The Stockllists - December 2019

Stocklists The

2 December 2019

with

Carpet&FlooringReview

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

THE AW-TEAM WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL ITS CUSTOMERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Softissimo T H E ULTIM ATE ELEGAN T TOUCH

LECTERN AVAILABLE Ask your AW Area Manager for full details!

H OW S O F T C A N YO U G O ?

Made with the newest generation polyester yarn: iVerse ®

A UK brand since 1964 carpetyourlife.co.uk

When looking for carpet that’s soft, durable and easy to clean, Softissimo is the answer!

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THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

Stocklists The

ISSUE 538 : 2 DECEMBER 2019 Published by Mayville Publishing Co Ltd., 219 West Ella Road, West Ella, Hull HU10 7SD @thestocklists Tel: 01482 659396 Fax: 01482 659397 www.thestocklists.com Sales Director: Diane Martin. diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk Publication Director: David Spragg Founded by Roy Spragg in 1973.

SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL OUR READERS!

Advertisers

Our news service starts on page 25

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD

Index

TS The year’s showcase roomsets pages 37–48

n ACG

—

01942 825520

H ABINGDON FLOORING

39

01274 655662

H ADAM H ASSOCIATED WEAVERS

HO

2019

HOT S

Inspirational creations

Page Contact No No

H BALTA

43

01562 829966

FC,IFC,4-9

01422 431100

—

+32 5662 2211

H BONDWORTH 11

Tech challenges

t

Rita reports on technology pages 34-45

BRAMPTON CHASE

H BROCKWAY

12

01562 745000 01604 664855

44

01562 828200

o CARPENTER BC

01457 861141

H CAVALIER CARPETS

40

01254 268 000

s COLUMBIA FLOORING

13

0208 443 3322

H CORMAR

42

01204 881234

H CRUCIAL TRADING

45

01562 743747

n DOMOTEX 49 — H FELLS CARPETS n F. BALL

Stateside style

Abingdon’s USA collection page 25

Yule tools!

All you want for Christmas... page 28

Rigid standards

Academy expands LVT courses page 25

01159 506836

n FLOORWISE 64

01509 673974

H FURLONG FLOORING H HAMMER CARPETS

The Flower feature on hard floors page 50-51

Museum piece

Harvey Maria maps the floor page 26

Carpetright debt rescue Politics pushes out sales Judge joins Likewise Retailer to go private in new deal page 36

SURVEY: Retailers report on Q4 page 33

Two Tonys reunited for growth page 36

The industry’s knowledge-bank

Adhesives

52

Carpet Types

Buying Groups

53

Underlay 54-55

Carpet Company Directory

60-61

Wholesaler Distribution Directory 62-64

Carpet Trouble-shooter

58-59

Woolsafe: the carpet care guide

ISSN 2046-7338 © Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2019. Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.

65

56-57

01473 826870 01429 892555 01706 213131

27,54

H ITC NATURAL LUXURY FLOORING

41

01622 534041

KARNDEAN DESIGNFLOORING

—

01386 820 100

46

0800 5266 5266

LEOLINE

48

0800 032 397

n MERRYFIELD ENGINEERING

3

01422 373799

n METRO

—

01204 393 539

n NICF 49

0115 958 3077

o NOVOSTRAT 51 00353 61 339287 H PENTHOUSE CARPETS

47

01706 639866

t POLYFLOR

—

0161 767 1111

H RIVIERA HOME

—

01299 871446

s SOLENT WHOLESALE CARPET 19

01243 774623

n STAIRRODS

26,28,30,32

01207 591176

20

0121 558 4932

n T&E DISPLAYS

FlooringFactsheets

01772 696787

17

n INTERFLOOR

H LANO

Lasting laminates

14-16

H HUGH MACKAY 18

t

Cormar steps up on distribution page 28

01977 662211 01538 361633

n FITA 66

t

Fleet flies the flag

— 10,31,52

H THOMAS WITTER 23

01429 892555

H VICTORIA CARPETS 21,38

01562 749300

H WINEO 22

0121 28100 99

n WOOLS OF NEW ZEALAND

29 —

Classified Adverts & Jobs .................... pages 67 H carpets/rugs/tiles t woods/laminates/smooths n accessories/services/organisations = fibres o underlay s wholesalers/distributors l adhesives

MERRYFIELD CARPET CUTTING MACHINERY British Manufactured Carpet Cutting Machines THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

Visit ‘Merryfield Carpet’ on YOUTUBE to see our full range of cutting machines or call 01422 373799 3

T H E E STA B L I S H E D CARPET BRAND I N V I C T U S ® N OW B R I N G S YO U L U X U R Y V I N Y L F LO O R I N G www.invictus.co.uk 4

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

INVINCIBLE CARPET & FLOORING

Associated Weavers, the maker of Invictus® carpet, presents Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring.

With the same attention to quality, the same eye for exclusive designs, and a unique performance level, Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring is the perfect match to Invictus ® carpet.

Always a trailblazer when it comes to branding, Associated Weavers reinvents the in-store display and brings an experience unseen in the flooring business. With traditional samples and an intuitive digital module, Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring invites the customer on a fun-to-do purchasing journey.

A UK brand since 1964 THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

5

6

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

A UK brand since 1964

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

7

EVERYBODY HAS A SOFT SIDE Super soft • Ultra resilient • Extremely durable

8

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

Super soft carpets

Super Soft

iSense® is the embodiment of tenderness and strength, so cuddly yet so resilient.

In only a few years, iSense ® has become the UK’s first and favourite brand when it comes to super soft carpet. More

Ultra Resilient

than 120.000 households already enjoy its comfortable touch and luxurious feel.

Which one of the unique carpet collections of iSense® will you choose?

Extremely Durable

iSense® carpet is not only soft, but also extremely durable.

In wear resistance tests, it easily outperforms all other soft residential carpets on the UK market. Get ready to be amazed and ask your Associated Weavers area sales manager for a presentation of the exceptional test results of iSense®.

: without a doubt the most durable and most popular soft carpet available on the UK-market!

cleaning starterset FREE with each iSense purchase of min. 16sqm Ask your AW area sales manager for full details.

A UK brand since 1964 iSense-carpet.co.uk

Associated Weavers Ltd - F Mill – 2nd Floor East Dean Clough Mills - Halifax - West Yorkshire - HX3 5AX - UK THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

Tel: + 44 1422 431100 sales@associatedweavers.co.uk - www.carpetyourlife.co.uk

9

STOPGAP

FAST-TRACK 30

RAPID SETTING &

RAPID DRYING • • • • •

Ready to bond textile and resilient floorcoverings from 45 minutes Ideal for areas that need to be returned to service quickly Use over a wide range of absorbent and non-absorbent subfloors Easy to apply with excellent self-levelling properties Suitable for use in biologically sensitive areas

30 minutes walk-on hard

45 minutes ready to bond floorcovering

A Truly Fast-Track Solution F. Ball and Co. Ltd. 10

01538 361 633 • mail@f-ball.co.uk • www.f-ball.co.uk/FT30-GB

GREAT BRITISH

INNOVATION THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

SPIRIT - Jinn 7-2007 80% Wool 20% Nylon Woven Axminster Available 3.66m wide For more information please visit our website, www.bondworth.co.uk Townshend Works, Puxton Lane, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY11 5DF T+44(0)1562 745000 F+44(0)1562 732827

November 2018 stocklist.indd 1

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

15/10/2018 13:1

11

G

G

XL

XL

G

XL

G

G

Luxury floors for stunning spaces

Stain Resistant

Stain Resistant

Stain 100% Resistant Waterproof

Stain 100% Resistant Waterproof

100% Underfloor Waterproof Heating Compatible

100% Underfloor Waterproof Heating Compatible

Underfloor Heating Hygienic Compatible Surface

Underfloor Heating Hygienic Compatible Surface

Hygienic Low Surface Maintenance

Hygienic Low Surface Maintenance

Stain Low Registered Resistant Maintenance Emboss Surface

Stain Low Registered Resistant Maintenance Emboss Surface

Registered 100% Emboss Lifetime Waterproof Surface Guarantee*

Registered 100% Emboss Lifetime Waterproof Surface Guarantee*

Underfloor Lifetime Heating Secure Guarantee* Compatible 5G Click Hygienic Secure Built-in Surface 5G Click Acoustic Underlay Stain Built-in Low Resistant Acoustic Phthalate Maintenance Underlay Free Registered 100% Phthalate Stain Emboss Waterproof Extra Free Large Resistant Surface Planks Underfloor Lifetime Heating Extra 100% Large Guarantee* Fast-fit Compatible Planks Waterproof Flooring Hygienic Secure Underfloor Fast-fit Surface 5G Click Heating Flooring Compatible

The Ultimate Rigid Core Luxury Click-fit Planks

5G 5G

Underfloor Lifetime Heating Secure Guarantee* Compatible 5G Click Hygienic Secure Built-in Surface 5G Click Acoustic Underlay

Perfect for commercial and residential projects Stain Built-in Low Resistant Acoustic Phthalate Maintenance Underlay Free

XL XL

5G

Registered 100% Phthalate Stain Emboss Waterproof Extra Free Large Resistant Surface Planks

Super-Sized Planks, 8mm thick, 1.8m x 228mm

Underfloor Lifetime Heating Extra 100% Large Guarantee* Fast-fit Compatible Planks Waterproof Flooring

100% Waterproof

Hygienic Secure Underfloor Fast-fit Surface 5G Click Heating Flooring Compatible

Fast-fit with 5G Click

Built-in Low Acoustic Hygienic Maintenance Underlay Surface

Built-in Low Acoustic Hygienic Maintenance Underlay Surface

Registered Phthalate Emboss Low Free Surface Maintenance

Registered Phthalate Emboss Low Free Surface Maintenance

Lifetime Extra Large Registered Guarantee* Planks Emboss Surface Secure Fast-fit Lifetime 5G Click Flooring Guarantee* Built-in Acoustic Secure 12 Underlay 5G Click

Flooring System

Built-in Acoustic Underlay Premium Realistic Surface

XL

Lifetime Extra Large Registered Guarantee* Planks Emboss Surface

Contact us to arrange a demonstration and sampling Secure Fast-fit Lifetime 5G Click Flooring Guarantee* 01604 664855 / bramptonchase.co.uk

5G

5G

Built-in Acoustic Secure Underlay 5G Click

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

Columbia Flooring plc

Happy Christmas from The Leading Country Wide Carpet & Flooring Suppliers We can supply you with virtually any make of carpet and flooring at GUARANTEED maker’s list price.......

