The Stocklists - June 2010

Stocklists

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THE STOCKLISTS January 2005

7 June 2010

with

FlooringNews

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

WILLIAM CLASSICS FROM RYALUX - 72 CONTEMPORARY COLOURS AND TEXTURES, CELEBRATING CLASSIC BRITISH STYLE

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Stocklists The

THE UK’S TOP FLOORING NEWS AND DATA SERVICE Page No.

Index

Contact No.

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD

s AFS ...........................................................................18..................020 H ALTERNATIVE

Price List date

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

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

H ASSOCIATED WEAVERS ......................................—..................01422

431100 ..........—.......................

u BALTERIO.................................................................—..................+32 5662 8081.........—.......................

H BONDWORTH

NEW .....................................19..................01562 745000 ..........—.......................

= BRITISH WOOL ..............................................47..................01274 688 666 .........—.......................

H BROCKWAY H BRONTE

CARPETS LTD. .................20..................01562 828200 ..........March 2010 .....

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

o CARPENTER ......................................................21..................01457

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

s COLUMBIA

FLOORING .............................22..................0208 443 3322 .........—.......................

H CORPORATE

IMAGE FLOORING ....................34..................01827 554411 ..........—.......................

H CONTEMPORARY

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

H DYNE..........................................................................—..................0161 H EDEL

877 8877 .........—.......................

TELENZO................................................23..................01422 374417 ..........—.......................

l F. BALL .......................................................................5 ....................01538

361633 ..........—.......................

H FELLS .......................................................................—..................01977

662211 ..........—.......................

n FLOORWISE .......................................................15..................01509

673974 ..........—.......................

n FITA ............................................................................50..................01159 H FURLONG

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

FLOORING .................................24,25 ............01772 696787 ..........March 2010 .....

o GRIPPERLAND........................................................—..................020 n HARROGATE

8311 1152 .........—.......................

FLOORING SHOW ...................43..................01423 779967 ..........—.......................

n INTERFLOOR..........................................................35..................01706

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

u IVC..............................................................................33..................+32 5665 3211.........—....................... s LITTNER

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

n MERRYFIELD

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

H MOHAWK ............................................................26..................01480 n NATIONAL

479830 .........—.......................

FLOOR SHOW...............................—..................0207 921 8415 .........—.......................

n NICF.........................................................................50..................0115

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

s RACKHAMS........................................................27..................02085319225............see n REFLEX

page 4............

DATA ........................................................—..................01482 881152 ..........—.......................

s SOLENT

WHOLESALE CARPET ..............28..................01243 774623 ..........May-June 2010

n STAIRRODS

UK LIMITED.........................32..................01207 591176 ..........—.......................

s STS

FLOORING DISTRIBUTORS .........29..................0845 341000.............July 2009............

n THE

ESTIMATORS ................................................—..................01782 566626 ..........—.......................

nT

& E DISPLAY GROUP ............................37..................0121 585 7600 .........—.......................

n TRIPLE n

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

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

n WOOLS

OF NEW ZEALAND ...........................38..................01943 603888 ..........—.......................

H carpets/rugs/tiles © woods/laminates/smooths n accessories/services/organisations = fibres o underlay s wholesalers/distributors l adhesives

Classified advertising............................................................................................page 51

7 June 2010

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

FlooringNews How green is your floor

Flower on Flooring: Eco business booming...39

Double-dip recession warning

Carpetright results show retail fragility.............48

Up the workers!

Penthouse people cooperate on quality........44

Natural integrity

Laneve™ wool benefits focus on sustainability..........................................38

Harrogate demonstrates its appeal

Dedicated demo pavillion adds to show attraction.......................................46

Care in colour

Heckmondwike extends market for care range.......................................31

Beat the bland

Flooring One show presents new POS solutions..........................................42

Tombolas on trial

Survey: Have your say on display and merchandising..............................48

To be - or not to be

Alternative Flooring showcase ‘be’ campaign..............................................34

Cavalier weighs up with wool

British Wool Column.................................................47

Driving the flag

Axminster delivers on Britishness.........................36

Why can’t carpets do iPod pricing!

Voice: Shaun Lewis of Victoria............................49

FlooringFactsheets

Pattern book......................................................................................................4 Adhesives NEW FACTSHEET ...............................................................5 Woolsafe: the carpet care guide................................................................6-7 Carpet trouble-shooter.................................................................................8-9 Carpet types ....................................................................................................10 Wool fibre page NEW FACTSHEET................................................11 Underlay............................................................................................................12 Wholesaler Distribution Directory .....................................................13-15 Carpet Company Directory ..................................................................16-17 ISSN 0950-5024  Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2010 Issue: 422 Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.

Join our survey panel and say what you think!

The Forum is the platform for retailers to respond to trade issues and inform the industry about the problems you face on the High Street.You can join our online survey panel and you’ll be invited every two months to contribute your views - it’s anonymous so you can say exactly what you think.

To join the panel, visit www.thestocklists.com and click on the Online sign-up button.

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

4 New ranges/designs

Manufacturer

6 Withdrawn ranges/designs

AFS BROCKWAY CARPETS OF KIDDERMINSTER CAVALIER EDEL TELENZO

4 AQUARIUS

FELLS FURLONG LITTNER HAMPTON LTD LOUIS DE POORTERE MOHAWK RACKHAMS SOLENT

4 COLORADO SPRINGS in BALTA 4 MOUNTAIN PEAKS, LEGACY in DOMO 4 BELGRAVIA, DECO LINE in ITC 4 EXPRESSIONS, FUSION, FANTASY in IVC 6 HALO MILLS 6 WARWICK, PENNINE TWIST in CORMAR 6 MAJESTIC, SUPREME TWIST in BEAULIEU INT. 6 SOPHISTICATION, NEW DIMENSIONS in ITC 6 BIRNHAM TWIST, TEMPO/SALSA, VERSALLIES in BALTA 6 GREENFIELD in LANO 6 SEUDE in VICTORIA 6 NEW CAVENDISH, RADLEY TWIST in STS GOLLINE STOCK CARPETS

STS

Wholesaler index

SUPERTEX

Wholesaler

Page

Telephone

Price list date

18

0208 805 8620

Nov 2009

22

0208 443 3322

—

—

01977 662211

—

26

0208 520 8474

—

s RACKHAMS

27

02085 319225

April-June 2010*

s SOLENT

28

01243 774623

May/June 2010

29

0845 341000

January 2010

—

01772 457070

—

s AFS s COLUMBIA s FELLS

CARPETS

s LITTNER

s STS

FLOORING

HAMPTON

WHOLESALE CARPET CO. LTD

FLOORING DISTRIBUTORS

s SUPERTEX

FURNISHING

* RACKHAMS - Price addendum sheet to supplement April/May/June price guide applicable May 13.

Regional Wholesale Distributors Directory See pages 13-15 for the Directory and email diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk to apply for a listing

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Flooring Factsheet Adhesives

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Flooring factsheet Carpet care guide from WOOLSAFE The WOOLSAFE Mark has gone Green!

The WOOLSAFE Organisation has teamed up with ecolabelling authorities Green Seal and EcoLogo in North America, to enable those WOOLSAFE approved products that are ecologically responsible to be recognised and promoted as such.

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.

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.

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 this mark on the bottle or package: 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.

General Rules for Spot Removal • Soak up liquids with white kitchen roll, tissues, toilet roll or clean cloth • Scoop up or scrape off solids

• Try to identify unknown spots prior to treatment – if unsure, use solvent first • 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 • When using solvents always ensure there is plenty of fresh air ventilation • Always thoroughly rinse out water-based spotters with clean water • Dry the spot, if possible, with a hair dryer

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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.

Protective treatments Many carpets come with a protective fibre treatment to reduce problems with staining and soiling.These treatments, while effective in many ways, are not bullet-proof and will eventually wear off. Quick response to spills and regular cleaning is still required.

Carpets that have no protector applied by the manufacturer can be treated after installation on the floor by a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company. (To find the nearest WOOLSAFE Certified Operator in your area visit our website: www.woolsafe.org and go to the PRIVATE HOUSEHOLDER section.)

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!

Treatments 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Blot with white kitchen roll or paper tissues Vacuum clean Cold water

Warm water

WOOLSAFE-approved carpet shampoo solution (diluted) WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for water-based stains

WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for greasy/oily stains

Absorbent paper or paper tissue and hot iron

Chewing gum remover (solvent or freeze type)

10. Nail varnish remover or acetone

11. White spirit or turpentine substitute

12. Surgical spirit (ethyl alcohol or ethanol) 13. Rub with a coin

14. Rub gently with coarse sand paper

15. WOOLSAFE-approved disinfectant or deodorizer 16. Rust remover

17. Carpet re-colouring kit

(Treatments used by professional carpet cleaners)

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maintenance • cleaning • spot removal • protection • inspection 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.

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 0800 731 5688, email: inspector@woolsafe.org, or visit: www.woolsafe.org It is best to engage the services of a professional carpet & upholstery cleaning / Private Householder / Registered Inspectors company.To get a really expert job done entrust the work to a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company.

For information These companies are fully trained, have On a WOOLSAFE Certified Carpet Cleaning been in business for a considerable Company nearest to you, length of time, are members of one or more recognised A free copy of the Directory of WOOLSAFE Certified professional trade associations related to the cleaning Professional Carpet Cleaners, industry and have a reputation for top quality service. And A free copy of the Directory of Registered Carpet they use only WOOLSAFE-approved cleaning agents on Inspectors, your wool carpets and rugs!

• •

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

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

Life inspired cleaning innovations www.bissell.com

•

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.

contact:

The WOOLSAFE Organisation 49 Boroughgate, Otley, LS21 1AG, Tel: 01943 850 817 E-mail: info@woolsafe.org or visit: www.woolsafe.org

Difficult Spots Spot or stain

Spot or stain

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Burn/scorch marks

5

6

Butter

13

14

Candle wax

7

5

Chewing gum

8

7

Chocolate/cocoa

9

Cola

5

7

6

Cream

3

5

6

Egg

7

5

Floor wax

5

6

Fruit juice

7

5

Gravy and sauces

3

5

Herbal tea

5

6

Metal polish

3

6

Mustard

5

Oil and grease

5

6

Paint (emulsion)

7

5

Shoe polish

3

5

Tea

7

5

3

5

THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

3

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Artificially coloured drinks 3 Bleach

Easy Spots Blood

• Or just advice on anything to do with carpet care,

C/heating radiator fluid

3

17

5

6

Felt-tip pen

4

6

7

5

Ink (ballpoint pen)

3

6

5

Milk

7 5

15

Paint (oil)

10

Soot

16 5

2

Urine (fresh stain)

7 15

Vomit

Coffee

Furniture polish

7 or 11 12

Glue/adhesive (plastic base)10 Ink (fountain)

6

6

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

Environmentally Aware for Superior Carpet Care www.envirodri.com

16 5

11

Lipstick

12

Nail varnish

4

Rust

11

Tar (asphalt)

6

Urine (old stain)

3

5

6

15

Red wine

5

6

1

6

15

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.

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Flooring factsheet Carpet trouble-shooter COLOUR MATCHING

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

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

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

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.

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

• shedding • pulled loops

SPROUTING

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

SHADING

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

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).

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

PILE REVERSAL (SEE SHADING)

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.

FLATTENING

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

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.

T HE R EGENCY

Collection

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.

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Flooring factsheet Carpet types TUFTED

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

LOOP PILE Berber • Berber carpets look like and are named after a handmade, bulky wool carpet made by the Berber tribes of North Africa and Asia.

The loops are made from thick or bulky yarns of wool, nylon, polypropylene or a blend of these fibres to give a cushioned effect underfoot.These carpets are available in an assortment of colours and may be flecked and can be either level loop or multilevel loop.

Level Loop • When all the loops are of the same height, a highly flexible and durable carpet is created which has a natural, casual appearance even when (commonly) it is made from synthetic fibres.

The tight loop texture tends to hide marks so it’s a good blend between luxury and practicality.

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

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.

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.

WOVEN

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

Axminster • The pile of the carpet is inserted into the backing as it is woven and cut to length, creating U-shaped tufts to give a velvety surface.The process locks in the fibre to create a carpet of high durability and performance retention as well as a luxury feel.

The process allows for intricate designs and colours to be used – although modern trends mean that the traditional patterned axminster has given way to current fashion trends for plain carpets.

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

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

ends blend together which then further enhances the overall finish.

These carpets tend to ‘shade’ with heavy use. Footprints show easily and the colour looks different from place to place because fibres lying in different directions reflect the light differently. A luxury for occasional rooms.

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

Shag pile • Shag pile has varied in popularity.The pile is up to 50mm long and the texture is casual and loose but the surface 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 BONDED Tip Sheared Level Loop Tip Sheared Level Loop Sheared Level Loop a versatile, textured finish that is idealTipfor plain colours.

