The Stocklists - July 2011 by David Spragg

Stocklists The

4 July 2011

with

FlooringNews

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

Stocklists The

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.

FIRST FOR FLOORING NEWS AND DATA

4 JULY 2011

Advertisers

FlooringNews starts on page 33

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD

Wool goes in the blender

Index

Tough times mean more 50/50 page 41

Page No

ABINGDON...................................................—

ACCU-CUT....................................................IFC

ADORE.............................................................50

Get with the Groups

AFS

Buying groups get their heads together at the Solihull show pages 44-47

Victoria highness Sales surge at Royal Wedding firm page 40

.................................................................19

—

BRITISH WOOL ....................................61

01274 688 666

—

BROCKWAY CARPETS LTD.

.......21

01562 828200

Mar 2010

.....................................................—

01282 862736

—

01457 861141

—

01527 511 860

—

CAVALIER .....................................................FC,47

01254 268000

—

CAVALIO..........................................................52

01782 569840

—

COLUMBIA FLOORING

...................22

0208 443 3322

—

LIFE...............................—

01254 296829

—

DYNE.................................................................35

0161 877 8877

—

& FLOORING ...............................—

EDEL TELENZO......................................23

01422 374417

—

FITA ...................................................................62

01159 506836

—

.............................................18

01509 673974

—

FLOORING .....................................53

01592 647222

—

01772 696787

Nov 2010

FORBO

FURLONG FLOORING ...................24,25

The top five designs and decors pages 49-54,

FlooringFactsheets Adhesives Buying Groups

4 Pattern book page

Carpet Company Directory

14-15 Wholesaler Distribution Directory

Carpet trouble-shooter

12-13 Wool fibre page

Carpet types

HARROGATE FLOORING SHOW ....57

01423 779967

—

HECKMONDWIKE................................26

01924 410544

—

INTERFLOOR.................................................37

01706 213131

—

IVC

+32 5665 3211

—

GROUP ....................................................51

MERRYFIELD

GROUP ...................................3

01422 373799

—

MOHAWK

.................................................27

01480 479830

—

NICF...............................................................62

0115 958 3077

—

RACKHAMS..............................................28

020 85319225

—

RYALUX............................................................—

0845 652 8811

—

SOLENT WHOLESALE CARPET .....29

01243 774623 Jul/Aug 2011

STAIRRODS UK LIMITED...............34

01207 591176

—

STS FLOORING DISTRIBUTORS......30

0845 341000

July 2011

TAT TEXTILE...................................................39

—

TARKETT .........................................................54

01622 854040

—

T & E DISPLAY GROUP ..................59

0121 585 7600

—

TRIPLE

01274 582056

—

0845 644 9090

—

KING...................................................3

WESTON HAMMER ...........................31

8-9 Underlay

5 Woolsafe: the carpet care guide

—

10 16-18 11 6-7

— July 2011 June 2011

FLOORWISE

Vinyl hotshots 2011

01675433075 020 8805 8620 01422 431100

CONTEMPORARY

Dennis Flower takes a closer look at halls and stairs page 42-43

— —

01562 745000

CARPET

Make an entrance

01274 655662 0800 862 0251

BONDWORTH ........................................20

CARPENTER............................................BC

New Zealand’s Laneve traceable wool comes to market pages 59

Price List Date

ASSOCIATED WEAVERS ..................—

BRONTE

Premier premiere

Contact No

Classified advertising........................................ pages 63 carpets/rugs/tiles woods/laminates/smooths accessories/services/organisations fibres underlay wholesalers/distributors adhesives

ISSN 2046-7338 © Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2011 Issue: 436 Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.

UK manufactured Carpet Cutting Machines

WWW.CARPETCUTTINGMACHINES.CO.UK

Flooring Factsheet Adhesives

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

Flooring factsheet Carpet types TUFTED

WOVEN

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

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

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.

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

Velvet/Plush

SaxonySaxony Frieze

Saxony Shag Shag

Shag

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

WOOLSAFE The Retailer's single source solution for carpet care advice and services. THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

maintenance • cleaning • spot removal • protection • inspection

General Rules for Spot Removal

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

Treatments 1.

Blot with white kitchen roll or paper tissues

Vacuum clean

Cold water

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

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

Warm water

• Scoop up or scrape off solids

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

WOOLSAFE-approved carpet shampoo solution (diluted)

WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for water-based stains

WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for greasy/oily stains

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

Absorbent paper or paper tissue and hot iron

Chewing gum remover (solvent or freeze type)

Life inspired cleaning innovations www.bissell.com

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

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

14. Rub gently with coarse sand paper

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

15. WOOLSAFE-approved disinfectant or deodorizer

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

16. Rust remover

13. Rub with a coin

17. Carpet re-colouring kit

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

(Treatments used by professional carpet cleaners)

More Difficult Spots Spot or stain

Easy Spots

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Artificially coloured drinks 3

Bleach

C/heating radiator fluid

Coffee

Spot or stain

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Blood

Felt-tip pen

7 or 11 12

Burn/scorch marks

Furniture polish

Butter

Glue/adhesive (plastic base)10

Candle wax

Chewing gum

5 15

Ink (fountain)

Ink (ballpoint pen)

Lipstick

Cola

Milk

Cream

Nail varnish

Egg

Paint (oil)

Rust

Soot

Tar (asphalt)

Urine (fresh stain)

Urine (old stain)

Fruit juice

Gravy and sauces

Herbal tea

Metal polish

Mustard

Oil and grease

Paint (emulsion)

Shoe polish

Tea

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

Chocolate/cocoa

Floor wax

Environmentally Aware for Superior Carpet Care www.envirodri.com

Vomit

Red wine

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

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

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

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

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

Buying groups have been a highly successful feature of the floor retailing scene in the last decade or so, giving independents the extra edge they need to compete effectively with the retail park chains. More than 1000 retailers are now members of one of the several buying groups which operate in our sector and the numbers are slowly, but steadily growing.

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

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

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

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

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

of the committee

•

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

e first views of th Read the re s National Floor up Buying Gro HULL. LI SO at w o Sh -47. 4 4 es ag See p

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

• Ensure you understand any rules that may limit your

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

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

• Members-only exhibitions with preferred manufacturers

• Regular meetings • Regional workshops • Supplier presentations • Helpline

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

flexibility to run your business the way you want

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

Featured buying group this month: Bond Retail Marketing

“Bond Retail Marketing, not just a buying group...” Although a negotiating and buying function is a major part of it’s business, BRM offers its retailers a varied menu of services to choose from.

• Department Design and Installation • Range Planning and Maintenance • GP% Return and Business Planning • Retailers own Brand Design and Ranges • Group Collective Rebates no Individual Targets “Not Standing Still...”

“Small is Beautiful...” BRM retailers are given geographical protection and as such the number of retailers is carefully monitored to enable the BRM team to give a high level of service. “We have worked with Bond Retail Marketing for over eight years now and have always found them to be a most valued asset to the success of our carpet and flooring business.” Web based trading, advertising and product searches are vital to a modern retail industry. BRM created www.beautifulflooring.co.uk for its retailers to put them on the map. Each retailer has its own on-line store within the main site, making www.beautifulflooring.co.uk a unique visual opportunity.

Robert Bianchi Director Aright Bianchi -Macclesfield

For the full story please contact PAUL PHILLIPS - Managing Director TEL: 01892 549 050 THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

EMAIL: paul@atbrm.com 9

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

www.floorwise.co.uk

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

www.numa-online.co.uk

Benefits

Types

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

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

Poor or old underlay will...

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

Sponge rubber

Combination

Crumb

PU foam

www.carpenter.limited.uk

www.interfloor.com

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

www.underlay.com

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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 July 2011

Flooring factsheet Carpet trouble-shooter COLOUR MATCHING

SPROUTING

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHEDDING The original carpet tile

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

PULLED LOOPS

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

• shedding • pulled loops

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

SHADING

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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

PILE REVERSAL

FLATTENING

(SEE SHADING)

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

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

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

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

Spillages - Liquids such as soft drinks, cordials or

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

Shampoo - if incorrectly applied, can leave

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

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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

01562 829966

Alternative Flooring

01264 335111

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

Bronte Carpets Ltd 0121 550 5788 01297 32244

Balta Industries NV Tu Tw W Ww

+32 56 62 2211

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

Belvedere Carpets Belvedere Carpets

BIC Carpets Be Tw W Bizspoke Custom Carpets Be Tw W Blenheim Carpets Ax Be Tw W Ww BMK Bond Worth Ltd Ax Brintons Ax Tu Tw W Ww

Edel Telenzo’s Bakerloo

01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk

01422 330261

+32 56783250

Betap Tufting BV Tu Tw W

Tw W sales@brockway.co.uk

020 8800 0740

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

01294 558400

Creative Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

Brockway Carpets Ltd

01422 431100

Bajong Carpets NV Tu Tw W

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

Craigie Carpets Be

01274 655694

01282 862 736

0116 284 1455

Creatuft Carpets Tu W

+32 56 35 4444

Custom Carpet Company Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01737 830301

Dan-Floor UK W

01454 858014

Domo International Be Pr Tu Tw W

+32 92 41 4511

Burmatex Tu

01924 262525

Drury Lane Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

01254 296829

Cavalier Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01254 268000

E & WE Carpets W

01562 825952

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

019078 308777 01675 433066 0870 020 1725 +31 38 4778911

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

+31 383 861 060

Contemporary Life & Textiles +32 56 23 54 10

Be Tw sales@contemporarylife.co.uk www.contemporarylife.co.uk

01254 296829

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

01924 488882 020 7823 3040

Cormar Carpets Ltd

0113 380 5333

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

01562 745000

Couristan Carpets Ax Tu W Ww

Fells Carpets 01977 662211

Fetcham Furnishings Ltd Tw 01204 881 234

Fletco Taepper A/S Tu W

020 8944 6220 +45 96 60 3000

800 223 6186

0800 505055

Mohawk’s Cherbourg Check

Brockway’s Vogue

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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

Leigh Spinners Ltd Tw Louis de Poortere W

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

01772 696 787

Gaskell Wool Rich Tu Tw W

01827 831525

Gaskell Mackay Carpets Ltd Ax Tu Tw W Georgian Carpets Tu Tw W Godfrey Hirst (GB) Ltd Tu Halbmond Teppichwerke Be Pr Tu Heckmondwike FB ITC Be Pr Tw

01429 892525

Joseph Hamilton & Seaton W Kingsmead Carpets Tu Tw W

Lecaflor Ltd Ax Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

+32 56 393 386

Tasibel NV Tw

+32 52 499600

01388 664101

01924 410544 0032 51 424 411

0161 368 2563 01827 831400 01827 831 424

+32 56 65 4300

+32 05685 4747 0800 78 33 712

01562 701456

The Sultana Carpet Co Ax

01299 822300

Mayfield Carpets Tu Tw W

01706 639 866

The Wilton Carpet Co Ax W Ww

0845 296 8850

Thomas Witter UK Ltd Tu Tw

0870 1128318

MID NL Be

+31 38 851 8700

Timzo Tufting Industry BV Tu +31 38 385 4477

Mohawk Europe +49 037 421 420

The Grosvenor Wilton Co W Ww

01827 831 434

0800 526696

Lano NV

Le Tissage d'Arcade Ax Ww

01623 481 221

Manx Carpets Tw W

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

01480 479830 01480 471304

01827 831 450

Tisca Tiara Tu Ww

+41 71 791 0111

Trendy Tuft Designs Be Tu Tw W

01274 855080

Ulster Carpets Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

02838 334433

01675 433031

Penthouse Carpets Tu Tw W

United Carpets & Beds Tw W Ww

01706 341231

Phoenox Textiles Pr Tu

Victoria Carpets Tu Tw W Ww

01562 749300

01484 863227

Vorwerk

08700 104484

Pownall Carpets Tw W

0845 6528811

Westex Carpets Tu

01274 861334

Ossfloor UK

Roger Vanden Berghe.NV Tu Ww

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

Tapibel NV Pr Tu Tw

01827 831430

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

Lusotufo Tu

01942 673232

+32 56 73 57 11

Ryalux Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

0845 652 8811

Sans Frontieres Ltd Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

0844 5611977

Shaw Home Foundations Tu TAT Carpet

01675 433 501 07976 607657

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

01709 732 666

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

Bronte’s stand

Cormar’s Berwick

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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

