova 07500 847566

South/East London, Kent, E Sussex

South/West London, W Sussex, Berks, Hants, Surrey

North/East London, Berkshire, Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middlesex, Northants, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire

Paul Jeffery 07717 218024

Vicky Langley 07962 646847

Wiltshire, Gloucestershire & Bristol

Surrey, W Sussex, Hants, Berks, South/West London

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

Weston Hammer UK 16/17 Byford Court Hadleigh IP7 6RD Tel: +44 (0)845 644 9090 Fax:+44 (0)845 644 9191 info@westonhammer.com www.weston-carpets.co.uk

We are pleased to announce the launch of two new prestige ranges along with a revamp of our highly successful STONE FIBRE COLLECTION. NATURAL LINES : a heavy wool loop pile with an ultra luxurious feel. JACS : a re-colour of this popular designer tonal range to be available in 4m and 5m wide. STONE FIBRE COLLECTION IN 5m WIDE : This very successful designer flatweave collection is being updated and is available in 4m and 5m. Tunis A heavy domestic berber loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths. Queen Tweed A fine heavy domestic berber loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths. Denver A stylish heavy domestic tonal loop pile in 100% Wool, available in 4m and 5m widths. Oklahoma A heavy domestic berber loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths. Supreme Stripe A heavy domestic tonal stripe in 100% Wool loop pile. Supreme Boucle Our best selling level loop 100% Wool product available in 12 up to the minute colours in both 4m and 5m widths. Imperial Boucle A heavy domestic loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths. Royal Design A unique two colour 100% Wool loop pile. Las Vegas A chunky luxurious loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths. Royal Velour A luxurious velour in 80% Wool/20% Nylon in 5m wide. Sisal Boucle and Sisal Berber Natural fibre textured loop pile ranges in two styles. The Stone Fibre Collection Our unique flat woven quality in many fashion styles and colours. Orlando A chunky loop quality with a thick latex backing for a luxurious feel.

This prestigious installation at the entrance to the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre in London shows two colours from our Stone Fibre Collection . If you would like to offer your customers the very latest and best in carpet design at a very affordable price please call our Sales Team.

OUR UK SALES TEAM Mr Ron Fewery Tel: 07976 244892 London, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire. Mr Steve Acton Tel: 07957 836207 Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Dorset. Mrs Jac Hayman Tel: 07815 785801 Contract Sales East Anglia. Mr Gary Foster Tel: 07515 283872 East Anglia, Northamptonshire.

THE STOCKLISTS December 2010

Mr Steve Green Tel: 07590 369522 North Wales, Cumbria, Manchester, Liverpool. Mr Derek Boyd Tel: 07940 320708 Scotland. Mr Lee Palmer Tel: 07774 101640 Channel Islands. Mr Jonathan Gorman Tel: 07815 121660 Northern Ireland.

Mr Mark Garbett Tel: 07840 664757 Bristol & the West Country. Mr Steve Fletcher Tel: 07831 818989 Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Tyneside. Mr Keith Stevens Tel: 07710 160166 Midlands & South Wales.

Please visit our website at www.weston-carpets.co.uk for online cutting requests and more information on our products, or telephone 0845 644 9090 (local rate) to speak to one of our telephone sales team

‘Instant’ websites for flooring people who don’t really like the internet! Maybe you’re not too keen on the net but know you should have a decent website. Flooring stores don’t generally need anything too complex – most of the time, visitors are just trying to find out your phone number, your opening hours or where they can park! Or they’re just checking if you look professional. The Floorsites package from The Stocklists offers:

7 ready-made pages of flooring industry content covering the key sectors of carpets, vinyls, laminates, etc.

Instant online editing - if you can type, you can customise these pages yourself anytime to add latest offers and news… or leave them as they are – we put all your contact information in there anyhow.

Choose photos from our library to make your site unique – or upload your own images.

Link to Google Maps – let visitors find you quickly and see where to park

Auto-email form to let customers contact you direct

It costs £390 for the set-up and the first year - and £90 per year thereafter (exc. VAT). Check out our dummy site at www.thestocklists.com/floorsites or contact David Spragg at davidspragg@thestocklists.com or call 01845 573241.

NO OBLIGATION ‘TEST DRIVE’...

We set up your site free-of-charge for a month. If you don’t like it, you don’t pay. There’s nothing to lose!

6 December 2010

FlooringNews Rhino on the move Tarkett, a global leader in flooring and sports surfaces, has announced its acquisition of the Rhinofloor brand and its range of flooring collections, previously owned by Armstrong World Industries. Armstrong have recently decided to divest of all residential flooring activities in Europe. Patrick Mathieu, President of Tarkett’s Western Europe Division: “This agreement assures the continuity for all current distributors of the Rhinofloor brand in major European residential vinyl flooring markets. At the same time, Tarkett assumes its leadership role on the resilient flooring market and in regard to its distributors.” This transaction entails also the transfer of the collection’s printing cylinders towards Tarkett’s manufacturing unit in Konz, Germany. As a consequence of this acquisition, Tarkett reinforces its position in the European residential flooring market, enriching its product and brand portfolio and allowing the group to even better respond to its clients’ demands, says the company. T 01622 854 040 www.tarkett.com