Bonded carpets (sometimes called ‘fibre-bonded’ or ‘fusion bonded’) are created by firing fibres into an adhesive material – the fibres are Velvet • Velvet textures (sometimes called ‘velour’ or ‘plush’) all have not stitched into the backing in any way. The technique is principally a level surface pile of approx 5mm to 10mm height, which is then used for commercial carpet tiles. sheared to give a smooth finish. With very little twist in the yarn, the Random Sheared Random Sheared

Random Sheared Multi-Level Multi-Level Loop Loop

Multi-Level Loop

Tip Sheared

Velvet/Plush Velvet/Plush Level Loop

Velvet/Plush Frieze Frieze

Frieze

Random Sheared

Twist TwistLoop Multi-Level

Twist BerberBerber

Berber

SaxonySaxony Frieze

Saxony Shag Shag

Shag

Velvet/Plush 10

Twist

THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

Berber

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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 June 2010

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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.

Benefits

Good underlay will...

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

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

How thick?

A maximum of 12mm is recommended (working with gripper will be difficult thereafter) but rooms with heavy traffic will need a thinner, denser pad.The combination of thickness and density is all important as a thick underlay with low density may not perform well.

Typically, the thicker the underlay, the better quality it will need to be - 11mm is often used for luxury installations with 9mm and 7mm the common domestic thickness.

Sponge rubber

Crumb

Combination

PU foam

12

www.numa-online.co.uk

Types

Sponge rubber The market’s most popular underlay is available in flat or waffle patterns in a wide range of weights for different applications. It performs well for comfort and has a durable spring retention.

PU (polyurethane) foam PU foam is a relative newcomer to the market, typically made from recycled foam offcuts.The foam provides excellent comfort and performance levels with lots of thickness options - and its light weight helps handling.

The product can be re-cycled again after use.

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

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

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

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

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

Still a very popular choice among contractors when stretch fitting woven carpets Pre-tackified underlay A self-adhesive single stick underlay in both needlefelt and PU. A removable system for heavy use when comfort is desired

www.carpenter.limited.uk

www.interfloor.com

www.interfloor.com

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

www.underlay.com

www.texfelt.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

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Are you a Wholesaler?

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

The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory

National Fells Carpets Goole 01977 662211

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

North East

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

Lee Floorstok Ltd Carpet & Flooring Gateshead Liverpool - see Floorwise p13 Gateshead Lee Floorstok Ltd 0844 824 3121 gateshead@carpetandflooring.co.uk Manchester - see Floorwise p13 www.cfgateshead.co.uk MCA Floorwise Ltd

Fells Carpets Goole 01977 662211

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

Floorwise (North East) Ltd Birtley - see Floorwise p13 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 Fells Carpets Goole 01977 662211

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

Morecambe - see Floorwise p13 Mytton Flooring Norwich - see Floorwise p13 Millbrook Carpets Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk

Supertex Furnishings Lancashire 01772 457070 sales@supertexfurnishing.co.uk www.supertexfurnishing.co.uk See page 28 for details Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Walkwell Flooring Supplies Manchester 0161 786 6800 manchester@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.walkwell-flooring.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

Midlands

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

Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam- see Floorwise p13

J J Wholesale & Distribution Ltd Birmingham 0121 765 4994 jjwholesale@gmx.com RPS Flooring Mansfield Woodhouse - see Floorwise p13

STS Flooring Distributors Watford 08454 342000

sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com

see page 27 for details

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

Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise p13

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 27 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 p13 AFS Middlesex 020 8805 8620 info@afsenfield.co.uk See page 16 for details

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

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Are you a Wholesaler?

If you’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

Belvedere Carpets London 020 8800 0740 sales@belvederecarpets.co.uk www.belvederecarpets.co.uk

Carpet & Flooring London Camberley 01276 672100 camberley@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.cflondon.co.uk Columbia Flooring Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk See page 20 for details

Faithfulls Service Centre Kent 01322 285001

Faithfulls Service Centre Walthamstow 0208 498 3040 sales.walthamstow@faithfulls.co.uk Faithfull Floorcovering Suffolk 01473 822341 sales@faithfulls.co.uk www.faithfulls.co.uk

Kent Flooring Supplies Ltd Chatham 01634 668668 sales@kentflooring.co.uk www.kentflooring.co.uk 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 14

Rackhams London 020 8531 9225 sales@rackhamsltd.co.uk www.rackhamsltd.co.uk See page 25 for details

Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise p13

Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk See page 26 for details

STS Flooring Distributors Thame (Oxford) 01844 213555 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 27 for details

Salesmark Lancing, - see Floorwise p13

STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon 0845 434 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 27 for details Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@carpet andflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wessex Flooring Amesbury - see Floorwise p13

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

South West

Carpet & Flooring Bristol Bristol 0117 966 798l bristol@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.cfbristol.co.uk Clarks Wood Company Bristol Tel: 0117 971 6316 Email: stag@clarkswood.com Web: www.clarkswood.com Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise p13

Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk See page 26 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

Rhyl Flooring Supplies Ltd Rhyl Tel: 01745 354555 Roma Flooring Neath - see Floorwise p13

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

Ireland

Floorwise Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise p13

Floorwise Ltd N. Ireland - see Floorwise p13

Scotland

C. K. Davie Ltd Aberdeen - see Floorwise p13 C. K. Davie Ltd Dundee - see Floorwise p13

Headlam Scotland North Lanarkshire 01698 831 000 bristol@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.headlamscotland.co.uk Neil Smith Ltd Glasgow - see Floorwise p13

Wales

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

THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

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floorwise

National Network of Floorwise Distributors Acorn Carpet Accessories 15 Bromley, Kent Tel: 020 8462 0422 Fax: 020 8462 0927 C. K. Davie Ltd 1 Aberdeen Tel: 01224 820077 Fax: 01224 822344 C. K. Davie Ltd 2 Dundee Tel: 01382 226533 Fax: 01382 226544

Fitwell Flooring Ltd 19 Redruth, Cornwall Tel: 01209 214344 Fax: 01209 21162 Fitwell Flooring Ltd 18 Newton Abott, Devon Tel: 01626 835935 Fax: 01626 834334

Floorwise D & J Ltd 12 Southam, Warks Tel: 01926 814922 Fax: 01926 817899

Floorwise (North East) Ltd 5 Birtley, County Durham Tel: 0191 410 7070 Fax: 0191 410 6116 Floorwise Ltd 9 Dublin 12, ROI Tel: 00 353 (0)1 4299455 Fax: 00 353 (0)1 4298529 Floorwise Ltd 4 Northern Ireland Tel: 028 094 34441

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

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

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

1 2

Mytton Flooring 13 Norwich, Norfolk Tel: 01603 624387 Fax: 01603 612888 Neil Smith Ltd 3 Glasgow Tel: 0141 552 1141 Fax: 0141 552 0623

Roma Flooring 14 Neath, West Glamorgan Tel: 01639 633001 Fax: 01639 646116

3 4

Wessex Flooring 17 Amesbury, Wiltshire Tel: 01980 625888 Fax: 01980 676969

Woodall Brothers Ltd 11 Shrewsbury, Shropshire Tel: 01743 441584 Fax: 01743 441629

9

UNDERLAY

10

11

12

14 18 19

17

16

13 15

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

7

8

RPS Flooring 10 Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire Tel: 01623 624198 Fax: 01623 620931 Salesmark 16 Lancing, West Sussex Tel: 01903 750522 Fax: 01903 851111

5

6

ADHESIVES & SCREEDS

PROFILES

www.floorwise.co.uk www.floorwise.co.uk •• www.carpetunderlays.net www.carpetunderlays.net www.signaturewoodfloors.com www.signaturewoodfloors.com •• www.siennawoodfloors.com www.siennawoodfloors.com THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

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The Stocklists Carpet Company Directory Abingdon Flooring

01274 655694

Adam Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W Ww

01562 829966

Associated Weavers Tw Tu

01422 431100

Avena Carpets Ltd Tu Ww

01422 330261

Axwoven Carpets Ltd Ax Be

0121 550 5788

Axminster Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tw

+32 56783250

Balta Industries NV Tu Tw W Ww

+32 56 62 2211

Betap Tufting BV Tu Tw W

+31 383 861 060

BIC Carpets Be Tw W

+32 56 23 54 10

Bizspoke Custom Carpets Be Tw W

01924 488882

Blenheim Carpets Ax Be Tw W Ww

020 7823 3040

BMK

0113 380 5333

Bond Worth Ltd Ax

01562 745000

Brintons Ax Tu Tw W Ww

0800 505055

Brockway Carpets Ltd

Edel Telenzo’s Rembrandt

16

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

Cadogan Carpet Co W

01282 862 736

01924 262525 01562 733610

01297 32244

Bajong Carpets NV Tu Tw W

Tw W sales@brockway.co.uk

Couristan Carpets Ax Tu W Ww

01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk

Carpets of Kidderminster Ax Tu sales@carpetsofkidderminster.com www.carpetsofkidderminster.com Cavalier Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww Christy Carpets Tu

Clarendon Carpets Tw Classis Carpets Tu W Ww

Condor Carpets BV Tu

01299 827477

01254 268000 019078 308777 01675 433066 0870 020 1725 +31 38 4778911

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

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

Mohawk’s Cherbourg Check

Craigie Carpets Be

Creative Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W Creatuft Carpets Tu W

Custom Carpet Company Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww Dan-Floor UK W

Domo International Be Pr Tu Tw W

Drury Lane Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W Dutton Carpets Be

E & WE Carpets W

800 223 6186 01294 558400 0116 284 1455 +32 56 35 4444 01737 830301 01454 858014 +32 92 41 4511 01254 296829 01254 672672 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

01254 296829

Fells Carpets

01204 881 234

Ww cummings@btinternet.com www.fellscarpets.co.uk

Fetcham Furnishings Ltd Tw

01977 662211

020 8944 6220

Brockway’s Vogue

THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

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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 Fletco Taepper A/S Tu W

Furlong Flooring

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

+45 96 60 3000

Godfrey Hirst (GB) Ltd Tu

Halbmond Teppichwerke Be Pr Tu Heckmondwike FB

01772 696 787

01827 831525

01827 831430 0800 526696 +49 037 421 420

01924 410544

John Lanham Watts Carpets Ax Tw Ww 01937 588511 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

Le Tissage d'Arcade Ax Ww

0800 78 33 712

Leigh Spinners Ltd Tw

01942 673232

Louis de Poortere W

Gaskell Mackay Carpets Ltd Ax Tu Tw W 01642 242 423 Georgian Carpets Tu Tw W

Lecaflor Ltd Ax Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

0161 368 2563 01827 831400 01827 831 424

Lusotufo Tu

+32 05685 4747

01388 664101

Manx Carpets Tw W

01827 831 434

Mayfield Carpets W

01706 639 866

MID NL Be

Mohawk Europe

+31 38 851 8700

marinagooch@mohawkeurope.com www.mohawkinternational.com Mr Tomkinson Tw Ww Ossfloor UK

Penthouse Carpets Tu Tw W Phoenox Textiles Pr Tu Pownall Carpets Tw W

Roger Vanden Berghe.NV Tu Ww +32 56 65 4300

+32 56 393 386

Ryalux Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

Sans Frontieres Ltd Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

01480 479830 01480 471304 01827 831 450

01675 433031 01706 341231

01484 863227 0845 6528811 +32 56 73 57 11 0845 652 8811 0844 5611977

Bronte’s stand

Shaw Home Foundations Tu

01675 433 501

Tapibel NV Pr Tu Tw Tasibel NV Tw

01623 481 221

The Alternative Flooring Co The Grosvenor Wilton Co W Ww The Sultana Carpet Co Ax The Wilton Carpet Co Ax W Ww

Thomas Witter UK Ltd Tu Tw

+32 52 499600 01264 335111

01562 701456 01299 822300 0845 296 8850 0870 1128318

Timzo Tufting Industry BV Tu +31 38 385 4477 Tisca Tiara Tu Ww

Ulster Carpets Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

United Carpets & Beds Tw W Ww Victoria Carpets Tu Tw W Ww Vorwerk

Westex Carpets Tu

Whitestone Weavers Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww Wilkies Carpets Tw

Woodward Grosvenor Ax Tu Tw W Ww Wool Classics Tu Ww

+41 71 791 0111 02838 334433 01709 732 666 01562 749300

08700 104484 01274 861334

01429 892555 0113 307 9955 0800 526696 0207 349 1560 Tollgate stand

Cormar’s Berwick

THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

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THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

