The Stocklists - March 2010 by David Spragg

Stocklists The

5 March October 2009 1 2010

with

FlooringNews

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

Stocklists The

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

Index

Contact No.

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD

s AFS ...........................................................................16..................020

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

H ASSOCIATED WEAVERS ......................................IFC................01422 o BALL

Price List date

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

& YOUNG .....................................................47..................01536 200502 ..........—.......................

= BRITISH WOOL ..............................................52..................01274 688 666 .........—....................... H BROCKWAY H BRONTE

CARPETS LTD. .................17..................01562 828200 ..........Dec 2008 .........

...............................................................18..................01282 862736 ..........—.......................

o CARPENTER ......................................................19..................01457 n CARPET

FOUNDATION .....................................45..................01562 755568 ..........—.......................

s COLUMBIA

FLOORING .............................20..................0208 443 3322 .........—.......................

H CONTEMPORARY

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

H DYNE..........................................................................31..................0161 H EDEL

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

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

TELENZO................................................21..................01422 374417 ..........—.......................

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

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

n FLOORWISE .......................................................13..................01509

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

n FITA ............................................................................55..................01159

H FURLONG

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

FLOORING .................................22,23 ............01772 696787 ..........March 2010 .....

o GRIPPERLAND........................................................BC.................020 n HARROGATE

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

FLOORING SHOW ...................39..................01423 779967 ..........—.......................

H INTERFLOOR ..........................................................50,51 ............01706

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

u IVC..............................................................................37..................+32 5665 3211.........—....................... s LITTNER

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

n NATIONAL

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

H MOHAW K ............................................................24..................01480

n NICF.........................................................................55..................0115

n STANLEY

Industry rallies round Royal campaign.............41

Kiwi wool with a new twist

Launch of New Zealand’s Laneve™..................43

UK loves wool, but do we care about the planet?

Survey: Retailer says consumers are not eco aware ..............................44

FIT for the future

Makeover for furniture trade charity..........................................................54

First rate laminate

WLD put the confidence back into laminate retailing ...........................34

Underlay, underlay

Flower on Flooring: PU underlay in the ascendancy? .............................48 Mr Rubber bounces back against PU..........................................................50

IVC upgrade identity

Cushionfloor leader re-invents Leoline and launches design brand ........42

Customers demand more imagination

Voice: Robert Mortimer of Heckmondwike ..............................................57

The British Wool Column

Warm welcome for wool at Vegas show....52

Past masters

Brintons adds to Renaissance Classics .....29

Weighty matters

BOSTITCH ...........................................35..................0870 630630.............—.......................

ESTIMATORS ................................................53..................01782 566626 ..........—.......................

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

WOOLSAFE ORGANISATION ...............4,5.................01943 850817 ..........—.......................

n WOOLS

Cormar adds weight to wool twists.........29

UK LIMITED.........................34..................01207 591176 ..........—.......................

u WLD...........................................................................34..................01375 841300 ..........—....................... n

Moral fibre

2010.

FLOORING DISTRIBUTORS .........27..................0845 341000.............July 2009............

n TRIPLE

New ads brand retailers as ‘experts’............45

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

& E DISPLAY GROUP ............................33..................0121 585 7600 .........—.......................

n THE

Foundation boosts carpet campaign

WHOLESALE CARPET ..............26..................01243 774623 ..........Mar/Apr 2010

n STAIRRODS

FlooringNews

DATA ........................................................53..................01482 881152 ..........—.......................

s SOLENT

s STS

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 Manager: Diane Martin diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk Publication Manager: David Spragg. Founded by Roy Spragg in 1973.

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

s R ACKHAMS........................................................25..................02085319225............Jan-March n REFLEX

1 March 2010

OF NEW ZEALAND ...........................43..................01943 603888 ..........—.......................

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

Classified advertising .........................................................................................pages 59

Floorsites

FlooringFactsheets Woolsafe: the carpet care guide................................................................4-5 Carpet trouble-shooter.................................................................................6-7 Carpet types ......................................................................................................8 Underlay..............................................................................................................9 Pattern book....................................................................................................10 Wholesaler Distribution Directory .....................................................11-13 Carpet Company Directory ..................................................................14-15 ISSN 0950-5024  Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2010 Issue: 419 Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.

Plug-in an ‘instant’ flooring industry website for just £390 set-up + £90 per year

Flooring stores don’t generally need elaborate websites – 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 you out to see how professional you look. Here’s the quick fix! Check out our

dummy site at www.thestocklists.com/floorsites

Flooring factsheet Carpet care guide from WOOLSAFE The WOOLSAFE Mark has gone Green! The WOOLSAFE Organisation has teamed up with ecolabelling authorities Green Seal and EcoLogo in North America, to enable those WOOLSAFE approved products that are ecologically responsible to be recognised and promoted as such.

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

Regular Maintenance

Regular cleaning will extend the life of a carpet and maintain its appearance.Vacuum clean regularly and thoroughly, which removes gritty dirt that can damage the fibres. Deal with spillages as soon as possible, preferably the moment they occur.

Periodic Cleaning

When the carpet or rug reaches a stage where it could do with a really good clean, you can either do the job yourself, or you can call in a specialist carpet cleaning company.

If you are considering cleaning the carpet or rug yourself make sure to use only WOOLSAFE- approved products. Look for this mark on the bottle or package: WOOLSAFE-approved carpet care products have been independently and scientifically tested and are safe and effective for cleaning and maintaining all types of carpets and rugs.

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

• Scoop up or scrape off solids

• Try to identify unknown spots prior to treatment – if unsure, use solvent first • Always work from the edge of the spot inwards • BLOT, do NOT ru b

• Use small quantities of spot remover at a time, applied to a cloth, NOT directly to the spot; work into the spot with a small, soft brush or sponge

• Take care with applying solvents to bitumen-backed carpet tiles • When using solvents always ensure there is plenty of fresh air ventilation • Always thoroughly rinse out water-based spotters with clean water • Dry the spot, if possible, with a hair dryer

Housekeeping Tips for Carpets and Rugs Entrance or walk-off mats

The use of entrance mats at all outside entrances to the house is highly recommended, as they will significantly reduce the rate at which the carpet will soil.They should be of adequate size to allow street dirt to be removed from shoe soles and must be cleaned regularly themselves. Protective treatments Many carpets come with a protective fibre treatment to reduce problems with staining and soiling.These treatments, while effective in many ways, are not bullet-proof and will eventually wear off. Quick response to spills and regular cleaning is still required.

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

Beware of products claiming to be safe on all fibres, including wool. It might be true, but if it does not have the WOOLSAFE mark, it is not endorsed by most carpet manufacturers!

Treatments 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Blot with white kitchen roll or paper tissues

Vacuum clean Cold water

Warm water

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

Absorbent paper or paper tissue and hot iron

Chewing gum remover (solvent or freeze type)

10. Nail varnish remover or acetone

11. White spirit or turpentine substitute

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

14. Rub gently with coarse sand paper 15. WOOLSAFE- approved disinfectant or deodorizer 16. Rust remover 17. Carpet re-colouring kit

(Treatments used by professional carpet cleaners)

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

maintenance • cleaning • spot removal • protection • inspection Never use any detergents such as dishwashing liquids, soaps or other cleaners recommended for general household use. Although they may clean the carpet satisfactorily they will almost certainly cause problems such as rapid re-soiling, colour bleeding or other damage to the pile or backing of the carpet.

They are fully qualified to investigate carpet and rug complaints on-site on behalf of carpet manufacturers, retailers, cleaning companies and carpet owners.They can carry out or commission tests where required, and will provide comprehensive reports.

To contact an inspector in your area call 0800 731 5688, email: inspector@woolsafe.org, or visit: www.woolsafe.org It is best to engage the services of a professional carpet & upholstery cleaning / Private Householder / Registered Inspectors company.To get a really expert job done entrust the work to a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company. For information These companies are fully trained, have On a WOOLSAFE Certified Carpet Cleaning been in business for a considerable Company nearest to you, length of time, are members of one or more recognised A free copy of the Directory of WOOLSAFE Certified professional trade associations related to the cleaning Professional Carpet Cleaners, industry and have a reputation for top quality service. And A free copy of the Directory of Registered Carpet they use only WOOLSAFE-approved cleaning agents on Inspectors, your wool carpets and rugs!

• •

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

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

Life inspired cleaning innovations www.bissell.com

•

If you have a problem with a carpet or rug that requires an independent inspector, a network of carpet complaint investigators, trained and registered by The WOOLSAFE Organisation is available throughout the UK and Ireland.

WOOLSAFE Registered Inspectors have extensive experience in investigating the causes for carpet complaints based on their practical involvement with carpets and rugs over many years.

contact:

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

Difficult Spots Spot or stain

Spot or stain

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Burn/scorch marks

Butter

Candle wax

Chewing gum

Felt-tip pen

Ink (ballpoint pen)

Milk

7 5

Paint (oil)

Soot

16 5

Urine (fresh stain)

7 15

Vomit

Coffee

Furniture polish Ink (fountain)

Chocolate/cocoa Cola

Cream

Egg

Floor wax

Fruit juice

Gravy and sauces

Herbal tea

Metal polish

Mustard

Oil and grease

Paint (emulsion)

Shoe polish

Tea

C/heating radiator fluid

7 or 11 12

Glue/adhesive (plastic base)10

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Artificially coloured drinks 3 Bleach

Easy Spots Blood

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

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

Environmentally Aware for Superior Carpet Care www.envirodri.com

16 5

Lipstick

Nail varnish

Rust

Tar (asphalt)

Urine (old stain)

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 Carpet trouble-shooter COLOUR MATCHING

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

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

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

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

SAMPLES

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

The original carpet tile

SHEDDING

All cut pile carpets will lose short fibre, which is created during production when spun yarn is cut for tuft formation. These fibres fall onto the surface of the pile and appear as ‘fluff’.

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

PULLED LOOPS

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

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

• shedding • pulled loops

SPROUTING

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

SHADING

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

STATIC

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

include the measures Preventative 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 March 2010

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

PILE REVERSAL (SEE SHADING)

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

INDENTATIONS

When a carpet is subjected to a heavy point load, such as under the legs of furniture, it is unreasonable to expect the carpet not to indent. Usually, the longer the load is in place, the longer will be the time for the pile to recover. In the case of very heavy loads in place for a considerable time, the recovery time can be very considerable. It must be remembered that it is not only the pile of the carpet that becomes indented. the underlay will also indent and the backing of the carpet may also distort into the indentation in the underlay. Some underlay’s will recover well and some less well depending upon their composition, thickness, density etc. The use of cups below furniture legs can spread the load and the net result is a larger area of less deeply indented carpet.

The ability of a carpet to recover from a heavy static load can be measured in the laboratory, using the test method described in BS 4939 and many manufacturers will have data on this aspect of carpet performance. In this test the carpet is loaded for 24 hours and the degree of recovery is measured after 1 hour and 24 hours. Since there are so many different underlay’s however, it is very rare for the recovery from a heavy static load to be evaluated on carpet and underlay. Often normal maintenance (vacuum cleaning with a rotating brush machine) will speed up recovery but in the case of serious indentations the use of an iron and damp cloth or a steam iron together with a blunt darning needle to carefully tease up the pile can be beneficial. Care must be take not to over wet the carpet, of course. THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

FLATTENING

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

SOILING

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

Spillages

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

Shampoo - if incorrectly applied, can leave

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

Dust - which is carried on draughts can soil

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

T HE R EGENCY

Collection

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

INSTALLATIONS

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

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

Flooring factsheet Carpet types TUFTED

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

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

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

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

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

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

WOVEN

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

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

Wilton • Wilton woven carpets are produced in a similar way to axminsters – the principal difference being that a continuous fibre is woven all the way through.The carpet can be sheared to create a range of cut and loop textured effects.The result is a high quality carpet of unrivalled durability. Flat weave • Manufactured in the same way as wilton, flat weave is a loop pile which allows the yarn to be woven across a wider area to created a flatter, more textured effect.

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

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

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

Twist • The popular twist carpet is the cut-pile standard.The yarn is tightly twisted and often heatset to retain this feature and the result is BONDED Tip Sheared Level Loop Tip Sheared Level Loop Sheared Level Loop plain colours. a versatile, textured finish that is idealTipfor Bonded carpets (sometimes called ‘fibre-bonded’ or ‘fusion bonded’) are created by firing fibres into an adhesive material – the fibres are Velve t • 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 March 2010

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

www.floorwise.co.uk

But 50% of carpet is still sold without new underlay! Retailers should create an assumption that new underlay is always required, the only decision is which type. It’s also a good target-setter for sales staff.

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

Benefits

Good underlay will... • Improve underfoot comfort • Increase appearance retention, reducing flattening • Absorb the pressure of foot traffic and reduce wear • Improve thermal insulation and warmth • Increase sound insulation • Smooth out sub-floor imperfections • Last the lifetime of the carpet Poor or old underlay will... • Feel hard and unwelcoming • Reduce carpet life • Cause wrinkling and premature wear spots • Cause carpet fibres to break down more quickly • Not meet British Standards

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

Sponge rubber

Crumb

Combination

PU foam

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

www.numa-online.co.uk

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

www.carpenter.limited.uk

www.interfloor.com

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

www.underlay.com

www.texfelt.co.uk

The Stocklists Pattern book changes The month s changes are brought together on one page so that pattern books can be quickly up-dated. 4 New ranges/designs

Manufacturer

6 Withdrawn ranges/designs

AFS BROCKWAY CARPETS OF KIDDERMINSTER CAVALIER EDEL TELENZO

4 VERDI

FELLS 4 BROUGHTON TWIST 4 CARLTON TWIST 4 WAVERLEY 4 PENDLETON 4 NOBLESQUE

FURLONG LITTNER HAMPTON LTD LOUIS DE POORTERE MOHAWK RACKHAMS SOLENT

4 SCALA 6 DORCHESTER

STS SUPERTEX

Wholesaler index Wholesaler

Page

Telephone

Price list date

0208 805 8620

Nov 2009

0208 443 3322

—

01977 662211

—

0208 520 8474

—

s RACKHAMS

02085 319225

Jan - March 2010

s SOLENT

01243 774623

March/April 2010

0845 341000

January 2010

—

01772 457070

—

s AFS s COLUMBIA s FELLS

CARPETS

s LITTNER

s STS

FLOORING

HAMPTON

WHOLESALE CARPET CO. LTD

FLOORING DISTRIBUTORS

s SUPERTEX

FURNISHING

Regional Wholesale Distributors Directory See pages 11-13 for the Directory and email diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk to apply for a listing

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

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

fellscarpets@aol.com www.fellscarpets.co.uk

North East Carpet & Flooring Gateshead Gateshead 0844 824 3121 enquiries@cfgateshead.co.uk www.cfgateshead.co.uk

Fells Carpets Goole 01977 662211

fellscarpets@aol.com www.fellscarpets.co.uk Floorwise (North East) Ltd Birtley - see Floorwise p13 Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customer.services @vanguardcarpets.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 sales@woodfloorsales.com www.woodfloorsales.com

North West Fells Carpets Goole 01977 662211

fellscarpets@aol.com www.fellscarpets.co.uk D. M. Miller Ltd Manchester 0161 205 9949 dm.miller@btconnect.com www.dmmillerltd.spaces.lives.com THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