Delivered direct to business premises FREE OF CHARGE. For a Speedy and Efficient Service

Call US NOW!!!

020 8443 3322

sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooringplc.co.uk Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am to 12 noon Tel: 0208 443 3322 Fax: 0208 805 2346 TRAFALGAR TRADING ESTATE, JEFFREYS ROAD, ENFIELD , MIDDLESEX, EN3 7TY.

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

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Furlong Flooring

ALAN CAIRNIE EAST SCOTLAND M: 07976 311434

SOUTH EAST

SCOTLAND

The people who care about your success

PAUL LOVELL NORFOLK, SUFFOLK & CAMBS

TONY CONWAY BEDS, NORTHANTS, OXON & BUCKS

M: 07816 217549

M: 07791 891025

plovell@furlongflooring.com

acairnie@furlongflooring.com CHRIS GRUBB WEST SCOTLAND

tconway@furlongflooring.com PETER FLETCHER FLETCHER HAMPSHIRE & DORSET

JOHN AKIEN EAST & WEST SUSSEX M: 07791 891024

M: 07970 163372

M: 07816 217561

TIM BAILEY SOUTH EAST WALES & HEREFORDSHIRE M: 07794 048414

tbailey@furlongflooring.com JASON BRIMBLE AVON & GLOUCESTERSHIRE M: 07794 041266

jakien@furlongflooring.com

HARD FLOORING SPECIALISTS

WALES & SOUTH WEST

cgrubb@furlongflooring.com

pfletcher@furlongflooring.com ADAM CLARK S.YORKSHIRE, YORKSHIRE, LINCS NORTH EAST, EAST COAST, NOTTS, DERBYSHIRE

GUY FERGUSON KENT, HAMPSHIRE, DORSET, SURREY, EAST & WEST SUSSEX M: 07816 217 558

M: 07970 269730

gferguson@furlongflooring.com

aclark@furlongflooring.com

ANTHONY SUMMERS NORTH WEST

JEFF COLLINS ESSEX, HERTS, N, N.W. & EAST LONDON, NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, CAMBS

M: 07980 786264

M: 07793 244 620

jbrimble@furlongflooring.com BEN THOMAS MID & WEST WALES M: 07794 048809

asummers@furlongflooring.com

jcollins@furlongflooring.com OWEN CHENERY S.E. WALES, HERTS, AVON & GLOS, LEICS, WARWICKS, BIRM’HAM, SHROPS, STAFFS, SOMERSET

pastelle

M: 07794 367 825

bthomas@furlongflooring.com

ochenery@furlongflooring.com

STEWART WAITHMAN DEVON & CORNWALL M: 07794 048413

Competitive, best-selling products all available now from UK stock

swaithman@furlongflooring.com

14

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

M: 07872 964685

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

wgraham@furlongflooring.com

M: 07983 446969

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

jdavies@furlongflooring.com

ALAN CHEETHAM GTR MANCHESTER, CHESHIRE M: 07966 263571

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

dbrown@furlongflooring.com

MIKE SHUTT BIRMINGHAM/ STAFFORDSHIRE, SHROPSHIRE

MARTYN MORRIS MORRIS SOUTH YORKSHIRE

MARK DOWSON PART LANCS, FLYDE COAST & CUMBRIA

M: 07970 158594

M: 07973 403450

M: 07980 786265

mshutt@furlongflooring.com

LONDON

RICHARD LOCKEY LOCKEY NORTH EAST, EAST COAST

NORTH WEST

COLBY McMASTER NOTTS, STAFFORD, SOT, DERBYSHIRE & LINCS

YORKSHIRE AND NORTH EAST

MIDLANDS

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

mmorris@furlongflooring.com

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

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

M: 07793 244619

M: 07816 217550

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

dspendiff@furlongflooring.com

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

jbone@furlongflooring.com

mdowson@furlongflooring.com ANDY THOMPSON ESSEX, HERTFORDSHIRE M: 07816 217565

athompson@furlongflooring.com

Preston Sales tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921

Gloucester Sales tel: 0845 520 0800 fax: 01452 222515

London Sales tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733

Email enquiries

enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk

New website

www.furlongflooring.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

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THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

Tel 01473 826870

Email infouk@hammercarpetsuk.com

Web www.hammercarpets.com

Beautiful carpet collections in 100% wool stocked in 4m and 5m wide

Jacs

Designer tonal loop pile in 100% wool available in 4m and 5m widths.

Natural Lines

Supreme Boucle

Super luxurious 100% wool loop pile available in 4m and 5m widths.

Natural Lines

Natural Weave

Skagen

Natural Weave

A unique 5m wide wool flatweave in a subtle herringbone design with a stripe option.

Supreme boucle

Our best selling level loop 100% wool product available in 12 up to the minute colours in both 4m and 5m widths.

Las Vegas

A chunky luxurious loop pile in 100% wool available in 4m and 5m widths.

Sisal Boucle & Sisal Berber A heavy domestic tonal stripe in 100% wool loop pile.

The Stone Fibre Collection

Our Stone fibre carpet is available in 4 designs. Each design available in 4 colours, in 4m and 5m widths.

Memphis

100% wool textured loop available in 4 & 5m widths.

Diamond Weave

100% wool flatweave available in 5m width.

Scandic Weave

100% wool flatweave available in 5m width.

Sloane Square

100% wool innovative cut and loop pile geometric design.

Skagen

Hammer Carpets are the world’s largest manufacturer of bespoke design 80/20 Colortec carpet. Ask your Agent for more details and samples or call our friendly sales office.

Soft tones in a heavy wool loop with a luxurious Wool pile.

Scandinavian quality by design Our UK Sales Team Ron Fewery 07976 244892

London, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, East Anglia, Buckinghamshire

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

Steve Acton 07957 836207

Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset

Sandy Anderson 07445 232345

Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside & North Wales

Lee Palmer 07774 101640 Channel Islands

Martin Gorny 07530 365125 Bristol & the West Country

Stephen Binnersley 07710 618754

Midlands, South Wales & Northamptonshire

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s a m t s i r h C Merry all at from ! y a k c a M Hugh

Quintessential Twist - Dawn Mist

We would like to wish all of our wonderful customers a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2020.

Thank you to everyone for making 2019 another fantastic year!

Change the way you choose...

SCOTLAND JOHN STUART M: 07860 565 200 E: johnrstuart@btopenworld.com NORTH EAST & CUMBRIA BECKY GIBBONS M: 07970 491 215 E: rebann2@btinternet.com YORKSHIRE JOHN ALSOP M: 07860 572 220 E: alsopagencies@yahoo.co.uk

LANCASHIRE JOHN ROSTRON M: 07973 733 208 E: johnrostronagencies@hotmail.com EAST MIDLANDS STEVE FURNISS M: 07773 384 787 E: furnissagencies@btinternet.com WEST MIDLANDS DEAN STANLEY M: 07572 758 010 E: dssalesagencies@gmail.com

www.hughmackay.co.uk OXFORDSHIRE, WILTSHIRE, HAMPSHIRE, BRISTOL, & GLOUCESTERSHIRE DAVID MAY M: 07976 204 778 E: mayatthelimes@talktalk.net SOUTH WEST BRENDAN HART M: 07850 130 221 E: ba.hart1@yahoo.com NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, CAMBS, NORTH ESSEX ROBIN SAUNDERS M: 07968 344 892 E: rsagencies2004@aol.com

SOUTH WALES PAUL POWELL M: 07968 186 150 E: paulpowellagencies@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

H U G H M A C K AY Support your British manufacturer

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

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

EN

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E TS

CARPET, FLOORCOVERING & ACCESSORY WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS

H O L E SA L E

50

W

SOL

T

A

Solent Wholesale Carpet Company Ltd

YEARS IN FLOORING

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

1969 - 2019 IMPROVING WITH AGE

ST

THE SHIELD YOUR TAGLINE HERE

IL

U L F A M I LY R

N

DLEIHS EHT EREH ENILGAT RUOY

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

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

The only distributor to offer Mohawk in the UK.

X Collection Freedom - to order Super Freedom - to order

IDEAL CARPETS Can can Dublin Dublin Heathers Echo Endurance - New Colours Grace Grass Collection Mars Monsoon Motor Car Merry C vinyls from ha ristmas Athena ll at Black-tex Emotions Galaxy Gemini Spectrum Taurus entrance matting Alicante Heavy Tread Orotex - Ceylon Orotex - Magnum Orotex - Matrix

Solent

EARTHWERKS Lagoon Dry Back Lagoon SPC Tempo VENTURE FLOOR COVERING Brisbane Cordoba Glamorous & Hobart Silky Satin Toronto MISCELLANEOUS CLASSIS CARPETS Amber Amber Plains San Diego Winter MILLENNIUM WEAVERS Addiction Desire New Millennium Twist Ultra Twist PARAGON Toccarre Carpet Tiles SOLENT WHOLESALE Combat Carpet Tile TELENZO London Bridge/Kings Cross

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

Our reps and sales office would be pleased to answer all enquiries. Our last Price List is dated Nov/Dec 2019.

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

Find us on 19

0121 558 4932 SALES@TEDISPLAYSUKLTD.CO.UK BECAUSE OF OUR REPUTATION T&E is Britain’s largest supplier of floorcoverings display and handling equipment.