UNDERLAYS

CARPETS NATURAL/LOOPS HIGH FLYER MARRAKESH NOMAD

Tex Loop Natural 50/50 Nat Loop

SAXONY NOBLE SAXONY ROYAL TOUCH SENSATIONAL

40oz Saxony 45oz Nylon Saxony 58oz Saxony

80/20 WOOL TWIST LOXWOOD TWIST 80/20 38oz WESSEX TWIST 80/20 40oz LOXWOOD TWIST 80/20 40oz NEW ASPEN TWIST 80/20 40oz ARRAN TWIST 80/20 50oz HARRISON TWIST (Victoria) 80/20 60oz PP TWIST VIVA TWIST SALT N PEPPER ELITE TWIST

PP Twist PP Twist PP Twist

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

Needle Punch Cord Needle Punch Loop Pile Cord Loop Pile Cord Loop Pile Cord Loop Pile Cord

AFS WOOL COLLECTION 100% WOOL LOOP WELLFIELD IMRA 100% Wool 2 Ply Yarn WELLFIELD KAMRA 100% Wool 2 Ply Yarn ELITE LOOP 100% Wool 3 Ply Yarn ZAHARA 100% Wool 3 Ply Yarn LYMINGTON 100% Wool 3 Ply Yarn CORMAR STOCKED BERWICK 40 80/10/10 40 oz Twist BERWICK 50 80/10/10 50 oz Twist BUCHANAN 80/10/10 40 oz Twist HIGHLANDER 80/10/10 50 oz Twist HOME COUNTIES 42 oz Twist HOME COUNTIES 50 oz Twist MALABAR 100% Natural NATURAL BERBER SUPER 80/10/10 35 oz Twist NATURAL BERBER ELITE 80/10/10 45 oz Twist NATURAL BERBER DELUXE80/10/10 55 oz Twist NEW HAMPSHIRE 80/10/10 32 oz Twist NEW HAMPSHIRE 80/10/10 42 oz Twist NEW OAKLANDS 80/10/10 32 oz Twist NEW OAKLANDS 80/10/10 42 oz Twist NEW OAKLANDS 80/10/10 50 oz Twist PRIMO PLUS Excellon Twist PRIMO ULTRA Excellon Twist PRIMO TWEED Excellon Twist PRIMO SAXONY Excellon Saxony CORMAR CARPETS AVEBURY LINDISFARNE TOWN AND COUNTRY

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

Roll Size Full Roll EQ* Description BRANDED TOP END RUBBER SPONGE RANGE ELITE 11 m2 129lb Textured Rubber Underlay MAJESTIC 11 m2 135lb Waffle Rubber Underlay COLOURS RED 11 m2 135lb Waffle Rubber Underlay Waffle Rubber Underlay WILLOW GREEN 15 m2 90lb CRUSADER SUPREME 15 m2 100lb Waffle Rubber Underlay SUPREME LIGHT 11 m2 101lb Waffle Rubber Underlay UNBRANDED TREDAIRE SPONGE RUBBER AFS CLASSIC GOLD 15 m2 95 lb Rubber Underlay AFS SUPER GOLD 15 m2 80lb Rubber Underlay AFS STANDARD GOLD 15 m2 60lb Rubber Underlay Light Weight PE GRAPHITE 15 m2 WOOD FLOOR UNDERLAYS BOARDWALK (Timbermate)15 m2 3.75mm 23dB Moisture Barrier 18dB PE Foam + Foil COMFORT SILVER 15 m2 3mm

TREDAIRE PU UNDERLAYS BRIO 15 m2 ZEST 15 m2 SOFTWALK 15 m2 DREAMWALK 15 m2

8mm 10mm 9 mm 11 mm

Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Tredaire PU

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

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

CARPENTERS PU UNDERLAYS GREENSTEP 15 m2 8mm SUPER GREEN STEP 15 m2 10mm RICHSTEP 15 m2 9mm DEEPSTEP 15 m2 11mm

PU Underlay PU Underlay PU Underlay PU Underlay

CARPENTERS CONTRACT UNDERLAYS FIRMSTEP 15 m2 7mm Contract PU Contract PU POWERSTEP 15 m2 9mm MARINESTEP 15 m2 7mm Contract PU IMO Rated FELT UNDERLAYS FELT 28 FELT 42 KENSINGTON DELUXE

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

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

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

PLUS A VAST RANGE OF ACCESSORIES AND TOOLS FOR CARPETS AND LAMINATES Contact our sales office or your area representative for prices on any of the above ranges.

We also offer a fast service on non stock items. Phone our showroom manager for prices and samples. Our latest price list is dated November 2009.

REP DETAILS: Ashley Best Nick Hart Karl Goult

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

David Holmes

Tel: 07974 190677

Surrey , Hampshire, South London Essex, East London North London, West London, North West London, Middlesex, Herts., Beds., and Bucks.

Kent, South East London

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Townshend Works Puxton Lane Kidderminster Worcestershire DY11 5DF Sales: 01562 745000 Fax: 01562 732827 Trade price list effective 1st November 2009

Berkeley Axminster

BOND WORTH

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

80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m & 4.57m Range comprises 8 designs Stocked items delivery 14 days from order Low stock Majestic 2-9102 mid June

Variations Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m Range comprises 12 designs Stocked items delivery 14 days from order Low stock Bordeaux -9061 mid June Low stock Khalabar 9-9100 early June

Precious Gems Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m Range comprises 5 designs - All stock Stocked items delivery 14 days from order

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

✱ Buy one Axminster cut at your standard terms, when you place another within 8 weeks we give you an EXTRA 10% off! ✱ We guarantee our delivery dates. If we miss it by 7 days then you get 5% off the invoice value of the order! ✱ Access to the Managing Director and Sales Director 24 hours a day 7 days a week. ✱ Have a complaint? We guarantee to contact your customer with 24 hours.We will inspect all complaints regardless of age. ✱ Order 16 linear meters or more in one cut we give you roll price! ✱ Exclusive first access to new ranges

Range comprises 8 designs - All stock Stocked items delivery 14 days from order

✱ Bi-Monthly News Letter

Cornell & Stanford Axminster

✱ Real Time Updates via Facebook & Twitter

80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 4.00m

✱ Dedicated Sales Line

Range comprises 5 designs Stocked items delivery 14 days from order

✱ Special Roll Offers

New Afghan Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m Range comprises 5 designs Stocked items delivery 14 days from order Low stock Pathan 4-3103 mid June

.

Romanesque Berber Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 4.00m Range comprises 3 designs - All stock Stocked items delivery 14 days from order

✱ABOVE ALL ITS FREE TO JOIN! TELEPHONE 01562 745000 NOW FOR YOUR INFORMATION PACK

DEDICATED TO SERVICE Our commitment to you is backed by real no quibble guarantees...

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THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

Kidderminster Trading Estate Spennells Valley Road Kidderminster Worcs DY10 1XS

Telephones:

Sales (01562) 828200 Admin (01562) 824737 Fax: (01562) 752010

New trade price list effective 1st March 2010

ASPEN HEAVY/ EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT 50 oz PILE WEIGHT

80% WOOL/20% POLYPROPYLENE 4 & 5 METRE WIDTHS

AMORE EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 45oz PILE WEIGHT

80% WOOL/10% NYLON/10% POLYESTER 4 & 5 METRE WIDTHS

BERBER TWIST CLASSIC EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT

80% WOOL/10% NYLON/10% POLYESTER 4 & 5 METRE WIDTHS

CRAFTSMAN ELITE EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 50oz PILE WEIGHT

80% WOOL/20% NYLON 4 & 5 METRE WIDTHS

CRESTA SUPREME EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 50oz PILE WEIGHT

80% WOOL/10% NYLON/10% POLYESTER 4 & 5 METRE WIDTH

CRESTA EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 40oz PILE WEIGHT

80% WOOL/10% NYLON/10% POLYESTER 4 & 5 METRE WIDTH

E&WE CARPETS BY BROCKWAY Ranges include: Lakeland Herdwick Flatweave Collection Modena Verona

Lakeland Herdwick - Scafell Stripe A highly original and contemporary 100% wool product - available in two very distinctive designs.

FAIRFIELD TWIST EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT 40oz PILE WEIGHT

80% WOOL/10% NYLON/10% POLYESTER 4 & 5 METRE WIDTH

CAVENDISH

FLORIAN EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT 60oz PILE WEIGHT

80% WOOL/10% NYLON/10% POLYESTER 4 & 5 METRE WIDTH

HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT Choice of 18 Stylish Shades

ORION TWIST/MAJOR 60oz

SHETLAND

EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT 42oz PILE WEIGHT (ORION TWIST) + 60 oz (ORION MAJOR)

EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT Made with a natural mix of undyed Shetland & Norwegian Wool

80% WOOL/10% ACRYLIC/7% POLYESTER/ 3% POLYPROPYLENE 4 & 5 METRE WIDTH

100% TWO PLY PURE NEW WOOL 4 METRE WIDTHS

VOGUE

TWINFOLD FINE TWIST EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 50oz PILE WEIGHT

100% PURE NEW WOOL 4 & 5 METRE WIDTHS

80% WOOL/10% NYLON/10% POLYESTER 4 & 5 METRE WIDTH

EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT 80% PURE NEW WOOL, 20% NYLON TWO FOLD YARN PLAIN 4 & 5 METRE WIDTHS, STRIPED 4 & 0.66 METRE WHIPPED RUNNER

REPRESENTATIVES: Mr. T. Bradley Tel: 07968 835201 S. Humberside, Lincs., Notts, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, North Hertfordshire.

Mr. S. Perks Tel: 07968 835205 W. Midlands, Northants., Beds, Warwickshire, Worcs, Herefordshire, Shropshire

Mr. R.I. Hart Tel: 07968 835202.

Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, S.E London Mr. M. Humphreys Tel: 07968 835203 Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire, Isle of Wight, Channel Isles, parts of Surrey

Mr. S. Stead Tel: 07968 835204. North Humberside, Yorkshire, The North East

Mr. R. Venn Tel: 07968 835206.

South Wales, Bristol, South West, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall

Mr. A. Finch Tel: 07970 693752. Sussex, parts of Surrey, South Central & South West London

Mr. S. Harris Tel: 07918 081782.

Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales, North Staffs

Mr D. Milstead Tel: 07841 565349 Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, South Beds, South Herts, North London

AGENTS: Mr. T. Tindal, Helensburgh. Tel: 01436 671421, mobile: 07836 705620, fax: 01436 671939 Scotland Mr. D. Moran Tel: 07710 882421 N. Ireland & Eire

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

Product Range ®

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

®

Looking cool in Dubai A general domestic underlay Density: 75kg/m3 – Roll weight: 12kg Thickness: 10mm

®

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

®

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

®

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

Ultrastep is made from recycled product and is manufactured in Glossop, Derbyshire.

Fresh back from the heat of Dubai, Carpenter, with another new look stand, are extremely pleased with the response they received from Domotex Middle East 2010.

“Much emphasis has been made to increase the company’s underlay export division and we believe that exhibiting in Dubai for the second year running has strengthened our position in a rapidly emerging market” says Helen Rowberry, National Sales Manager.

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

HELEN ROWBERRY National Sales Manager 07702 319748

SUE HOWLAND Southern Sales Manager 07795 823190

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

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

®

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

®

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

®

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

®

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

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

®

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THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

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

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

CALL US NOW!!!

020 8443 3322 Columbia Flooring plc

Trade Show Rooms Available • Specialist advice and terms available on contract enquiries •

TRAFALGAR TRADING ESTATE JEFFREYS ROAD ENFIELD MIDDLESEX EN3 7TY

Tel: 0208 443 3322 Fax: 0208 805 2346

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Harrogate beckons

JUST ARRIVED...

We’ve just introduced a stylish new polypropylene product, which is ideal for the care home market. Called Aquarius, it’s a two-ply cut pile with a Gelbac backing and it’s made from our very own Edelon PP fibre with all its benefits of fade, bleach and stain resistance (coupled with a 10 year warranty). The carpet comes in 4 metre width and in eight fashionable colours: mulberry, moleskin, sand, camel, mint green, amber, stone and periwinkle.

WELCOME JOHN We are delighted to welcome John Rostron to our sales team. John has been working as a carpet agent in Lancashire for 27 years and is enthusiastic about adding us to his portfolio. Says John “Edel Telenzo is a company I’ve known and admired for a long time. I operate in the middle to better end of the market and I like a product which is a bit niche, which has a bit of a story, so when the opportunity arose I was delighted to come on board. I am looking forward to developing and strengthening the customer base in the area.”

OUR PATTERN BOOKS GET A MAKEOVER Now that Bakerloo and Piccadilly’s new colours are in production, we’re in the process of preparing some smart new style pattern books for them. For those of you with tombolas we’ll be coming round to make some slight adjustments so you will be able to hang these new books on them as well. We’re sure you’ll love the result!

MORE AGENTS PLEASE!

Piccadilly’s new colours, mulberry and plum

Is it still in stock?

