The Stocklists – July 2024

Flanders flagship

A review of the flooring fest in Belgium of Europe’s leading manufacturers and suppliers pages 30–39

The art of ultra realism Karndean Designflooring elevates flooring to an artform page 28

The heat is on F Ball’s experts advise on temperature tolerant adhesives page 52

Flooring deflation

Retail prices finally come down, just Business news – page 26

Transforming spaces

Rita Bancroft reports on designing from the ground up to blend artistry and functionality page 40–42

Solihull showcase

Part 2 of our review of the agenda-setting INDX event with all the latest launches pages 54–63

2024

Gallery of style

We select some of the best,inspirational imagery in the LVT and vinyl sector over the past year pages 45–51

148,000

feet feat

Quick-Step soaks up the footfall in Grand Designs’ showhouse page 20

BEST room roll-out

Carpet Line goes national, and fast page 9, 60

Boost for bespoke rugs

Riviera Home rolls out a rugs and runners offer for unique interiors page 17

Shetland texures

Cormar launches adds to wool loop collecion with practical textures page 17

Headlam aligns

New strategy for key brands page 20

Awarded by the trade & trade press

BEST BRANDING,

BEST MARKETING

BEST DISPLAY

Contact your area manager for more details

INVINCIBLE DISPLAYS WITH INVICTUS

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

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

the new name in national flooring distribution

join our team

CarpetLine Direct are a regional flooring distribution business based in the North East of England. Owned by Victoria PLC, CarpetLine Direct have the capacity and logistics to take the business nationwide.

The new nationwide business will also see the launch of BEST room. BEST room is CarpetLine’s collection of entry level ranges that will service the price sensitive sector of the market.

With three large distribution hubs across the U.K, backed by the number one flooring distribution delivery team, Alliance, there is no better time to join the CarpetLine team as an Area Sales Manager. The new business will be ready to service the U.K by the 15th September 2024 and we are now actively seeking area sales managers for the below regions:

To apply, please send a covering letter along with your C.V. to: recruitment@carpetlinedirect.co.uk

Are you a retailer interested in a national account?

Scan this QR code to send us your details - we will be in touch soon!

Hit the ground running with STOPGAP 1400. Our NEW High Flow smoothing compound gets projects underway as quickly and smoothly as possible. Designed to maximise ease of use and provide an outstanding finish. Its fast-setting formula is walk-on hard from just 90 minutes and new floorcoverings can be installed from 12 hours. Find out more at f-ball.com/stopgap1400

FLOORINGNEWS

Shetland’s textured style

Cormar Carpets has launched the brand-new Shetland range – a long-lasting wool loop carpet made with 100% pure new wool, which comes in 10 trend-leading shades for the perfect blend of style and practicality.

Suitable for all areas of the home, Shetland is hard-wearing and durable, making it the perfect choice for high-traffic areas including stairs, hallways and landings.

Further extending the choice for homeowners, Shetland sits alongside Cormar’s Fairisle range, which has soared in popularity since its launch, offering the same desirable quality with the option of a more level finish. Manufactured using a quality, moth resistant, 3-ply yarn, Shetland is a 1/5th gauge carpet, in a chunky Brussels weave design.

“The beauty of textured wool carpets is that they add an extra dimension to a living space, and with loop pile carpets increasing in popularity, we are delighted to be further enhancing our wool offering with this exciting new addition. Suitable for all areas of the home with a high-quality textured look and feel, Shetland offers a trend-leading neutral palette that blends seamlessly with any interior style.” – Alexandra Ellis, Marketing Manager at Cormar Carpets.

Available in a collection of 10 heathered neutral tones inspired by the natural, rolling landscape of the Shetland Isles, Shetland’s classic loop design suits any taste from rustic to contemporary. Produced in both 4m and 5m widths, Shetland balances design, durability and price for an affordable yet stylish flooring option. Samples of Shetland are now being distributed by Cormar’s Territory Managers. T 01204 881234 • portal.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Bespoke boost for rugs & runners

For homeowners and interior designers looking to add unique style to interiors, Riviera Home has launched a bespoke rugs and runners programme that lets any of its hand-crafted, Wilton and tufted ranges, including outdoor-ready carpet styles, be enjoyed as an area rug or stair runner.

The service is available on all qualities by Riviera Home: from the rustic, chunky wool loop of Burford and the silk-like shine of Monaco, to the classic chevron of Sorrento, tweed-effect flatweaves of Capri and Milano, and stylish Turin and Genoa. Customers are free to choose any of Riviera Home’s stock broadloom ranges, offering them an impressively flexible service.

Richard Moore, Sales and Marketing Director, Riviera Home, says:

“With strong interest from interior designers for customisable area rugs and runners, we are delighted to extend this tailored option across our entire collection. This programme offers exclusive opportunities to craft one-of-a-kind pieces with the aesthetic quality of Riviera Home.”

Flanders flagship

A review of the flooring fest in Belgium of Europe's leading manufacturers and suppliers pages 30–39

Solihull showcase

Part 2 of our review of the agenda-setting INDX event with all the latest launches pages 54–63

Gallery of style

We select some of the inspirational imagery in the LVT and vinyl over the past year pages 43–51

Riviera Home is making the service available through the RugBuilder tool on its website, www.rivierahomeuk.com/rug-builder. The easy-to-use tool makes it simple for homeowners and interiors designers to create their unique area rug, by choosing the style, colour, size and edge finish, before taking the option to order through their closest Authorised Dealer.

Riviera Home’s bespoke rugs and runners are available in sizes up to 9m in length and 5m in width (or 4m width depending on style), offering an impressive range of edge finishes to suit every preference. Choose from cotton tape edging, available in single or double tapes, with two distinctive designs: herringbone or basketweave, each in 18 vibrant colours. For added versatility, opt for edging tape in Riviera Home’s premium TufStrand brand, tailored for use with their TufStrand ranges, Livorno & Medina, perfect for outdoor entertainment areas Customers may also choose from premium hand-sewn blind hem edging or overlocking for a personalised touch.

T 01299 871446 • www.rivierahomeuk.co.uk

FLOORINGNEWS

Charlotte builds on top brands

Charlotte Jarvis has been appointed to the position of sales director at Hartlepool-based View Logistics for all brands which include Carpet Line Direct, Hugh Mackay Residential & Contract plus Thomas Witter.

“With her vision, expertise, and boundless enthusiasm, the future of these businesses is promising and dynamic,” said Managing Director, Stephen Donlan.

“Charlotte’s appointment is both in recognition of the contribution she has made since joining the business and a reflection of the confidence that both Group and I have in her ability to continue to drive the business forward,” he added.

Charlotte joined Hugh Mackay Carpets in 2022 as sales director from Belgium manufacturer Smart Tuft NV and previously worked for H&V Carpets and Morleys Ltd.

T 01429 892555 • www.hughmackay.co.uk

More launches and innovations...

Sun shining example of eco initiative

Roll back rewards

For a limited time only, IVC Commercial has launched the Roll back Rewards programme. Available on the new Iperform 70 heavy-duty flooring, Isafe 70 permanent safety flooring and Optimise 70 acoustic collections; Roll Back Rewards gives you a £10 voucher with every full roll to spend in major retailers. Available on two-metre and four-metre wide full rolls, all you need to do to claim your reward is to upload invoices showing purchases of qualifying products through the website, www.ivc-rewards.com. Claims will be verified and your vouchers will be sent to your email address. It really is as simple as that.

Jake Parks, Commercial Sales Manager, says: “We’ve launched Roll Back Rewards as a way of saying thank you for putting your trust in our high quality heterogeneous vinyl floors. With heavy duty compact, safety and acoustic floors included in the promotion you can enjoy rewards on all kinds of project. From retail to care and education; it’s a great way to treat yourself to something special this summer.”

The IVC Commercial Roll Back Rewards promotion is now on at all stocking distributors across the UK. For more information on the vouchers available, qualifying floors and how to claim, visit the website at www.ivcrewards.com. Roll Back Rewards runs until 30th September 2024.

T 0330 1222 133 • www.ivc-commercial.com

F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has doubled the amount of energy it generates from renewable sources following further investments in solar panels at its Staffordshire headquarters.

The company now has over 1,700 solar panels generating over a 500kw peak across its main building and powder plant facility. It is estimated that this will prevent 59 tonnes of CO2 entering the atmosphere each year, the same amount produced by 12 petrol cars on average.

This renewables upgrade is a continuation of efforts by F. Ball to reduce its environmental impact, including introducing electric vehicle charging points for both company and employee vehicles. Factories are equipped with high-efficiency motors and boilers to minimise energy consumption, and a gravity-fed mixing plant avoids the need for electric motors to pump material into mixing vessels.

The manufacturer has also replaced much of its packaging with recyclable alternatives and pioneered the F. Ball Recycling Scheme, which provides receptacles at a wide number of wholesaler locations where flooring professionals can conveniently dispose of empty F. Ball buckets and bottles, for free.

Commenting on the significance of the new solar panels in the company’s sustainability strategy, F. Ball safety, health, environment and quality assurance (SHEQ) manager Jenny Barnett said: “This is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at reducing both the resources we consume and our carbon footprint. We have a duty to manage our environmental impact. People increasingly want to buy from companies who take their environmental responsibilities seriously, and we are constantly looking at new ways to be more sustainable.”

T 01538 361 633 • www.f-ball.co.uk

Getting in the swing

The Kidderminster Carpet Manufacturers Charity Golf Event beat the rain to raise £17,000 for good causes.

The winners on Day One were Ulster Carpets with a total score of 86 points and the victors of the Day Two pairs competition were Yorkshire Terriers with a total of 40 points.

Unfortunately the weather on Day Two of the event was dreadful, with torrential rain falling all day which did impact the fund-raising opportunities for the day.

Event organiser Mike Dobson commented: “Despite the rain, I am pleased to confirm that this year’s event raised in excess of £17,000, which was d own only slightly on 2023. We thank everyone again for their support and looking forward to preparing for 2025.”

Next year’s event will once again be held at Kidderminster Golf Club on 20th and 21st May.

These funds raised by the Kidderminster Carpet Manufacturers Charity Golf Event, of which The Stocklists is a sponsor, will be distributed in the coming weeks to a number of charities, including Macmillan, the Furniture Makers’ Company and a number of organisations local to Kidderminster.

148,000 feet feat for Quick-Step

With over 74,000 visitors walking through the Grand House at this year’s Grand Designs Live, Quick-Step floors proved up to the challenge, looking just as good on the last day of the week-long show.

Held at London’s ExCel, Grand Designs Live is the UK’s leading consumer exhibition for those looking to take on their own home build or major renovation project. The Grand House was a new feature for the London edition and offered a showcase of stunning and innovative designs in Quick-Step’s wood, laminate and vinyl floors.

Installed by Quick-Step Master Installers, the only professionals to be able to provide a lifetime guarantee for installation of the brand’s floors, Quick-Step was fitted to all rooms (excluding the house’s cinema room) demonstrating how the brand’s floors can create a beautiful home while standing up to the wear of some 148,000 feet.

The Wood for Life technology in Disegno and Cascada ensured these waterproof wood floors looked just as good on day seven of the show as they did at the Grand House’s opening. Capture and Impressive laminate stood-out for their masterful realism and Alpha Vinyl for its authentic looks and comfort underfoot. With a mix of herringbone, plank and tile designs, Grand House showcased the very best of Quick-Step floors.

Niall Cassidy of Quick-Step said: “Being involved in the Grand House let visitors experience our floors in a relatable environment which is always something that’s quite difficult to achieve with exhibitions. They also got to see just how durable our floors are in heavy use, something which clearly resonated with the visitors on our stand.”

Headlam aligns three top brands

Headlam is aligning three of its leading brands – Manx Tomkinson, Fells and Kingsmead – to deliver enhanced support to UK flooring retailers.

This strategic move takes effect from June 1 and will streamline operations across the three brands with a dedicated sales team of 19 representatives nationally. This initiative aims to offer retailers a single point of contact for all their needs and to give personalised and efficient support throughout their partnership with Headlam. Heading up the venture as National Sales Manager is Keith Morgan, a seasoned industry professional with over 40 years of experience who was spearheading Headlam’s Telenzo brand and who has a previous track record at Hugh Mackay and SCS.

Keith Morgan expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, saying, “By aligning the three brands, we aim to optimise our support for retailers, providing our customers the convenience of a single dedicated representative for Manx Tomkinson, Fells and Kingsmead.