John Evans Ltd Manchester 0161 368 2563 Fax: 0161 368 3039 Mobile: 07850 935301 Kellars Ltd Stockport 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk Lee Floorstok Ltd Liverpool - see Floorwise p13 Lee Floorstok Ltd Manchester - see Floorwise p13 MCA Floorwise Ltd Morecambe - see Floorwise p13 Mytton Flooring Norwich - see Floorwise p13 Millbrook Carpets Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk Supertex Furnishings Lancashire 01772 457070 sales@supertexfurnishing.co.uk www.supertexfurnishing.co.uk See page 28 for details Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customer.services@vanguardcarpet s.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Walkwell Flooring Supplies Manchester 0161 786 6800 salesenq@walkwell-flooring.co.uk www.walkwell-flooring.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 sales@woodfloorsales.com www.woodfloorsales.com

Midlands

East

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

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

Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam- see Floorwise p13 J J Wholesale & Distribution Ltd Birmingham 0121 765 4994 jjwholesale@gmx.com RPS Flooring Mansfield Woodhouse - see Floorwise p13 STS Flooring Distributors Watford 08454 342000

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

see page 27 for details

Supertex Furnishings Leyland Tel: 01772 457070 sales@supertexfurnishing.co.uk www.supertexfurnishing.co.uk See page 28 for details

Faithfull Floorcovering Suffolk 01473 822341 sales@faithfulls.co.uk www.faithfulls.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Cambridge Tel: 01954 781142 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com See page 27 for details Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customer.services@ vanguardcarpets.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 sales@woodfloorsales.com www.woodfloorsales.com

South East

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 Acorn Carpet Accessories customer.services@vanguardcarpet Bromley, Kent - see Floorwise p13 s.co.uk AFS www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Middlesex Wood Floor Sales 020 8805 8620 Redditch info@afsenfield.co.uk 01527 511888 See page 16 for details sales@woodfloorsales.com Ashmount Flooring www.woodfloorsales.com Supplies Ltd Woodall Brothers Ltd Tottenham Shrewsbury - see Floorwise p13 0208 808 2158 sales@ashmountflooring.co.uk www.ashmountflooring.co.uk continued overleaf.... 11

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 Carpet & Flooring London Camberley 01276 672100 enquire@cflondon.co.uk www.cflondon.co.uk Columbia Flooring Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk See page 20 for details Faithfulls Service Centre Kent 01322 285001 Faithfulls Service Centre Walthamstow 0208 498 3040 sales.walthamstow@faithfulls.co.uk Faithfull Floorcovering Suffolk 01473 822341 sales@faithfulls.co.uk www.faithfulls.co.uk Kent Flooring Supplies Ltd Chatham 01634 668668 sales@kentflooring.co.uk www.kentflooring.co.uk Littner Hampton London 020 8520 8474 littnerhampton@aol.com www.littnerhamptoncarpets.co.uk Potts & Ward, Woodcocks Ltd Brighton 01273 557211 pwwflooring@fastnet.co.uk www.pwwflooring.co.uk

R ackhams London 020 8531 9225 sales@rackhamsltd.co.uk www.rackhamsltd.co.uk See page 25 for details Salesmark Lancing, - see Floorwise p13

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

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

STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon 0845 434 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 27 for details

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customer.services@vanguardcarpet s.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 sales@woodfloorsales.com www.woodfloorsales.com

Wessex Flooring Amesbury - see Floorwise p13 Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 sales@woodfloorsales.com www.woodfloorsales.com

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

Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise p13

Scotland

Keepfers Flooring Accessories Cwmbran Tel: 01633 871162 Rhyl Flooring Supplies Ltd Rhyl Tel: 01745 354555 Roma Flooring Neath - see Floorwise p13 Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customer.services@ vanguardcarpets.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 sales@woodfloorsales.com www.woodfloorsales.com

Ireland Floorwise Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise p13 Floorwise Ltd N. Ireland - see Floorwise p13

C. K. Davie Ltd Aberdeen - see Floorwise p13 C. K. Davie Ltd Dundee - see Floorwise p13 Headlam Scotland North Lanarkshire 01698 831 000 sales@headlamscotland.co.uk www.headlamscotland.co.uk Neil Smith Ltd Glasgow - see Floorwise p13

Wales

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

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

floorwise National Network of Floorwise Distributors Acorn Carpet Accessories 15 Bromley, Kent Tel: 020 8462 0422 Fax: 020 8462 0927

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

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

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

C. K. Davie Ltd 2 Dundee Tel: 01382 226533 Fax: 01382 226544

Mytton Flooring 13 Norwich, Norfolk Tel: 01603 624387 Fax: 01603 612888

Fitwell Flooring Ltd 19 Redruth, Cornwall Tel: 01209 214344 Fax: 01209 21162

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

Fitwell Flooring Ltd 18 Newton Abott, Devon Tel: 01626 835935 Fax: 01626 834334

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

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

RPS Flooring 10 Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire Tel: 01623 624198 Fax: 01623 620931

Floorwise (North East) Ltd 5 Birtley, County Durham Tel: 0191 410 7070 Fax: 0191 410 6116 Floorwise Ltd 9 Dublin 12, ROI Tel: 00 353 (0)1 4299455 Fax: 00 353 (0)1 4298529 Floorwise Ltd 4 Northern Ireland Tel: 028 094 34441 Lee Floorstok Ltd 8 Liverpool Tel: 0151 708 7420 Fax: 0151 708 7241

Salesmark 16 Lancing, West Sussex Tel: 01903 750522 Fax: 01903 851111 Wessex Flooring 17 Amesbury, Wiltshire Tel: 01980 625888 Fax: 01980 676969 Woodall Brothers Ltd 11 Shrewsbury, Shropshire Tel: 01743 441584 Fax: 01743 441629

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12

14 17 18

15 16

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

w ww ww.floorwise.co.uk w.floorwise.co.uk 짜짜 www.carpetunderlays.net www.carpetunderlays.net w w w.signaturewoodfloors.com w w w.signaturewoodfloors.com 짜짜 www.siennawoodfloors.com www.siennawoodfloors.com THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

The Stocklists Carpet Company Directory Abingdon Flooring

01274 655694

Adam Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W Ww

01562 829966

Associated Weavers Rw Tu

01422 431100

Avena Carpets Ltd Tu Ww

01422 330261

Axwoven Carpets Ltd Ax Be

0121 550 5788

Axminster Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tw

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

+32 56783250

Balta Industries NV Tu Tw W Ww

+32 56 62 2211

Betap Tufting BV Tu Tw W

+31 383 861 060

BIC Carpets Be Tw W

+32 56 23 54 10

Bizspoke Custom Carpets Be Tw W

01924 488882

Blenheim Carpets Ax Be Tw W Ww

020 7823 3040

BMK

0113 380 5333

Bond Worth Ltd Ax

01562 745000

Brintons Ax Tu Tw W Ww

0800 505055

Edel Telenzo’s Rembrandt

01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk

Craigie Carpets Be

01294 558400 0116 284 1455

Burmatex Tu

01924 262525

Creatuft Carpets Tu W

Cadogan Carpet Co W

01562 733610

Custom Carpet Compan y Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01737 830301

Dan-Floor UK W

01454 858014

Carpets of Kidderminster Ax Tu sales@carpetsofkidderminster.com www.carpetsofkidderminster.com

01299 827477

Cavalier Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww Christy Carpets Tu Clarendon Carpets Tw Classis Carpets Tu W Ww Condor Carpets BV Tu

Domo International Be Pr Tu Tw W

+32 56 35 4444

+32 92 41 4511

Drury Lane Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

01484 550380

01254 268000

Dutton Carpets Be

01254 672672

019078 308777

E & WE Carpets W

01562 825952

01675 433046 0870 020 1725 +31 38 4778911

Edel Telenzo Carpets Ltd Tu Tw W sales@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk

01422 374 417

Enterprise Weaving Co Be Ww

01562 745030

Fells Carpets

01977 662211

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

Cormar Carpets Ltd Brockway Carpets Ltd

800 223 6186

Creative Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

01297 32244

Bajong Carpets NV Tu Tw W

Tw W sales@brockway.co.uk

01282 862 736

Couristan Carpets Ax Tu W Ww

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

Mohawk’s Cherbourg Check

01254 296829

01204 881 234

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

020 8944 6220

Brockway’s Vogue

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

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

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

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

Fletco Taepper A/S Tu W

+45 96 60 3000

Lecaflor Ltd Ax Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww Leigh Spinners Ltd Tw

Furlong Flooring

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

Louis de Poortere W 01772 696 787

01827 831525

Gaskell Mackay Carpets Ltd Ax Tu Tw W 01642 242 423 Georgian Carpets Tu Tw W Godfrey Hirst (GB) Ltd Tu Halbmond Teppichwerke Be Pr Tu Heckmondwike FB

01827 831430 0800 526696 +49 037 421 420 01924 410544

John Lanham Watts Carpets Ax Tw Ww 01937 588511 John Evans Ltd Ax Tu Tw W Joseph Hamilton & Seaton W Kingsmead Carpets Tu Tw W

Lano NV

0161 368 2563 01827 831400 01827 831 424

Lusotufo Tu

+32 56 65 4300

Le Tissage d’Arcade Ax Ww

+32 05685 4747

01675 433 501

01942 673232

Tapibel NV Pr Tu Tw

01623 481 221

+32 56 393 386

Tasibel NV Tw

+32 52 499600

01388 664101

M anx Carpets Tw W

01827 831 434

Mayfield Carpets W

01706 639 866

MID NL Be

+31 38 851 8700

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

01480 479830 01480 471304 01827 831 450

The Alternative Flooring Co

01264 335111

The Grosvenor Wilton Co W Ww

01562 701456

The Sultana Carpet Co Ax

01299 822300

The Wilton Carpet Co Ax W Ww

0845 296 8850

Thomas Witter UK Ltd Tu Tw

0870 1128318

Timzo Tufting Industry BV Tu +31 38 385 4477 Tisca Tiara Tu Ww Ulster Carpets Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

+41 71 791 0111 02838 334433

Ossfloor UK

01675 433031

Penthouse Carpets Tu Tw W

01706 341231

Phoenox Textiles Pr Tu

01484 863227

Vorwerk

08700 104484

0845 6528811

Westex Carpets Tu

01274 861334

Whitestone Weavers Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01429 892555

Pownall Carpets Tw W

01254 676766

Roe Lee Carpets Be

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

Shaw Home Foundations Tu

0800 78 33 712

Roger Vanden Berghe.NV Tu Ww

+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

Bronte’s stand

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

Wilkies Carpets Tw Woodward Grosvenor Ax Tu Tw W Ww Wool Classics Tu Ww

01709 732 666 01562 749300

0113 307 9955 0800 526696 0207 349 1560

Carpets of Kidderminster’s Beaufort Court

Cormar’s Berwick

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

UNDERLAYS

CARPETS NATURAL/LOOPS HIGH FLYER MARRAKESH NOMAD

Tex Loop Natural 50/50 Nat Loop

SAXONY NOBLE SAXONY ROYAL TOUCH SENSATIONAL

40oz Saxony 45oz Nylon Saxony 58oz Saxony

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

PP Twist PP Twist PP Twist

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

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

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

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

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

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

8mm 10mm 9 mm 11 mm

Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Tredaire PU

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

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

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

PU Underlay PU Underlay PU Underlay PU Underlay

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

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

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

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

PLUS A VAST RANGE OF ACCESSORIES AND TOOLS FOR CARPETS AND LAMINATES Contact our sales office or your area representative for prices on any of the above ranges. We also offer a fast service on non stock items. Phone our showroom manager for prices and samples. Our latest price list is dated November 2009.

REP DETAILS: Ashley Best Nick Hart Karl Goult

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

David Holmes

Tel: 07974 190677

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

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

Kidderminster Trading Estate Spennells Valley Road Kidderminster Worcs DY10 1XS

Telephones:

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

New trade price list effective 1st December 2008

ASPEN HEAVY/ EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT 50 oz PILE WEIGHT • Please note - the lighter weight in this quality has now been discontinued

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

AMORE EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 45oz PILE WEIGHT

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

BERBER TWIST CLASSIC EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT

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

CRAFTSMAN ELITE EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 50oz PILE WEIGHT

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

MASTER CRAFTSMAN FORTE EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 40oz PILE WEIGHT

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

CRESTA SUPREME EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 50oz PILE WEIGHT

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

CRESTA EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 40oz PILE WEIGHT

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

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

Vogue A stunning range of co-ordinated stripe and plain carpets available in four eye-catching colour palettes

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

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

CAVENDISH

FLORIAN EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT 60oz PILE WEIGHT

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

HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT Choice of 18 Stylish Shades

ORION TWIST/MAJOR 60oz

SHETLAND

EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT 80% WOOL/10% ACRYLIC/7% POLYESTER/ 42oz PILE WEIGHT (ORION TWIST) + 60 oz (ORION MAJOR) 3% POLYPROPYLENE • Please note - the lighter weight in this quality has now been discontinued 4 & 5 METRE WIDTH

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

100% TWO PLY PURE NEW WOOL 4 METRE WIDTHS

VOGUE

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

100% PURE NEW WOOL 4 & 5 METRE WIDTHS

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

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

REPRESENTATIVES: Mr. T. Bradley Tel: 07968 835201 S. Humberside, Lincs., Notts, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, North Hertfordshire. Mr. S. Perks Tel: 07968 835205 W. Midlands, Northants., Beds, Warwickshire, Worcs, Herefordshire, Shropshire Mr. S. Stead Tel: 07968 835204. North Humberside, Yorkshire, The North East

Mr. R.I. Hart Tel: 07968 835202. Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, S.E London Mr. M. Humphreys Tel: 07968 835203 Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire, Isle of Wight, Channel Isles, parts of Surrey Mr. R. Venn Tel: 07968 835206. South Wales, Bristol, South West, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall

Mr L. Little Tel: 07918 081782 Mr. A. Finch Tel: 07970 693752. Sussex, parts of Surrey, South Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales, Cumbria, North Staffs Central & South West London

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

Tel:01282 862736 Fax:01282 868307 Email: office@brontecarpets.co.uk Web: www.brontecarpets.co.uk

Bankfield Mill Greenfield Rd, Colne Lancs. BB8 9PD

28 years of custom made carpets 100% Wool Saxonies

Boulsworth Moorland Lowood Pendle Ferndene

All available in any colour, any width up to 12m

1/8 th gauge 1/8 th gauge 1/8 th gauge 1/10 th gauge 1/8 th gauge

42 45 55 60 68

oz oz oz oz oz

Super Ferndene Patrick Emily Charlotte

1/8 th gauge 1/10 th gauge 1/10 th gauge 1/10 th gauge

78 70 85 96

oz oz oz oz

100% Wool Shag Pile

All available in any colour, any width up to 12m Haworth Thornton

Standard 1400 Contract 1700

1/4 gauge 1/4 gauge

58 oz 62 oz

Wycoller Withens

1/4 gauge 1/4 gauge

80% Wool / 20% Nylon Classic Twist Available in any colour, any width up to 12m

1/8 th gauge 1/10 th gauge

41 oz 50 oz

Super 2000 Deluxe 2400

1/10 th gauge 1/10 th gauge

Sales and bespoke enquiries: 01282 862736

96 oz 120 oz

59 oz 70 oz

any colour, any width

Sales Agents James Hall Area: Scotland. Mobile: 07787 140136, Fax: 0131 343 3353 E-mail: jameshall195@btinternet.com

Keith Leslie Area: Northern & Southern Ireland Mobile: 07860 873838, Fax: 02894 468005

Aldo Berettoni Area:Yorkshire/North East/Humberside Mobile: 07971 173560, Fax: 01484 666703 E-mail: aldo@berettoni.freeserve.co.uk

John Rostron Area: North West/Cumbria/North Wales Mobile: 07973 733208, Fax: 01254 876548 E-mail: johnrostron@aol.com

Ian Millward Area: East Midlands/Notts/Staffs/Lincs/Derbyshire/Cambs/ Norfolk/Suffolk Mobile: 07939 319385, Fax: 0121 430 3682 E-mail: ian.millward@onetel.net

Niall Martin Area: Central London/Oxon/Berks/Bucks/Essex Mobile: 07866 735772, Fax: 01628 541497 E-mail: niallmartin@msn.com

James Thomas Area:West Midlands (west of M1) & South Wales Mobile 07932 458032,Tel/Fax: 01656 784514 E-mail: juncture2002@aol.com

M ark Garbett Area: South West England Mobile: 07840 664757,Tel: 01752 696377 E-mail: mgarbett11@aol.com

Steve Acton Area: South East/South London Mobile: 07957 836207, Fax: 01323 872415 E-mail: actonsta@aol.com

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

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

Product Range ®

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

Product of the Month - GreenStep A general domestic underlay Density: 75kg/m3 – Roll weight: 12kg Thickness: 10mm

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

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

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

® ®

Our highly popular, extremely competitively priced, underlay Greenstep, is an 8mm thick, 75kg/m3 density product. It is rated for General Domestic use so it is suitable for all domestic living areas. Not only does this product add luxury and comfort to a carpet but also protects it against premature wear. Greenstep is made from recycled material and is manufactured in Glossop, Derbyshire.