Have you asked us for our Stock Management List recently? This list contains details of what’s still available of our older, popular but now discontinued lines. It’s on a first come, first served and only while it lasts basis – but there are some good bargains to be had!

OUR SALES TEAM Greater London as far as N. Circular on north side of Thames and as far as M25 on south side, Surrey, some of Bucks, Middlesex Berks, Oxfordshire.

John A Constable T: 01622 685397 M: 07836 734322 Kent, Sussex, Hampshire Robin Croughton T: 01892 669699 M: 07710 393966

We’re very excited about this year’s Harrogate show in September, under its new management. We believe a successful show is important for the industry and we think we are backing a winner! It’ll be our new sales manager’s first show with us as well. Plus there’s always the enticement of plenty of new developments being unveiled and for which your feedback is always invaluable. We’ve a new stand number – C25 – but we’re still in our usual spot in Hall C.

Avon, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire (part of), Somerset, Wiltshire Doug Gilmour T: 01373 462503 M: 07970 950276 West Midlands, South Wales Paul Brewer T: 0121 4277117 M: 07798 745181 East Anglia, Bedfordshire, Cambs, Essex, Herts, Norfolk, Suffolk Jonathan Hart T: 01621 817992 M: 07889 264466

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

Due to impending retirement, we are seeking agents, or representatives looking to become self-employed agents, in the South West (covering Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Avon) and the South East (covering Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, East and West Sussex and Kent). A sound knowledge of the carpet industry as well as the customer base in the selected areas is essential and successful candidates should also be able to demonstrate that they are self-motivated and enjoy working with products and customers of the highest quality. Applications to Mr Gary Prophet at the address below.

Lincs, Leics, Northants, Notts, Derbyshire Jim Osborne M: 07738 642934 Greater Manchester, Cheshire, North Wales Philip Hambleton T: 01925 740050 M: 07966 397676 Yorkshire & North Lincs John Alsop T: 01904 762471 M: 07860 572220 Lancashire John Rostron M. 07973 733208

Cumbria and North East Jimmy Thomson T: 01835 863180 M: 07767 702928 Scotland Tim Tindal T: 01436 671421 M: 07836 705620 Channel Islands, Isle of Wight John Eastlake T: 01323 896141 M: 07885 398858 Northern Ireland Jim Osborne M: 07738 642934

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

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We tick all the boxes!

Best-selling products at every price point As a UK manufacturer and distributor, Furlong’s objective is simply to offer its customers the best of all worlds in terms of price, service and quality - a partnership that retailers can rely on and a comprehensive product range that consumers will respond to.

Furlong’s nationwide distribution network operates across three depots – London, Preston and Newport – using a dedicated fleet to carry rolls and cut lengths to our customers usually within 24 hours.

A long-term programme of substantial investment has created a major production facility for both 4m and 5m wide carpet and the new backing plant commissioned last year is now fully on line.

Furlong’s product development team has created a portfolio of products matched to the diverse needs of different customer groups, rooms styles and performance requirements. Regency’s stain-resistant ranges use their own ‘Carefree’ fibre which is bleach cleanable and offered with a warranty for absolute confidence. New ranges are introduced several times a year to keep the offering fresh and interesting and respond to consumer trends and colour shifts.

As a result, the company can produce hundreds of thousands of square metres of carpet every week, covering all the key sectors – stain resistant polypropylene, wool twist, wool natural and many others.

the aim is simply to offer customers the best of all worlds in terms of price, service and quality

Being in control of its manufacturing means Furlong can control the cost base and the quality to provide a range of products that is competitive at each of the price points. Manufacturing also means they can manage stock more closely and respond to changes in demand so that the right carpet is always ready for dispatch.

Furlong have paid particular attention to the presentation of the product range to consumers with a market-leading modular POS system which they will deliver and design to suit your store.

Furlong’s wholly-owned manufacturing company, Regency Carpets, is one of the UK’s top three tufters with a modern plant located in Bangor, Northern Ireland.

Furlong believes in working in partnership with their customers to provide products and services that ticks all the boxes.

Investing in quality and service

Extensive tufting expertise 24

Effective service systems

Large group stock-holding

Fast delivery fleet THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

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!

Here are the people who try harder London & Home Counties SIMON BRENNER M: 07791 891024 S.W LONDON, SURREY (INS. M25) IAN COLLACOTT M: 07816 217550 MIDDLESEX, W. LONDON BERKSHIRE DARREN SPENDIFF M: 07791 890861 KENT

High impact POS Furlong’s innovative new modular displays have been launched with the top 10 Regency stain-resistant carpet ranges to suit every style and consumer budget.

RAY SMITH M: 07816 217565 ESSEX ADAM HOLLYOAKE M: 07816 217548 N, N W & E LONDON

Wales & South West ALLAN MCDONALD M: 07791 451676 SALES MANAGER SAMANTHA EVANS M: 07794 048809 S./MID & W. WALES JASON BRIMBLE M: 07794 041266 AVON & GLOUCESTERSHIRE

• Mix and match up to10 units.

• Islands, triangles, corners and walls.

• Unique, stylish, interlocking design.

• Total service - design, delivery and installation.

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

THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

3 quality 3 choice 3 availability 3 service 3 price

TIM BAILEY M: 07794 048414 S.E. WALES & HEREFORDSHIRE

South East

North West

PAUL LOVELL M: 07816 217549 NORFOLK, SUFFOLK & CAMBS

GEOFF ABERNETHY M: 07970 229717 CUMBRIA, POTTERIES, CHESHIRE & FYLDE COAST

KRIS KOBYLKA M: 07816 217563 E & WEST SUSSEX TONY CONWAY M: 07791 891025 BEDS, NORTHANTS, OXON & BUCKS PETER FLETCHER M: 07816 217561 HAMPSHIRE, DORSET & SURREY (OUTSIDE M25)

Scotland GEORGE WISELY M: 07967 148665 SCOTTISH SALES DIRECTOR COLIN RICHFORD M: 07970 163372 WEST SCOTLAND & CUMBRIA ALAN CAIRNIE M: 07976 311434 EAST SCOTLAND

BOB CHRISTIE M: 07980 786264 MERSEYSIDE, WIRRAL & N. WALES

Yorkshire & North East DES BEST M: 07968 828516 NORTH EAST RAY ANDREW M: 07973 719801 EAST LANCS/W.YORKS REG SYKES M: 07973 403450 SOUTH YORKSHIRE

Midlands PAUL HARRIS M: 07980 786265 NOTTS & DERBYSHIRE

Wood Floor Specialists JOHN POWERS SALES MANAGER M: 07792 477312 RICHARD RICHMAN AREA SALES MANAGER M: 07791 891044

STEWART WAITHMAN M: 07794 048413 DEVON & CORNWALL

London Sales tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733

ALAN CHEETHAM M: 07966 263571 GREATER MANCHESTER

Preston Sales tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921

MIKE SHUTT M: 07970 158594 BIRMINGHAM/ STAFFORDSHIRE, SHROPSHIRE MARTYN REA M: 07968 324598 LEICESTER/ WARWICKSHIRE/LINCS

Newport Sales tel: 01633 283959 fax: 01633 275454

Email: enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk

25

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100% recycled carpet Mohawk International takes old plastic bottles and turns them into beautiful, luxurious carpet...

Hard to believe we know, but a plastic bottle you drink from today could one day become fibres in Mohawk’s carpet.

Make the most of the consumer’s love of all things green with the new Environmental Tombola featuring carpet manufactured from 100% recycled material

Polyethylene terephthalate (P.E.T) is the top quality resin required in the production of plastic drinks bottles. When recycled, it can be extruded into fibres that are far superior to lower-grade synthetic virgin fibres used in making other brands of carpet yarns.

Mohawk recycles over 3 billion plastic bottles each year. By controlling every aspect of “Mohawk recycles over 3 billion the recycling plastic bottles each year.” process, Mohawk guarantees the highest standards of performance in its luxurious and beautiful carpet.

From bottle to floor - that’s how we do it.

EUROPEAN STOCK RANGES American Velvet

3.66m I 65oz

New Century

4.0m I 100oz

True Winner*

3.66 & 4.57m I 62oz

100% StainmasterTactesse Nylon

100% Polyester with Scotchgard

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

Butter Pecan*

Paint Box*

Tula Rosa

3.66m I 52oz

3.66 & 4.57m I 65oz

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

Casual Allure

Park Avenue II*

3.66m I 48oz

3.66 & 4.57m I 80oz

3.66m I 65oz

100% StainmasterTactesse BCF Nylon

Vivid Luxury

3.66m I 70oz

100% Ultrastrand Nylon with Scotchgard

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

100% Ultrastrand Lissé with Advanced Repel

Certain Success*

Rainbow Sherbert*

Weston Hill*

3.66 & 4.57m I 42oz

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

Coastal Charm*

3.66m I 55oz

Carpets marked * on Environmental Tombola

Royal Palace II

4.0m I 95oz

100% Polyester with Scotchgard

Sera Bella

UK Sales Office 3.66m I 91oz

100% StainmasterTactesse Nylon

100% Ultrastrand Lissé with Advanced Repel

Eloquence

Shag-A-Delic

3.66m I 86oz

100% ANSO Caress

Knightsbridge

3.66m I 50oz

100% Ultrasrand BCF Nylon 3.66m I 65oz

100% Wear-dated Durasoft Nylon

3.66m I 30oz

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

3.66m I 29oz

100% Everstrand PET Polyester with Scotchgard

Colour Cachet

3.66 I 52oz

100% Mohawk Everset PET with Scotchgard

Shimmering Sands

Mohawk United Kingdom 1 Chester Road Colmworth Business Park Eaton Socon, St. Neots Cambridge

PE19 8YT 3.66m I 46oz

100% Ultrastrand Lissé with Advanced Repel

Tel: 01480 479830 Fax: 01480 471304

MOHAWK ALSO MANUFACTURE COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS UNDER THESE BRANDS

MOHAWK INTERNATIONAL

MohawkPET_A4.indd 1

3/4/09 16:28:27

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THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

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Check out our current April/May/June ‘Election Special’ for all the latest news, views and up to date product information. Those of you who already have a copy plainly didn’t heed our ‘Hung Parliment’ warning on page 2!!

WELL, THE VOTE IS CAST... AND ONCE AGAIN IT’S A COALITION BETWEEN RACKHAMS AND OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

CUT & LOOP PILE

CORD & NEEDLEPUNCH

VELOUR / VELVET

Revival Kreta Everglades

Gala Rackcord Scorpio Supacord

WILTON

GRAPHICS / CONTRACT GELS Arena Cherokee Sapphire Scala Senator Sentinel Statesman

NATURAL EFFECT Agadir Ancona Chunky Craftwork Berber 4&5M Harvester Hopscotch Ivory Coast Marrakesh Natures Writing Rustic Treasure San Salvador 4&5M Town & Country Tweed

SAXONY / SHAG PILE Big Softie Chamonix Cleopatra Half Century New Century Nobility Splendour Stainfree Salt ‘n’ Pepper Stainblock Supreme 4&5M Tennessee

TWISTS - STAINFREE Balmoral Chislehurst Cosmopolitan Clyde Easy Heathers Easy Twist Fairfield Supreme 4&5M Heathertwist / Heathertwist Supreme Herdsman Twist Mystery Twist Portman Stainsafe Touch 4&5M Startwist/Startwist Supreme (2010 colours) 4&5M Stanford Summer Skies Supatwist

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

Designers Dream 4&5M Le Touquet 4&5M Urban Life The Arabica & Ceylon Wilton Collection 4&5M Renaissance Ultimate Wilton

VINYL / SMOOTH FLOORING Arte Della Ceramica Blackjack Casino Royale Celtic Stone Eclipse Econoflex Medley Mojo Revolution - Roll Only Vinyl Sherwood Oak Suregrip XL

CARPET TILES Capital Plus Electron Magnesium Neutron Oxygen Positron Proton Quark Titanium We also stock Ball & Young Underlays, Accessories, Entrance Matting and offer a Special Order Service on products from virtually every flooring manufacturer in existence! 48 hour Delivery Service on all Balterio Laminate Ranges.

STOP PRESS...An exciting opportunity has arisen on our Western Territory – Call 07881-502505 for more information – join Ralph and the team? – Call now!

– An exciting opportunity....STOP PRESS

Area Sales Managers No rth, Ea st & C entr al, London, Essex & Middx ( wi thi n M25 ) Paul Henson 07881 502506

S a l e s O f fi c e Antony Stapleton 0208 498 2845 07881 502505

E s se x ( ou ts i de M2 5), Ca m b ri d g e s hi re , S u ff o lk Richard Chappell 07837 295379

Kent, Surrey, Sussex, SE/SW London Simon Brenner 07881 502507

H er ts , B edf ords hir e, Esse x (w est of M1 1), P t Midd x James White 07881 502508

W & NW L on d o n , South Middx, West Surrey, Berks, Bucks Territory Vacant – Call Anthony Stapleton on 07881 502505 for more details

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THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

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

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

VINYLS Solent Wholesale - now a Quickstep stockist.

