The Stocklists - October 2012 by David Spragg

Stocklists The

1 October 2012

with

FlooringNews

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

SHOW-STOPPING

Satisfaction!

Furlong thanks everyone who crowded around their stand at Harrogate to see the season’s best sellers with the latest colours in Satisfaction and class-leading point-of-sale

Carpets that sell with confidence Ask your local representative for more details - see pages 22-23

Stocklists The

FIRST FOR FLOORING NEWS AND DATA

Advertisers

FlooringFactsheets

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD Page No

Contact No

ADORE

01675 433075

—

BONDWORTH

01562 745000

June 2011

BRITISH WOOL

01274 688 666

—

BROCKWAY

01562 828200

Feb 2012

—

01282 862736

—

CARPENTER

—

01457 861141

—

COLUMBIA

0208 443 3322

—

01204 881234

—

Index

CARPETS LTD.

BRONTË

CAMPAIGN FOR WOOL FLOORING

CORMAR

CYBERGOLD

DYNE F.BALL

Price List Date

01494 761814

—

0161 877 8877

—

01538 361633

—

FELLS

01977 662211

—

FITA

01159 506836

—

01509 673974

—

22,23

01772 696787

Nov 2010

01827 831430

—

INTERFLOOR

01706 213131

—

KINGSMEAD

01827 831427

—

LANO

—

00800 5266 5266

—

MANX

01827 831 434

—

01562 754382

—

MERRYFIELD

01422 373799

—

MODULEO

—

MOHAWK

25,45

01480 479830

—

FLOORWISE FURLONG

FLOORING

GEORGIAN

MASTER

WEAVERS

NICF

0115 958 3077

—

NOVOSTRAT

—

00353 61 339287

—

0151 427 6000

—

RACKHAMS

020 85319225

—

SIMON

CHARLES

0800 126 750

—

GROUP

0845 308 1400

—

SOLENT WHOLESALE CARPET

01243 774623

Sep/Oct 2012

STS FLOORING DISTRIBUTORS

0845 341000

May 2012

PRODUCTS

SKILLS

01422 374417

—

FLOORING SHOW

41-56

01423 779967

—

& E DISPLAY GROUP

0121 585 7600

—

0845 644 9090

—

TELENZO THE T

WESTON

HAMMER

Adhesives

Expertise advice from F Ball

page 4

Buying Groups

Choosing the right organisation for you

pages 8

Carpet Company Directory Our line-up of the leading players

pages 12-13

Carpet Trouble-shooter

All about stains, spots and shading

pages 10-11

Carpet Types

The starter guide for picking a pile

page 5

Underlay

Understanding underlay types and selection

Wholesaler Distribution Directory National & regional guide to distributors

Wool Fibre Page

A checklist of natural fibre characteristics

page 9

pages 14-16

page 17

Classified advertising................................................................................. page 71 carpets/rugs/tiles woods/laminates/smooths fibres underlay accessories/services/organisations wholesalers/distributors adhesives

Woolsafe: the carpet care guide How to protect and clean wool carpets

pages 6-7

UK manufactured Carpet Cutting Machines

WWW.CARPETCUTTINGMACHINES.CO.UK 2

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

ISSUE 451: 1 OCTOBER 2012 Published by Mayville Publishing Co Ltd., 219 West Ella Road, West Ella, Hull HU10 7SD Tel: 01482 659396 Fax: 01482 659397 www.thestocklists.com Sales Director: Diane Martin. diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk Publication Director: David Spragg Founded by Roy Spragg in 1973. ISSN 2046-7338 © Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2012. Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.

FlooringNews starts on page 31

Wool Week

Bold campaign to boost fibre fashion See our Gallery of showcase carpets page 60

Laminate revival

Interest builds in matt laminates pages 40

Stick flicks

F Ball’s new TV channel for videos pages 56

Sunny Harrogate The Flooring Show defies the gloom with a smart show page 41-55

POSibilities

Compact concept in POS pages 36

Tile style

Smart carpet options pages 34

Merry Mats! THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

Get yourself a nice little Christmas bonus with ‘impulse buy’ festive mats from The Stocklists! See page 57 for details 3

Flooring Factsheet Adhesives

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

Flooring factsheet Carpet types TUFTED

WOVEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Twist • The popular twist carpet is the cut-pile standard. The yarn is tightly twisted and often heatset to retain this feature and the result is a versatile, textured finish that is ideal for plain colours. Velvet • Velvet textures (sometimes called ‘velour’ or ‘plush’) all have a level surface pile of approx 5mm to 10mm height, which is then sheared to give a smooth finish. With very little twist in the yarn, the

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

Tip Sheared

Level Loop

Velvet/Plush

Frieze

Random Sheared

Multi-Level Loop

Twist

Berber

Saxony

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

Sha

Shag S

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

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

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

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

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

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

WOOLSAFE The Retailer's single source solution for carpet care advice and services. THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

maintenance • cleaning • spot removal • protection • inspection

General Rules for Spot Removal

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

Treatments 1.

Blot with white kitchen roll or paper tissues

Vacuum clean

Cold water

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

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

Warm water

• Scoop up or scrape off solids

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

WOOLSAFE-approved carpet shampoo solution (diluted)

WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for water-based stains

WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for greasy/oily stains

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

Absorbent paper or paper tissue and hot iron

Chewing gum remover (solvent or freeze type)

Life inspired cleaning innovations www.bissell.com

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

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

14. Rub gently with coarse sand paper

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

15. WOOLSAFE-approved disinfectant or deodorizer

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

16. Rust remover

13. Rub with a coin

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

17. Carpet re-colouring kit (Treatments used by professional carpet cleaners)

More Difficult Spots Spot or stain

Easy Spots

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Artificially coloured drinks 3

Bleach

C/heating radiator fluid

Coffee

Spot or stain

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Blood

Felt-tip pen

7 or 11 12

Burn/scorch marks

Furniture polish

Butter

Glue/adhesive (plastic base)10

Candle wax

Chewing gum

5 15

Ink (fountain)

Ink (ballpoint pen)

Lipstick

Cola

Milk

Cream

Nail varnish

Egg

Paint (oil)

Rust

Soot

Tar (asphalt)

Urine (fresh stain)

Urine (old stain)

Fruit juice

Gravy and sauces

Herbal tea

Metal polish

Mustard

Oil and grease

Paint (emulsion)

Shoe polish

Tea

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

Chocolate/cocoa

Floor wax

Environmentally Aware for Superior Carpet Care www.envirodri.com

Vomit

Red wine

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

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

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

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

Flooring factsheet Buying Groups Why join? www.flooringone.co.uk Contact: Glenn Harding Tel: 0121 683 1426 glenn.harding@flooringone.co.uk

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

Buying groups have been a highly successful feature of the floor retailing scene in the last decade or so, giving independents the extra edge they need to compete effectively with the retail park chains. More than 1000 retailers are now members of one of the several buying groups which operate in our sector and the numbers are slowly, but steadily growing. While the benefits of bulk buying power are self-evident, the resistance to the buying group concept among nonmembers appears to be centred on fears of surrendering some control to a committee – and most particularly compromising long-established relationships and negotiated terms with current suppliers. The bottom line is the bottom line. A retailer selling across a broad range of products is likely to improve margins within a buying group – but you don’t need a leap of faith to join up. Ask the buying groups for answers...

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

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

• Associated Carpet Group www.smartercarpets.co.uk Contact: Richard Moore Tel: 01942 825520 rjmoore65@googlemail.com rmoore@smartercarpets.com

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

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

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

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

• Check out the product ranges offered including the www.beautifulflooring.co.uk Contact: Paul Phillips Tel: 01892 549050 paul@atbrm.com

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

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

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

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

Key benefits

own-label options and the UK/European mix

• Ensure you understand any rules that may limit your

• Business services • Financial services • IT and internet support • Training and workshops • Professional bodies

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

• Members-only exhibitions with preferred manufacturers

• Regular meetings • Regional workshops • Supplier presentations • Helpline

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

flexibility to run your business the way you want

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

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

www.floorwise.co.uk

But 50% of carpet is still sold without new underlay! Retailers should create an assumption that new underlay is always required, the only decision is which type. It’s also a good target-setter for sales staff. Setting up in-store demonstrations so customers can walk on samples with different grades of underlay and feel the difference has shown excellent results – some manufacturers offer point-of-sale units.

www.numa-online.co.uk

Benefits

Types

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

Sponge rubber The market’s most popular underlay is available in flat or waffle patterns in a wide range of weights for different applications. It performs well for comfort and has a durable spring retention. PU (polyurethane) foam PU foam is a relative newcomer to the market, typically made from recycled foam offcuts. The foam provides excellent comfort and performance levels with lots of thickness options and densities – and its light weight helps handling. The product can be re-cycled again after use. Crumb rubber Flat and dense, crumb rubber is good for heavy footfall - offering maximum protection but a little less comfort (and very good over stair nosings). Laminate underlay There’s still an opportunity to sell underlay with laminate flooring, improving the acoustic performance of the floor and helping the boards float above any imperfections in the sub-surface. Combination A rubber crumb base with a felt top layer offers a good combination of protection, durability and comfort. It also allows carpet with seaming to bed into the top felt. Underfloor heating underlay Always ask if there is underfloor heating. Most manufacturers offer specialised products. Underlay and carpet with a combined tog rating up to 2.5 can be used – which means the underlay would normally have a tog rating of 1.0. Felt This traditional (but environmentally friendly) underlay is made from recycled fibres – wool, jute and synthetic – to create a firm, dense pad with excellent thermal insulation. Still a very popular choice among contractors when stretch fitting woven carpets. Pre-tackified underlay A self-adhesive single stick underlay in both needlefelt and PU. A removable system for heavy use when comfort is desired.

Poor or old underlay will...

• Feel hard and unwelcoming • Reduce carpet life • Cause wrinkling and premature wear spots • Cause carpet fibres to break down more quickly • Not meet British Standards How thick? A maximum of 12mm is recommended (working with gripper will be difficult thereafter) but rooms with heavy traffic will need a thinner, denser pad. The combination of thickness and density is all important as a thick underlay with low density may not perform well. Typically, the thicker the underlay, the better quality it will need to be – 11mm is often used for luxury installations with 9mm and 7mm the common domestic thickness.

Sponge rubber

Combination

Crumb

PU foam

www.novostrat.com

www.carpenter.limited.uk

www.interfloor.com

www.underlay.com

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

Flooring factsheet Carpet trouble-shooter COLOUR MATCHING

SPROUTING

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHEDDING The original carpet tile

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

PULLED LOOPS

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

• shedding • pulled loops

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

SHADING

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

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

PILE REVERSAL

FLATTENING

(SEE SHADING)

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

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

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

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

Spillages - Liquids such as soft drinks, cordials or

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

Shampoo - if incorrectly applied, can leave

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

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

The Stocklists Carpet Company Directory Abingdon Flooring Adam Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W Ww Alternative Flooring Associated Weavers Tw Tu Avena Carpets Ltd Tu Ww Axwoven Carpets Ltd Ax Be Axminster Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tw Bajong Carpets NV Tu Tw W Balta Industries Tu Tw W Ww

01274 655694 01562 829966 01264 335111

Bronte Carpets Ltd 0121 550 5788 01297 32244 +32 56783250 +32 56 62 2211

Bizspoke Custom Carpets Be Tw W

020 8800 0740

+32 56 23 54 10 01924 488882

0113 380 5333

Cavalier Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01254 268000

Christy Carpets Tu

Classis Carpets Tu W Ww

019078 308777

01737 830301

Dan-Floor UK W

0844 9151000

Domo Floorcovering Pr Tu Tw

+32 55 335211

Drury Lane Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

01254 296829

E & WE Carpets W

01562 825952

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

01422 374 417

01562 745030

01675 433066 0870 020 1725 +31 38 4778911

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

01977 662211

020 8944 6220

Cormar Carpets Ltd

BMK

Edel Telenzo’s Bakerloo

01924 262525

+31 383 861 060

020 7823 3040

Brintons Ax Tu Tw W Ww

01282 862 736

Burmatex Tu

Condor Carpets BV Tu

Blenheim Carpets Ax Be Tw W Ww

Bond Worth Ltd Ax

Be Tu Tw W office@brontecarpets.co.uk www.brontecarpets.co.uk

Clarendon Carpets Tw

Belvedere Carpets

BIC Carpets Be Tw W

01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk

01422 330261

Belvedere Carpets

Betap Tufting BV Tu Tw W

Tw W sales@brockway.co.uk

01422 431100

Beaulieu International Group Be Pr Tu Tw +32 56 67 66 11

Tu W sales@belvederecarpets.co.uk www.belvederecarpets.co.uk

Brockway Carpets Ltd

Custom Carpet Company Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01562 745000 0800 505055

Tu Tw W info@cormarcarpets.co.uk www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

01204 881 234

800 223 6186

Craigie Carpets Be

01294 558400

Creatuft Carpets Tu W

Mohawk’s Cherbourg Check

+45 96 60 3000

Firth Carpets & Flooring Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

Couristan Carpets Ax Tu W Ww

Creative Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

Fletco Taepper A/S Tu W

0116 284 1455 +32 56 35 4444

01484 721529

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

01772 696 787

Brockway’s Vogue

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

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

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

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

Gaskell Wool Rich Tu Tw W

01827 831525

Master Weaver W Ww

01562 754 382

Tasibel NV Tw

Gaskell Mackay Carpets Ltd Ax Tu Tw W

01429 892525

Mayfield Carpets Tu Tw W

01706 639 866

The Grosvenor Wilton Co W Ww

01562 701456

Georgian Carpets Tu Tw W

01827 831430

MID NL Be

The Sultana Carpet Co Ax

01299 822300

The Wilton Carpet Co Ax W Ww

0845 296 8850

Thomas Witter UK Ltd Tu Tw

0870 1128318

Godfrey Hirst (GB) Ltd Tu Halbmond Teppichwerke Be Pr Tu Heckmondwike FB ITC Be Pr Tw Tu John Lanham Watts Carpets Ax Tw Ww John Evans Ltd Ax Tu Tw W Joseph Hamilton & Seaton W Kingsmead Carpets Tu Tw W

Lano NV

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

0800 526696

Modulyss Be Tu Tw Pr

01924 410544

Mohawk Europe 0032 51 424 411

marinagooch@mohawkeurope.com www.mohawkinternational.com

07850 935301 01827 831400 01827 831 424

+32 56 65 4300

Mr Tomkinson Tw Ww

Tisca Tiara Tu Ww

+41 71 791 0111

Trendy Tuft Designs Be Tu Tw W

01274 855080 02838 334433

Ulster Carpets Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

Penthouse Carpets Tu Tw W

01706 341231

United Carpets & Beds Tw W Ww

Phoenox Textiles Pr Tu

01484 863227

Victoria Carpets Tu Tw W Ww

01562 749300

Pownall Carpets Tw W

0845 6528811

Vorwerk

08700 104484

Westex Carpets Tu

01274 861334

Roger Vanden Berghe.NV Tu Ww

0800 78 33 712

Leigh Spinners Ltd Tw

01942 673232

Shaw Home Foundations Tu

+32 56 73 57 11 0845 652 8811 0844 5611977 01675 433 501

Signature Carpets Be Tu W

01422 845075

01388 664101

TAT Carpet

07976 607657

01827 831 434

Tapibel NV Pr Tu Tw

01623 481 221

+32 56 393 386

+31 38 385 4477

01675 433031

Sans Frontieres Ltd Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

Manx Carpets Tw W

01827 831 450

Timzo Tufting Industry BV Tu

Ossfloor UK

Lecaflor Ltd Ax Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

Lusotufo Tu

01480 479830 01480 471304

01937 588511

+32 05685 4747

Louis de Poortere W

+32 52 457211

+49 037 421 420

Ryalux Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

Le Tissage d'Arcade Ax Ww

+31 38 851 8700

+32 52 499600

Bronte’s stand

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

01709 732 666

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

Woven Carpets of Kidderminster W 01299 827477 Wellington Stripe from Ulster

Cormar’s Berwick

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

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

The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory National Mercado Leeds 0113 3802900 sales@mercado.co.uk www.mercado.co.uk