Every design is based on years of experience and development in the floor-covering industry.

NEW YANKEE LIFTER

• Rated to lift up to 400g rolls – 2 to 5m widths • Designed in conjunction with HSE inspectors • No complex assembly or adjustment in use • Cranes interlock for highly compact storage

We have an unrivalled reputation in the trade for quality services and value... But don’t just take our word for it please ask around.

BECAUSE OF OUR SERVICE See what you get before you buy-simply call us to visit our factory. We will give you expert advice T&E is and offer a full design service – we offer quick custom building or modifying off the shelf items to meeet any requirements.

We offer the fastest service available, many items are dispatched from stock on a three or next day guaranteed delivery using fully insured carriers.

BECAUSE YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR Our stands out-sell all other makes and are backed by our absolute brilliant price guarantee.

Fully weighted tested; independently risk assessed; and certified to CE and all machinery provision regulations (LOLER and PUWER regulations)

20

Gerflor, Armstrong and Tarkett to name but a few together with thousands of independent retailers.

WE ARE THE CARPET DISPLAY MARKET LEADERS SINCE 1970

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

M

AD

E

IN

TH

EU

K

IN TRODUCI NG

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

NATUREBORN

U2V VICTORIA CARPETS PORTAL

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

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

21

h yyoouu s i w e We wish l W peaceful a peacefu son a mas Season r Chhriissttmas Sceeassful C nd a successful and a suc 20! a year 2020! year 20

THAT'S FLOORING OUR CONTRACT SALES PARTNER OUR CONTRACT SALES PARTNER Irwo de Lange Irwo de Lange irwo.delange@windmoeller.de irwo.delange@windmoeller.de +31 62947 2772 +31 62947 2772 Irwo de Lange Irwo de Lange irwo.delange@windmoeller.de irwo.delange@windmoeller.de +31 62947 2772 +31 62947 2772

Stephen Binnersley Stephen Binnersley stephen@sbsurfacesolutions.co.uk stephen@sbsurfacesolutions.co.uk +44 7710 618 754 +44 7710 618 754 Lee Harris Lee Harris leeharrism66@gmail.com leeharrism66@gmail.com +44 7842 448 495 +44 7842 448 495 Helen Thomson-Blok Helen Thomson-Blok thomsonblok@icloud.com thomsonblok@icloud.com +44 7903 583 806 +44 7903 583 806

John McPherson John McPherson jsmcpherson.carpets@gmail.com jsmcpherson.carpets@gmail.com +44 7850 494 845 +44 7850 494 845 Gary O’Boyle Gary O’Boyle goboyle@ntlworld.com goboyle@ntlworld.com +44 7831 220 675 +44 7831 220 675 Irwo de Lange Irwo de Lange irwo.delange@windmoeller.de irwo.delange@windmoeller.de +31 62947 2772 +31 62947 2772

CONTACT UK: PHONE +44 121 28100 99 | WWW.WINEO.CO.UK CONTACT UK: PHONE +44 121 28100 99 | WWW.WINEO.CO.UK Windmöller GmbH | Nord-West-Ring 21 | D-32832 Augustdorf | Phone: +49 5237 609 - 0 | Fax: +49 5237 609 - 309 | E-Mail: info@wineo.de Windmöller GmbH | Nord-West-Ring 21 | D-32832 Augustdorf | Phone: +49 5237 609 - 0 | Fax: +49 5237 609 - 309 | E-Mail: info@wineo.de

www.wineo.de www.wineo.de

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To all of our fantastic customers, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Thank you for another great year this year, heres to continued success through 2020!

SCOTLAND MARK VINTER M: 07775 902 376

NORTH WEST & CUMBRIA JOHN ROSTRON M: 07973 733208

SOUTH WALES PAUL POWELL M: 07968 186150

NORTH EAST BECKY GIBBONS M: 07970 491 215

EAST MIDLANDS STEVE FURNISS M: 07773 384 787

SOUTH EAST & LONDON ANDREW GOLDSMITH M: 07432 119 220

YORKSHIRE ALDO BERETTONI M: 07971 173 560

WEST MIDLANDS DEAN STANLEY M: 07572 758010

CORNWALL/DEVON/ SOMERSET/DORSET BRENDAN HART M: 07850 130221

OXFORDSHIRE/WILTSHIRE/ HAMPSHIRE/BRISTOL & GLOUCESTER DAVID MAY M: 07976 204778 NORTHERN IRELAND GARY O’BOYLE M: 07831 220 675 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LARRY WHITE M: 0862 594 126

SALES DIRECTOR KEITH MORGAN M: 07710 701063 SALES OFFICE

T: 01429 892567 T: 0844 7252 034

THOMAS WITTER Support your British manufacturer

V I E W LO G I S T I C S , PA R K V I E W R O A D E A S T, H A R T L E P O O L , T S 25 1 H T

E : S A L E S @ T H O M A S W I T T E R . CO M

W W W. T H O M A S W I T T E R . CO M

T: 01429 892555

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Stocklists The

The UK flooring magazine that reaches more people for less money 24

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

Carpet&FlooringReview Stateside style Abingdon Flooring brings a slice of the states to the UK with the new USA Collection.

Following a successful launch at the recent Flooring Show, the USA Collection brings a sense of cool, American metropolis to interiors. A luxury tufted carpet collection that comes in three sumptuous pile weights, the range reflects the aspirational lifestyles of our Atlantic cousins.

USA Collection comes in three stylish choices, each offering a signature pile weight and height. New York epitomises the luxury apartment living associated with this iconic city with a sleek 12mm pile. New York comes in a choice of eight colourways that reflect the famous city skyline from cool to dark greys.

Dallas’ 14 colourway choices, take its direction from the surrounding ranch lands and warm Gulf Coast shores. This plush range comes in a medium weight with 15mm pile.

The art deco buildings of South Beach provide Miami with a palette of 14 colours representing the luxury seafront living and architecture. With a luxurious heavy weight and 16mm pile, Miami provides that high end finish.

Martin Peace, sales director at Abingdon Flooring commented, “The USA Collection gives retailers a luxury range of Stainfree carpets that give consumers the flexibility and sumptuous choice that suits their homes and budgets.”

Each of the USA Collection ranges are constructed from a felt backing, providing user comfort and easy installation. Using 100% StainFree fibre gives a bleach-cleanable yarn giving USA Collection its lifetime StainFree guarantee. Dallas, Miami and New York are available in 2.5m, 4m and 5m widths making them versatile and economic for both small and large rooms.

Eye-catching brand support in the form of wall units and lecterns are available to help retailers maximise interest for the USA Collection and enforces the message of a luxury range offering in a competitive market.

T 01274 655 694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Rigid standards for LVT The Academy for Excellence in Flooring, home to the Quick-Step Master Installer programme, has expanded the content of its Master Installer Luxury Vinyl and Laminate courses to include Quick-Step’s new rigid vinyl floors.

Eliminating telegraphing through a rigid composite core integrated with flexible layers, Quick-Step Rigid Vinyl upholds LVT’s many benefits, while avoiding one of the product’s primary downfalls. With a soft feel, low indentation, high impact resistance, quiet underfoot and lightweight; Quick-Step Rigid Vinyl represents a ground-breaking new flooring solution.

Introducing correct installation of Rigid Vinyl into the Luxury Vinyl and Laminate Master Installer courses, sees the Academy for Excellence in Flooring provide the very latest skillset to fitting professionals attending the course.

Lee Thompson, technical manager, Academy for Excellence in Flooring, comments: “One of the major advantages of the Master Installer accreditation is the ability to provide customers with a workmanship warranty for the lifetime of the floor. With Rigid Vinyl’s ability to accommodate a wider breadth of subfloor conditions, it’s important that we make sure our professionals understand the product’s limitations, as well as its many benefits. We’ve restructured our course to include Quick-Step Rigid Vinyl so they can confidently assess the site conditions, as well as understand the product’s technical capabilities.”

The Master Installer course trains professionals to the highest standard covering everything from health and safety to correct subfloor preparation, adhesives, underlayments, layouts, installation, underfloor heating, staircases, accessories and maintenance; the two-day intensive pass or fail course is among the industry’s most comprehensive.

“With the addition of this revolutionary product, installers are equipped with a skillset in a rapidly growing category. Generating improved consumer confidence thanks to an installation of the highest standard backed by a 33-year warranty, the Master Installer course is a great way to improve knowledge and boost revenue,” concludes Lee Thompson. www.quick-step-academy.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

25

NEWS Super smooth cruising F. Ball and Co. Ltd. is exhibiting at Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe, which takes place in Barcelona, Spain on 4th and 5th December.

The decision to attend the show followed the company’s successful participation at Cruise Ship Interiors Expo America, held in Miami in June.

The Expo will be used to promote its range of Maritime Equipment Directive (MED) certified flooring adhesives and levelling compounds, including adhesives for carpet, vinyl and rubber floorcoverings, and high performance levelling compounds to create a super smooth, sound subfloor onto which a floorcovering can be installed.

F. Ball marine products have been used to install flooring in some of the world’s most prestigious cruise ships, as well as polar exploration vessels, Mediterranean super yachts, New Orleans paddle steamers showboats, and offshore oil rigs.

Amongst the key products for marine applications are Stopgap 700 Superflex levelling compound, which is recommended for substrates subject to flexing or movement with temperature changes such as steel decking, and Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS temperature tolerant vinyl adhesive, which is able to withstand extreme changes in temperature and is resistant to water.

F. Ball will also use the Expo to reinforce the company’s leading credentials in the manufacture of subfloor preparation products, highlighting the continual innovation and development of its products, supported by certification of its manufacturing and quality processes to international standards ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001.

Commenting on the company’s presence at the Expo, Export Business Manager Jonathan Goold said: “Achieving a perfect finished appearance for the flooring in cruise ships and other marine vessels is as important as every other aspect of the internal décor and furniture. In addition, ensuring the flooring maintains its integrity over the lifetime of the installation – both in terms of appearance and safety – is a critical consideration for any marine environment. F. Ball products are developed and exhaustively tested to ensure that both of these benefits can be guaranteed.”