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

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

01977 662211 sales@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Floorwise (North East) Ltd Birtley - see Floorwise p18 Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

North West A&A Carpets Manchester 01204 701188 sales@aandacarpets.co.uk www.aandacarpets.co.uk D. M. Miller Ltd Manchester 0161 205 9949 dm.miller@btconnect.com www.dmmillerltd.spaces.lives.com

Fells Carpets Goole

Midlands

East

01977 662211

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

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

sales@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Kellars Ltd Stockport 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk Lee Floorstok Ltd Liverpool - see Floorwise p18 Lee Floorstok Ltd Manchester - see Floorwise p18 MCA Floorwise Ltd Morecambe - see Floorwise p18 Mytton Flooring Norwich - see Floorwise p18 Millbrook Carpets Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk

DMS Flooring Supplies Northampton 0845 643 5601 dmsnorthampton@ dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam- see Floorwise p18 J J Wholesale & Distribution Ltd Birmingham 0121 765 4994 jjwholesale@gmx.com RPS Flooring Mansfield Woodhouse - see Floorwise p18

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

STS Flooring Distributors Watford

Carpet & Flooring Manchester 0161 786 6800 manchester@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

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

08454 342000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 30 for details

Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise p18

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 30 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 p18 AFS Middlesex 020 8805 8620 info@afsenfield.co.uk See page 19 for details Ashmount Flooring Supplies Ltd Tottenham 0208 808 2158 sales@ashmountflooring.co.uk www.ashmountflooring.co.uk continued overleaf....

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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

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

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

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

Potts & Ward, Woodcocks Ltd Brighton 01273 557211 pwwflooring@fastnet.co.uk www.pwwflooring.co.uk

Carpet & Flooring Camberley 01276 672100 camberley@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk Columbia Flooring Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk See page 22 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

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

Carpet & Flooring Bristol 0117 316 0555 bristol@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise p18 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise p18

Headlam Scotland North Lanarkshire 01698 831 000 sales@headlamscotland.co.uk www.headlamscotland.co.uk Neil Smith Ltd Glasgow - see Floorwise p18

Wales Carpet & Flooring Bristol 0117 316 0555 bristol@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

Rackhams London 020 8531 9225 sales@rackhamsltd.co.uk www.rackhamsltd.co.uk See page 28 for details

Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk See page 29 for details

Salesmark Lancing, - see Floorwise p18

STS Flooring Distributors Thame (Oxford) 01844 213555 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 30 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

Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 DMS Flooring Supplies sales@solentwholesale.co.uk Hemel Hempstead www.solentwholesale.co.uk 0845 643 5344 dmshemel@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk See page 29 for details DMS Flooring Supplies Milton Keynes 0845 643 5320 dmslaser@dmsflooringsupplies.co.u

South West

STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon 0845 434 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 30 for details Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@carpet andflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wessex Flooring Amesbury - see Floorwise p18 Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

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

Scotland

Roma Flooring Neath - see Floorwise p18

Ireland Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise p18 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Belfast - see Floorwise p18 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Limerick - See Floorwise p18

Carpet & Flooring Glasgow 0141 427 8456 glasgow@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk C. K. Davie Ltd Aberdeen - see Floorwise p18 C. K. Davie Ltd Dundee - see Floorwise p18

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

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

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

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

C. K. Davie Ltd 2 Dundee Tel: 01382 226533 Fax: 01382 226544 Fitwell Flooring Ltd 20 Redruth, Cornwall Tel: 01209 214344 Fax: 01209 261112 Fitwell Flooring Ltd 19 Newton Abbot, Devon Tel: 01626 835935 Fax: 01626 834334 Floorwise D & J Ltd 13 Southam, Warks Tel: 01926 814922 Fax: 01926 817899 Floorwise (North East) 5 Ltd Birtley, County Durham Tel: 0191 410 7070 Fax: 0191 410 6116 Lee Floorstok Ltd 8 Liverpool Tel: 0151 708 7420 Fax: 0151 708 7241 Lee Floorstok Ltd 7 Manchester Tel: 0161 231 8080 Fax: 0161 231 8787 MCA Floorwise Ltd 6 Morecambe, Lancashire Tel: 01524 33517 Fax: 01524 381852 Mytton Flooring 14 Norwich, Norfolk Tel: 01603 624387 Fax: 01603 612888

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

1 2 3

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

7 10

11 12

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

18 19

16 17

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

Award-Winning Flooring Accessories

GRIPPER

UNDERLAY

ADHESIVES & SCREEDS

PROFILES

www.floorwise.co.uk • www.carpetunderlay.net www.floorwise.co.uk • www.carpetunderlay.net www.signaturewoodfloors.com • www.siennawoodfloors.com www.signaturewoodfloors.com • www.siennawoodfloors.com 18

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

UNDERLAYS

CARPETS NATURAL/LOOPS NOMAD

50/50 Nat Loop Roll Size Full Roll EQ* Description

SAXONY DEVOTION NOBLESQUE SUMPTUOUS SENSATIONAL

30oz PP Saxony 45oz PP Saxony 55oz Saxony 58oz Saxony

80/20 WOOL TWIST NEW KILDARE BELMONT TWIST BELMONT SUPREME

50/50 30oz Twist 80/20 40oz 80/20 50oz

PP TWIST VIVA TWIST SALT N PEPPER

PP Twist PP Twist

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

Needle Punch Cord Needle Punch Loop Pile Cord Loop Pile Cord Loop Pile Gel Back

CORMAR STOCKED APOLLO BERWICK 40 BERWICK 50 FOREST HILLS SUPER FOREST HILLS ELITE HOME COUNTIES HOME COUNTIES MALABAR NATURAL BERBER SUPER NATURAL BERBER ELITE NATURAL BERBER DELUXE NEW OAKLANDS NEW OAKLANDS NEW OAKLANDS PRIMO PLUS PRIMO ULTRA PRIMO TWEED PRIMO SAXONY WEST COUNTRY 50

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

CORMAR CARPETS AVEBURY LINDISFARNE TOWN AND COUNTRY WEST COUNTRY 60

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

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 WILLOW GREEN 15 m2 90lb Waffle Rubber Underlay CRUSADER SUPREME 15 m2 100lb Waffle Rubber Underlay SUPREME LIGHT 11 m2 101lb Waffle Rubber Underlay UNBRANDED TREDAIRE SPONGE RUBBER 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 GRAPHITE 15 m2 Light Weight PE WOOD FLOOR UNDERLAYS BOARDWALK (Timbermate) 15 m2 3.75mm ALL IN ONE 10 m2 3mm COMFORT SILVER 15 m2 2.5mm

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

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

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

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

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

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

FELT UNDERLAYS FELT 28 FELT 42 KENSINGTON DELUXE

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

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

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

PLUS A VAST RANGE OF ACCESSORIES AND TOOLS FOR CARPETS AND LAMINATES Contact our sales office or your area representative for prices on any of the above ranges. We also offer a fast service on non stock items. Phone our showroom manager for prices and samples. Our latest price list is dated July 2011. REP DETAILS: Ashley Best Nick Hart Karl Goult Zac Marsh Steve Feher THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

Tel: 07976 916752 Tel: 07771 967609 Tel: 07957 685428 Tel: 07828 663325 Tel: 07771 616018

Surrey , Hampshire, South London Essex, East London North London, West London, North West London, Middlesex, Herts. Kent, South East London Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire 19

88% STOCKED

BOND WORTH

PASTIMES TRADITIONAL WOVEN CARPET

Townshend Works, Puxton Lane, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY11 5DF. Sales: 01562 745000 Fax: 01562 732827 New trade price list effective 1st June 2011

Berkeley Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m & 4.57m Range comprises 8 Designs - All Stock Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

Variations Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m Range comprises 12 Designs 4-9078 Pampas - Mid July 2-9101 Anatolia - Early August Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

Precious Gems Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m Range comprises 5 Designs 3-3555 Sapphire - Early August 21-3555 Malachite - Early July Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

The newest design to be added to our pastimes collection features a return to rich reds and sumptuous details.

Wensleydale Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m Range comprises 8 Designs 1-3527 Sherwood Sage - Mid July 4-3527 Willowdale Bramble - Early July 11-3527 Sherwood Moss - Mid July Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

Cornell & Stanford Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 4.00m

Pastimes Red Jacobean, 2-9901. Available 3.66m wide.

Range comprises 5 Colourways in 2 Designs Cornell 1-9301 Lawnswood - Early July Stanford 2-9300 Venetian Red - Mid August Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

Camargue Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m Range comprises 10 Designs 4-7038 - Regal Garden - Early July Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

New Afghan Axminster

NEW PRICE LIST EFFECTIVE

80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 4.00m

1ST JUNE 2011

Range comprises 5 Designs - All Stock Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order 20

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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 Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am to 12 noon THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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.

A LITTLE EXTRA CAN GO A LONG WAY

OUR SALES TEAM Greater London as far as N. Circular on north side of Thames and as far as M25 on south side, Surrey, Middlesex, Sussex, Kent John A Constable T: 01622 685397 M: 07836 734322 E: john@jcagencies.co.uk

In this new era of more cautious and considered spending, it’s vital to be able to offer customers additional features and benefits. At Edel Telenzo we’re proud to be one of only a handful of approved partners for 3M Scotchgard Protector for carpets. The majority of our 100% wool and wool mix carpets are treated with Scotchgard Protector as part of the manufacturing process – you can identify which ones from price lists and sample labels. What can you say to consumers about the benefits of Scotchgarding? Quite a lot! • Scotchgard branded products provide a protective treatment by surrounding each individual carpet fibre with an invisible shield, making the carpet resistant to water-based and oil-based stains, as well as soiling from everyday use. • Carpets treated with Scotchgard Protector are more resistant to staining and soiling and are easier to clean, so the carpet stays looking good for longer. • Carpets treated with Scotchgard Protector stay clean two-three times longer than a similar untreated carpet • Scotchgard Protector is applied at the mill as part of the manufacturing process. It treats the entire carpet – from the tips of the fibre all the way to the carpet backing – locking the protection into each individual fibre, to provide durable, lasting protection against dirt, spills and stains. Why do we choose Scotchgard? Because we think it’s the best. Developed and marketed by 3M for over 50 years, the product has evolved over the years and meets current international standards for containing chemicals which are neither toxic to humans nor bio-accumulative in the environment.

Nature Wool Select

NEW CARPET CARE LEAFLET

Always make sure recipients of our carpets receive a copy of our care instructions, which will provide advice on how to care for our carpets and deal with any spills or stains. It’s important to point out that Scotchgard shouldn’t be overlaid with any other soil repellent treatment and also that its performance will diminish every time a carpet is cleaned using hot water extraction and customers should consider having the treatment re-applied, preferably by an accredited professional carpet cleaner.