Rhinofloor Bleached White

Stand at ease eletile, the market leader in LVT floating floors, has invested in new in-store display stands to support eleEase and EasyLock sales. The new stands are designed to show both ranges and are equipped with screen displays making eletile the first LVT company to use visual demonstrations to promote its range in stores. Mark Taylor of eletile said: “We have invested heavily in the new stands to support retailers and re-iterate the success of EleEase and EasyLock.” EasyLock is the first proven vinyl locking system on the market. Available in 12 natural wood finishes, it offers a hand-scraped registered emboss surface, can be laid in commercial and domestic locations and installed over existing vinyl, ceramics, solid floors - including wet areas. With ‘hand-scraped wear layer’ technology, EasyLock is warm, durable, hygienic and affordable, plus it requires minimal sub floor preparation making it ideal for the retail, office, hospitality and leisure sectors. It does not require an adhesive and simply slots into position. eleEase is a floating floor system, which, like EasyLock, does not need adhesives or screeds. The product is 100% recyclable and 10 years after installation can be uplifted, granulated and put straight back into the manufacturing process and recycled as new product. The eleEase range includes Finesse, a collection of 48” registered emboss planks; At Home, a collection for the domestic market in 10 wood ranges; and six slate coloured tile options (12” and 36” sizes) which were launched in April. T 01429 892540 www.eletile.co.uk

from The Stocklists

December 2010 35

News

IVC’s Grand Design

Artwood online

“The Grand Designs Live exhibition is a perfect opportunity for us to demonstrate just how stylish Leoline flooring is” The number one consumer show for the home interest market, Grand Designs Live at Birmingham’s NEC venue, provided high levels of exposure for IVC Group’s striking new Leoline Mark 5 Display Unit. Helping retail exhibitor Bathroom City to impress visitors, Stonemark Rocky with an insert of Luxury Touch Chatel cushion vinyl flooring featured on all 70 square metres of an impressive stand, showing just how Leoline can help turn bathrooms into rooms of stunning style. “The Grand Designs Live exhibition is a perfect opportunity for us to demonstrate just how stylish, comfortable and durable Leoline flooring is,” comments Ian Cowdell, Area Sales Manager for Leoline. “Consumers can see just how durable the floor is as it stands up to the rigors of a busy show and also how its striking look really helps to complement sanitary ware of all styles. Of course, with the Mark 5 display unit, visitors to the event could also discover exactly what other designs are available in the Leoline collection.” The Mark 5 Display Unit is now being rolled out to retailers across the country. Designed to make Leoline’s striking collection a focal point of the store without taking up too much floor space, the unit features striking lifestyle imagery and good sized samples that allow consumers to really get to grips with the Leoline collection. Retailer support has also been extended to include a consumer media campaign, telephone hotline, website and a dedicated consumer brochure. T +32 5665 3211

www.ivcgroup.com

Artwood has announced the launch of its website, www.artwood-floors.com, giving designers, retailers and end users the chance to discover more about the unique range of wood flooring. The website is packed full of useful information and most importantly provides a window into the breadth of hand-applied finishes on offer from the company through the Classic, Design Oil, Design Lacquer and Design Paint collections. “The Artwood concept is one that’s difficult to encapsulate on the internet,” explains Louay Azoo. “However, the website has caught the essence of Artwood and the products and gallery section provide a good indication as to the variety and depth of the finishes that we offer. We have also provided visitors with an inspirational gallery and samples can be ordered directly from the website.” www.artwood-floors.com also features a download section containing technical, installation and warranty documents and will be updated with new Artwood finishes thanks to its database-driven backend: “Ultimately we wanted the site to be a reflection of the diversity of finishes on offer and so users can expect it to be updated regularly as we introduce new finishes to our portfolio providing everyone with striking engineered wood flooring,” concludes Louay. T 0845 519 2726

36 December 2010

www.artwood-floors.com

FlooringNews

£7,500 plus vat

BUYS YOU THIS CARPET CUT LENGTH MACHINE

Flower on Flooring News

by Dennis Flower

The tog debate Following the Government's recent announcements on initiatives designed to encourage efficient use of energy, such as the Renewable Heat Incentive, etc, it is likely that underfloor heating will become more popular in the future. This will mean that flooring products designed to work with this technology will also be in demand. We asked the industry's suppliers how they were preparing for this trend.

The Combat ‘value’ product from Novostrat

their weight of 30kg/m3 means they are easy to manage and fit, the company states. Richard Bailey, managing director of Floorwise said: “Both electric and water-based UFH systems can lead to a warmer and more efficient home, but both involve us looking at the floor as an integral part of the system, we have to consider their thermal efficiency as a priority. Ball & Young promote a range of low tog rubber underlays

Ball & Young has seen underfloor heating recognised for allowing home owners to bring added style and value to their homes. To get the best out of heating, the company has produced very low tog rating underlays including Roma and Venice. These quality rubber underlays pass all the contract market requirements, the company stated, with tog ratings of 0.8 and 1.0 respectively and also ideal for the domestic market. Ball & Young has also recently launched Olympic 5 and Olympic 6.5, part of a new range of flat cellular rubber underlays, with expected tog ratings less than 0.7. Also available is the company's Cloud 9 Radiance, a stretch or double-stick underlay with a 1.2 tog rating. Novostrat stated that it has remained faithful to its strategy of producing ‘value’ products by launching its Combat and Combat Plus ranges of high performance underlays for wood and laminate floors. Both are designed to work efficiently with underfloor heating systems and each has a core of 3mm closed cell polyethylene foam, which is an attractive green in colour. Combat is laminated on one side with a 40micron clear film to protect the floor against humidity migrating from the sub-floor surface, while Combat Plus is similarly laminated, but on both sides, offering double protection. Both have 100mm overlap to ensure maximum joint efficiency and sit in the mid performance range of Novostrat underlays. They are designed to offer a high level of acoustic insulation, reduce unevenness in the sub-floor surface and