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

Museum piece Harvey Maria has completed a custom-print floor project for Bassetlaw Museum, in Retford, Nottinghamshire. The seamless bespoke design depicts an antique map visual, enabling the museum to continue its storyline across walls and floors. It forms part of a new Pilgrim Roots gallery space, designed by Michael Oakenfull from Querceus Design – and follows an earlier commission for the team at Amersham Museum.

A “treasure trove of fascinating objects,” Bassetlaw Museum explores the archeology, history, art, agriculture and industry of North Nottinghamshire, from its earliest settlers to the present day. Most of its collections are housed within Amcott House – a restored Georgian property - which was rebuilt in 1780. The new gallery space is devoted to the story of the Pilgrim Fathers and coincides with the 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower voyage to America.

“Visitors love looking at the floor and navigating their way through 17th century Nottinghamshire,” explained Michael Oakenfull. The map visual is encapsulated within a commercial grade wear layer, providing a durable floor finish as well as a stunning addition to the multi-layered space.

T 0330 330 1231 www.harveymaria.com

26 December 2019

Carpet&FlooringReview

Kensington DeluxeÂŽ 25% Recycled Plastic Bottles

80% recycled for the ultimate feel good factor

55% Recycled Car Tyres Tredaire Kensington Deluxe is a unique combination underlay manaufatured from post cosumer waste (recycled PET plastic bottles and rubber crumb from car tyres).

The crumb/felt combination creates an underlay with superior wear and comfort properties.

Kensington Deluxe is the perfect choice for Wilton and Axminster style carpets. The polyester felt backing means that carpets with stitched joins bed into the top felt layer and prevent wear along the join.

Best Underlay Manufacturer

interfloor.com 01706 238 810 from The Stocklists

December 2019 27

Fleet flies the flag Cormar Carpet Company have added 10 new trucks to their fleet of delivery vehicles – taking the total up to 80 in time for the busiest period of the year. This latest investment ensures Cormar have the UK’s largest independently owned delivery fleet in the flooring sector.

The new lorries will operate out of Cormar’s Hemel Hempstead regional distribution centre, delivering carpets to retailers and contractors throughout the South East and South West of the country. And like all of Cormar’s carpets, the new vehicles are also made locally by Lancashire DAF, based in Leyland. The 10 new vehicles feature recently updated branding, with a greater emphasis on the carpet being made in Great Britain.

David Cormack, Marketing Director, said “We pride ourselves on our nationwide delivery fleet as it is an important offering to our independent retailers and local carpet shops, differentiating us from many of our competitors. As a family run, British manufacturer, it’s important we continue to work with local, British companies where we can, while this investment further demonstrates Cormar’s commitment to providing our customers with the best possible service.”

Cormar Carpet Company have been manufacturing and delivering carpets in Britain since 1956, from their two Lancashire mills and via its regional distribution centre in Hemel Hempstead, to a network of carpet retailers and wholesalers across the UK and Ireland.

T 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Yule tools!

If you’re looking to splash-out on some new tools this Christmas, as a little work-related treat, then pop down to your local floorwise trade counter and pick-up your copy of the supplier’s latest Flooring Tools brochure.

Packed with world’s best products, there’s no better place to find that tool you’ve had your eye on for ages. Whether a power-stretcher to make it easier to fit deep-pile luxury carpets and thick underlay, or guillotines and door trimmers to speed up those wood and laminate jobs, the Flooring Tools brochure has it all.

Even something so simple as a new knife can make a difference to your daily job and with the Dolphin Knife 2000 offering a quick-release mechanism for faster blade replacement, floorwise has just the thing. Along with shears, carpet cutters, heat-seaming tools, vinyl cutters, PPE, clothing, tack hammers, nails, tacks and screws, the Flooring Tools brochure features everything you need to tackle your daily job.

“Even if your old tool has a little life left in it, buying a new tool that makes a job easier is a great way to treat yourself and boost your productivity,” says Richard Bailey, managing director, floorwise. “We’ve worked with the world’s best tools manufacturers to put together the Flooring Tools brochure and it only features the highest quality products, giving the reliability and performance you need in every page.”

With trade counters across the UK and Ireland, the Flooring Tools brochure is now available from your local floorwise stockist, so why not treat yourself to a shiny new tool this Christmas and make installations in 2020 just that little bit easier.

T 01509 673974 www.floorwise.co.uk

28 December 2019

Carpet&FlooringReview

A PASSION FOR WOOL, A LOVE FOR THE WORLD By being accountable, traceable and sustainable at all times, we aim to lead the world in growing the highest quality wool in the most environmentally sensitive way.

INTEGRITY Always transparent and traceable, we maintain best practices in animal and social welfare and land management.

INNOVATION We invest in ongoing research into reducing environmental impact while at the same time raising industry standards.

SUSTAINABILITY We believe in protecting our world for future generations, and our wool is grown with an exceptional level of respect for the environment.

When you see our brand on a product you can be assured of authenticity, in that the product contains no less than 60% wool from Wools of New Zealand.

Find out more about Wools of New Zealand

from The Stocklists

December 2019 29

NEWS Trading advice 2020 With its revamped, modernized design and coverage of practical themes and issues that matter to today’s trade professionals, the Skilled Trades Hub “Treffpunkt Handwerk” showcase in Hall 13 is set to be a major highlight at Domotex 2020.

“Treffpunkt Handwerk” is a networking and community area where tradespeople young and old will find everything they need for stimulating, quality dialogue with their peers and there will be even more live demonstrations on offer than in previous years.

The showcase will feature informative, stimulating presentations in which experts will report on current issues and challenges in trade practice and present new solutions that benefit seasoned pros and novices alike. There will be plenty of opportunities for interior furnishers, parquet installers, floor layers and painters to get up to speed with the latest developments in their trades. The planned presentation topics include digitalization, skills shortages and succession planning, legal aspects of trade practice, restoration projects, marketing, and much else besides.

Pictured left to right: Gary Aspinwall, Darren Ridgwell, Paul Hampton, Zac Marsh, Richard Austin, Filip Poelman, Martin West, Clint Carver and Mark Viner.

Sharp focus on sales Balta is continuing to strengthen its team in the UK with a series of new appointments designed to bring focus to all aspects of the manufacturer’s retail sales strategy.

With the recent addition of the hugely experienced Martin West as key account and new business development manager, along with the appointment of three new area representatives, the Balta sales team is looking stronger than ever.

Filip Poelman, sales director, comments: “It’s important to sustaining our position in the UK that we endeavour to service all customers with the focus that they deserve, ensuring that we can respond to the challenges they face as efficiently as possible.

“Our new sales team and structure has been created to do exactly this, bringing sharp focus upon all our customers, ensuring they can collaborate with Balta to grow their businesses through the value, choice and quality of our carpet and carpet tile collections.”

Covering the requirements of independent retailers across the country, the team is made up of area managers with Martin West spearheading the experienced and motivated crew.

The presentation program features an extensive lineup of talks and expert lectures and will run on all four days of Domotex. Its moderation is in the capable hands of Norbert Strehle, an expert in screed laying, parquet installation and floor laying.

“The 2020 edition of the ‘Treffpunkt Handwerk’ skilled trades hub is totally geared to the here and now and the future,” commented Richard Kille. The presentation program will have a strong technical focus on floors and the associated need for experienced tradespeople and new talent, he said. Lectures on digitalization in the trades will also be very much to the fore. “And finally the marketing and selling of trade services is receiving the focus that it deserves,” he added. www.domotex.de

30 December 2019

South East England: Zac Marsh East Midlands & East Anglia: Mark Viner Northern England: Richard Austin Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northumbria and Cumbria: Clint Carver West Midlands, South and South West England: Robin Gray For Balta’s distribution customers Gary Aspinwall, Darren Ridgwell and Paul Hampton continue to work on providing efficient service and a continuing stream of new product innovations that respond to market trends.

“We’re hugely excited about the opportunities presented to us with our new team structure in what are exceptional market conditions,” continues Filip. “We’ll continue to develop our relationships with retailers and distributors throughout the country, listening closely to how Balta can positively contribute to the growth of their business through product and service.”

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

Carpet&FlooringReview

FLOOR LEVELLING IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN ✓ Unrivalled Value For Money ✓ No Primer Required ✓ Use Over Old Adhesive Residues ✓ Fast Setting – Walk On After 60 minutes ✓ Fast Drying – Lay Coverings After 4 hours

A great finish starts with F. Ball

F. Ball and Co. Ltd. from The Stocklists

01538 361 633 • mail@f-ball.co.uk • www.f-ball.co.uk/1200-GB

GREAT BRITISH INNOVATION December 2019 31

NEWS Wood working with class The special exhibition Wood.Works at Domotex 2020 in Hall 8 invites attendees to explore and discover the rich dimensions of wood.

Wood.Works analyzes wood as a vital element in creating a sense of wellbeing for indoor environments. Following the success of the Wood.

Lifecycle showcase in Hannover and in Milan in 2019, wood as a material will again feature at the next Domotex, the international flooring show staged in Hannover, Germany, from 10 to 13 January 2020.

As part of the special Framing Trends display, a range of Italian firms, among which Arkimia, Elitis, Materica, Parital, Randa Line, Tabu, Wood-Skin, will display their creative products and solutions highlighting the qualities and characteristics of wood, with a specific linkage to the concept of wellbeing.

The artistic director will again be the architect Giulio Ceppi, founder of Total Tool Milano, and project management will be in the capable hands of the TE.AM. Group.

The showcase revolves around five themes: purification, water resistance, acoustic management, use of light and tactile impressions. These will provide the conceptual basis for the participants’ exhibits – which in many cases have been created specifically for the showcase.