Joining up with the CFA Carpenter are pleased to announce they have become a member of the Contract Flooring Association. They are in the process of introducing all their stretch fit and doublestick products to the CFA members. “We are concentrating on expanding our contract market in 2010”, says Helen Rowberry, national sales manager of Carpenter Underlay, “being members of the CFA really gives us the opportunity to increase business in this sector of the market”.

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

HELEN ROWBERRY National Sales Manager 07702 319748

SUE HOWLAND Southern Sales Manager 07795 823190

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

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

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

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

TRAFALGAR TRADING ESTATE JEFFREYS ROAD ENFIELD MIDDLESEX EN3 7TY

Tel: 0208 443 3322 Fax: 0208 805 2346

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

WE PROFIT FROM PROPHET We’re delighted to announce that Gary Prophet has joined our team this month as our new national sales manager. Gary is literally steeped in carpets, having been in the trade for approaching 30 years – most of those at the cutting edge, in selling. Says Gary about joining our team: “I’m very excited. Edel Telenzo is well known and much admired for its product design and quality. I want to do my bit to put the company even more on the map than it already is!” Gary says he’s planning to pack about 12 months’ effort into the next two months, getting out on the road with our team of agents meeting as many customers as possible – as well as visiting the factory in Holland to get a full appreciation of the design, manufacturing and logistics processes which lie behind the brand. All of which won’t leave him with much spare time – although when he does get some, he’ll be working with his wife doing up their house in Lancashire, keeping an eye on his two teenaged kids or grabbing a few moments to relax over a “bad” game of golf or a good book. Anyone recommend a good autobiography?

WHAT’S NEW

We’re pretty excited about Verdi – a new, luxury thick cut pile twist made from high grade PA6.6. yarn, which was very well received at Domotex. It’s available in 12 exciting colours – as the names suggest: alabaster, ash, chartreuse, turquoise (pictured), framboise, hot pepper, otter, graphite, chocolate, aubergine and black.

Know our togs Customers might be interested to know we’ve just about completed tog rating tests on all our qualities. “We’re increasingly asked for a carpet’s insulation properties,” says Lesley Inman. “So we decided the time was right to invest in these measurements. Although the demand at the moment is more from the contract market, I’m sure retailers and consumers will find it useful to know if a carpet is suitable for use with underfloor heating, for example.”

OUR SALES TEAM Greater London as far as N. Circular on north side of Thames and as far as M25 on south side, Surrey, some of Bucks, Middlesex Berks, Oxfordshire. John A Constable T: 01622 685397 M: 07836 734322 Kent, Sussex, Hampshire Robin Croughton T: 01892 669699 M: 07710 393966

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

YOUR HEAD OFFICE TEAM CONTACTS Operations Manager: Lesley Inman M: 07703 337989 National Sales Manager: Gary Prophet M: 07889 602234

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

COMING SOON Come April, be on the lookout for the Alpine collection – a wonderful 100% New Zealand wool carpet aimed at the top end of our range and really luxurious! The prototypes were greeted with enthusiasm at Domotex.

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

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

We tick all the boxes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Investing in quality and service

Extensive tufting expertise

Effective service systems

Large group stock-holding

Fast delivery fleet

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

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

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

Wales ALLAN MCDONALD M: 07872 941036 SALES MANAGER SAMANTHA EVANS M: 07973 389799 S./MID & W. WALES JASON BRIMBLE M: 07912 879796 AVON & GLOUCESTERSHIRE

• Mix and match up to10 units. • Islands, triangles, corners and walls. • Unique, stylish, interlocking design. • Total service - design, delivery and installation.

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

✓ quality ✓ choice ✓ availability ✓ service ✓ price

TIM BAILEY M: 07841 204657 S.E. WALES & HEREFORDSHIRE STEWART WAITHMAN M: 07854 968144 DEVON & CORNWALL

London Sales tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733

South East

North West

PAUL LOVELL M: 07816 217549 NORFOLK, SUFFOLK & CAMBS

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

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

ALAN CHEETHAM M: 07966 263571 GREATER MANCHESTER BOB CHRISTIE M: 07980 786264 MERSEYSIDE, WIRRAL & N. WALES

Yorkshire & North East

Scotland

DES BEST M: 07968 828516 NORTH EAST

GEORGE WISELY M: 07967 148665 SCOTTISH SALES DIRECTOR

RAY ANDREW M: 07973 719801 EAST LANCS/W.YORKS

COLIN RICHFORD M: 07970 163372 WEST SCOTLAND & CUMBRIA ALAN CAIRNIE M: 07976 311434 EAST SCOTLAND

REG SYKES M: 07973 403450 SOUTH YORKSHIRE

Midlands PAUL HARRIS M: 07980 786285 NOTTS & DERBYSHIRE

Wood Floor Specialists JOHN POWERS SALES MANAGER M: 07792 477312

MIKE SHUTT M: 07970 158594 BIRMINGHAM/ STAFFORDSHIRE, SHROPSHIRE

RICHARD RICHMAN AREA SALES MANAGER M: 07791 891044

MARTYN REA M: 07968 324598 LEICESTER/ WARWICKSHIRE/LINCS

Preston Sales tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921

Newport Sales tel: 01633 283959 fax: 01633 275454

Email: enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk

100% recycled carpet Mohawk International takes old plastic bottles and turns them into beautiful, luxurious carpet... Hard to believe we know, but a plastic bottle you drink from today could one day become fibres in Mohawk’s carpet.

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

Polyethylene terephthalate (P.E.T) is the top quality resin required in the production of plastic drinks bottles. When recycled, it can be extruded into fibres that are far superior to lower-grade synthetic virgin fibres used in making other brands of carpet yarns. Mohawk recycles over 3 billion plastic bottles each year. By controlling every aspect of “Mohawk recycles over 3 billion the recycling plastic bottles each year.” process, Mohawk guarantees the highest standards of performance in its luxurious and beautiful carpet. From bottle to floor - that’s how we do it.

EUROPEAN STOCK RANGES American Velvet

3.66m I 65oz

New Century

4.0m I 100oz

True Winner*

3.66 & 4.57m I 62oz

100% StainmasterTactesse Nylon

100% Polyester with Scotchgard

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

Butter Pecan*

Paint Box*

Tula Rosa

3.66m I 52oz

3.66 & 4.57m I 65oz

3.66m I 65oz

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

100% StainmasterTactesse BCF Nylon

Casual Allure

Park Avenue II*

Vivid Luxury

3.66m I 48oz

3.66 & 4.57m I 80oz

3.66m I 70oz

100% Ultrastrand Nylon with Scotchgard

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

100% Ultrastrand Lissé with Advanced Repel

Certain Success*

Rainbow Sherbert*

Weston Hill*

3.66 & 4.57m I 42oz

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

Coastal Charm*

3.66m I 55oz

Carpets marked * on Environmental Tombola

Royal Palace II

4.0m I 95oz

100% Polyester with Scotchgard

Sera Bella

UK Sales Office 3.66m I 91oz

100% StainmasterTactesse Nylon

100% Ultrastrand Lissé with Advanced Repel

Eloquence

Shag-A-Delic

3.66m I 86oz

100% ANSO Caress

Knightsbridge

3.66m I 50oz

100% Ultrasrand BCF Nylon 3.66m I 65oz

100% Wear-dated Durasoft Nylon

3.66m I 30oz

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

3.66m I 29oz

100% Everstrand PET Polyester with Scotchgard

Colour Cachet

3.66 I 52oz

100% Mohawk Everset PET with Scotchgard

Shimmering Sands

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

PE19 8YT 3.66m I 46oz

100% Ultrastrand Lissé with Advanced Repel

Tel: 01480 479830 Fax: 01480 471304

MOHAWK ALSO MANUFACTURE COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS UNDER THESE BRANDS

MOHAWK INTERNATIONAL

THE STOCKLISTS February 2010

Call the sales office for a copy of our Jan-March price guide. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an amazing sci-fi tribute!

THE COUNTDOWN TO THE ELECTION HAS BEGUN VOTE RACKHAMS.... YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE!! CUT & LOOP PILE

CORD & NEEDLEPUNCH

VELOUR / VELVET

Revival Kreta Everglades

Gala Rackcord Scorpio Supacord

WILTON / PATTERNED CUT PILE

GRAPHICS / CONTRACT GELS Arena Cherokee Sapphire Scala Senator Sentinel Statesman

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

SAXONY / SHAG PILE Big Softie Chamonix Cleopatra Mont Blanc Montana 4&5M Half Century New Century Nobility Splendour Stainfree Saxony 4&5M Stainblock Supreme 4&5M Tennessee

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

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

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

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

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

STOP PRESS... A big welcome from Ralph and the team to... Simon Brenner - our new man in the South Eastern Territory... Call him on mobile 07881 502507 to make his first sales quarter a success! ....STOP PRESS

Area Sales Managers Nor th, Ea st & C entr al . London, Essex & Middx (w it hi n M25 ) Paul Henson 07881 502506

S a l e s O ff i c e Antony Stapleton 0208 498 2845 M. 07881 502505

E ss e x ( ou ts i de M2 5), Ca m bri dge sh i re , S u ff olk Richard Chappell 07837 295379

Kent, Surrey, Sussex, S.E. London Simon Brenner 07881 502507

H ert s , B edf ords hir e, Essex (w est of M1 1), Pt Midd x James White 07881 502508

SW, W & NW London, South Middx, West Surrey, Berks, Bucks John Imbrey 07875 714269

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

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

CORMAR Berwick 40/50 Buchanan Home Counties 42/50 Malabar Oaklands 32 Oaklands 42 Oaklands 50 Pennine Twist Primo Plus Warwick

TARKETT Salsa 14mm Combi-loc - limited stocks Viva 8.5mm Ultra-loc - limited stocks VINYLS Living New Optic Oasis Prestige Rustic Living So Tropical BEAULIEU INTERNATIONAL Adventure Twist Arte Del Ceramic Athena Celtic Stone Vinyl Comfort Grip Vinyl Dublin Durham Twist Fashion/Gallery Grass Collection Heavy Tread I-Twist Isis/Mentu Majestic - limited stocks Natural Life Pronto Selections Sherwood Oak Vinyl Studio Vinyl Sonata Vinyl Supreme Twist 3m/4m Sweet Homes Texalino Sup Vinyl Urban Vinyl laminates Essentials (previously Casa) Cottage - new range

DOMO Absolut Luxury Alpina Auvergne Merino Metropolitan Ocean Breeze Orlando Planet Playground Portofino Scorpio Traditionals Weavers Twist ITC Check Checkmate Concerto Consul Heritage Collection Jaguar - new colours Kreta New Dimensions Palace Sophistication Stainblock Berber Stainblock Heathers Stainblock Tweed TAPIBEL Cachet Chiltern Melody Nevada Reeds Sysoltex Homested/Aran/Crofter Toscana HALO CARPET MILLS Barbados Genua Halifax Padua Panama Salamanca Sydney

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 March/April 2010.

BAJONG Home Twist Supreme Montana Montana Twist Sahara MISCELLANEOUS IVC Master Grip Presto CAVALIER Country Collection Hamlet Parish and Village LEIGH SPINNERS Atlas Velour THOMAS WITTER Innovations C&H Homestyle LVT - planks and tiles

NOW IN STOCK

MEMORY FOAM MATTRESSES AND PILLOWS

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

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 Aston Twist Bernwood Twist Bernwood Supreme Bernwood Forest Bernwood Heather Bernwood Heather Supreme Blenheim Twist 40 Blenheim Twist 50 New Cavendish Cherwell Cord Chislehurst Fairfield Twist Gladiator Supreme Harrier Felt Harrier Gel Heathdale Magnum Gel Medicare Milton Collection Multicare Classic New Valley Twist Orinoco Opus Twist Radley Twist Ravensbury Twist 32/40/50 Ruskin Twist Scala Supersava Twist BALTA STOCK CARPETS New Shepherd Twist STS Area Managers

LANO STOCK CARPETS Bolero Chislehurst Fairfield Twist Havanna Heather Twist Heather Twist Supreme Pembridge Twist Rustic Berber Sapphire Scala Startwist Startwist Supreme CORMAR STOCK CARPETS Berwick 40/50 Malabar Natural Berber Twist New Hampshire 32/42 New Oaklands 32/42/50 Primo Plus Primo Tweeds Primo Ultima BEAULIEU INTERNATIONAL Bellini Super Twist Mercator EDEL TELENZO Fleur Hercules Orinoco Puma Peter Gregor y 07789 770093

PRICE LIST DATE JAN 2010 CARPET STOCK TILES Ascot Beckenham Cheltenham Clipper Croydon Croydon Stripe Inspiration Keston Latour New Horizons Saturn Selsdon Tivoli 24 STOCK UNDERLAYS Goldtred Collection Cirrus Cumulus Nimbus Silver Lining Cloud Nine Contract Cloud Nine Super Contract Durafit 500 Durafit 650 Cosi 8mm & 10mm Heatflow Collection Roma Blue Heaven Willow Green Treadmore

Essex, Cambs, Suffolk, Norfolk

Ian Mellor 07801 762720 Mirka Mihulclova 07500 847566

Rachel Sherwood 07801 762724 Sarah Haworth-Holman 07738 329714

John Batts 07711 735638

SW London, W Sussex, Berks, Hants, Surrey

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

SE London, Kent, E Sussex, Part Essex

North/East London, Berkshire, Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middlesex, Northants, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire

Paul Jones 07801 762719

Vicky Langley 07962 646847

Wiltshire, Gloucestershire & Bristol

SE London, Kent, E Sussex

Dana Baldock 07801 762725

THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

‘Instant’ websites for flooring people who don’t really like the internet! Maybe you’re not too keen on the net but know you should have a decent website. Flooring stores don’t generally need anything too complex – most of the time, visitors are just trying to find out your phone number, your opening hours or where they can park! Or they’re just checking if you look professional. The Floorsites package from The Stocklists offers: ● ●

● ● ●

7 ready-made pages of flooring industry content covering the key sectors of carpets, vinyls, laminates, etc. Instant online editing - if you can type, you can customise these pages yourself anytime to add latest offers and news… or leave them as they are – we put all your contact information in there anyhow. Choose photos from our library to make your site unique – or upload your own images. Link to Google Maps – let visitors find you quickly and see where to park Auto-email form to let customers contact you direct

It costs £390 for the set-up and the first year - and £90 per year thereafter (exc.VAT). Check out our dummy site at www.thestocklists.com/floorsites or contact David Spragg at davidspragg@thestocklists.com or call 01845 573241.