OUT NOW

Don’t forget we’ve just updated our maintenance and care leaflets. We do strongly recommend that these are given to all customers buying our carpets, as the information really does reassure them and help to minimise after sales queries and concerns. Contact the office on the numbers above if you’d like some copies. THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

Chelsea

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

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

CAREFREE - the stunning new collection Contact your local representative

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

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

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

Investing in quality and service

Extensive tufting expertise 24

Effective service systems

Large group stock-holding

Fast delivery fleet THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South East

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

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

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

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

Wales & South West

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

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

Midlands

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

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

Wood Floor Specialists

Scotland

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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

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

quality choice availability service price

Yorkshire & North East

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

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

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

North West

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

London Sales tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733

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

Preston Sales tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921

Newport Sales tel: 01633 283959 fax: 01633 275454

Email: enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk

“CHECK OUT www.rackhamsltd.com! My new website has been launched to wide acclaim, it’s being ‘hit’ rapidly! It offers everything we offer, in the most modern medium!”

GRAPHICS / CONTRACT GELS

Arena Endurance Sapphire Scala Senator Sentinel

NATURAL EFFECT

Agadir Ancona Autumn Sunset Country Treasure 4&5M Challenger Berber Craftwork Berber 4&5M Delft 4&5M Gold Fields Hopscotch Ivory Coast London Life 4&5M Marrakesh Natures Writing Promenade Rustic Treasure San Salvador 4&5M Shetland/Shetland Design 4&5M Town & Country Tweed Woolweave 4&5M

SAXONY / SHAG PILE

Chamonix Cleopatra Eminence Half Century New Century Nobility Splendour Supreme Elegance Tennessee

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

TWISTS - STAIN RESIST

VINYL / SMOOTH FLOORING

Balmoral Chislehurst Clyde Desert Twist Deluxe 4&5m Dublin Twist 2011 Easy Heathers Fairfield Supreme 4&5M Heathertwist Supreme 4&5m Helmsley Moorland Twist Mystery Twist Pembridge Twist Portman Rhapsody Salt ‘n’ Pepa Startwist/Startwist Supreme (2010 colours) 4&5M

Blackjack Casino Royale Chequers Eclipse Medley Mojo Puregrip XL Suregrip XL Thunderball

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

VELOUR / VELVET Designers Dream Urban Life

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

CARPET TILES Bedford Cord Capital Plus Magnesium Neutron Positron Proton Quark

Call now to receive a copy of our latest Summer special price guide!

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

Stop preSS – SUMMerS Here! – Stop preSS And everytHing’S bUzzing At rAckHAMS! new Website, new ranges, new Faces! Happy Holidays! Area Sales Executives Ian Pullinger London N, EC & E postals, Essex & Middx (within M25) 07881-502506 Simon Brenner London SE & SW postals, Kent, Surrey & Sussex 07881-502507

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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

CHECK STOCK, PLACE ORDERS AND MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT 24/7 ALL THROUGH OUR WEBSITE Oxford, Berks, Bucks, Beds, Hants, Middlesex & Herts . . . . Ian Cardrick, i.cardrick@solentwholesale.co.uk, Sussex E & W, Surrey, South London & Kent. . . . . . . . . . . . John Robson, j.robson@solentwholesale.co.uk, Hants, Wilts, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucs, & I.O.W.. . . . . . . . . . . Adam Ayling, a.ayling@solentwholesale.co.uk, Accessary Sales and IT Specialist (All Areas). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke Crooks, luke@solentwholesale.co.uk, VICTORIA Berber Stripe Castillion Celtic Heathers Crown Twist Duchess Elite EasiCare (Twist, Tweed + Saxony) Gaelic Heathers Imperial Velvet Kelso Natural Accents Natural Companions (Sisal, Chenille, Ridge) Regal Twist Rustic Jewels Tudor Twist Coll Tudor Manor LANO Bolero - new colours Campus X-treme Chiselhurst Havana Heathertwist Coll Pembridge Twist - new colours Rustic Berber Scala Scala Tonals Sentinel Startwist Coll Twilight Coll Wilton Naturals BALTA Berga Colorado Springs Desert Twist Deluxe Diva Fiesta Fusion Happy Days High Flyers Gala Cord-all options in stock Moorland Twist Nobility Rosemount Shetland Shepherd Twist Stainsafe Favourite Super Wiltax Techno Twisty LUSOTUFO Celtic Horizon Mandaly Tangier Titan Diagonal Unique

CORMAR Apollo Berwick 40/50 Buchanan Home Counties 42/50 Malabar Oaklands 32 Oaklands 42 Oaklands 50 Primo Plus West Country BROCKWAY Amore Cavendish Craftsman Elite Cresta 40/Cresta 50 Montrose Orion/Orion Major Radnor 30/Radnor 40 DOMO Absolute Luxury Alpina Auvergne Cabaret Festival Twist Heather Twist Mountain Peaks Legacy Playground Portofino Scorpio ITC Belgravia Concerto Consul Heritage Collection Kreta Palace Ultimate Oak QUICKSTEP Solent Wholesale now a Quickstep stockist. 5 day delivery service on all ranges, very keen prices. TAPIBEL Cachet Melody Nevada Reeds Sysoltex Homested/Aran/Crofter Toscana

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

BEAULIEU carpets Adventure Twist Athena Dublin Durham Twist Explorer Endurance Fashion/Gallery Grass Collection Heavy Tread I-Twist Isis/Mentu Mars Motor Car Natural Life Pronto Selections Sweet Homes Yucatan vinyls Arte Del Ceramic Celtic Stone - NEW COLOURS Chess Comfort Grip Jazz Sherwood Oak Studio Sonata Texalino Supreme Urban laminates Essentials (previously Casa) Cottage BAJONG Home Twist Supreme Montana Montana Twist Sahara IVC Comfylux Extra Expressions Fantasy Fusion Master Grip Planet Precious Metals Presto Ultimate Oak Victoria MISCELLANEOUS CAVALIER Country Collection Hamlet Parish and Village LEIGH SPINNERS Atlas Velour THOMAS WITTER Innovations C&H Homestyle LVT - planks and tiles PARAGON Toccarre Carpet Tiles MOHAWK CARPETS Century Half Century

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 July/August 2011. THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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

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

PRICE LIST DATE JULY 2011 LANO STOCK CARPETS Bolero Chislehurst Fairfield Supreme Heather Twist Supreme Pembridge Twist Sapphire Scala Startwist Startwist Supreme CORMAR STOCK CARPETS Apollo Berwick 40/50 Malabar Textures Natural Berber Twist New Oaklands 32/42/50 Primo Plus Primo Tweeds Primo Ultra Town & Country Forest Hills BEAULIEU INTERNATIONAL Bellini Dublin Elite Ranger FIBRE BONDED Supacord Ecocord

CARPET STOCK TILES Ascot Beckenham Cheltenham Clipper Croydon Croydon Stripe Heuga 727 Keston Latour Saturn Selsdon STOCK UNDERLAYS Goldtred Collection Cirrus Cumulus Nimbus Silver Lining Cloud Nine Contract Cloud Nine Super Contract Durafit 500 Durafit 650 Cosi 8mm & 10mm Heatflow Collection Roma Blue Heaven Willow Green Tredaire Elite Treadmore

STS Area Managers Regional Manager Rachel Sherwood 07801 762724 Area Manager Dave Lowman 07500 847758 Area Manager - Retail Phaedra Duncan 07738 329714 North/East London, Berkshire, Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middlesex, Northants, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire

Steve Osman 07919 128401 Essex, Cambs, Suffolk, Norfolk

Paul Jones 07801 762719 Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bristol & Birmingham

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

Sales Area Managers Dana Baldock 07801 762725 South/East London, Kent, E Sussex, Part Essex

Mirka Mihulcova 07500 847566 South/West London, W Sussex, Berks, Hants, Surrey

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

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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

We are pleased to announce the arrival of our latest display stand showing all our collection on one compact unit. If you are interested in having one of our free stands please contact our Sales office or your local Sales Agent. Jacs Designer tonal loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths. Natural Lines Super luxurious 100% Wool loop pile available in 4m and 5m widths. Tunis A heavy domestic berber loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths. Queen Tweed A fine heavy domestic berber loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths. Denver A stylish heavy domestic tonal loop pile in 100% Wool, available in 4m and 5m widths. Oklahoma A heavy domestic berber loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths.

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

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

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

Mr John Hinchliffe Tel: 07774 990359 North Wales, Cumbria, Manchester, Liverpool. Mr Derek Boyd Tel: 07940 320708 Scotland. Mr Lee Palmer Tel: 07774 101640 Channel Islands. Mr Jonathan Gorman Tel: 07815 121660 Northern Ireland.

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

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

You can create a carpet website for your business in

5 minutes. We’ll have it online for you within

5 days.

If you don’t like it, it will cost you

nothing.

If you do like it, it will cost you

£390 + £90/year. Fill out a form for five minutes and we’ll have a good-looking flooring industry website online for you within 5 days*. Then you can update it, add to it or ignore it for ever! Flooring stores don’t generally need anything too fancy – most of the time, visitors are just trying to find out your phone number, your opening hours or where they can park! Or they’re just checking if you look professional. The Floorsites package from The Stocklists offers:

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

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

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

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

Auto-email form to let customers contact you direct

* The site takes a bit longer to set up if you already have a website or address. A Floorsite from The Stocklists costs £390 for the set-up and the first year – and £90 per year thereafter (exc. VAT). Check out what your site would look like at www.thestocklists.com/floorsites or contact David Spragg at davidspragg@thestocklists.com or call 01845 573241.

NO OBLIGATION ‘TEST DRIVE’...

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

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

4 July 2011

FlooringNews Moduleo by design Esher-based David Conran Limited is the first retailer to take full advantage of the Moduleo Design Floors collection as it sought an exclusive alternative to established LVT brands. “Our location sees us catering for discerning customers who are often looking for something a little out of the ordinary or new to market,” says store owner David Conran. “We wanted a collection that was not only different, but that could bring us high levels of quality and wideranging styles backed with the correct in-store image, and Moduleo proved to be that brand. “The stylish display units present Moduleo floors as a design element, rather than a practical choice, and this is something that appeals to our customers who are as much into the design and look of their floor as they are the practical aspects. That said, the quality of floors on offer is second to none and the unusual wider boards also help Moduleo to distinguish itself from the rest.” Moduleo Design Floors is a brand of international manufacturer IVC Group and products are European manufactured with this too proving to be a factor in the decision for David Conran. The retailer also cited point-of-sale literature as impressive, paying particular note to the architect’s folder and consumer-orientated brochure. Three Moduleo display units capturing the Global collection, with optional overhead lighting units, have been installed in the 800ft2 premises of David Conran Limited. T 0800 032 3970

www.ivcgroup.com

Devonia’s colourful choice The Devonia collection from Axminster Carpets has been refreshed to capture the latest on-trend colours adding even broader appeal to an industry favourite. Now with 60 colours, ranging from rustic creams through to vibrant reds, blues and even a striking black the Devonia collection can blend with any interior palette, whether a heritage-inspired traditional style, or a contemporary setting looking for a touch of luxurious comfort. Available in 48 plain colours and 12 heathers, the Devonia collection is beautifully made from a blend of 80% pure new wool and 20% nylon, using a strong two-ply yarn for improved durability and lasting good looks. All colours are available in 40oz Heavy Domestic and 50oz Extra Heavy Domestic qualities. Produced in either four or five-metre widths, the carpet provides retailers with an opportunity to meet the quality expectations of consumers from a broad spectrum of buying profiles, as Richard Lawrence, Group Head of Marketing, Axminster Carpets explains: “Axminster Carpets is famed for its quality, luxury and evocative sense of ‘Britishness’ and the Devonia collection helps to capitalise on this while providing a carpet with broad appeal. With a palette of 60 shades, there really is a colour for everyone and retailers will find that the collection will appeal to all homeowners looking for quality and value, regardless of décor or taste.” T 01297 630650 www.axminstercarpets.co.uk from The Stocklists