The exhibits will highlight the special properties of wood that help to enhance the quality of indoor environments through a range of applications: sound insulation, water resistance, new tactile sensations, and the antibacterial action of wood. The show is a perfect fit with AtMySphere, the keynote theme of Domotex 2020, inspired by the increasing interest in health and wellbeing seen in society today. Our sense of wellbeing is to a very large extent shaped by the quality of our living and working environments, and the furniture and fittings that surround us. The use of natural materials and the recycling of those materials clearly have a fundamental part to play in this context.

The guiding hand of Giulio Ceppi is clearly evident in the innovative use of wood as a material, interpreted from a perspective emphasizing its many beneficial characteristics. He believes that “by its very nature, wood is a living, organic material, which has always been linked to the concept of ‘wellbeing’ as it has evolved over time. And today we have new technical opportunities to derive still further enhancements in terms of tactile qualities, water resistance, acoustic management, scented atmospheres, and the interaction with light.” www.domotex.de

Territorial army Cormar have recruited four new territory managers to strengthen their nationwide sales team in time for the peak season.

Chris Isaacs, Sales Director comments: “I am delighted that we have been successful in recruiting four new territory managers who already enjoy an excellent reputation within the carpet industry. This reorganisation means that we will be able to cover the country effectively and continue to offer the high standards of service expected from Cormar.”

Alan Stewart will cover East Scotland, Simon Dickinson, South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Paul Lowndes, North Wales and North Staffordshire and Chard Haesler, Oxfordshire / M40. Following their extensive induction they will be calling on customers old and new very soon.

Pictured above, left to right are: Paul Lowndes, Chard Haesler, Simon Dickinson and Alan Stewart.

32 December 2019

T 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Carpet&FlooringReview

FLOORING FORUM • END-OF-YEAR REPORT AND PROSPECTS SURVEY 2019/20

Politics pushes flooring into Q4 doldrums 2020 should be better says our survey Our annual survey of retailers’ performance has confirmed that a flat year of trading is petering out with lacklustre sales in the run up to Christmas. Over half of our respondents say the fourth quarter is worse than last year. But there is also optimism for the future.

Political uncertainty was blamed by a whopping 82% of our readers for the lack of consumer confidence. “Brexit has affected decision-making on both sides of the counter,” said a retailer in London. Another reader in Essex commented: “Folk are not spending money on their homes. There is just not enough money to go round at the moment.”

Comparing this year with last, 49% said it was worse versus 15% who said it was about the same and 35% who had seen an improvement.

Looking at the all-important fourth quarter sales season, 22% said it was much worse than their expectations and 29% a bit worse. However, 31% reported that things were turning out better than they anticipated for the period.

Retailers were noticeably less bullish on prices in this year’s results compared to a more ambitious approach this time last year but nevertheless, over 70% said they had increased their prices over the year, though not by much. Their forecast for 2020 was more conservative with only 45% planning price rises. Margins have been disappointing – 58% of respondents said they had seen no improvement during the year.

Better luck next year?

More positively, 52% believe that after the election and Brexit issues, there is pent-up demand for flooring though another 30% were not expecting this anytime soon! 41% said consumer confidence was unlikely to improve in 2020 with 8% expecting it to get worse. But overall, our survey panel is optimistic – 61% expect their sales to be better in 2020 compared to this year.

82% blame Brexit for slump Q4 is worse than 51% say last year

70% have increased prices no improvement 58% saw in margins better sales 61% expect in 2020 in 52% believe “pent-up demand” The Stocklists polled 3,620 retailers throughout the UK during November 2019. Replies and comments are recorded anonymously. Many thanks to all those who took part.

Taking a snapshot of market behaviour, our retailers said that sales of man-made carpet and LVT were driving performance with the best growth in the mainstream market, less so in the quality sector which appears to have gone off the boil a little. 76% reported that LVT has seen the strongest performance during 2019 and many retailers flagged growing interest in rigid core including SPC (stone plastic composite) as a significant change in the market this year.

In the carpet sector, the most dominant theme that came through in readers’ responses was a growing interest in colour with several unprompted comments that consumers were getting more interest in choices beyond grey. Several retailers complimented manufacturers on providing better colour options.

We asked what the biggest issues were for retailers in 2019 and the overwhelming majority responded with complaints about internet behaviour – even though the internet had not been mentioned in this survey! “There is still a drive to the bottom on price with weak businesses that fear the web,” said a reader in the North East.

“Customers price match against the internet and ask for unreasonable discounts,” said a Scottish retailer. Another singled out accessories as being a particularly difficult area in which to compete. And the usual complaint that certain suppliers and wholesalers will sell flooring “to anyone with a telephone” were as loud as ever.

A reader in the South East commented: “There are still consumers who are prepared to spend money but they are being introduced to easy-to-sell products by retailers who should know better!”

SPC is a fantastic product for growing sales

from The Stocklists

Brexit uncertainty has affected decision-making

Colour is coming back – albeit slowly

People are not spending enough money on their homes

The web encourages customers to ask for unreasonable discounts

Weak businesses still fear the internet

December 2019 33

Marketing insights Tech to tackle flooring challenges We’ve seen some innovative developments of visualisation tools this year, each designed to make the in-store purchase decision easier for consumers. For this feature we take a look at how different brands are encouraging consumers to head for their nearest retailer armed with samples of what they desire. We also look at dedicated online tools which make the technical and admin side of selling that bit easier for retailers.

British Wool is one organisation supporting store footfall by helping consumers find their nearest stockist. With recent studies showing that 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information, and online sales numbers continuing to grow, finding new ways to support local retail footfall are increasingly important.

The British Wool website – www.britishwool.org.uk - provides information for a number of distinct stakeholder groups, including specific resources for its manufacturing and retailing partners such as training materials and guides.

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

With options to search across different product categories, including carpets, clothing, beds and bedding, consumers can find their five nearest stores by current location, postcode or town. Once they’ve located their preferred store, they can view further information and request directions. British Wool also produces a range of in-store materials specifically designed to promote the benefits of British wool in carpets.

Adam Carpets - downloadable stripes brochure

“With over 250 million people worldwide using Pinterest every month, it has established itself as the main social media platform for sharing ideas and creating mood boards.” gallery of inspirational photography for those who use the social network to visually share and discover ideas for their home and next interiors project.

British Wool - Stockist locator

“A new stockist locator function has recently been added, allowing consumers to quickly and easily locate their nearest retailer of British Wool products.”

Just as important is being able to provide information in a concise way on your website. Recognising the popularity of stripes, consumers can now download a dedicated stripe brochure from Adam Carpets website. Designed to inspire and give confidence on how to use stripes, Adam Carpets have even curated a selection of plain carpets from their vast collection to go with each stripe in an easy to use index. Thus allowing consumers to create a wonderful flowing theme throughout their home. Carpet samples are available through the website free of charge and most importantly consumers can find their nearest five retailers by simply typing in their postcode.

2019 has been a busy year for Victoria Carpets. Not only have they launched new products such as their heavyweight Ultimate Impressions

Adam Carpets recognise that most people will research online before stepping into a store to buy. So, they have developed several initiatives to engage and inspire consumers and direct them to their local retailer to purchase.

With over 250 million people worldwide using Pinterest every month, it has established itself as the main social media platform for sharing ideas and creating mood boards. Adam Carpets can be found on Pinterest sharing a 34 December 2019

Victoria Carpets - U2V online portal

Carpet&FlooringReview

by Rita Bancroft Rita is Director of Bancmarketing Ltd and has over 25 years of marketing experience with a proven track record in both business to business and business to consumer multi-channel marketing.

“Victoria Carpets also offer a free sample service via their website. They understand that for many of consumers, choosing their new flooring is a big decision,” range, and recoloured their popular Heartland and First Impressions ranges, they have also introduced a new U2V Portal. This efficient online account management tool is simple and easy to use, making it the smarter way to order for their retailers.

The portal gives customers a 24-hour service, 365 days a year, meaning even when Victoria Carpets offices are closed, retailers do not have to panic about those last-minute orders. Orders can be placed, stock can be checked and prices shown. Customers can even access their invoice history to make admin easier.

Victoria Carpets also offer a free sample service via their website. They understand that for many of consumers, choosing their new flooring is a big decision, therefore they can order up to 4 free samples of any of their beautifully unique ranges. This will help them not only see the colour they desire, but also get a feel for the texture and quality that you would expect from Victoria Carpets.

LTP’s Product Selector offers instant advice on surface care and treatment, for all types of tile and stone. The free online resource at ltp-productguide. co.uk identifies the correct eco-treatment according to surface type and symptom – with continuous updates to include the latest tile finishes and related issues. As well as providing support for tile and stone specifiers, installers and end users, Product Selector is also a valuable retail sales aid and training tool.

MasterPiece measures up MasterPiece Cloud’s popularity stems partly from its simplicity of use and partly from the modular approach which allows a retailer to choose just the components that they need. The base version is well guided and can be learned with a half hour talk though and about a half hour self-practice. At £30 +VAT a month it is affordable and cost effective on iPad, Android or Windows, for the one man band or larger retailer.

At the other end of the scale MasterPiece has benefited from investment from national coverage retailers such as Carpetright, John Lewis and SCS and become the estimation system of choice.

Mid-scale retailers can select whether to include costing of the job, with emailed estimates and invoices. Retailers who want costing consistency from all sales staff can adopt the advanced costing module which builds in your individual costing rules and has selling features such as capture of customer signature on screen. The manual planning module provides additional flexibility such as costing for economy with additional seams, the ability to split rolls into cuts for ordering and the handling of remnant lengths.

Retailers can also choose how much use to make of MasterPiece in their store.

For a very low rental charge a ‘read, print and email’ license is available where user can open any job but not modify it. There is then an extension to be able to load new jobs, capture pre-visit information and print a measure sheet.

Further to this, a store can take up a ‘customer own measure’ facility in which customer’s measurements are used to create either a ballpark or firm quote.