38 December 2010

“The thicker and denser the underlay the less thermally efficient it will be, the heating will have to work harder. Of course, any underlay will detract from the heating’s efficiency as it adds an extra layer through which the heat has to pass, but this can be minimised with the right selection.” The company's Thermaflow collection consists of thermally efficient underlays for use under wood, carpet and laminate, providing comfort while allowing the UFH to work,” he said. It also supplies Endura and Traction Impact for carpet and Acoustica Good for wood and laminate, with TOG values from 0.22 to 1.15. Brintons has a tog rating for every specification of carpet so it can be used with confidence with underfloor heating, the company stated. Its carpets generally have a tog value of between 1.0 and 2.2 and are most suitable for systems where water pipes are buried in screed and the combined carpet and underlay tog value is 2.5. Installing appropriate carpet and underlay is vital when specifying around an underfloor heating system, the company states, as these dictate the 'thermal resistance value' or how much heat the carpet helps to retain. This is also measured as the 'tog' rating. When choosing underlay, Brintons advised that it should allow adequate heat to pass through, while also giving the carpet adequate support to enhance performance during its lifetime.

For more information about featured products: Ball & Young • www.underlay.com • 01536 200502 Novostrat • www.novostrat-insulation.com • 0035 361 339287

FlooringNews

The British Wool column Royal visit to Bradford – home of British textiles A royal visit turned the British Wool Marketing Board’s Annual Conference into a very special occasion this November. The Prince took time to visit Bradford as part of his promotional initiative The Campaign for Wool. Arriving into the centre of the former mill town which was once one of the wealthiest in the country due to its wool based textile industry, the Prince was greeted by John Thorley, Chairman of the Campaign for Wool and then was presented with a wool portrait of him done by the artist Maria Losch. After visiting the Haworth Scouring company, where wool is washed clean, he went on to the fine cloth manufacturer, Bulmer & Lumb. Eventually arriving at the BWMB’s Annual Conference where he met and chatted to representatives of the wool growers of the UK. HRH The Prince of Wales met representatives of the The Prince said: “It gives me carpet industry during a visit to British Wool’s Head great pleasure to see that The Office in November. L to R – Bob Rothman, of Campaign for Wool is working Robertex based in the USA, Paul Speakman of Penthouse Carpets and Bill Stewart of Atlantic Yarns. successfully and helping to develop the market and increase the price of this wonderful fibre. The wool and textile industry around Bradford still plays a vital role in the economic wellbeing of this region and to the whole of the UK and I was greatly encouraged to see such impressive levels of innovation and quality at the sites I visited today.” HRH The Prince of Wales is greeted by Frank Langrish, Chairman and Ian Hartley, CEO of the British Wool Marketing Board Frank Langrish, Chairman of the British Wool Marketing Board said, “The UK sheep farmers produce 29 million kgs of wool every year and so they are delighted that this campaign has raised the profile of their wool and indeed all wool across the world. We are proud and grateful for all his support and patronage and particularly for his attending our annual conference today to speak to the wool producers themselves. We have every faith that this will give wool a new beginning.”

British Wool sponsor Country Homes & Interiors calendar 2011 The December issue of Country Homes & Interiors has a special gift with every issue – a calendar sponsored by British Wool! Featuring British made interior products for the home, all made in British Wool, it has stunning photography in the house style of CH&I which sells 90,000 issues and continues to grow its market share despite the tough economic climate. “This is the second time we have sponsored this calendar as it provides great exposure for our British Wool partners and presents the products in such a fantastic way,” Bridgette Kelly of the British Wool Marketing Board said. However, the challenge set to CH&I by the BWMB was that all the images had to use wool of British origin made in the UK which tested the editorial team and stylists to the limit. “It was such an interesting and worthwhile project, we all loved doing it because it fits the readership perfectly but we really had to search quite hard to find products that are made here with our own wool. But in the end we had such a beautiful and wide ranging selection and so it showcases the different ways that British Wool can be used, which is what we wanted to do,” Rhoda Parry, Editor said.

Merry Christmas from British Wool

The Country Homes & Interiors calendar is sponsored by British Wool

h hh

Another year…well as the countdown to Christmas commences with earnest, we at British Wool are preparing for the New Year; trade shows beckon, new promotions and great prospects lie ahead. “There is such interest in the fibre at the moment, that wool really has so many great opportunities,” Ian Hartley, CEO at the BWMB said. “Wool Week has brought immense profile to it and we have to build on that in 2011. I have no doubt that as consumers start to fully grasp the true natural benefits of our fibre, wool will be better valued.” “So it is with a highly positive note that the British Wool team , wish you a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”