NO OBLIGATION ‘TEST DRIVE’...

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

1 March 2010

FlooringNews Past masters Brintons are delighted to launch a selection of new items into their exquisite 10 row patterned axminster range, Renaissance Classics.This opulent and luxurious range continues to be a favourite, and the latest items embrace designs in colourways which can work perfectly in any interior.The new introductions will include six new broadloom items and one runner. Encompassing sophistication and elegance, the new designs have a beautiful touch of the past, taking influences from as early as the 12th century.

With four unique design introductions, the new-to-range items in Renaissance Classics celebrate popular rich and warm tones. Design inspiration is taken from baroque and Persian styles, with each item created with popular trend colours to ensure these traditional designs are brought right up-to-date. From beautiful fleur-de-lys and baroque inspired scrolling patterns to strong hunting ispahans, Renaissance Classics has an offer to suit most interiors.

A woven axminster made in 80% wool, 20% nylon. Suitable for extra heavy residential use and available in 3.66m and 0.91m widths, runner available in 0.69m width. T 01562 748000 www.brintons.net

Weighty matters Offering even more choice to the consumer is the new collection of popular country and modern berber shades from Cormar Carpets.

Made from 80% British Wool, 10% nylon and 10% tuftbond, the new Natural Berber Twist range is available in 12 natural flecked shades and comes in three qualities – Super (35oz per sq yd), Elite (45oz per sq yd) and Deluxe (55oz per sq yd).

“There is a strong demand for wool twist carpets in multiple pile weights,” said David Cormack, marketing director of Cormar Carpets. “And as the trend for people to use the same carpet throughout their home continues, having a range in multiple pile weights means that retailers can select between weights where necessary to save money.” The Natural Berber Twist collection is the fifth British Wool range in the Cormar portfolio. And as one of the few carpet companies still manufacturing all of its products in the UK, retailers can be reassured that not only is the carpet British Wool but also British made. T 01756 795374 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

from The Stocklists

March 2010

News

Revving up for growth In spite of economic conditions, Cormar Carpets is expanding its delivery fleet by nearly 20%.The company has introduced eight new vehicles to its line up, taking the total in-house fleet to 58.The vehicles (DAF 75’s and LF’s 55’s supplied by Lancashire DAF, Preston) are built to Euro 5 specification, making them the latest in vehicle technology and ensuring Cormar operates the cleanest and most eco-friendly vehicles. Over the past five years Cormar has invested over £2million in building its own nationwide delivery fleet. It has become an important part of its offering to independent retailers, differentiating it from many of its competitors, and earning a reputation as one of the speediest and most reliable delivery services around. “Our delivery service is fundamental to the success of the company,” said David Judge, md of Cormar. “As consumer demand for ever shorter lead times puts retailers under increasing pressure to deliver, we have risen to the challenge and added extra vehicles to the fleet. The vehicles formed part of a re-organisation exercise, ensuring that we have the capacity to deal with peak demand throughout the year. And we will monitor the performance of the vehicles with 12 DAF dealers around the country on a daily basis.” In addition, eight new de-mount boxes are also on order, which take the fleet to over 150 pieces of equipment operating 24 hours a day six days a week. With strong visual branding, It is estimated that a commercial vehicle is viewed by over by four million people each year. T 01756 795374 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Harrogate town extends welcome As major names in the flooring industry continue to sign up for the all new Harrogate Flooring Show, the venue has pledged to offer the organiser, exhibitors and visitors unprecedented levels of service and support for the event in September.

Paul Phillips, Head of Sales and Marketing, HIC, said: “David Wildman made a sound commercial decision in listening to his industry by deciding to continue with the Harrogate Flooring Show. We are all delighted by the industry response with the huge take up and good will this has created.

“This show is an important part of the Harrogate schedule and has been for the past 50 years, and we as a town are responding by promising great delegate experiences coupled with Yorkshire value to offer an irresistible combination. We are working extremely hard to let everyone know that we, as a town, are here for the delegate and we will treat you as a welcome guest, visitor and person. “We are proud to be working towards this goal in close co-ordination with David who has said he will be pulling out all the stops to remind everyone just why we have so much more to offer than other venues.” T: 01423 779967 www.harrogateflooringshow.net

Golfers get Fit for fund-raising The industry charity may have a new name but it is very much business as usual for one of its flagship fundraising events. Georgian Carpets have signed up again to sponsor the 54th Kidderminster Carpet Manufacturers National Golf Tournament. Organised in aid of the Furnishing Industry Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support, this year’s event takes place at Kidderminster Golf Club on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th May 2010. The popular event, which last year raised £16,000 for the two charities, is the second largest fundraising event for FIT. Day One is a four ball team event while Day Two is a two ball team event. There is also a dinner at the Granary Hotel in Kidderminster in the evening of Tuesday 11th May. Cost is £80 for both days or £50 for Tuesday and £35 for the Wednesday. The dinner is £30 a head. Chairman Rupert Anton said: “We are tremendously grateful to Georgian Carpets for their continued sponsorship and also to Adam,Victoria, Brintons and Brockway Carpets who are the backbone of the event. “Last year we were overwhelmed by the generosity of our industry. To raise £16,000 in such difficult economic times speaks volumes for all concerned. The Furnishing Industry Trust is the only charity exclusively dedicated to helping those who are, or who have been, involved with the furnishing, carpet and allied industries, and who through no fault of their own find themselves facing unexpected or financial hardship. “While we have a loyal, hardcore player base we are always keen to attract new players. It is a genuinely fun two days and an opportunity to mix business and pleasure with some of the leading lights of the industry.” For details on how to play in this year’s tournament or indeed sponsorship, please contact Rupert Anton on the numbers below. T 01562 747 359 rupertanton@carpetfoundation.com

Like the caterpillar turns into a superb butterfly, so too Associated Weavers will undergo a real metamorphosis this year. Floor covering becomes floor experience, carpet becomes identity, a home becomes a home of many worlds. You will soon discover the new worlds of AW... 30

March 2010

FlooringNews

News

Vorwerk’s power tower Vorwerk Carpets stunning premium display tower is now rolling out to retailers keen to make the most of the manufacturers outstanding carpet ranges.Taking minimal floor space within the store, the premium display tower emphasises the design and performance led approach to carpet that sets Vorwerk Carpets as one of the most innovative carpet manufacturers active in the UK.

With carpets selected specially to represent the diversity of UK taste and Vorwerk Carpets’ position as a trend-leader, the tower also captures emotive lifestyle photography that make it an eye-popping focal point within store. With dispensers for promotional literature on the benefits of carpet, the stand also provides a source for boosting consumer confidence.

“The premium display tower offers the retailer a chance to offer something unique to customers in terms of colours, textures and design,” says Ian Hammond, Sales Director UK. “With many manufacturers offering very similar looking products, we feel that the stand will bring vibrancy and interest to the shopfloor of any carpet retailer and will certainly help to fuel interest among consumers in carpet as an element of interior design.” At retailers Clement Joscelyne, in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, Mark Wright commented: "Space within the store is at a premium, but the fact that the new tower can showcase so many eye-catching designs, yet take so little space, made it a must have addition to the store". T 020 7096 5090

www.vorwerkcarpets.co.uk

Expanding foam Novostrat Limited manufacturers of high performance underlays for wood, laminate and carpeted floors, have launched 2010 with the installation of an additional production line in order to keep pace with their ever growing order book. Novostrat is already the largest producer of polyethylene foam products in Ireland with two additional manufacturing facilities in Continental Europe. Growth in their range of flooring underlays, particularly in the UK, has greatly endorsed the company’s mantra to ‘keep quality high, keep prices competitive’. Novostrat aims to produce an underlay appropriate to every application and every budget.

All Novostrat underlays are light in weight and so are efficient to store, transport, and manage at installation.They generally have low TOG ratings making them ideal to work with underfloor heating systems, and they are acoustically efficient reducing noise penetration by up to 22dB. From Novosrat’s flagship underlay, Sonic Gold Excel, to ‘Graphite’ their ‘value’ carpet underlay, Novostrat underlays have been greatly welcomed by flooring retailers and wholesalers alike. T 00353 61-339287 www.novostrat-insulation.com

Europe adores Domotex 2010 has proved to be the ideal catalyst for adore® luxury flooring to propel its industry first LVT product with licenced and patented click technology into more international markets.

Since its successful UK launch at the National Floor Show in Harrogate last September, the buzz and excitement surrounding this revolutionary product has hit global levels, and after four days of activity on its stand, adore luxury flooring is reporting that Domotex has been more than just a success: “With stocks of our adore®touch soon to hit UK shores, mainland Europe was our next target and Domotex provided the ideal launch pad to spread the word,” says Paul Brady, CEO Europe. “The show is known for its international catchment and allowed us to communicate all the advantages of adore®touch to interested distributors and retailers as far apart as France and the Middle East.”

adore luxury flooring reports that it has now established distribution links within all the key European countries, including Poland and Russia, as well as in key Middle Eastern markets, underlining the potential of its adore®touch product. Using licensed and patented click technology developed under the Unilin L2C programme, the LVT uses a locking profile based on over a decade of experience and adapts it to make sure it is suitable for heterogeneous vinyl, providing a strength and longevity of joint that makes the product even suitable for certain commercial applications. Paul Brady continues: “As part of the world’s most prolific manufacturer of LVT, we are experienced in the production of high quality products and we wanted to make sure adore®touch upheld this quality in every way. Over the course of the past five years, we have worked with two principle locking profile specialists to create a suitable joint, drawing upon their expertise and knowledge, going through many trial versions until all parties were happy with the end result.” T 0845 6021881 32

March 2010

www.adorefloors.com

FlooringNews

from The Stocklists

March 2010

WLD - Company Profile

First rate laminate WLD are the people who give laminate a good name as the UK’s leading supplier of quality products with a real commitment to re-build confidence in the sector through a service that’s second to none. “Some people have pulled away from laminate because they have been wary of variable quality. We have been giving retailers back their confidence with products that are absolutely right – and at the right price,” says WLD’s Wayne Poole.

“We are also very serious about service, stock and sampling.That’s what sets us apart,” he says. “We are very strong in supporting the trade with what they need to get the sale.”

The WLD operation backs up this claim with impressive credentials. For example, they are the only UK distributor that stocks the entire range of Balterio’s 147 decors – and the attention to detail is such that the company also stocks not most but all the finishes and profiles that match to that range. “There are some stunning products available and we are selective about getting the right quality at the right price,” says Wayne. As well as Balterio products, he is also tipping upcoming German laminate manufacturer Sensa to make a big impact in 2010 with highly attractive designs at competitive prices.

And alongside these designer brands, WLD has also sourced its own laminate products from Eastern manufacturers and offers a container load service to larger retailers and groups that gives them excellent opportunities to increase margins and launch local ‘own label’ ranges.

Since its launch in 2002, WLD has invested heavily in warehousing and stock – with up to 4,000 pallets of laminate stored at its Essex depot – and a fleet of seven lorries to guarantee a next-day delivery in the Home Counties and 48-hour service to most of the UK.

Sensa point of sale.

March 2010

“We are an old fashioned wholesaler,” says Wayne. “It’s all about service and we work hard to get orders out for our

Balterio point of sale.

customers. If they are calling at 7.00pm one evening, we’ll still hope to load it onto a vehicle overnight and have it ready to roll first thing the next morning.

“We know what the retailer needs and what they’re going through especially in the current climate,” says Wayne. “For example, we know that if the consumer can’t see it, our customer can’t sell it, so we put a lot of effort into sampling and stands.”

For the Sensa range, 250 attractive display units (pictured) are going out to UK retailers at the moment and WLD are also handling the roll-out of sophisticated new point-of-sale from Balterio (pictured). WLD doesn’t make a charge for sampling. WLD is a team of some 30 people serving almost 600 active retail accounts. “2010 will be a tough year but we’ve put in enough effort and investment to ensure it’s a success,” says Wayne. T 01375 841300

FlooringNews

News

Striking the right cord British carpet manufacturer, Heckmondwike FB says carpets are becoming the flooring of choice for architects. The durable, versatile Supacord carpet range has a strong heritage and has been a firm favourite with schools and education centres for the past 30 years. Now, its product benefits of an A+ BRE Global Rating and along with the availability of 40 colours is making waves with architects looking to roll out a cost-effective ‘designers touch’ to flooring, in sheet as well as tile format. The unrivalled versatility of British-made Supacord allows specific designs to be laid due to the ability of Supacord to be precisely cut without fear of ravelling or fraying. This versatility allows designated areas to be clearly defined by the flooring and the multitude of colours allows the floor to make a design statement. Abby Chandler, Heckmondwike FB Marketing Manager comments; “Supacord’s product benefits are the very reason why it is such a popular choice for educational purposes and has been for the last 30 years. What we’re seeing now, is that not only is its functional benefits being utilised, but its versatility as a design option is now being fully optimised. With 40 colours and the capability to cut to any shape without fraying or damaging the carpet, it’s becoming a more affordable, designer option.” T 01924 406 161 www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk

Capitol idea from Tarkett When the Capitol Tiles Group wanted to refurbish their main trade counter in Coventry, they looked to Tarkett to provide the flooring solution. Tarkett’s new Safetred Spectrum safety tiles proved quick and easy to install in the limited space, remaining flexible and easy to work with despite the cold weather. The tile format also meant a chequerboard design could be easily achieved. Richard Davis, Director at Capitol Tiles Group said: “The trade counter at our Capitol Flooring division needed a heavy-duty safety floor to cope with the volume and variety of foot traffic, from high heels to builders’ boots, and Tarkett’s new Safety Tile was the ideal solution. The winter conditions have proved a good test and we’re absolutely delighted with it. It’s had a lot of praise from our customers too.” One headmistress was very impressed with the tile format as traditional safety flooring, sold on rolls, restricted opportunities for creating patterns and borders on a limited budget. Tarkett’s safety tile overcomes this issue while also reducing installation waste, helping schools achieve environmental targets.

Tarkett’s Safetred Spectrum safety tiles are 500x500mm each and come packaged in boxes of 16, giving up to 4m2 of coverage. They are lightweight, less bulky to work with and easier to store and carry. Individual tiles are more stable and easy to cut to the desired shape, with no welding required, saving time and reducing waste. T 01622 854040

www.tarkett-commercial.com

Tailored tools for flooring International tool company Stanley Bostitch is re-launching its flooring range to offer professionals a complete package no matter what installation they are working on, with a wide selection of tools and fasteners designed specifically for different types of flooring.

The range offers tools for several kinds of flooring, including a stapler which drives divergent point staples for sub-flooring, a brad nailer for trim work, and a headless pinner that is ideal for parquet flooring. Also included are a choice of two pneumatic and one manual hardwood flooring tools. A wide range of staples, brads, pins and cleats are available for each tool, many of which come with Stanley Bostitch 7 Year Limited Warranty.

The SX1838-E stapler and BT1855-E brad nailer both come with a selectable trigger, lightweight magnesium body, oil-free engine and Dial-A-Depth control, and the stapler drives 15 – 38mm staples whilst the brad nailer drives 18 gauge 15 – 55mm brads.The TU-216-2330K-E headless pinner uses 23 gauge, 12 - 30mm pins for invisible pinning, and comes with variable power control, a secondary trigger and rear exhaust.