Fells Carpets Goole 01977 662211 sales@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk

North East Carpet & Flooring Gateshead 0191 482 7373 gateshead@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk Fells Carpets Goole

01977 662211 sales@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Floorwise (North East) Ltd Birtley - see Floorwise p16 Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

North West A&A Carpets Manchester 01204 701188 sales@aandacarpets.co.uk www.aandacarpets.co.uk

D. M. Miller Ltd Manchester 0161 205 9949 dm.miller@btconnect.com www.dmmillerltd.spaces.lives.com Fells Carpets Goole

01977 662211 sales@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Lee Floorstok Ltd Liverpool - see Floorwise p16 Lee Floorstok Ltd Manchester - see Floorwise p16 MCA Floorwise Ltd Morecambe - see Floorwise p16 Mytton Flooring Norwich - see Floorwise p16 Millbrook Carpets Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

Midlands

Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise p16

Carpet & Flooring Birmingham 0121 421 9131 birmingham@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

Green Tree Distribution Stone, Staffordshire 01785 818005 kevin@greentreedistribution.co.uk

DMS Flooring Supplies Northampton 0845 643 5601 dmsnorthampton@ dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam - see Floorwise p16 J J Wholesale & Distribution Ltd Birmingham 0121 765 4994 jjwholesale@gmx.com Mattys Wholesale Carpets Birmingham 0121 359 2001 sales@mattys.co.uk RPS Flooring Mansfield Woodhouse - see Floorwise p16 STS Flooring Distributors Watford 08454 342000

Carpet & Flooring Manchester 0161 786 6800 manchester@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 28 for details

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

East Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk Faithfull Floorcovering Suffolk 01473 822341 sales@faithfulls.co.uk www.faithfulls.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Cambridge Tel: 01954 781142 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com See page 28 for details Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

South East Acorn Carpet Accessories Bromley, Kent - see Floorwise p16 Ashmount Flooring Supplies Ltd Tottenham 0208 808 2158 sales@ashmountflooring.co.uk www.ashmountflooring.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

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

The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk

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

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

Carpet & Flooring Bow 020 8525 5691 bow@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

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

South West

Carpet & Flooring Camberley 01276 672100 camberley@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.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 20 for details

Littner Hampton London 020 8520 8474 littnerhampton@aol.com www.littnerhamptoncarpets.co.uk Potts & Ward, Woodcocks Ltd Brighton 01273 557211 pwwflooring@fastnet.co.uk www.pwwflooring.co.uk Rackhams London 020 8531 9225 sales@rackhamsltd.co.uk www.rackhamsltd.co.uk See page 26 for details Salesmark Lancing - see Floorwise p16

Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 DMS Flooring Supplies sales@solentwholesale.co.uk Hemel Hempstead www.solentwholesale.co.uk 0845 643 5344 dmshemel@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk See page 27 for details DMS Flooring Supplies Milton Keynes 0845 643 5320 dmslaser@dmsflooringsupplies.co.u Faithfulls Service Centre Kent 01322 285001 Faithfulls Service Centre Walthamstow 0208 498 3040 sales.walthamstow@faithfulls.co.uk

STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon 0845 434 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 28 for details Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@carpet andflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wessex Flooring Amesbury - see Floorwise p16

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

Carpet & Flooring Bristol 0117 316 0555 bristol@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise p16 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise p16 Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk See page 27 for details STS Flooring Distributors Thame (Oxford) 01844 213555 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 28 for details Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@carpet andflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

Scotland Carpet & Flooring Glasgow 0141 427 8456 glasgow@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

C. K. Davie Ltd Aberdeen - see Floorwise p16 C. K. Davie Ltd Dundee - see Floorwise p16 Headlam Scotland North Lanarkshire 01698 831 000 sales@headlamscotland.co.uk www.headlamscotland.co.uk Neil Smith Ltd Glasgow - see Floorwise p16

Wales Carpet & Flooring Bristol 0117 316 0555 bristol@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk Mattys Wholesale Carpets Birmingham 0121 359 2001 sales@mattys.co.uk Roma Flooring Neath - see Floorwise p16 Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@carpet andflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

Ireland Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise p16 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Belfast - see Floorwise p16 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Limerick - see Floorwise p16

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

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

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

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

C. K. Davie Ltd 2 Dundee Tel: 01382 226533 Fax: 01382 226544 Fitwell Flooring Ltd 20 Redruth, Cornwall Tel: 01209 214344 Fax: 01209 211162

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 9 Dublin 10 Tel: 00353 (0)1 626 3913 Fax: 00353 (0)1 626 3960 LoCall: 1850 445 746 (ROI)

Fitwell Flooring Ltd 19 Newton Abbot, Devon Tel: 01626 835935 Fax: 01626 834334

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 10 Limerick Tel: 00353 (0)61 227 100 Fax: 00353 (0)61 227 000 LoCall: 1850 445 745 (ROI)

Floorwise D & J Ltd 13 Southam, Warks Tel: 01926 814922 Fax: 01926 817899

Roma Flooring 15 Neath, West Glamorgan Tel: 01639 633001 Fax: 01639 646116

Floorwise (North East) 5 Ltd Birtley, County Durham Tel: 0191 410 7070 Fax: 0191 410 6116

RPS Flooring 11 Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire Tel: 01623 624198 Fax: 01623 620931

Lee Floorstok Ltd 8 Liverpool Tel: 0151 708 7420 Fax: 0151 708 7241

Salesmark 17 Lancing, West Sussex Tel: 01903 750522 Fax: 01903 851111

Lee Floorstok Ltd 7 Manchester Tel: 0161 231 8080 Fax: 0161 231 8787

Wessex Flooring 18 Amesbury, Wiltshire Tel: 01980 625888 Fax: 01980 676969

MCA Floorwise Ltd 6 Morecambe, Lancashire Tel: 01524 33517 Fax: 01524 381852

Woodall Brothers Ltd 12 Shrewsbury, Shropshire Tel: 01743 441584 Fax: 01743 441629

Mytton Flooring 14 Norwich, Norfolk Tel: 01603 624387 Fax: 01603 612888

1 2 3

4 5

6 7 10

11 12 13

18 19

16 17

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

Award-Winning Flooring Accessories

GRIPPER

UNDERLAY

ADHESIVES & SCREEDS

PROFILES

www.floorwise.co.uk www.floorwise.co.uk •• www.carpetunderlay.net www.carpetunderlay.net www.signaturewoodfloors.com www.signaturewoodfloors.com •• www.siennawoodfloors.com www.siennawoodfloors.com 16

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

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

SAFE

DURABLE

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

EASY-CARE

COMFORT

British Wool The Planet Friendly Fibre for Carpet aboutwool.com THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

Bond Worth Fiori Meadow axminster 4-5201 classic scroll intertwined with richly detailed modern accents manufactured with 80% pure new wool 20% nylon available 4.00m wide. From our Fiori axminster Collection full portfolio available to view online at www.bondworth.co.uk Townshend Works, Puxton Lane, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY11 5DF T+44(0)1562 745000 F+44(0)1562 732827

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

The Leading Country Wide Carpet & Flooring Suppliers We can supply you with virtually any make of carpet and flooring at GUARANTEED makerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list price....... Delivered direct to business premises FREE OF CHARGE. For a Speedy and Efficient Service

CALL US NOW!!! 020 8443 3322 Columbia Flooring plc

www.columbiaflooringplc.co.uk

TRAFALGAR TRADING ESTATE JEFFREYS ROAD ENFIELD MIDDLESEX EN3 7TY

Tel: 0208 443 3322 Fax: 0208 805 2346 Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am to 12 noon THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

Covering the country... Lighten up!

Yorkshire & North East

Our new illuminated lecterns for élegance and Satisfaction are the talk of the trade. Ask your rep for more details of our market-leading POS...

DES BEST M: 07968 828516 NORTH EAST/EAST COAST des.best@furlongflooring.co.uk

RAY ANDREW M: 07973 719801 EAST LANCS/W.YORKS ray.andrew@furlongflooring.co.uk

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

Midlands

CHRIS ALLCOCK M: 07872 964685 NOTTS, DERBYSHIRE & LINCS chris.allcock@furlongflooring.co.uk

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

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

Wales & South West

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

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

TIM BAILEY M: 07794 048414 S.E. WALES & HEREFORDSHIRE tbailey@furlongflooring.com

STEWART WAITHMAN M: 07794 048413 DEVON & CORNWALL swaithman@furlongflooring.com

Wood Floor Specialist

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

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

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

quality choice availability service price

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

CAREFREE Carpets are distributed by

. quality and service Scotland

COLIN RICHFORD M: 07970 163372 WEST SCOTLAND colin.richford@furlongflooring.co.uk

TBA EAST SCOTLAND

North West

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

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

CRAIG MELLING M: 07970 269730 CUMBRIA, CHESHIRE & FYLDE COAST craig.melling@furlongflooring.co.uk

South East

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

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

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

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

London

JOHN AKIEN M: 07791 891024 S.W LONDON, SURREY (INS. M25) johnakien@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

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

Preston Sales tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921 Newport Sales tel: 01633 283959 fax: 01633 275454 London Sales tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733 enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

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

RAYMOND SMITH M: 07816 217565 ESSEX raymondsmith@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

DAREN STEDMAN M: 07816 217548 N, N W & E LONDON, HERTFORDSHIRE darenstedman@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

www.regencycarefree.co.uk 23

Tel: +44 (0) 1562 754382 Fax: +44 (0) 1562 861 074 Sales: sales@masterweaver.co.uk Info: info@masterweaver.co.uk www.masterweaver.co.uk

Introducing the UK’s newest weaver, now open in Kidderminster with high levels of stock for rapid delivery. Wilton Sandhurst

Modern carpets manufactured using traditional values

Sandhurst Range The Wilton Sandhurst range is woven with 24 beautiful and modern colours. This plain twist is a great choice for both domestic and commercial markets. • Wilton Hardtwist Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1458 g/m2 • 4m • Extra Heavy Wear

Contrast Range A cut and loop range weighing in at 47oz comes in 6 modern and exclusive colours. Unique contrast pattern provides this Wilton range with a vibrant and strong presence. • Wilton Cut & Loop Pile • 100% New Wool, 1594 g/m2 • 4m • Extra Heavy Wear/Heavy Commercial

Honeycomb Range This cut and loop range features in 6 natural and warm colours. Made out of 100% new wool, the bee hive type of texture our Honeycomb range adds additional warmth. • Wilton Cut &Loop Pile • 100% New Wool, 1187 g/m2 • 4m • Heavy Wear/Medium Commercial

Chequers Range A loop range weighing in at 35 oz and comes in 6 colours with a unique chequers board like pattern. 100% new wool ensures high quality texture feel.

Wilton Contrast

• Wilton Loop Pile • 100% New Wool, 1187 g/m2 • 4m • Extra Heavy Wear

Marble Planet Range This range is made of 80% new wool and 20% nylon and is ideal for commercial and heavy domestic use. It features 8 strong and passionate colours. • Axminster Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1255 g/m2 • 3.66m • Very HeavyWear/Medium Commercial

Seascape Surf Range Our Wilton Seascape Surf range features 6 colours and is made out of 100% New Wool, ideal for commercial as well as domestic markets. • Wilton Cut Pile • 100% New Wool, 1246 g/m2 • 4m • Very HeavyWear/Medium Commercial

Baroque Cameo Range With the 10 strong commercial colours, the medallion pattern in combination with pindots makes this range ideal for ballrooms, function rooms and public areas.

Axminster Contrast

• Axminster Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1356 g/m2 • 3.66m • Extra Heavy Wear/Heavy Commercial

Baroque Pindot Range The traditional pindot pattern makes this range ideal for hotel rooms and receptions. Weighing in at 40oz our Baroque Pindot range, this Axminster range has 10 strong commercial colours. • Axminster Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1356 g/m2 • 3.66m • Extra Heavy Wear/Heavy Commercial

Trellis Range The range features 8 soft and natural colours which makes it extremely pleasant and warm. Made in 80% New Wool and 20% Nylon for the commercial market. • Axminster Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1255 g/m2 • 3.66m • Very HeavyWear/Medium Commercial

Tartan Range MasterWeaver AxminsterTartan range features 6 modern and vibrant colours, combining traditional Tartan design with modern and vibrant colours. • Axminster Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1255 g/m2 • 3.66m • Very HeavyWear/Medium Commercial

Axminster Marble Planet

MasterWeaver LTD. Stourport Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DYl17QL. England 24

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

In the year that price is King, Rackhams are proud to remain the King of prices!! GRAPHICS / CONTRACT GELS

TWISTS - STAIN RESIST

WILTON

Arena Endurance Sentinel

Atmosphere Briar Twist Chislehurst Clyde Desert Twist Deluxe 4&5m Dublin Heather Dublin Twist 2011 Easy Heathers Fairfield Supreme 4&5M Heathertwist Design Heathertwist Supreme 4&5m Helmsley Moorland Twist Pembridge Twist Rhapsody Salt ‘n’ Pepa Stain-Tex Twist 4&5M Startwist / Startwist Supreme 4&5M

Parallel Lines Renaissance Ultimate Wilton Oakland

NATURAL EFFECT Ancona Cashmere 4&5M Country Treasure 4&5M Challenger Berber Gold Fields Hopscotch 2012 Houndstooth Tweed Ivory Coast 2012 London Life 4&5M Promenade Rocca Rustic Treasure San Salvador 4&5M Shetland/Shetland Design 4&5M Silver State Sloane Square 4&5m

SAXONY / SHAG PILE Chamonix Cleopatra Half Century New Century Saxon King Somerset ‘Stay at Home’ Saxony Supreme Elegance Sweet Seduction Tennessee

Blackjack Casino Royale Champion Chequers Eclipse 2012 - Part I Eclipse 2012 - Part II Mojo 2012 Puregrip XL Suregrip XL Thunderball

CARPET TILES

TWISTS - WOOL

CORD, NEEDLEPUNCH & ENTRANCE MATTING Bedford Gel Bolero Explorer Hippo Mat Gala Linea Magnum Mat Magnus Mat Rackcord 2012 Scorpio Supacord

VINYL / SMOOTH FLOORING

Citation Twist Discovery 4&5M Eden Twist 30/40/50 4&5M Iconic Twist 40/50 4&5M Inspire Twist 30/40 Paramount 30/40 4&5M Super Sixty 4&5M The Berber Twist Collection 40/50 4&5M Ultimate Textures 4&5M Ultimate Berber Twist 4&5M Ultimate Twist 40/50 4&5M Ultimate Luxury 4&5M

VELOUR / VELVET Designers Dream

Bedford Cord Capital Plus Heuga 727 Magnesium Neutron Positron Proton Quark Call now to receive a copy of our latest Summer of Sport special price guide!