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

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 May/June 2010.

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

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THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

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

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

STS Area Managers

LANO STOCK CARPETS Bolero Chislehurst Fairfield Supreme Havanna Heather Twist Heather Twist Supreme Pembridge Twist Rustic Berber Sapphire Scala Startwist Startwist Supreme CORMAR STOCK CARPETS Berwick 40/50 Malabar Textures Natural Berber Twist New Oaklands 32/42/50 Primo Plus Primo Tweeds Primo Ultima BEAULIEU INTERNATIONAL Bellini Super Twist Mercator EDEL TELENZO Fleur Hercules Orinoco Puma

Peter Gregor y 07789 770093 Essex, Cambs, Suffolk, Norfolk

Regional Manager Rachel Sherwood 07801 762724 Sales Merchandiser Dave Lowman 07500 847758 North/East London, Berkshire, Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middlesex, Northants, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire

John Batts 07711 735638 Beds, E Berks, Bucks, Middx, N Hants, N Surrey (retail) Oxfordshire & North Wiltshire

PRICE LIST DATE JAN 2010 CARPET STOCK TILES Ascot Beckenham Cheltenham Clipper Croydon Croydon Stripe Inspiration Keston Latour New Horizons Saturn Selsdon STOCK UNDERLAYS Goldtred Collection Cirrus Cumulus Nimbus Silver Lining Cloud Nine Contract Cloud Nine Super Contract Durafit 500 Durafit 650 Cosi 8mm & 10mm Heatflow Collection Roma Blue Heaven Willow Green Treadmore

Regional Manager Ian Mellor 07801 762720 Sales Area Managers Mirka Mihulcova 07500 847566 SW London, W Sussex, Berks, Hants, Surrey

Paul Jones 07801 762719

Dana Baldock 07801 762725

Wiltshire, Gloucestershire & Bristol

SE London, Kent, E Sussex, Part Essex

Sales Merchandiser Paul Jeffer y 07717 218024

SE London, Kent, E Sussex

Vicky Langley 07962 646847

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The Stocklists

manufacturers troubleshooter

underlay fibres wholesalers

cleaning

wool

adhesives

factsheets

it’s what makes us the bible of the business - see pages 4 to 17.

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7 June 2010

FlooringNews Barking up the right tree Axminster Carpets has launched Bark, a stunning new texture in its Simply Natural collection.The clever use of different height loop piles that undulate across the floor give the carpet a bark like quality, adding textural and visual depth to its nine natural colours.

Joining established textural favourites such as Grosgrain and Ribgrass, both of which have one new colourway called Laburnum; Bark expands the Simply Natural collection to 54 different options, which include six new two colour variations in Ribgrass.

Beautifully made from 100% Home Spun wool, every carpet in the Simply Natural collection is made from durable Cable-Tec® yarn to produce a highly resilient pile that retains the warmth and gentleness of this treasured fibre.

Along with all other Simply Natural carpets, Bark is available in both four and five-metre widths to ensure fewer seams and less wastage. Simply Natural Stripe is also now available in a one-metre width for hallways and stairs.

Steve Upperton, Sales Director, reveals the thinking behind the introduction of Simply Natural Bark: “The Simply Natural collection’s combination of striking textures and natural colourways has seen it become a much-loved favourite of consumers and we were keen to ensure that this continued.

“Keeping successful ranges fresh and exciting is key to maintaining their popularity and so we set about developing a new texture for the collection.With Bark we have achieved a natural feel to carpet with an almost lifelike quality, fitting perfectly with the ethos behind the entire Simply Natural collection.”

T 01297 630650

www.axminstercarpets.co.uk

Pure care in colour Pure Care, a new impervious backed tufted carpet has been added to the Care Range of products by leading UK carpet manufacturer Heckmondwike FB. Joining Total Care in the Care Range, Pure Care is an 1/8” crossover cut pile tufted carpet made from 100% solution dyed polypropylene. Available in 4m wide with a fully impervious backing, Pure Care is bleach resistant and highly resistant to permanent staining.

The design of the carpet and choice of 10 warm colour options reflect the changing market for the Care Range impervious backed products. Previously popular in nursing and care environments, the Care Ranges from Heckmondwike FB are now used in a much wider choice of environments including student accommodation, nurseries, doctors surgeries and medical centres.

“Our Care Range products have proved popular in a variety of installations from student accommodation to primary schools and the more traditional care homes and sheltered housing,” explains Bob Mortimer, Sales Director of Heckmondwike FB. “The addition of Pure Care to the range offers customers a new collection of warm colours that will create a homely environment wherever the product is installed.”

T 01924 406 161 www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk

from The Stocklists

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News

Smart showcase on the Avenue Avenue’s extensive portfolio of cushion vinyl floor styles can now been seen on a new in-store point-of-sale unit designed to offer the quality independent flooring retailer the ideal platform to showcase the complete range to customers.

Rolling out to high street stores in the coming months, the unit uses striking lifestyle imagery and the clear communication of key selling points to support the Avenue ranges on display; including Touch of Class, Natural Wood and Natural Tiles collections along with the new Expressions and Splash - Café Noir ranges.

With a small footprint measuring 1120 x 700mm, the display’s attractive wooden construction will look great in-store and helps the cushioned vinyl ranges to stand out, ensuring maximum impact for Avenue’s forward thinking styles.

“Point-of-sale can make a real difference to a brand’s impact within the independent retail environment,” comments Caroline Wille, Product Manager for Avenue. “With the new Avenue display we are pushing forward cushioned vinyl, making it desirable at every opportunity and turning interest into potential sales.”

The central spine of the stand features easy-to-understand icons that communicate the key properties of the entire Avenue collection, while each individual range features a strip detailing more specific advantages, again in an icondriven format. With a lower shelf for storing extra pattern books, the Avenue display provides an attractive and complete window into the Avenue collection.

Displays will be rolling out to Avenue retailers over the next few months and those interested in becoming an Avenue retailer should contact IVC group.

T +32 5665 3211

www.ivcgroup.com

Growth for bespoke folk Contemporary Life has seen substantial growth for its premier flagship bespoke brand Tollgate Bespoke and is now busy recruiting high quality, high skilled tufting operators in the Lancashire area.

The unfortunate demise of Roe Lee Carpets added to the workload when Tollgate Bespoke was asked to help Gallery 22 from Hale, Cheshire, when they were left without supply of the carpet they needed.

Lesley, the proprietor of Gallery 22 emailed to “thank Steve and the carpet guys who supplied Mrs Wilde on Tuesday’. Contemporary Life MD Steve Evans said: “ All in all this was a good result and another reason why we are fast becoming the preferred choice for bespoke carpeting.”

T 01254 296829

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www.contemporarylife.co.uk

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News

Beware fuel card claims Contractors have been warned to beware of false claims from fuel card companies trying to push their products. Steve Clarke, general manager of The Fuelcard People, said:“Our customers tell us that some suppliers make very odd claims when trying to push their products. It seems that the fewer fuel cards in a supplier’s range, the wilder their claims become.They can sound very plausible, so contractors should be aware of what to look for, and why the claims are false.”

He highlighted some of the more common misleading claims being bandied around by unscrupulous suppliers.

Claim 1:“Discounts don’t matter.” Some suppliers actually expect customers to pay pump prices – or even more – for their diesel and petrol.Whatever other benefits may be on offer, any fuel card which does not save you 2p to 3p per litre is not worth having.

Claim 2:“All fuel cards are the same.” They are not. Esso, for example, has seperate cards specifically geared towards HGV and LCV/car users. If all fuel cards were the same,The Fuelcard People would not go to the trouble of offering the industry’s widest range, covering every major brand.

Claim 3:“You don’t need personal service.” If you want to talk to your

supplier, most of them will expect you to wait in a call centre queue before speaking to a random operator. It is always better to speak to the same person, because a dedicated account manager will know and understand your business.

Claim 4:“Universal use is important.” This is a real red herring. BP, Esso, Shell, Texaco and Total all have huge networks, as does Keyfuels (Diesel Direct).

Having a fuel card which can only be used with one or two of these brands is not a problem, unless you really believe that their sites are hard to find.

Claim 5:“Branded fuel cards can not be used at supermarkets or on the smaller fuel networks.” This is simply not true.The range offered by The Fuelcard People includes cards which can be used at supermarkets, including Morrisons and Somerfield, and with such fuel suppliers as Jet, Murco, Moto and Gulf. If a supplier claims this, it simply means that their own particular card can not be used in such places.

T 0844 870 9856 www.thefuelcardpeopleco.uk

To be or not to be? - no question!

Alternative Flooring’s ‘be’ campaign is now in full swing, with the new ‘be’ display stand taking centre stage in showrooms the length and breadth of the country. ‘Be’ retailers have heaped praise on the stand, which is part and parcel of a package of local promotions all linked into the national campaign.

Mike Barber, Barber Flooring, Stratford upon Avon, commented: “We have installed the ‘be’ unit in our Designer area in our store and it looks great.

The stand is contemporary and eye-catching, with the rug section inspiring customers to look at different rug finishing. Really pleased.’

Joe Cass, Dovetail Carpets Ltd, Norwich ‘The stand is fantastic. We decided to install it in the window as the graphics and the rug sampling won’t fail to grab the attention of the passer by. It is easy to use and the staircase is a great touch.’

This striking modular concept combines the traditional carpet display methods with contemporary lifestyle graphics.The bespoke units have modern lighting and are finished in chrome, perspex and anodized metal.

The idea behind the stand is simple; the consumer is persuaded by the lifestyle imagery in the press, searches for the selected flooring and then is presented with the same professionalism and image when in-store.The display comprises three main double units and a single corner or feature stand. Be retailers can buy a complete unit or a single version.

T 01264 335111

www.alternativeflooring.com

Corporate Image F l o o r i n g Tel 01827 55441 Fax 01827 68611 Mobile 07974 178852 Email ross@corporateimageflooring.com 34

June 2010

Carpet Tile Special Offer Choice from needlepunch velour, needlepunch rib & low level loop. Choice of colours and fast delivery.

Call for samples and availability.

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News

Driving the flag In keeping with its Natural British Beautiful strapline, Axminster Carpets is rolling out new eye-catching livery across its fleet of delivery vehicles.

As part of reinforcing brand identity and Axminster Carpets’ British heritage, the new livery, to be used on any new vehicles added to the fleet and existing trucks that undergo a facelift, features a prominent stylised Union Jack flag as well as the new logo.

“Our delivery vehicles are visible on every major trunk road in the UK and so represent a first point of recognition for many consumers,” says Steve Upperton, Sales Director. “With this in mind, we wanted to make sure that our visible identity on the road is in complete harmony with what consumers can expect in-store”.

Axminster Carpets will introduce this new look to lorries that join its fleet, or as existing vehicles become due for makeovers, Steve Upperton elaborates: “We take pride in the fact that our delivery fleet is one of the best in the country, with a reliable modern and ever evolving fleet of vehicles.

With frequent new additions as part of our continual investment strategy that sees older vehicles upgraded for newer models, retailers and consumers will soon witness a growing number of new-look Axminster Carpets trucks on roads up and down the country.”

T 01297 630650

www.axminstercarpets.co.uk

‘Mission Zero’ for eco Interface Interface Inc. has announced outstanding achievements in the reduction of waste and water usage in its latest annual report on global progress towards sustainability. The company continues to make steady progress in every area measured, from a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to avoided waste costs, as it moves closer to its ‘Mission Zero’ goal of eliminating its environmental impacts by 2020 and becoming the world’s first sustainable business.

Highlights from the latest EcoMetrics report include an 80% reduction in waste sent to landfill since 1996 per unit of production and water intake in manufacturing is down 80% since 1996 per unit of production.

Total energy usage is down by 43% since 1996 per unit of production and greenhouse gas emissions show an actual reduction of Interface GHG emissions by 44% from a 1996 baseline.

Interface has also achieved cumulative savings of $433 million in avoided waste costs since 1995.

Lindsey Parnell, EMEAI President and CEO of InterfaceFLOR, the modular flooring division of Interface Inc., says, “Our continued progress proves that sustainability is not only good for the environment but also for the bottom line. Putting sustainability at the heart of our business has paid dividends; costs are down, our people are galvanised around a common purpose and our products are better than ever as sustainability provides an infinite source of innovation.