“This strategy ensures retailers receive top-tier service and support. Our objective is to streamline the partnership between retailers and quality brands, nurturing stronger relationships and enabling seamless collaboration,” he said.

This strategic move reflects Headlam’s commitment to driving excellence in customer service and support within the flooring industry. By aligning the three leading brands under a unified sales team, the team aims to elevate the retail experience and empower its partners for success, says the Group. www.headlamgroup.com

Andrew Gicquel, the winning captain of Ulster Carpets.

The Yorkshire Terriers team with Shaun Lewis (left) and Mike Dobson (right), holding the new Shaun Lewis Trophy, which has been introduced for the Day Two competition.

A natural, chunky loop pile carpet suitable for all areas of the home. Made from 100% Pure New Wool using a 3-ply, moth resistant yarn.

This high-quality wool loop carpet comes in 10 neutral heathered tones for the perfect blend of style and practicality.

FLOORINGNEWS

Go with the flow for smoothing

F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has drawn upon the latest cement formulation technology to create a ‘best-in-class’ high flow smoothing compound: Stopgap 1400.

A fast-setting, two-component smoothing compound, with superior selfsmoothing properties, Stopgap 1400 is walk-on hard from just 90 minutes after application and ready to receive floorcoverings from 12 hours.

On the launch of the new product, F. Ball sales director, Karl Brannigan, said: “We wanted to create the ultimate high-flow smoothing compound, maximising ease-of-use for where flooring contractors need to work quickly and efficiently, perhaps in multiple areas, including new-build developments, but where they don’t require advanced features, such as suitability for application over old adhesive residues or flexible subfloors.

We are very satisfied that we have met this brief with Stopgap 1400.”

Stopgap 1400 can be applied between 2 - 10mm thick to a wide range of absorbent and non-absorbent subfloors, including sand/cement and calcium sulphate (e.g. anhydrite) screeds, concrete, granolithic, sound asphalt, terrazzo, epoxy and polyurethane resins, ceramic and quarry tiles, as well as Stopgap waterproof surface membranes.

It is also suitable for use where normal underfloor heating systems are contained within a subfloor, as well as to encapsulate retrofitted electrical wired systems. Furthermore, its low-odour, proteinfree formulation allows it to be used in biologically sensitive areas and where adjacent areas remain open.

Stopgap 1400 is supplied as a pre-blended dry powder and liquid. A 20kg bag of Stopgap 1400 powder mixed with 4.5 litres of Stopgap 1400 Liquid will cover an area of approximately 6m2 at a thickness of 2mm. T 01538 361 633 • www.f-ball.co.uk

Size really does matter

With a range of board dimensions to accommodate all sizes of job and a thickness that’s more versatile, Lion Floor proves that size really does matter.

Lion Floor is the alternative to plywood that’s available in a wide range of sheet sizes. Whether tackling small rooms with compact 1220mm x 610mm boards or large, open areas with 1220mm x 3660mm sheets, Lion Floor makes resilient floor installation faster and easier. Improving handling in tight spaces or speeding-up coverage over open areas, with Lion Floor contractors and installers can choose the board that’s right for the task at hand.

The engineered hardboard panel is also available in two thicknesses – a BS Standards compliant 4.8mm thick version (alternative to 6mm plywood) and an even stronger 6mm version for the most demanding projects (equivalent to 9mm plywood). Thinner than BS standard plywood, Lion Floor reduces subfloor height, helping to smooth transitions and reducing the chance of needing to trim doors and skirtings – all saving time on site.

Peter Jones, Finnish Fibreboards Ltd, says: “With our wider range of sizes and thinner construction, you’ll find that Lion Floor is a more versatile solution than plywood when it comes to taking on projects. So, if you’re after a board that’s going to make life a little easier, it really has to be Lion Floor because size really does matter. What’s more, it’s been tested and approved by the UK’s largest independent training centre and is more sustainable than plywood , so even if size isn’t a worry, then it’s still a great choice for a high-quality resilient flooring installation.”

Made in Finland from locally sourced wood by-products, Lion Floor is an alternative to BS 8203 complaint plywood. It’s construction and density mean it’s highly durable and impact resistant. The fibreboard construction eliminates the problems that come with the core gaps and overlaps found in plywood and unlike other oil-tempered hardboards, it doesn’t need wetting before installation. The flat, strong panel is ready to receive screeds and feather compounds and fitting is simple to, as it is laid in the same way as plywood and can be easily cut.

www.finfib.fi

Record number of newcomers for Harrogate show

Flooring Show organisers Ocean Media has announced a record number of new names among the exhitor line-up for September’s event in Harrogate.

More than 20 newcomers have booked into the show including Alsa Flooring, Fablon Fine Carpets and Rugs, the IBEXX Flooring Group, sampling and merchandising specialists innov8, Kerlux SPC Flooring, Tuftco and Wilsons Underlays.

“Meet the new kids on the block and everyone else from underlay to software, machinery to SPC, adhesives to carpets, and so much more,” says event director Alex Butler. “The Flooring Show offers everything you could possibly need for your business under one roof.

It is estimated that the exhibition will be 30% bigger than last year as the popular event expands into an additional space. After its success in recent years, the event will be expanding into Hall Q with new exhibitors and an exciting new “Designer Spotlight” feature. Big names already confirmed to be exhibiting at this year’s show include: Abingdon Flooring, Associated Weavers, Ball and Young Ltd, Bjelin, Bostik Limited, Brampton Chase, Cavalier Carpets Ltd, COREtec floors, Cormar Carpet Co., F. Ball and Co., Furlong Flooring, Hugh Mackay, Interfloor, Kellars, Lifestyle Floors, Likewise Flooring, Penthouse Carpets, Tarkett, Victoria Carpets & Design Floors, Westex Carpets and Wilsons Underlays, just to name a few. www.theflooringshow.com

Novoturf grass stand now available, order yours today!

Choose your way to spray

With new spray adhesives from floorwise, you can choose the way you want to spray.

floorwise F599 Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive has long been the fitter’s friend for those quick fixes on site and has set the gold standard for providing a long-lasting hold. Sticking down a wide range of materials to most substrates, its high solids content reliably delivers more adhesive to provide a rock-solid bond. Incredibly versatile, F599 Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive has become a market leader and is trusted in commercial and residential projects every day.

With the introduction of F597 Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive, floorwise retained many of F599’s great characteristics in a 100% Dichloromethane free formulation that’s less harmful. Again, with a high adhesives content, quick drying and with excellent bond strength; there are few on-site tasks that the spray can’t handle but with its safer formulation it’s the go-to option in tight working conditions and where ventilation is poor.

Richard Bailey, managing director, floorwise, says: “We introduced F597 as a safer alternative to our famous F599 Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive and it has certainly won a lot of fans. It has quickly become a strong seller and many installers have already made the switch, appreciating its health benefits, particularly when working in confined spaces and areas where ventilation isn’t possible. Consumers love it too, because they know nothing hazardous is left floating in the air. That said, we’re happy that many installers find it difficult to make the switch away from F599 – it just goes to show how dependable it is!”

T 01509 673974 • www.floorwise.co.uk

Get set to star in top awards

Entries have opened for the Flooring Innovation Awards after organisers shook up the schedule to give even more prominence to what has become one of the most successful events in the industry’s calendar.

“We’ll be announcing the new winners of what will be the Flooring Innovation Awards 2025 with a real fanfare right at the beginning of next year – on January 2nd, 2025. These highly sought-after awards will then set the agenda for the year ahead for floor buyers and specifiers,” says organiser Bridgette Kelly.

So the schedule for the scheme has moved back a bit this year with entries now open from May 28, 2024, and closing on November 8. Readers of The Stocklists can nominate their favourite suppliers and products to go before the judges.

The Awards recognise everything that is genuinely new, exciting and innovative in the UK flooring trade so buyers can focus on fresh opportunities and the entries are judged by an independent panel of leading industry experts.

www.flooringinnovationawards.com

Stainfree from markers to marmite

Abingdon Flooring is rolling out its new look Stainfree for Life identity to stores around the country.

With updated lifetime protection against all common household stains, there’s no doubt that Abingdon Flooring’s Stainfree for Life Guarantee is among the best in the business. Previously only covering food and drink stains, the new promise now covers everything from markers to marmite.

Along with improved household stains coverage, Stainfree for Life also enjoys an updated look and Abingdon Flooring has now begun the roll-out to stores across the country, updating displays and releasing new merchandise. A new panel for wall displays, lectern swatch covers, sample labels, registration forms and reminders, carpet care guides and window stickers; now all bear the stronger messaging and smart look of the Stainfree for Life Guarantee.

Charlotte Coop, Head of Marketing, Abingdon Flooring, says: “With the big improvements in the Stainfree for Life Guarantee that comes with every Stainfree and Love Story carpet we really wanted to highlight that this was a significant upgrade and an even more compelling reason for homeowners to choose Abingdon Flooring carpets. With that in mind, we’ve created a high impact look and strong, clear messaging that stands out and which communicates the advantages succinctly.”

The Stainfree for Life Guarantee will make its presence felt across a wide range of in-store POS. Lecterns will be updated with an overlay on the top sample, while wall displays feature a smart full-length panel featuring a QR code that directs customers to improved website content that looks at the guarantee and its benefits in details. Roll ranges will feature a new hardwearing label and retailers will also have access to literature including care and maintenance instructions, window stickers and warranty registration cards.

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

Make lifeeasy

Kellars’ Easyliving Collection provides the ultimate solution to household carpet care, making life that little bit more simple with our innovative bleach-cleanable carpets. Engineered to withstand spills and stains effortlessly, each carpet ensures a hassle-free maintenance routine, providing both practicality and style in one product.

BUSINESSNEWS

Flooring prices finally fall, just After months of stubbornly high retail inflation, flooring prices have finally gone down.

According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, carpets and other floorcoverings prices deflated 0.3% in May, down from a rise of 1.7% the previous month and below the level of general consumer inflation.

This time last year, flooring prices were rising by over 10% and this trend continued over the winter, despite marked falls in the furnishing sector as a whole at the beginning of 2024.

Furniture and furnishing prices fell by 2.8% in May, following on from a decline of 3.8% in April.

The overall Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 2% in the 12 months to May 2024, down from 2.3% in the 12 months to April. On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.3% in May 2024, compared with a rise of 0.7% in May 2023.

Cautious optimism from Cormar

Leading carpet company Cormar maintained its sales last year despite the challenging market conditions and says it’s in a strong position and cautiously optimistic about the future.

Filing its accounts for the year ended 30 September 2023, the company showed sales stable at £147.8m (£148.1m in 2022) and pre-tax profit up a little at £5.9m (£5.6m in 2022).

“Demand for our carpet remained resilient throughout the year despite the squeeze on household income caused by high inflation and higher interest rates,” said the company in its review of the business statement.

Cormar said that while volumes remained robust, margins were hit by high raw material costs and energy prices, and compounded by adverse exchange rates.

“Higher average selling prices, coupled with a recovery in sterling and tight cost control, improved operating margins in the second half of the year, helping full-year operating profit margins recover from their prior year lows,” said the company. “The business finished the year with gross margin in a strong position, providing us with cautious optimism for the year ahead.”

ScS may exit flooring business

ScS may withdraw from the flooring business across its 100 UK stores to focus on sofas and furniture.

The Sunderland-based chain believes its market share in flooring has not grown sufficiently strongly despite investment in the sector, according to leading furniture trade title The Furnishing Report which quotes sources close to the company.

The C in ScS stands for Carpets but was dropped as a strapline in the recent rebranding and there has been some anticipation of this move by the company following its acquistion by Italian upholstery retailing group Poltronesofà earlier this year.

Flooring generated £30.1 million of in-store flooring sales for ScS in 2022/23, down from £32.6 million the previous year.

• ScS chief executive Steve Carson is to leave the company later this summer after three years at the helm. Mr Carson joined ScS in January 2021 from Holland and Barratt, succeeding longtime head David Knight.

Victoria sales down, but outperforming market

Major flooring congolmerate Victoria plc has posted final year figures showing a 14% decline in sales, but says it’s outperforming the 20% drop seen across the UK flooring market generally.

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

According to its audited results for the year, total underlying sales fell 14% to £1.2bn from £1.4bn in 2023. Underlying EBITDA stood at £160.7m, down from £196m, while pre-tax profit resulted at £27.1m, down from £76.9m year-on-year.