July 2011 33

News

Get the hang of it Capturing the softness of SmartStrand, hanging samples of the corn-fibre-based collection are now being rolled out to retailers across the country. Whether the luxurious pile of Sheer Ecstasy or the matt and gloss yarn combination of Intelligent Style, each of the initial four hanging sample folders really allow the softness and beautiful colour palettes of each range to stand out. “SmartStrand really needs to be felt to be believed,” says Howard Lindsay, vice president UK, Ireland and South Africa. “Apart from its renewable content, durability and ease of maintenance the beauty of SmartStrand is in its incredible softness and with these new hanging samples homeowners can finally get to grips with just how luxurious these carpets feel.” From black and rich burgundy through to almost whites, greys and pastel blues, the SmartStrand collection delivers a broad spectrum of colours, with twist pile textures that offer an unparalleled sense of luxury and opulence. Backed by a lifetime stain, soil and pet warranty, SmartStrand carpets are made with Bio-PDOTM - an ingredient derived from corn – marking the first time that a luxuriously soft, highly durable and stain-resistant carpet makes a lower environmental impact. The hanging samples are also being supported by a free-standing SmartStrand display that communicates the benefits of the fibre, including the lifetime stain, soil and pet warranty and takes interactivity with consumers to a new level with the use of an innovative video display. T 01480 479830

www.themohawkgroup.com

First retailer 'Crowned' Walsall-based Jubilee Carpets & Flooring is the first retailer to benefit from the Crown Floors carpet collection as the manufacturer undergoes a UK-wide rollout of its stunning display units and point-of-sale. The retailer has been fitted out with the entire 10-unit wall display establishing Crown Floors as a key brand within the 5,100ft2 of showroom space. “It was the combination of modern presentation and the carpet ranges on offer that attracted us to Crown Floors,” says Carl Alldritt, owner of Jubilee Carpets & Flooring. “The carpets within the collection offer an excellent mix of polypropylene and wool-rich creations in colours and textures that will undoubtedly appeal to our customer base. I was also impressed by the point-of-sale on offer from Crown Floors, it is rare that we see such forethought go in to in-store support for the retailer.” With 10 ranges specifically developed for independent UK carpet retailers, the heart of the shop floor presence for Crown Floors is a display unit that can accommodate back-to-back, wall and island layouts. The units are supplied in combinations of four, six, eight or ten. Other branded merchandise includes mats, posters and ‘Appointed Dealer’ window stickers. . T 0800 0773301

34 July 2011

www.crownfloors.co.uk

FlooringNews

WALK ALL OVER ME! JULY ONLY! Stick the boot in! Give it some welly! Our Heavy Velour heavy contract carpet tile can take what’s coming to it in any high footfall area. Available in 12 dirt-resistant colourways, we’ve trodden down the price to just £6.60 per m2 for July only.* So stroll along to Dyne and get piles more tile for your money!

FOR A FREE NEXT-DAY SAMPLE PACK CALL

0161 877 8877 We are the North West’s leading supplier of contract carpet tiles with an unbeatable range including: New York corded needlepunch, Heavy Velour velour needlepunch, Diamonds structured needlepunch, Tectonic loop pile, New Clearway structured needlepunch entrance mat tile, Astron loop pile, Mitrem loop pile, Cross Textures multi-level loop, Series 8 designer loop pile, Velveteen velvet cut pile. We also have great value range of seconds and discontinued lines - huge stocks always available. *Offer available on all orders placed and delivered in July 2011.

TO SEE THE FULL RANGE VISIT THE DYNE ONLINE SHOWROOM: www.dynecarpettile.com

News

Lifestyle rolls out Lifestyle Floors is delighted to announce the launch of its national merchandising initiative to support the success of the Lifestyle Floors brand. The national merchandising team, pictured above, will be visiting Lifestyle Floors retailers on a regular basis to both update displays with new ranges and maintain the stands and lecterns. The merchandising teams’ dedicated vehicles have been equipped to carry both new ranges and spare parts for the ongoing maintenance of the displays, thereby ensuring Lifestyle Floors retailers receive the best possible service. www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk

info@lifestyle-floors.co.uk

Tarkett’s tekkie touch In Touch With Tarkett is a brand new online resource designed to make life easier for everyone who specifies, installs or distributes resilient flooring. It brings together all the latest product news, inspiration and advice from Tarkett in one place. As well as offering downloadable resources and in-depth features on current topics of interest, the site enables users to request assistance directly from Tarkett’s experts. Through In Touch With Tarkett (www.itwt.co.uk) users will be able to ask specific questions about Tarkett products; get assistance with a current project; or catch up on the latest news and views from the company. The new website features dedicated sections for specifiers, installers and retailers making it easy for busy professionals to get straight to the resources that are most useful and relevant to them. Users can also subscribe to an email newsletter, which will keep them up to date with new material as it’s added to the site. Tarkett offers the ‘ultimate flooring experience’ for just about every application, from sports and education, to healthcare, housing, offices and shops. Now Tarkett’s expert knowledge is just a couple of clicks away. T 01622 854040 www.tarkett.com

City slicker When style is key, City flooring is the answer. Exclusively available from leading online retailer UK Flooring Direct, City floors bring together premium quality wood, cork and bamboo designed to appeal to a fashion conscious audience. Including striking takes on solid wood such as the stunning Onyx Oak Brush Matt Lacquer floor and the stylish Classic White engineered cork floor, the City collection is one built around the latest trends, balancing these with a range of timeless styles for an all-round appeal. “The City collection holds some of the most inspirational floors in our entire portfolio,” explains Josh Ashby, product manager, UK Flooring Direct. “It’s a collection firmly focused on floors that appeal to a generation of interior savvy shoppers. These are the people that want floors that differ from the norm and City responds with a great range of super stylish creations.” Retaining excellent value at its core, the City collection is particularly focused on the latest cork and bamboo flooring. Sustainable and beautiful, it is expected that cork and bamboo floors will become a more popular choice over the next few years as homeowners look for a move away from less responsible flooring choices. T 0845 287 5623 36 July 2011

www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk

FlooringNews

News

Formula for success As part of continual R&D to offer the best value and performance, Floorwise has opened the bag on a new formulation for its F5001 Pro Screed Water Mix Smoothing Compound. The new formulation provides a freer flow for the compound, which has become a favourite of many contractors as part of the Pro Screed collection. F5001 is also versatile and is capable of being used over concrete, sand/cement screeds, stone and anhydrite screeds, terrazzo and ceramic tiles. Applicable in thicknesses from 1.5mm up to 10mm, F5001 can be poured or pump applied making it ideal for both small and large-scale projects. Walkable in under three hours under normal conditions, F5001 Pro Screed Water Mix Smoothing Compound is compatible with other products in the Pro Screed range meaning that contractors can confidently provide a complete subfloor preparation and repair recommendation. Other products in the Pro Screed range include F5007 Pro Screed Surface Membrane ONCE and F5008 Pro Screed Universal Primer*. The smoothing compound is also compatible with Floorwise advanced range of adhesives. With low odour and high yield, F5001 Pro Screed is an ideal solution for a wide range of subfloor smoothing requirements and is available through Floorwise’s national network of local distributors and trade counters. T 01509 673974 www.floorwise.co.uk

Future of flooring

Roll out red for carpet Packexe protection products are color-coded for each surface type and red is the colour for the temporary protection of carpets and rugs. This film prevents the trip hazards normally associated with dust sheets, especially on stairs by sticking to the carpet without the need for tape. It provides a low-slip surface even when wet, protecting carpets and rugs against spillages, heavy foot traffic dirt and debris. The film can be vacuumed, swept or mopped throughout the project. Its strong adhesive grips securely to carpet pile but is easily removed without leaving a sticky residue.

Itec is now a member of the Contract Flooring Association (CFA), the contract flooring trade association in the UK. The association represents contractors and the industry as a whole at government level, working with the National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) and Construction Products Association (CPA), and looks after the interests of flooring contractors offering legal advice, specialist insurance services and training as well as a number of other services. The association’s members adhere to strict codes of practice.

For safety and traceability all Packexe films are transparent with colour-coded branding, leaving users with no trip hazards as you are able to see under the film. Unlike dust sheets and similar reusable protection methods Packexe films are laid down clean which means there is no dirt transfer and less cleaning required after use. All films in the Packexe range are fully recyclable with European Fire Safety Standard of EN 13501-1. The other products in the range include black branded film for hard floors, blue for glazing and grey for multi-surface. T 01392 438191

www.packexe.co.uk

“We have joined the CFA as we believe it is a fundamental part of correct industry practice,” comments Christ Taveirne, product manager Itec. “Without the association to regulate the industry we believe the market would be a lot more volatile and we are keen to be involved as much as we can, helping to shape the future of contract flooring within the UK.” IVC Group manufactures the Itec brand for the commercial market, along with cushioned vinyl flooring products under the Leoline and Avenue brands and the Moduleo design floor range. The international manufacturer is constantly looking to innovate in product and in service, ensuring that it maintains its reputation as one of Europe’s foremost manufacturers of vinyl flooring. T 00 32 5665 3211 www.ivcgroup.com

38 July 2011

FlooringNews

from The Stocklists

July 2011 39

News

Harrogate show stars

Victoria highness

Two top speakers have agreed to take part in keynote seminars at September’s floor show in Harrogate. The CFA has announced that Paul Morrell – Chief Construction Advisor to the Government will speak on Monday, September 5, and the theme this year is sustainability. The seminar will begin with a presentation from Jane Thornback – Sustainability Policy Advisor from the Construction Product Association (CPA), who will talk about the recently launched Waste Resource Efficiency Plan, part of the series of Resource Efficiency Plans the CPA have published in collaboration with industry, including one on flooring. Paul Morrell will then take the stage to provide a wider construction industry perspective of sustainability and the language of carbon. Paul’s appointment in 2009 was widely welcomed by the construction industry, with one of his main initial objectives being to put forward proposals for the construction industry to deliver the UK's low carbon reduction commitments. An authoritative insight into future colours trends will be another key seminar at September’s Harrogate Flooring Show when Joanna Ramsden of Wools of New Zealand presents an update to the current forecasts. Joanna works with several major carpet manufacturers to support the colour styling of new range launches and revamping of existing palettes and she is recognised as the pre-eminent carpet textile stylist in the UK. Each year, the colour trends forecast by Wools of New Zealand is eagerly anticipated when it is launched at the January flooring festival that is Domotex in Hannover. The forecast has a strong influence on planning and designing in the sector to keep colours looking fresh and on-brand. Show organiser David Wildman commented: “We are really delighted to have someone of Joanna’s expertise and insight to talk to us about colour. She already works with many of our exhibitors at the leading edge of their design and has a greater depth of knowledge that almost anyone else in the industry on this subject.” T 01423 779967 www.harrogateflooringshow.net

Victoria Carpets is the talk of the trade for the roller-coaster of news in the last month that has revealed record profits, their key involvement in the Royal Wedding and a controversial e-commerce relationship with Tesco.

you

owe it to your business to go to the show

Results to the year ended April 30, 2011, showed revenue had risen by 12 per cent to £70.50 million, operating profit by 35.8 per cent to £2.42 million and pre-tax profit by 76.8 per cent to £1.92 million. Alan Bullock, group managing director, commented: “The Group has traded well in what has been a challenging global environment and in a market which has had to face unprecedented raw material price inflation.” A new deal at John Lewis, the roll-out of Victoria’s Imperial Velvet at the Royal Wedding and the new e-commerce collaboration with Tesco are rejuvenating the Kidderminster-based business which was issuing profits warnings to investors just two years ago. A series of new range launches, including a bid for a piece of the polpropylene market has also helped boost UK sales and the Company is also benfitting from its interests in the the robust Australian market for quality floorcovering. But Victoria’s tie up with Tesco.com to supply carpets for their online store (see The Stocklists last month) is proving highly controversial among some independent retailers. The Metro buying group announced that they were withdrawing all Victoria products from their own label offer and rebate scheme. “Our members want to send a clear message to Victoria, and any other supplier who may be considering similar schemes, that dealing with the public direct is not acceptable under any circumstances,” said Metro’s David Kipping. Pictured right, another chance to admire Pippa’s... sorry, Victoria’s Imperial Velvet (Shiraz) along the aisle at Westminster Abbey.