from The Stocklists

December 2010 39

News

New Year at the NEC - the ‘flooring excellence’ show Taking place from 23-26 January 2011 at NEC, Birmingham, interiors 2011 offers a versatile array of products from more than 500 exhibitors, attracting over 25,000 visitors for four days of interiors business, education and networking. The show comprises five categorised halls, showcasing products ranging from furniture and bedding to lighting and flooring. It is the only UK event to provide the whole scope of the interiors industry under one roof. Launching at interiors 2011 is the flooring section. Among the well-known flooring brands are Bond Worth, Brockway Carpets, Carpet & Flooring, Cavalio Floors, Crucial Trading, Distinctive Flooring, Furlong Flooring, Leica Geosystems, Moduleo, Rockford, Unnatural Flooring Company, V4 Woodflooring and William Armes. Presenting every aspect of the flooring industry, the exhibitors will showcase products ranging from high-end vinyl tiles and wood flooring through to handmade carpets and rugs. To welcome the new flooring section to interiors 2011, the show organisers and flooring exhibitors will put on complimentary drinks from 4-5pm on Monday 24th January in hall 2. Refreshments will be available to flooring companies and clients. Among other well-known industry brands featuring at the show are Ashley Manor, Aimbry International, Calligaris, Carlton Furniture, Caxton, Coach House, Duresta Upholstery, Elstead Lighting, Fama, Heartlands Furniture, Kettle Interiors, Steens, Sweet Dreams, Wade Upholstery and Willis & Gambier. New exhibitors to the show include Alpine Lounge, Atlantic Homes, Brunstad, Dinamica Srl, Helvetia Meble, Jitona, Polcom and Relaxsan. Based in the ‘Thinking Space’ feature area in Hall 2 will be the New Design Britain finalists’ showcase, presenting innovative designs from the hottest young design talent. Barjis New Rug Design Competition is a fresh addition to the competition, in support of the flooring section. With the deadline for entries closing on 5 December, the finalists will be announced later this month. A week-long trip to Bejing, China is the main competition prize with the winner learning extensive rug making skills and seeing their winning rug manufactured. They will also be granted an open paid internship with Barjis - an award winning interior design firm specialising in high-end rugs and carpets. T 0207 921 8632

www.interiorsbirmingham.com

Foot to foot Combat Staying faithful to their strategy of producing true ‘value’ products, Novostrat are pleased to announce the introduction of ‘Combat’ and ‘Combat Plus’ into their range of high performance underlays for wood and laminate floors. Both products have a core of 3mm closed cell polyethylene foam which is an attractive green in colour. Combat is laminated on one side with a 40micron clear film to protect the floor against humidity migrating from the sub-floor surface. Combat Plus is similarly laminated, but on both sides, offering double protection. Both have 100mm overlap to ensure maximum joint efficiency. The ‘Combats’ sit in the middle of the performance range of Novostrat underlays, with Sonic Gold Excel being at the very top of the scale, they offer a high level of acoustic insulation and greatly reduce any unevenness in the sub-floor surface. …..and they are only 30kg/m3, so they are really light and easy to manage and to fit. Novostrat is confident that both ‘Combat’ and ‘Combat Plus’ will find popularity with retailers and distributors across UK and Ireland as their cost-to-performance represents exceptional value and allows them to occupy a sales slot currently uncluttered by many competitive products. T 00353 61 339287 www.novostrat-insulation.com

40 December 2010

FlooringNews

from The Stocklists

December 2010 41

News

DOMOTEX 2011 1400 exhibitors at ‘magic’ show “Domotex exhibitors are optimistic about the future” The carpet and floorcoverings trade turns its attention to Domotex in Hannover in the New Year for Europe’s biggest flooring fair from 15 to 18 January. Signs for a successful show appear excellent say organisers. Stephan Ph. Kühne of Deutsche Messe AG said: “The early registration of many exhibitors and the positive volume of registrations received so far demonstrates that our clients are optimistic about the future and plan to utilize Domotex to promote their business,” he concluded. Running under the slogan of “The Magic of Flooring”, some 1400 exhibitors from 60 different nations will showcase the carpet and floor covering trends for the 2011/2012 season. These will include the latest designs for area rugs, laminated coverings featuring warm wood optics, stone reproductions in marble or granite as well as state-of-the-art creative décor in bold, expressive colors. Key players include leading names in the UK industry such Associated Weavers, Edel Telenzo, Mohawk, Carpenter, F Ball, Ball & Young, Polyflor, Balta, Lano, IVC, Balterio, Interfloor, Tapibel, Wools of New Zealand and Super-Click. For international visitors involved in the floor coverings and furniture retailing sector as well as architecture, interior decoration and design, Domotex will boast a plethora of innovations and highlights from the residential and commercial property sector Domotex is also a firm date in the calendar of the skilled trades. Some 20 percent of all visitors at the leading trade fair for carpet and floor coverings are active as floor layers, interior furnishers and painters. More than 180 exhibitors will be showcasing products and innovations geared directly to the floor laying trades, concentrated in the exhibition sector of floor laying, cleaning and application technologies. Domotex is much more than just a trends and information barometer: Above all, it represents the global business platform for the international floor covering industry. 82 percent of exhibitors and 56 percent of visitors come from outside Germany. The strong business focus in Hannover is underscored by the high percentage of decisionmakers among visitors. Some 71 percent of all visitors come from top management echelons and 89 percent are involved in purchasing decisions at their companies. www.domotex.de

Angel delight Uzin, a brand of UFLOOR Systems has been awarded the prestigious Blue Angel eco-label for its complete range of installation products for floorcoverings and woodfloor. The established and well proven top products within the Uzin Ökoline have already been recognized for their health and low emission properties and have been rated as well with the well-established GEV “EMICODE EC 1” certificate for low emissions. Uzin products with EC 1 and the Blue Angel on the bucket provide the highest possible level of emission safety and contribute towards creating a healthy room climate. The Blue Angel is the first and most well-known ecolabel worldwide. Since 1978 it has set the standard for eco-friendly products and services selected by an independent jury in line with defined criteria. The Blue Angel is awarded to companies as kind of a reward for their commitment to environmental protection. They use it to professionally promote their eco-friendly products in the market. The Blue Angel is an ecological beacon showing the consumer the way to the ecologically superior product and promotes environmentally conscious consumption. T 01926 436700 www.uzin.com