Within its soft flooring division, Victoria said that sales were down 11.5% to £636.2m. “Independent market research suggests UK volumes were down circa 20%, which makes up the largest portion of the division, indicating that Victoria has continued to outperform the market – a factor the Board believes augurs well for earnings as demand recovers,” the group said.

The Group said its UK & Europe broadloom carpet integration which brought Balta into the business had been a success with significant margin imporvement and a growth in EBITDA for that division to increase by 23.8%.

Geoff Wilding, Executive Chairman, said he was cautious about near-term trading conditions but added: “As interest rates fall, housing transactions and deferred residential renovation, improvement and repair purchases will rebound, driving flooring demand.”

Likewise hungry for more growth

Ambitious UK flooring distributor Likewise is accelerating its growth and is hungry for more with a team of nearly 100 sales representatives.

In a statement prior to its AGM on June 20, the group reported that sales revenue had increased by 8.5% in the first six months to 18 June 2024, with sales in Likewise-branded business up by 14.6%.

Chief executive, Tony Brewer, commented: “Whilst market conditions remain challenging, the group is confident in further overall sales increases in the traditionally busier second half.”

He said that a sales team of 94 sales executives “are making a particularly important contribution to the overall performance in both residential and commercial flooring” and had further potential to grow the business.

Last month the group announced that its first-ever £1m order intake in one day was achieved in April and said it was on course to achieve its target of becoming a £200m business.

Carpets imports see first growth for 6 months

After a tough winter of declining flooring imports, carpet sales into the UK have jumped for the first time since October 2023 – vinyl sales, however, are faring much less well.

Carpet imports into the UK in April jumped 10% to £77.8m according to HM Revenue & Customs figures compiled by The Furnishing Report.

Belgium, which has had a torrid time of falling sales into the UK finally showed substantial improvement, up 17% in April. Turkey, meanwhile, is racing ahead with imports into the UK up 55%.

Imports across all flooring types rose 3.4% to £129 million, held back by a double-digit decline in vinyl floorcovering, a sector badly hit both in terms of supply and pricing by the shipping crisis in the Red Sea which has inflated costs as containers are diverted along much longer routes.

DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE FLOORING TRADE

The art of ultra-realism

Karndean Designflooring elevates flooring to an artform with new Art Select collection.

Unveiling its finest collection of ultra-realistic wood and stone designs including oak, ash, marble, Ceppo di Gré and onyx.

Karndean Designflooring is expanding its premium Art Select range and raising the bar for sumptuous interiors with the launch of an extensive collection of beautiful wood and stone designs.

This month sees the introduction of 39 brand new wood and stone designs, available in a range of contemporary colourways and sizes, including a new slimline plank and a large herringbone size. Inspired by source materials such as marble from Italy’s Apuan Alps and the Greek island of Thassos to Persian Onyx, English ash from the Kent Downs and Holm Oak from the Basque region of Spain, each new design reproduces the iconic character of the natural material.

“This collection has been two years in development and is an expression of our commitment to the craft of creating beautiful flooring that our customers will love for a lifetime. The new Art Select collection is our largest ever launch and builds on our offering of timeless classic styles with a modern twist, including designs that are rarely available as flooring in their natural state,” said Fleur Carson, managing director at Karndean Designflooring.

Fleur Carson, managing director at Karndean Designflooring, said:

Italian design is setting the direction of interior trends, with a look that’s sumptuous and sophisticated, featuring luxurious materials and ornate dramatic elements. Making Italian chic an accessible and practical choice for modern living, the new Art Select stone collection includes designs currently taking centre stage in the very latest interior trends.

From the expressive veining of Greek marble and the exclusive beauty of Calacatta marble to the rustic terrazzo style of Ceppo di Gré, 19 new stone designs offer home decorators the opportunity to create immersive spaces that either soothe in cool whites and light greys or introduce a touch of drama with deep charcoal greys and black.

A semi-precious gemstone in the quartz family often used for decorative panels and accessories, Persian onyx has a delicate patterning and translucent quality. Not suitable for flooring in its natural form, Karndean’s designers have captured its pearlescent beauty and transformed it into a practical choice for anyone looking to create an ethereal and romantic ambience.

“Our designers have travelled widely to find unique samples of wood and stone that exhibit the most beautiful features of each natural material, from the iconic veining of marble and onyx to the interesting wood knots and grains of ash and oak. Each design has been painstakingly coloured to complement modern interiors and finished with our unique embossed surface and bevel detailing. The result is a collection that we are quite rightly very proud of.”

Pearl Onyx

Available in a larger 18” x 36” tile with a smooth matte finish that minimizes reflection and a rounded bevel to allow the character of each design to shine, Black Onyx, Pearl Onyx and Rose Onyx are floors that will command attention and create a wow factor in any room, perfectly balancing decorative pieces and bold furniture.

From the high contrast design of English ash, available in four colourways as 4.5” wide stripwood planks, to a selection of characterful limed, washed artisan oak designs in a choice of large

56” x 9” and herringbone 18” x 3” planks, 20 brand new wood designs offer a unique opportunity to create expressive interiors with warm natural beauty and long lasting elegance. Featuring either a handscraped emboss which gives the bevelled edge a distressed, undulating appearance or a registered emboss with pin sharp definition that traces the wood grain precisely, each design combines exquisite organic beauty with the durability of modern flooring.

Exploring the historic Basque region of Spain, Karndean’s designers were inspired by a sample of ancient 400 year old holm oak that was acquired following necessary woodland management. A symbolic feature in the landscape, the acorns of the holm oak are a traditional feed for Black Iberian pigs, the source of the area’s famed jamón ibérico. Back in the design studio, the characteristic dark knots of holm oak were muted with a milky wash and the elegant grain emphasised with a lightly scraped and brushed effect. Available in three neutral colourways in a larger 56” x 9” plank and a new 28” x 4.5” herringbone size, Basque Oak, Bellota Oak and Serrano Oak are guaranteed to introduce a richly distinctive style to any home.

With all the practical benefits of Karndean flooring, from a waterproof and durable surface that’s easy to clean and comfort underfoot, the new Art Select collection offers the design versatility the market is currently looking for. Home decorators can take the same colourway from room to room in different laying patterns, combine areas of wood with adjoining spaces in a stone design, or even combine colourways and materials for a truly unique look.

Committed to innovating and taking bold action for a more sustainable future, Karndean’s products have both unsurpassed authenticity and longevity. Each floor comes with the reassurance of a lifetime guarantee to give confidence in the quality and craftsmanship of a Karndean floor.

For more information, visit karndean.com or follow @karndean_uk on Instagram. T 01386 820 200 www.karndean.com

Rose Onyx

Serrano Oak

Natural Oak

Flanders for flooring trends 2024

MARKET COMMENTARY

The leading European flooring manufacturers featured in the Flanders Flooring Days event have their sights set firmly on the UK market to expand market share and generate growth while their home markets recover.

A move up market is evident everywhere. Import economics – and suppliers say they are still struggling with Brexit complexities and costs – mean that quality that commands added value is to the fore.

This has seen middle and upper-middle market product development prioritised and this is evident in examples like Betap’s move to tenth gauge, the focus on high performance Gaia polyester at Associated Weavers, Lano’s new push on their premium SmartStrand products and lots of higher-end loops.

In quality smooths, Moduleo’s engineered vinyl Roots collection has expanded to offer extensive choice and it was interesting to see the debut of Lamett at the FFD event with a premium Parquetvinyl range and luxurious Wood & Stone collection – an SPC plank with a real wood veneer surface.

Palette positivity

There seems to be a trend towards cheering up consumers with more colour and it’s selling well says suppliers. In neutral, the 70/30 split of greys vs. beige is moving close to 50/50 with the growing consumer appetite for “naturals”.

But a wider palette is getting more visibility and Flanders saw Lano talking about their accent “catwalk colours”and major ranges across brands like Invictus and Betap extending into stronger colour banks.

Vinyl specialists LeoLine talk about the “positivity” of their colour palette with the sense that the right colour selection is linked to wellbeing and uplifting emotions among consumers.

Continued opposite...

FLANDERSREVIEW

Lots of effort is going into ever more interesting loop collections which have been strong now for many years and gained further momentum from the return to natural colours and textures among consumers. Herringbone designs, wool-like synthetic yarns and sisallike man-made fibres have raised the game in carpet loops – along with a push on outdoor large-area and patio rugs.

Smart sustainability

The Europeans typically place environmental issues high on their agenda and it is at the core of the product development for all the major players.

Fine examples include AW’s integration of ReVerse, a 100% recycled PET yarn within its Gaia collection and Condor’s commitment to embedding its #tide concept of scavenging waste plastics that can be used in recyclable mono-polymer carpet manufacture across its full portfolio of brands. The Condor Group also launched an EcoClean brand, a solution-dyed PET yarn which is 100% recycled.

In rugs, Louis De Poortere gave its Ecorugs centre stage, linked to its Take Care Program which makes it easy for homeowners to send back the rug for reuse or recycling while in vinyl, Beauflor caught attention with a new bio-based cushionfloor.

So the European manufacturers are pretty serious about building their business in the UK and have the innovative product ranges to command attention among the more discerning, higher-value UK consumers.

And behind the product buzz, many of these companies have been quietly establishing super-solid logistics with extensive stockholding in the UK mapped on to extensive next-day delivery networks.

When the market recovers, these Europeans are ready!

SAVE THE DATE for 2025 – June 2–5

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

A colour palette for positivity

LeoLine showed off its ability to bring colour to the home at this year’s Flanders Flooring Days.

Made in Belgium, LeoLine is a brand of IVC Living, one of Europe’s biggest vinyl flooring manufacturers. For this year’s Flanders Flooring Days, IVC Living put on a unique perspective of colour in the three worlds of Tropical Forest, Coastal and Canyon that explored how colour from nature influences our understanding of spaces, emotions and feeling of wellbeing.

LeoLine floors were presented in every one of the three themes, demonstrating just how its floors can bring the uplifting positivity of colour whatever the vibe. Tropical Forest explored the influence of colour from a palette inspired by the heat of the tropics, while Coastal embraced the power of the tides and explored our relationship with the oceans. Canyon presented the soul warming power of earthen colours.

Stuart Reeves, Regional Sales & Marketing Director, IVC says: “Flanders Flooring Days put LeoLine on an international stage in a story that explored our relationship with colour and how it can resonate with us emotionally, creating different responses and changing our perception of environment. It was interesting to get such a deep dive into colour and of course, great to show how our trend leading cushion vinyl floors are ready to bring joy into any home.”

LeoLine’s new collections are rooted in the research of these colour themes. From the warm earthen tones of the Canyon theme found in the herringbone plank of Clara from the Novus collection to the Coastal hues of Mist and Avalon in Studio Casa; the new collections draw on colours inspired by nature and create a unique look for every home.

T 0800 032 3970 • www.leoline.co.uk

Style and sustainability

Taking part in Flanders Flooring Days for the first time, Louis De Poortere exhibited at the Kortrijk Expo Hub, showcasing its Ecorugs, The Monochromes and Richelieu carpet family.

Making high quality woven carpets and rugs since 1929, Louis De Poortere used the show to demonstrate how it is at the forefront of design and innovation in the flooring industry.

International visitors got the chance to see Louis De Poortere’s first steps towards a circular production model in Ecorugs, a range of recyclable 100% polyester machine woven rugs. Exploring the exquisite designs of the collection, they also learnt about the Take Care Program which makes it easy for homeowners to send back the rug for reuse or recycling. The aim is to make new Ecorugs in 100% recycled polyester from old rugs, thereby completing the circle.

Louis De Poortere also showed The Monochromes collection, a collaborative project with Swedish art and design studio, Folkform. Originally working with Louis De Poortere in a study of the colour blue, Folkform became fascinated with Wilton weaving and believed the pure form of this technique held unique aesthetic potential. Reversing the face of the rug, so that the jute backing takes front and centre, the textile’s Wilton structure is highlighted by brightly coloured wool wefts. The collection comes in a range of 13 colours with Folkform designing a series of patchwork forms to minimise waste.

Beauflor’s Twilight

The wool-rich Richelieu woven carpet collection, including customisable Richelieu Classic runners, was also on show. Close to the company’s heritage, the collection’s classic look lied in contrast to the contemporary forms of The Monochromes and circular innovation of Ecorugs; demonstrating how Louis De Poortere blends traditional Wilton weaving and modern Jacquard flatweave with trendsetting designs and innovation.