Harrogate Floor Show - September 4 - 6

Milliken make a difference Milliken & Company has been recognised by the Ethisphere Institute as one of World’s Most Ethical Companies. Out of a record number of nominations for this year’s award, Milliken & Company secured a hard earned spot on the list by implementing upright business practices and initiatives that are instrumental to the company’s success, benefit the community and raise the bar for ethical standards within the industry. “Milliken has long understood that ethical behaviour is not just the right thing to do, it is a key to sustainable growth,” said Joe Salley, President and CEO of Milliken. “While we hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards, we derive our greatest satisfaction from creating innovations that help solve the world’s problems.” This is the fifth year that Ephisphere, a think-tank dedicated to the best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anticorruption and sustainability, has published the World’s Most Ethical Companies and Milliken has been listed every year since the ranking’s inception. The methodology for the ranking includes reviewing codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories, evaluating the investment in innovation and sustainable business practices. A sampling of other winners includes American Express, eBay, Adidas, PepsiCo and Xerox Corporation. T 01942 612888 40 July 2011

www.millikencontract.co.uk

FlooringNews

News feature by David Spragg

Wool goes in the blender The return of the 50/50 wool mix marks a new landmark in the troubled landscape of rising wool prices and a depressed consumer market The buying group shows in Solihull are a good opportunity to take the temperature as early Summer is traditionally a time for rolling out the new ranges that will carry the selling season that starts in September. Not this year. The temperature is decidedly cool. Major wool manufacturers are conspicuously holding back on launching new products into this market and companies that are traditionally highly active like Associated Weavers, Axminster, Cavalier and Ulster are all being more cautious. The 50/50 phenomenon is very noticeable with key launches including Cormar’s Forest Hill and Brockway with Radnor Classic. “We are trying to help the retailer with a product at a competitive price point that feels like an 80/20,” says Cormar’s Northern sales manager Simon Tucker. Flooring One has adopted the Cormar product for it’s own portfolio and the group has expanded its lower end PP offering. More wool houses like Victoria and Mayfield, for example, are venturing further into polypropylene. Flooring One head Glenn Harding says: I am very concerned about the ongoing increase in wool prices and fear that some of the traditionally popular wool twists will price themselves out of the market.” The 50/50 option is not without risk and manufacturers can struggle with the balance between the 50% mix and lower quality 80/20 wool ranges. “It’s difficult to get the differentiation right,” says Mayfield’s Paul Speakman. ‘We looked at the 50/50 options and we could really get it to work for us.” At Flooring One, the difference between the a 50/50 retailing at £20/m2 and the nearest 80/20 at £24 seems all too close – but the price of wool has outgrown that £19.99 price point for many ranges.

from The Stocklists

“We are trying to help the retailer with a product at a competitive price point that feels like an 80/20” One South East retailer who contacted The Stocklists said: “Price is so important, manufacturers seriously need to make more 50/50 twist, but it needs to be very dense pile with reasonable weights.” The price of wool appears to be increasing at double the rate of polypropylene though those increases in that fibre combined with a modest industry shift away from wool means than pressure on synthetic prices will be reinforced. Predictions of the UK consumer economy flat-lining in 2011 appear to be borne out by most of the major manufacturers who reported strong trading in the first quarter which then tailed off dramatically in April as unseasonably warm weather pushed purchasers towards garden furniture and barbeques instead of broadloom. “There is a lot of resistance to investing in large purchases,” says Axminster’s Stewart Martin, “but the quality end of the market is holding up quite well and there are still a lot of chimney pots out there and people are generally coming back to carpet. We’ll get through this – but it would be good if it didn’t last too much longer!” Amen to that.

Cormar with its Forest Hills range is one of several companies to launch a 50/50 to mitigate increasing wool prices.

July 2011 41

Flower on Flooring News News Making an entrance Coordination and style have become increasingly important for homeowners, leading to increased attention to the flooring they choose for entrances, hallways and stairs. Style conscious consumers realise that the image and atmosphere of their homes begins from the first impression gained from walking through the front door. Manufacturers have responded by creating a wide range of options to match their requirements. Axminster - Straita in Ventura

Cormar - Avebury Stripe

metre widths. It offers five new striped designs and 12 stylish plains that can be teamed together to accommodate the consumer trend for a streamlined look in the home. “This textured range will stand the test of time and is excellent valuefor-money, retailing at around the £34 per sq m mark," says Cormack. Lesley Inman, Edel Telenzo Carpets UK operations manager, says hallways and striped carpets go together like a horse and carriage: “There is no doubt that stripes remain a really popular choice for high traffic areas in the home – such as hallways, landings and stairs. Feedback from our customers tells us that in particular our multistriped options, Bakerloo and Piccadilly, are ideal for these areas.

Axminster Carpets, for example, supplies many of its qualities in 3ft widths to suit hallways and stairs and provide an extensive choice of colours and patterns. Steve Upperton, Axminister Carpets sales director, says: "“The Axminster weave and inherent toughness of a 100% wool construction provides a durable carpet that will do much to stand up to the narrow wear aisles that appear on stairs and in hallways, but these days Axminster certainly does not have to mean traditional. "Our latest contemporary introductions, such as Mondrian and Picasso from the Princetown collection, promise the same levels of performance and durability as our heritage and traditional designs, but add a fresh and interesting twist on Axminster carpet for a modern generation. For consumers looking for a carpet of fine quality for their hallway, stairs or landing, but also wanting to add a modern style to their home, then Axminster Carpets should be high on the list.” Hallways and stairs are enjoying a ‘style revival’ as homeowners opt for a more striking look where it matters, says David Cormack, Cormar Carpets marketing director: “The stairs and hallway tend to be the first thing people see and the area of the home which creates that all-important first impression. “It’s an area where people have always needed to ensure they have a durable floorcovering capable of handling heavy traffic, but increasingly they also want it to be stylish and welcoming.” Cormar has recently re-launched its Avebury wool loop pile collection. Made from 100% pure new wool in a quality three ply yarn with a level loop pile surface, the range is branded with the company’s British Made and Woolmark logo and comes in 4 and 5

42 July 2011

“Our multi-stripes – especially the stronger coloured options - hide a multitude of sins, being hard wearing, 100% wool, fine level loop carpets complete with Scotchgarding for additional protection against staining. It’s no wonder they’ve been such a success for high traffic options, both in the home and for contract applications.” Edel Telenzo - Piccadilly from the Tube Collection.

News

by Dennis Flower Heckmondwike FB emphasises how entrance areas can be exposed to external dirt and moisture and should be fitted with a specialist entrance product. The company states that its relevant ranges, such as its award winning Hippo, are specially designed to protect internal carpets from outside contamination. As well as protecting entrances, fibre bonded entrance area ranges can be used to create bespoke designs inlaid into entrances or as a loose lay mat. When the Royal College of Music needed to create a great first impression, for example, it came to Heckmondwike FB to provide five bespoke logo mats for the college entrance. It had previously installed logo mats over eight years ago and found these gave a great welcome to students, staff and visitors. The mats feature the college’s new logo and were produced in several colours. They were produced in Diamond, a specialist entrance material, to help not only create an impressive visual impression but also provide protection to internal flooring, says Heckmondwike. Heckmondwike RNCM.

News

Readers’ Survey

How does Tesco check out for you? Tesco’s entrance into the flooring market with the assistance of Victoria Carpets caused a major reaction in the market when it was announced in May.

Some were outraged that UK manufacturers were selling direct to consumers. However others acknowledge that the internet is just part of the marketplace and are grateful our sector is less challenged than most by e-commerce (at least we’re not selling books, music and washing machines!) What do you think? Will Tesco really make much difference? Is it the thin end of the wedge? Would you arrange to fit a carpet a customer had bought from Tesco? Inform the industry. Let us know what you think...

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. When it comes to flooring, the humble doormat is often overlooked, says the Turtle Mat Company, which aims to change this impression by making them objects of beauty. The company states its designs, launched at the Spring Fair in February, are proving real winners. The new collection features designs under licence from Historic Royal Palaces. Welcome to the Palace, complete with a crown image, was on trend for the royal wedding celebrations and also for 2012 with the London Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee next June. Turtle Mat's commercial director Susan Leaver, says: "Our licensing programme has contributed to major growth and interest in what by many is viewed as a mundane product. Cotton matting is not always the obvious choice for retailers when they consider buying doormats but with outstanding absorption and washability it provides a truly functional solution to keeping dirt out of the home."

For more information about featured products: Axminster Carpets• www.axminstercarpets.co.uk • 01297 630650 Cormar Carpets • www.cormarcarpets.co.uk • 01204 881234 Edel Telenzo Carpets • www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk • 01422 374417 Heckmondwike • www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk • 01924 410544

from The Stocklists

Visit www.thestocklists.com and click on the survey banner to take part.

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.

July 2011 43

Buying Groups on show!

Cranmore Park in Solihull provides a first class exhibition and conference venue.

(L to R): Chris Moffat, Paul Phillips and David Kipping.

Buying groups are making a fresh bid to bring in members as tough times in the flooring sector underline the real benefits that can boost the bottom line and protect margins. Three of the leading buying groups came together in Solihull to present members with a showcase of their suppliers’ latest ranges in the first Buying Groups National Flooring Show. The three, Metro, BRM and SMG cooperated in staging the event which was an extension of the established and highly successful Flooring One show held the previous day (see our report in June). Buying group membership is increasingly attractive as consumer spending continues to lack confidence and margins get squeezed. But in reality, the number of retail members of such group purchasing organisations has remained fairly static with only just over 1,000 members across all the buying groups – that’s only about 15% of all independent retailers. “This is the right economic climate to join a buying group. You can improve your margin by 10% as part of a group and still retain your independence” says Paul Phillips of Bond Retail Marketing. That perceived threat to independence remains the greatest obstacle to growing buying group membership. “It is sometimes difficult to get people to accept the idea of a buying group,” said David Kipping of Metro Group. “They believe they will do better on their own with the various arrangements they have with their suppliers. But when they see the terms we can get, they are surprised how much better it can be.” “The key test is that we get a lot of referrals from existing members who have worked with us and understand the benefits,” says Chris Moffat of SMG. The groups negotiate advantageous buying arrangements which cover most of the major suppliers and offer discounts and rebates on branded products as well as attractively priced own

label collections. There are lots of other benefits including merchandising and business services. The group’s cooperation in Solihull is a sign of the times reducing costs for manufacturers to come together to one venue to meet the widest possible buying group membership. “This joint show is the right thing to do in austere times”, say Paul Phillips. “With the new realities of this market, the buying groups can collaborate as well as compete – as a result we can provide a great result for all our members and increase the suppliers return on their investment in coming here. We are encouraging the other buying’s groups who are not yet part of this initiative to join in.”