The new MFN201-E manual flooring nailer, which doesn’t require an air compressor or hose, drives ‘L’ shaped flooring cleats from 38 – 50mm and features a changeable ratcheting drive mode, is supplied with a robust yet lightweight soft-faced graphite mallet, additional foot plates for precise positioning and a heavy-duty carry case for easy transportation.The MIIIFN and MIIIFS pneumatic flooring nailer and stapler offer comfortable, high volume hardwood flooring installation. Only a light strike of the tool is required as the air power will do the hard work, allowing quick, easy fastening. T 08701 630 630 36

March 2010

www.bostitch.co.uk

FlooringNews

News

Ball’s card offers cashback F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has announced a new series of exclusive benefits and discounts for members of its successful Contractor Loyalty Card Scheme.The company has introduced its popular cash back offer for 2010, enabling members to claim 2.5% cash back on all invoiced purchases of F. Ball products from 1 March.

Throughout March and April, in addition to this 2.5% cash back, Loyalty Card holders will also be able to claim an extra 5% cash back on purchases of F. Ball’s high performance waterproof surface membranes, Stopgap F75 and F76 – offering contractors an exceptional 7.5% total cash back on these products. In a further incentive, when members spend over £500 on Stopgap F75 or F76 during the offer period, on a single invoiced transaction, F. Ball will send them a free Digital Hygrometer, worth £95.

Further benefits to members include priority booking on courses at the new F. Ball training centre, as well as entry to exclusive competitions, such as the popular ‘Spot the Ball’ competition. Accessible through the F. Ball Rewards website, the competition offers members the chance to win a Makita LXT site radio every month. The F. Ball Loyalty Card is available to all flooring contractors. Registration is simple and free-of-charge, with application forms available from F. Ball wholesalers, through the F. Ball website. T 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk

Fast and flat With the Level Plus Effect UZIN is able to provide a new generation of water mixed levelling compounds, which offer an excellent coverage, absorbency, surface appearance and extreme surface smoothness. No coincidence that these are exactly the most important criteria for professional floor-layers when it comes to working with levelling compounds, espe-cially in industrial locations.

The fastest representative of the Level Plus Effect is UZIN NC 172. As its name suggests, the Rapid Levelling Compound stands out due rapid drying time, as well as its excellent flow properties.Thanks to the Level Plus Effect, UZIN NC 172 BiTurbo has a very smooth surface, a homogenous and uniform surface appearance and the reduced consumption of adhesives during following laying work. Its speed of drying makes it ready for laying after only one hour for most coverings except wooden flooring.This helps with improving the programming and possibilities of replacing the floor covering even on time sensitive projects. UZIN comments that this enables UZIN NC 172 to be named as the fastest Levelling Compound in the UK as well as Europe. The product is classified with EC1 and can be specified under all flooring types in all situations and with a classification of 50Nm2 ensuring the highest heavy duty performance use, in commercial and industrial locations.The adhesive can also be applied smoothly to the absorbent levelling compound.This makes the finished floor covering surface look smoother, especially when laying visually sensitive, elastic floor coverings. T 01235 534106

www.uzin.com

Venerable and versatile Independent carpet producer Whitestone Weavers is featuring a roll call of ‘celebrity clerics’ in its latest Hugh Mackay collection.The venerable Aidan, Cuthbert, Bede and Benedict – all high ranking, historic religious figures - are the names of four designs that make up the brand new Durham Cathedral collection – itself an historic name known throughout the retail flooring trade. National sales manager Phil Hartley said: “The Hugh Mackay brand is very well known in the region and more widely. No newlyweds home used to be complete without at least one ‘Durham’ carpet, as they were known.”

Now it is ‘newlyweds’ and others with an eye for up-to-the-minute looks that the new Hugh Mackay collection is targeting. Offering large scale, contemporary designs in muted natural and tonal shades, the 7x8 row Axminster range comes in a combination of 80% wool 20% nylon and 100% pure undyed wool in a total of 20 different designs/colours and in 4 metre widths:

Aidan is a large scale damask pattern in eight colourways. Cuthbert is a contemporary design featuring a striped background print with large floral overlay in three colourways. Bede is a subtle Morris-style floral design in four colourways and Benedict is a bold, modern peony pattern in three colourways. T 01756 795374 38

March 2010

www.whitestone.co.uk

FlooringNews

Promotional feature

Harrogate Flooring Show In the lead up to this important industry event that showcases the best companies in the business, exhibitors are already seeing the advantages of taking part as visitors see the virtue of being there

Maximum value for exhibitors

“Every day brings us more support – our original target figures have already been surpassed and with over 65 companies contracted, and many more about to sign, we are well in front of where we had dared hoped to be.”

£129 per m2 shell scheme £98 per m2 space only includes 500w supply and electricity, cleaning and security for all stands (and carpet, if required, for shell schemes). No hidden extras.

David Wildman Show Organiser Harrogate Flooring Show 2010

New Exhibitors lead the way The latest exhibitors to commit to the Harrogate Flooring Show this September include Penthouse Carpets whose involvement lends further gravitas to the event, which already has the support of major players within the industry including Cormar Carpets, Lano Carpets, Edel Telenzo and Abingdon Flooring.

Sunday trading is popular The Show Team Wendy Adams and Danielle Brown of the highly experienced event organisers Wendy Adams Associates.

The Sunday show day has had a terrific reception – so much so that some exhibitors saw this as one of the main reasons for their involvement. In line with the vast majority of trade events, Sunday has proved to be the key day, attracting 60% - 70% of the total visitors.

Great Rates on Hotels

Exhibitors list 2010 Abingdon Carpets Ahwazian Ardex Asiatic Carpets Bmk Ball & Young Brink & Campman CFA CFJ Carpets & Flooring Central Flooring Clarendon Carpets Cormar Carpets Dickinson Moore Displad Distinctive Flooring Ecovise Edel – Telenzo F Ball Foamfield Rubber Furlong Carpets Gaskell Wool Rich Georgian Carpets Gripperland UK HBS Hadfields Hand Made Carpets Interiors Monthly KJC Kersaint Cobb Kingsmead Carpets Lano Carpets Licheer UK Leica Geosystems Manx Carpets Mastercraft Rugs Matthys Mayfield Carpets Melrose Textiles Mercado Morleys Novostrat Oriental Carpets Rugs ORC Rugs Oriental Weavers Ossfloor Penthouse Carpets Plantation Rugs Rama Carpets Regency Carpets Stocklists Magazine Stairrods Stanley Bostitch Suffolk Hard Woods Tapibel Tomkinsons Carpets Tomorrows Flooring Triple King Umderlay Plus Victoria Carpets Vanhoutte Imofloor West Riding Felts Wilkies Woolsafe

A16 M9 B26 M16 M12 M20 C5 B9 B9 B20a A6 A2 A7 B11 A25 A4 C17 C25 B1 B36 C1 A22 A1 B16 A21 C18 A14 C28 A8 A13 C12 M19 B24 B21 C15 C3 M26 C22 C20 M10 M21 B4 M7 C32 M13 A25 C23 A20 C21 C1 A3 B14 B37 B24 M17 A23 M5 C14 B16 C11 A24 B32 M27 A19

Being backed by the venue has great benefits, one of which is the support of the Accommodation Service and the major hotels. Following meetings with Destination Harrogate (a group made up of all the main hotels) we are pleased to announce that we are able to offer some fantastic rates for 2010, all of which show a great saving over the previous year. To book your accommodation call 01423 537304.

Contact Information The Hayloft Studio, Clapham Green, High Birstwith, Harrogate HG3 2JD. Fax: + 44 (0)1423 770121 from The Stocklists

Wendy +44 (0) 1423 779967 David +44 (0) 7768 397890 www.harrogateflooringshow.net

March 2010

News

Axminster backs Prince’s promotion Axminster Carpets, a carpet manufacturer that consumes over 500,000 kilos of wool per year, has backed the plan by HRH The Prince of Wales to recreate enthusiasm for wool with a National Wool Week later this year (see page opposite).

“We are pleased that His Royal Highness is turning his attention to the promotion of wool and that the efforts are being backed by two of the best known names in British retailing,” says Steve Upperton, Sales Director. “We hope that this will re-focus consumers on the benefits of wool and with further support from Condé Nast, publishers of titles such as ‘House and Garden’ and ‘World of Interiors’, we are sure that the profile of wool carpets will again be raised through regular coverage in the consumer media, benefitting our network of retailers.” With specific mention of his hopes to see a return to woollen carpets and rugs over wood flooring, it is obvious that HRH The Prince of Wales understands the role of carpet within the wool industry:

Simply Natural Stripe in City

“Every single carpet in our range has a high wool content and many are entirely made from pure new wool. It is one of the most sustainable carpet fibres available today, being both rapidly renewing and supporting UK farming from a socio-economic perspective. 90% of all the wool we use comes from British flocks and we have further plans to develop new ranges made from 100% pure new wool later this year,” said Steve. T 01297 630650 www.axminstercarpets.co.uk

AW goes soft on wool

Brits bet on Vegas

As the profile of wool is raised in the consumer market, Associated Weavers introduces a range that goes just a little bit further for lovers of natural fibre.

UK companies appear increasingly reluctant to gamble in Las Vegas at Surfaces - the international flooring showcase that attracts 30,000 visitors to some 750 trade stands in the desert – but there are real rewards to be won.

The new Cashmere Berber range launched this month is a classic 80/20 with an extra twist - the British Wool content has 15% cashmere yarn woven in to create a silky softness to the touch.

The 50oz carpet will be available in 9 colours and three widths – 2.5, 4 and 5 metres – and benefits from a 10-year wear guarantee.

At the same time, AW aims to build on the highly successful launch of its Crossland Berber range by adding a heathered sister product called Country Berber which will be available in a 42 oz ‘supreme’ version. Country Berber ticks all the boxes. Giving that natural Berber look it is manufactured from Stainguard XL fibre - a polypropylene/polyamide mix which is underwritten by a 10-year Stainaway warranty plus AW’s 10-year wear guarantee.

The range will be available in 10 natural colours and three widths – 2.5, 4 and 5 metres – and point-of-sale will be rolling out to retailers this Spring. T 01422 431100 www.awe.be

The British always get a warm welcome especially for high-end wool products which, while they only form 3% of the US flooring market, can make a highly valuable contribution to margins.

So while recession-hit Vegas was still able to report an increase in attendance to Surfaces 2010 of some 15%, the UK attendance to the show was confined to an elite but effective duo of Brintons and Axminster Carpets who took advantage of the showcase provided by the British Wool Marketing Board at the event.

“Wool is holding up better than synthetics in the US market,” says British Wool’s Brigitte Kelly who attended the show which ran from February 2 – 4. “Surfaces was a very valuable show for our people and there is real potential for growth in the North American market for UK companies.”

The US doesn’t have a significant domestic wool growing industry but there is a well-established appetite for traditional British products and the importance of the fibre’s environmental credentials is growing.The British Wool Marketing Board are committed to developing relationships in the region.

The Wool Project (see facing page) was also launched at Surfaces for the American market with a video address by Prince Charles. A media breakfast was well attended for the launch and generated impressive coverage in trade and consumer press in the US. T 01274 688666 www.britishwool.org.uk

March 2010

FlooringNews

Wo o l P ro j e c t f e a t u re

b y D a v i d S p ra g g

Moral fibre - staunch support for wool’s eco ‘re-launch’ “Humanity is discovering the limits of its capacity to replace nature and instead is rediscovering the many remarkable ways in which nature can, in harmony with man’s ingenuity, sustain and enhance our quality of life” “All we are saying… is give fleece a chance!” Not quite Lennon, but the lyric of wool campaigner Nicholas Coleridge. “That slogan is a terrible joke, of course, but it does have the core of our message,” he says.

Nicholas Coleridge heads the Condé Nast fashion publishing empire and has been royally appointed to communicate the objectives of the Wool Project – a drive by Prince Charles to rescue wool as a favoured fibre and to make it fashionable once again.

The carpet trade which accounts for 70% of wool used has responded strongly to support the campaign that hopes to have a major consumer impact later this year.

Nicholas Coleridge

The Stocklists reported last month on the launch of this initiative that has been prompted by the plight of wool growers who have seen fleece prices decline below the cost of shearing and by the Prince’s agenda on sustainability and his aversion to the advance of synthetic fibres.

Following up that event, the Prince has since addressed the carpet industry directly in a video presentation first seen by US journalists at the Surfaces show in Las Vegas when he said: “As we move into another decade in the 21st century, it is clear to me that humanity is discovering the limits of its capacity to replace nature and instead is rediscovering the many remarkable ways in which nature can, in harmony with man’s ingenuity, sustain and enhance our quality of life. “There is no better example of this, for me, than our approach to wool. Natural wool was once the main stay of your industry but with the arrival of manmade fabrics in the last century, its use declined rapidly and this change was driven in part by the performance of the new fabrics, but also largely by cost. Wool was simply more expensive. In that cost calculation, scant consideration was paid to the full benefits of wool. When you look at them, these benefits are amazing.” In addition to its low carbon footprint, energy efficiency and noise insulation, the Prince was particularly keen to emphasise the fire safety credentials of the fibre.

Nicholas Coleridge is part of the team that will turn ideas into action. "One of the missions of the Wool Project campaign that Prince Charles has started and is so passionate about is how we can get more people to walk on wool,” says Nicholas. from The Stocklists

“What we are trying to do is to get all the high street shops to get behind a Wool Week and it's going to be the biggest thing that's ever been done in wool. We're trying to get all the carpet shops to really push wool for one week or two - and put wool to the front of the shop with special tags that tell you the ten golden reasons why we should use more wool,” he said.

The key players on the campaign team for carpets will be the British Wool Marketing Board and the Carpet Foundation. Since the launch, the project has received “huge support” says Bridgette Kelly of British Wool.

“There has been a great reaction.The campaign can only be as good as the manufacturers and retailers who get behind it and we have been very pleased with the response so far,” she says.

The team are currently working on a “lifestyle brand” to carry the wool benefits themes and the first major focus for the campaign will be the Wool Week in September or October.The major clothing retailers such as Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Debenhams and Tesco have already backed the plan and carpet retailers will be expected to follow suit. Carpet accounts for some 70% of wool fibre use in the UK and the sector will form a key part of the campaign which is expected to extend over five years.The promotion will include extensive point of sale support to help retailers carry the message to consumers.

“Consumers aren’t really clear why they are buying wool. It is an education exercise as much as marketing and we need to build understanding in an engaging way that helps retailers communicate with consumers.”

“Consumers aren’t really clear why they are buying wool,” says Bridgette. “It is an education exercise as much as marketing and we need to build understanding in an engaging way that helps retailers communicate with consumers.”

The steering group are under no illusions that the campaign has a lot to achieve. “This is a big ask,” says Bridgette. “The campaign will need to be very targeted if it is to achieve its objectives of changing perceptions and increasing the value in the wool business for all participants.

“It’s a tough challenge but one that must be achieved in order to move the industry forward. It is a key moment of opportunity for us all,” she said.

March 2010

News

Tornado sweeps in Tornado is the latest cushioned sheet vinyl product from itec Contract Floors. As part of the itec 32 collection,Tornado has been developed to combine contract-level performance with domestic style, bringing durability while remembering that looks are important too.

Featuring a 0.4mm wear layer and with a Mechanical Emboss surface for added realism,Tornado comes in two, three and four-metre widths to minimise the appearance of seams and reduce wastage in all size rooms. Equipped with a cushion backing,Tornado also enhances underfoot comfort, making it a great choice for semi-contract installations. Available in Techno marbled and chip finishes in a range of nature-inspired colourways as well as Equador and Vita styles,Tornado achieves a Class 32 Commercial General rating. “Not all locations contractors are involved in require heavy duty sheet vinyl and so the itec 32 collection bridges this gap,” comments Ortwin Top, Marketing Manager. “Tornado can ring the ease of maintenance and durability of contract-rated vinyl floorcoverings but with the style and comfort of domestic products making it ideal for areas such as social housing, private housing, healthcare and education environments.”With the ability to absorb up to 15dB of sound,Tornado can also promote a quieter environment for building users. T +32 5665 3211

www.ivcgroup.com

Victoria’s first FIT Victoria health & safety manager Mick Cooper is the first FIT Champion - a new award from the Furnishing Industry Trust which is intended to honour a new category of charity supporter.