T 01505 615663 • www.louisdepoortere.com

Bio-based by Beauflor

Flanders Flooring Days saw Beauflor launch three new cushion vinyl collections for the residential market, including a bio-based floor with a 40% lower CO2e footprint.

Opening the doors on its brand-new Experience Centre, Beauflor launched new collections designed to bring homes high-quality heterogeneous vinyl floors, including the industry’s first bio-based cushion vinyl for the domestic market, a premium range for busy homes and a reference in luxury cushion vinyl flooring.

Made from bio-based and circular PVC for a 40% lower CO2e footprint than conventional heterogeneous cushion vinyl Twilight sets a new standard in more sustainable domestic cushion vinyl. Offering excellent impact sound absorption (19dB) and an antibacterial lacquer, Twilight also supports wellbeing through a quieter and more hygienic floor. Twilight comes in a range of nature-inspired designs that foster a connection to the outdoors.

Beauflor also launched Gracetex, a premium cushion vinyl floor. With a textile backing for fast and easy installation and excellent underfoot comfort, Gracetex is equipped with a wear layer that ensures it can withstand use in the busiest family areas – a perfect choice for homeowners wanting the practicality of cushion vinyl in living spaces, kitchens and hallways. Rated Class 33 (heavy commercial use), Gracetex is even durable enough for businesses. With 15 stunning designs, including the elegant herringbone oak of Middelburg, the collection comes in two, three and fourmetre widths and has a 15-year residential use warranty.

Alongside the launch of Twilight and Gracetex, Beauflor showed the new Crown. Blending timeless elegance with modern practicality, Crown sets a new bar in comfort and luxury in sheet vinyl thanks to its extra-thick foam back. With a quality matt finish that elevates its 14 classic designs and superior sound insulation, Crown is a cushion vinyl floor that’s crafted for discerning homeowners.

T +32 (0)56 67 66 11 • www.beauflor.com

FLANDERSREVIEW

Developing difference

Betap has been busy. In fact this business, which became part of Condor late last year, has been very busy indeed, enhancing its portfolio and moving steadily up market with an impressive commitment to product development.

“We are investing in quality and in colour and in getting a wider range of the right options in front of increasingly discerning consumers,” says Andrew Bramall, UK R&D product manager for Betap.

And they are going about it at pace, introducing more tenth gauge constructions, adding additional weight options in popular ranges and overhauling the colourbank with a shift from the dominance on greys to more warmer tones plus stronger accent colours.

Examples abound of this strategy. Lasting Memories, a newly introduced tenth gauge twist, gains a lighter and a heavier weight option for 2024, as does recent arrival Springfield, an affordable saxony.

Super loops

Concerto, a long-established and popular saxony, has stepped up from eighth gauge to tenth in a clever 2-colour, 2-ply yarn and now is available in three weights. And clever yarn development has brought out a lustrous softness in the tenth gauge polypropylene construction of Strada that is more akin to polyester.

The colourbanks for many of these ranges is being refined and extended.

For something slightly different, there’s a new frisée range at 5/64 gauge called Milano. This is worth a closer look as the shading and lustre give an interesting optical effect that’s difficult to describe and easy to appeal.

Top quality options in PP will be a trend Betap drives forward as they have their own extrusion facilities in their Select Yarns business which can develop just what they need to meet customer requirements.

T +31 38 386 1060 • www.betap.com

A star of the show was the eye-catching loop collection of Cheddar and Dartmoor using a very classy and unusual yarn with a black accent thread. Betap have cleverly constructed this carpet in two options, a subtle hexagonal design and a bold high and low level loop which makes a real statement. This is not an easy carpet to make (or copy) and is a tribute to the company’s quest for uniqueness (see inset picture left).

Other interesting loops making their debut were Galloni (pictured above), a fashionable “sisally” herringbone, and its sister range Colline in basket weave –both in a wide choice of 8 colours – and there was a new wool loop in the form of Gambia.

New sisal-style herringbone loop Galloni

Lasting memories

Andrew Bramall (left) with Jonathan Middelkoop

Ideal options for the middle market

AW has been quick to extend the portfolio of the iDEAL brand of carpets which they acquired from Beaulieu in 2022 as an affordable collection of versatile ranges that are sold primarily through wholesalers.

iDEAL is best known for Dublin Twist and Dublin Heathers which has been selling in volume for many years and AW is working on a range of new colours for these ranges later in the year.

New for Flanders are a new middle market collection in two weights, York and Highgrove which will be rolling out in 4 and 5m with FusionBac with 12 colours in each.

Bettering the best sellers

Associated Weavers can be relied upon to develop a class-leading go-to product range in each of the key categories of man-made carpet and the Flanders event gave them a perfect platform to show this strategy in all its glory.

Weighing in at the top end of the PP market is AW’s Invictus best-seller Magnificus, a luxurious 65oz tenth gauge which has exceeded expectations since its launch in 2017.

This is a top quality yarn packed tightly to give robust performance and for 2024 AW have updated the colourbank. Look out for two new stunning options which are a sumptuous bright white and a lovely warm latte.

“This is just such a superb carpet which is increasingly finding itself in use all around the house – the yarn performance is too good just to be confined to upstairs,” says MD Gavin Pugh (pictured right).

Magnificus

This colour makeover has also been applied to the lighter weight Centurion version and both ranges are presented in store with large size sampling that gives customers a real feel for the carpet, enhanced by the soft touch FusionBac backing.

On the subject of going better on the best-sellers, the highly popular StainAway Tweed is also enjoying enhancement for 2024 with four new colours in the 12-option collection reflecting the trend towards warmer, richer colours – look out for the new Rocket, Earth, Amber and Scarlet options. And, in addition to ActionBac, StainAway Tweed is now available with AW’s FusionBac.

And finally, look out for the new design in Island Weave, AW's popular PP loop roll range. An on-trend Herringbone design has been added to the existing bouclé loop designs of Skye and Arran – all available in eight natural colours.

T 01422 431100

www.associated-weavers.co.uk

FLANDERSREVIEW

GAIA goes for glory

2024 is going to be a big year for GAIA, AW’s flagship polyester collection, which the company will be strongly promoting follow the impressive success of its launch in the UK market.

“GAIA is going from strength to strength as the carpet that consumers really react to with a superb feel and the stunning performance of a top quality polyester,” says Gavin Pugh.

The newest launch in the range is Sarno which is beautifully tailored for UK tastes as a pronounced structured carpet with natural loops and it is available in eight colours.

Meanwhile, two other GAIA ranges which were previewed last year are now in distribution to retailers – a tight top quality twist Rio Grande and a deep, luxurious saxony Orinoco. These are tenth-gauge and made with AW’s pioneering – which offers a bright, pin-prick finish so there’s a super colour set of 12 options in each.

Step change in service

Associated Weavers has matched their exemplary product development and marketing with a laser focus on getting their service and logistics up to speed.

There has been a step change in service centred on AW’s new warehouse in Northampton which allows a significantly faster cut-length service which promises delivery within 3 to 5 days – even faster to some locations.

And alongside this physical infrastructure is the arrival of AW’s new customer portal – a state of the art platform to allow 24/7 ordering, stock checking and delivery tracking for retailers, across the full range of AW products.

GAIA on display

Sarno

AW's ReVerse yarn

Rio Grande

Environmentally exclusive

Condor Group are asserting their leading position in the European carpet manufacturing hierarchy as they acquire and develop an impressive range of brands to add even more depth to the breadth of their portfolio.

A sensation of 2023 was the announcement of Condor’s exclusive partnership with one of the world’s most innovative enterprises against marine pollution, Swiss-based Tide Ocean SA, or #tide.

#tide works with local fishing communities in South East Asia and Mexico to pay fair wages for beach clean-ups, scavenging plastics that can be used in recyclable mono-polymer carpet manufacture.

Now the concept has been turned into reality with a showcase in Flanders of four new products from Condor Carpets made with 25% #tide yarn plus another four under the Intercarpet brand, two in VEBE matting and a new quality for Edel Carpets.

In the Condor ranges, the company showed that the fibre delivers beauty and versatility as well as responsibility with Gallia, a deep twist pile; Belugia, a lustrous velvet; Dorian, a diagonal loop design; and Dorian Tweed, a 2-colour linear loop.

EcoClean is a major new promotion for Condor, a solution-dyed PET yarn which is 100% recycled and treated with a special primary coating that ensures stains do not stick – in most cases a damp cloth will do for cleaning..

The collection has launched with five smart cut pile qualities including two saxonies. “We have worked hard to develop a softer, more lustrous yarn from recycled PET and we have got a great result,” says Condor’s Kim Koning (pictured above). “We are hoping this will be a very popular range.”

Edel Carpets became part of Condor in 2018 and the luxury brand has embraced the group’s ALLOA concept – It stands for ALL Over Again –using 100% recycled PET or PA in a mono-polymer construction, avoiding the use of chemical latex, so that the carpet can be recycled itself.

Four superb qualities are now available under Edel’s ALLOA brand –Eternity, a luxurious twist; the saxony Shift and its heavier weight partner, Chrysalis; and Nexus, a sumptuous shaggy.

Intercarpet became part of Condor in 2023, giving the group wider opportunities to expand its activities in woven carpets, primarily for the own label market. A new range of on-trend, wool-like loop qualities were on show in Flanders and received to great acclaim, especially for the fashionable chevron options including a contrast colour range called Rayan. And better still, all four are fully recyclable (ALLOA) and largely made of rPET, 25% of which contains #tide Ocean-bound plastic waste.

worries

Cake or red wine on your carpet? A nightmare? Not anymore.

Our new EcoClean collection gives households one less worry. The EcoClean yarn is manufactured to the highest specifications and includes a special primary coating that stains do not stick permanently. The excellent stain repellent properties of the

A nasty stain? In most cases, a damp cloth will do. Of course, a textile cleaner will further cleaning. The carpet is resistant to the most agressive cleaning methods, including But most importantly; no matter how you handle it, the stain will vanish.

VEBE are synonymous with high quality entrance matting and their latest qualities in the commercial dirt-scraping sector use the #tide monofilament yarns while on the domestic side, newcomers include highly absorbent PVC-backed Belugia mats and the entry-level vinyl-backed Jasmine mat for retailers, a major upgrade from the established Star quality.

The carpet is made from 100% certifed recycled PET yarn. C) will not stick to the Solution Dyed yarn.

Looking for independent proof or more information?

Just scan the QR-code:

VEBE has also re-launched their Essentials needlefelt range with new colours for the UK market and a fire certificate rating that underlines its safety credentials.

The grass isn’t greener!

Condor Grass staged a world premier at the Flanders event with their exclusive Colour Shift collection – an artificial lawn product that changes its colour according the to the ambient temperature.

Why? So that its beautifully lush green look in the spring and Summer can be toned down in the winter to a more authentic seasonal shade! Grass competition is heating up!

EcoClean with Kim Koning

#Tide initiative

High performance with catwalk colours

Lano reckons that Smartstrand is the carpet that retailers buy for themselves – and recommend without hesitation to their customers.

“Once people have had this fibre in their homes they always seem to come back for it again and again,” says Gary Alp of Lano. “I have it throughout my home, of course, but talking to retailers I’ve realised how many of them do too!”

SmartStrand Forever Clean is established as a uniquely high performance, cleanable product – “the world’s most forgiving carpet” – with impeccable eco credentials. It’s made out of a uniquely sustainable bio-based fibre which is 37% natural starch.

Now Lano has re-vamped the collection with “catwalk colours” with some ranges having as many as 23 options with warm naturals, greens, blue, terracotta and pink taking the lead.

New shades also come through in the enhanced Living Colours collection and look out for new Lagoon where a clever tonal effect is created by two different yarns using the same dye in a bright cut-pile and with a lustrous loop option.

Other new launches included semi-contract Pilotis to join Lano’s flagship Zen collection, an interesting tip-sheared Miri with an architecturally inspired black effect yarn strand and Lotus (pictured right), a sustainable option.

T 00800 5266 5266 www.lano.com

Look out for Lamett

Look out for Lamett. You may not have heard too much about them until now but the company has great ambitions for the UK market and the product range to make it happen.

In fact, Flanders-based Lamett has been big in parquet wood floors and engineered wood for nearly 20 years but only in 2018 did they venture into vinyl and have done so in some style with their Parquetvinyl range.

Lamett’s impressive new showrooms near Kortrijk provide a stunning setting to showcase the wide range of designs, some 70 SKUs in click Parquetvinyl and the best-sellers of these are held in stock at the company’s UK warehousing facilities in Redditch. A dryback range has also been announced for launch in October.