“This is the right economic climate to join a buying group. You can improve your margin by 10% as part of a group and still retain your independence” The National Buying Groups Flooring Show proved a great success (see our reviews on following pages) and there is great interest in making it a permanent feature. The groups are hoping they can build the attendance in future: “If you are running a business you would not want to take the risk of not being at the show in case you missed something that could make a real difference to your bottom line,” commented Chris Moffat. Flooring fac tsheet

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Check out our factsheet on buying groups on page 8

THE STOCKLI STS July 2011

44 July 2011

FlooringNews

Reviews from the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show

Alternative Flooring Alternative Flooring are called that for a reason but even if you expect the unexpected, you will not have predicted the lecterns and store furniture that were such a major hit at the Solihull event. The people who put a Harley Davison on their stand at Harrogate to launch Rock & Roll, have built a set of twee ‘Quirky Cabins’ as fine residences for gnomes and to display samples of their new range Quirky. Quirky is a set of 27” wilton runners made in the UK in 4 unusual designs called Fling (plaids), Skinny (animal skins patterns), Tess (tessellated design) and Dotty (er.. well, dots!). “It’s very refreshing to launch such a unique range,” says Martin Stevens. “It is witty and fun and from the reaction at the show just what the market needs right now.” T 01264 335111 www.alternativeflooring.com

Ball and Young Ball & Young is raising its profiles! Apart from the market leading Cloud 9 underlay, the company has a range of metal profile products for floor fitters. Now, the comprehensive collection of profiles has been christened ‘Floorline’ and will be promoted more strongly in future. Ann Shaw (pictured below, right) commented: “We want retailers to know that the same quality and service they expect from us for underlay is also available for profiles. They don’t have to go anywhere else. All our underlays and profiles are proudly made in the UK.” Ball & Young has also launched a smart new product guide and a new product website to improve the information available to retailers. T 01536 200502 www.underlay.com

Asiatic Carpets Asiatic Carpets are constantly innovating within their extensive range of rugs and have introduced 14 new ranges just in the last three months. Eye catching ideas are all around but among the show-stoppers are Pebble Beach, a rug of filled soft felt pebbles; Mica, a multi-texture, shiny ribbed rug; and a host of ultra shaggies with metallic lustre. Asiatic had used one of their most eye-catching newcomers to adorn the ends of their stand in Solihull. Roses (pictured above) is a 160 x 230 cm rug range that has hundreds of hand-made felt roses packed across the cloth and it is available in four trendy colours – purple, teal, charcoal and, of course, red. T 020 8800 2000 www.asiatic.co.uk

from The Stocklists

July 2011 45

Gaskell Woolrich Gaskell Wool Rich does what it says on the can and is keen to promote its credentials as a special wool supplier. New merchandising packs take a sheepish theme with strong imagery supporting the company’s ‘fleece to floor’ theme. In addition to display cards, posters and mugs, Gaskell Wool Rich has also created attractive appointment cards that retailers can use to remind customers of installation dates.

Contemporary Life The new Solar range from Contemporary Life marks a major step forward for Laneve – the finest New Zealand wool that is traceable for ultimate quality control and sustainability. “I think this is going to make a big impact. Solar offers lxury without bounds,” says Steve Evans of Contemporary Life. “Laneve has a great story which will help retailers sell the benefits to their customers.” Solar is very special, using a unique four-fold yarn ‘rope’ construction to create a 54oz carpet with a very flat finish but lots of texture. It will be available from July in any width and with a sophisticated palette of 15 colours but the company expects 40% of sales to be dyed to order.

At the front of their Solihull stand, the company was displaying a prototype 80/20 axminster – as yet unnamed - that they intend to have ready for Harrogate. “The new new range will be very different, a real statement – an axminster for a modern home,” says Mike Dobson of Gaskell Wool Rich. Research is focused on subtle leafs, florals and shell patterns as well as a very new style of stripe. The market will have to wait until September to see what wins through. T 01827 831525 www.gaskellwoolrich.co.uk

Louis De Poortere

T 01254 296829 www.contemporarylife.co.uk

Flooring Guild Following a highly successful pilot scheme in the South West, The Flooring Guild has launched its accredited Apprenticeship programme nationwide. The programme, supported by Construction Skills, City & Guilds and the Construction Awards Alliance, has been introduced to underpin and deliver the skills and standards of the next generation of carpet fitters and floor layers. The qualification is recognised by the Government and therefore full funding for the programme is available to all prospective and existing staff between the ages of 16 – 18 (substantial funding is available for those aged 19 – 24). Employers can choose to put an existing employee on the scheme or help is available to find the right person by introducing employers to enthusiastic and committed young people who want the opportunity to work for employers who show a desire to take on an Apprentice.

Louis De Poortere is aiming to increase its presence in the marketplace with a family of sharp, sophisticated point-ofsale systems in metal, black wood and acrylic. The latest addition is this 2-tier lectern that can be used very flexibly – available singly or to use back-to-back to make a more imposing display. “We have had a very good reaction to these units,” says LDP’s Alan Russell. “It has been a while since we offered anything into stores and now it’s time to be more visibile out there,” he said. A debut for LDP in Solihull was a stunning new rug collection called Vintage using a ‘mash-up’ approach of hand-sewn panels in cotton chenille for multi-colour and multi-texture effects. T +32 56 393 386 www.louisdepoortere.com

The next intake will start on October 10th. T 0845 3081400 apprentice@flooring-guild.co.uk

46 July 2011

FlooringNews

Reviews from the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show

Vorwerk Vorwerk unveiled a striking new display column concept that capitalises on the manufacturer’s collection of colours and textures within its residential portfolio. The rotating display is capable of holding over 300 samples, delivering retailers huge variety from such a small footprint.

Kersaint Cobb For those who remember the exotic beach bar built by Kersaint Cobb at last year’s Harrogate show, the company’s latest launch of a unique, bold, bright runner called Lazy Days will come as no surprise. The range is 100% sisal with latex backing and is available as 60cm runners or as rugs in two sizes. The main attraction are the six striking multi-stripe colours with a herringbone pattern.

“This new display has been created to minimise footprint, while maximising in-store presence,” says Ian Hammond, sales director UK. “Vorwerk is renowned for diversity of texture and colour and this tall display helps us to communicate this, while also providing an unbelievable choice of quality carpet with something to appeal to every consumer. “With traditional displays a huge stand would be required to display this many samples, but we appreciate that retailers neither have the room, nor want to give up so much of it, to one particular manufacturer. We set about designing a stand that could deliver on all counts and we believe we have achieved this. T 020 7096 5090 www.vorwerk-carpets.co.uk

“It’s about being fun and a little bit funky,” says Mike Richardson, who has a reputation for being both! “We were looking for something that was very different and Lazy Days is a unique product that is attracting a lot of attention,” he said. T 01675 430430 www.kersaintcobb.co.uk

Mayfield Mayfield have taken their best-selling 80/20 beige range Quartz and given it a striking partner product called Quartz Colours which is entirely beige-free – 10 options will include browns, greys, terracotta, pinks and blues and the range will be ready in July. In the meantime, Mayfield are encouraging retailers to buy into their special 25% discount offer on their chunky berber twist Forester, available in 12 colours, 4 and 5 metre widths and two weights of 50oz and 60oz. Mayfield also report brisk business in their 100% wool EcoFelt underlay – manufactured from their own waste which has reduced the skips required at the Rochdale factory from 10 a day to just 2. T 01706 639866 www.mayfieldcarpets.co.uk

from The Stocklists

July 2011 47

Are you all set for a

CAREFREE Summer? The seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest sellers are rolling out from Regency to make your living a little easier this Summer time!

Sell to your customers with confidence from the CAREFREE range â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 100% bleach cleanable carpets that are proving to be a major sales driver in 2011.

View CAREFREE TV on our unique video lecterns or see it online at www.regencycarefree.co.uk Distributed by Furlong Flooring see pages 24-25 for details of your local representatives

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve selected the smartest photos from the top vinyl companies which demonstrate that style, quality and creativity is thriving in the UK flooring industry.

from The Stocklists

July 2011 49

2011 50 July 2011

Adore Touch Beautifully simple; luxury vinyl flooring featuring glueless click technology. The uniquely designed adore click edge profile is engineered to give an enduring and flawless finish every time. There is no need for adhesive, tools or professional installation - it really couldn't be any simpler. adore touch floors are designed with Nano-Silver and Micro-Ceramic protective properties, making each floor tough and resilient enough for today's busy lifestyles and home. adore touch floors are guaranteed for 25 years. T 01675 433075 www.adorefloors.com

FlooringNews

Avenue is your inspiration for colour and design. Each collection tells a new story. With multiple inherent advantages to this kind of floor, Avenue brings style, performance and quality to any interior. T +32 5665 3211 www.ivcgroup.com

from The Stocklists

July 2011 51

2011 52 July 2011

Cavalioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Terreni range comes in 23 beautifully grained wood styles and 19 stone inspired tiles. Terreni is stylish, yet practical with a tough wear layer ensuring that every day spills donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t affect the appearance of the floor. Featured is the Sandstone tile using a beige design strip; three tile sizes are available to create a stunning floor with the appearance of real stone. T 01782 569840 www.cavaliofloors.com

FlooringNews

Forbo Elegance and comfort with the new Novilon collection - Forbo Flooring Systems has revitalised its cushioned vinyl collection, refreshing 6 of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best selling ranges - Nova Wood, Nova Tile, Viva, Viva Fusion, Structura and Futura. In addition, the new collection now also includes the new Bella range, as well as the best selling Classic and semi-commercial Novilux ranges. T 01592 647222 www.forbo-flooring.co.uk

from The Stocklists

July 2011 53

2011 54 July 2011

Tarkett On trend for 2011, Tarkettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Sarondo Black residential cushioned vinyl from the Gripstar Collection boasts a Moroccan inspired mosaic pattern. All of Tarkettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vinyl collections are easy to install, durable, resilient to moisture and slip resistant with up to a 15 year guarantee. Available in varying quality, thickness and price, there is a Tarkett vinyl to suit all budgets and applications. T 01622 854040 www.tarkett.com

FlooringNews

People

Capital Cormar Cormar Carpets has appointed new sales representative, Paul Lawrence, to cover central and south London. Based in Surrey, Paul (23) has worked in the flooring trade since leaving school. He started as an apprentice fitter and then moved in to retail which he loved and where he worked at all levels before moving up to store management. Paul, whose hobbies include keeping fit at the gym and fishing, said: “I am delighted to be working for a leading manufacturer in the UK and I look forward to my new and exciting role at Cormar.” This addition brings the total sales team employed by Cormar to 20, covering independent retailers throughout Great Britain and Ireland. T 01204 881234

you

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

owe it to your business to go to the show

Winning women Four of the furnishing industry’s top female entrepreneurs were honoured at this year’s Women in Furnishing (WIF) awards. They are (pictured above, LtoR) Teresa Reaney, Margaret Miller, Jessica Alexander and Kate Hardcastle. Organised by the industry’s only dedicated charity, the Furnishing Industry Trust (FIT), the winners were announced at Furniture Makers Hall in London. Flying the flag for newcomers in the furnishing industry, Teresa Reaney of Furniture Origins has been named ‘Most Promising Newcomer’. Judges felt Teresa’s dedication and relentless hard work for Furniture Origins had helped take the company through a tough economic climate to become a major player. Businesswoman of the Year went to Jessica Alexander, executive director of the National Bed Federation. Jessica’s hard work has driven the organisation forward with inspiring campaigns such as National Bed Month and the new annual Bed Show, which will enter its second year in September. The Inspirational Woman/Women of the Year category winner was Kate Hardcastle, founding partner of Insight with Passion. Judges felt she had passion and drive and her great sense of social responsibility had seen her work tirelessly for many charities. A special accolade, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to Margaret Miller, chairwomen of Knightsbridge Furniture. Said FIT Trustee and WIF organiser, Theresa Raymond: “There was such a diverse range of achievements highlighted at the event. These women have faced very different challenges however; they have all demonstrated that with hard work, passion and determination you can make a difference.” www.fi-trust.co.uk

Harrogate Floor Show - September 4 - 6

Brintons abroad Brintons carpets has added more experience to its senior management team by appointing Paul Boldy as its new International Project Director. Brintons is a firm believer in delivering the very best standards of project management and general customer service when working on assignments and Paul will be responsible for further developing these two functions on a global scale. He will also be tasked with refining Brintons' systems and processes by implementing the latest management techniques and philosophies. Paul has extensive experience in the discipline of project delivery and most recently worked in Dubai as the Director of Operations at ISG, a firm that delivers fit-out, construction and management services. Paul has also gathered vital experience working as Director of Projects for the Jumeirah Hotel Group and as General Manager at Concept Interiors. Jonathan Stone, Brintons' Group Commercial Sales & Marketing Director, said: "Paul's experience is second to none and will be a massive asset when further enhancing the way we deliver projects to our customers. He has great team management skills, an enthusiasm and passion for achieving high standards and knows what is required to deliver on every project management and customer service requirement." Paul Boldy said: "During my career I've been able to clearly understand what is required from the project delivery process for both a customer and supplier perspective so I'll be putting that experience to good use at Brintons to make a difference." T 01562 635128

from The Stocklists

www.brintons.net

July 2011 55

News

Mine’s a treble!