Cards offer new deal The Furnishing Industry Trust (FIT) is only a phone call away with its new confidential crisis cards. FIT has launched the new emergency contact cards so that the charity’s details are readily available in a time of crisis. To ensure the cards reach employees across the furnishing sectors, FIT is calling on industry employers to distribute them with wage slips. Said FIT chief executive Charles Kerrigan: “We want to work more closely with the employers of the industry to help educate and inform those who work or have worked in the furniture sector of the support we provide. The FIT crisis cards have been developed to make that process as easy as possible.” As the industry’s only dedicated charity, FIT provides one-off grants for those in a crisis providing help with problems such as household repairs, debts, medical bills and equipment, motor expenses etc. FIT also provides grants for those in desperate need of a holiday or need a UK respite break and supports many other people with weekly allowances. Charles added: “At our last grants and welfare committee meeting we saw applications from every industry sector. This tells us that more and more people are becoming aware of the work we do and we want to continue to make it easier for people to get in contact.” T 0207 256 5954 www.fi-trust.co.uk 44 December 2010

FlooringNews

The Wool Benefits Series from Wools of New Zealand

NZ Wool Partnerships at Domotex An innovative co-exhibitor stand will be hosted by Wools of New Zealand at Domotex in January. The company has invited UK and European partners to take part in the commercial venture – marketed as

Two carpets have been made for the floor – both designed and coloured at Ilkley – one a 3 ply tufted loop pile stipple made of Laneve yarn spun by Danspin of Denmark and manufactured by Brockway of Kidderminster, the other a woven axminster made of Laneve wool yarn spun by Danspin and manufactured by Griffith Textiles for Sethia Enterprises.

THE

Both products will be launched as commercially available ranges in the respective co-exhibitor areas on the stand.

Those participating include:

Wools of New Zealand has registered ‘Wool Impressions’ as a styling brand targeting both yarn and carpet innovations. This brand, along with new products to be marketed under its name – including the stand carpet – will be on show at Domotex 2011. Other exhibits will include: • 2012 Colour and styling directions • A ‘Banks Peninsula’ NZ wool marketing programme • Wools of New Zealand and Laneve-branded carpet introductions

Sethia Enterprises Ltd

The objective of the Wool Pavilion is to create a central area for wool where visitors can meet and interact with the manufacturing industry, retailers and the media. Wools of New Zealand and its partners invite visitors to see them on the stand B12 in Hall 5. The stand has moved to a new location (B12) in Hall 5, a key carpet venue, drawing attention to New Zealand Wool and its unique and natural attributes. An inspirational creative theme will highlight the very best this fibre has to offer, combined with the defining message of sustainability – synonymous with what the brand stands for.

from The Stocklists

For further information refer to www.woolsnz.com or contact: Wools of New Zealand on +44 1943 603888.

December 2010 45

Survey

Happy’ish New Year Flooring retailers predict some growth amid the 2011 gloom The flooring trade may not be expecting the happiest of New Years but more than half of all retailers are expecting better business in 2011. In our survey on the impact of the recession, Government cuts and the prospects for next year, 51% of respondents said they expect ‘marginal growth’ in their business while a third anticipated ‘marginal decline’. An optimistic 8% expected strong growth. We asked about the impact of the VAT increase which generally generates mixed feelings but 61% did feel that the tax rise would discourage business in 2011 and nearly half the stores said they were promoting ‘beat the VAT’ as a selling point in this last quarter of 2010. “The Vat increase will not effect this trade, the public isn't buying anyway!,” said one disgruntled retailer in Somerset. Perhaps surprisingly, over 90% of our respondents said they would raise prices next year. We strayed into politics in this survey to see how the flooring trade felt about the Government’s performance over the recession. Almost 60% said they thought the Government had ‘got it about right’ in managing the response to the debt crisis although our vote was split on whether the cuts were so severe that they would limit growth. A West Country retailer commented: “There needs to be a balance between spending cuts and growth. Severe cuts merely reduce the amount of income the Treasury receives and therefore perpetuates further spending cuts. Stimulus is required.” “Cuts were certainly necessary,” commented one retailer. “But how many shops that lived the good life over the past decade have salted money away for the rainy days that are now here? Our biggest problem seems to be lack of

“Those that go out looking for business will find it”

“The media will have a field day with all the doom and gloom.”

customer confidence - with low interest rates many mortgage payers now have more money than before, but because of uncertainty (fed by the media) they are scared to spend it.” The media came in for a lot of criticism from our retailers. “The media will have a field day with all the doom and gloom,” said a Yorkshire retailer. “The Government does not do enough to explain what they are doing and what effect it will have.” We asked retailers to rank what they thought were the greatest threats in 2011 and the vast majority (58%) selected the fear of a double-dip recession, 25% cited rising unemployment and about 8% selected rising interest rates and poor performance in the housing sector. Three-quarters of our readers thought the collation would last the full term.

46 December 2010

Taxing times? 59% expect better business next year 91% will put up prices next year 61% want more help from manufacturers 58% fear double-dip recession 51% see return of confidence in 3 years The Stocklists polled 390 retailers throughout the UK during November 2010. Replies and comments are recorded anonymously. Many thanks to all those who took part.

“There needs to be a “Some consumers with balance between lower mortgages have spending cuts and more money than growth” before but they are scared to spend it.”

Two-thirds of survey respondents said they thought the Government was not doing enough to help the retail sector. Nor are manufacturers and suppliers. according to our readers – 61% said they need more help on price and credit from suppliers although a third said manufacturers had helped them. While there is very modest optimism for the year ahead, there were mixed feelings reported for the longer term outlook. 51% thought consumer confidence would return in 2 – 3 years – but a substantial 42% agreed with the suggestion that consumer spending would never return to the previous levels. A North East store owner added: “The Carpet Trade is no different to the outside world - there WILL be winners and losers over the next year. Those that go out looking for business will find it, while those sitting within the four walls of their own shop saying times are hard will always be proved right too.”