For one of this sector’s most distinctive premium products, look at Lamett’s Wood & Stone collection. The “Wood” is a real 1mm wood veneer for 100% unique authenticity while the “stone” is an SPC core providing a rigid plank with the easy fitting of click.

And finally, a quiet mention for Nakuru – an innovative acoustic SPC product that reckons to be the quietest floor on the market. Each of its seven layers are tuned to absorb different sound frequencies and an integrated underlay completes the effect.

Nele Van Cauwenberghe (left) with Pieter-Jan Dendooven

Gary Alp with Heidi Debakker with colourful new SmartStrand

FLANDERSREVIEW

Get down on downtime

Fitters who find out about Jumpax never look back. This free-floating sub-floor system allows same day installations and solves lots of preparation problems.

The two self-adhesive MDF components of Jumpax from Unifloor are quick and easy to lay, instantly smoothing over typical irregularities and eliminating the need for screeds, primers, ply boards and nails. It is not necessary to remove old floor coverings, loosening screeds or surface contamination.

“Once fitters try this approach, they become instant supporters of the system to save them time and effort,” says Marcel Mol of Unifloor. “Being able to complete a project in one day with a stable, reliable installation is a real win.”

Unifloor also offers a range of solutions to offer the same performance over underfloor heating including their popular Heat-Pak products and a range of foils and ultra-thin PE foam underlays. These can be used in combination with various installation techniques but for waterbased underfloor heating systems wet systems, a clever combination of MDF and gypsum create a highly stable floor with a very low tog rating.

T 07881 451682

www.unifloor-underlay.com

Moduleo gets in the Moods

Moduleo gave an exclusive glimpse of the new-look Moods collection as it welcomed international visitors throughout Flanders Flooring Days.

Alongside the multi-shape floor that lets homeowners create unique flooring patterns, Moduleo also showed the Roots luxury vinyl collection and its versatile LayRed engineered vinyl flooring.

Comprising six distinct themes and a choice of 130 different SKUs to appeal to a broad variety of tastes, Roots offers floors designed for self-expression that are appealing, aspirational and in tune with nature.

LayRed is Moduleo’s engineered vinyl with integrated underlay and click installation. Easy to lay over existing uneven floors, with its strong core and integrated red underlay, LayRed is the ideal floor solution for any renovation project. Alongside, Moduleo showed new premium accessories for LayRed, with matching scotia, 3-in-1 profiles and skirtings to create a waterproof floor.

Moduleo also told of its progress in sustainability as part of Unilin’s One Home strategy. Under three pillars of ‘Made in Belgium. Powered by Nature’, ‘Built to Last’ and ‘Recycling on Repeat’, Moduleo revealed the strides it is making to become a more sustainable business.

Matthew Brook, National Sales Manager, said: “Flanders Flooring Days has fast become a key event for the flooring industry, and it was great to welcome visitors from the UK to our headquarters in Wielsbeke. Home to Moduleo and the Quick-Step brand, the showroom’s an impressive space and gave customers a chance to see how our design-focused luxury vinyl floors create unique opportunities for homeowners.

“With a glimpse of the forthcoming Moods update, as well as our Roots and LayRed floors, plus insight into our journey as a more sustainable business, Flanders Flooring Days was on overwhelming success and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors from the UK next time round,” he added.

T 01332 851 500 • www.moduleo.co.uk

Marcel Mol of Unifloor

Marketing insights

by Rita Bancroft

Rita is Director of Bancmarketing Ltd and has over 30 years of marketing experience with a proven track record in both business to business and business to consumer multi-channel marketing.

Transforming spaces from the ground up

Flooring has the power to transform the ambience of our homes. As a nation we are obsessed with home décor and our floors can literally transform spaces from the ground up with their unique blend of artistry and functionality.

We discovered that sources of design inspiration are as diverse as the designs themselves. Whether it’s our cultural heritage, our love of nature’s endless array of colors and textures, the latest fashion trend, or a collaboration sparked by like-minded people. For this feature, we caught up with two brands who are known for pushing the boundaries when it comes to design innovation and an archive studio known for their heritage prints.

When you offer so many different styles and colours of carpets, finding inspiration for the next range can be challenging. But for Clare Jenkinson and Calvin Pope – the Residential Designers at Ulster Carpets –inspiration can come from anywhere.

The pair are both talented artists and use sketches, paintings and mood boards as a starting point for different ideas. They combine this with research into different trends before the new design or colours start to take shape.

“The pair are both talented artists and use sketches, paintings and mood boards as a starting point for different ideas. They combine this with research into different trends before the new design or colours start to take shape.”

You will be able to see their artistic influence in the new additions to the Habitus Croft and Strond designs which will be launched later this year. The Danish inspired Tufted Loop range is influenced by the quiet, understated aesthetic found in Scandinavian design and the latest shades reflect the current shift towards warmer tones.

Their influences are also found on the recent twist to the classic Plaid designs of Glenmoy and Beaumont; the sun, sea and surf inspiration of Open Spaces Laneve Raglan and Napier designs; and the warmer neutrals and earth tones added to the York Wilton range last year.

Organic beauty meets innovative design in the latest designs to join Karndean Designflooring’s premium Art Select range. This fresh interpretation of some of the world’s rarest and most precious materials are ideal for home decorators looking for timeless elegance with an unexpected touch of drama.

Inspired by exclusive woods and stones, such as marble from Italy’s Apuan Alps, English ash from the Kent Downs and Holm oak from the Basque region of Spain, each new design reproduces the iconic character of the natural material in a versatile format designed for modern homes.

Fleur Carson, Managing Director at Karndean Designflooring, said, “Our new Art Select collection began with a story. A meeting with breathtaking natural landscapes and some of the most famous personalities in history. Inspired by unique samples, our designers have painstakingly reproduced each material’s exquisite character before adding our unique embossed surface and bevel detailing.

“Take our Persian onyx designs as an example. Said to have been worn by Cleopatra to protect her from negative energy and danger, onyx is an ethereal and romantic stone unsuitable for flooring in its natural state. But we pushed boundaries to recreate the pearlescent magic of this semi-precious stone in three luxurious designs that combine its delicate translucence with outstanding durability.”

“Inspired by exclusive woods and stones, such as marble from Italy’s Apuan Alps, English ash from the Kent Downs and Holm oak from the Basque region of Spain, each new design reproduces the iconic character of the natural material in a versatile format designed for modern homes.”

Continued on page 42...

Watercolours Mineral Alchemy showcases the artistic talents of Ulster Carpets’ Designers Calvin Pope and Clare Jenkinson.

Karndean Designflooring, Rose Onyx from the new Art Select collection.

The world’s first waterproof wood floors

There’s no need to worry about water.

Thanks to a waterproof surface, Cala, Cascada and Amato wood floors can be installed in any room, including kitchens, bathrooms and hallways.

Speak to your sales representative to find out more.

quick-step.co.uk

AMT6029

With all the practical benefits of Karndean flooring, from comfort underfoot and a waterproof hard-wearing surface that’s easy to keep hygienically clean, the updated Art Select collection presents 20 brand new wood and 19 stone designs in a range of contemporary colourways and sizes, including a new slimline plank and a large herringbone size.

Marketing insights

...continued from page 40.

Patterns and colour really do have the power to evoke emotions. Whether it’s a subtle texture inspired by nature, or a classic heritage print that takes back in time.

Inspiration by Tarkett is a new collection from an international leader in high definition, ultra authentic vinyl flooring.

“Inspiration is literally in our name, so it is easy to explain what inspires us,” says Tarkett’s Steve Urwin. “Our Inspiration Naturals LVT product is still the only one to have fully digital credentials and this gives us a huge amount of flexibility in design and production.

“We’re inspired by the natural materials the whole industry strives to replicate. Still mostly wood & stone materials of course, but our digital capabilities allow us to think differently about what we can take from nature and how we can more accurately render it into finished products which will delight retail and end user customers alike,” he said.

“we can more accurately render it into finished products which will delight retail and end user customers alike,”

The additional authenticity that Tarkett’s unique process delivers, gives their designers free rein to explore new ideas in terms of pattern detail and colour movement. With a 12 square metre pattern repeat, they are working with much bigger canvas for the artwork – four times the size of the traditional or ‘analogue’ process.

“Mostly we’re inspired by pragmatism, by our customers, by listening to what works for people and designing this feedback into our collection,” adds Steve. “This is how we come up with the ideas which others do not. Like our Design Studio offer and our Fast-Fit Herringbone solution.

We caught up with Print Pattern Archive, a leading global design studio with an antique textile and wallpaper archive of over 50,000 antique documents for inspiration. Founder and Co-Director Cheryl O’Meara has an unrivalled eye for heritage design with a contemporary twist. The studio are experts in creating a contemporary heritage vibe, or ‘hipstorical’ aesthetic as they called it. Cheryl’s unique and exquisite private antique textile and wallpaper collection has been sought after by industry titans Alexander McQueen and Soho House as well as a list of global fashion and home brands. She said: “In the world of interior design, pattern, colour and heritage are the heartbeats of transformation, breathing life and narrative into space.”

“In the world of interior design, pattern, colour and heritage are the heartbeats of transformation, breathing life and narrative into space”

Co-Director Kerri Rigby has a unique blend of fashion acumen and archive heritage which brings a fresh perspective seamlessly merging her expertise with Cheryl’s to unite beautiful heritage with contemporary design. Whether clients want hand painting or amalgamating gen AI, nothing is off the table. Together, they form a dynamic duo dedicated to preserving and reimagining timeless prints and patterns.

For more information contact:

Karndean Designflooring • 01386 820100 • www.karndean.com

Print Pattern Archive • 07789 164905 • www.printpatternarchive.com

Tarkett • 0800 328 2115 • www.InspirationByTarkett.co.uk

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

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

Karndean Designflooring, Pearl Onyx from the new Art Select collection.

Parisian Weave Antique Brown from Inspiration Naturals by Tarkett.

Print Pattern Archive, co-director’s Cheryl O’Meara and Kerri Rigby (left).

Joining the NICF has worked really well for my business and me. Customers can find me listed on the NICF website where they can read the reviews of my work, giving peace of mind that the job will be carried out to the highest standard. Getting a big discount on FITA courses helped me improve my skills too.”

FLOORING TRADE

Membership gives clients assurance of quality workmanship

Use of NICF logo — promote yourself as a quality installer

FREE NICF website listing — helps to gain work opportunities

FREE Technical Advice and Business Support Helplines

15% OFF FITA* Standard Training Courses/Workshops: Improve your existing skills, learn to fit new flooring types, learn new fitting techniques and reduce the number of complaints

Discounts on tools and workwear

FREE use of the NICF Guide to Domestic Flooring

FREE annual magazine subscription to The Stocklists and CFJ

nicfltd.org.uk

Tel: 0115 958 3077 E: info@nicfltd.org.uk

TRAINING COURSES — 1 TO 4 DAYS

Carpet Fitting — Basic

Carpet Fitting — Intermediate

PROFESSIONAL FLOORING TRAINING

FITA provides short training courses, workshops and assessments for both commercial and domestic markets. Both our fully equipped training centres at Loughborough and Kirkcaldy are run by seasoned professional instructors with specialist knowledge of the flooring industry.

Carpet

Carpet Fitting — Advanced

NEW! Carpet — Borders

NEW! Natural Floorcoverings

Sheet Vinyl Installation — Commercial — Basic/Intermediate

Sheet Vinyl Installation — Commercial — Advanced

Sheet Vinyl Installation — Domestic

Sheet Vinyl — Wetrooms Installation — Advanced

Linoleum Installation — Basic

Linoleum

Resilient

Wood

Subfloors

Supplementary

Linoleum Installation — Intermediate

Resilient/LVT Fitting — Basic

Resilient/LVT Fitting — Intermediate

Resilient/LVT Fitting — Advanced

Laminate and Floating Wood Fitting — Basic

Wood Fitting — Intermediate

Wood Fitting — Advanced

Wood Sanding and Finishing

Subfloor Preparation — Commercial

Subfloor Preparation — Domestic

Cost-Effective Estimating and Planning — Commercial

Profitable Measuring and Quoting — Domestic

Moisture — Preventing Floor Failures

NICF Fitter Rob Fitzgerald

We’ve selected some of the very best photos from our editorial pages over the last year which demonstrate that style, quality and creativity is alive and well in the smooth flooring industry.