“We still have some way to go on our Mission Zero journey; however I believe that our holistic approach to sustainability will take us to 2020 and beyond.”

www.interfaceflor.eu

National Floor Show

NEC offers ‘new audience’ for show

The new location of this year’s National Floor Show will not only offer exhibitors the chance to see companies that visited in its previous home of Harrogate, but a brand new audience that would not travel the distance to Yorkshire, say organisers UBM. Aiming to provide a new type of show for the market, the improved National Floor Show is one of nine exhibitions within UBM’s interiors portfolio of events. “We can capitalise not only on the vast experience of the team, but also the large amount of data on offer,” says show organiser Andrew Vaughan.

Firstly, UBM also owns Barbour Index, the leading provider of sales leads and construction contract data for the UK which provides coverage of all planning applications for projects valued over £100,000. National Floor Show is able to use this important and extensive data they hold.

Other successful exhibitions within the interiors portfolio include kbb Birmingham and Interiors which are also based at the NEC, Birmingham.

From these market leading exhibitions UBM has formed an extensive database of solely owned industry contacts who are interested in flooring and which will be invited to the National Floor Show. These are made up of: Interiors and kbb Birmingham (34,595) , National Floor Show preregistants & attendees (8,296), and other portfolio attendees (Decorex, ARC and Sleep) that have shown an interest in flooring (4,847).

“We also have access to a new market of interiors professionals from across UBM, including The Facilities Show, BD Magazine and Building Magazine,” says Andrew.

“With this vast database of contacts, we can deliver a very different National Floor Show this year with a much wider audience, bringing flooring firmly into the interiors industry.”

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The Wool Benefits Series from Wools of New Zealand

Natural Integrity New Zealand wool is grown in open pastureland following sustainable land use and animal-friendly practices, resulting in a carpet fibre that is natural, renewable and biodegradable.

Wool is Sustainable

New Zealand Wool is naturally renewable, biodegradable, recyclable, energy-efficient and sustainable.

Renewable Wool is the ultimate renewable fibre it grows continuously on a sheep’s back all year round. During summer, the wool is sheared and sheep return to their pasture. At the end of its useful life, the wool carpet pile can be returned to the ground where the rich essential plant nutrients released from the fibre promote further grass growth, and the natural production cycle starts all over again.

Recyclable Wool carpets can be recycled at the end of their useful life in a number of ways. Naturally durable, they can be re-used as area rugs or the wool pile can be used in environmentally friendly insulation products.

Discarded wool carpet can also be used to protect newly planted trees to prevent erosion and soil loss.

Energy-Efficient Wool requires very small amounts of energy to produce, about 1/8th of that required for nylon. It reduces heating energy requirements in winter by preventing heat loss. In summer, it prevents heat rising through the floor and keeps your room cool and comfortable.

Life-Cycle Analysis Unlike synthetics, the carbon footprint of wool carpet is negligible. The main source of energy is sunlight to make grass grow. Wool retains its good looks for longer, reducing the need for wasteful, premature replacement.

Over its lifetime, wool will save energy on heating and cooling. Chemical emissions from carpet cleaning are up to five times lower than hard floors.

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Wool is Ethical

Sheep in New Zealand have an average of at least one third of a football field per sheep to graze free-range in their natural environment.

Farming Standards New Zealand sheep farming is recognised for its world-leading standards of farming integrity. Sheep are grazed on a variety of different pasture types, including those unsuitable for other farming systems, allowing effective soil management and natural free-range grazing. Efficient land management and flock rotation ensure that the land will continue to enhance high quality wool production.

New Zealand farmers have access to specialised agricultural education and world-leading research, ensuring continuous improvement in environmental management and animal care.

Animal Welfare New Zealand sheep enjoy the protection of a wide range of laws and regulations regarding safety, health and general well-being. New Zealand’s climate is mild and sheep graze in open pasture all year round. New Zealand leads the world in shearing technique, ensuring minimum stress on the animal. Removing the wool is pain-free.

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

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Flower on Flooring

by Dennis Flower

How green is your floor?

Environmental concerns are considerably higher on the agenda of both companies and individuals than they were just a few years ago and this is reflected in the efforts of flooring suppliers. Manufacturers of carpet, wood, vinyl and adhesives have all turned their attention to the green agenda.

Eco Dream from LDP

Alternative Flooring’s Natural Linen

Local production, as well as reducing landfill waste, means that Axfelt has one of the lowest carbon footprints of domestic carpet underlays currently available, the company states. It has also commissioned a water treatment facility that returns 95% of waste water from yarn production back into the plant, further extending its environmental credentials.

Alternative Flooring describes its products, made from sustainable natural resources, as 'carpets with a conscience' and adds that its Eco Collection Nature and Nurture is the first biodegradable carpet to be introduced in the UK.The new Contour has passed the stringent tests set by Oeko-tex, which only gives accreditation when the product is free from harmful substances. It includes considerable numbers of construction and weaves to show the creative possibilities of natural fibres.

Its most recent initiative includes the target for packaging recycling.

Axminster Carpets states it has followed the introduction of the first carbon neutral domestic carpet range, Swaledale, with the supply of its Axfelt underlay protected in biodegradable plastic.The underlay is manufactured from a combination of felt made from waste wool yarn and carpet and rubber crumb from recycled tyres. It was originally developed to offset waste at the company’s Devon manufacturing facility, with wool and carpet waste now sourced from other manufacturers and wool users.

from The Stocklists

Louis de Poortere offers its Eco Dream as a collection of 100% natural carpets woven on Wilton looms, chosen for their superior finish and waste-free production process that enables the use of natural and renewable energy sources.The collection is made from natural elements, mainly non-dyed yarn woven into jute and cotton with a backing free from chemical additives.The latex used is derived from coconut oil and rubber plant leaves.This means the carpet is 100% recyclable and completely biodegradable, the company states.

The collection is available in three distinct textures: Eco Dream Soft – a fashionable flatweave construction suitable for heavy domestic use available 4.00m wide; Eco Dream Life – an alternative, 4m wide flatweave construction with a heavy contract rating; and Eco Dream Comfort – designed for the domestic consumer looking for luxury under foot and available in a width of 4.57m.

Mayfield Carpets has launched Ecofelt, a combination underlay made from 100% recycled wool rich (80%) carpet waste. It uses carpet waste from its own factory, which is processed at a facility only two miles away, before a crumb rubber backing is applied, made from recycled car tyres.The company states it has made 'immense reductions in the amount of waste material going to land fill' as a result.

Ecofelt is offered at a competitive price and has been designed to include all the benefits of traditional combination underlay.

Mayfield’s Ecofelt underlay

Axminster’s Swaledale in Purle Orchid

continued overleaf....

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Flower on Flooring News Burmatex colourful floor at Bolton College

Burmatex has initiated a new ‘no-nonsense’ environmental policy and states it has been well-received as a refreshing way of addressing issues that can sometimes be confused and overcomplicated.The company created the policy after becoming disillusioned with what seemed to be a minefield of ‘green wash’.The policy can be downloaded as a PDF from the company’s website and is also available as a brochure, printed on recycled paper.

The company’s eleEase range of carpet tiles includes: Finesse, a collection of 48in registered emboss planks; At Home, a domestic collection in 10 wood ranges; and six slate coloured tile options.

These are in addition to the eleEase Commercial range available in eight woods and three tiles and the eleEase Signature collection in five wood finishes.

InterfaceFlor's marketing director for the UK and Ireland, Lynne Gawthorpe, said that environmental performance and aesthetic appeal are no longer mutually exclusive. 'The company believes that when choosing a high design flooring product, customers need to know their true environmental impact, if they are to make an informed decision,' she said.The company uses the Life Cycle Assessment model to measure the environmental impact and has attained the first European Product Declaration (EPD) for carpet tiles. It has also developed the ‘microtuft’ collection that uses up to 50 per cent less yarn while remaining soft underfoot, said Gawthorpe.The company's current EPD products include the random design Transformation and Straightforward carpet tiles, and the microtuft product Elevation II. Interfaceflor - Straightforward

Emphasising its green commitment, Kährs has appointed Bruce Uhler as its environment ambassador, previously VP for its global commercial markets. In his new role, he will liaise with non-governmental organisations, including the Rainforest Alliance, Forest Stewardship Council, GreenPeace, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the World Wildlife Fund and the EIA.

The company states that every aspect of its wood flooring production is geared with the environment in mind, from the proximity of timber Kahrs presents Oak Driftwood stock to the construction and finish of the product range.

It uses 100% bio/renewable energy and utilises excess energy to heat the homes of its 45,000 neighbours. It has reduced waste by over 30% in ten years and has invested in the largest air filtration system in Scandinavia, in addition to obtaining ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, as well as EMAS accreditation.

Mapei has expanded its solvent-free Ultrabond Eco range of readymixed adhesives in water dispersion, suitable for fixing a wide range of textile floor coverings and vinyl or PVC floor tiles. It has been extended to include six products for all types of resilient and textile flooring. It now includes: Ultrabond Eco 380, a heavy duty adhesive for bonding PVC or vinyl sheets or tiles; Ultrabond Eco 170 for internal bonding of normal, latex or latex foam backed textile floor coverings and carpets; and Ultrabond Eco 520, designed for jute backed linoleum floorings on to all types of substrates. Mapei also won The Tile Association's Best Initiative to Reduce Environmental Impact Award 2010, in recognition of reducing landfill by 98% after changing the recycling philosophy of its organisation.

Recofloor, administered by Axion Consulting, reports that over 215 tonnes of vinyl flooring waste has been collected since January 2009 under the UK’s first take-back scheme founded by Polyflor and Altro, covering the UK and Ireland. Recofloor has 220 members, from flooring contractors, construction companies and waste transfer stations to retail, educational and PFI sites.With over 30 drop-off sites, it also complies with Site Waste Management Plans.

All members receive a Certificate of Commitment boosting their environmental credentials. Safety flooring offcuts and smooth vinyl offcuts from the installation process are recycled back into new flooring, while end of life material is used in the manufacture of products such as traffic cones and road barrier bases. A strategy to recycle vinyl flooring from house refurbishment projects in London is currently being developed.

Further to the above, Polyflor states its range of commercial vinyl

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floor coverings now include 20 ranges that achieve the highest possible BRE A+ Global rating. Forest FX PUR, Stone FX PUR, Gallery FX Acoustic PUR, Forest FX Acoustic PUR and Polyflor Wood FX and Wood FX Acoustic have joined 14 existing safety and homogeneous floor coverings in achieving A+ certification. 'Using vinyl flooring to maximise your BREEAM score and help minimise the environmental impact of a project has Polyflor’s recycling programme in action never been easier,' said Sonia Baker, Polyflor environmental market manager. 'As a company we place huge emphasis on reducing our own carbon footprint and now we have a large range of products that can help others do the same.'

Tarkett reports that its iQ Natural is the first homogeneous vinyl flooring to be made with 75% natural and renewable raw materials, using a revolutionary new plasticizer based on renewable resources, including natural mineral fillers, ricinus plant and salt. It is designed for healthcare and education sectors and meets stringent requirements.The surface is easy to clean and maintain, needing less water, detergents and energy for cleaning and never needing wax or polish, thanks to the Unique Surface Restoration, says Tarkett. It also has VOC emissions 40 times lower than required by European standards and is completely recyclable.With 24 colours, iQ Natural is available in 2mm thickness on 2m width rolls and in 61 x 61cm tile format and comes complete with natural welding rods made of the same new plasticizer.

Eletile reports reduction of installation time and costs thanks to its eleEase floating floor system, providing immediate environmental benefits that continue further down the line. 'Because eleEase needs no adhesives or screeds, the product is 100% recyclable,' said Eletile's Mark Taylor. 'Around 10 years after installation, it can be uplifted, granulated and Tarkett’s iQ Natural put straight back into the manufacturing process. Our LVT is the only product on the market that is 100% recyclable. Other luxury vinyl products are glued down into place and therefore contaminated and unfit for recycling purposes.'

IVC states that it is making extra effort to meet its environmental responsibilities. Energy consumption in the manufacturing process is strictly controlled,

from The Stocklists

Easylock from Eletile

standards and regulations are met and raw materials are carefully sourced. It has installed a closed water cooling system and ensures that no waste water is created by its manufacturing process.

Any secondary waste is collected and stored for specialised processing.

The company has also joined industry recycling initiatives, in addition to its own projects.The ease of cleaning of its products Protecting the green capital means that less water and detergent is IVC promotes a vigorous green policy consumed, says IVC, with dirt-resistant features further enhanced by its Superguard wear layer.