LTP - Product Selector

“The new resource has been deliberately designed in web format, rather than as an app” Designed to give an answer within one minute, LTP has modelled its Product Selector on “user-friendly railway ticket machines”. Users select surface type, activity – either cleaning, sealing, aftercare or tooling up and symptom. They are then instantly shown the product recommendation. Complementary products can also be displayed, and results added to a ‘my choices’ tab.

These choices can then be emailed back to the user or customer, for reference later.

The new resource has been deliberately designed in web format, rather than as an app. As a result, it can be instantly updated without having to issue a complete app refresh. The resource is also stand-alone, and not connected to any form of online shop, so retailers can be assured that potential sales are not directed elsewhere.

from The Stocklists

Tile planning, for instance for Amtico and Karndean continues to be refined, as does the take-off from imported PDF floor plans.

Any retailer knows that they have a market leading system in MasterPiece that is extensible with their business.

For more information contact: Adam Carpets T: 01562 822247 www.adamcarpets.com British Wool T: 01274 688666 www.britishwool.org.uk LPT T: 01823 666213 www.ltp-productguide.co.uk MasterPiece T: 01737 355831 charles@masterpiece-system.com Victoria Carpets T: 01562 749600 www.victoriacarpets.com

Join the online community on: facebook.com twitter.com

pinterest.com instagram.com

youtube.com houzz.com December 2019 35

BUSINESS NEWS Carpetright rescue to go private

Likewise positions for future growth

Carpetright is set to become a private company again following its discussions with its biggest shareholder, the Meditor European Master Fund to rescue the business from its debts.

The growing strength of the UK’s newest flooring distributor Likewise plc is boosted by the appointment of Tony Judge, former chief operating officer at Headlam Group, who joins his former colleague Tony Brewer and several other former Headlam senior executives at Likewise.

Meditor acquired Carpetright’s debt earlier this year as the flooring retailer admitted it needed about £80m to pay off its borrowings and to provide cash to support the ongoing business. Carpetright’s board is recommending acceptance of a 5p per share offer from Meditor which would value the business at £15.2m.

Carpetright chairman Bob Ivell said he believed the offer was “in the best interests of all stakeholders”. “While we have made significant progress with our recovery plan for the Carpetright Group, our ability to invest in the future of the business has been constrained against the backdrop of limiting banking covenants and a very challenging consumer market,” he said. “With a recapitalised business and the backing of a committed new owner with the resources to invest in Carpetright for the long term, we will be able to complete our recovery in the private arena and emerge as a stronger business.”

After a programme of downsizing, the leading retailer still has over 300 stores and concessions in the UK and 130+ in Europe and said last month that the business was “performing well despite the challenging economic backdrop”.

Belgian carpet maker Balta Group sold more in the third quarter after improved sales in its commercial business and as a result of some of its British customers making preparations for Brexit. Q3 revenue was up 3.0 percent to €155.6 million. The gains were thanks largely to growth in its commercial business unit, with both its rugs and residential divisions flat against the third quarter of 2018.

The British Retail Consortium released an uninspiring update on the state of the high street today, saying that the number of shoppers visiting non-food retail stores fell 3.2% in October compared with a year ago.

Chief executive Helen Dickinson said, ‘high streets were hit hardest in October, with the wet and wintery weather putting off many consumers from venturing out to the shops.’ Retail parks also saw a fall, down by 0.5% while shopping centre footfall was down by 2.4%.

The “two Tonys” were credited with much of the success that drove Headlam to become the UK’s top flooring distributor. Likewise is now believed to be on target to become a £100m turnover business following its acquisitive strategy that has seen brands like Heatseam, Lewis Abbot, H&V Carpets, William Armes and Bruce Starke join the Group. In a November trading statement, Likewise (which first listed only in January 2019) said the group was becoming “a major player in the UK flooring market with a solid foundation for future development.”

“Serious competition concerns for carpet manufacturers, which could increase prices” are raised by Danspin’s takeover of struggling Lawton Yarns earlier this year, says the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Danspin and Lawton Yarns were each other’s main competitors and faced little rivalry from other businesses says the CMA. “Choice for carpet manufacturers following the merger would therefore be particularly limited,” it comments. Danspin has been asked to “offer solutions” to resolve the CMA’s concerns to avoid a more detail investigation.

Belgium is back in business for a Q4 trading boom with its carpet imports in September showing the fastest rise in 3 years – 13% up on last year. The news follows a poor performance for Belgium, the UK’s top carpet importer, during 2019. In the latest statistics, total UK carpet imports were up 12% to £81m.

“The wood floorcoverings sector is forecast to show annual gains of around 2% in the period to 2023, however forecasting remains difficult in the current political and economic environment,” said Jane Tarver of AMA Research. “The eventual conclusion of the Brexit process will be the key influence on the market with Sterling exchange rates likely to have more impact into the medium-term than has previously been the case”. After a strong period between 2011 and 2017, growth in the sector has largely stalled due to poor consumer confidence and competition from LVT. AMA Research also cited “the erosion of DIY skills” as a factor holding back sales at the lower end of the market.

NEWS Foundation adds more value The Carpet Foundation has done a deal with Measure Square, the world-class measure estimating technology, and negotiated preferential terms. The tie-up is the latest in a series of ‘added value offers’ for its members.

Measure Square is a piece of software that is downloaded to an IPad or mobile phone. It automatically integrates with a laser measure for quick and easy room drawing. You simply point at the walls and it sends measurements back to the IPad or phone.

Incredibly efficient, reliable and quick, it instantly produces a floor plan of the area that needs carpeting. It will automatically calculate product quantities; seam lay out; a cutting plan; pile direction; pattern match and optimise waste without the need for an internet connection. Creating clear and concise floor plans, it is far quicker, and more accurate, than the conventional tape measure. It can also generate quotes, invoices and purchase orders.

Everything is then saved to the Cloud so you can share, and access, information from any location at any time.

It can be used for retail or contract installations and retailers can decide upon the degree of sophistication that they want and suits them best. Payment is by subscription only, either on a monthly, or annual basis.

Commenting on the latest initiative, Carpet Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Stanbridge said: “This is another example of demonstrable financial value to being a Carpet Foundation member. Having seen it in action, I genuinely would urge our members to give it a go as they won’t be disappointed. It could enable them to stand out from their competition with state-of-the-art measuring and estimating technology.”

The launch follows on from the tie-up with ebuyer which has proved popular with members.

Carpet Foundation members can download a free 2-week trial by visiting www.measuresquare.co.uk/cfh.

Alternatively, they can call Scott Bentley direct on 07500 283 750.

T 01562 755568 www.carpetfoundation.com

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We’ve selected the very best photos from our editorial pages in 2019 which demonstrate that style, quality and creativity is alive and well in the UK flooring industry.

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Victoria Carpets • Habberley Victoria Carpet’s Habberley range is a 4ply elegant premier loop pile carpet, made from 70% Wool and 30% Tencel.

Showcased in 8 refreshingly contemporary beige and grey tones, Habberley is designed to compliment any interior.

Available in both 4 and 5 metre widths.

T 01562 749 300 www.victoriacarpets.com

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Abingdon Flooring • Designer Carpet Tiles With the new Designer Carpet Tiles collection ready to transform a wide range of commercial interiors, Abingdon Carpet Tile Division is driving forward with British made products that deliver designer style, powerful performance and great value. Made from solution-dyed nylon for the best performance in demanding commercial spaces, the Designer Carpet Tiles collection presents three tufted loop-pile designs that deliver lasting and impressive looks.

T 01274 655 694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

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Cavalier Carpets • Icon Icon is a unique 1/8th gauge, 3ply twist manufactured in the UK, using super strong New Zealand yarns.

In a 50oz quality designed to offer defined texture whilst maintaining extra heavy domestic performance.

T 01254 268 000 www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk

Carpet&FlooringReview

ITC Natural Luxury Flooring • Gloss Gloss is a hand woven, 100% Polyester carpet with a uniquely rich texture. Its lustrous appearance together with a superb underfoot feel is perfect for quality residential use, where luxury together with practicality is sought. Easy to clean and maintain, Gloss comes in 5m widths and a bespoke rug making service is available.

T 01622 534041 www.itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com

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Cormar Carpet Company • Avebury The Avebury collection, from Cormar Carpet Company, is made using 100% pure New Zealand wool, in a neat, level loop or textured loop pile.

Made using a 3-fold yarn and with in-built moth resistance, Avebury is ideal for high traffic areas such as stairs and hallways.

T 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

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Adam Carpets • Panache A broken stripe effect which allows the hues to blend into a harmony of colour. It’s a carpet that can be a subtle backdrop as well as make a statement in any room, depending on which of the six exciting colourways you choose, all of which coordinate with Adam Carpets plain ranges.

Made in our Kidderminster factory using premium UK wool, available in 4 metre width.

T 01562 829966 www.adamcarpets.co.uk

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Brockway Carpets • Padstow Padstow is a rustic influenced, 3-ply, chunky loop carpet collection made of 100% undyed British wools.

Padstow is available in two smart textures - a Strata Rib and a structured Pebble. The palette consists of seven natural shades including two duo-tone tweed combinations.

T 01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk

Carpet&FlooringReview

Crucial Trading • Harbour Harbour is a bright, fresh stripe design made from 100% wool. This tight loop pile carpet is available in nine vibrant yet contemporary colours, from Autumn Glow to Emerald Tide. Suitable for high traffic areas such as stairs and living spaces, this new design can alse be finished in cotton or linen edging to create a bespoke rug. Harbour is woven to a width of 4m.

T 01562 743 747 www.crucial-trading.com

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Lano • Eternal Lano’s core product collection has been completely overhauled over the last year to deliver a collection of premium carpets with unique styles that bring a luxury edge to classic and contemporary interiors.