Karndean Designflooring • Salon Oak

Karndean Designflooring is expanding its premium Art Select range and raising the bar for sumptuous interiors with the launch of an extensive collection of beautiful wood and stone designs. Salon Oak features muted brown tones with darker knot detailing, highlighting the unique character of oak. The warm mid-toned colouring and handscraped emboss

Tarkett • Metro Farringdon French Grey, Farringdon French Grey, named for the location of Tarkett’s London showroom, & the epitome of retro, metro-chic.

STS Flooring • Elegance Royale Collection, Cromwell Oak Beautifully subdued with natural brown hues, skillfully created using a new super matt technology that makes the floor visually closer to natural wood, unlike

Furlong Flooring • Endura: Next-Gen Rigid Vinyl Technology Furlong Flooring’s next-generation rigid vinyl flooring, Endura,

joint. This

www.bramptonchase.co.uk

Brampton Chase • Studio Designs, European Oak Discover Ivory White in herringbone and large planks – surpassing the average, giving a contemporary edge to your room with a subtle bevelled edge and impressive finish. The Studio Designs range ensures a modern yet classical aesthetic that gives residential space a clean but cosy feel. Available in 14 colours in herringbone and large plank as well as 6 colours in the popular click range from Brampton Chase. T 01604 6648551 •

FLOORING FOCUS

When do you need a temperature tolerant adhesive?

Temperature tolerant adhesives have been developed for installing resilient floorcoverings, such as LVTs, in areas where temperatures have the potential to fluctuate. F. Ball technical service officer, Andy Mees, advises on when and why you need to use a temperature tolerant adhesive and how to select the right one.

Extreme temperatures or temperature fluctuations can cause floorcoverings to expand and contract significantly. This is frequently the case in heavily glazed areas that are subject to solar gain during the day, such as conservatories, which then rapidly cool at night. Over time, this can lead to unsightly tenting and gapping at the edges of floorcoverings, particularly between adjacent vinyl tiles or planks. Once fully cured, temperature tolerant adhesives hold floorcoverings firmly in place, restricting these movements and ensuring that flooring installations maintain their aesthetic appearance for years to come.

The availability of temperature tolerant adhesives raises questions about exactly where they need to be used. There is sometimes confusion about why a temperature tolerant adhesive is required to install LVTs in conservatories but not over underfloor heating. F. Ball’s Technical Service Department answers calls from installers who believe it is necessary to use a temperature tolerant adhesive to install floorcoverings where underfloor heating is present when, in fact, it is not always required.

This is because temperature fluctuations as a result of underfloor heating systems are much more gradual and less extreme than changes in temperature resulting from solar gain, which can be result in swings of 60°C. To meet British Standard guidelines of resilient and textile floor coverings, underfloor heating systems should not exceed 27°C at the bond line. Temperature tolerant adhesives are therefore only always necessary where there are heavily glazed areas, including conservatories and areas with floor-to-ceiling window, such as extensions fitted with bi-fold doors. F. Ball’s full range of adhesives can be used over all kinds of underfloor heating.

Where a temperature tolerant adhesive is required, there are a number of options.

Wet-lay temperature tolerant adhesives are available for contractors who are installing vinyl floorcoverings in areas that will be exposed to high temperatures and are available with a range of additional properties.

F. Ball’s Styccobond F48 PLUS, for example, is a fibre-reinforced, high temperature grade adhesive for installing a range of vinyl floorcoverings. Fibres in Styccobond F48 PLUS allow it to offer high initial grab to hold floorcoverings securely in place while contractors are working. It is also fast drying, and as a one-part solution, there’s no mixing required before application.

When installing vinyl tiles and planks, it is useful to have the benefits of pressure sensitive adhesives, which form an instant grab upon contact, ideal for installing floorcoverings featuring intricate patterns and bespoke designs that need precise alignment. They also offer a long open time, reducing the risk of late placement.

F. Ball’s Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS is a water-based vinyl adhesive with the familiar characteristics of a pressure sensitive adhesive, which develops the extremely high bond strength and dimensional stability required to hold vinyl floorcoverings firmly in place in areas exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations (from -20°C to +60°C). Whilst providing high initial tack, the adhesive allows contractors to lift and reposition floorcoverings in the initial stages of drying.

Styccobond F49 has also been approved for installing vertical flooring accessories, such as PVC skirting, capping and coving, meaning it offers an alternative to traditional contact adhesives. However, unlike contact adhesives, the hybrid adhesive only needs to be applied to one surface. Styccobond F49 is also water resistant, allowing it to be used to install floorcoverings in damp and humid environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Flooring contractors should always check that an adhesive is suitable for use with a particular floorcovering. For these purposes F. Ball produces its industry-leading Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG). The 2024 edition of the guide lists adhesives recommended for use with over 6,000 floorcoverings, produced by over 200 manufacturers. A continually updated version can be found on F. Ball’s website and as a free app. It is also available as an A5 printed booklet. Alternatively, F. Ball’s technical service department are on hand Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm, to answer your questions about F. Ball products and how to use them.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

F. Ball – Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS is a water-based vinyl adhesive.

Where and why?

Floorcovering compatibility

Hybrid adhesives

Wet-lay adhesives

One giant leap for underlay

Has Tredaire touched down in

It’s the biggest leap forward in underlay for light years.

With a bold mission to put the Tredaire name at the forefront of customers’ minds, our pioneering new campaign will brings the UK’s favourite underlay brand to new audiences yet to discover the incredible feeling of Tredaire’s product range.

National TV and radio campaign

A dynamic trio of TV, radio and digital advertising to educate consumers about the inimitable feeling of Tredaire underlay.

Groundbreaking retailer support Propelling POS into a new dimension with brand new sample range designs, display units, banners, floor mats, window stickers and much more!

Feels like nothing on earth.

Don’t miss out Contact your Territory Manager for more information and your mission pack.

Moving foward with a new show format

The INDX show enjoyed a successful debut in Solihull last month, taking over from the BGNFS event and extending the format to be open to non-buying group members and adding many new exhibitors.

“It was a buoyant show with interesting and engaging conversations, said Ranjit Aujla of Footfall UK. Stephen Kaye of Associated Weavers agreed: “It was a very good show, going in the right direction.”

In partnership with flooring buying groups including ACG, AIS Flooring One, Bond Retail Marketing, Carpet 1st, Greendale, and SMG, this flagship flooring event sets the agenda for the buying season in Q3-4 and brought together the best of European suppliers under one roof.

This is Part 2 of our detailed review of launches and innovations at the event – see our June issue for more coverage (it’s online at www.thestocklists.com/back_issues)

And save the date for next year – the INDX show takes place on May 13–14, 2025.

www.indxshows.co.uk

The reference for rugs Louis de Poortere

With The Monochromes art rugs, Richelieu Classic runners custom programme and Ecorugs, Louis De Poortere showed just why it is regarded as the reference in machine woven carpets and rugs.

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

The Monochromes rug series is the result of a textile research project by Stockholm-based art and design studio, Folkform, who became fascinated with Wilton weaving and believed the pure form of this technique held unique aesthetic potential.

The Monochromes reverses the face of the rug, so that the jute backing takes front and centre, the textile’s Wilton structure highlighted by brightly coloured wool wefts. The collection comes in a range of 13 colours.

Visitors also saw customisable Richelieu Classic runners which lets anyone create their own bespoke runner by choosing a bordered design in any two colours from 144 options. www.louisdepoortere.com

Stainfree Country style Abingdon Flooring

Abingdon released colour updates at INDX for Stainfree Maximus and Stainfree Ultra, which now have palettes of the best-selling colours alongside new trend-based tones.

But it was the launch of the new Stainfree Country Collection that really stole the show.

Charlotte Coop, head of marketing, Abingdon Flooring: “Our new Country Collection is a really exciting development in the Stainfree family, and we were delighted about its reception from retailers at the INDX show. The rustic style of the carpet is unmistakably country and brings yet another trending look to Stainfree.”

Country is available in three coordinated designs – weave, herringbone and linear textures – each using a de-lustred yarn with a berber fleck in a palette of six colours across trending grey and beige tones. This yarn brings the look of wool but offers the practical benefits of Stainfree carpets. Cost-effective, stain-resistant and easy to clean, Stainfree Country is a great choice for homes where a natural wool carpet might be a little difficult to look after.

a 10-year wear warranty and lifetime Stainfree promise, Country is available in widths of 2.5m, 4m, and 5m with

backing, enhancing underfoot comfort, warmth, and sound reduction, as well as easing handling and installation.

A glorious gallery of choice Hugh Mackay

Hugh Mackay keeps enhancing its reputation for developing “proper” carpet that’s distinctive, different and desirable and its stand in Solihull is more of a gallery than merely a display.

On show for INDX was a newly launched wool loop collection with two ranges sharing the same palette of ten colours but presenting distinct design themes.

Natural Living is a smart Chelsea loop which matches up four stripes to ten plains while Natural Dwelling adds more texture in a high/low level across the ten plain shades.

The Deco Collection, the designer hit first previewed at Harrogate was also centre stage and the company is delighted with the reaction to this eye-catching range which offers lots of options – 43 SKUs to be precise – which can all work together. There are seven designs comprising three flatweaves and four loops with smart plains in some bold colours plus pinstripes and candy stripes. And for those people who like pattern with unlimited choice, Hugh Mackay were proudly displaying their Axminster Infinity collection. For a minimum of 20m Mackay offer a bespoke design service. The customer can select from six stock colour palettes to design their own bespoke carpet masterpiece making a personalised solution more accessible than ever before.

Customers are able to work with one of the Hugh Mackay design team, calling on the company’s awesome archive of thousands of classic and contemporary axminster designs, to create a shortlist of candidates to select from. Once the choice is made, The production takes approximately eight weeks.

The company’s popular Q by Hugh brand of man-made carpets is not forgotten either with the launch of Highgate in tenth-gauge PP – a rich feeling, high density finish in ten colours. T 01429 892555 • www.hughmackay.co.uk

Ranges for changing rooms

Hugh Mackay has unveiled a new association with iconic interior designer and Changing Rooms television personality Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

Llewelyn-Bowen is reknown for refining interior design and his initial collection of axminsters for Hugh Mackay will reflect his trademark style of a “useful” range – focussing on functional quality and practicality – and a “beautiful” range –where the designer goes bright and bold. Look out for more on this later in the year.

Natural Living

The Deco Collection

Ca-rPET, the sisal look-alike floorcovering Alternative Flooring

The sisal look is super popular right now and Alternative Flooring is a market-leader in the sector with specialist portfolios in plant fibre products.

But trust Alternative to come up with an alternative to sisal –and one that comes with many benefits, given that natural sisal is not suitable for wet environments.

The cleverly named, Anywhere Ca-rPET is made from recycled PET yarn – 50 PET bottles make each square metre. But while it looks like sisal and is durable and hardwearing, it has the handle of a soft, textured wool product.

Ca-rPET is easily cleaned and can be fitted anywhere, including kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors.

Leading with 50+ new collections Asiatic London

Asiatic London excels at providing one of the widest collections of exceptional rug designs in the UK and Europe, and their dedication to quality, service and craftsmanship propels them forward, travelling far and wide to source the latest innovations and finest materials.

When it comes to style, comfort and functionality, their latest catalogues tick every box. The 2024 Contemporary Home Collection features modern iconic looks that have left a distinct ark in the world of interior design, while fashion led designs crafted with high performance in mind take centre stage in the 2024 Essential Home Collection.

At the heart of their brand are the highly sought after Matrix and Reef collections, predominantly crafted from pure wool in designs that reinforce their mastery of turning design into art. The latest ranges from these collections were on display in Solihull, showcasing new organic shapes and hand-carved artistry in various colour combinations.

One of the noteworthy highlights at their stand was the Romy collection. This remarkable collection is their first hand-tufted range made from eco-friendly recycled materials and is available in a breadth of colour options across seven core designs and three standard sizes.

T 020 8800 2000 • www.asiatic.co.uk

“This is a sisal look alike style that is very acceptable to a wide range of customers and installation scenarios,” says Alternative’s Richard Hackett. “We’ve reproduced the best-selling colours in natural sisal and made a product that is so versatile and right on-trend.”

Anywhere Ca-rPET comes in the form of three designs in four colours and is available in 4 and 5 metre widths, giving you options for broadloom, rugs and runners both inside and outside the home.

T 01264 335111 • www.alternativeflooring.com

Serial problem solving MasterPiece

Flooring measuring and estimating software specialists MasterPiece just can’t stop themselves creating game changing tools for the retailer.