Heads up at SMG The Board of SMG The National Furnishing Group has announced that Chris Moffat (left), the Group's Chief Executive for the past 26 years, is to be promoted to the role of Executive Chairman as from 1st September 2011.

Cormar Carpets, is celebrating an awards treble - adding a trio of further accolades to its growing list of industry honours. Recognising the company’s high quality products, service and staff investment, Cormar has won the Metro Group’s ‘Supplier of the Year’, Flooring One’s ‘Supplier of the Year’ and Bury EST’S (Employment, Support and Training) ‘Employer of the Year’ awards. It brings the total number of awards achieved by Cormar’s marketing director, David Cormack accepting the company in the past 10 years to 26. the Metro Group ‘Supplier of the Year’ award. Cormar was presented with the Metro Group’s ‘Supplier of the Year’ award by Metro’s chairman, Martin Ward. An accolade the company has received for the 12th consecutive year – an accomplishment no other company has achieved before. Cormar Carpet’s marketing director, David Cormack, accepted the award on behalf of the company. He said: “Having worked closely with the Metro Group for over three decades it’s a great honour to receive this award for 12 years running. It recognises the efforts of everyone at the company in working so hard to maintain our high standards of service, quality and reliability.” The Flooring One accolade was presented to sales manager, Roger Clarke, at the Buying Group Show held at Flooring One’s head office in Solihull. The award recognises first class delivery, performance, product quality, response to quality issues, communication, sales support and representation. After working with Bury EST for eight years providing work experience for young adults with various disabilities or learning difficulties, Cormar won their ‘Employer of the Year’ award. Said Paul Murphy, Cormar’s manufacturing manager, who attended the event: “Allowing these individuals to actively participate in the workplace can help give them the necessary self-confidence to make the leap from education to work life which most of us take for granted but can be a particularly daunting experience for those with learning difficulties.” T 01204 881234

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

WOOL WEEK is COMING - September 5-11 Read about it in the British Wool column on page 61 and look out for the Wool Week Workshop in our August issue.

In view of this development, Mike Symonds has been appointed as SMG's new Head of Group Operations taking full responsibility for the Group's future development, marketing activities and relationship liaison with both members and suppliers. Mike comes to SMG with a wealth of experience gained in promoting quality brands in the highly competitive Independent audio/visual retail sector and will commence his new role on 1st July 2011. Chris Moffat commented: "The Board and I are delighted that Mike has decided to join the SMG team and we believe that he is ideally suited to take on the challenge of ensuring that our existing and future growth objectives are fulfilled without compromising the Group's long established and successful policy of offering maximum support to those British manufacturers who genuinely value the ever growing business generated by Independent Retailers". SMG is the UK's largest carpet & flooring buying group representing a national network of 375 independent retailers, T 0118 932 3832

www.smg-group.co.uk

Richard’s on a high Richard Ratcliffe, co-owner of Ratcliffe’s Underlays, has hit the heights for charity after completing all 214 “Wainwright” Fells in the Lake District. A keen fellwalker, Richard is raising funds for the British Heart Foundation and finished his uphill marathon on the slopes of Loughrigg Fell. He’s pictured in the red shirt with fellow walkers on the summit. The Loughrigg walk is not, in itself, difficult, but visiting all the felltops over any period of time does involve quite a bit of effort. Richard was introduced to mountaineering by his father who suffered with heart problems for many years and this is his way of putting something back after many years of enjoyable walking and climbing. Anyone wishing to support his effort can do so by visiting Richard’s website www.summiteer.co.uk – and then by clicking on the BHF link on the home page. Richard can also be contacted at work on 01282 421 026 or via email at ratcliffes@fsmail.net

56 July 2011

FlooringNews

News feature

Harrogate Flooring Show

Show biz booming! Strength across products Whilst Harrogate has always been and continues to be very strong in the carpet and rug area, this years event shows a real diversity and strength in the new companies who have recently come on board. From the smooth flooring sector, joining industry main players such as Karndean will be the likes of Cavalio, Deco Tile and most recently Adore Floors. In the wood, engineered wood and laminate products, new players include Shaanxi Aoke Wood, Floors China, New Floors and Anbo International plus local supplier Yorkshire Flooring. Specialist new companies include The Complete Stairmaker and The Flooring Guild, the latter promoting flooring apprenticeship programmes. ‘We are really thrilled with the mix of companies and products that is being compiled for our visitors to see, ‘ says David Wildman Show Organiser.

Stand awards at Harrogate To encourage and reward that ‘extra’ input and effort the organisers will this year include 3 categories of stand build awards. Two will be presented to 100% stand build designs (one under 50sqm/one over 50sqm) and one for the best stand built within a shell scheme system. ‘Stand awards have always been an important part of the Harrogate show and we are very pleased to re instate them for 2011‘. says David Wildman ‘The overall appearance of the exhibition halls is vital to record a good visitor experience and we hope that the opportunity to be recognised for that extra little effort will be a spur for exhibitors to pull out all the stops in their efforts to present exciting and informative stands‘.

Just 7 stands left The organisers are thrilled to announce that they have only seven stands in total to fill for this year’s event. ‘We have already booked 20% more space than was used for the whole of last year’s show and are looking toward a very very busy event with all the halls being packed with exhibitors and visitors alike ‘. ‘Anyone who is looking to join us in September will be assured of a warm welcome ‘ says David. For further details on the show call Wendy or David on 01423 779967

Register online for FREE FAST TRACK ENTRY at www.harrogateflooringshow.net The new Harrogate Flooring Show website gives a real insight into the show experience and also offers access to excellent hotel rates which have been arranged for the event.

Exhibitor List 2011 3M B39 Abingdon Flooring A16 Adore B31 Amar Industries A9 Anbo International B26 Ardex B38 Ars Colors M26 Asiatic M16 Associated Weavers A12 ACG Group C31 Avenue M25 Ball & Young M20 Betap Holiday Inn BMK M12 Brink & Campman Bv C5 Bronte Carpets A26 C & H Distribution B5(R) CFA B9 CFR M22 Carpenter C17 Carpet & Flooring C13/19 Cavailo B20 Central Flooring A6 Chesterton Marketing B30 Clarendon Carpets C35 Coba Europe B3 Complete Stairmaker B7

from The Stocklists

Computers For Flooring A28 Condor St George Contract Flooring Journal B9 Cormar A17 Createx M23 Crown Floors M4 David Clouting B18a Demart A11 Dikatex M28 Distinctive Floors A4 DSI B35 Easylay B11 Ecovise C6 Edel Telenzo C25 Elliott Antislip C28 Estillon B21 Exakt Tools B10 F Ball & Co B1 Fells Carpets A15 Fita Demo Area Floors China B32a Flooring Magazine B31a Floortrain B17 Furlong Flooring C1 F&X Carpet M3 Gaskell Wool Rich A22 Georgian Carpets C9/C10

Gooch Orientals St George H & V Carpet M18 Hadfields A20 Haldon Thomson A21a Handmade Carpets A14 HBS Floor Trade A21 Hugh Mackay C14 Interiors Monthly C29 IVC M25 J2 Flooring B33 Janser B36 Karndean B28/29 Kersaint Cobb Ltd A13 Kingsmead Carpets C12 KJC Carpets A8 Lalegno C33a Lano M19 Laser Measure M24 Leica B30 Lifestyle Floors A5 M Trim B13 Manx Carpets C15 Mapei B27 Mastercraft Rugs C3 Masterpiece Systems C24 Mayfield Carpets C23 Melrose Textiles C20

Mercado M13 Merryfield Engineering M6 Mohawk M15 Morleys M21 Mr Tomkinson A23 New Floors B32 NICF Demo Area Novostrat Ltd B4 ORC C32 Oriental Weavers M10 Penthouse Carpets C22/23 Phil Brough A27 Plantation Rugs M9 Primatech B14 Rama Carpets Ltd C21 Regency Carpets C1 Rhys Davies M5 Roberts B21 Rubio Monocoat B19 Saif Carpets M11 Serdim Rugs M14 Shaanixi Aoke Wood B8 Sika B6 Smart Grass B32 Spotnails B40 Stairrods (Uk) Ltd B22 Stanley Bostitch B16

Stauf Adhesives B19 Stroolmount M7 Super Click A4 Tapibel M17(R) Tat Carpets M1/2 TAOFS B21 The Flooring Guild M6a The Stocklists A3 Thomas Hopkinson C18 Tomorrows Flooring C33 Tramex B37 Tremco B23 Ultimate Rugs A1/2 Unifloor B11 Universal Mouldings B25(R) V4 Woodflooring C26 Vanhoutte Immofloor A24 Vebe St George Vorwerk M3a Wagner B18 West Riding Felts M8 Whitestone Weavers C14 Wilkies Carpets M27 WLD A10 Woolsafe A19 Yorkshire Flooring B34 July 2011 57

News

Walk indoor the Parc Holiday village Centre Parcs has brought in Carpet & Flooring’s Creation to handle the heavy traffic at one of its leading conference centres. CFS Creation has been installed into the prestigious Longleat Forest Holiday Village with 1100m2 laid throughout the conference area. With all the day to day activities held in the multi-function room, along with the volume of traffic, this heavy contract broadloom will perform to a high standard. The construction in100% solution dyed nylon gives this product a 10 year guarantee, bleach resistance and excellent soil hiding properties. CFS Creation is available throughout the Carpet & Flooring distribution network. T 01527 511860

www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

Foundation founder retires Mike Hardiman, chairman of the award winning Carpet Foundation and one of the bastions of the UK carpet industry has retired after 47 years in the trade. For the last 12 years, Mike was Chief Executive of the Foundation where he revolutionised the UK carpet industry persuading manufacturers and independent retailers to subordinate their competitiveness for the general good of the industry. He oversaw the generic promotion of carpet to consumers and the establishment of a network of the best independent retailers for whom he secured Office of Fair Trading approval for their selling practices, a point of differentiation that proved to be a real ‘deal clincher’ in soft market conditions. He campaigned tirelessly against imports into the UK and was instrumental in exposing laminate producer Pergo as the power behind the alleged ‘carpet and asthma’ allergy scare stories. For the UK manufacturers he introduced the Quality Mark, the only real quality assurance initiative in the industry.

Tee time The 55th Kidderminster Carpet Manufacturers National Golf Tournament in aid of the Furnishing Industry Trust (FIT) and Macmillan Cancer Support, and sponsored by Georgian Carpets, was another phenomenal success. In spite of the prevailing soft market conditions, the generosity of the carpet industry enabled the organisers to give £7,500 to both charities with a further £750 on the way to both thanks to Barclays Bank.