FIT chief executive Charles Kerrigan: said “Mick is a true professional. He arranged for the chairman of FIT’s Grants and Welfare Committee to give a talk to Victoria Carpet’s workforce about the help we offer: he then organised a mailing with information about our grants for staff with their pay slips – and ensured retired employees also received the information. Mick is also in regular touch with us to find help and support for individual employees who have a personal crisis.

“There are many people working in company HR, health and safety or welfare departments who are instrumental in ensuring people are aware of the help on offer from the Trust and assist with applications from anyone facing hardship,” said Charles. “For those facing unexpected personal difficulties these people can prove true champions indeed.” T 01562 749 300

www.victoriacarpets.com

Floor fantasies from Leoline Fantasia, the latest collection of cushioned vinyl from Leoline, opens up a world of creativity and brings fun to the floor. Featuring designs such as jigsaws and road maps that are perfect for child playrooms and bedrooms, Fantasia also features more ‘grown up’ designs such as Dots, the checkerplate of Solid and mosaic and tile designs.

“Fantasia offers some unusual designs that are great for making an interior statement,” comments Ortwin Top, Marketing Manager. “All ages are catered for and we are sure that the freedom of expression given by this collection will help to make homes a more pleasing and fun place to be.” Featuring a seven-year guarantee, Fantasia is available in two, three and four-metre widths so that it can be used everywhere from halls and bathrooms to living areas and bedrooms. With its cushioned back, Fantasia provides great underfoot comfort and can help to reduce sound by up to 18dB for a quieter home.

Fantasia is one of the first collections to be launched under the new Leoline branding (formerly Leolan) and will roll-out to retailers with new branding, reflecting Leoline’s position as one of the leading cushioned vinyl brands within the UK residential flooring sector. T 0032 5665 3211

www.ivcgroup.com

Mick Cooper (left) receiving the FIT Champion award from Charles Kerrigan. 42

March 2010

FlooringNews

SL Back March 2010 v2

25/2/10

6:22 pm

Page 43

N e w s f e a t u re

b y D a v i d S p ra g g

Wool with a new twist – and a sustainable future The mission: ‘to reintroduce a luxury fibre to a changing world’.That’s the agenda set by New Zealand’s Wool Partners in a major new drive to promote wool to a more prominent position among carpet and rug consumers.

Launched at the Domotex flooring fair in Hannover and the Surfaces show in Las Vegas last month, the organisation has invested heavily in its Wools of New Zealand business alongside another new brand “Laneve™’, a wool integrity mark that will underline the credentials of quality wool.

Natural Beauty of a Laneve™ wool rug.

“This is a major step forward for wool in general and New Zealand wool in particular,” says Iain Abercrombie, Wool Partners CEO. “We are very excited by the potential of this promotion. We are very serious about what we are doing here.

“We have a quality, naturally sustainable product that we need to reintroduce to the consumer. We are going to invest in our brand to raise awareness of the unique attributes of our wool and to realise its true value in the marketplace,” says Iain.

“The Laneve™ brand is a significant new development in wool marketing. It means that Laneve™ wool has integrity – we have taken responsibility for the wool right back to the farm ensuring that it is sourced from farms that meet strict conditions around animal welfare, land management, chemical usage, etc . It is wool with pedigree and we see it as the premium of the premium.” The Wool Partners initiative, which has taken two years to bring to launch, follows a turbulent period in the wool business with prices in world markets falling to their lowest point in 50 years. Wool growers – especially in New Zealand and Australia – have found wool production increasingly marginal economically.

“There has not been enough value in wool and the business has been steadily declining,” says Iain. “But a lot of farmers want to believe that their industry has a future and our role is to give them a stake in that future and something to believe in.”

As a result, New Zealand farmers will have the opportunity to invest in a 50% stake in Wool Grower Holdings which is a farmer cooperative that owns 50% of Wool Partners International. Wool Partners International is the parent company of Wools of New Zealand, the marketing entity behind this new promotion. Growers pay a small marketing fee to support new promotional activities in the main consumer markets, most notably the UK, US and the increasingly aspirational Eastern markets. A sophisticated campaign of brand positioning and marketing communication is the result, with messaging around four themes of Wool Beauty, Wool Health, Wool Integrity and Wool Comfort.

The marketing is slick and professional including a large interactive touch-screen point-of-sale unit for retailers which can help them inform consumers about the unique attributes of wool. “This is marketing for the iPod generation,” says Mike Jones, Chief Operating Officer. “Retailers are a key part of the programme.They have the relationships with consumers and understand them best. “We want to support the industry with a comprehensive support package that includes marketing, design, training and technical information to help them communicate the message and increase their margins in this business,” he says.

There will be a range of marketing materials available to the trade including printed literature and point-of-sale backed up by trade and consumer advertising.

The organisation is working closely with its licensee manufacturing partners which includes key spinners in Europe and major UK players including Danspin, Martinelli, Lusola. Lusotufo,Tisca Tiara, Ryalux, Contemporary Life, Best Wool Carpets, Brockway, Westex,TWN, MID, Heuga, and Interface.

The initiative will also benefit from unexpected coincidental support from Prince Charles who launched the Wool Project in January.This programme is a response to the exposure of wool growers across the Commonwealth to low market prices and the Prince is keen to encourage consumers to understand the environmental and quality benefits of buying wool products – see page 41 for more details.

David Hammond, European Market Manager,Wools of New Zealand, with Nick Walley, Director, and Charles Annable, Managing Director of Brockway Carpets Ltd. Mike Jones, Chief Operating Officer,Wools of New Zealand, with Darren Clanford, Creative Director of Ryalux Carpets Ltd. from The Stocklists

March 2010

The wool walkover Wool is still the UK’s favourite - but not because it’s ‘green’.

Wool remains a firm favourite among UK flooring retailers who expect sales to grow even against the improving quality of synthetic products. But consumers need more help understanding the fibre, said our survey. In The Stocklists latest online survey, we asked our readers about attitudes to wool after the announcement of the Wool Project, the campaign launched by Prince Charles to support failing wool growers by championing the environment credentials of wool and making the fibre fashionable again.

The wool business already appears to be relatively healthy at retail level with about half our sample saying they were selling as much wool as five years ago and 32% saying there were selling more. When we asked about the year ahead, the results were even more encouraging. While about half of our retailers expected to sell about the same amount of wool, 28% said they expected to sell a little more and 21% were anticipating selling a lot more.

Support of the Prince Charles’s involvement in the topic was unaminimous among our readers but there was less certainty about some of the themes he is keen to develop. 40% suggested their customers didn’t care much about environmental issues when buying a carpet and a third says consumers only cared a little. But 26% said the sustainability was becoming increasingly important.

“The Government needs to produce some hard cash rather than hot air to propel carpet recycling forward – otherwise the issue will languish with the well-meaning but slightly looney green brigade,” said one respondent who suggested Europe was dealing with the issue much better than the UK.

When we asked retailers what most influenced consumers to buy wool, the green theme came bottom of our league with “feel and comfort” at the top. Durability still came second – a more surprising result in a market where we’re told consumers are less concerned how long a product will last – and “Appearance Retention” came third. The important fire safety aspects of wool only achieved a 13% score in the wool benefits survey although this is something consumers may be hearing more about in the future campaign. A resounding 73% say quality standards had been maintained or improved over that period. 83% of respondents said consumers were still willing to pay a premium for wool. Several respondents commented about promoting British products. “The fact that most wool/blends are manufactured in the UK by UK companies means there can be no better reason to buy British and support British industry and jobs,” said one retailer.

“Everyone wants wool but they don’t care where it comes from.” 44

March 2010

“Consumers need to understand why they should pay a little more.”

But overall, where the wool comes from appears to be low on buyers’ lists – 66% percent said consumers didn’t care too much where the wool comes from.The improving quality of wool products from India was noted in the survey. The challenge to wool from synthetics appears to be less of a threat than some might think. While 73% of the survey said the quality and feel of synthetics have improved substantially in recent years only 31% believed that they were catching up with wool on the basis of price versus quality/feel but there was some comment that younger buyers were less pro-wool than their parents – “Young families are veering towards synthetics as the quality improves” was one comment.

The Wool Project says it will be providing sales aids to help retailers tell the wool story more effectively and the move is welcomed by retailers – 60% said they did not have adequate information. “We need more POS about the positives of wool,” commented one retailer. “Another said: “Any help in reminding and educating the customers about wool would be really useful so that they understand why they may be should pay a little more.”

Key results

Woolly thinking?

49% 83% 40% 60% 69%

49% expect wool sales to increase this year 49 49

83% says consumers will still to pay a premium 83 83

40% say “greenness” is not a consumer concern 40

60% want more information to sell wool benefits 60 60

69% don’t think synthetics are closing the gap 69 69

The Stocklists polled 385 retailers throughout the UK during February 2010. Replies and comments are recorded anonymously. Many thanks to all those who took part.

“With most wool ranges made in the UK, there can be no better reason to support British jobs.”

“Young families are veering towards synthetics as the quality improves.”

FlooringNews

The Carpet Foundation in Focus Promoting ‘the experts’

March sees the launch of a new £150,000 advertising campaign by the Carpet Foundation and a new name for its retail members.

The new campaign is a natural extension of the successful Real People concept that was launched in 2007 and builds on the concept of Carpet Foundation retailers as ‘the experts’ in carpet retailing. With minimal copy and a simple, strong message, the ads seek to drive those ‘in the funnel’ into a Carpet Foundation retailer.There are four new executions in total and they use a mixture of plain and pattern carpet. Modern, stylish and inspirational, they will certainly stand out in magazines. The Spring burst of activity kicks off on 1 March and will see 42 insertions in 17 of the leading home interest magazines that are bought by 2.8 million consumers every month. 75% of all insertions are in premium cover positions that will further boost the impact of the campaign. A selection of hard working and practical POSM has been produced to dovetail in with the new campaign.

To coincide with the new advertising campaign, the Registered Specialist logo and brand name will be phased out and retailers will now be known as Carpet Foundation members with a new, updated, contemporary logo.

Commenting on the moves, marketing director Rupert Anton said: ”We have always been conscious that we have a complex hierarchy of messages.The move under one umbrella will simplify the message to consumers and reflects the fact that retailers have long since typically referred to themselves as ‘members of the Carpet Foundation’ anyway. Furthermore, our decision is supported by the findings of research we carried out among 2410 magazine readers in 2008 in which 60% of respondents attributed our advertising to the Carpet Foundation. “The new advertising campaign moves things on and I genuinely believe that we have come up with our best campaign yet. We have one image that is really graphic and eye catching; another where the carpet looks lush and you want to stroke it; the monochrome shot is incredibly powerful while the family shot oozes personality.” ‘Definitive guide to carpet’ on the web

In other promotional activity, the CF website is being revamped to coincide with the launch of the new advertising campaign. It attracted just short of 100,000 visitors in 2009 and is becoming the ‘definitive guide to carpet’ on the web.The most popular pages are all from the ‘Buying a Carpet’ section, proving that consumers turn to it for information and advice rather than inspiration or ideas.The new design is fresh and modern and seeks to enhance the browsing experience by providing more links to the key content pages.The most popular sections are clearly signposted and the modular design ensures complete flexibility with content and design. To capitalise on the increasing popularity of the site, all Carpet Foundation members have been offered a free one page website on the site and already one third of the membership have jumped at the opportunity. A third of CF members have already taken up the free one-page website offer.

from The Stocklists

On the road

The last 17 months has seen the Foundation employ its own small team of ‘On the Road’ representatives to call on retail members and bring them up to speed with the work of the CF.To date, 83% of retailers have been visited and this activity is set to continue into 2010 with the remaining 17% of members to be visited.

“The new advertising campaign moves things on and I genuinely believe we have come up with our best campaign yet.”

March 2010

News

DOMOTEX 2010

Bamboo set to grow and grow One of the most talked about new carpet ranges at this year’s Domotex exhibition, Bamboo was the latest collection from Lano Carpets. As its name suggests, this carpet first comprises a high percentage of bamboo content bringing with it a number of inherent attributes. Bamboo has natural antibacterial and humidity regulating properties and when turned into carpet fibre it is exceptionally soft to the touch. Further to this, bamboo can grow up to 60cm per day, making it a rapidly renewing resource from which to harvest carpet yarn, so adding an environmental edge to this innovative product.

The high content bamboo / polyamide blend ensures that this newest of introductions has the durability and ease of maintenance to withstand the pressures of today’s living. This combination also allows for exceptional underfoot comfort and a beautiful lustre that gives all 28 colours of bamboo a luxurious silky glow. Available four metre wide and supported with Comfort Backing, this tufted Saxony has diverse appeal that will help to provide a talking point in store explains Birger Karlsson, UK and Ireland Sales Manager: “The green conscious consumer should not be underestimated when it comes to carpet and bamboo, with its rapidly renewing content, will pacify this. However, no matter how ‘green’ a carpet, it must still be an attractive proposition and so we have made sure the bamboo carpet makes the right noises here too.” T 00800 5266 5266

www.lano.com

Moquette Couture - a classy concept from Balta Broadloom.

A cut above Among Balta’s extensive portfolio of new ranges introduced at Domotex was a première for 'Moquette Couture II'. This unique concept allows the consumer to select from a wide range of floor covering and have this cut to measure and finished as carpet.

Also new was 'Stainsafe Heritage Heather' - a Stainsafe polypropylene saxony carpet available in different weight grades in both 4 and 5m widths.This collection features 18 up to the minute colours, and is manufactured with matching multi-coloured yarns - a versatile carpet that is easy to maintain.

'Funky Stripes', a synthetic twist grade, is the odd man out in the collection with striking wide stripes in vibrant colours, ideal for young people’s rooms.This reasonably priced trendy range was one of the many show stoppers’ on Balta’s stand. After the recently introduced Pure collection, at Domotex Balta Broadloom showcased a completely new flat-woven collection under the name 'Maya'.The unique thing about this collection is the use of dressed PP yarns, making it possible to produce a carpet with a very realistic sisal look without the drawbacks of a carpet in real sisal. In the production of the Maya collection, only high-quality polypropylene yarns coloured in the mass are used, making the Maya carpet stain resistant. T 0056 6222 316

www.baltagroup.com

F. Ball boosts Euro business F. Ball and Co. Ltd. enjoyed another successful show at Domotex 2010, welcoming a record number of visitors. Demonstrating the company’s strength and commitment to invest in its products and customer support, F. Ball also revealed the positive results of an £8 million investment programme, including the development of a new training centre and state-of-the-art factory extension at its UK manufacturing headquarters.

In addition, F. Ball launched the 2010 edition of its comprehensive Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG) – the industry’s most trusted guide to adhesive and floorcovering compatibility. An essential tool for specifiers, flooring contractors and distributors, the latest RAG features over 5,500 adhesive recommendations for floorcoverings from over 200 leading manufacturers, worldwide.

Expanding its international operations, F. Ball recently appointed a dedicated Technical Representative for the Benelux region. Based in Amsterdam, Freerk Beuckens provides further support for F. Ball’s growing export business. Datasheets are now also offered in a range of foreign languages, broadening the accessibility of key product information for the wider international market.