A latest innovation for this market-leading platform allows an experienced or novice sales person to ballpark estimate a job at first contact with a potential customer, within a minute of saying hello, either over phone or when customer visits store..

The Floorplan Import function allows you to grab the published floorplan from an agent’s website or developer’s plan and trace over it within MasterPiece for a rapid estimate, which is typically within £50 of a finalised quote from a check measure.

This new feature joins recent innovations which include a Split Fits facility where the user selects requirements and thence is given separate ‘Info for fitter’ for each Part Fit.

Also a measure and fitting Scheduling Diary automatically estimates event duration and takes account of fitter skills. The fitter sees their tasking on their mobile and captures the customer’s signature and photos, and designates non-available times.

T 01737 355831 • www.masterpiece-system.com

Keeping a big promise Telenzo Carpets

Telenzo Carpets unveiled their new Telenzo Promise, rooted in innovation, quality craftsmanship, and exceptional service.

The Promise covers:

1. Moth Protection: the ranges are meticulously crafted with moth protection, ensuring longevity and durability, even in challenging environments.

2. 5-Year Warranty: Every Telenzo carpet comes with a comprehensive 5-year warranty, providing customers with peace of mind and assurance.

3. Easy Maintenance: Designed for convenience and effortlessly cleaned using an upright vacuum, simplifying maintenance.

4. Wool Owners Warranty: Guarantees quality and performance.

5. Stain Protection Option: Customers can choose stain protection for added convenience so that their carpet remains pristine and beautiful.

“We are excited to introduce the Telenzo Carpet Promise to our valued customers,” said Keith Morgan, National Sales Manager. “This promise underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional products and services. With the Telenzo Carpet Promise, customers can trust that they are investing in quality, durability, and innovation.”

T 01827 831497 • www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk

National Sales Manager, Keith Morgan

BEST room gets ready to roll across the UK Carpet Line

Stand by for a major new name in national flooring distribution – BEST room is going big across the UK with 26 competitive flooring ranges and advanced logistics to deliver next day to the trade.

BEST room was revealed at INDX and will launch in September, taking the popular regional distributor Carpet Line Direct from North East to national.

“We will hit the ground running with a fresh new appeal to the national flooring trade,” says field sales manager Gavin Conner.

Best room builds on Carpet Line’s reputation as an efficient wholesaler with exclusive products and will use the major Alliance distribution operation with three hubs across the UK for its logistics, offering next-day delivery.

A dedicated team of ten sales managers and a 24/7 ordering and tracking portal will ensure exemplary service.

At launch there will be 16 ranges of carpets and 10 vinyls under the ‘Best room’ brand covering a spread of key price points and a portfolio of LVT, engineering woods and laminates will be added to the collection.

And this portfolio is presented on a range of stylish and modern unitary which looks good in any retail setting.

Best room is committed to supporting independent retailers – dealing solely with flooring industry accounts, through distribution channels and not using trade counters.

Carpet Line Direct will continue as a regional distributor in the North East of England.

T 01429 892500 • www.best-room.co.uk — see also page 9

The circle shows the associate members (typically carpet manufacturers and retailers), cleaning product testing services and certification marks, training and education (through the WoolSafe Academy and The International Textile Flooring Academy) and Approved Service Providers.

The organisation is currently developing its new Colour Restorer network within this approach – adding experts and promoting courses in this specialist area where advanced stain removal may also require the original carpet colour to be restored.

The expertise extends beyond wool into nylon, viscose and now sisal – a key growth area in an increasingly popular fibre where restoration can be a major issue following simple water damage and staining.

WoolSafe will also be adding a network of Approved Rug Repairers to its virtuous circle this year.

T 01943 850817 • www.woolsafe.org

Ultimate care for carpets Woolsafe

The WoolSafe Virtuous Circle benefits all flooring industry stakeholders from those in the carpet supply chain, to those responsible for the care and maintenance of carpets.

WoolSafe’s Steve Bakker

Gavin Connor

WoolSafe Virtuous Circle

Back to the future Causeway Carpets

Causeway Carpets is a new name in the market for many and is building a strong presence among selected retailers for the care and consideration that goes into the manufacturing of a distinctive range of predominantly wool loops.

In fact, Causeway established its reputation back in the 80s but its welcome return to the UK market in 2018 follows the brand’s acquisition by the Lusotufo Group of Companies based in Portugal.

“We’re passionate about wool and recognise the appetite for carefully crafted natural designs,” says commercial director Graham Harris. “Wool loop alongside LVT and smooth flooring is a great design trend and we offer a really strong mix of textures and styles with great value in the middle/upper market.”

Causeway has its UK warehouse in Kidderminster and offices in Durham and is looking to develop its portfolio into flatweave and more twist options in the near future.

T 01388 737622

www.causewaycarpets.com

The undoubted star product of the two stands was the planned relaunch of the Floors by Lewis Abbot Herringbone Flatweave with an additional five contrasted colours ideal for creating statement staircases and rooms. Manufactured in a 90/10 PP/Wool mix it represents a very practical and hard wearing product.

Delta Carpets featured Secret Shores a mid-range Polypropylene twist with an emphasis on colour so much so that there was no grey to be seen.

H & V featured a new product, Homestead in three pile weights and ten colours available on its own lectern.

A & A featured a compelling range of carpet and laminate on branded POS for retail partners.

T 0121 817 2222 • www.likewiseplc.com

Diversity in depth Likewise

Likewise showed the depth of their offering to the retail trade bringing Likewise Floors, Likewise Matting, Coretec, Floors by Lewis Abbott, A & A, Delta and H & V Carpets to the show.

New point of sale was shown in Coretec, Floors by Lewis Abbott LVT and Likewise Floors Simply Stunning Vinyl stands.

Likewise Floors offers an unrivalled collection of artificial grass and this featured prominently on it’s own POS.

Graham Harris of Causeway

Unveiling a new era in the UK Balta Carpets

The INDX event was the opportunity to unveil all the hard work that has been going on behind the scenes at Balta now that the business is based in the UK.

The new Balta retail offer was on show with sharp new styling and a versatile portfolio of point-of-sale that’s set to make a real statement in store as this brand grows its presence and appeal across the country.

Take a closer look at LVT Tarkett

If you think all LVT looks the same, look more closely –much more closely. Tarkett’s doesn’t.

Tarkett is the only European manufacturer right now with ultra-high definition digital printing technology for gluedown LVT, and that brings a lot of visible benefits.

“This kind of definition means ultra-realism but it also means more variation across the floor,” says Tarkett’s Steve Urwin (pictured below). “The digital process means we can create more unique features in the design with significantly less pattern repeat than standard product techniques.”

“We have spent time developing a suite of marketing items that can fit into any size retail space. Our new compact lecterns can work on their own, side by side or back-to-back offering versatility and practicality,” says Win Verest, Sales Director.

“For those commanding a larger presence in store, our lecterns can be dressed by our ‘halo unit’ which is a bespoke, illuminated stand to showcase five ranges brought to life with beautiful graphics,” he added.

To help the retail experience, Balta’s product ranges have been categorised into three; Finishing Touch (polypropylene), Made in Heaven (Polyester/ PA) and WoolMaster (wool and wool mix products).

Over the last two months Balta has also welcomed seven new members to the retail sales team, bringing the team total up to 10 members out on the road to support retailers.

“We are passionate about supporting the retail arm of the business and this recruitment drive demonstrates our commitment to making this happen,” says Wim.

T 03303 411 410 • sales@baltafloorcoverings.co.uk

Made in Luxembourg and cut in the UK, the collection has over 80 options in authentic wood decors plus some ceramics, stone and marbles, all with a robust 0.55m wear layer and with a sophisticated matt surface finish. The collection is not available anywhere online.

Tarkett was also showing its clever fast-fit LVT Inspiration Classics – a patented herringbone system where three or four parquet pieces are produced in one section to speed installation by radically reducing joints. The range is available in two sizes as part of a wider collection of 0.3mm, 0.55mm and rigid click LVT in 10 UK styles and colours.

T 0800 328 2115 • www.InspirationByTarkett.co.uk

Versatile units to showcase Balta’s best

FLOORING FACTSHEET ADHESIVES

SELECTION CHECKLIST

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

Open Time:

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

Odour:

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

Coverage:

How thick and how far can the adhesive be spread.

Application Method:

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

Strength:

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

Underfloor Heating:

A lot of modern adhesives are suitable for use with underfloor heating but this criteria must be checked where appropriate.

Subfloor:

What surface will the adhesive stick to most effectively including concrete, sand cement screeds, smoothing compounds, plywood and chipboard.

While there are multi-purpose adhesives, specialist products will be better suited to certain surfaces.

The porosity of the floor is a key determinant of the type of adhesive to be used and its performance during installation.

Special Performance:

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

Air Quality and the Environment:

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

Acrylic/Resin: Ideal for plasticised PVC and most modern flooring.

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

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

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

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

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

Flooring factsheet

Buying Groups

Why join?

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

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

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

Pick the right one

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

• Evaluate all buying groups as they all work differently

• Talk to the main marketing contact and/or a member of the committee

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.greendalecarpets.co.uk

Contact: Eamonn Prescott Tel: 01432 852000 eamonn@greendalecarpets.co.uk

Metro Group www.carpet1st.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS Feburary 2022

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

Key benefits

Increase margins

• Group purchases to get beneficial rates

• Rebates

• Exclusive higher-margin products

• Special promotions

One of the key reasons to join a buying group is to benefit from the discounts they negotiate as a bulk buyer from manufacturers. The way discounts and rebates are passed on to members varies between groups so make sure it’s absolutely clear how this will be done. You’ll need to work out how this compares with discounts you have already negotiated locally with preferred suppliers.

Access professional services

• Business and financial services

• IT and internet support

• Training and workshops

• Professional bodies

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

• Ensure you understand any rules that may limit your flexibility to run your business the way you want

Increase sales

• Best of both worlds’ proposition

• Wider ranges and exclusive products

• POS, displays and merchandising support

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

Network with other independents

• Members-only exhibitions with preferred manufacturers

• Regular meetings and supplier presentations

• Regional workshops

• Helpline

A lot of retailers enjoy the buying group environment of being independent but not alone out there on the High Street. Groups hold regular meetings and some have their own trade shows, regional meetings and workshops to help you develop your business. The network gives you someone to call when you need advice on, for example, an unusual installation, a technical consumer complaint, legal issue or business dilemma.

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

Associated Carpet Group www.acgcarpets.com

Contact: Jon Richardson Tel: 01942 825520 jon@acgcarpets.com

www.beautifulflooring.co.uk

Contact: Carl Harris Tel: 01892 549050 charris31@sky.com

Flooring factsheet

Carpet trouble-shooter

Colour matching

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

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

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

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

Sprouting

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

• 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.

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

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

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

Static

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

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

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

Pulling Loops

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

Shedding

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

Indentations

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

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

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

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

Samples Installation

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

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

Flooring factsheet

diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk

Vinyl + LVT Supplier Directory

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

Adoretouch

+1.631.843.0900 www.adorefloors.com

Alsapan g.folkes@alsapan.com 03 88 59 29 89 www.alsapan.com

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

Amtico info@amtico.com 0121 745 0800 www.amtico.com

Aspecta

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

Beauflor sales@beauflor.com

+32 56 67 66 11 www.beauflor.com

BerryAlloc

+32 56 52 84 80 www.berryalloc.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kährs UK sales@kahrs.com 023 9245 3045 www.kahrs.com

Karndean Designflooring 01386 820100 www.karndean.com

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

Kraus sales@qep.com 01283 245430 www.krausflooring.co.uk

Lifestyle Floors info@lifestyle-floors.co.uk 01827 831448 www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk

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

Moduleo salesuk@moduleo.com 01332 851 500 www.moduleo.co.uk

Polyflor info@polyflor.com 0161 767 1111 www.polyflor.com

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

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

Victoria Design Floors (Distinctive Flooring/Universal Flooring) info@myvictoria.co.uk 01562 749300 www.myvictoria.co.uk

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

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

Landscape Parquet by Victoria Design Floors

Victorian Treasure by Invictus

Van Gogh Classic Oak by Karndean Designflooring

Studio Designs by Brampton Chase

Flooring factsheet

Vinyl Flooring

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

Benefits

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

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

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

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

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

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

Installation

Installation preparation

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

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

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

Top Coating

Wear Layer

Decor Layer

Product options

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

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

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

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

Appearance options

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

Other notable options include:

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

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

LVT construction

PVC Middle Layer(s)

Fibre Glass Layer(s)

PVC Base Layer

www.bramptonchase.co.uk

www.invictus.co.uk

www.krausflooring.co.uk

www.myvictoria.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Rigid core LVT has a solid, less flexible PVC layer with maximum stability which means it can be laid over exisiting, less even flooring without showing imperfections and therefore avoiding wear problems. Base (or backing) layer – The final high density PVC layer varies according to the installation requirement and is designed for taking adhesive or as an ‘underlay’ for loose-lay and click installations.