For more information about featured products:

Alternative Flooring • www.alternativeflooring.com • 01264 335111 Axminster • www.axminstercarpets.co.uk • 01297 630650 Burmatex • www.burmatex.co.uk • 01924 262 525 Eletile • www.eletileuk.com • 01429 892540 Interfaceflor • www.interfaceflor.co.uk • 08705 304030 Kahrs • www.kahrs.com • 02392 453 045 Louis De Poortere • www.depoorterelouis.com • +32 56 393 393 Mapei • www.mapei.co.uk • 0121 508 6970 Mayfield • www.mayfieldcarpets.co.uk • 01706 639866 Polyflor • www.polyflor.com • 0161 767 1122 Tarkett • www.tarkett.com • +33 1 41 20 40 25

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News

Flooring One beats the bland Flooring One set out to ‘beat the bland’ at their highly successful Solihull show in May with a colourful display from the UK’s leading flooring suppliers and a complete makeover of their point-of-sale presentation.

The show has become a major event in the flooring calendar. It is hosted by Flooring One’s parent company AIS at their Cranford Park HQ and exhibition centre at Solihull, West Midlands.

The event starts with a day focussed on Flooring One members with a followup day for manufacturers to meet invited members of other buying groups.

Glenn Harding heads up Flooring One buying group and has focussed this year on improving store appearance for his members.

“I worry about what consumers impressions are of carpet stores now that so much of the colour has gone. Display can be really bland,” says Glenn. His answer was to work with POS specialists Axiom to create a curvy new approach for the wall displays (pictured right).

The units are more ergonomic and have integral graphics panels which break up the sample displays and also fill corners attractively. Because Flooring One offers a ‘compendium of services’ to its members, retailers can view a gallery of images online and select and print their favourite roomset photography, imagery and customised price panels to install in the acrylic graphics panels.

MORE NEXT MONTH...

At the same time, product samples have been made more prominent, lighting improved and the branding updated. “I am very pleased with the result and we have had a very encouraging reaction from members,” says Glenn.

The wall displays accommodate the Flooring One ‘core collection’ of 57 ranges – 4 of which are exclusive to the buying group with another six shared with the Greendale Group. Another 34 ranges are available as ‘special selections’ to add to the presentation.

“We plan the range very carefully and scientifically to ensure we have precise coverage of all the product types across all the price points,” says Glen. “If retailers stay with our range they get a very well researched offering that works with consumers,” he says.

T 0121 683 1427 www.flooringone.co.uk

Flooring One’s Solihull flooring show goes from strength to strength with enthusiastic support this year from 40 top manufacturers who showcased their latest ranges.

Several new ranges made their debut at the event with key participant’s including Associated Weavers, Axminster, Brockway, Cormar, Furlong, Mohawk, Ryalux, Edel Telenzo, Ulster and Victoria Carpets.

Key names in rugs include Asiatic, Mastercraft, Rama and Rugs with Flair.

A full report on the new products from these manufacturers will appear in the July edition of The Stocklists.

Cormar hosts Guild skills Following its successful training course at the end of 2009, Cormar Carpets has held two further Flooring Guild courses to give carpet retailers another chance to boost their sales skills.Twenty five people, from carpet shops around the country, attended the courses held during the last two weeks of April.

David Cormack, marketing director of Cormar Carpets, said: “We actively encourage training both within Cormar and in retail. It has got to be in everyone’s interests to ensure staff are as knowledgeable and well-informed about the product they are selling as they can be. ” The courses were led by Ray Morgan of the Flooring Guild. “One of the main advantages that independent flooring retailers have is the service they can offer customers. It is widely recognised that trained staff can provide better customer service which then goes on to improve business.The Flooring Guild has had great support from Cormar and it is to their credit that they are actively promoting better knowledge and training throughout the carpet trade,“ said Ray. T 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

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What’s in a name?

201

Everything!

SEE THEM ALL AND MANY MORE 5-6-7 SEPTEMBER 2010 2010

For full details visit www.harrogateflooringshow.net

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Profile: Penthouse Carpets by David Spragg

Up the workers!

Penthouse is an unsung hero of carpet manufacturing – a UK company who has been quietly busy, building a substantial business in the upper middle level of the market that is perhaps more noticeably occupied by the likes of Cormar, Axminster and Adam Carpets.

Now they plan to make a little more noise. “We’re raising our profile and going out for market share,” says director Paul Speakman. “There is tremendous potential in this market and we are vey serious about securing new business.”

That seriousness is demonstrated by the recent installation of the three new high speed tufting machines – two eighth-gauge and one tenth gauge – for just under a million pounds plus almost another million on a state-of-the-art backing and in-line shearing plant.

“We are deliberately investing in a recession and the outcome is that we have the capability to double our production,” says Paul.

“We are ready to grow but also the business operates on a sound basis right now so we can be patient in taking advantage of market improvement and increasing our share of it.”

Their Rochdale factory makes more than a million square metres of predominantly 80/20 wool carpets each year and works with some 4,000 retailers across Britain under the Penthouse and Mayfield brand names.

This is an uncompromising company. Penthouse prices are nonnegotiable. Nor is Penthouse quality and attention to detail. 90% of all wool used is British. The backing is all 6oz heavyweight natural jute. The service is second to none with 48-hour turnaround of new orders even when the carpet is not yet made. There a noquibble policy of pile reversal issues.

“We like picky customers and we are not in the business of cutting corners.We make our carpet right here and we know our products inside out.This is a very honourable company and when we say it’s a 50 oz carpet, you can be very sure that it really is,” says Paul.

But to make a real difference in a crowded market, you have to be really different – and that’s where Penthouse’s unique culture comes in. The business is wholly owned by its employees who, in the style of John Lewis, all have shares in the company and are incentivised with bonus share options.

“Everyone you meet in the factory is an owner. I have never worked anywhere quite like it,” says Paul.“Everyone wants to know

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PENTHOUSE CARPETS

what’s going on and the workforce is very motivated with very high loyalty. If something goes wrong, people are genuinely upset and put in that extra effort to put it right.”

This co-operative arrangement dates back to 2003 when the management team bought out the company from venture capital owners 3i.

The company operates two separate brands – Penthouse and Mayfield – with very little overlap between them.

Penthouse is the established business with 3000 retailers and a range of 80/20 wool carpets (plus the 100% wool Tradewinds range) which are sold on a net price list.

The Penthouse collection of more than a dozen ranges has even been moving a little more upmarket with recent introductions showing heavyweight tendencies such as subtle heather twist Aurora which has added a 60 oz weight to the 50 oz range and sumptuous Esprit , a tenthgauge masterpiece at 75 oz.

The Mayfield collection was created to give the company a little more flexibility to promote new ranges and yarns with more room for manoeuvre when negotiating competitive deals with buying groups and store chains.

Innovation has been active in Mayfield too including the new Forrester in 50 and 60 oz which reflects the market’s increasing appetite for more textured, chunky pile while Quartz remains the volume best-seller in three weights.

The company’s attention to detail is demonstrated by their colour tracking system with a ‘real-time’ league table of consumer colour choice across all the ranges which fills an entire wall in the sales office.

“Colour is definitely coming back,” says Paul.

“We’re experimenting with smarter, subtler shades and more of them.The new Pentwist collection has 18 colours.” Current challengers

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“I have never worked anywhere quite like it. Everyone you meet in the factory is an owner. Everyone really cares about what’s going on.” in the Penthouse colour league this month are sagey greens and cherry tones.

In addition to the manufacturing investment, Penthouse has been careful to invest in people too and has, most recently, completed an extensive series of workshops with the marketing department and the field sales team of some 14 representatives and agents.

“We have put a lot of effort into training our team to better understand the needs of retailers,” says Paul. “We are very conscious that the sale happens when we are not there so everything here is focussed on helping the retailers,” he says.

“We want to know what the consumers is thinking about our products in the minutes after they leave the store. It is essential that the retail environment is right, the products are right and the retailer has the full story.

As a result, Penthouse has invested heavily in high quality point-of-sale support with free tombolas, lecterns and pattern books and an attractive rebate scheme on wall displays. Penthouse has been ‘fine tuning’ this presentation recently to increase its in-store impact.

So Penthouse and Mayfield are going to stand up and be counted amongst the top UK manufacturers – and they plan that the counting will add up to more growth and greater market share as soon as the economy allows.

T 01706 341231 www.penthousecarpets.co.uk from The Stocklists

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Read industry news a week early Review back issues for the last year Click straight through to email and web links.

The easiest online reading expeience in the flooring industry.

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www.thestocklists.com June 2010 45 April May 2010 45

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News

Harrogate demonstrates its appeal A purpose-built demonstration pavilion will be central to the Harrogate Flooring Show with a full program of events throughout the three days to appeal to all interests, says organiser David Wildman.

“We want visitors to have the best possible experience with presentations of real value,” says David, “and exhibitors will get the opportunity to give the best possible portrayal of their products and expertise.”

The demonstrations covering installation techniques, tools, product use and performance are being set up by trade organisations CFA, FITA and NICF and are supported with products from Victoria Carpets, Ball & Young, Ardex, Carpenter and F Ball.

The CFA sponsors whose products will also be used within the program include Junkers, Bonakemi, Jumpax ,Polyflor, Balterio, Interfloor, Gerfloor and Bostik.

The Harrogate event, which takes place on September 5, 6 and 7, continues to gain strong support from the flooring trade with recent confirmations from Ulster Carpets, IVC, Carpenter,Texfelt, Feanux-Createx of Belgium and Gooch Orientals to add to the list of more than 80 exhibitors who are presenting at the show.

The organisers have also announced free wi-fi for visitors and exhibitors after negotiating a deal with the venue to provide internet connection without the usual high charges. “We want everyone to get the most out of this event at every level,” says David.

Organisers have been pointing out that in a survey of visitors to the national floor show in 2009, conducted by a leading carpet manufacturer, more than 85% said they preferred Harrogate as the venue for this event.

The new idea to open on Sunday seems to proving popular. David says some visitors are looking to make it a weekend in Harrogate with a stopover on the Saturday night to enjoy the town and with heavily subsidised Sunday lunch laid on at the exhibition the next day. Special hotel rates have been negotiated for visitors and can be accessed via the Harrogate Flooring Show website.

T 01423 779967 www.harrogateflooringshow.net

In recognition of the fiftieth anniversary of flooring at Harrogate and to mark the start of the new Harrogate Flooring Show (5-6-7 September 2010), the Harrogate International Centre (HIC) team is hosting a celebratory drinks reception at the stunning Royal Hall (pictured above) on Sunday 5th September 2010.

Between 200 and 250 exhibitors and invited visitors will attend the reception, which takes place between 5pm and 7pm, and hear a few words of thanks from HIC Director Stuart Quin and Harrogate Flooring Show organiser, David Wildman.

Big shots aim for target Big Shots, one of the Furnishing Industry Trust’s main fundraising events, is set to be another hit thanks to a helping hand from The Clare Family Trust.

The Trust, established by former Dreams boss Mike Clare, has just announced that it will sponsor the event - now in its 16th year – for the second year running, this time for £5,000.The annual clay pigeon shoot has raised nearly £400,000 over the years.

Said co-organiser David Langford: “Big Shots has become a firm industry favourite as well as an important fundraiser for the furnishing industry’s only dedicated charity. We’re confident that the 2010 event will prove another great day out.” Also supporting the event are the NBF Bed Show, Willis & Gambier and The Morris Furniture Group.

T 01367 240000

Point-of-(treble)sales Quality POS can make a major difference. Just a year on from investing in new Whitestone Weavers and Hugh Mackay stands, Carpet Options of Witney has more than trebled its turnover with the company.The Oxfordshire-based retailer chose a Hugh Mackay tombola and three Whitestone Weavers wall stands, carrying a mixture of woven and tufted carpets.

Said Whitestone’s sales director Phil Hartley: “Justifying the investment in new point of sale stands can be a hard call for many retailers, particularly when the economic climate is so challenging. But Whitestone make it worthwhile with our extensive range ranges, keen pricing, flexibility and reliable service.”

Said Carpet Options’ md Mervyn Sollis: “It is essential we believe in the products we sell and that we are able to display them to full advantage in store.The new Whitestone Weavers stands are clean, modern and eye catching – and have worked extremely well for us. Since installing them last April our turnover with Whitestone Weavers and Hugh Mackay has grown more than threefold.The City Twist range has been particularly popular in store.

“We’ve had great customer feedback too. Many have remarked that the colour options are clear to see and easy to view - something that other stands can lack.”

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www.whitestone.co.uk

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The British Wool column Cavalier Carpets introduces Woodland Heathers in British Wool

Cavalier Carpets has launched a new British Wool range – Woodland Heathers - a tufted cut pile carpet in 80% British Wool, 10% polypropylene and 10% polyester. Offering three different specifications – Hamlet a 35oz,Village a 45oz and Parish a 55oz, the range is suitable for heavy domestic to extra heavy domestic usage according to weight specification.

Woodland Heathers provides a highly contemporary colour offering with both natural and mineral shade influences which reflects interior trends and is perfect for the contemporary home. It is available in both 4 metre and 5 metre widths and has a woven hessian backing.