FlooringNews

Voice of the trade Furlong Flooring

Roll up your sleeves and get on with it! Neil is driving a non-stop campaign to gain market share for the Carefree range.

“

How has the recession revealed the different marketing approaches of carpet companies? Every company has to evaluate how it goes to market. If you do what you’ve always done, you realistically get what you’ve always got. If companies try a radical different approach then they might be surprised. I think you need to focus on certain areas and be meaningful to suppliers who supply a certain product sector with a strong marketing message and back that supplier to the hilt. Has the last two years been a good opportunity to build market share? It depends on how different companies perceive the market. At Furlongs we are not afraid to develop new initiatives and invest in our business and this has resulted in an unprecedented increase in market share which in a declining market means it’s been at somebody else’s expense. So yes in our position as a business it has been an ideal opportunity to increase market share. Are you surprised that so many flooring companies have weathered the storm successfully so far. If we are talking from a retail perspective I am not surprised that Independent Retailers have weathered the storm as this particular retail sector have proved time and time again that they are very resilient to whatever the market throws at them. What do retailers need to focus on more to survive in 2011? Focus on forging more meaningful relationships with their chosen suppliers. We all need each other working in a business partnership to run and manage our businesses. How bad is 2011 going to be? 2011 will be as bad as people want to report it but there will still be people buying carpet and we will be going all out to increase market share.

“2011 will be as bad as people want to report it but there will still be people buying carpet and we will be going all out to increase market share”.

48 December 2010

“Our retail sector have proved time and time again that they are very resilient to whatever the market throws at them!” How important is the VAT increase to consumer confidence? The media will preach doom and gloom but come on, is a £12.50 increase on a £500 carpet purchase going to stop people from buying! What do you think will be the major changes in consumer buying behaviour in the next two years? I am convinced the internet and the use of modern technology will play an even greater role in the consumer purchasing pattern. How difficult is it to come up with ‘the next big idea’? As difficult as people want to make it! Watch this space! How important is the part played by point-of-sale in Furlong’s sales performance? We run a very structured product range and when you operate in this manner it is very important to us and to our retail partners that these products are promoted in store to everyone’s advantage.

“

Neil Valentine

On New Year’s Eve, what will you be most glad to leave behind in 2010? Not a lot actually on a business note. We have had a great 2010. As head of sales for the North in our organization I would like to publicly say a big thank you to all of my colleagues whatever their role or duties they carry out in our organization as without everybody pulling together we would not have been able to achieve what we have. On a personal note my daughter has qualified as a Staff Nurse, my son is part way through a floor laying course at college and my granddaughter Grace celebrated her first birthday. So leave nothing behind - more of the same in 2011!

FlooringNews

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve selected the very best photos from our editorial pages in 2010 which demonstrate that style, quality and creativity is alive and well in the UK flooring industry.

2010 from The Stocklists

December 2010 49

2010 50 December 2010

Alternative Flooringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award-winning Rock 'n' Roll collection of vibrant wool stripes. The striking 'Back in Black' for smart urbanites brings interest to any room not to mention a different tune. Now with new colours with names like Purple Rain and London Calling, these stripes are sure to be instant hits. T 01264 335111 www.alternativeflooring.com

FlooringNews

Asiatic Carpets The stunning Laya Leaf design is available in a range of 4 contemporary colours each of which has a subtle textured design element in a contrasting faux suede that give this rug an added dimension and vitality. The latest Laya collection also features 2 other modern designs, Retro and Wave. T 020 8800 2000 www.asiatic.co.uk

from The Stocklists

December 2010 51

2010 52 December 2010

Associated Weavers Stainaway Harvest Heathers uses tightly twisted yarns to create a hard-wearing, stain-resistant carpet that has a subtly flecked look in a range of natural colours like oatmeal, nutmeg and carbon. Available in 4m & 5m, this cut pile twist manufactured using Stainguard XL 100% polypropylene fibre with Action Bac and has a 10-year wear guarantee. T 01422 431100 www.associatedweavers.net

FlooringNews

Bond Worth Romanesque Axminster combines berber wool with a classic scroll and flower motif. Contemporary yet traditional reminiscent of the frescos found throughout Italy. Available 4m wide in three colourways, Acanthus Plum, Apple & Cornflower. T 01562 745 000 www.bondworth.co.uk

from The Stocklists

December 2010 53

2010 54 December 2010

Brintons marries its Bell Twist Wisteria carpet with a beautifully simple stripe from its Pure Living range to create a contemporary look that is luxurious and suitable for any home interior. Both carpets are made using Brintons' unique 80% wool and 20% nylon mix to guarantee a perfect blend of beauty and everyday toughness. T 0800 505055 www.brintons.net/residential

FlooringNews

Brockway Carpets Carnaby from Brockway's Designer Collection is a real one-off. An eye-catching 100% pure wool loop pile carpet with an interesting red/blue stipple feature stripe, it encapsulates the best of British style in a stunning, vibrant design. T 01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk

from The Stocklists

December 2010 55

2010 56 December 2010

Cavalier Woodland Heathers from Cavalier Carpets, three quality options plus two shearings makes one stunning carpet which offers luxury at a competitive price. British Wool blend yarns and ten beautiful natural shades to suit any home. T 01254 268000 www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk

FlooringNews

Edel Telenzo The success story of 2010 for Edel Telenzo is the Bakerloo multi-stripe, especially in its fashion-conscious new colourways, Mulberry and Plum (shown). A 1/8th gauge loop pile In 100% wool, fully Scotchgarded, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attractive, versatile, hardwearing and great value for money! T 01422 374417 www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk

from The Stocklists

December 2010 57

2010 58 December 2010

Heckmondwike The design opportunities of Supacord make it the perfect choice for creating a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; factor in schools, colleges and universities. This versatile flooring range has 40 colours and is BRE Global A+ rated. Supacord is designed by Heckmondwike FB to offer a tough and durable flooring option in public spaces. And because Heckmondwike FB are committed to environmentally responsible business practices, you can choose Supacord for your project and know that you are creating a great looking environment, without costing the earth T 01924 406 161 www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk

FlooringNews

InterfaceFLOR Straightforward from InterfaceFLOR, the worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of environmentally responsible modular flooring, can be installed non-directionally - giving faster installation, minimum waste and maximum flexibility. Microtuft products offer up to 50% less yarn than a typical carpet tile and are easy to clean with improved acoustics. T 01274 698518 www.interfaceflor.eu

from The Stocklists

December 2010 59

2010 60 December 2010

Manx Carpets Castle Twist is as popular as ever with retailers due to the variety of weight options the range offers, made from 80% British Wool in eighteen modern colours available 30,40,50,60 & a luxury 70oz quality in 4 & 5m widths,its a must for every retailer. T 01827 831434 www.manxcapets.co.uk

FlooringNews

Ryalux The Ultimate Collection from Ryalux offers twists, saxonies and shagpiles, made from the finest quality New Zealand wools and beautiful Oriental silks. Available in an inspiring palette of fashion-led colours or dyed to match your own colour choice and available in any width up to 7 metres. T 0845 652 8811 www.ryalux.com

from The Stocklists

December 2010 61

2010 62 December 2010

Ulster Carpets Recognising a growing public awareness of ecological issues, Ulster Carpets have developed Natural Choice, its new eco collection that has recently been launched. Made from 100% natural undyed wool the collection comprises a variety of textured designs inspired by nature that are complimented with a range of plains. T 028 3833 4433 www.ulstercarpets.com

FlooringNews

Vorwerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bahia captures a playful spirit, combining a deep cut pile with a high and a low gloss two-tone yarn to capture the light. Available in a sophisticated colour palette of 10 shades running from striking black and deep greys to golden tones and white, Bahia enhances each with a tonal fleck that either co-ordinates or contrasts. Made from 100% nylon for durability, ease of maintenance and a beautifully soft handle, Bahia is available in a four-metre width and comes backed by a five-year guarantee. Rated LC 3 Luxury Class, Bahia reinforces Vorwerk Carpets' position as a manufacturer of design-led carpets for the home. T 020 7096 5090 www.vorwerk-carpet.com

from The Stocklists

December 2010 63

News

2011 predicts highs and lows “Bad companies fail in a recession; good companies simply do not” As we approach the end of a turbulent 2010 for the UK floor coverings industry, Plimsoll have taken a look back at the highs and lows of the last 12 months and look forward to the threats and opportunities facing the market in 2011. 308 companies in the market are finishing the year in financial difficulty. David Pattison, author of the new study of the top 1000 companies in the UK Floor Coverings industry explains, “Having clung on through the bad times many of these struggling companies are running out of time and will fail unless a sustained recovery takes hold. Sadly, some of them are just too weak to carry on and there will be a spike of failures in the New Year. On the flipside, their demise will bring a welcome reduction in competitive pressure for those left”. However, there are still some good stories in the market despite the persistent gloom. Pattison says “We have picked 455 strong companies that prove success can still be achieved in the floor coverings industry despite difficult trading conditions. They also prove that bad companies fail in a recession; good companies simply do not. These companies will lead the industry out of recession with some smart acquisitions to help maintain their recent success”. Pattison is also convinced the market is due further consolidation with the number of companies in trouble leading to heightened takeover activity. He explains “With too many companies chasing weakened demand it is inevitable that there are likely to be a number of high profile mergers and takeovers. Further consolidation is needed to sort out the remaining dead wood. We have named 112 companies as the best acquisition prospects in the market”. He also reserves special mention for those reckless companies that continue to chase sales despite mounting losses, “There are a group of 230 serial loss makers still operating in the market. For the 2nd and even 3rd year running these companies have made a loss. While the rest have taken painful but necessary decisions to refocus on the bottom line, these reckless companies have continued to chase sales regardless. These companies have to cut their cloth accordingly or face the consequences”. Summing up, the new edition of the Plimsoll Analysis shows a buffeted market emerging from recession with a third of companies making a loss and 1 in 3 companies in financial difficulty but as Pattison insists “If you are going to make a success of 2011, you need to learn the lesson of the last 12 months. There are going to be big changes in the UK floor coverings industry with lots of takeovers, a number of high profile failures and even the odd surprise or two along the way”. The 2011 edition of the Plimsoll Industry Analysis, individually assessing every company in the UK Floor Coverings industry, is available now. Readers of Stocklists, The will get a £50 discount if they quote reference PR/AA10. T 01642 626400 www.plimsoll.co.uk

64 December 2010

Headlam revenue boost Headlam’s revenue has risen to the challenge of tough trading conditions with a small increase in sales over 2010. The company said in its interim management statement: "Whilst markets in the UK continue to be challenging, trading during the year to date, with the exception of January, has been ahead of where we were last year. Excluding January, like for like revenue increased by 1.5 per cent during the year to date. For the four month period ended 31 October, like for like revenue increased by 1.7 per cent.” It added: "November trading is in line with the year to date performance and assuming no significant deviation from this trend for the remainder of the year, the board is confident that the group will meet its internal performance targets for 2010."