The Stocklists

Wholesale Distribution

NATIONAL

Fells Carpets

Leeds 0113 3071900

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

TCS “The Carpet Specialists”

Morecambe 01524 840177

info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com

UK Floor Supplies

Leeds 0113 831 3324 team@ukfloorsupplies.co.uk

Xylo Wood Flooring

London 020 8368 8122 infouk@xyloflooring.com www.xyloflooring.com

NORTH WEST

A&A Carpets

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

Hathaway Flooring

Manchester - see Floorwise page 73

Kellars Limited

Manchester - see page 23, 25 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk

Lakes Flooring Supplies

Kendal - see Floorwise page 73

Millbrook Carpets

Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk

Preston Underlay Centre Ltd Preston/Lancashire

- see Floorwise page 73 EAST

Beds Flooring

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

Salesmark Ltd

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

STS Flooring Distributors

Cambridge - see pages 14, 48 and Floorwise page 73

NORTH EAST/YORKSHIRE

Fells Carpets

Leeds 0113 3071900

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

Kellars Limited

Darlington - see page 23, 25 0161 443 0970

sales@kellars.co.uk

Fells Carpets

Goole 0113 3071900

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

RBV Flooring

Bradford 01274 670011 rbvflooring@yahoo.com

Trade Carpets and Floors Ltd

Rotherham 01709 437723

sales@tradecarpetsandfloors.co.uk

MIDLANDS

Birch Distribution

Sheffield - see Floorwise page 73

Birch Distribution

Leeds - see Floorwise page 73

Birch Distribution

Hull - see Floorwise page 73

Cornerstone Flooring Supplies

Doncaster - see Floorwise page 73

Cornerstone Flooring

East Midlands and Warwickshire 01159 444711

sales@cornerstoneflooring.co.uk

www.cornerstoneflooring.co.uk

DMS Flooring Supplies

Northampton 01604 664850

sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

Floorwise D & J Ltd

Southam - see Floorwise page 73

Kellars Limited

Rugby - see page 23, 25 0161 443 0970

sales@kellars.co.uk

Matty’s Wholesale Carpets

Birmingham 01675 433072 sales@mattys.co.uk

STS Flooring Distributors

Hemel Hempstead - see pages 14, 48 and Floorwise page 73

Trade Counter Carpets

Leicester 0845 604 3055 tradecountercarpets@gmail.com

Woodall Brothers Ltd

Shrewsbury - see Floorwise page 73

SOUTH WEST

BL Flooring Supplies

Bristol - see Floorwise page 73

BL Flooring Supplies

Gloucester - see Floorwise page 73

Fitwell Flooring Ltd

Redruth - see Floorwise page 73

Fitwell Flooring Ltd

Newton Abott - see Floorwise page 73

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 73

Tel: 01980 880933 mail@salesmark-west.co.uk www.salesmark-west.co.uk

Solent Wholesale Carpet

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

SOUTH EAST

Ashmount Flooring Supplies

Tottenham 0208 808 2158 sales@ashmountflooring.co.uk www.ashmountflooringsupplies.co.uk

Ballister

London 020 8570 1668 london@ballister.co.uk www.ballister.co.uk

Ballister Reading 0118 931 3535 reading@ballister.co.uk www.ballister.co.uk

Beds Flooring

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

Clifford Floors Strood 01634 285900 sales@clifford.uk.com

Culpeck Strood 01634 299000 sales@culpeck.uk.com

Columbia Flooring Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk see page 10 for details

DMS Flooring Supplies

Hemel Hempstead 01442 502562 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

DMS Flooring Supplies

Milton Keynes 01908 049006 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

DMS Flooring Supplies

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

Flooring Supplies UK

Potters Bar 01707 245999 info@flooringsuppliesuk.com www.fsuk.floorgear.co.uk

Littner Hampton London 020 8520 8474 littnerhampton@aol.com www.littnerhamptoncarpets.co.uk

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

Potts & Ward, Woodcocks Ltd Brighton 01273 557211 sales@pwwflooring.com www.pwwflooring.com

Salesmark

Lancing - see Floorwise page 73

Tel: 01903 750522 sales@salesmark.co.uk www.salesmark.co.uk

Solent Wholesale Carpet

West Sussex 01243 774623

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

STS Flooring Distributors

Basildon - see p14, 48 & Floorwise 73

STS Flooring Distributors

Croydon - see p14, 48 & Floorwise 73

STS Flooring Distributors

Orpington/Croydon - see p14, 48 & Floorwise page 73

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

IRELAND (NI + ROI)

Flanagan Flooring Distributors

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

Flanagan Flooring Distributors

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

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise page 73

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Belfast - see Floorwise page 73

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd

Limerick - see Floorwise page 73

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

SCOTLAND

Flanagan Flooring Distributors

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

Flanagan Flooring Distributors

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

Kellars Limited

Glasgow - see page 23, 25 0141 647 7685 sales@kellars.co.uk

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

Neil Smith Ltd

Glasgow - see Floorwise page 73

WALES

CBW Flooring Supplies

Pontyclun 01443 492510 www.cbwflooringsupplies.co.uk

1 Neil Smith Ltd Glasgow, G4 0TX

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

2 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd

Belfast, BT15 3GU

Tel: 028 9075 3202 Fax: 028 9075 3901 salesbelfast@pfl.ie

3 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd

Dublin, D12 E540

Tel: 00353 (0)1 626 3913 Fax: 00353 (0)1 460 4669 salesdublin@pfl.ie

4 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd

Limerick, V94 W863

Tel: 00353 (0)61 227 100 Fax: 00353 (0)61 227 000 sales@pfl.ie

5 Lakes Flooring Supplies

Kendal. LA9 5RR

Tel: 01539 726500 sales@pucflooring.co.uk

6 Preston Underlay Centre Ltd

Preston, PR1 1PN

Tel: 01772 556345 sales@pucflooring.co.uk

7 Birch Distribution

Leeds, LS10 1AG

Tel: 0113 244 4363

Fax: 0113 244 8665 l.sales@birchdistribution.co.uk

8 Birch Distribution Hull, HU7 0XD

Tel: 01482 826654

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

9 Hathaway Flooring Manchester, M17 1EB Tel: 0161 872 8003 sales@hathawayflooring.com

10 Cornerstone Flooring Doncaster, DN3 3FE Tel: 01302 835117 Fax: 01302 302542 cornerstonefloor@ btconnect.com

11 Birch Distribution Sheffield, S9 5PH Tel: 0114 243 1230 Fax: 0114 243 5118 s.sales@birchdistribution.co.uk

12 Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury, SY1 3JE Tel: 01743 441584 Fax: 01743 441629 sales@woodallbrothers.co.uk

13 Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam, CV47 0DR Tel: 01926 814922 Fax: 01926 817899 sales@fwdj.co.uk

14 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd Gloucester, GL2 5HY Tel: 01452 223355 Fax: 01452 371284 info@blflooring.co.uk

15 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd Bristol, BS2 9SH Tel: 0117 955 5454 Fax: 0117 955 2626 info@blflooring.co.uk

16 Salesmark West Ltd Amesbury, SP4 7LN Tel: 01980 880933 mail@salesmark-west.co.uk

17 Salesmark Lancing, BN15 8UN Tel: 01903 750522 Fax: 01903 851111 sales@salesmark-floorwise.co.uk

18 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abbot, TQ12 6TR Tel: 01626 835935 sales@fitwell.co.uk

19 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth, TR15 1SS Tel: 01209 214344 sales@fitwell.co.uk

20 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Cambridge, CB23 8UD Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk

21 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7ER Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk

22 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Basildon, Essex, SS14 3DW Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk

23 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Croydon, Surrey, CR0 4WP Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk

24 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Orpington, Kent, BR5 3SS Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk

25 ProFlooring S.R.O Prague, Bavorská 856/14

Czech Republic Tel: +420 224 454 231 Email: info@proflooring.cz

● head office:

Floorwise Group Ltd.

Floorwise House, 22 High Street Kegworth, Derby, DE74 2DA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1509 673974 Fax: +44 (0)1509 674841

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.

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

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

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

Benefits

Good underlay will...

• Improve underfoot comfort

• Increase appearance retention, reducing flattening

• Absorb the pressure of foot traffic and reduce wear

• Improve thermal insulation and warmth

• Increase sound insulation

• Smooth out sub-floor imperfections

• Last the lifetime of the carpet

Poor or old underlay will...

• Feel hard and unwelcoming

• Reduce carpet life

• Cause wrinkling and premature wear spots

• Cause carpet fibres to break down more quickly

• Not meet British Standards

How thick?

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

Types

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

Sponge rubber • A more traditionally manufactured underlay available in flat or waffle patterns in a wide range of weights for different applications. It performs well for comfort and has a durable spring retention.

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

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

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

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

Felt • This traditional (but environmentally friendly) undelay is made from recycled fibres – wool, jute and synthetic – to create a firm, dense pad with excellent thermal insulation. Still a very popular choice among contractors when stretch fitting woven carpets.

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

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

www.floorwise.co.uk

www.carpenterunderlay.co.uk

www.unifloor.nl

www.underlay.com

www.wilsons-carpet-underlays.co.uk

Sponge rubber Crumb

Combination PU foam

Territory Manager

West London, Surrey

Cormar Carpets is the UK’s leading manufacturer of tufted carpets, supplying stylish, quality carpets to the retail, contract and wholesale trade throughout the UK.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual with the ability to realise the full potential of the territory. Knowledge of both retail and new build sectors, although not essential, would be ideal. However previous sales experience is required, as applicants must be able to demonstrate a proven successful sales record.

The ideal candidate would live within the counties described, although the defined territory will be subject to the successful candidates location.

Previous applicants may apply.

Apply using the QR code or send your CV and covering letter summarising your relevant skills and experience for the attention of:

Carla Grant, HR Manager Cormar Carpets, Brookhouse Mill, Greenmount, Bury, BL8 4HR carla.grant@cormarcarpets.co.uk

THE METRO GROUP OPERATIONS MANAGER

The Metro Group is a member owned, non-profit making buying group for independent flooring retailers that celebrates being 45 years old this year. The Group represents 140 independent stores across the UK who have exclusive access to the Carpet1st brand. The Metro Merchandising Team provides a truly bespoke, inhouse, marketing, design, print and installation service to members. Due to a forthcoming retirement, there is a unique opportunity to join this successful, market leading group. Reporting to the Metro Board, the successful candidate will be the driving force behind the continuing success and development of the Metro Group. Knowledge of the flooring industry is essential as well as sound commercial acumen. You must be able to work as part of a small team at every level required by the role. Your communication skills with members, suppliers and in the wider market will be key. There is extensive travel throughout the UK and an office based in Bolton.

A competitive salary and package including car, pension and private healthcare is available.

An application with a covering letter and copy of your current CV should be sent for the attention of Steve Depport at stevedepport@carpet1st.co.uk or to The Metro Group, 21, Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL1 4QR.

Closing date for applications will be 12th August 2024

We’re Hiring...

Territory Manager

Warwickshire & Part Northamptonshire & Worcestershire Attractive Salary Package + Excellent Company Benefits

Cormar Carpets is the UK’s leading manufacturer of tufted carpets, supplying stylish, quality carpets to the retail, contract and wholesale trade throughout the UK.

Due to retirement, we are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual with the ability to realise the full potential of the territory. Knowledge of both retail and new build sectors, although not essential, would be ideal. However previous sales experience is required, as applicants must be able to demonstrate a proven successful sales record.

The ideal candidate would live within the counties described, although the defined territory will be subject to the successful candidates location.

Previous applicants may apply.

Apply using the QR code or send your CV and covering letter summarising your relevant skills and experience for the attention of:

Carla Grant, HR Manager

Cormar Carpets, Brookhouse Mill, Greenmount, Bury, BL8 4HR carla.grant@cormarcarpets.co.uk

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

The Rug Tamer! Keeps Rugs In Their Place

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