T 00800 5266 5266 www.lano.com

Carpet&FlooringReview

Penthouse Carpets • Stateside This beautiful clean, crisp, plain dyed cut pile carpet is crafted at the Penthouse mill in Lancashire, using only the finest raw materials, delivering the superb quality and finish for which the company is renowned. Offered in 18 shades which have been reimagined this year for the latest contemporary interiors, and with 40oz and 50oz options and guaranteed full 4m and 5m widths, this durable easy-to-fit 80% wool 20% synthetic fibre carpet will stand the test of time.

T 01706 639866 www.penthousecarpets.co.uk

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Leoline • VIVO Click Vinyl Collection The VIVO Click Vinyl Collection by Leoline, takes everything loved of Leoline cushion vinyl – easy installation, low maintenance and natural beauty – and combines it with a semi-rigid LVT plank or tile for a look that instantly transforms the home. Ready for use in busy family homes thanks to Superguard protection, VIVO is wonderfully easy to live with. Capture the familiar warmth of oak in 11 tones with VIVO I WOOD or enjoy the modern sophistication of VIVO I STONE’s four stone tiles. T 0800 032 397 www.leoline.co.uk/vivo

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DOMOTEX 2020 All the product trends. One trade show.

The business platform for generating international contacts with manufacturers and creatives.

10 – 13 January 2020 Hannover ▪ Germany domotex.de

te Keyno 020: in 2 theme PHERE S ATMY

The World of Flooring

Sector Marketing · Tel. +44 12 75 33 5 91 1 · info@hf-greatbritain.com

national institute of carpet & floorlayers

stand out from the crowd

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

Dan Evans

Master Fitter

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

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

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Flower on Flooring Creativity remains the key for lasting laminate success With interest from consumers in the options provided by laminate flooring continuing,The Stocklists presents three choices to consider to assist retailers with increasing sales in this area.

The Stocklists’ second example is provided by BerryAlloc, which describes its products as beautifully designed modular floors, suitable for every room and every kind of lifestyle, which are best known for their high-end quality - made in Belgium - with a lifetime guarantee.

Our first example is presented by Parador, which centres on the use of its “Tiles rethought” motto that includes new laminate planks in a modern, large tile format.

“But when you take a closer look, you will see that these are not just ordinary laminate floors,” says the company. “They have been carefully designed by laminate experts to meet the highest interior design expectations.”

Quiet and warm underfoot, robust and easy to clean, suitable for underfloor heating systems and with an authentic look and feel, the company says its large-format laminate planks in the Parador 2019 tile collection offer many product advantages over traditional stone or ceramic tiles.

Its offering includes extra long laminate planks (2m long) in three different widths that can be included in a single floor. BerryAlloc Glorious Mix&Match offers six attractive designs to create a unique, real wooden floor look.

“You can’t miss the exclusive Chateau range, designed by BerryAlloc engineers: small planks that can be installed in a herringbone pattern,” the company continues. “A laminate floor with all the stylishness of a parquet, yet it is guaranteed not to wear, fade or stain and it’s easy to clean!”

Our third and final example is provided by Xylo Flooring and sees the company celebrating its Urban quality laminate product that features a classic herringbone design laminate floor collection – further explaining that by combining these two features the company confirms the launch of its new Urban Herringbone Range this year.

“The 10 colours we have selected ensure a diverse application with shades from black/brown to a rustic white, the realistic wood brushing and matt finish make this a quality floor when laid,” says the company.

“This product is suitable for domestic as well as commercial projects and is comfortable over underfloor heating systems.”

It further states that for complete flexibility, the ingenious Loc system on the planks make it possible for four different designs to be laid using the company’s ranges of Classic Herringbone, Classic Ladder, Classic Shipdeck or Classic Mosaic.

Parador - Tiles rethought

“Modern concrete, elegant granite, puristic crude steel and antique wood in the popular Shabby Chic style take up current design trends for flooring. A special highlight of the Parador collection is the use of wafer-thin ornaments reminiscent of antique carpets” Modern concrete, elegant granite, puristic crude steel and antique wood in the popular Shabby Chic style take up current design trends for flooring. A special highlight of its collection is the use of wafer-thin ornaments reminiscent of antique carpets, the company continues.

The large-format tiles with chamfered longitudinal and top edges all round create a laying pattern with the charm of a genuine tiled floor, it states. Using high quality printing and production techniques, on-trend patterns combine with the many advantages of a technically mature premium product and the company’s proven click mechanism to create floors that are easy to lay and use immediately. The low construction height and floating installation make the large tiles an ideal renovation solution, the company concludes.

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“Manufacturers can be seen to be maintaining levels of interest through the application of creative thinking combined with the use of sophisticated technology for the benefit of consumers and flooring retail outlets.”

The collection has its own retail point of sale to display large boards, further supported by a swatch available with all the shades. This collection is additionally available to view within the company’s new retail brochure and on its website, the company concludes.

The examples above show that manufacturers can be seen to be maintaining levels of interest through the application of creative thinking combined with the use of sophisticated technology for the benefit of consumers and flooring retail outlets.

For more information BerryAlloc hwww.berryalloc.com – +32 56 52 84 80 Parador www.parador.eu – +49 (0) 2541 736 678 Xylo Flooring www.xyloflooring.com – 020 8368 8122

Super Plus The Rug Tamer! Keeps Rugs In Their Place COMBINATION UNDERLAYS NEEDLEFELT UNDERLAYS For orders and further information, please ring P&R Ratcliffe (Underlays) Ltd. Burnley, Lancashire BB10 3BH Tel: 01282 421026, Fax: 01282 412321 www.foxirugtamer.co.uk

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Flooring

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

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

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

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

ADHESIVES

SELECTION CHECKLIST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

this criteria must be checked where appropriate.

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

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

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

The Perfect System for your Designer Floor The perfect adhesive choice for luxury vinyl tiles Choose Styccobond F46, the market leading pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive.

Stopgap 300 HD, Stopgap P131 and Styccobond F46.

The perfect system for simply stunning luxurious floors.

GREAT BRITISH INNOVATION

F. Ball and Co. Ltd.

Tel: 01538 361 633 • email: mail@f-ball.co.uk • web: www.f-ball.co.uk

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THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

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

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

Why join?

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

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

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

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

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

• Ensure you understand the financial arrangements,

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

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

• Review all the extra benefits and services to see

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

flexibility to run your business the way you want

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

what you would actually use

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

• Ensure you understand any rules that may limit your www.flooringone.co.uk Sam Bradley Tel: 0121 683 1426 sam.bradley@flooringone.co.uk

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

Increase sales

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Flooring factsheet from Interfloor Eco-friendly underlay Perfect for people who focus on ‘green’ living With more people making a conscious effort to ‘green’ their lifestyles, demand for sustainable and eco-friendly flooring products is at its highest ever.

Interfloor has increased the proportion of underlays manufactured from recycled products from 16% to over 70% since 2008.

We manufacture most of our underlays from recycled material, our crumb rubber and PU foam underlays contain approximately 80% recycled content. The crumb rubber is made from recycled car tyres and some 3 million are recycled every year to make our underlay, while PU foam is made from manufacturing waste (off-cuts from the furniture and automotive industries).

“Tredaire Kensington Deluxe is 55% recycled car tyres and 25% recycled plastic bottles.”

Kensington Deluxe 80% recycled for the ultimate feel good factor We also manufacture underlays which have a high post-consumer recycled content. Tredaire Kensington Deluxe is a high-quality carpet underlay comprising 55% recycled car tyres (the rubber layer) and 25% recycled PET plastic bottles (the felt layer).

Kensington Deluxe’s unique combination of rubber crumb and polyester felt creates an underlay with superior wear and comfort properties. It’s the perfect choice for Wilton and Axminster style carpets. The polyester felt backing means that carpets with stitched joins bed into the top felt layer and prevent wear along the join.

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

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THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

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

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

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

www.interfloor.com

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

Benefits

Types

Good underlay will...

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

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

Poor or old underlay will...

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

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

Sponge rubber

Combination

Crumb

PU foam

www.carpenterunderlay.co.uk

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

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

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

www.underlay.com

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

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

www.luxeunderlay.com

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

www.floorwise.co.uk

www.qaflooringsolutions.com

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

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

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

Flooring factsheet Carpet trouble-shooter

• shedding • pulled loops

Fading on Wool

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

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

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

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

Soiling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Static

Sprouting

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

58

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

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

Flattening

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

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

Shading

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

Pile Reversal

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

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

Shedding

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

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

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

Indentations

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pulling Loops

Samples

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

The original carpet tile

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

Installation

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

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

59

The Stocklists Carpet Company Directory Abingdon Flooring

01274 655694

Adam Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W Ww

01562 829966

Alternative Flooring

01264 335111

Associated Weavers Tw Tu

01422 431100

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

01422 330261 0121 550 5788 01297 32244

Brockway Carpets Ltd

Tw W 01562 828200 sales@brockway.co.uk www.brockway.co.uk

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

01282 862 736

Burmatex Tu

01924 262525

+32 56 62 2211

Cavalier Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww 01254 268000

Beaulieu International Group Be Pr Tu Tw

+32 56 67 66 11

Christy Carpets Tu 019078 308777

Belvedere Carpets

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

020 8800 0740

Clarendon Carpets Tw

01827 831480

Classis Carpets Tu W Ww

0870 020 1725

Condor Carpets BV Tu Tw W Tu

+31 38 4778911

Be Tw W

Contempo Carpets

Bizspoke Custom 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

60

0800 689 4741

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

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

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

Stainfree Twist from Abingdon

01294 558400

Creative Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

0116 284 1455

Creatuft Carpets Tu W

+32 56 35 4444

Custom Carpet Company Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01737 830301