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

RALPH’S TOP TIP! Dukes, Reds, Talk Of The South, Faces... There was a time when every Friday night would find me rubbing my fleece round the legs of some lovely ladies on a sweaty nightclub dancefloor. Yet suddenly I find myself at home on a Friday night, is it my advancing years or could it be the installation of ‘Stay at Home’ Saxony back in the barn that is keeping me there? The luxury is sublime... I just can’t seem to tear myself away from this level of comfort... I really must be getting old... hang on, is that The Bee Gees I hear... You Should be Dancing...? It is! Where’s my jacket, I’m off...!

Area Sales Executives Ian Pullinger London N,W, NW & E Postals, Essex & Middx (Within M25) 07881-502506

James White London SW Postals, Surrey (West of A24), Beds, Berks, Bucks, Herts (West of A1) 07881-502508

Paul Henson Essex (Outside M25) Cambs, Suffolk, Herts (East of A1) 07837-295379

Phil Wheeler London SE Postals, Kent, Surrey (East of A24) & Sussex 07881-502507

Anthony Stapleton Sales Director 07881-502505 / 020-8498-2845 THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

Solent Wholesale Carpet Company Ltd CARPET, FLOORCOVERING & ACCESSORY WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS Telephone: 01243 774623 Fax: 01243 533636 E-mail: sales@solentwholesale.co.uk Website: www.solentwholesale.com Zola Park, Barnfield Drive, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6UX.

CHECK STOCK, PLACE ORDERS AND MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT 24/7 ALL THROUGH OUR WEBSITE Oxford, Berks, Bucks, Beds, Hants, Middlesex & Herts . . . . Ian Cardrick, i.cardrick@solentwholesale.co.uk, Sussex E & W, Surrey, South London & Kent. . . . . . . . . . . . John Robson, j.robson@solentwholesale.co.uk, Hants, Wilts, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucs, & I.O.W.. . . . . . . . . . . Adam Ayling, a.ayling@solentwholesale.co.uk, Accessary Sales and IT Specialist (All Areas). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke Crooks, luke@solentwholesale.co.uk, VICTORIA Castillion Celtic Heathers Crown Twist EasiCare - Full Collection Gaelic Heathers Imperial Velvet Natural Companions (Sisal, Chenille, Ridge) Options 288 Regal Twist Rustic Jewels Tudor Twist Coll LANO Bolero Campus X-treme Chiselhurst Fortuna Heather Twist Design Heather Twist Supreme Pembridge Twist Sentinel Startwist Coll BALTA Casablanca Desert Twist Deluxe Fiesta Fusion Happy Days High Flyers Highland Tweed Gala Cord-all options in stock Moorland Twist Nobility Rosemount Saxon King Shetland Shepherd Twist Stainsafe Favourite Super Wiltax Techno Twisty LUSOTUFO Celtic Horizon Mandaly Pavillion Velvet Safi Sintra Boucle Tangier Titan & Tital Diagonal Twist Berber Unique Valencia

CORMAR Apollo Berwick 40/50 Home Counties 42/50 Living Naturals Malabar Oaklands 32 Oaklands 42 Oaklands 50 Primo Choice Primo Plus Sensation BROCKWAY Amore Stripe Collection Avanti Cavendish Craftsman Elite Cresta 40/Cresta 50 Orion/Orion Major Radnor 30/Radnor 40 DOMO Absolute Luxury Briar Twist Cabaret Festival Twist Heather Twist Mountain Peaks Playground Portofino Prima Scorpio IVC Classic Limestone Comfylux Extra Expressions Fantasy Fusion Master Grip Planet Precious Metals Presto Tile Styles Ultimate Oak Ultimate Minerals Victoria ITC Belgravia Concerto Consul Heritage Collection Palace TAPIBEL Cachet Melody Nevada Reeds Sysoltex Homested/Aran/Crofter Toscana

mobile: 07973 406329 mobile: 07973 898453 mobile: 07973 406799 mobile: 07966 664379

BEAULIEU carpets Adventure Twist Athena Dublin Dublin Heathers Explorer Endurance Fashion/Gallery Grass Collection Heavy Tread Mars Motor Car Pronto Selections Sweet Homes Yucatan vinyls Celtic Stone - New Colours Chess Comfort Grip Grandioso Jazz Magnum Sherwood Oak Studio Sonata Urban laminates Essentials (previously Casa) Cottage MOHAWK CARPETS Century Collection - Century - Half Century Presidential Collection - Independence - Liberty - Freedom (4&5M) - Splendor MISCELLANEOUS CAVALIER Celebrations Country Collection Hamlet Parish and Village LEIGH SPINNERS Atlas Velour THOMAS WITTER Innovations 50oz & 60oz C&H Homestyle LVT - planks and tiles PARAGON Toccarre Carpet Tiles

We carry other products not listed above, and can also provide a swift special order service on non stock lines. Our reps and sales office would be pleased to answer all enquiries. Our last Price List is dated September/October 2012. THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

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

NEXT DAY DELIVERY

WWW.STSFLOORING.CO.UK

STS GOLDLINE STOCK CARPETS Abbey Twist 30/40 Aston Twist Bernwood Design Bernwood Twist Bernwood Supreme Bernwood Heather Supreme Blenheim Twist 40 Blenheim Twist 50 Cherwell Cord Chislehurst Classic Berber Twist Fairfield Creation Fairfield Supreme Gladiator Supreme Harrier Felt Harrier Gel Harrier Supreme Gel Heathdale Medicare Multicare Classic New Valley Twist Orinoco II Ravensbury Twist 32/40/50 Scala Serenity Supersava Elite BALTA STOCK CARPETS Gala Cord New Shepherd Twist EDEL TELENZO Hercules Lawrence Lima Puma

LANO STOCK CARPETS Bolero Chislehurst Fairfield Creation Fairfield Supreme Heather Twist Design Heather Twist Supreme Pembridge Twist Sapphire Scala Scala Solutions Startwist Startwist Supreme CORMAR STOCK CARPETS Apollo Berwick 40/50 Forest Hills Living Naturals Malabar Textures Natural Berber Twist Oaklands 32/42/50 Primo Choice Primo Delight Primo Plus Primo Tweeds Primo Ultra Sensation Town & Country BEAULIEU INTERNATIONAL Dublin Elite Ranger FIBRE BONDED Ecocord Supacord

NEW PRICE GUIDE SEPT 2012 CARPET STOCK TILES Ascot Beckenham Cheltenham Clipper II Croydon Croydon Impact Heuga 727 (Interface) Keston Lafitte (Gradus) Latour (Gradus) Saturn Series Collection (Interface) STOCK UNDERLAYS Blue Heaven Cirrus Cloud Nine Contract Cloud Nine Super Contract Cosi 8mm & 10mm Cumulus Durafit 500 Durafit 650 Goldtred Collection Heatflow Collection Nimbus Willow Green Roma Silver Lining Tredaire Elite Treadmore

AREA MANAGERS - NORTHERN

REGIONAL MANAGER - NORTHERN

AREA MANAGERS - SOUTHERN

Dave Lowman 07500 847758

Rachel Sherwood 07801 762724

Mirka Mihulcova 07500 847566

North/East London, Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middlesex, Northants, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire

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

Phaedra Duncan 07738 329714

REGIONAL MANAGER - SOUTHERN

Berkshire, Oxfordshire

Dana Baldock 07801 762725

Steve Osman 07919 128401

Vicky Langley 07962 646847 Surrey, W Sussex, Hants, South/West London

Paul Jeffery 07717 218024 South/East London, Kent, E Sussex

Essex, Cambs, Suffolk, Norfolk

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

Tel: 01422 374417 or 01422 371226 Fax: 01422 377452 Email: sales@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk Unit B7 Warhurst Road, Lowfields Business Park, Elland, W. Yorkshire HX5 9DF

HARROGATE DELIVERS AGAIN

OUR SALES TEAM

Once again we’re pleased to say we had a very good Harrogate. We are truly grateful to all our customers – old and new – who took the time to come to the show and to visit our stand. Response to some of the new ranges in the pipeline has been very encouraging – and we should know soon exactly what will be put into production in 2013. Our new Tube Collection stripe, The new look Edel Telenzo stand at Harrogate, boasting the company’s fresh new corporate id, was busy as usual Hammersmith, with its bold throughout the three-day show. wide multi-stripe pattern, was very well received, along with new colours (in the grey scale) for the existing Tube Collection ranges, Piccadilly, Bakerloo, Mainline and Centrepoint. Our new contract quality stripey 100% Edelon polypropylene, Rio de Janeiro, was also very well received. New collections in production - the 50-50 Highbury, Islington, Hampton Court and our velvety textured 100% polyamide, Casablanca - also continue to receive your chorus of approval. We really appreciate customers’ feedback– and we think you like giving it too – so thanks to all: your views really do count! Congratulations to James Browne of Rodgers of York, winner of the iPad in our Harrogate show free prize draw, seen here (right) receiving his prize from our Yorkshire agent John Alsop.

HERE IT IS – HERE WE ARE! We’re now quite well settled in to our new offices (phones are all working now!) and loving the extra space, inside and out. How we managed before we just don’t know. It’s certainly making everyone’s job a lot easier and more pleasant. The only part left to sort out is our trade showroom here – it’s been quite a while since we’ve had one.This should be up and running by the New Year – we’ll be sure to tell you all about it when it’s ready.

Our new office from the outside: we’ve got loads of parking!

May we respectfully suggest... Please don’t dismantle or deface your tombolas and lecterns, which take time to replenish and spoil your display for other customers. We have a very fast, very efficient sampling service for up to three samples per request which all our stockists can use - either by telephoning us at Olympus head office or via the website. Chelsea Chelsea

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

Paddington in cafe au lait

Greater London as far as N. Circular on north side of Thames and as far as M25 on south side, Surrey, Middlesex, Sussex, Kent John A Constable T: 01622 685397 M: 07836 734322 E: john@jcagencies.co.uk Yorkshire & North Lincs John Alsop T: 01904 762471 M: 07860 572220 E: alsopagencies@yahoo.co.uk Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset Brendan Hart M: 07850 130221 E: a.b.hart@btinternet.com Lincs, Leics, Northants, Notts, Derbyshire Jim Osborne M: 07738 642934 E: jim.osborne@sky.com Hampshire, Berkshire, Bucks, Oxfordshire Niall Martin M: 07866 735772 E: niallmartin@msn.com South Wales, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire Andrew Jefferies M: 07831 457102 E: adj.agencies@btinternet.com Lancashire, Cumbria & Isle of Man John Rostron M: 07973 733208 E: johnrostron@aol.com East Anglia, Bedfordshire, Cambs, Essex, Herts, Norfolk, Suffolk Jonathan Hart T: 01621 817992 M: 07889 264466 E: jonathanhart66@hotmail.co.uk West Midlands Paul Brewer T: 0121 4277117 M: 07798 745181 E: paulbrewer1@hotmail.co.uk Greater Manchester, Cheshire, North Wales Philip Hambleton T: 01925 740050 M: 07966 397676 E: carpetphil@aol.com North East Rebecca Gibbons M: 07970 491215 E: rebann2@btinternet.com Scotland Tim Tindal T: 01436 671421 M: 07836 705620 E: ttcarpetagencies@aol.com Channel Islands, Isle of Wight John Eastlake T: 01323 896141 M: 07885 398858 E: john_eastlake@hotmail.co.uk Northern Ireland Gary O’Boyle M: 07831 220675 E: goboyle@ntlworld.com

YOUR HEAD OFFICE TEAM CONTACTS Operations Manager: Lesley Inman M: 07703 337989 E: l.inman@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk 29

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

New stands We are pleased to announce the arrival of two new in-store display stands that hold all of our collections. If you are interested in having one of these units, please contact your local sales agent or our sales office.

Jacs Designer tonal loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths. Natural Lines Super luxurious 100% Wool loop pile available in 4m and 5m widths. Tunis A heavy domestic berber loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths. Queen Tweed A fine heavy domestic berber loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths. Denver A stylish heavy domestic tonal loop pile in 100% Wool, available in 4m and 5m widths. Oklahoma A heavy domestic berber loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths.

Supreme Stripe A heavy domestic tonal stripe in 100% Wool loop pile. Supreme Boucle Our best selling level loop 100% Wool product available in 12 up to the minute colours in both 4m and 5m widths.

Imperial Boucle A heavy domestic loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths.

Las Vegas A chunky luxurious loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths. Royal Velour A luxurious velour in 80% Wool/20% Nylon in 5m wide. Sisal Boucle and Sisal Berber Natural fibre textured loop pile ranges in two styles. The Stone Fibre Collection Our unique flat woven quality in many fashion styles and colours available in 4m and 5m widths. Orlando A chunky loop quality with a thick latex backing for a luxurious feel.

Bespoke Design carpet from Hammer Carpets You may not have heard of them but Hammer Carpets in Denmark are the worlds largest manufacturer of Colortec bespoke design carpets in the world. Colortec is a state of the art tufting machine that uses computer controlled technology to manufacture any design in a maximum of 8 colours. This tried and tested manufacturing method is up to 10 times faster than Axminster and exactly replicates the appearance, unlike a printed design carpet. If you would like more details of this type of carpet and to find out how competitive and easy to use it can be then please call your Sales Agent or our Sales office who will be happy to help.

OUR UK SALES TEAM Mr Ron Fewery Tel: 07976 244892 London, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire. Mr Steve Acton Tel: 07957 836207 Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Dorset. Mr Gary Foster Tel: 07515 283872 East Anglia, Northamptonshire. Mr Martin Lees Tel: 07522 740954 North Wales, Cumbria, Manchester, Liverpool. 30

Mr Derek Boyd Tel: 07940 320708 Scotland. Mr Lee Palmer Tel: 07774 101640 Channel Islands. Mr Jonathan Gorman Tel: 07815 121660 Northern Ireland. Mr Mark Garbett Tel: 07840 664757 Bristol & the West Country.

Mr Steve Fletcher Tel: 07831 818989 Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Tyneside. Mr Keith Stevens Tel: 07710 160166 Midlands & South Wales.