“Woodland Heathers offers a range of quality options – enabling consumers to maximise their flooring budgets by using heavier weights in rooms that need it and lighter weights elsewhere. Our colours reflect the modern trend for mineral based neutrals and we are already seeing a lot of interest in this collection,” said Nathan Lowe, managing director at Cavalier Carpets.

Castle Twist - still the best selling range for Manx Carpets

Manx Carpets believe the success of their Castle Twist Collection is down to the fact that it provides a variety of weight options. The British Wool range offers five weight options in total – 30oz, 40oz, 50oz, 60oz and a highly luxurious 70oz. Manx Carpets see this choice as a way that retailers can improve the sale by encouraging interest in a better quality weight.

The competitively priced range is available in eighteen modern colours providing excellent choice to all and is also available in four and five metre widths.

“The popularity of this staple range continues as it clearly presents great marketing opportunities to the retailer but it is also an excellent product in British Wool for customers,” said Graham Harris at Castle Twist in British Wool Manx Carpets.

by Manx Carpets.

Support Wool Week

Wool Week starts on 11th October and will be the first national retail event to raise the profile of wool. This is the initiative launched by HRH The Prince of Wales in January this year.

Drumming up interest in wool for the good of sheep farmers across the world and spreading the word about the importance of using natural fibres is a fundamental aim of this marketing campaign.

Wool from British sheep is mainly used in carpets – over 70% of the 29 million kilos sold at auction last year will be used in the production of quality wool-rich carpets. Many leading manufacturers are actively involved in this campaign and if you want to know more – please email: marketing@britishwool.org.uk. from The Stocklists

Woodland Heathers – the latest introduction from Cavalier Carpets

Brintons add new designs to the Laura Ashley Collection

Brintons has added a further five broadloom designs and one runner to the ever popular Laura Ashley Collection. This beautiful selection of designs has been developed in partnership with Laura Ashley Home Interiors so that they complement the fabrics and wallpapers but equally are perfect for stand alone statement pieces. The additional designs bring this collection to fifteen items with eleven broadlooms and four runners.

Lilac – is a graceful botanical Tatton in Truffle from The Laura Ashley design that has delicate Collection by Brintons romantic tones and uses heather and twist yarns together to create a subtle shimmer on the floor.

It is available in two shades – wisteria and eau de nil. Tatton is a familiar Laura Ashley Damask in a striking and dramatic design with a striped runner to coordinate with the truffle colourway. Cerise offers a statement shade in the Raspberry colourway. Finally St Germain is a sophisticated detailed design with dreamy flower stems in a classic linen shade. This provides a superb backdrop for many interior schemes.

The Laura Ashley Collection is a woven axminster range made in 80% British Wool and 20% nylon. It is suitable for extra heavy residential use and is available in 3.66m widths and 0.91m widths; the runner is available in 0.69m width.

“This is a classic collection and these fresh new designs and colours reflect the latest trends and offer maximum coordination and impact in the home,” said Kelly Butler, design manager of Brintons.

June 2010

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Flooring Forum Retailers respond to industry issues

Tombolas on trial Is your point-of-sale kit earning its floor space?

Are your tombola’s tired and your lecterns lamentable? Do your wall displays look like 80’s MFI? Or is your store buzzing with beautiful design, vibrant sampling and sharp video shows?

You are paying rent and rates on the floor space taken up by manufacturers’ furniture. Is it earning its keep in this highly competitive market?

Merchandising and POS are key issues for the industry because they cost so much and must guarantee their return on investment. Cash-starved manufacturers can’t afford to get it wrong.

This month’s survey asks you about the POS, merchandising and sampling service you’re getting now - and what more needs to be done to make it work harder and more effectively.

We need to know how much you’re prepared to pay for quality POS and how much should be free. Are rebate arrangements fair? And which POS designs work best in your store with your customers given the pressure on floor space? How important is good photography and video?

Inform the industry. Respond to our online survey - see panel top right.

The online survey takes less than four minutes and it’s anonymous and doesn’t need any form filling. Please help us inform the industry.

Visit www.thestocklists.com and click on the survey banner.

Flooring Forum Join our panel

The Forum is the platform for retailers to respond to trade issues and inform the industry about the problems and opportunities they face on the High Street.

You can join our online survey panel and you’ll be invited every two months to contribute your views - it’s anonymous so you can say exactly what you think.

To join the panel, visit www.thestocklists.com and click on the Online sign-up button.

Double-dip recession risk

Record low in floorco values

Carpetright has warned the company's sales were below expectations and that market conditions remained difficult and forecasting a challenging year ahead.

Research analysts Plimsoll report that 461 companies in the UK Floor Coverings industry have lost over a third of their value in a year. In fact, out of the top 1000 companies analysed and valued, 729 companies are worth less than they were last year.

Lord Harris told analysts last month that there was "no question" Carpetright's own sales had "double-dipped" and cautioned that the downturn Carpetright has seen could follow in other parts of the sector.

"Everyone talked about a double dip and we did," he said, "Christmas, September, October, November were very, very good.

But I've never seen a time where it goes back so much as it did in January and February."

He added that a slowdown in sales in January was understandable because of heavy snowfall, but he was disappointed not to see a bounce back in February and March.

"Does it mean that we're going to have a double dip with the other people [retailers] coming to it, the fashion people who have had a good run? Probably yes," he said, predicting a tough 2010.

Like-for-like sales at Carpetright's UK and Ireland stores rose 1.5pc in the last three months. During that time, the company closed eight stores.

"Carpetright remains a high quality business but it will take longer to climb out of this recession than we would have hoped," said Andrew Wade, analyst at Numis Securities.

Many manufacturers across the UK flooring industry are talking of 2010 as an “11-month year”.

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David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll, explains the impact the last couple of years have had on the value of companies in the UK market, “It’s not surprising that the value of companies have taken a pounding recently but the extent of the squeeze is striking. Only 271 companies managed to increase their value – a record low”

Aside from an obvious lack of eager cash rich buyers, Pattison suggests there are some more fundamental reasons for the big dip in the value of certain companies. “A number of factors have affected values. As demand slackened and companies were inclined to protect their market share, many saw profitability fall as a result,” he said. “Declining margins have been the biggest weight on values in the market.”

So is there any hope for company owners tired of the bad news and market pressures? Pattison suggests there is, “Despite it all, 271 companies are now worth more than they were last year. Considering the malaise in the market over recent years that is a quite remarkable achievement. I hope it points to better times ahead”.

The special edition of the Plimsoll Analysis – Floor Coverings has been in the pipeline for 2 years but, as Pattison explains the timing has not been right in recent years, “Valuing a company during the turbulence of the past few years has been a ‘finger in the air’ exercise in guesswork. With conditions now more stable, we have released the study to show how much each company in the UK Floor Coverings industry is worth and what affect the recession has had on their health”.

T 01642 626400

www.plimsoll.co.uk

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Voice of the trade Shaun Lewis Victoria Carpets

Lack of consumers. This market-place is going to remain difficult for a while yet. Surviving it is most important to our industry today. Those that do, whether they are in retail, wholesale or manufacturing, will be better for it.

“

Is price winning over design/quality?

At this moment in time, yes. Let’s be honest, quality and style will always shine through but at present price seems to be winning the race! But it’s all a fallacy really, because “you only get what you pay for”. How can prices, for Twist especially, vary for supposedly the same weight by more than £5/m2. It’s just not possible without quality being compromised.

What’s the single most important key to success in flooring?

Relationships. Our relationships with suppliers, ensuring quality, continuity and delivery dates and our relationship with our retailers, not letting them down, giving them value for money, different products, colours and ideas. We can’t do this job without each other.

How much do consumers care about whether a product is British-made?

We think they do and that is growing, hence the reason we now use the Union Jack on our labelling and POS.

Do you agree there are too many people making carpet now?

There are too many of us that are not selling our products for the price they should be sold at. As mentioned before, most people care about the lowest price at present. It cannot continue!

If you could ask retailers to change one thing what would it be?

Their displays. There is far too much choice for the consumer, and it’s an absolute minefield for them. Less is actually better.

Consumers will happily pay over the odds for mobile phones, TVs and iPods but never carpets... or will they?

The consumer wants advice from their retailers, not a confused offer. Step back, have a look at your store and be honest with yourself, make the change!

What do you think of beige?

It’s a great colour if there was only one beige – trouble is there’s hundreds of ‘em. It’s just such a good colour to plan the rest of a room around. It might get lighter or darker, more yellow or pink but whether we like it or not, it’s here for a long time yet.

“

What is the key market issue/challenge today?

What’s your favourite flooring product?

Super Wyndham.We’ve been making it for nearly 60 years now and it’s got to be the best Velvet Wilton ever made.

In all your time in the trade, what has most surprised you?

Just how adventurous retailers can be. Most of them will always try something new. A new product type, a new display idea etc, etc. You never know it might just work!

And most disappointed you?

The low price we all sell our products at, the consumer never appreciates the “deal” they are getting. They will happily pay over the odds for mobile phones,TVs, ipods but never carpets, or will they?

Join our survey panel and inform the industry

The Forum is the platform for retailers to respond to trade issues and inform the industry about the problems you face on the High Street.You can join our online survey panel and you’ll be invited every two months to contribute your views - it’s anonymous so you can say exactly what you think.

To join the panel, visit www.thestocklists.com and click on the Online sign-up button. from The Stocklists

June 2010

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Sharpen up your fitting skills with fita Are you working in the flooring industry but need further skills to widen your client base? Or perhaps you are a new beginner in flooring and need training to go one step further?

If so, then why not contact FITA, the Flooring Industry Training Association.

Co-founded by the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) and the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF), FITA has courses to suit not only real beginners just getting started in the industry but upskilling courses aimed towards seasoned professionals too!

BOO K EA RLY TO

AVO ID D ISAP POIN TME NT

FITA has a fully equipped training centre at Loughborough in Leicestershire. Our wide range of courses are presented by experienced instructors with specialist knowledge of the flooring industry. All course content can be used as evidence towards an NVQ in Floorcoverings.

Visit www.fita.co.uk for details of all FITA training courses available along with our booking form which is available for download.

CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION ON:

0115 950 6836 or visit www.fita.co.uk

FITA - kindly sponsored by

Fita Training Centre Loughborough Unit 10, Windmill Road Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 1RA. 50

June 2010

FlooringNews

Stocklists Classified

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The

UNDER RUGS

SITUATIONS VACANT

Designer Contracts www.designercontracts.com Email: recruitment@designercontracts.com

Market Leading suppliers of floor covering to the House Building Industry.

We require:

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We are looking for good quality fitters for most of our 10 Regional Warehouses nationwide.

Must be experienced in fitting in domestic locations.

Working on a sub-contract basis.

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

Must have own van. Plenty of work available.

London & the South East South West West Midlands North East South Wales

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Interested?

Please ring: Wendy Hamm, H & S Liaison Officer on 01246 854577 for details of the closest regional office and to arrange a local meeting.

THOMAS WITTER UK LTD Due to expansion Thomas Witter are now looking to further increase their sales force nationally including Northern Ireland and Eire. We are interested to hear from both established account managers and self-employed sales consultants/agents working on a sales commission basis.

Geographically we have an established customer retail base but more importantly the successful candidates must be able to demonstrate an ability to secure new business opportunities quickly.

In the first instance email Ged Ainscow on geda@thomaswitter.com or telephone 01204-374054

ATTENTION CARPET SUPPLIERS Turn those remnants into cash!

New and reconditioned carpet/rug whipping, fringing and taping machines available for immediate delivery.

For further details contact

DAVID ALMOND LTD. davidalmondltd@btconnect.com Union Works, Bacup Road, Waterfoot, Rossendale, Lancs. BB4 7LN Tel. 01706 214817 Fax. 01706 214819

THE STOCKLISTS June 2010

“We get TWICE as many calls from our ad in The Stocklists” But then The Stocklists has an unfair advantage, we go to almost twice as many as people as rival magazines.

Ask us which advertisers have made the statement above - and we’ll give you a quote too!

Call Diane Martin on 01482 659396

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‘Instant’ websites for flooring people who don’t really like the internet!

Maybe you’re not too keen on the net but know you should have a decent website. Flooring stores don’t generally need anything too complex – most of the time, visitors are just trying to find out your phone number, your opening hours or where they can park! Or they’re just checking if you look professional.

The Floorsites package from The Stocklists offers: l l

l l l

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

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

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

Link to Google Maps – let visitors find you quickly and see where to park Auto-email form to let customers contact you direct

It costs £390 for the set-up and the first year - and £90 per year thereafter (exc.VAT).

Check out our dummy site at www.thestocklists.com/floorsites or contact David Spragg at davidspragg@thestocklists.com or call 01845 573241.

NO OBLIGATION ‘TEST DRIVE’...

We set up your site free-of-charge for a month. If you don’t like it, you don’t pay.

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