Change of View View Logistics - parent company of Whitestone Weavers, Gaskell Mackay, Carpet Line Direct, Eletile and Hugh Mackay Carpets - has appointed a marketing manager. Beverley Ridsdale steps in to the new role after 19 years in the carpet industry. Prior to joining the Hartlepool-based independent floorcoverings group, Beverley was sales and admin director for sample book specialists, Genesis Patterns Ltd. Said Beverley, who will ultimately oversee everything from sampling to POS for companies across the group: “I’ve dealt with manufacturers and wholesalers across the flooring sector for many years so have a really good understanding of the trade and know a lot of people in it. “This is a tremendously exciting opportunity – a brand new role with a fast growing company – and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in and supporting the company’s many well known brands.” T 01429 892525 wwww.gaskell.co.uk

Obituary: Bob Hudson Bob Hudson, who passed away on October 20th aged 53 was well known throughout the carpet trade. Bob or “Rocky” as he was known by many was a real character who joined Graham Waldron and the MCD group over 34 years ago. Bob started his career at Cheshire’s of Nottingham aged 19 working in the sales office, where he quickly made his mark. Bob then moved into management with MCD South. Some years later he moved to Wilkies in Leeds where he became famous for his many promotional activities. After Wilkies, Bob occupied several senior roles within MCD, then joining Headlam in 1993 for a short period after which his career took many twists and turns. He rejoined Headlam in 2002 to manage KJC and in the last few years Bob had been responsible for the Ossfloor business within Headlam. Bob will be sadly missed by his two sons Anthony and Daniel, the rest of his family, friends and colleagues and will always be remembered for his wit, character and his ever smiling face.

FlooringNews

News

Wool rich? “The BWMB is very positive about the future for wool and believe that the trends are firmly in place for wool to grow consumer interest, market share and improve price.” While wool campaigners have raised their profile in recent months, the volatility and growing strength in the wool price is causing headaches for carpet manufacturers in planning their production. World wool prices hit a 14-year high this Autumn. In 2008, UK wool producers were paid 33.2p per kilo which rose to 47.7p in 2009. Expectations for this year’s clip are running in excess of 70p per kilo – a doubling of raw material prices in just two years.

More sheep in the City (during October’s Wool Week campaign) but numbers in the countryside have been declining.

The issue driving the increase is a double hit of reducing flock sizes and greater demand for wool from emerging economies in Asia. Rising prices for both cotton and synthetic fibres is also influencing demand for wool. The decline in wool production is precisely the fear highlighted by Prince Charles as growers in more marginal areas exited the business. The total UK wool clip in 2009 was 8% down on the previous year and this trend is expected to continue for the next two years. Bridgette Kelly at the British Wool Marketing Board said: “Undeniably sheep numbers globally have reduced, so this impacts on the amount of wool available internationally but industry indications are that this decline in flocks will level in 2012. “It is important to remember that sheep farmers in the UK are also running a business, they run sheep for profit and if the level of return on meat and lamb is not good then they make the choice on their stock. It is therefore good news that the value of lamb in the UK has been strong this year and UK sheep numbers will hopefully reflect this going forward,” she said. “The BWMB is very positive about the future for wool and believe that the trends are firmly in place for wool to grow consumer interest, market share and improve price throughout the whole textile chain so that both sheep farmers and all involved in turning British Wool in to great product can recoup a worthy level of profit from their business and of course give long term security,” said Bridgette.

Not a moment to waste Leeds-based specialist recycling company and Carpet Recycling UK member, 4Recycling Ltd has launched a pioneering new service to increase collection and recycling of waste carpet. The firm, which specialises in waste consultancy and the cost effective and innovative recycling of industry by-products, can now accept mixed loads of any type of wool-rich or synthetic waste carpet. Material is identified, segregated and processed at its Leeds site before being sent for recycling. Initial volumes of around 25,000 tonnes within a year could rise to some 75,000 tonnes annually once further processing centres are opened throughout the UK. Wool-rich material is to be shredded and composted for re-use as a growing medium for ‘contained’ environments, such as plant pots or grow-bags. Synthetic carpet waste will be shredded and commonly used for equestrian surfaces or in sound-proofing and underlay applications. According to Paul Gilbert, Director of 4Recycling, there is growing demand for carpet recycling facilities due to general increased environmental awareness, coupled with rising landfill disposal costs. “It’s still early days. Every day we get calls about recycling carpet, so we have to start somewhere,” comments Paul. “At 4Recycling, we are working with Carpet Recycling UK to tackle the growing volumes of carpet waste and develop sustainable solutions for its re-use. The 47-member strong Carpet Recycling UK is working towards the industry target of 25% landfill diversion by 2015. Nearly half a million tonnes of carpet waste go to landfill in the UK each year. Only 5% is currently diverted from landfill. T 0161 440 8325 www.carpetrecyclinguk.com

Join The Stocklists retailer survey panel Tell us what you really think - it’s anonymous. Every two months we invite readers to contribute to our online survey about topical issues. It takes about 4 minutes. Join our panel - visit www.thestocklists.com and click the Online sign-up button

retailers respond to industry issues

from The Stocklists

December 2010 65

Sharpen up your fitting skills with fita Are you working in the flooring industry but need further skills to widen your client base? Or perhaps you are a new beginner in flooring and need training to go one step further? If so, then why not contact FITA, the Flooring Industry Training Association. Co-founded by the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) and the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF), FITA has courses to suit not only real beginners just getting started in the industry but upskilling courses aimed towards seasoned professionals too!

BOO K EA RLY TO

AVO ID D ISAP POIN TME NT

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66 December 2010

FlooringNews

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