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

THE STOCKLISTS October 2012

1 October 2012

FlooringNews Designer chic and cheap Contractors and specifiers working on budget sensitive projects can now achieve a stylish design-led look for less with the contemporary GO2 carpet tile collection from Mohawk. Consisting of two coordinating styles, Mountain Plains and Trail Blazer, that deliver a bold statement when used together or alone, GO2 ensures a highimpact aesthetic for a variety of demanding commercial environments. Available in a choice of 12 striking colourways including bright blue Azure, purple-edged Indigo and on-trend grey Graphite, Mountain Plains tiles have multicolour threads for a heather appearance that adds depth to any interior space. The contrasting Trail Blazer stripes include four solid hues with bright lengths of colour running through in order to cast mesmerising patterns upon the floor. Choose from the arresting flash design with purple lines on a deep black background or eye-catching shimmer with its multitude of blue tones. “The GO2 collection has been principally designed to offer a cost-effective solution to achieving a trend-led appearance for a variety of locations, from shops and offices to leisure venues and healthcare environments,” explains Howard Lindsay, RVP International Sales UK, Ireland, Iceland and South Africa, Mohawk Carpets. “With budgets tight at the moment, GO2 fulfils the demand for exciting flooring options, and the many colours available ensures

Radiating colour With a pile weight of 50oz, a tog rating of 1.00 and manufactured using a 2-ply yarn you can be guaranteed that Victoria Carpet’s new Radiance Collection will not only offer extra durability but also a luxurious feel. Radiance has been engineered to reduce premature tracking and shading which helps the carpet to withstand the test of time, teamed with it being a mixture of wool and polypropylene (80/20) the tufted twist combines the softness of wool with modern fibres. Radiance is available in two widths, 4m & 5m, and comes with a palette of 20 complementary shades, each accordingly named after exquisite gemstones. Shaun Lewis, Sales and Marketing Director, comments “Radiance is a new take on our existing Crown Twist collection. The colour palette has been refreshed in line with what we believe consumers want. There has been a move to more subtle and pastel shades this year and we feel that with our new Radiance Collection there is a shade to suit any interior.” T 01562 749300

www.victoriacarpets.com

there is an option to suit all projects. The ultimate appeal of this range is that each Trail Blazer tile has several coordinating partners within Mountain Plains for a completely fuss-free approach to design that requires minimal effort, so GO2 is the ideal ‘go to’ choice for time-pressed jobs too.” Offering performance benefits to match its brilliant appearance, the GO2 collection is resilient and hardwearing, rated class 33 suitable for heavy contract use. Crafted from solution-dyed nylon to ensure exceptional colour clarity and ease of maintenance, GO2 tiles will retain their remarkable good looks. Available nationwide, GO2 products come backed with a full support and sample package from Mohawk. T 01480 479830

from The Stocklists

www.mohawkinternational.com October 2012 31

News

On trend for Autumn Superb quality German Rustic Oak 191mm engineered lacquered planks from UK Flooring Direct deliver a cosy country look this autumn for consumers and floor fitters looking for the latest trends. With an on-trend rustic quality, German Rustic Oak features heavy and characterful grain markings and soft colour variations that bring warmth to any interior. Featuring in UK Flooring Direct’s stylish Galleria range, this flooring is prefinished with a satin lacquer that enhances its natural appeal and gently reflects the light. Giving great protection to the hardwood itself too, German Rustic Oak is a great choice for consumers looking for country-style charm and is a solid option for fitters looking to provide both hardwearing and smart-looking wood floor. The high-quality, super-thick 6mm hardwood wear layer is supported by 11 layers of birch plywood that provide fantastic levels of stability and assist with the floor’s impact and dent resistance. The multi-ply structure of German Rustic Oak offers great resilience, making this flooring an ideal choice for busy family living areas and high-impact locations such as hallways and landings. “German Rustic Oak has been designed to appeal to those searching for high-quality flooring that has an all-important country feel and that will last for generations,” explains Josh Ashby, product manager, UK Flooring Direct. German Rustic Oak planks are 191mm wide and come in standard lengths of 1900mm with two starter boards in each pack. Also available in an authentic brushed and oiled finish. UK Flooring Direct offers fast anytime online ordering for complete ease of purchase. T 0845 287 5623 www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk

Diamonds are for ever-y one The extra-wide Diamond Gripper from Floorwise has been carefully developed to offer fitters a superior hold in a variety of residential and commercial locations, and with three super products in the range, there’s no need to look anywhere else. As Richard Bailey, managing director, Floorwise, explains, “With increased choice and a greater demand for cost-effective products, the quality of some gripper available nowadays has really gone downhill. But our Diamond Gripper has been developed with the knowledge of industry insiders to offer a return to the superiority of carpet gripper of old. “ The Diamond Gripper collection consists of three products prenailed for different floor surface types, including one for concrete floors, one for wood and one dual-purpose for both wood and concrete, making it the ideal product for a variety of installations covering both the residential and commercial sectors. Broader than standard gripper, the Diamond Gripper delivers greater stability and with an increased number of pins across its length it gives an improved hold once the carpet has been stretched. This larger amount of zinc-coated rust resistant pins and nails means that the Diamond Gripper offers a superior hold to ensure a tighter and stronger finish, and, because it is pre-nailed, it helps to prevent any damage to the wall during fitting and allows for a speedier and easier carpet installation. “At Floorwise we pride ourselves on offering leading products, and the Diamond Gripper is no different,” continues Richard Bailey. “With more and more carpet available in five-metre widths and a popular choice for larger homes and commercial environments, it’s important that gripper performs just as well. The broadness of the Diamond Gripper makes it more suitable for power stretching installations so it can be used for big and small installations.” T 01509 673974

www.floorwise.co.uk

New Metro man The Board of Directors at The Metro Group has announced the appointment of Steve Depport as their new Operations Manager. Steve joins the Metro Group from Brintons Carpets, where he worked in the role of Sales Director for a number of years and prior to this worked with buying groups within the food industry. He brings a wealth of industry and client development experience to his new role and his long standing contacts in the carpet industry will be a huge asset to The Metro Group. Set to be based in Bolton, he will be reintroducing himself to many of The Metro Group members he has met during his previous role, as well as introducing himself to all suppliers and as many members as possible over the coming weeks and months. The Metro Group are very pleased to welcome Steve and believe his industry knowledge and expertise will be an opportunity for the group to grow and raise its profile with members and suppliers. T 01204 393539 stevedepport@carpet1st.co.uk

32 October 2012

FlooringNews

from The Stocklists

October 2012 33

Flower on Flooring

by Dennis Flower

Coming of age Carpet tiles have moved away from their image of providing a limited range of options to appeal to those looking for creativity and flair. While carpet tiles were formerly recognised for their adaptability and ease of maintenance, with damaged or soiled tiles easily replaced, they were not perceived as a particularly daring choice of flooring design. This has changed dramatically in recent years, as manufacturers have introduced considerably more designs and textures, while also incorporating environmentally friendly materials. Heckmondwike reports that it has introduced its new Array Heckmondwike - strong on design fibre bonded carpet tiles, to combine the aesthetic appeal of a tufted carpet with the construction and performance only available from a fibre bonded product. They feature a mid-width rib design, with a charcoal background enhanced with a subtle linear pattern in six different colourways. Array carpet tiles can be cut onsite without fraying, the company states, allowing individual flooring designs to be created. These can also be combined with other colours and textures from Heckmondwike’s Broadrib range and are backed by a 10-year limited wear warranty, allowing them to be specified in complete confidence.

34 October 2012

its latest collection to apply colours, texture and patterns in an innovative way. The Urban Collective range makes the best use of the company’s proprietary Millitron pattern technology, as well as its solution dyed nylon premium tufting capability to offer a choice of five designs that have a highly textural and dimensional aesthetic inspired by the fractured architectural elements and colours of a dilapidated cityscape. The new range offers an integral cushion back for added underfoot comfort and enhanced durability. Ian Hammond, Vorwerk Carpets UK director says carpet tiles have benefited as consumers look to individualise their space and create bolder style statements. "Our Scale Living collection allows homeowners to do just that," he says. "Created by world-renowned architect Hadi Teherani, this collection consists of three distinct shapes, Mesh, Bloom and Cut, and mixes shape, texture, colour and material. Each style interlocks and the proprietary open cell backing allows the shapes to suck themselves to smooth floors. They can also be removed and replaced time and time again to create an everevolving shape upon the floor." The company's Floor Sculptures range, accessible through its relaunched Fascination Collection, is ideal for this fast-growing carpet tile trend, he continues, with two bold designs, Curve and Octagon, and presented in a handy box. Featuring interlinking tiles that can be arranged to suit individual spaces, Octagon is available in three vibrant colourways. "Featuring a mix of tufted carpet and alcantara tiles, this design is sure to appeal to homeowners who desire a contemporary interior,” Mr Hammond concludes.

Milliken says it is easy to assume that carpet tiles are used almost exclusively to create solid colours or regular patterns, but that is not necessarily the case. Creative design principles, materials and manufacturing techniques, applied with imagination and insight, can produce an entirely new aesthetic. The company has been innovating in this area for years and has designed

Vorwerk has revolutionised consumer tiles

Further options are provided by the Modular collection from ege, which consists of 48 x 48cm tiles offering numerous design choices. Also including a wide range of modular stock designs in various textures and colours, the collection additionally incorporates environmental care and high flexibility, the company states. Suitable for heavy use, the company's Modular range adheres to Danish Indoor Climate Labelling standards, with features such as improved sound absorption, low weight, improved ergonomics, dimensional stability and anti-soil protection. Its 100 per cent textile modular backing also ensures a healthy indoor environment, says the company. For more information:

Milliken’s proprietary pattern technology

Heckmondwike Milliken Vorwerk

T 01924 406161 www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk T 01942 826073 www.millikencarpet.com T 020 7096 5090 www.vorwerkcarpets.co.uk

FlooringNews

from The Stocklists

October 2012 35

News

It’s a corker With a fresh approach to design and innovative manufacturing techniques, Granorte has proved time and time again that its striking cork products are the ideal choice for retailers looking to offer something a little different to their customers. Belonging in Granorte’s trend-led Studio collection of floating cork flooring and available in a choice of planks, narrow panels and tiles that simply click together, Nobel Select is an inspiring design full of character. The lively and warm colour variations of cork help to lift the natural aesthetic to a higher plane and add depth and interest to interior spaces. With exceptional environmental properties that respond to the increasing demand for ecofriendly materials in both residential and commercial applications, all Granorte products including Nobel Select are inherently sustainable. Cork trees are unharmed after harvesting and will regenerate repeatedly, making them a great rapidly renewable resource. The honeycomb structured surface of cork ensures that Nobel Select is remarkably resistant to wear and resilient enough to withstand heavy footfall, making it a great choice for high-impact areas. Additionally, cork flooring will not absorb dust so is ideal for allergy or asthma sufferers, and it also offers superb acoustic and thermal insulation properties. “The high-performance nature of cork has long been overlooked, but the vibrant aesthetic appeal of Nobel Select will propel this natural and sustainable material back into the forefront of design,” explains Eduardo Sousa, sales manager, Granorte. T 01785 711 131

www.granorte.co.uk

Fascination station Vorwerk Carpets has revealed an innovative and striking new point of sale display specifically designed to showcase the exciting styles in the recently revamped Fascination Collection. In a compact size ideal for retailers with limited space, the display is designed in a stylish monochrome colour scheme that sets off the carpets to perfection. Featuring large-format sample cards with inspirational photography, shelves for large detailed pattern swatches beneath and innovative attaching hanger units that house individual ranges within the collection, this is an essential addition for retailers wanting to capture the attention and imaginations of consumers. “The new POS display is a brilliant resource for retailers, as it showcases the entire spectrum of products within the Fascination Collection,” explains Ian Hammond, UK Director, Vorwerk Carpets. “It is such an extensive range with a variety of colourways, designs and textures, so to have it comprehensively summarised on an equally stylish unit makes a great selling tool for retailers, and a fantastic reference point for homeowners looking for design-led and on-trend flooring options. “The inclusion of aspirational room set photography and detailed pattern swatches on easy-to-access shelves means that shoppers can clearly visualise how the carpets will look in their own home, and also enable them to view the unusual textures and yarns up close. The hanger units that attach onto the main stand are a great space-saving solution for retailers and are brilliant for demonstrating specific carpets, such as the arresting Rosario design with its iridescent dyed tips and the contemporary speckled Dot.” T 020 7096 5090

www.vorwerkcarpets.co.uk

Montage helps healthy home Heckmondwike FB, the fibre bonded carpet specialist, has helped to provide a flooring solution for a recently refurbished sheltered housing facility in Swindon. More than 1,000m2 of Heckmondwike carpets were installed at the Brain Court site by the team at Select Line Carpets and Floorings Ltd, Swindon (Select Line). A different, easily distinguishable finish was chosen for each floor, providing some ease to those with short term memory loss issues. Heckmondwike’s hard-wearing and distinctive Montage floorcovering was used extensively throughout the Brain Court renovation, with 313m2 of Jade colour carpet selected for the top floor of the development, 476m2 of Indigo colour carpets fitted on the first floor and 450m2 of Claret colour carpets installed on the ground floor. The project was completed with Heckmondwike’s award winning Battleship entrance matting, chosen in a Pebble colour, to create an attractive and practical entrance detail. The Battleship entrance matting is designed to clean shoes and act as an interceptor, keeping Brain Court a clean and hygienic environment for residents, staff and visitors. Abby Chandler, Marketing Manager of Heckmondwike, said; “The primary concern for everybody connected with this project was to maximise the health and well being of Brain Court residents. Our Montage range will not ravel or fray and is anti-slip, which should provide a real benefit to users at Brain Court. The range also provides enhanced thermal properties which conserve heat, ensuring residents are comfortable and management save on fuel bills during the winter months.” T 01924 406161 www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk 36 October 2012

FlooringNews

News

from The Stocklists

October 2012 37

News

Anti-allergy on show Vorwerk Carpets has announced that it will be showcasing its extensive range of allergy-friendly carpets at the upcoming Allergy & Free From Show in Liverpool on 27th – 28th October, BT Convention Centre, Liverpool, including the exciting range of carpets within the design-led residential Fascination collection. Almost all qualities of carpet within the Vorwerk range are classified as ‘suitable for allergy sufferers’ by the German Standards Authority TÜV Nord as well as recommended by DAAB (the German Allergy and Asthma Society). The carpet collection has also been found by the GUI to ‘have an outstanding capacity for tying up fine dust and succeed in reducing toxic concentrations of fine dust in the air of a room to a significant degree’. “The official recognition that we have so far achieved for the allergy sensitive nature of our carpets proves that we belong at the Allergy & Free From Show,” says Ian Hammond, UK sales director, Vorwerk Carpets. “The exhibition represents a great chance for us to tap into a new group of potential customers, allowing us to explain directly to homeowners just how our carpets can contribute to their everyday comfort. The many different vibrant options within our revamped Fascination collection prove that allergyfriendly style can be lively and eye-catching. Vorwerk Carpets will be exhibiting at Stand 7. T 020 7096 5090

www.vorwerkcarpets.co.uk

Chop and change Having made a huge splash across the Atlantic and already making ripples here in the UK, TacFast Systems International’s revolutionary mechanical fix system for flooring is set to get even more manufacturers on board as it paves the way for multi-floor commercial locations. As Jonathan Stone, CCO, TacFast Systems International explains: “The TacFast system is the quick and simple choice for the whole spectrum of contract installations, and it is particularly suited to businesses that change flooring regularly. The unique TacFast interlocking disc and plate system allows floor tiles and planks to be removed and replaced without the need for time-consuming and messy adhesives, giving endusers the freedom to chop and change floorcoverings to suit their business needs.” TacFast consists of a unique LocPlate interlocking disc and plate system that sits above the subfloor and a hook and loop fastening system that rapidly attaches the floorcovering to the LocPlate surface. This allows for greater flexibility and easier removal than flooring adhesives, making TacFast very practical for businesses that require fast flooring changes. “Businesses such as department stores or food halls in busy shopping malls often experience a high turnover of different concessions, all of which have different branding and require a different look to set them apart from their competitors. With the TacFast system, zonal-style flooring can be easily created, “ continues Jonathan Stone. “It’s also the ideal option for seasonal promotions or for advertising on floor tiles, and it works with a whole host of different floorcoverings, including wood and laminate planks, carpet tiles, ceramics, natural stone and LVT.” T 01527 919891

www.tacfast.com

Adhesive’s instant appeal F. Ball has reformulated its Styccobond F66 solvent-free, contact adhesive. With improved performance in securing both horizontal and vertical floor and wallcoverings, the new product also boasts a quicker drying time, thanks to a brand new application technique. The innovative sponge applicator, for use on non-absorbent surfaces, makes the solvent-free adhesive easy to apply and creates an ‘instant bond,’ which is key to the installation of vertical coverings. Styccobond F66 is also ideal for securing most textile-backed wall and floorcoverings, including PVC, rubber and cork, as well as staircase nosings and skirting edgings. For absorbent surfaces, such as concrete subfloors, the adhesive should be applied with a notched spreader. Commenting on the development, marketing manager, Richard Harris, said: “F. Ball remains dedicated to updating and developing its existing range of products to the highest possible quality and standard, utilising the latest technology, and considering the most effective tools and application techniques.” With a long open time, making it an optimum product for larger installations, F66 now dries in around 30 – 40 minutes, which can be accelerated further by directing warm air across the adhesive, improving drying times to between 5 and 10 minutes. Its low odour, solvent-free formulation provides a safe, high performance alternative for projects in clinical or sensitive settings, such as hospitals or schools, where cleanliness and hygiene is of the utmost priority. This updated Styccobond F66 formulation is also approved by Det Norske Veritas for use in marine floor installations and now carries the IMO Wheelmark logo. T 01538 361 633

38 October 2012

www.f-ball.co.uk

FlooringNews

News

Laminate’s back in fashion Ever-increasing numbers of people are choosing laminate as their preferred choice of floor covering, says Balterio.. Appearance, simple installation and easy cleaning are just a few of the qualities that make laminate so popular. Laminate provides all the advantages of wood, such as the authentic look and feel, but none of its drawbacks, affirms Franky Terrijn, Marketing Director at Balterio. Light authentic colours have been fashionable for a considerable time, and this will continue to be the case, in laminate too. Demand for Pale colours remains high in times of an an uncertain economic future, since they give a more optimistic ambience. The dominant trend is toward natural, authentic, honest materials: concrete, porcelain, metal, wood, copper, oiled leather, matt stone. The tone is matt. Smooth laminate is no longer all that popular - the trend is moving towards authentic and classical. Contemporary consumers don´t want just a ´look and feel´ like that of real parquet or wood floors, but also the acoustics that go with them. Laminate is in. It assures comfort, it’s wear-resistant, budget-friendly and virtually indistinguishable from real wood. “We’ve conducted years of research in order to find a way to imitate real wood floors as perfectly as possible, and the results are simply stunning,” says Franky Terrijn.