Jonathan Goold, Export Business Manager at F. Ball, comments: “Domotex continues to be an important part of our exhibition calendar, providing an arena for us to meet with existing customers, as well as build new relationships in the wider international flooring industry.This year, the F. Ball stand saw a particular increase in the number of visitors from the Benelux region, reflecting our growing business in this area.” T 01538 361 633 46

March 2010

www.f-ball.co.uk

FlooringNews

Flower on Flooring News The great underlay debate With PU products enjoying increasing popularity, is it just a matter of time before rubber underlay disappears from the market? We asked the industry's suppliers to provide their expert opinion.

Reflecting progress in the rest of the flooring industry, the choice of underlay products has increased dramatically in recent years and consumers are now able to source exactly the type that matches their budget and general requirements.The expansion in choice has also given the retailer increased opportunity to demonstrate their expert knowledge and provide further support to customers, who will hopefully show their appreciation by returning to the store for flooring requirements in the future.

Helen Rowberry, Carpenter national sales manager, thinks it is only a matter of time before PU replaces rubber. 'Due to the many advantages polyurethane products have, it is understandable why the market is moving away from rubber underlay. It is definitely a firm favourite with carpet fitters because it is so lightweight to carry and easy to cut and fit. It certainly makes their lives easier! Carpenter builds its PU range

One of the more notable developments in the underlay sector has been the growth of PU, which has been judged to steal increasing market share from rubber equivalents. Richard Bailey, managing director of Floorwise, thinks there is still scope for rubber, despite the 'massive growth' of PU. 'The short and simple story is that despite the numerous advantages of PU underlay across many different aspects, the consumer still likes the feel and weight of sponge rubber underlays and it is this perception of the product that allows retailers to use the varying qualities to help maximise their profits. 'Of course, the complexities run deeper than this, but to the uneducated eye - which most consumers are - rubber sponge looks like "traditional quality" underlay.Take the underlay out of the shop floor and this is where PU really comes to life. Light and easy to work with, recyclable, excellent value and with performance to match all the very best rubber underlays, PU is certainly worthy of its rapid growth in market share. Its only downfall is that it is more difficult to differentiate between products and sell up.'

'Polyurethane products are also extremely environmentally friendly as they are made from recycled material and at the end of their life can be recycled back into the production process. ‘PU outperforms rubber due to its resilience and is suitable for stretch-fit or doublestick applications, in both domestic or contract locations.Additional benefits include excellent heat insulation and sound absorption.'

Carpenter has recently added Extrastep and Ultrastep heavy density PU underlays to its range. Extrastep is a 6mm thick, 180kg/m3 density PU underlay and Ultrastep is the same density but is 9mm thick and aimed at applications demanding a more luxurious underlay product. Both can be used for stretch-fit or doublestick installations.

Hyper Tread from Floorwise

For more information about featured products: Axfelt • www.axminstercarpets.co.uk • 01297 630650

Carpenter • www.carpenter.ltd.uk • 01457 861141 Floorwise • www.floorwise.co.uk • 01509 673974

Gripperland UK Ltd • www.underlayplus.co.uk • 020 8311 1152 Interfloor • www.realunderlay.com • 01706 238810

Novostrat • www.novostrat.com • 00353 6133 9287

March 2010

Novostrat is expanding

FlooringNews

News News by Dennis Flower

Competition in the PU sector is increasing with highly competitive offerings from relative newcomers such as Gripperland UK Ltd which is selling strongly on price with “direct factory sales” of ranges from double-sided PU underlay to laminated PU with non-woven, plastic film PE and stitched paper backing underlay. The company was a major supplier to the Beijing Olympics and hopes to compete for glory at London 2012!

Gripperland UK Ltd has worked hard to develop the right mix of products for the UK market with a full range of 7mm, 9mm and 11mm standard British size carpet foam underlay from 70kg density to 240kg. “Having developed economy carpet underlay, we have been continuously sourcing and selecting carefully the most 'Green' foam for carpet underlay and aim to supply underlay at the world’s lowest price,” says Kevin Zhao. The company accepts orders for container loads and says that extra price savings can be passed on to customers through this method. It has recently launched a factory sale and invites email enquiries to receive details of current offers.

Gripperland UK Ltd is campaigning on price

Interfloor, on the other hand, is promoting the use of rubber underlay with the launch of its Campaign for Real Underlay to encourage retailers and wholesalers to sell more Tredaire and Duralay rubber underlays. Featuring Mr Rubber, the campaign is being communicated via advertising, direct marketing, sales tools, point of sale and a brand new web site www.realunderlay.com.

The company states that rubber represents over 60 per cent of the UK carpet underlay market and research among consumers shows they prefer traditional rubber underlay because of its luxurious, hard-wearing and long-life properties, with 82% preferring sponge rubber underlay to any other type.

Axfelt has strong eco credentials

Steve Woodhead, Interfloor marketing director, said: 'Tredaire and Duralay rubber underlays offer outstanding sales and profit opportunities for retailers and wholesalers.The very best sponge and crumb rubber underlays offer unparalleled comfort and durability.And, due to the versatility of rubber, it is far easier to up-sell. The response to the campaign has been amazing with a significant number of customers coming back to rubber. Mr Rubber is delighted!'

Another alternative for consumers to consider is that of polyethylene underlays, such as those produced by Novostrat for wood, laminate and carpeted floors.The company has recently installed an additional production line to confirm its leading status. It states that growth in its range of flooring underlays, particularly in the UK, has greatly endorsed the company’s mantra to ‘keep quality high, keep prices competitive’. Novostrat explains that its underlays are lightweight and so are efficient to store, transport and install. The generally low TOG ratings also makes them ideal for use with underfloor heating systems, with acoustic efficiency additionally reducing noise penetration by up to 22dB, the company states.

Axminster Carpets extols the environmental benefits of its Axfelt underlay, which will now be supplied protected in biodegradable plastic.The move comes amid growing production levels for the underlay, the company explains, which is manufactured from a combination of felt made from waste wool yarn and waste carpet, with rubber crumb produced from recycled tyres.The company further states that the popularity of the underlay, originally developed to offset waste at its Devon manufacturing facility, has increased to such an extent that it is now sourcing wool and carpet waste from other carpet manufacturers and wool users across the UK.With the introduction of its carbon neutral Swaledale carpet range and the commissioning of a water treatment facility that returns 95% of waste water from yarn production back into the plant, Axminster says its Axfelt underlay is contributing to its goal of becoming the leader in the supply of environmentally considerate products for retail and contract markets.

Underlay is continuing to change its image with consumers of being an optional extra, to a product that will add further enhancement to their flooring purchase, providing retailers with the valuable opportunity of increasing revenues through the availability of additional options that complement their flooring range.

from The Stocklists

March 2010

Promotional feature

Mr Rubber launches the campaign for real underlay The Campaign for Real Underlay has put extra bounce into Interfloor’s sales following a New Year drive to encourage retailers and wholesalers to sell more traditional rubber underlay products. The campaign headlines a tongue-in-cheek Mr Rubber character – the iconic man from the Ministry of Rubber – with a rubber manifesto detailing five laws of real rubber underlay. Visitors to a new dedicated website – www.realunderlay.com – are encouraged to bounce their way around the site to learn about the benefits of rubber underlay around the home. Steve Woodhead, Interfloor marketing director, said “The campaign has proved a big hit with the trade. Many of them are reporting that consumers are impressed with the luxurious and hard wearing capabilities of rubber underlay. Quite a number of retailers have come back to Tredaire and Duralay rubber underlay because they recognise that it is easier to up-sell than anything else.” Rubber underlay products are featured with the “boingability” and “ahhhhh” factor – supported by a full range of colours, textures and specialist applications aimed at consumers’ different needs and budgets. The focus of the campaign, through the flooring trade press, is to promote the enhanced performance, sellability and customer satisfaction gained through the range of rubber products under the market-leading Tredaire and Duralay brands. Both brands have a long-held reputation for comfort, durability and high performance through products which make carpets look better, feel more luxurious and last longer. Sellability benefits for retailers to emphasise to consumers include: • brand reassurance:Tredaire and Duralay are by far the most popular underlay brands with consumers. • extra sound and heat insulation. • versatile enough to support both carpet and wood or laminate floors. • environmentally friendly: crumb rubber underlay contains recycled postconsumer waste. Duralay crumb rubbers use the recycled material from more than 3 million used car tyres making it the most environmentallyfriendly underlay manufactured in the UK. Rubber underlay represents over 60% of all carpet and flooring underlay bought in the UK. And research among consumers has shown that over 80% prefer traditional rubber underlay because of its luxurious, hard-wearing and long-life properties, with the majority of customers preferring the look and feel of sponge rubber underlay to any other underlay. Telephone 01706 238810 www.realunderlay.com

Choosing quality

Some carpet and underlay retailers are already convinced of the qualities and profitability of sponge and crumb rubber underlay.

W Horton and Sons is a family business which has supplied carpets and underlays in St Helens for almost half a century.The company is run by Phil Horton, whose father and grandfather also worked in the business. “We bought our underlays for many years from Duralay and now with Interfloor. It’s a professional company and always resolves any issues we have – we’ve had some glorious times with them.”

Mr Horton is a huge advocate of the beauty and comfort of carpets, despite the recent trend towards wooden flooring in family homes.

“I’m a carpet man – there really is nothing to compare with a soft, comfortable carpet. And of course you need a good prime underlay to get the finished product right,” he said. “But however much people have to spend, they always choose the best they can afford and always strive for quality.” The long life and durability of Interfloor’s sponge and crumb rubber underlays is evident whenever fitters from Whiston Carpet Warehouse return to domestic customers to replace a worn-out carpet. “Because we often find the underlays are still in perfect condition up to 15 years later!” says Les Panther, who set up the business with brother Danny 23 years ago.

The company is now truly a family business, also employing Danny’s wife Angela, sons Michael and Andrew, and nephew Shaune. “We have been buying from Duralay since we opened the business, and particularly like the range of sponge rubber, crumb rubber and crumb felt underlays. “Our customers know quality and ask by name for Duralay and Tredaire because they know the traditional names, and tend to stick to what they know.

Their most popular underlay products are Duralay’s Supreme Rubber, Hallmark Supreme and Kensington Deluxe. “For the laminate floors there is no better product than Duralay Timbermate Excel – we swear by it because everything else is inferior.” he said. The company often gets repeat business from the children of those early customers who are now raising families of their own – no doubt recommended by their parents. 50

March 2010

FlooringNews

The British Wool column American market welcomes wool at Surfaces 2010 British Wool at Surfaces in the USA

British Wool headed to Surfaces, the leading North American flooring show, in February. Set amid the bright lights of Las Vegas, it is in stark contrast to the pure commercial setting of Domotex in Hanover and a world apart from the understated elegance of Harrogate. Accompanied by Brintons and Axminster Carpets, the BWMB also hosted the American launch of the Wool Project, HRH The Prince of Wales’ campaign to re-position wool. British Wool promoted the natural sustainability of the fibre to a market that has bought in to the green agenda in a big way. Whilst most retailers will admit it is not a decision maker for the consumer, they know that there is a growing interest and it is seen as adding value. In the USA, wool is a high value product and is firmly embedded in the high-end market. It is a huge country and so styles vary from state to state, neutrals rule in Los Angeles but colour is king in New York. Almost all carpets sold by Brintons in the USA are area rugs, according to Angelo Gulano, their US sales director based in Atlanta. “Borders and runners are very important as the carpet is room size but not edge to edge.” Axminster Carpets took their Design Director Gary Bridge with them and he mentioned that it is important to get the details right. “We have met the American trends by producing specific designs and also tweaking with yarn blends to get a cleaner look and a crisper weave.”

Prince Charles makes ‘valuable impact’ on Wool Project The Wool Project was launched in an area of the BWMB stand designated as international and a pre-recorded dvd of HRH The Prince of Wales was played. He talked of the strengths of wool and he urged support for the fibre. The message was well-received by the attendees and the planned Wool Project POS and educational programme was also seen as something the retail community needed to grow sales of wool ranges and would increase support. “It was a very good show for British Wool and our partners. The impact of the Prince in this market is highly valuable and we hope this will help to grow the market share for wool,” Ian Hartley, CEO of BWMB said.

March 2010

Natural Berber Twist in British Wool from Cormar

New Berber Twist in British Wool from Cormar

The new collection of popular country and modern berber shades from Cormar Carpets offers more choice than ever to the consumer. Made from 80% British Wool, 10% nylon and 10% tuftbond, the new Natural Berber Twist range is available in 12 natural flecked shades and comes in three qualities – Super (35oz per sq yd), Elite (45oz per sq yd) and Deluxe (55oz per sq yd). “There is a strong demand for wool twist carpets in multiple pile weights,” said David Cormack, marketing director of Cormar Carpets. “And as the trend for people to use the same carpet throughout their home continues, having a range in multiple pile weights means that retailers can select between weights where necessary to save money.” “The Natural Berber Twist collection is the fifth British Wool range in the Cormar portfolio. And as we are one of the few carpet companies still manufacturing all of its products in the UK, retailers can be reassured that not only is the carpet British Wool but also British made.”

Brintons add designs to Renaissance Classics Brintons has launched a selection of seven new designs to their popular Renaissance Classics Collection, an 80/20 woven axminster range that embraces the luxury and beauty of classic designs. Using inspiration from as early as the 12th century, the design team marry colour and intricate pattern to dazzling effect.The Medici Ruby broadloom and runner is a superb scrolling baroque design in rich ruby shades whilst the Leila Rose is a softer pink and rose toned Medici Ruby runner from the Renaissance design that combines colour Classics collection by Brintons and intricate detail.The pretty Avignon Lavender embraces the timelessness of the fleurde-lys design, a combination of velvet and twist berber yarns provide added softness. Five new heather shades have also been introduced to their Bell Twist collection.This sixty shade range is a highly versatile and hard wearing collection. Mineral and earthy shades bring this collection right up to date and a perfect choice for the contemporary decorating scheme.

FlooringNews

from The Stocklists

March 2010

News feature

Fit for the future The Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association – the industry’s only dedicated charity – has a whole new name and look for 2010 and will now be known as Furnishing Industry Trust – or FIT. The brand new name comes with a brand new image and plans for some exciting new initiatives. But the aims of the 107-year-old charity remain the same as ever: to help people from across the industry in times of difficulty. Said Tony Attard OBE, FIT national president and driving force behind the new-look charity: “If we are to survive and continue helping less fortunate colleagues for the next hundred years, FIT is going to need more support from many more people. In short, we must become much more business minded and forge commercial links with companies across the sector.”

One initiative being launched to generate new income streams is FIT Furnishings Scheme. Said Tony: “This is a fresh new cause-related marketing promotion for the furnishings industry and the way it works is simple. Manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of furnishings products are being asked to nominate a product from which 5% of the proceeds will be donated to FIT to fund grants for people working in or retired from the furnishing industry.They may be experiencing financial hardship or suffering a personal crisis brought about by loss of employment, illness or the breakdown of poor housing. “Consumers are now familiar with and open to the idea of a charitable element being included within the cost of a product and for many it offers an additional reason to buy, particularly where the cause is made clear. “FIT will supply appropriate promotional material to be displayed on nominated lines highlighting the fact that in buying that particular product, people are also helping British furnishing industry workers who find themselves in unexpected difficulties.

“By joining the FIT Furnishings Scheme companies will also be demonstrating to employees that they are actively taking part in a charitable scheme that will benefit employees should they ever be in a position to need extra help.”

The charity’s popular events – such as Big Shots and the annual fishing and golfing competitions – will also continue.

Said Tony Attard: “Income generated through FIT Furnishings is vital to the future of our industry charity. While able to make a difference to the lives of many people, there remains a very significant level of immediate hardship which we are not able to ameliorate.”