Mike joined Brintons as a management trainee in 1964 and was appointed Personnel and Training Manager in 1971. As part of a company-wide restructuring in 1992, he became PR and Advertising Manager where he introduced the famous Vivienne Westwood campaign. Mike Hardiman is featured in our Voice of the Trade opposite.

you

owe it to your business to go to the show Harrogate Floor Show - September 4 - 6

162 golfers turned out over the two days and they were blessed with benign conditions. Defending champions, the Bensons, playing under another guise this year, emphatically retained their trophy with a resounding victory by 10 points on the Tuesday. Commenting on another successful year, organising Chairman, Rupert Anton said: “This is the third year I have been in the Chair and the generosity and the support of the UK carpet industry never ceases to amaze me. It is tough out there but year after year the industry rallies round and I know both FIT and Macmillan are overwhelmed by the money we raise for them. “As ever, it could not have been done without the continued support of Georgian Carpets and the work by Victoria, Brintons and Brockway behind the scenes. I would like, particularly, to praise Richard Venn of Brockways who, individually, sold a staggering £750 worth of raffle tickets. I hand over to Shaun Lewis now and would like to thank everyone for their help and support and would urge the industry, both old and new, to continue to support such worthwhile causes,” said Rupert. Pictured L to R are Rodney McMahon, National President FIT; Peter Kimmins, General Manager Georgian Carpets; John Raynor, Macmillan Cancer Support; Rupert Anton, Chairman and Trish Davis, Barclays Bank. 58 July 2011

FlooringNews

Premier wool’s premiere In a pioneering move, Wools of New Zealand is set to introduce the first ever traceable carpet collection. The Laneve Collection of 100 per cent wool carpets is a unique collaboration with Brockway, Tollgate and Ulster Carpets and aims to provide independent retailers with a powerful sales proposition. Made from 100 per cent ethically produced wool, the carpets are the most sustainable and environmentally friendly on the market and the wool used is fully traceable back to identifiable farmers at source. The farmers concerned adhere to strict codes of practice covering animal welfare, land management, farming practices and environmental standards, all of which are independently authenticated. In keeping with such a premium concept, the Collection will only be promoted through an exclusive network of selected high quality independent retailers to be known as ‘Premier Partners’. An initial figure of 250 outlets has been set but this is set to increase. The selected retailers, all of whom ‘buy in’ to support the initiative, will receive an attractive stand-alone lectern, point of sale material and a consumer promotion. Environmental issues are playing an increasingly important role in the purchase decision. Recent research by the Campaign for Wool among 1516 carpet consumers showed that 30% claimed to have chosen wool or wool-rich carpet because it was good for the environment. Laneve branded carpets go beyond the natural benefits of wool as they are certified to be produced from sustainably and socially responsibly produced wool. Commenting on the new initiative David Hammond, European Market Manager for Wools of New Zealand said: “The Laneve Collection demonstrates our commitment to the ever increasing importance of traceability and provenance. Green issues are high on the consumer agenda and this collection ticks all the boxes for the environmentally conscious carpet buyer while at the same time providing a very strong and salient sales tool for retailers.” T 01943 603888

from The Stocklists

www.woolsnz.co.uk

July 2011 59

Feature

Voice of the Trade Mike Hardiman Chief Executive of the Carpet Foundation (newly retired)

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Has there been a real shift in consumer perceptions towards carpet in the past 5 years? When the Carpet Foundation was formed 12 years ago, magazines hardly showed any carpet at all. They were full of laminate floors; minimalistic living environments; sanded wood floors painted purple and health scares about dust mites. Our work with highly influential home interest magazines and journalists through our Red Carpet Awards (now in its 11th year!) has led to a massive increase in the coverage given to carpet and this has had a positive impact upon consumers. What do you think has been the CF’s greatest achievement to date? Promoting the generic benefit of carpet to consumers is a waste of money (as many examples show) because the messages are too vague. However, if consumers can be persuaded to visit the best independent carpet retailers they would be more likely to end up with a British made carpet rather than a cheap import. Setting up a national network of 1,200 high quality independent retailers to fund and invest over £0.5 million per year in this retail brand was an outstanding achievement. We were told “you will never get 200” and when we reached 1,000 “they won’t last 6 months” showed how little some manufacturers understood about retailers. Thanks to the support of manufacturers, buying groups and our network of far sighted retailers, we remain the largest manufacturer/ retailer network in the European flooring sector with nearly 900 members. How important was the OFT dimension to your work? We live in “rip-off Britain” so anything which can reassure consumers that they will be looked after in an honest and professional manner using selling practices endorsed by the most powerful consumer affairs organisation in the UK would be highly beneficial to retail members. It took a long time to achieve, but OFT endorsement is a powerful advantage for those of our retailers who exploit it properly and it does lead to additional business! It is now part of our independent retailers’ culture as our monitoring results (which continually improve) show. We are one of only six organisations in the UK with an OFT Approved Code of Practice which was a great achievement for the trade.

“It is not difficult to see that there are far too many similar product ranges available in the UK with, in many cases, low levels of design/colour innovation.“ 60 July 2011

What do retailers need to do to improve their business? Our retailers are, by definition, independent businesses which have their own ways of working. Many of them are outstanding retailers with a sophisticated way of operating their stores. Inevitably, a few retailers have some catching up to do, and I think most people will agree, some small changes would be beneficial to consumers. A less cluttered environment; clearer point of sale messages; more exploitation of the benefits of the OFT approved Code; fewer “me too” ranges and a more consumer sympathetic environment would obviously help. However, one has to accept that many highly successful retailers operate in less than ideal environments and get away with it due to their personality, enthusiasm, honesty and knowledge of the trade. What do manufacturers need to do better to support retailers? It is not difficult to see that there are far too many similar product ranges available in the UK with, in many cases, low levels of design/colour innovation. Journalists are always pointing out how difficult it is to get enthusiastic about “another range of beige twist”. However, the practicalities of designers having to produce ranges for a wide diversity of consumers with manufacturers having to pick up the tab for 100% of the product launches has to be faced. It is not the ideal way of producing innovative product ranges, with more “buy in” from retailers with a shared approach to the costs of product launches needs to be explored (like the furnishing fabric sector). Extended manufacturing fault guarantees; a faster response to handling bona fide consumer complaints; more emphasis on produce accreditation and greater discrimination over who they deal with would improve the reputation of UK manufacturers. We have to find a way of jointly promoting product benefits as an alternative to price driven marketing.

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How important is the industry-wide promotion of carpet? Over the years, manufacturers have not invested in their brands (with one notable exception) and as a consequence consumer awareness of manufacturers’ names is very low. Now, especially in the current economic climate, it is too expensive to invest in branding so manufacturers are faced with either not doing it at all or using a collective approach with other manufacturers with similar values. It is better for companies to have a share in a well recognised brand rather than total ownership of a brand no-one has heard of!

What single thing would make the biggest difference to consumer appreciation of carpet? A wider variety of highly innovative, well designed/coloured, accredited products which broadens consumer choice and relegates price from consumer priorities. What makes you angry about business? Seeing retail organisations use orchestrated systematic policies of misleading consumers by exaggerating “normal prices” to promote “generous discounts” in breach of current selling legislation without any action from the authorities. No wonder there are 25 million consumer complaints each year, costing the public £6.6 billion in poor product/service losses. What has most amused you in all your years in the trade? At a soccer international at Wembley I was interviewed by BBC News at Ten on the death of Sir Stanley Matthews. I was quoted as referring to him as a “living legend” (highly inappropriate for someone who had just died) and this duly appeared in “Private Eye” and the “Colemanball Christmas Annual”. What has been the best moment of your career? For the effort, complexity and commitment of obtaining OFT approval for the CF Consumer Code was a career high although organising Brintons Vivienne Westwood inspired advertising campaign was a very close second!

FlooringNews

The British Wool column Create a wool promotion for Wool Week It’s July and holidays beckon and it is so easy to feel a little relaxed but it is then promptly followed by the beginning of the soft furnishing season - a time when the consumer magazines will promote all things soft and textured for the home. How can the carpet retail trade benefit? Firstly, remember that September will host Wool Week this year from 5th to 11th and is a great opportunity for retailers to use this as a platform to promote beautiful wool-rich ranges. Certainly, flagship British manufacturers like Cormar have introduced so many new wool carpets within their collections that they now have an impressive wool offering for retailers. They also use their British manufacturing as a flag flying in-store promotion and this is always a great draw for the consumer with loyalty on the agenda. Ulster Carpets too has been highly creative on the design front. Indeed the whole UK industry has a lot to promote with some stunning stripes and florals on offer and many fabulous twist products in some very current colours. It is important to remember that the Campaign for Wool which hosts Wool Week is a vehicle intended to help the UK sheep farmer to achieve a better return for the fibre. Prices for raw wool have risen in the last eighteen months and farmers are getting far more for the fleece than they have done over the last twenty years. However, with shearing of sheep at approximately £1.40 per sheep it is still not a fibre that makes a significant impact on their profit levels. “The amazing natural durable properties of wool and its fabulous texture make it a great choice for carpets and rugs but achieving a realistic price has always been difficult. However, all natural fibres are now higher and at the same time we are seeing dramatic increases in manmade fibres, so there is more of an equal playing field than ever before,” Ian Hartley, CEO of the British Wool Marketing Board said. The campaign has focused on the fabulous products available in wool and so is doing a great job of promoting the textile industry and of course retail stores benefit from it. “This is very much a multi-faceted promotion and all levels of the wool industry from growing to processing to making and selling will stand to benefit,” he added, Town and Country in London Stone – a British Wool range by Cormar Carpets.

If you are thinking of doing a wool carpet retail promotion – let us know – we would love to report on it in Stocklists – just contact marketing@britishwool.org.uk

Selling carpets in the Big Apple There is always something overwhelming about a lot of carpet in one place, this is the eternal difficulty faced by all carpet shops. But ABC Stores on Broadway in New York remain undaunted by the ‘just too much’ opinions of some and display everything and then more for the floor. It is an approach that has given them serious status - they have certainly achieved a legendary level within the American carpet trade, whenever you mention them there, people nod their heads knowingly. The sheer volume of product diversity is quite amazing but they have the room for it, spread over two supersize floors joined by an up and a down escalator – they term themselves ‘the largest carpet retailer in the world’ and it may well be. Selling only carpets and rugs, it sits over the road and clearly benefits from their sister shop - the beautiful and artsy ABC at Home which is dedicated to all things tasteful, ethical and beautiful. The sales assistants are discreetly helpful and yet the sound of one loudly arguing his point over a carpet issue on the phone shows that Ulster Carpets have created a stunning collection with natural discretion and business has many levels. undyed wools - shown here Tapestry from The Natural Collection. It is a store with space on its side but nevertheless just as in a smaller store it is bulging at the seams with carpet. However, despite the quantity of choice, there was a good sense of order, which helped to give the store an aura of style. Naturally, rugs were highly profiled because in the US market they favour the area rug on a hard floor backdrop but there was also a good choice of fitted ranges. “There is always a limit to what you can do with your store when selling a flat product like carpet but they certainly inject a little bit of class to the environment. They are of course selling to affluent New A quiet corner to look at samples Yorkers so it is different but if you can take just a little bit of what they do, it adds something to the in the ABC New York carpet store. selling environment,” Bridgette Kelly at the BWMB said.

from The Stocklists

July 2011 61

62 July 2011

FlooringNews

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“We get TWICE as many calls from our ad in The Stocklists” you

owe it to your business to go to the show

Harrogate Floor Show - September 4 - 6

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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 67