Xperience Plus in Ventian Cypress

T +32 5662 8081 www.balterio.com

Ready to recycle More and more retailers are signing up to recycle their carpet waste as they recognise the twin benefits of potential disposal cost savings and the ability to offer an enhanced customer service, according to Carpet Recycling UK. Increased numbers of outlets throughout the UK accepting all types of waste carpet for re-use or recycling along with innovative and diverse end uses for the material are contributing to greater diversion of this bulky waste from landfill. In Yorkshire and Lancashire, retailers have the opportunity to recycle their postinstallation off-cuts. CRUK, the industry-backed association for recycling and reusing waste carpet, attracted interest from more than 125 people who visited its stand and seminar programme at September’s Harrogate Flooring Show. It also announced that Flooring One, a subsidiary of Associated Independent Stores (AIS) which is one of the biggest central buying and marketing organisations in the country, has joined Carpet Recycling UK as an associate member. “This year’s event revealed significant raised awareness of CRUK’s activities and it was apparent that the perception and profile of CRUK had risen substantially during 2012,” commented CRUK Director Laurance Bird after the three-day event. “This is tremendously encouraging as we work towards our target of 25% landfill diversion by 2015.” Extensive pilot trials involving sorting and collection of post-installation wastes are being evaluated by Carpet Recycling UK members to optimise the logistics cost and effectiveness of various methods. Laurance said that increased levels of enquiries and interest revealed the sector is recognising that carpet waste is an issue and is more willing to explore carpet recycling ideas than ever before. T 0161 440 8325

www.carpetrecyclinguk.com

Merry Mats! 40 October 2012

Get yourself a nice little Christmas bonus with ‘impulse buy’ festive mats from The Stocklists! See page 57 for details FlooringNews

HarrogateReport Sunny side up

Show success “defies market conditions”

Every year, the Harrogate show provides more reasons to be cheerful than the industry thinks it is reasonable to expect.This year - the event’s 50th anniversary - there was a buzz and energy, and repeated reports of strong business, to keep even the cynics happy. The lure of sunshine after a gloomy Summer may have accounted for a small reduction in footfall together with the regrettable absence of some manufacturers who have chosen not to participate in our only all-industry event. But visitor numbers were very healthy at around 3,000 and many exhibitors said they had the best show in years. The new owners efforts to make a difference in the presentation was apparent. “The organisers have done everything to make this a show with a difference and they have done an excellent job,” said Peter Kimmins of Georgian.. “It is a great forum to sustain our relationships,” said David Cormack of Cormar. “We’re very bullish and have had the best first day we’ve ever had here,” said Martin West of Kingsmead. “You never know what you might pick up at the show and we have met many new accounts,” he added. “The industry needs to take these opportunities to overcome the market negativity and Harrogate is a good platform to talk things up and demonstrates reasons to do better business,” said Neil Valentine of Furlong Flooring. The exhibitor list of more than 120 suppliers were full of ideas and there were many newcomers who added extra opportunities. The maxim that you owe it to your business to go to the Show has never been truer – missing out on a new angle or extra revenue stream has never been more dangerous. The next few pages of the magazine cover some of this years highlights. The organisers – Wendy Adams and Paul Scott with a highly profession team of staff – only took on the show last year and have already implemented some smart moves. The seminar series was right in the middle of the show, creating a buzz and keeping people in the halls. The design ideas to inspire retailer displays was highly innovative. continued overleaf...

Around the halls there was a “less is more” feel to manufacturers’ offers.

“It was gratifying to see the support for the show from all sectors of the industry, and we are thankful for the loyalty shown by the core group of major exhibitors who have helped to ensure a highly successful event,” says Wendy Adams, the show’s Event Director. “Visitors also appreciated the fact that this year attendance at all elements of The Flooring Show – the exhibition, seminar programmes, networking events and even car parking and wireless internet access – were free of charge to all with a business/professional interest in the flooring industry.” “We see the Harrogate show as being very much a fixture in the flooring year and in spite of indifferent trading conditions it was, once again, very much a success” said David Cormack, Marketing Director of Cormar Carpets. “We launched a new range – Primo Choice – at the exhibition and got an extremely good reaction. This year’s business seminars were well received – as was the free parking for the duration of the show. And we saw retailers from all over the UK and Ireland, with Sunday being one of the busiest days. So overall, at Cormar, we were very satisfied!” The Flooring Show 2013 Now planning begins in earnest for The Flooring Show next year in Harrogate. “We are delighted to have seen a high level of rebookings and many positive comments from exhibitors,” says Paul Stott, Marketing Director. “We introduced several new elements to the event in 2012 and will be continuing to adopt new initiatives to ensure that next year’s show is bigger and better and is organised to top international standards to reflect well on the highly important industry it serves.”

Product reviews start on page 44. Next month: Harrogate trends and product reviews part 2.

from The Stocklists

October 2012 41

Harrogate show report continued from the previous page..

For the last two or three years, some suppliers have been running around re-vamping, re-colouring and generally re-inventing themselves, spreading what little jam they have in the product development budget as thinly as possible. The financial situation hasn’t improved any and while several manufacturers in the quality sector are suggesting steady performance, the middle market is reporting that while sales are holding up, margins have been under even greater pressure. But it’s noticeable that manufacturers are coming to the market with fewer but smarter new ideas. Innovation is focussed on giving retailers what they need to do better business rather than trying to ‘look busy’ by re-dressing old offers.

There were some clear trends. Carpet is going soft – deep pile, soft touch fibres are all around and the success of saxonies is unabated. Stripes are still striding forward – and if you didn’t think there was much more to be done with carpets most successful fashion story, look again at some clever new ranges.

Inspiration for store display at Harrogate - more in next month’s magazine

The trend away from wool continues with established wool manufacturers continuing to build their synthetic offers. Maybe more fundamental is the greater acceptability of polypropylene in a market once unshakeable from its adherence to 80/20. Colour is stronger – grey maybe the new beige but other stronger colours really are coming through in the latest palettes – and selling! • Next month we will report in detail on each of these key trends.

In other highlights around the halls… Goodacre is back after years in the wilderness with John Lanham Watts about to renew our affection for this most traditional of all axminster makers. 50/50 wool blends continue to be a popular option to mitigate wool prices with notable offers from Manx and Georgian. Any colour custom services show there is still consumer demand at the top end of the scale with Brockway entering this high-end segment for the first time and Bronte reporting brisk business. Underlay manufacturers continue to fill niches we didn’t know existed but are doing so with flair and imagination – cost-effective budget products alongside top quality newcomers which are selling well. Technology continues to add value with systems like F Ball’s new internet TV channel and Cormar’s customer portal making a real contribution to helping retailers and fiiters get the job done quicker and better – not to mention Vorwerk’s venture into robotic carpet cleaning. Training and, especially apprenticeships, are now a high profile part of the flooring industry landscape – thanks to Government funding of highly effective schemes – which will go a long way to redress the skills imbalance in the sector. Our detailed review of new products and launches starts on page 44.

42 October 2012

FlooringNews

News

from The Stocklists

October 2012 43

Harrogate show review

Lano Lano Carpets captivated visitors at The Flooring Show with its stunning new product launches and the sheer variety of luxurious and highquality carpets on offer. Featuring on a dedicated POS unit, the extensive Ultimo Collection impressed visiting retailers with its assortment of attractive carpet styles spanning all colour spectrums and textures. Highlights at the Harrogate show included the just launched Mayfair Velvet Supreme, as well as the sumptuous Bamboo Luxe, Bamboo Weave and Impression. Unveiled at Harrogate for the very first time, Fortuna mesmerised visitors with its three-coloured polypropylene yarn and supremely soft texture. Updates to the popular Easy Care Collection were also revealed, including the stylish Fairfield Creations range consisting of four bold vertical stripe designs that coordinate with eight plain carpet styles. This harmonising collection can be used to create ultimate synergy in the home and is fantastic for laying in hallways and landings, with stripes used on staircases and subtly contrasting plains fitted in corridors. T 00800 5266 5266 www.lano.com

Itec The Itec Invisiweld system proved an instant hit at Harrogate with its timesaving and cost-friendly nature when compared with traditional hot welding methods. Completely watertight for ultimate peace of mind, Invisiweld can be used for all commercial and industrial applications, and its invisible seam means that the same tube can be used on any design combination. “It was a great chance for us demonstrate how our innovative Invisiweld system works to save time when fitting commercial projects,” said Jason Barrett of Itec Contract Floors. “It remains that our floors can be either hot or cold welded, but Invisiweld is faster, more cost-effective and more forgiving to slight errors, providing an improved aesthetic.” Itec’s impressive range of acoustic flooring with sound-deadening properties was also on display for visitors, with the Axento and Silento ranges taking centre stage. The ideal solution for contractors and specifiers looking for sound absorbent flooring that improves the ambience of sensitive locations such as care homes and hospitals right through to those looking for floorcoverings for busy, noisy commercial environments, these designs offer 18dB of sound insulation, are rated R10 slip resistance and are treated with a HyperGuard+ PUR wear layer. T 0800 0323 970

www.itecfloors.co.uk

Crown Crown Floors used the Harrogate show to launch an exciting new POS lectern display especially designed for retailers with compact space. Consisting of four Crown Floors designs, including the luxurious Dapdune Wharf with a range of striking colours and a collection of patterned Crown Wilton, this unit also houses two exclusive new ranges that have guaranteed consumer appeal. Heavy twisted saxony Dunotter Castle is available in an array of 10 appealing colourways and on-trend shag pile Kingston Lacey captivated visitors with its soft and sumptuous texture. With underneath storage and sample books of the full Crown Floors range, this unit only takes up one m2 of floor space. Visiting retailers were also able to view the seven recent exclusive additions to the main Crown Floors wall unit. With a wealth of styles to choose from including quality 100% British wool loops Hardwick and Meaton Hall, durable easyclean twist Sissinghurst Castle and the sophisticated look of Alderly Edge, there was a carpet to suit every taste. Retailers were also impressed by the wall unit’s generous sample sizes, clear product signage and sophisticated spotlight detailing – a winning combination in the quest to tempt consumers. T 0800 0773301 www.crownfloors.co.uk

44 October 2012

FlooringNews

Harrogate show review

Abingdon Abingdon are establishing themselves as one of the leading innovators in our industry and came to Harrogate with a range of new ideas that kept their stand buzzing all week. A range of clever coordinates called Boutique was a star attraction – a collection of 5 bold pin stripes and 10 plains in on-trend subtle shades with one colour-change in each option to give maximum flexibility. “What a reaction!”, said Abingdon’s Martin Peace. “Everyone has loved it and we’re the only one in the market with multi-width on this so there’s no waste.” Abingdon have also gone soft. Reflecting a rise in the popularity of deep indulgent pile, they have launched Stainfree Caress. The company has the advantage of spinning it’s own polypropylene so they have spent some time on the technology of this one to create a finer yarn with twice the usual number of filaments. Caress lives up to its name as a result with a great touch in a range of soft colours and a stainfree branding that gives consumers the confidence to put this anywhere in the house. Multi-width is being introduced for Caress in the coming weeks. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Abingdon also introduced Rugged Twist, a very tightly twisted robust carpet in 11 colours and 4 and 5m width. “It will take a lot of hammer and is a saleman’s dream as a bomb-proof offer,” said Martin. T 01274 655662 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

A good head for business! Abingdon have introduced a printed swatch of each colourway on all their headers.

F Ball Always ready to embrace technology, innovative F Ball now have their own TV channel to inform and maybe entertain installers about their comprehensive range of adhesives and floor-laying products. iBall Player is an impressive internet video portal modelled on the BBC’s popular iPlayer and brings together more than 30 videos showing best practice for different products and installation challenges. “We have been able to bring all our video content into one place and organise it into categories that create a valuable knowledge base for installers and specifiers,” says F Ball’s Richard Harris (pictured right). Check www.iball.tv for details. On the product front, Styccobond F66 has been re-born – a solvent-free, contact adhesive which gives an instant bond, especially suitable for vertical surfaces. A new applicator sponge has been designed to optimise its effective use.

A giant set of scales poses a weighty matter that has become an industry issue in adhesives – selling by weight or volume. “We are sticking with litres – are you?” says the F Ball slogan, making the point that a 15 litre tub can have as much as 30% more content than the 15kg products that are starting to find their way into the market place. The kg packs are popular on the continent but causing some confusion in the UK about what exactly you are getting for your money!