The logo itself was briefed in to be clear, clean and up-to-date while also conveying the ‘family’ feel of the furnishings industry. The solution was the jigsaw: at once it is seen as a piece of jigsaw removed from a main puzzle, much like a person in need of help from Furnishing Industry Trust. However, like all jigsaw pieces, it is only waiting to find its way back into the main puzzle – like a family reunited.

New award for women Thursday June 3 2010 sees the launch of an exciting new event for FIT – and it’s aimed exclusively at women!

The Women in Furnishings Awards will have two categories designed to recognise women of achievement across the furnishing industry. One award will be made to the Furnishing Industry Businesswoman of The Year for exceptional performance or innovation in business. It could be someone who has started a small business from scratch and enjoyed immense success; or someone who has turned an ailing company around; or come up with a brilliant innovation.

A second award will be made to the woman or women judged to be the Furnishing Industry’s Inspirational Woman/Women of the Year. It aims to recognise an individual or group of women who has or have made an exceptional contribution to the business or through their efforts for charity. It may be someone who has overcome great odds to achieve something; or perhaps someone whose commitment and dedication has inspired others; or a group of women who, together, have made a significant difference. Candidates can be nominated (before March 15) by completing a form at www.fi-trust.co.uk or by calling Sarah Clark on 020 7256 5954.

Worthy award winners

The charity’s long running Individual and Corporate Supporters of The Year Awards for 2009 have gone to the team at Furniture Village and National Fishing Day organiser Andy Corbett (pictured with his family, left). Furniture Village chose to mark the company’s 20th anniversary in August with a donation of £20,000 to the association. Andy Corbett, business manager of Prima Foam, has organised the annual fishing event at Meadowlands Fisheries in Coventry for the past five years. FIT’s new Champion Award, designed to honour individuals who have made a special contribution to the work of the charity, has been received by Mick Cooper, Health and Safety manager at Victoria Carpets.

March 2010

FlooringNews

Stand out from the crowd and have a say in the future of your industry

www.nicfltd.org.uk

The NICF covers all types of flooring including carpet, laminate, luxury vinyl tile, timber and sheet vinyl fitting, and are the driving force behind raising standards of floor covering installation. By supporting the NICF and becoming an active member you can have a voice in the future of your chosen industry along with all the other benefits you see listed below:

• Enhance your company image • Free listing on the NICF website and broaden your opportunities for work • Free business support helpline with Croner Consulting • Technical advice line • Great discounts on FITA training courses • Discounts on quality workwear and tools • Keep up to date with industry news with Free subscriptions to Stocklists and the Contract Flooring Journal • Free newsletter

NICF 4c St. Mary’s Place, The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1PH Tel: 0115 958 3077 Fax: 0115 941 2238 Email: info@nicfltd.org.uk

Sharpen up your fitting skills with fita Are you working in the flooring industry but need further skills to widen your client base? Or perhaps you are a new beginner in flooring and need training to go one step further? If so, then why not contact FITA, the Flooring Industry Training Association. Co-founded by the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) and the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF), FITA has courses to suit not only real beginners just getting started in the industry but upskilling courses aimed towards seasoned professionals too!

BOO K EA RLY TO

AVO ID D ISAP POIN TME NT

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

Visit www.fita.co.uk for details of all FITA training courses available along with our booking form which is available for download. CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION ON:

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

FITA - kindly sponsored by

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

from The Stocklists

March 2010

News

Now you’re sitting comfortably... InterfaceFLOR has created a stunning bespoke flooring solution for Seven Fields Primary School in Swindon – specifically designed to meet children’s tendency to sit on the floor. The original specification was for a vinyl floorcovering in classroom spaces. However headteacher Zita McCormick felt that the children would find the overall atmosphere too clinical and it might not inspire interaction. She therefore turned to InterfaceFLOR to provide an alternative flooring solution that would deliver the durability and practicality of vinyl, but the acoustic performance and tactility of carpet. Zita and her team visited the InterfaceFLOR showroom in London to consult with specification manager,Tim Russell, and interior designer, Hannah Harper. Zita commented: “Following our meeting, we took a number of different carpet tiles back to the school to test. We then subjected them to a variety of ‘assaults’ including Blutack and playdough and we were highly impressed with their response to cleaning.”

For classrooms, a microtuft level loop pile tile called Straightforward was selected. Made from recycled nylon and a cross between hard flooring and carpet, Straightforward is extremely durable.The tiles can be laid randomly for maximum flexibility, minimum wastage and faster installation and they also incorporate Intersept technology – an antimicrobial agent that keeps carpet fresh in high traffic areas.

A contemporary look was created for the ‘Reading Pod’ area with the bold colours of Palette Stripe.This fusion bonded level cut pile tile offers a luxurious feel underfoot, perfect for enticing the children to sit down and absorb themselves in a book. Made with recycled content in both the tile face and backing, Palette Stripe is available in 12 tonal and four offbeat contrasting colourways. Zita concludes: “When I saw the installed flooring for the first time I was speechless.The InterfaceFLOR design team has understood exactly what look we wanted to achieve and the children absolutely love it.” The school is part of the government’s Pathfinder project, created to explore the design of new build primary schools fit for 21st century learning, and is funded by a grant from the Building Schools for the Future programme. T 08705 304 030

www.interfaceflor.co.uk

National Floor Show

Putting some fizz into flooring A champagne bar will feature at National Floor Show 2010 - a relaxed but exclusive area for visitors and exhibitors to do business at the show, say organisers who have also announced new exhibitors for the event which takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 7-9 September.

February saw a number of companies confirm their position at the show and they will join the likes of Bostik, Brintons, Heuga, Karndean and Sika at the new-look event.The recently signed exhibitors come from all areas of the industry, for example wood flooring will be brought from Millennium Hardwoods, matting from Coba, underlays from SNT Group, tools from Bright Ideas, profiles from FN Profile and wood floor adhesives from Sika. The show is set to introduce a number of exciting new feature areas, including The ‘Future of Flooring’ students display and a flooring trends area, designed with the help of expert flooring trend forecasting company Scarlet Opus – who also work with Carpetright. The Seminar Theatre will also return for two days of free business-enhancing talks from some of the industry’s top experts - the programme will be announced within the next few weeks.

The show’s Portfolio Director Andy Vaughan commented on the event’s progress: “Through year-round communication with the industry, we make sure that we evolve the National Floor Show to address the latest industry trends. 2010 is set to be no different with the most expansive visitor programme to date. With such a comprehensive exhibitor list and by introducing features such as the ‘Future of Flooring’, we ensure our visitors walk away from the NEC having addressed all their flooring needs.” T 020 7921 8415 www.nationalfloorshow.co.uk 56

March 2010

FlooringNews

oice V

News

OF THE TRADE

Robert Mortimer

Sales Director of Heckmondwike

There is a growing demand for carpet nowadays, driven by both emotional and functional reasoning – for instance noise reduction/sound absorption within residential and commercial properties. The building regulations now enforced for new-build residential flats introduced in 2004 has strict guidelines concerning noise pollution from incorrect flooring.

Advances in technology has allowed for carpet to become a costeffective way to create a ‘designer look’, with a vast array of colours and designs available. Some carpets, like fibre bonded, are becoming more versatile, as they can be cut to any shape – creating a unique ‘wow-factor’ flooring without the high costs usually associated with creating bespoke designs. How has public sector purchasing changed over the last few years?

The big change happened nine years ago for us in the education sector when the government handed more power to individual schools from councils. For us, this carries a mixed reaction, as our market has grown from 434 local authorities to 4,047 secondary schools in the UK, which of course has its positive and negative points. Is price winning over quality and performance?

It is arguably more important in a recession to rely on quality rather than price, which some may disagree with. In a tough economic climate, locally made quality products from a reputable manufacturer will often give a better value for money.

Supacord, with a proven and successful 30 years of quality and performance backed up by technical support gives our customers one less thing to worry about in these challenging times. What’s the next big thing?

I’d say choice. As technological advances are made in the design and creation of carpet, customers are demanding to create imaginative designs. Only Supacord carpet can be cut without fear of ravelling or fraying, which allows creative designs to be formed and the floor itself to make a design statement. What’s the single most important key to success in flooring?

Like in any business I would say the most important thing is to be transparent and honest with the customer. Honest about the quality of the products we’re producing and the prices we’re charging and honest about the level of service we pledge to provide – then of course, delivering on our promise.

For a business to survive, especially during these tough economic times, a company needs to provide consistently high level of service. If that service level slips, the customer may look for alternatives and it will be difficult to regain their trust and future business.

from The Stocklists

“As technological advances are made in the design and creation of carpet, customers are demanding to create imaginative designs.” What do you feel is the main difference between running a residential carpet manufacturing company and a contract/commercial business? I believe there are few main differences between the two, although these markets are increasingly blurring into one. Mainly I would say within a commercial business the deadlines are tighter and there are more end users and professionals to deal with to secure a sale. Also there is more ‘red tape’ within the commercial side of the industry, as more rigorous testing is required and carpets need to be more functional and have a tougher ‘life’ in a commercial setting.

Contract carpet needs to deal with heavier footfall and must have attributes like antistatic and anti-slip whilst, adhering to commercial Health & Safety regulations, rather than solely providing something aesthetic and warm under foot in a residential setting.

“

What’s the key market issue/challenge today?

How has public sector purchasing changed over the last few years? The big change happened nine years ago for us in the education sector when the government handed more power to individual schools from councils. For us, this carries a mixed reaction, as our market has grown from 434 local authorities* to 4,047 secondary schools in the UK, which of course has its positive and negative points.

What’s your favourite flooring product? Yes, it is one of Heckmondwike FB’s – the Supacord product. From an industry point of view I think it’s great to have a success story of a market leading product from a British company. From a functional point of view, it’s a product that does it all, and does it well.

From a personal point of view, I’ve seen the product grow and develop over the last 21 years (the time I’ve spent with Heckmondwike FB), I’ve seen it develop and expand from 12 colours to 40 that are available today, with its list of attributes growing and growing. What’s one of the most demanding job your products have ever been asked to do?

Interesting one… in terms of heavy footfall, I’d think the entrance matting we installed at Gatwick airport, supporting some of the 32 million people who pass through the airport, was demanding in terms of providing a high quality flooring for such a vast footfall, that needed to be of a high-quality to reflect the brand values of Gatwick airport.

March 2010

News

Peter joins Carpenter

Vinyl resting place

The latest addition to the Carpenter management team is Peter Whittingham who joins as sales manger for the bonded fibre division. Peter brings with him a wealth of experience having spent 25 years working within the fibres sector in a number of different market applications. Based within the group’s facility at Bee Mill, Oldham, Peter will be responsible for further developing Carpenter’s activities supplying polyester filling materials.

Peter Whittingham

Said Peter: “Carpenter is an established and respected name in the industry and I hope my experience will allow to me grow the company’s standing as a key supplier of polyester filling materials.”

He lives in Bury, Manchester, with wife Liz and is kept busy with four sons aged eight to 19. He is involved with semi professional football and also junior football. T 01457 861 141

www.carpenter.ltd.uk

New decade, new director Global flooring manufacturer, InterfaceFLOR, has made a strong start to 2010 with the appointment of Lynne Gawthorpe as regional director of marketing for the UK and Ireland.

Flooring distributors and contractors are showing their support for Recofloor, the UK’s first vinyl flooring take-back scheme. More than 190 members have signed up to the initiative, including individual flooring contractors, large construction projects and trade waste sites, who collect waste vinyl throughout the UK. James Smith, Director of family-run Nutland Carpet Accessories in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, says: “With over 300 accounts, there is great potential to recycle more. We’re handing out sacks to our customers who know there’s a convenient drop-off point for floor waste when they collect new supplies.” Founded by flooring manufacturers Polyflor and Altro, the Recofloor scheme aims to increase recycling of waste vinyl flooring in the UK and Ireland. Developed from an earlier WRAP-funded (Waste & Resources Action Programme) trial, it now has seven flooring distributors actively collecting uplifted vinyl flooring and installation offcuts.

The company, renowned for its innovative, design-led modular flooring systems, is also a world-leader in environmentally responsible manufacturing methods.

The two manufacturers recycle safety flooring offcuts and smooth vinyl offcuts from the installation process back into new flooring. Uplifted, or end of life, material is used in the manufacture of traffic calming products, such as traffic cone and road barrier bases.

In addition to a strong background in commercial communications, Lynne has an International MBA and experience of working in overseas markets, including China, Germany and Spain.This ensures she is well placed to assist in the exciting challenges facing the company’s EMEAI Marketing Team.

Trial collections at STS Flooring’s Orpington, Kent trade counter will be extended to its depots in Croydon, Cambridge, Watford and Thame. “Making contractors aware that recycling is worthwhile and of benefit is vital. We’re handing out flyers with collection bags,” says Sales Director Jim Flockhart. “Those who have taken up the idea are supportive and see it as a good idea.”

Lynne has been appointed to further promote the company’s design, innovation and Lynne Gawthorpe sustainability credentials to a wider target audience within the UK and Ireland business. Lynne brings a wealth of sales and marketing experience to the role, with particular knowledge of sector development, especially within the home improvement and furniture market.

One of Lynne’s first moves as director of marketing for UK and Ireland has been the appointment of Manchester-based agency,Tangerine PR to handle all the trade media. Lynne says: “I am delighted to be able to play a key part in the customer centric plans being developed by InterfaceFLOR. I will be working with a strong internal team and have already begun work on new and exciting campaigns alongside the EMEAI marketing teams, which are devised to engage with our ever widening customer base” T 08705 304 030 58

March 2010

Recycling specialist Axion Consulting administers the scheme for Polyflor and Altro and can be contacted on 0161 355 7618. Recofloor Project Manager Jane Gardner is pleased with the positive feedback so far, saying: “It has been welcomed widely and we are confident it will be a success.”

His customer Geoff Turner Flooring says: “What a crying shame if all this stuff goes to waste. We’re recycling offcuts; it’s a good scheme.” Dave Sands, owner of Nothing But Flooring, agrees the scheme ‘makes sense’, particularly for contracts with large volumes of uplifted flooring. T 0161 355 7618

www.recofloor@axionconsulting.co.uk

www.interfaceflor.co.uk

FlooringNews

Stocklists Classified The

SITUATIONS VACANT

FOR SALE

UNDER RUGS

Adjustable 4 metre carpet stands, from £100 each Rug display stand, height 8’6”. Takes 80 rugs. £500 07756 733770 Flintshire, North Wales

flooring.uk.com ltd Laminate accessories - ie Scotia from 65p for 2.4m list

RUG ANTI-SLIPS Allstop and Allstop Plus, RUGSTOP and anti slip rubber underlays and felts in rolls or cut lengths, unbeatable service

ATTENTION CARPET SUPPLIERS

FREEPHONE: 0800 035 6677 Fax: 0870 751 1182 22-24 Hart Street, Southport PR8 6BT serving the trade for 54 years

Turn those remnants into cash! New and reconditioned carpet/rug whipping, fringing and taping machines available for immediate delivery. For further details contact

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

WHOLESALERS

Promote your wholesale business every month in our new Regional Wholesale Distributors Directory

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

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

See pages 11 - 13 for t h e D i re c t o r y a n d details of how to list your business. THE STOCKLISTS March 2010

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

Under-Laying With Style World best price & quality carpet underlay for you! Backing Options: Plastic PE film, Stitched Paper, Mesh net and Non-woven Fabric... Gripperland UK Ltd T: 020 8311 1152 M: 07846 429 491 E: info@underlayplus.co.uk W: www.underlayplus.com