Dan-Floor UK W

0844 9151000

Domo Floorcovering Pr Tu Tw

Balta Industries Tu Tw W Ww

Belvedere Carpets

Craigie Carpets Be

Durham Twist from Hugh Mackay

01204 881 234

800 223 6186

+32 55 335211

E & WE Carpets W

01562 825952

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

Fells Carpets

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

01422 374 417

01562 745030

01977 662211

+45 96 60 3000

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

Firth Carpets & Flooring Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

+44 (0)20 8440 8777

01484 721529

Brockway’s Vogue

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

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

Le Tissage d’Arcade Ax Ww

+32 05685 4747

Lecaflor Ltd Ax Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

Furlong Flooring

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

01772 696 787

01827 831525

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

01429 892525 01827 831430

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

0800 526696 +49 037 421 420

Hammer Carpets

01473 826870

Heckmondwike FB

01924 410544

infouk@hammercarpetsuk.com www.hammercarpets.com

ITC Be Pr Tw Tu

0032 51 424 411

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

01937 588511 07850 935301

Joseph Hamilton & Seaton W Kingsmead Carpets Tu Tw W

01827 831400 01827 831 424

Lano NV

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

+32 56 65 4300

Bronte’s Cream Shagpile

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

0800 78 33 712

Leigh Spinners Ltd Tw

01942 673232

Louis de Poortere W

+32 56 393 386

Lusotufo Tu

+35 12 56 750 500

Manx Carpets Tw W

01827 831 434

Master Weaver W Ww

01562 754 382

Mayfield Carpets Tu Tw W

01706 639 866

MID NL Be

+31 38 851 8700

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

+32 55 50 9050

+32 52 457211

Mr Tomkinson Tw Ww

01827 831 450

Penthouse Carpets Tu Tw W

01706 341231

Phoenox Textiles Pr Tu

01484 863227

Pownall Carpets Tw W

0845 6528811

Roger Vanden Berghe.NV Tu Ww

+32 56 73 57 11

Signature Carpets Be Tu W

01422 845075

TAT Carpet

07976 607657

Tapibel NV Pr Tu Tw

01623 481 221

Tasibel NV Tw

+32 52 499600

The Grosvenor Wilton Co W Ww

01562 701456

The Sultana Carpet Co Ax

01299 822300

Wilton Carpet Commercial Ax Tu Tw Ww W Be

01722 746000

Thomas Witter UK Ltd Tu Tw

0870 1128318

Timzo Tufting Industry BV Tu

+31 38 385 4477

Tisca Tiara Tu Ww

07860 911748

Trendy Tuft Designs Be Tu Tw W

01274 855080

Ulster Carpets Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

02838 334433

United Carpets & Beds Tw W Ww

01709 732 666

Victoria Carpets Tu Tw W Ww

01562 749300

Vorwerk Flooring

01282 332025

Westex Carpets Tu

01274 861334

Weston Hammer W

0845 644 9090

Whitestone Weavers Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01429 892555

Wilkies Carpets Tw

0113 307 9955

Ryalux Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

0845 652 8811

Woodward Grosvenor Ax Tu Tw W Ww

Sans Frontieres Ltd Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

0844 5611977

Wool Classics Tu Ww

Shaw Home Foundations Tu

01675 433 501

Woven Carpets of Kidderminster W 01299 827477

Cormar’s Sensation Twist

0800 526696 0207 349 1560

Wellington Stripe from Ulster

61

The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory National Fells Carpets

Leeds 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Interlaid Limited Swansea 01792 447460 gareth@interlaid.co.uk www.interlaid.co.uk TCS “The Carpet Specialists” Morecambe 01524 840177 info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com Xylo Wood Flooring London 020 8368 8122 infouk@xyloflooring.com www.xyloflooring.com

North West

Carpet Line Direct Manchester 01204 701188 salesnw@carpetlinedirect.co.uk www.carpetlinedirect.co.uk D. M. Miller Ltd Manchester 0161 205 9949 dm.miller@btconnect.com www.dmmillerltd.spaces.lives.com Fells Carpets Goole 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Choice Flooring Manchester - see Floorwise page 64 Millbrook Carpets Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk Preston Underlay Centre Lyd Preston/Lancashire - see Floorwise page 64

62

North East

Fells Carpets Leeds 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Floorwise (North East)Ltd Birtley - see Floorwise page 64

Midlands

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

East

Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk Salesmark Ltd St Neots - see Floorwise page 64 STS Flooring Distributors Cambridge Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk

South West

Birch Distribution Hull - see Floorwise page 64

BL Flooring Supplies Bristol - see Floorwise page 64

Cornerstone Flooring Doncaster - see Floorwise page 64

BL Flooring Supplies Gloucester - see Floorwise page 64

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

Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise page 64

DMS Flooring Supplies Northampton 0845 643 5601 dmsnorthampton@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam - see Floorwise page 64 Matty’s Wholesale Carpets Birmingham 01675 433072 sales@mattys.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Watford 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk Trade Counter Carpets Leicester 0845 604 3055 tradecountercarpets@gmail.com

Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise page 64 Flooring Supplies (Wessex) Amesbury 01980 625888 orders@flooringsupplieswessex.co.uk R & M Wholesale Bristol 01179 531222 Tiverton 01884 258266 sales@rmwholesale.co.uk Salesmark West Ltd Amesbury - see Floorwise page 64 Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk see page 19 for details

Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise page 64

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

Are you a Wholesaler?

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

South East

Acorn Carpet Accessories Bromley, Kent - see Floorwise page 64 Ashmount Flooring Supplies Tottenham 0208 808 2158 sales@ashmountflooring.co.uk www.ashmountflooringsupplies.co.uk Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk Clifford Floors Strood 01634 285900 sales@clifford.uk.com Culpeck Strood 01634 299000 sales@culpeck.uk­­.com Columbia Flooring Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk see page 13 for details DMS Flooring Supplies Hemel Hempstead 0845 643 5344 dmshemel@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk DMS Flooring Supplies Milton Keynes 0845 643 5320 dmslaser@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk Flooring Storage UK Potters Bar 01707 245999 sales@flooringstorage.com www.flooringstorage.com Littner Hampton London 020 8520 8474 littnerhampton@aol.com www.littnerhamptoncarpets.co.uk

Potts & Ward, Woodcocks Ltd Brighton 01273 557211 sales@pwwflooring.com www.pwwflooring.com Salesmark Lancing - see Floorwise page 64 Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk - see page 19 STS Flooring Distributors Basildon 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk Trade Carpet London Wimbledon 0208 247 3891 sales@tradecarpet.com www.tradecarpet.com

Wales

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

Scotland

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

Ireland

Flanagan Flooring Distributors Belfast & Saintfield Co. Down Northern Ireland Tel: 028 9751 0932 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com Flanagan Flooring Distributors Willow Business Park Dublin Tel: (01) 429 7800 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise page 64 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Belfast - see Floorwise page 64 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Limerick - see Floorwise page 64 TCS “The Carpet Specialists” Co. Louth 00353 429 351 351 info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com

John Palmer Carpets Fareham 01329 221933 sales@johnpalmercarpets.uk.net

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

63

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

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THEâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;STOCKLISTS December 2019

Flooring factsheet Carpet types

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

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

LOOP PILE

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

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

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

BONDED

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

THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

CUT PILE

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

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

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

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

CUT AND LOOP

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

Shag pile –­­ Shag pile has varied in popularity.

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

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

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

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

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

65

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THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

StocklistsClassified The

SITUATIONS VACANT

Sales Representatives Earnings Potential £50k+ West Scotland & Cumbria Abingdon Flooring is one of the leading carpet manufacturers in the UK with some of the most recognisable brands in the industry, supplying quality carpets to the retail, contract and wholesale trade in the UK. We are currently enjoying an unprecedented level of growth and therefore are looking for an enthusiastic individual who can help develop the full potential of this established area.

The ideal candidate will be tenacious, organised and professional with a willingness to develop and will have knowledge of the trade from retail or territory sales experience, however we do encourage applicants from other industries who are keen to get a foothold in this fantastic trade.

An above average salary, car, phone and unlimited commission package is available together with the benefits you would expect from a blue chip company.

This role is for a flooring industry insider who knows this region and the potential that can be realised as well as somebody who wishes to develop a fantastic long term career within our team.

Please send your CV and covering letter summarising your relevant skills and experience to: Laura Phillips – HR Assistant, Abingdon Flooring, Pen-y-fan Park, Newbridge, Gwent. NP11 3XG Or via email to laura.phillips@abingdonflooring.co.uk Closing date of 15th December 2019

National Sales Manager This is fantastic opportunity to join the management team of a company which is expanding impressively. We require an experienced, motivated individual who is keen to succeed and able to demonstrate an excellent track record in acquiring and developing new business as well as managing a sales team.

The role-holder will ideally live in the Midlands and be able to travel, on occasion staying away from home. They are expected to be significantly active in the field, with occasional office days.

Key requirements: • Development of existing and new business focus, with a proven track record in securing and developing national accounts in a comparable business environment • Previous experience as an exceptional leader of a sales team with a proven track record of delivering results • Ability to demonstrate an inspirational leadership style through exceptional coaching and mentoring skills to coach and inspire a sizeable team • Willingness to travel extensively with full and current driving licence • Previous flooring experience is advantageous Benefits: • Above average salary • Outstanding bonus package • Fully expensed company car

• P rivate healthcare • Company pension scheme • Company share scheme

Apply by email to Graham.Harris@kingsmead-sales.co.uk with cv and covering letter. Deadline 20th December 2019.

STORE MANAGER

We are a professional, family-run business containing 5 stores in the southeast, seeking a Manager in our Bracknell store.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast paced environment and previous managerial experience is essential.

Full time, 5 days a week including weekends SALARY : Circa £35k

Get the latest, follow us on Twitter @thestocklists THE STOCKLISTS December 2019

All candidates need to have: • Previous managerial experience • A clear knowledge of customer service • Experience and confidence in both face to face and telephone customer handling • Ability to learn and retain information quickly • Ability to solve problems • Good interpersonal skills • Ability to motivate a team but also show individual accountability

Please send your CV and a covering letter to Sean.barker-mccarthy@carpetgiant.co.uk 67