T 01538 361633 www.f-ball.co.uk 46 October 2012

FlooringNews

from The Stocklists

October 2012 47

Harrogate show review

Georgian Georgian Carpets are a great example of flexible innovation to ensure the enduring appeal of their product range. Some 80% of sales are still wool but there launch of a popular collection of polypropylene saxonies in the Spring – Delph, Cottage and Higham – has now been followed up by their first PP Twist to be launched as Beau Twist – an old name with a new purpose in life. Georgian were one of the companies to launch wool lookalike Woltec at last year’s Harrogate show and the fibre accounts for about 20% of sales says MD Peter Kimmins. “There’s lots of competition in this sector but our stands out. We find once retailers have made their first sale of Woltec, they get the confidence to carry on.” Meanwhile, to cover all the bases, Georgian has launched a 50/50 “affordable” velvet – their first velvet offer for some years. T 01827 831430 www.georgiancarpetsuk.co.uk

Kingsmead Kingsmead have been attracting considerable attention since they launched heir smart top quality Artwork collection of stripes and co-ordinating plains at Harrogate last year so they’ve build on that success with Artwork “Special Edition” - pictured right with Martin West. Created by top carpet designer Joanna Ramsden of Wools of New Zealand, Artwork has 10 new stripe combinations and 2 extra colours in the matching plains – a dove grey and terracotta. And Kingsmead’s soft sell just got stronger with the launch of Silk Supreme alongside Silk Centenary to give 70 and 100 oz/yard options in this deep Saxony which is available across 11 colours and in 4 and 5m. T 01827 831424 www.kingsmeadcarpets.co.uk

Regency Carpets Regency Carpets were benefitting from what they call their best ever advert – a clever take on the success of the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ books by E.L James which appeared in The Stocklists’ Harrogate Guide as a pattern book ‘50 Shades of Beige’ by Noel Furlong. “This is the most talked about advert we have ever done,” said Neil Valentine, of Regency distributors Furlong. “We have had an unbelievable response and the humour has made a serious point – that we have a leading position in the shades of beige which is what most consumers really want,” he said. “And now it’s already 54 shades of beige,” jokes Neil and Regency’s best selling Satisfaction range has just added 4 new beige colours to keep the range absolutely on-trend. T 01772 316155 www.regencycarefree.co.uk

48 October 2012

FlooringNews

Mohawk Mohawk unveiled its brand new Ultimate SmartStrand display at the Flooring Show to much appreciation from visiting retailers. A central unit featuring 16 qualities of highperformance and luxurious carpet styles crafted from SmartStrand fibre collections, retailers were impressed by the sheer choice of designs on offer. Also housed on this visually striking unit is Mohawk’s comprehensive Ultimate Collection, comprising 6 qualities; Super Freedom, Freedom, Splendour, Liberty, Independence and Carnival with an array of colours and widths which provides174 different options! The beautifully textured Dramatic Flair and Cascade Forest collections complete the carpet line-up. “We had our most successful show to date, and it was great to meet so many new faces,” says Howard Lindsay of Mohawk. “The Ultimate SmartStrand unit is a fantastic tool for retailers to explain the benefits of SmartStrand fibre to homeowners and to help them find a style and quality to suit their individual needs.” T 01480 479830 www.mohawkinternational.com

Carpet Recycling UK Carpet Recycling UK showcased a major new initiative that demonstrates the tangible benefits of recycling. CRUK members, Anglo Recycling Ltd. are taking uplifted carpet for recycling and producing a range of wool-rich underlay products under the name of Recowool. Retailers can sell the product to demonstrate to their customers how this “virtuous circle” of recycling delivers benefits. “It is a great story to talk through the opportunities in recycling,” says CRUK’s Laurance Bird. “This demonstrates a closed loop approach which has created a lot of interest.” The project is currently running in the North of England but CRUK hopes to grow this across the UK. A bacon butty promotion in the Harrogate café (pictured right with Matt Charlton) helped show visitors digest the new initiative! T 0161 440 8325

www.carpetrecyclinguk.com

Mapei Mapei were majoring on wood flooring at the Flooring Show with an upgraded, comprehensive range of adhesives, screeds, primers and other installation products which aims to grow their business in this sector in the UK. Their latest launch (pictured left with Sarah Ridgway) is Silwood, a new water-based acrylic sealant with a special flow technology that means it can be applied with very little waste and joints can be completely filled. The product is available in a wide range of colours which realistically reproduce the tones of most common wood products. Solvent-free for low environmental impact and safer working conditions, Silwood creates long-lasting seals. T 0121 508 6970 www.mapei.com

from The Stocklists

October 2012 49

Harrogate show review

Brockway Brockway unveiled their brightest new collection Solar at Harrogate – a premium 2-ply 80/20 with nylon in 4 and 5m with a colour bank designed by Wools of New Zealand expert Joanna Ramsden. The range comprises 64 plain colours - including Loganberry, Pomegranate, Tangerine and Forget-me-not - plus a set of 7 contemporary co-ordinating stripes. “This is a top quality twist with a stunning range of colours and as we have a reputation for stripes, we wanted to add that signature to this range,” says Charles Annable. Brockway almost invented stripes with the launch of their acclaimed Vogue collection. If 64 colours isn’t enough for you, expect to hear more from Brockway about their new “any colour” service which offers an affordable customised carpet as small as 25m2. T 01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk

Telenzo Lesley Inman, Edel Telenzo UK operations manager says: “Once again we’re pleased to say we had a very good Harrogate. We are truly grateful to all our customers – old and new – who took the time to come to the show and to visit our stand. Overall it seemed as though footfall was down – it’s just a shame the retailers don’t support the event and the exhibitors more. “Response to some of the new ranges in the pipeline has been very encouraging – it would seem retailers enjoy the opportunity to have some input into what actually ends up going into production. Our new Tube Collection stripe, Hammersmith, with its bold wide multi-stripe pattern, was very well received, along with new colours (in the grey scale) for the existing Tube Collection ranges, Piccadilly, Bakerloo, Mainline and Centrepoint. Our new contract quality stripey 100% Edelon polypropylene, Rio de Janeiro, was also very well received. New collections in production - the 50-50 Highbury, Islington, Hampton Court and our velvety textured 100% polyamide, Casablanca - also continue to receive a chorus of approval. Congratulations to James Browne, of Rodgers of York, winner of our prize draw to win an iPad. T 01422 374417 www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk

Cormar Cormar started their polypropylene Primo range 10 years ago and the pace of their development of this collection has accelerated in the last two years with the rise of wool prices and increasing quality and acceptability of synthetics. Earlier this year, the deep and desirable Sensation was launched to great acclaim and now Primo Choice has filled a remaining gap in the collection with a tenth-gauge easy clean heaher twist in two weights – Super and Elite - with a little fleck in a contemporary set of 12 colours. The result is a comprehensive collection of polypropylene products at every price point from entry-level Apollo to the ‘affordable luxury’ of Primo Plus – all underwritten by Cormar’s attention to quality and superb service. T 01204 881234

50 October 2012

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

FlooringNews

Get involved!! Email us at sales@fellscarpets.co.uk for your login detail. We require your account name and number. Your full address detail including post code. Your preferred user name and password.

Fells Carpets are launching its new front end web site to accompany the business to business web site where you can place orders, check accounts and check stock. Consumers will be able to view all of our collections and then find a nearest retailer. If you want to be involved simply email your detail and ask for your B2B access to our web system.

If you already have a Fells Carpets B2B login then you will be included in the new web sites customer search, If you have any questions or do not wish to have your address detail on our web site then please contact Fells Carpets on sales@fellscarpets.co.uk or call us on 01977 662211

from The Stocklists

October 2012 51

Harrogate show review

John Lanham Watts Goodacre is about to bounce back into the limelight following a landmark deal for John Lanham Watts (JLW) which will double the size of its operation. The industry has great respect for the top quality carpets and class-leading axminster designs of the Kendal-based business of Goodacre Carpets including its famous Lakeland collections such as Royal Kendal and Royal Cumberland and the Naturally Herdwick range. The Goodacre business which dates back to 1893 went into administration in 2001 and the brands and ranges were later acquired by Woodward Grosvenor, part of Brintons. But its visibility in the market has been small… until now. “We can arrest the decline of Goodacre and build on the great affection and reputation that the brand has in the marketplace,” says JLW director Alex Watts (pictured above left with Shaun Miao. “It is a very good fit for us and the timing is perfect with an increasing interest in the very traditional axminsters.” The deal to take over the Goodacre brand from Woodward Grosvenor brings with it the complete design bank as well as sampling and event display stands – there are 5 major collections and 52 colourways in total. Wetherby-based JLW are becoming an interesting player in the quality market. Last year, they became the European arm of the Rizhao Griffiths Textile, a Chinese carpet maker with considerable fire-power based on 25 electronic jacquard gripper broadlooms. T 01937 588511 www.jlwcarpets.com

Quick-Step Academy Quick-Step Academy underlined the importance of its courses at this year’s Flooring Show in Harrogate, while the government-endorsed scheme of which it is a member, Trustmark, revealed website search figures of over 25,000 for flooring installers since January 2012. The only Government endorsed scheme of its kind in the UK, Trustmark covers everything from aerial installers to tree surgeons, providing consumers with a source of high quality reliable and trustworthy tradespeople that are independently assessed and follow a strict code of practice. Quick-Step Master Installers can be registered with Trustmark, thanks to the Academy’s partnership with the scheme. And to show just how powerful this partnership is, some 3,700 searches a month for floor covering installers are undertaken on the Trustmark website. “The Trustmark scheme is a great way for consumers to feel confident,” explains Quick-Step Academy training and development manager, Darren Robinson. “At the Flooring Show we underlined to visitors the Academy’s importance in building a future of qualified installers and a reputation for excellence, by investing in the young and making sure qualified installers are given real advantages in business. www.quick-step-academy.com

Winning with Cormar Visitors to this year’s Floor Show in Harrogate had even more reason to visit the Cormar stand – the company was offering customers the chance to win an iPad a day! Said marketing director David Cormack: “Our stand was as busy as ever and the promotion went down really well. Over the three days we had 350 entries – and the three winners seemed delighted with their prizes.” The lucky winners were: Steve Parson of Astra Carpets, Kirby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire (pictured above left with Cormar MD Tony Judge); Chris Walker of Jim’s Carpets, Leeds; William Eastham of Potts and Ward Woodcocks, Brighton. T 01204 881234

52 October 2012

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

FlooringNews

Mastercraft Rugs Mastercraft are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year since leading Bradford wool merchant Michael Dickson started the business in Bradford by accident - he took a container load of Greek rugs in payment for a bad debt on a shipment of wool fibre and had to figure out how to sell them. Mastercraft have been thriving ever since and established a leadership position with UK retailers for top quality ranges and innovative designs that are constantly refreshed and renewed. One of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strongest sellers is Matahari, a smart rug with a short, dense chunky feel and this year new on-trend colours have been added in a move away from neturals including greens, terracotta and reds. The attractive thick and thin fibres of the shaggy Twilight collection have now been joined by two new colours, teal blue and the re-introduction of green â&#x20AC;&#x201C; making a great collection of 16 colours in all. Robert Dickson is pictured celebrating with Natalie Greenwood. T 01282 694565

from The Stocklists

www.mastercraftrugs.co.uk

October 2012 53

Harrogate show review

British Wool British Wool were looking anything but sheepish with a bold display of brightly coloured animals adorning their stand and a good story to tell about promoting the fibre strongly in the forthcoming Wool Week. Their new marketing director Tony Oakland-Smith joined the wool board in March from a background in non-flooring retail and DIY sectors and is writing the new communications plan for the business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are aiming to work more closely with retailers to see how we can promote wool in partnership,â&#x20AC;? said Tony who noted that the rise in wool pricing had been arrested and that the UK was starting to see new wool producers coming back into the market after years of decline in their numbers. T 01274 688666 www.britishwool.org.uk

Manx Manx have been busy inventing new approaches to a competitive market and their busy stand during the Flooring Show bears out that they have come up with a couple of winners to make the retailers life more interesting! The success of the Easy Living polypropylene collection will be enhanced with the addition of Royal Kingdom, a classy range of co-ordinates with 8 stripes and plains in subtle, trendy mix and match colours. The simple 2colour stripe is both elegant and, of course, easier to fit. Wool is of course not forgotten at Manx and their first 50/50 range Natural Shades was attracting a lot of attention with a robust 3-ply yarn optimizing the quality of this new cloth. T 01827 831434 www.manxcarpets.co.uk

J2 Flooring J2 Flooring arrived in the LVT market a couple of years ago to make life a little easier for retailers who wanted a better relationship with their suppliers in this sector and this focus on independents has prompted an exciting new development. J2 is offering a full range of 8 best selling oak decors which they will mount on a customised display system with the retailers own designs and branding. Each of the products can be renamed to ensure maximum protection from price comparison at the nearest retail park or website. It was a popular offer at Harrogate and the company is planning to roll out the idea to its tile products next year. T 01704 536421 www.j2flooring.com

54 October 2012

FlooringNews

Novostrat In this Olympic year, Tony Taibi at Novostrat won a second silver to add to his existing gold and silver achievements with the launch of Argento – a competitive mid-range underlay for laminates and wood floors as a sister product to the Sonic Gold and Comfort Silver high density foam underlays that have been selling very successfully. “The market has seen a lot of poor quality, low density foam underlay being imported and we want to protect retailers with affordable underlay so you don’t have to compromise between price and performance,” says Tony. “Novostrat sells peace of mind with no comebacks which is an increasingly valuable commodity in this demanding market.” T 0035 361 339287 www.novostrat-insulation.com

Associated Carpet Group ACG understands that retailers are looking for more support than ever to protect their showrooms from the competitive threat of the internet and home fitters so the buying group has built an impressive own brand programme to give stores that extra advantage. “Buying group’s can make a real difference to a retailer’s business and we have been really encouraged by how beneficial ACG membership can be,” says ACG’s Richard Moore. “The bottom line is that members can grow their business more profitably by focusing on the preferred list of ACG suppliers. “ACG have focused on a range of initiatives that give retailers a real competitive advantage. As more retailers control their overheads there has been a growing interest in what ACG can offer. It’s all about advancing our members margins without interfering in the running of their business. The benefits are straight forward and are presented to all enquiries from retailers. We evaluate just how attractive this can be and in many cases we are seeing more retailers joining,” says Richard. T 01942 825520

www.smartercarpets.co.uk

Egalsoft Egalsoft is an innovation in underlay which QA Products has licenced for the UK market from international underlay experts Estillon. “This is a fitter’s dream,” says QA’s Phil Brough. “It is quick, easy and clean and can halve the time an installation takes.” The high performance product is a clever 6.5mm needlepunch felt structure impregnated with pressure-sensitive adhesive. The lightweight rolls adhere as soon as they are unrolled eliminating the need for tackifiers and the top layer will accept any flooring product – even coir and sea-grass floors for which Egalsoft is expected to be the underlay of choice. In the contract sector, one of the biggest benefits will be seen in uplifting carpets for renewal. Egalsoft will not crumb and nor will it require to be scraped away from the sub-floor – saving major amounts of time and money. T 0151 427 6000 www.qaproducts.co.uk

from The Stocklists

October 2012 55

News

Reality TV Leading UK adhesives manufacturer F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has launched the ‘iBall Player’, the first online television channel to feature a library of advice and best practice videos for flooring contractors and industry professionals. The videos are available to watch at anytime, on demand, via www.iball.tv, the first site of its kind to provide access to the most comprehensive collection of product demonstration videos across the industry. This pioneering technology, unveiled at The Flooring Show, in Harrogate, provides contractors with user-friendly information and high-quality, educational videos to illustrate correct product application methods, as well as explaining the key features of the products, invaluable when specifying a flooring installation. In addition, the iBall Player offers explanations as to how to avoid the common pitfalls in flooring projects, using a modern, mobile and engaging format. Richard Harris, Marketing Manager for F. Ball and Co. Ltd., comments: “F. Ball is delighted to provide the flooring community with the very latest in accessing technical data and support. We understand that while the fundamentals of installing a subfloor remain much the same, today’s contractors are accustomed to advances in product development and are becoming increasingly more confident in accessing information delivered through modern, mobile devices, videos and interactive content. “F. Ball remains committed to combining its traditional roots within the flooring industry with the research and development of cutting edge products and technology, such as iBall.tv and the interactive iRAG app, the industry’s most comprehensive flooring adhesives guide.’ T 01583 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk

Apprentice initiative Mapei has recently hosted a FeRFA Apprenticeship training session which leads to an NVQ Level 2 Diploma. Apprentices were given an introduction to resin flooring at Mapei’s excellent training facilities in Halesowen, which covered two modules ‘Introduction to In Situ Resin Flooring’ and ‘Work Practice and Project Planning.’ Mapei provided an ideal setting having developed a wide selection of technologically advanced resin flooring systems which provide high standards of quality for each specific area of use including public, private, industrial and commercial applications. Mapei’s Mapefloor range consists of full product systems including waterproof membranes, primers, multi-layered coatings and quartz systems, with a wide range of colours and wax finishes . Mapefloor Systems can be tailored to meet specific requirements such as chemical resistance, traffic use, hygiene, anti-dust and slip resistance. Terry Foxley, apprenticeship tutor commented: “The apprenticeship scheme is the most cost effective way for employers to train future resin flooring operatives to a very high standard. The assistance we get from member companies in hosting these sessions is invaluable and the facilities provided by Mapei have been excellent and make it a great learning experience for our apprentices.” Mapei hope to continue its partnership with FeRFA, working alongside the proactive professional body to promote resin flooring and its advantages now and to future generations. FeRFA offers two apprenticeship schemes, both of which run for two years and lead to an NVQ level 2 Diploma. Both schemes are supported by ConstructionSkills and are fully grant-funded. The schemes involve classroom and practical sessions in addition to employer-supported on-site experience such as Mapei offered. T 0121 508 69710

www.mapei.co.uk

Online carpet care academy The WoolSafe Organisation plans to launch a cutting-edge Online Academy in October and the first courses available will include the in-depth Fibre Care Specialist programme suitable for professional carpet cleaners and the Carpet Complaint Investigation course aimed at those wishing to become carpet inspectors, with many more informative training plans to follow. “At WoolSafe we recognise the importance of evolving our business to meet the changing demands of our members who increasingly rely on the easy access of online information,” says Steve Bakker, marketing manager, The WoolSafe Organisation. “The new WoolSafe Online Academy has been designed to provide carpet cleaners with a one-stop knowledge base and training centre that they can come back to time and again.” The online courses have been specifically developed to allow trainees to dip in and out of modules to fit around their working day and to split the course down into smaller, more manageable blocks of learning when compared to a full day of classroom-based training. The final exam consists of questions from each module. Successful trainees will receive a certificate of achievement and on passing the qualifying criteria, will be invited to join the WoolSafe Approved Service Provider or Registered Inspector Networks. “This is an exciting time in our online expansion as we look to engage with existing and new members in a fresh way,” continues Steve Bakker. “We have plans to diversify WoolSafe training to include programmes aimed at facilities managers, in-house cleaners and retailers as well as further courses geared towards professional carpet and rug cleaners and inspectors. And for those who prefer the traditional classroom based learning experience, we will still be running day courses throughout the year.” T 01943 850 817 56 October 2012

www.woolsafe.org

FlooringNews

The Stocklists Readers’ Xmas Offer

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from The Stocklists

October 2012 57

The British Wool column Wool Week celebrates nature’s most versatile fibre Wool Week – the Campaign for Wool’s retail platform for promoting wool products of all different types is due to make an entrance for the third time. The UK’s biggest celebration of wool will run from 5th to 21st October is encouraging all wool retailers and enthusiasts to ‘Join the Flock’ and promote wool with an event or special promotion. The campaign instigated by HRH The Prince of Wales to reinvigorate the image of wool and restore its position to the forefront of the textile world is aiming for another exciting promotional push with lots of things happening and not just in the UK but in Europe, the USA, China and Japan. “We have created a truly flagship international promotion for wool and the beauty of it, is that it is accessible to everyone - from the wool lover through to the small retail store and the big brands too. We want carpet retailers to feel free to create their own promotions and benefit from all the raised publicity on the fibre.” John Thorley, Chairman of the Campaign for Wool said.

POS Material from the Campaign is available from the Carpet Foundation

New point of sale for Campaign The carpet world can participate in the campaign by involving their store with the Campaign and celebrating wool. The new and quite stunning sheep POS funded by the Campaign is designed to give stronger profile for wool in store and so is a perfect way to get involved in a very easy way. “There is no restriction on what you can do – it can be just about promoting carpet or it can be something totally fun and just a social occasion,” Bridgette Kelly of the Campaign said.

London store will be wrapped in wool There will be a magnificent presence in central London – with a traffic-stopping, outdoor wool display at Harvey Nichols’ Knightsbridge store. Harvey Nichols, known for their wild window displays, will wrap their Knightsbridge store in over-sized, brightly coloured wool yarn. Weaving in and out of windows and around the historic building, the yarn will be joined by a pair of huge knitting needles to create an impressive display. The display will be in place for two weeks starting October 15th and light up at night! The yarn will be treated and dyed to ensure it remains waterproof and looks stunning throughout – no matter what the weather. The lights for the installation will be switched on, on the evening of the Monday of Wool Week 2012. ‘Dramatic installations of this nature are very important to the Campaign’, says John Thorley, Chairman of the Campaign ‘As they really grab the media and help keep the profile of wool high, which is the campaign’s aim.’

Wool train leads the way for LoveWool UK A team of 30 knitting enthusiasts will head off on the East Coast mainline to Edinburgh to knit the Union Jack in the time it returns to London. The Clickety-Click on the Clickety-Clack is part of the Campaign’s LoveWool UK initiative – which encourages support at local and regional level. “LoveWool UK brings a freestyle element to the campaign as it says ‘Join in and take part in any way you want.’ That could mean a coffee morning, a shop promotion, a special offer – a wool challenge or even a sheep run,” explained Bridgette Kelly of the Campaign for Wool.

58 October 2012

Wool Week: 15th – 21st October

Wool cars at Covent Garden The amazing versatility of wool is on display in Covent Garden within two cars – one older, a 1926 three-litre Sunbeam, and the other a Swiss-made concept car called iChange, the ultimate electric sports car, capable of accelerating to 100km/h in about four seconds. Pure wool was selected for the greater part of the interior in both cars as it offers a considerably greater functionality than classical synthetics and, in terms of manufacturing and disposal its environmental characteristics are immensely superior even to those of cotton. Clearly both will have broad appeal and will wow the visitors to the Covent Garden Plaza with their dynamic style!

FlooringNews

from The Stocklists

October 2012 59

The Campaign for Wool - a showcase of quality

Wool Week Gallery 2012 Now in its third year, the Campaign for Wool, spearheaded by HRH Prince Charles, goes from strength to strength. This year’s Wool Week runs from 15th- 21st October and retailers and manufacturers are urged to get behind it. This year’s events include the largest ball of wool ever wrapped around Harvey Nicholls in Knightsbridge; knitters going from London to Edinburgh and back in a ‘knit off’ on the train in an attempt to stitch a record breaking Union Jack flag; and a journey of heritage along the Leeds/Liverpool canal to Yorkshire arriving in Saltaire, a World Heritage Site and the traditional home of the UK weaving industry. There will also be a lot of local media activity in the regions. Don’t miss this wonderful promotional window and take the opportunity to celebrate and promote the industry’s premier fibre. Remember that 75% of all British wool goes into carpet and wool has been used for centuries in carpet manufacturing and is still recognised as the best fibre for use in carpet. Point of Sale material, as shown, is available with free window stickers and the striking Pods available at £75 each. Call the Carpet Foundation on 01562 755 568 or email info@carpetfoundation.com

60 October 2012

FlooringNews

The Campaign for Wool - a showcase of quality

Kashqai by Mastercraft

Fine yarns create the superb collection of Kashqai rugs from Mastercraft which include a gallery of classic Persian styles with strong accented colours and also contemporary patchwork design options. The rugs are manufactured in finest New Zealand wool which is densely woven to give a top quality feel. They are available in a wide choice of sizes up to 240 x 340cm and as a hall runner size 67 x 275.

Muirdale from BMK An attractive 80/20 twist which is available in four qualities from BMK - Muirdale, through Muirdale Super and Supreme up to Ultima. Suitable for heavy domestic and general contract use, Muirdale comes in 16 contemporary colours, shown here in Silverdale, and is available in 4 and 5 metre widths. T 0113 380 5333 www.bmkcarpets.co.uk

T 01282 694565 www.mastercraftrugs.co.uk

Meaton Hall by Crown Featuring a sophisticated alternate high and low level loop and crafted from 100% pure new British wool, Meaton Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tufted pile provides a warm, textured underfoot feeling and adds character to living spaces. Offering a striking look combined with resilience and durability, the wool used in Meaton Hall is inherently sustainable and delivers a natural aesthetic. Available in five muted tones including on-trend Antique Grey and earthy Royal Estate, there is sure to be an option to suit all interiors. T 0800 0773301 www.crownfloors.co.uk

Options 288 from Victoria Options 288 is a superb twist pile carpet that is a mixture of both plains and heathers and in total offers 288 different combinations of carpet choices. Options 288 comes in a palette of 36 contemporary colours, can be ordered in 4 different weight; starting at 32oz and moving up to 40oz, 50oz, and 60oz. It is also available in both 4m and 5m widths. Made with a blend of wool and polypropylene (80/20), Options 288 combines the durability of modern fibres with all the resilience and softness of wool. T 01562 749300

from The Stocklists

www.victoriacarpets.com

October 2012 61

The Campaign for Wool - a showcase of quality

Durham Twist from Whitestone

Castlemead Twist by Adam

Whitestone / Hugh Mackay continues to support Wool Week and the Campaign for Wool and Durham Twist, their flagship 80/10/10 twist offer, with British wool, continues to grow strongly. Extended to 40 colours, in 3 weights & 2 widths, it's a real winner.

Castlemead Twist is the original 80/20 ‘hard twist’. It has up to 30% more twist in its 2-yarn than other twist carpets and this ensures that its appearance stays better for longer.

Deco Stripe is a 100% British Wool 3ply loop range, stripes and coordinates offering stylish interior finishes and great combination possibilities in 2 widths and 20 colours. Deco is an important and very successful range from the 'wool rich' portfolio. T 01429 892500

T 01562 829966

www.adamcarpets.co.uk

www.whitestone.co.uk

Shag pile from Bronte

With pile weights up to an incredible 4.05 kg/m2 (120oz/yd2) in 100% wool it is only right that Bronte Carpets should be mentioned in any campaign to support wool. Saxony, Velvet, Shag pile (as pictured in colour Ivory), Twist and Hand Crafted Borders are all custom made by Bronte. Select from their extensive colour range or have them match any colour of your choice via their special dye service, to any width up to an astonishing 12m wide with no joins and can even be made to plan shapes to further reduce waste. T 01282 862736 www.brontecarpets.co.uk

62 October 2012

It is available in 60 colours including plains and heathers. Castlemead Twist also has options of 4m and 5m widths to avoid seams in those wider rooms. Castlemead Twist is a carpet that pushes the boundaries of colour, quality and style.

Ulster Velvet

One of the finest woven wilton products on the market, Ulster Velvet (shown above in Imperial Red) is luxurious and wool-rich, with a texture akin to velvet. Available in 37 colourways with new colours in the pipeline for next year, Ulster Velvet is woven in an 80% wool, 20% nylon yarn blend and is suitable for extra heavy wear. Available in 5 colour matching widths: 5m, 4m, 3m, 2m and 1m, Ulster Velvet enables a reduction in waste and cost by using Ulster’s multi-width offering. T 028 3833 4433 www.ulstercarpets.com

FlooringNews

The Campaign for Wool - a showcase of quality

Hampton Court from Telenzo

from Cavalier

They are all Scotchgarded for optimum stain protection.

Cavalier’s commitment wool is demonstrated by the introduction of what they affectionately refer to as ‘Dolly’, their own ‘wool awareness’ device which is used on point of sale to draw the customers attention to all the benefits of Cavalier’s extensive collection of wool and wool blend products.

T 01422 374417 www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk

T 01254 268 000 www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk

Hampton Court, an irregular textured loop pile shown here in mist, one of six ‘greys to beige’ colourways, is one of Edel Telenzo Carpets’ superb new trio of 50% wool 50% polypropylene carpets - also including Islington, a ribbed looppile; and the two-tone striped Highbury in four colours and four metre width only - which provide a range of complementary, attractive, sophisticated hardwearing floorcoverings at a very keen price.

Natural Berber Twist from Cormar

Cormar Carpets is home to one of the widest selections of wool twists and wool loops – berber, heathers and plains, in blends and 100% wool. One of its most popular ranges is the British Wool twist collection, Natural Berber Twist (pictured in colour Cluster). Made from 80% British wool, 10% nylon and 10% tuftbond, Natural Berber Twist range is available in 12 natural flecked shades and comes in three qualities – Super (35oz per sq yd), Elite (45oz) and Deluxe (55oz). Available in 4 and 5m widths, it offers great value-for-money and is normally delivered by Cormar within 48hrs from order. T 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

from The Stocklists

WOOL is at the very heart of what they do at Cavalier Carpets - it’s the one common denominator at the core of the Cavalier product range. For us every week is wool week because nothing can rival wool both in terms of performance and aesthetics.

Mayfair Velvet from Lano

Crafted from the finest 2-ply 100% New Zealand wool to offer fantastic levels of dirt and crushing resistance, Mayfair Velvet carpet from the luxurious Ultimo Collection. Offering extreme underfoot comfort, Mayfair Velvet has a pile weight of 40oz/yd2, for heavy domestic use and Mayfair Velvet Supreme is 56oz/yd2 for heavy contract installations or domestic luxury. Due to a special yarn treatment, they will counter the effects of pile reversal, and are inherently mothproof. With the unique appearance of fine velvet, both qualities are available in an array of 16 stylish colours and in four or five metre widths. T 00800 5266 5266 www.lano.be

October 2012 63

The Campaign for Wool - a showcase of quality

New Ashworth by Manx New Ashworth is a beautiful wool rich twist consisting of 80% British Wool and 20% nylon construction , which gives it extra strength and helps keep it looking better for longer. New Ashworth is available in 40oz & 50oz weights in both 4&5 metre widths, with 23 colours from popular neutral hues to very vibrant shades for today's growing demand for strong colours. T 01827 831434 www.manxcarpets.co.uk

Solar by Brockway Solar is a range of premium wool rich carpets available in sixty four vibrant plain colours and seven contemporary co-ordinating stripes. Expertly designed, the stylish colour range includes popular neutral tones, fashionable greys, bright whites and stunning exotic colours from deep purples, greens and oranges to gentle pinks, lilacs and blues. All 64 Solar plain colours – including Loganberry, Pomegranate, Tangerine and Forget-me-not – are available in traditional 4m and 5m widths. Plus there are seven complementary stripes to choose - all available in 4m. T 01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk

Fiori Meadow 4-5201 by Bondworth An Italianate Florentine inspired scroll, inspired by the frescos that adorn the walls of the Medici villas of Trebbio and Cafaggiolo. Crafted with 80% British Wool and 20% nylon for durability in 8 row traditional woven axminster. Delicate colour graduations emphasise the designer’s art of combining contemporary motif with time honoured accents. Fiori is available in 4.00m wide and currently two colour-ways with additional designs to follow. T 01562 745000

www.carpetsofworth.co.uk

Treasure Contrast by MasterWeaver Treasure Contrast is our premium wilton cut and loop range weighing at 47oz and constructed from 100% new wool. This beautiful and unique wilton range is rated as suitable for Extra Heavy Wear use. Using 100% new wool in our Treasure Contrast range ensures high quality texture feel and luxury look in any interior. Available in 4m width and stocked for same day dispatch is a great commercial and domestic carpet choice. T 01562 754 382 www.masterweaver.co.uk

64 October 2012

FlooringNews

The Wool Workshop - selling benefits Wool carpets are close to the heart of the UK consumer but with prices rising and increasing competition from synthetic fibres, wool has to work a little harder to justify premium pricing. Here’s our ‘Wool Workshop’ - a selling aid to help to trade consumers up to premium products by selling the benefits of natural fibre.

SAFE

PRACTICAL Strong and Resilient – Wool carpet will provide superior performance over many years as it can offer unique resilience and long lasting durability. The natural crimp of wool offers valuable ‘bounce-back’ so that pile compression is resisted and the effects of tracking and shading are reduced – maintaining good appearance over many years. Easy care – Wool is a natural fibre that has an inbuilt resistance to soiling due to its natural oils and its outer surface of microscopic scales and as a result additional anti-soil treatments are not necessary. Simply vacuuming the carpet will keep it looking good and whilst wool initially repels spills, prompt and complete blotting with white paper towels or an absorbent cloth is advised and will address many household spillages. COMFORT Soft and Warm – Wool carpet adds luxurious underfoot comfort and warmth to the home and acts as an insulator improving heat retention and energy efficiency. Peace and Quiet – Wool carpet absorbs sound and cushions the home against echo and room to room noise transfer.

DURABLE

SAFETY Fire Retardant – Wool is naturally fire resistant, has a slow ignition rate and tests show that it is self extinguishing within seconds. It meets many safety regulations without additional treatments and is favoured in contract locations for this reason. Fall Friendly – Carpet cushions and so provides a softer floor which protects against serious injury in falls by the very young or the elderly. INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT Indoor Environment – As a natural ‘smart’ fibre with a complex physical and chemical structure, wool helps to create a balanced atmosphere in the home. It breathes and absorbs humidity in the air, releasing it when the atmosphere becomes dry and helps improve air quality by absorbing airborne toxins in indoor air. Anti–allergy – The minute scales on the fibre’s surface will hold fine dust until vacuumed which helps to reduce floating particulate in the atmosphere. Wool does not give off harmful emissions or promote the growth of bacteria and wool is not a food source for dust mites.

EASY-CARE

ECO/ENVIRONMENTAL Natural and Sustainable – Grown on sheep, which graze freely, wool is both 100% natural and fully sustainable. As shearing is a necessary part of animal husbandry this means that every year there is a fresh supply of wool available for the carpet manufacturing industry. Energy Efficient – Wool is energy efficient in the home and also in carpet production. Biodegradable – Wool fibre is biodegradable in soil and will produce nitrogen, sulphur, carbon dioxide and water which are all plant nutrients. Environmentally Assessed – Wool is an environmentally responsible fibre that has been measured in terms of its ecological impact. A Life Cycle Analysis study carried out by Leeds University to ISO 14040 standard for British Wool concludes that it compares favourably when measured against man-made fibres.

THE BEST CARPET WOOL

COMFORT

Wool carpets have a historic reputation for quality because as a fibre it is known to withstand pressure and have excellent appearance retention properties. The best wool for carpet production is ‘strong’ wool and this is grown on sheep breeds found in Britain and New Zealand. Most carpets will contain both British Wool and New Zealand Wool because British Wool is more bulky and resilient and offers texture and unique heathery shades to carpet, whilst New Zealand wool is softer and whiter and particularly good for plain, lighter shaded ranges. Combining the two within a blend for carpet yarn gives manufacturers the perfect qualities for carpet. 100% wool or 80/20 – 80/10/10 wool rich Wool has yet to be matched by any man-made fibre; it has superior strength and does not need other fibres to improve its performance. However manufacturers choose to use synthetic fibres within the yarn blend for a number of reasons. These include fibre flexibility, dyeing, heat setting, stain resistance, durability and cost. These wool rich compositions offer industry standard carpets which will perform well in the home.

from The Stocklists

October 2012 65

News

Samantha takes national role Tarkett is pleased to announce that Samantha Boyd has been appointed to the role of National Sales Manager for Housing. Since joining the company in 2006, Samantha quickly established herself as a key member of the sales team, most recently working as Business Development Manager for Housing. Samantha has significant experience in the flooring industry, having started out with responsibility for the day to day running of Boyds Flooring Ltd. Since joining Tarkett, she has built and nurtured close relationships with distributors and contractors, developing prospects and gaining new business. She has also worked with housing associations and local authorities to maintain and increase specifications within the social housing sector. As National Sales Manager for Housing, Samantha now takes on management responsibility for the housing team and will work with them to increase the housing sector business across all product ranges including commercial, residential and wood. She will also be responsible for growing Tarkett’s residential business and the Rhinofloor brand within the highly competitive consumer market, Ready for the challenges that lie ahead, Samantha said: “I’m looking forward to leading a forward-thinking team to success within the housing sector, and to play my part in the overall success of Tarkett in the UK.” T 01622 854040

www.tarkett.co.uk

Contracts building Rapidly expanding, Designer Contracts, Britain’s largest floorcovering contractors to the new-build industry, has opened a third local regional office to cater for increased demand from London and the south east. The new 10,000 sq ft unit in Biggin Hill is in addition to the company’s offices in Brentwood, Essex and the recently opened facility in Slough. It brings the total number of Designer Contracts regional offices across the UK to 12. Designer Contracts’ managing director Peter Kelsey said: “The Biggin Hill facility will allow us to cater for the increased demand from the south east and London. We will be able to provide an increased level of service to our existing client base, while increasing our market share in a very significant geographical area.” The new Thames Medway offices are overseen by regional controller, John Kilmartin. Along with newly appointed Biggin Hill contracts manager Debbie Bristow and sales manager Adam Baker, John will drive business at the new facility forward. The new Biggin Hill facility is indicative of the company’s recent financial successes, which saw a 25% increase in turnover to £21.5 million for the 12 months to the end of October in 2011 compared to the same period in the previous year. As well as the expansion in the south east, the last 18 months has seen Designer Contracts relocate and expand its Scottish and North East divisions. The company has also acquired the contracts division of Cornwall-based Premier Carpets and expanded its head office. The business has also increased its interior design services, which work with national and regional house builders to create memorable showhomes with often limited budgets. Overall Designer Contracts now employs over 150 people. In addition to floorcoverings, it offers furniture, lighting, custom-made curtain and blind packages to new home developers, and has seen substantial growth in sales in these areas too. T 01246 854 577

www.designercontracts.com

Drop-off centres Recofloor, the UK’s award-winning vinyl flooring recycling scheme, has added ten new drop-off sites to its nationwide network across England, Wales and Scotland. The addition of new sites brings the total number of places where flooring companies and contractors can deposit waste vinyl material for recycling to well over 70. They are located at N & C Nicobond premises in Glasgow, Cardiff, Southampton, Plymouth, Chadwell Heath, Stoke-on-Trent and Leeds; Headlam in Gateshead plus their satellite in Middlesbrough; Beds Flooring in Bedford and Branagan Flooring Services based in Sharston, Manchester. Commenting on the new sites, Matt Charlton, of Axion Consulting which manages the scheme, said: “The new sites include areas where previously Recofloor did not have a presence, so these are a welcome and useful addition to the network. As many of them are in major centres, it means flooring companies now have an even greater choice of convenient outlets where they can deposit material for recycling.” Julian Workman, Northern Operations Manager for N&C Nicobond commented: “Our environmental responsibility is a fundamental and integral part of our company strategy and is at the forefront of our operations. As major stockists of Polyflor and Altro, as well as the introduction of our own manufactured vinyl floor tiles, the partnership with Recofloor allows us to significantly enhance our green credentials. With a clear view of the company’s direction and commitment, we take the vital steps needed, not only to ensure compliance to UK and European Standards and legislation, but more importantly to develop in new ways that meets the market needs of today without jeopardising the interests of future generations,” added Julian. This award win in June coincided with the scheme having recycled its 1,000th tonne – an important milestone in its three-year history. Vinyl flooring waste can be recycled back into new flooring products as well as traffic management equipment, such as cones and sign bases. T 0161 355 7618 66 October 2012

www.recofloor.org

FlooringNews

Simon Charles Group Ltd. Carpet & Flooring Division

Large and Small Quantities of Stock Required Now Current Ranges • Slow Moving Stock • Cancelled Orders • Roll Ends Discontinued Stock • Clearance Lines • End of Lines • Excess Stock Turn Stock Into Cash Immediately Over 170,000 Registered Private & Trade Buyers Free Storage & Handling • Transport Arranged • Prompt Payment No Warranties/Guarantees Required

Call 0800 126 750 info@simoncharles-auctioneers.co.uk Simon Charles Group Ltd, Guide Mills, South Street, Guide Bridge, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0PJ

from The Stocklists

October 2012 67

News

Carpet shows its best features The media turned out in force again at the 2012 Carpet Foundation Red Carpet Awards. 70 journalists from all the leading home interest magazines joined judges Sophie Conran, Andrea Maflin,Vanessa Brady and John Smigielski together with Board Members from the Carpet Foundation manufacturers and retailers at the awards ceremony at Claridge’s.

L to R: Margaret Castelton, Interiors & Gardens Editor; Rupert Anton; and Lindsay Nicholson, Good Housekeeping Editor

Now in their 13th year, their popularity shows no signs of waning and it is a ‘want to’ attend event for the media. The last 12 months has seen 25 articles on carpet in magazines and that coupled with all the product placement activity and other media exposure amounts to £1.8 million of editorial coverage for carpet in the media. This year saw eight awards given out with the winners as follows: Best Article/Feature - Good Housekeeping (Margaret Caselton); Best Use of carpet in a decorating/interior scheme - House Beautiful (Charlotte Boyd); Best work by a freelance - Claudia Bryant (Living Etc); Best Shopping item - BBC Homes & Antiques (Katie Hallett); Best Makeover - Your Home; Best Online - allaboutyou.com; Best Wool/wool rich carpet work - The English Home (Erica Miller): Best exposure for carpet in a real life/reader’s home - BBC Homes & Antiques. Commenting on the Awards, Rupert Anton said: “The last 12 months has probably seen the most exposure for carpet – ever. When you get a magazine like Good Housekeeping devoting 9 pages solely to carpet, and deliberately trying to win an Award, you know you have a successful formula. What is more, it was so special, so original and would stop any reader in their tracks – it was a wonderful advertisement for carpet. ”I wish we could invite more retailers so they could see the coverage we get, the support from the media we get, the relationship with the media we have – and the power they have. No one else in the UK carpet industry could deliver this. The return on investment is fantastic,” he said. T 01562 755568 www.carpetfoundation.com

Victoria board battles on

Headlam gains market share

The boardroom battle at Victoria Carpets gets increasingly bizarre with one newspaper report comparing the feuding to the worst days of the Dallas TV soap opera.

Leading floorcoverings company Headlam Group has increased turnover by 3.9 per cent to almost £280m as its UK business captured more of the market in the first half of this year.

The group is heading for another stormy special general meeting this month (October) called by rebel shareholders with the aim of removing Katherine Innes Ker, the group’s non-executive chairman, and David Garman, a nonexecutive director. This group want Alexander Anton – a former chairman and the great grandson of one of Victoria’s founding partners – to be appointed to the board along with Geoffrey Wilding, a former non-executive director. Mr Anton and Mr Wilding resigned as directors in August after the board refused to back their proposed incentive scheme, arguing that it encouraged the break-up and sale of the group. Ms Ker wrote in a circular that neither Mr Anton nor Mr Wilding had shown willingness to “commit their time or resources materially to Victoria” and “yet have expected to earn returns in excess of those achieved by most full-time executives.”

Pre-tax profit for the six months to 30 June rose from £9.9m to £10.4m on sales of £279.4m, compared with £269m in the same period of 2011. Revenue increased by 6.6 per cent in the UK, but fell in Europe during the period by 8 per cent as a result of continued market contraction, the company said. Chief executive Tony Brewer said: "The group's diverse sales and marketing activities, combined with ongoing product development and a comprehensive logistics service, enable us to support the generally positive trading of our customers, and as a result, we continue to gain market share.

Mr Wilding, however, described the allegations as “ludicrous”. He said: “It’s easy to throw those allegations around; it’s an entirely different matter whether they are true.”

"While a challenging and competitive market environment persists, the revenue performance achieved in the first six months has been maintained during July and August. Therefore, assuming trading exhibits normal autumn seasonality, the group is confident it will achieve its internal objectives for the year.’

He denied that the former directors have plans to sell off the company if reappointed to the board. “We have never, ever discussed or proposed putting the company up for sale. The only people who have put this company up for sale is the previous board.”

Headlam has also just acquired Welsh Flooring Accessories for almost £0.6m. This distribution business which covers much of South Wales has a turnover of more than £2m, and will continue to trade from its Cardiff location.

Victoria’s board had attempted to sell the group in January, but pulled back after shareholder opposition.

68 October 2012

FlooringNews

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from The Stocklists

October 2012 69

70 October 2012

FlooringNews

Stocklists Classified The

SITUATIONS VACANT

AGENTS REQUIRED Simply Rugs have been supplying Carpet and Furniture Retailers throughout the UK for 20 years. We require successful agents to promote our HEATSET and WOOL RUGS in the following areas. Central Southern/ South West England, East/West Midlands, Wales and the North East. We offer high rates of commission.

AGENTS REQUIRED Selected Rug & Matting Ltd are looking for successful Agents to sell our popular & repeating ranges of modern rugs to carpet & furniture outlets. Excellent support & commission given by long established importers with large stocks & prompt service.

Areas available :East Anglia & South West England

For more info, please contact Nick Clinch on 01264 352218 or email simply.rugs@btconnect.com Please write OR email to :Simon Eisenberg, Managing Director. Selected Rug & Matting Ltd. 74 Long Lane, London SE1 4AU. Email: srmlondon@aol.com

Area Sales Rep. Required SouthWest & South East London

Lewis Abbott Ltd is an independent family wholesaler, based in central London. Established for over 60 years, we are proud of our very popular and successful range of natural carpets and a vast range of accessories. We are looking for a motivated and professional area sales rep to cover the south of London and join our team, to help with the continuing success of our business. We offer a competitive and motivating commission package. e-mail: katie@lewisabbott.co.uk

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Call Diane Martin on 01482 659396 FOR SALE

Mattys Wholesale Carpets are currently seeking a hungry self motivated and dedicated Area Sales Manager, to manage and develop accounts in South Wales, Monmouth and Gloucestershire. The ideal candidate should be situated within the territory, have experience within the flooring industry, be able to demonstrate excellent organisational skills, Be able to communicate at all levels, and have a proven sales record within the retail or wholesale sector. The successful candidate will receive a competetive basic salary plus an open ended commission structure and a fully expensed company car. Initial applications including CV and Covering letter are invited by email to matt@mattys.co.uk Matt Weale, Mattys Wholesale Carpets,   15 Cato Street , Nechells , Birmingham  B7 4TS. Tel: 0121 359 2001  Fax: 0121 359 8001

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Selected Rug and Matting Ltd 020 7407 8471 - srmlondon@aol.com from The Stocklists

COMBINATION UNDERLAYS NEEDLEFELT UNDERLAYS For orders and further information, please ring P&R Ratcliffe (Underlays) Ltd. Burnley, Lancashire BB10 3BH Tel: 01282 421026, Fax: 01282 412321 www.foxirugtamer.co.uk

October 2012 71

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